cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The developmental ability of human oocytes penetrated at the germinal vesicle stage after insemination in vitro

This study demonstrates that sperm penetration into the ooplasm occurs at high frequency in germinal vesicle (GV) stage human oocytes which failed to resume meiosis after ovulation induction in cycles of ovarian hyperstimulation for in-vitro fertilization. The capacity of the immature human oocyte to prevent polyspermic penetration at the cell surface level was suggested by the finding that despite the presence of numerous spermatozoa within the zona pellucida and on the oocyte surface within 3 h after insemination, all normal-appearing GV stage oocytes examined in this study were penetrated by a single spermatozoon. This notion was also supported by scanning confocal microscopic analysis of oocytes double-stained for DNA and cortical granules which showed highly localized regions of cortical granule-free cytoplasm in proximity to the penetrated spermatozoon. The developmental ability of these oocytes was assessed by culture in vitro. The results show that oocytes penetrated by a spermatozoon at the GV stage resume meiosis, develop the capacity to decondense sperm DNA, abstrict both first and second polar bodies, and form a male pronucleus from the spermatozoon which enters the oocyte prior to the resumption of meiotic maturation. After penetration, sperm nuclei rapidly migrate to the centre of the oocyte and become juxtaposed with the germinal vesicle, suggesting the presence of a cellular mechanism which permits directed movement within the cytoplasm. The developmental ability of these oocytes and the normality of the resulting embryos are discussed.
Topological Resilience Analysis of Supply Networks under Random Disruptions and Targeted Attacks

Along with the rapid advancement of information technology, the traditional hierarchical supply chain has been quickly evolving into a variety of supply networks, which usually incorporate a large number of entities into complex graph topologies. The study of the resilience of supply networks is an important challenge. In this paper, we exploit the resilience embedded in the network topology by investigating in depth the multiple-path reachability of each demand node to other nodes, and propose a novel network resilience metric. We also develop new supply-network growth mechanisms that reflect the heterogeneous roles of different types of nodes in the supply network. We incorporate them into two fundamental network topologies (i.e. random-graph network and scale-free network), and evaluate their resilience against both random disruptions and targeted attacks using the new resilience metric. The experimental results verify the validity of our resilience metric and the effectiveness of our growth model. This research provides a generic framework and important insights into the construction and resilience analysis of complex supply networks.
Meal-synchronized CEA in rats: effects of meal size, intragastric feeding, and subdiaphragmatic vagotomy.

Within a feeding schedule of intermittent food access, large meals have the ability to induce activity at the same time the next day [circadian ensuing activity (CEA)]. In these experiments, we eva...
Optical coherence tomography imaging of colonic crypts in a mouse model of colorectal cancer

Aberrant crypt foci (ACF) are abnormal epithelial lesions that precede development of colonic polyps. As the earliest morphological change in the development of colorectal cancer, ACF is a highly studied phenomenon. The most common method of imaging ACF is chromoendoscopy using methylene blue as a contrast agent. Narrow- band imaging is a contrast-agent-free modality for imaging the colonic crypts. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an attractive alternative to chromoendoscopy and narrow-band imaging because it can resolve the crypt structure at sufficiently high sampling while simultaneously providing depth-resolved data. We imaged in vivo the distal 15 mm of colon in the azoxymethane (AOM) mouse model of colorectal cancer using a commercial swept-source OCT system and a miniature endoscope designed and built in-house. We present en face images of the colonic crypts and demonstrate that different patterns in healthy and adenoma tissue can be seen. These patterns correspond to those reported in the literature. We have previously demonstrated early detection of colon adenoma using OCT by detecting minute thickening of the mucosa. By combining mucosal thickness measurement with imaging of the crypt structure, OCT can be used to correlate ACF and adenoma development in space and time. These results suggest that OCT may be a superior imaging modality for studying the connection between ACF and colorectal cancer.
Lung lymphatics increase after hyperoxic injury: An ultrastructural study of casts

The microscopic lymphatics of the lung can be cast and studied with scanning electron microscopy. This technique shows several different forms of lymphatics and the interstitial space that leads into lymphatics as no other method can. To study changes in lymphatic forms, rats were placed in 85% oxygen for 7 days to produce pulmonary edema. Methyl methacrylate resin was injected into the lung vasculature at various times after the animals were removed from hyperoxia. In the animals not exposed to hyperoxia, no artery, vein, or airway was surrounded by a lymphatic cast. However, in rats that were in the hyperoxic chamber, 22% of arteries, 30% of veins, and 51% of indeterminate blood vessels (which could be arteries or veins) were encompassed by saccular lymphatic casts. These lymphatics were still observed 7 days after recovery from hyperoxia. Fourteen days after hyperoxia, the lymphatics returned to control values. Only 9% of the pleural surface of the animals not exposed to hyperoxia had initial lymphatics. Fifty-two percent of the hyperoxia-exposed animals had initial lymphatics, measured 3 days after exposure. This decreased to 14% 14 days after exposure to hyperoxia (P < 0.01). Conduit lymphatics were found on the pleural surfaces of 33% of animals exposed to ambient air and 100% of animals exposed to the high-oxygen environment (P < 0.05). The median percentage of the pleural surface covered with lymphatics was 0 in the animals exposed to ambient air. It was 65% in animals exposed to hyperoxia, 3 days after returning to room air. It was again 0 in animals exposed to hyperoxia, 14 days after returning to room air (P < 0.001). The lymphatics around veins expanded more than around arteries (P < 0.0001). These results indicate that in the rat all compartments of the lung lymphatics expand after the injury and edema caused by oxygen and return to normal with the resolution of the edema.
Larval Development and Its Photoperiodic Control in the Firefly Pyractomena lucifera (Coleoptera: Lampyridae)

The firefly Pyractomena lucifera (Melscheimer) was reared successfully under laboratory and field conditions. Larval development to the pupal stage was controlled by photoperiod: under short-day conditions development to the pupal stage was delayed, but under long-day conditions development continued without delay. This is a diapause-controlled dormancy. In laboratory-rearing experiments larvae matured in 65 (males) or 80 (females) days and consumed 15.3 (males) or 20.0 (females) snails when reared under 16:8 h light-dark conditions. Larvae matured after 175–177 d when reared under 11:13 h lightdark conditions and consumed 25 (males) or 33.2 (females) snails. In field-rearing experiments larvae reared during the summer completed development to the pupal stage within 9 wk. Field-reared larvae did not pupate after 18 September but continued to feed and grow. Large larvae field-collected between October and January appeared to be in diapause, for the time for development to pupation was longer for a group of these larvae reared under short-day conditions than for another group reared under long-day conditions. Field populations of larvae did not appear to develop as rapidly as did field-reared larvae. Some larvae from the summer brood may complete development by fall, but most of the summer brood appear to overwinter as medium or large larvae and complete development the following summer.
Decision-Making During the Deployment Cycle

Decision-making at home and during deployment was examined for 161 spouses of service members (SMs) who were deployed overseas, using baseline spouse reports. Four types of decisions were included: minor household, major household, financial, and decisions about children. Communication methods used during deployment were also examined. With deployment, spouses reported that decision-making changed significantly for all four types of decisions. Decision-making at home was predominantly as a couple; during deployment, more decisions were by the spouse. However, decision-making stayed the same at home and during deployment for 1/3 to 2/3 of families, dependent on the type of decision, and these couples tended to make decisions together. Availability of communication methods that allow rapid exchange of information may contribute to couples managing decisions together. Before deployment, practitioners should discuss current family decision-making and communication patterns and expectations during deployment. ...
Evaluation on Control Effect of Occupational Hazards of X-ray Imaging Diagnosis in a Hospital

[Objective]To evaluate the control effect of occupational hazards in radiation protection in new construction project of a hospital,so as to ensure the health and safety of radiation workers and surrounding population.[Methods]The evaluation was conducted according to the Specifications for Compliation of Occupational Hazard Evaluation Report in Radiological Protection on Construction Project(GBZ/T 181-2006).[Results]The shield and safety protection of new construction project in this hospital met the request of related national standard.[Conclusion]When new construction project run normally,the health and safety of radiation workers and surrounding population can be ensured.
Léri's Pleonosteosis

A study of a family in which features of a systemic disease were exhibited consistent with the diagnosis of Leri's pleonosteosis has been presented. It is believed to be the first North American family to be reported. The findings are those of a widespread constitutional disease which involves chiefly the connectivetissue system. The syndrome appears to be the consequence of a gene exhibiting an autosomal dominant mode of transmission. The gene presents good penetrance and a considerable variance in its range of expressivity. Certain ophthalmological, cutaneous, osseous, and roentgenographic findings present in the reported family and mentioned in the literature are considered as possibly being additional expressions of this pleiotropic syndrome. More necropsy material is needed with which to understand this important syndrome better.
Cultural Conflicts, Contests, and Confluences

The European invasion of America produced a collision of worldviews. Indians and Europeans endeavored to deal with each other across gulfs of misunderstanding, and Europeans sought to achieve cultural and religious dominance, as well as military, political, and economic control in their “new world.” Missionaries, teachers, and others labored to convert American Indians into “civilized” Christians, but conversion proved to be not a simple task.
Innovation in Robotics and Pediatric Urology: Robotic Ureteroureterostomy for Duplex Systems with Ureteral Ectopia.

Abstract Introduction: Robotic technology has been increasingly utilized for complicated reconstructive surgeries in pediatric urology, such as ureteroureterostomy (UU). The literature is limited regarding the performance of minimally invasive UU in children, and the existing published series utilize indwelling ureteral stents. We sought to report on our pediatric experience with robot-assisted laparoscopic (RAL)-UU using a temporary ureteral catheter in duplex systems with ureteral ectopia. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed of all pediatric patients who underwent RAL-UU at a single institution over a 2-year period. An externalized ureteral catheter was kept overnight and removed with the indwelling catheter on postoperative day 1. Intraoperative as well as postoperative complications, length of stay (LOS), and analgesia were recorded. Follow-up renal ultrasound (US) and evaluation for symptom resolution were completed 3 months postoperatively. Results: Twelve patients (four male, eight ...
A Unified or an À La Carte Foreign Policy

Some friends and colleagues have occasionally accused the author of not wanting the EU to have Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). Nothing, but nothing, could be further from the truth! Indeed, for forty years now, the author has insisted that Europe should forge her own destiny. Furthermore, as he has repeatedly stressed, the thought of one’s foreign and security policies being decided by others, even by one’s friends, is a chilling prospect indeed. Thus, the author’s approach, at least for the immediate future, would be to have CFSP’s — wherever feasible and practical. In other cases, at least temporarily, it would seem to be wise to adopt a more sub-regional or an a la carte approach, since to pretend to adopt, for any specific but unrealisable case, a common foreign policy approach, will result in a total loss of credibility. Thus, for example, in the case of the former Yugoslavia, the EU, in its blind and irresponsible attempt to adopt a common foreign policy approach, has simply proved that aggression pays, and that it might not be wise, in future, for third parties to heed our diplomatic promises, demarches and treaties. This is, alas, a terrible beginning to our common foreign policy approach — outside the area of international trade.
A study of the low frequency noise (LFN) in reference injected Phase Locked Loops (PLL-RI)

Noise generated in electronic devices greatly affects the performance of communication systems. In oscillators, device baseband noise is up-converted to the RF region as phase noise. This work studies important features of the injection locked Synchronous Oscillator (SO), with a focus on its phase noise performance. The SO is incorporated into a modified Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) as a Reference Injected PLL (PLL-RI) which provides improved locking behavior, suppressed low frequency phase noise, and coherency across the tracking range for a constant group delay. The relationship between device baseband noise and oscillators phase noise is developed and noise shaping functions are introduced to describe the suppression of phase noise in PLL-RIs. The analysis is verified by the PLL-RI fabricated in 130nm CMOS technology. Measurement results show the PLL-RI could successfully suppress the phase noise and jitter peaking: 3.1dB and 26dB noise reductions are observed at 1MHz and 10MHz offset from 1GHz carrier frequency respectively compared to the conventional PLL.
The viral innate immune antagonism and an alternative vaccine design for PRRS virus

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) remains one of the most economically significant diseases in the swine industry worldwide. The current vaccines are less satisfactory to confer protections from heterologous infections and long-term persistence, and the need for better vaccines are urgent. The immunological hallmarks in PRRSV-infected pigs include the unusually poor production of type I interferons (IFNs-α/β) and the aberrant and delayed adaptive immune responses, indicating that PRRSV has the ability to suppress both innate and adaptive immune responses in the host. Type I IFNs are the potent antiviral cytokines and recent studies reveal their pleiotropic functions in the priming of expansion and maturation of adaptive immunity. Thus, IFN antagonism-negative PRRSV is hypothesized to be attenuated and to build effective and broad- spectrum innate and adaptive immune responses in pigs. Such vaccines are promising alternatives to traditional vaccines for PRRSV.
Fraction of young water as an indicator of aquifer vulnerability along two regional flow paths in the Mississippi embayment aquifer system, southeastern USA

Wells along two regional flow paths were sampled to characterize changes in water quality and the vulnerability to contamination of the Memphis aquifer across a range of hydrologic and land-use conditions in the southeastern United States. The flow paths begin in the aquifer outcrop area and end at public supply wells in the confined parts of the aquifer at Memphis, Tennessee. Age-date tracer (e.g. SF6, 3H, 14C) data indicate that a component of young water is present in the aquifer at most locations along both flow paths, which is consistent with previous studies at Memphis that documented leakage of shallow water into the Memphis aquifer locally where the overlying confining unit is thin or absent. Mixtures of young and old water were most prevalent where long-term pumping for public supply has lowered groundwater levels and induced downward movement of young water. The occurrence of nitrate, chloride and synthetic organic compounds was correlated to the fraction of young water along the flow paths. Oxic conditions persisted for 10 km or more down dip of the confining unit, and the presence of young water in confined parts of the aquifer suggest that contaminants such as nitrate-N have the potential for transport. Long-term monitoring data for one of the flow-path wells screened in the confined part of the aquifer suggest that the vulnerability of the aquifer as indicated by the fraction of young water is increasing over time.
Zinc Promotion of Platinum for Catalytic Light Alkane Dehydrogenation: Insights into Geometric and Electronic Effects

Supported metal nanoparticles are vital as heterogeneous catalysts in the chemical transformation of hydrocarbon resources. The catalytic properties of these materials are governed by the surface electronic structure and valence orbitals at the active metal site and can be selectively tuned with promoters or by alloying. Through an integrated approach using density functional theory (DFT), kinetics, and in situ X-ray spectroscopies, we demonstrate how Zn addition to Pt/SiO2 forms high symmetry Pt1Zn1 nanoparticle alloys with isolated Pt surface sites that enable near 100% C2H4 selectivity during ethane dehydrogenation (EDH) with a 6-fold higher turnover rate (TOR) per mole of surface Pt at 600 °C compared to monometallic Pt/SiO2. Furthermore, we show how DFT calculations accurately reproduce the resonant inelastic X-ray spectroscopic (RIXS) signatures of Pt 5d valence orbitals in the Pt/SiO2 and PtZn/SiO2 catalysts that correlate with their kinetic performance during EDH. This technique reveals that Zn mo...
Fitting the Errors-in-variables Model Using High-order Cumulants and Moments:

In this article, we consider a multiple mismeasured regressor errors-in-variables model. We present xtewreg, a command for using two-step generalized method of moments and minimum distance estimators that exploit overidentifying information contained in high-order cumulants or moments of the data. The command supports cumulant or moment estimation, internal support for the bootstrap with moment condition recentering, an arbitrary number of mismeasured regressors and perfectly measured regressors, and cumulants or moments up to an arbitrary degree. We also demonstrate how to use the estimators in the context of a corporate leverage regression.
Species Identification of Necrophagous Insect Eggs Based on Amino Acid Profile Differences Revealed by Direct Analysis in Real Time-High Resolution Mass Spectrometry

The colonization of decomposing remains by necrophagous insects such as blow flies is of forensic importance because the progression through the various stages of insect development can be correlated to time of death. The ability to infer this information hinges on accurate determination of the fly species that are associated with the entomological evidence collected. This evidence can include eggs, larvae, pupae, and puparial casings. Determination of the egg’s identity is particularly challenging because the eggs of multiple species are morphologically very similar. We report here that the species identity of fly eggs can be determined from their chemical fingerprint signatures acquired by direct analysis in real time high-resolution mass spectrometry (DART-HRMS). Thus, freshly laid eggs were collected and readily distinguished from multiple necrophagous fly species in the Manhattan area of New York City. These species included representatives from the blow fly family (Calliphoridae), specifically Calli...
Maytansine derivatives and metabolites of antibody-maytansinoid conjugates inhibit microtubule polymerization and strongly suppress microtubule dynamics

1406 Maytansine is a potent microtubule-targeted compound that induces mitotic arrest and kills tumor cells at sub-nanomolar concentrations. Maytansine analogs, DM1 and DM4 (collectively DMx), were conjugated to monoclonal antibodies that selectively bind to antigens expressed on the surface of cancer cells. These antibody-maytansinoid conjugates displayed antigen-specific cytotoxicity in vitro and potent anti-tumor activity in vivo. Several antibody-DM1 and antibody-DM4 conjugates are currently undergoing clinical evaluation. We have investigated the ability of maytansinoid derivatives and metabolites derived from antibody-maytansinoid conjugates to inhibit microtubule polymerization and to suppress dynamic instability of microtubules assembled from bovine brain tubulin. In addition, we examined the stoichiometry of binding to microtubules and dissociation constant (Kd) of one thioether derivative, S-methyl DM1 (DM1-Me). DM1-Me inhibited the assembly of tubulin in a concentration-dependent manner with an IC50 of 4 ± 0.1 µM. Using 3[H]DM1-Me, we found that this compound binds to microtubules in a concentration-dependent fashion with a stoichiometry of 33 molecules of DM1-Me bound per microtubule at 0.1 µM. The dissociation constant (Kd) for the binding of DM1-Me to microtubules is found to be 0.4 µM, indicating strong binding of the maytansinoid to microtubules. The effects of DM1-Me, DM4-Me (S-methyl DM4) and several major target cell-derived metabolites of antibody-DM1 and antibody-DM4 conjugates on microtubule dynamic instability were studied by real-time imaging of axoneme-seeded microtubules assembled from bovine brain tubulin using differential interference contrast microscopy. The maytansinoids (0.1 µM) strongly suppressed microtubule dynamics. For instance, DM1-Me decreased the growing and shortening rates of microtubules by 24% and 67%, respectively. In addition, DM1-Me suppressed catastrophe and rescue frequencies by 90 % and 44 %, respectively. The overall dynamicity of microtubules was decreased by 87% by DM1-Me, and by 74% by DM4-Me. DM1-Me, DM4-Me and several of the target cell-derived metabolites were more potent than the parent compound maytansine, which suppressed the dynamicity of microtubules by 52%. These data, along with the previous finding of the low systemic toxicity and favorable pharmacokinetic behavior of antibody-maytansinoid conjugates bolsters the potential of DMx conjugates in cancer chemotherapy. Supported by grants NIH CA 57291 and NS13560.
Design of a flux switching transverse flux machine based on generalized inductance analysis

This paper is dedicated to studying the inductance of Transverse Flux Machines (TFMs). The high inductance of TFMs causes low power factor, high armature reaction, high core loss, and core saturation that limits available torque. This paper aims to conduct a quantitative study on various components of TFM inductance through analytical equations and 3-D finite element analysis (FEA) to show the reasons for, and the effects of, TFM's high inductance. The study finds that even though the high inductance and low power factor are unavoidable in TFM because of its unique winding structure, there are design methods to mitigate this issue. Finally, utilizing the proposed methods, a novel flux switching TFM (FS-TFM) is designed that achieves reduced inductance and improved power factor.
Recent progress of quantum cascade laser research from 3 to 12 μm at the Center for Quantum Devices [Invited]

The quantum cascade laser (QCL) is becoming the leading laser source in the mid-infrared (mid-IR) range, which contains two atmospheric transmission windows and many molecular fingerprint absorption features. Since its first demonstration in 1994, the QCL has undergone tremendous development in terms of the output power, wall plug efficiency, wavelength coverage, tunability and beam quality. At the Center for Quantum Devices, we have demonstrated high-power continuous wave operation of QCLs covering a wide wavelength range from 3 to 12 μm, with power output up to 5.1 W at room temperature. Recent research has resulted in power scaling in pulsed mode with up to 203 W output, electrically tunable QCLs based on monolithic sampled grating design, heterogeneous QCLs with a broad spectral gain, broadly tunable on-chip beam-combined QCLs, QCL-based mid-IR frequency combs, and fundamental mode surface emitting quantum cascade ring lasers. The developed QCLs will be the basis for a number of next-generation spectroscopy and sensing systems.
Hyperconnectivity: A Cross-Country Comparison

The aim of this study is to measure cross-country differences in the relative efficiency of economic and social impacts of hyperconnectivity with regard to its drivers using data envelopment analys...
Improved protein splicing using embedded split inteins

Naturally split inteins mediate a traceless protein ligation process known as protein trans-splicing (PTS). Although frequently used in protein engineering applications, the efficiency of PTS can be reduced by the tendency of some split intein fusion constructs to aggregate; a consequence of the fragmented nature of the split intein itself or the polypeptide to which it is fused (the extein). Here, we report a strategy to help address this liability. This involves embedding the split intein within a protein sequence designed to stabilize either the intein fragment itself or the appended extein. We expect this approach to increase the scope of PTS-based protein engineering efforts.
Copper Deficiency Anemia and Neutropenia Due to Ketogenic Diet

Copper deficiency is an uncommon cause of hematologic abnormalities in children that is often overlooked or misdiagnosed. Although cases have been reported because of malabsorption syndromes or after gastrointestinal surgeries, we report a case of copper deficiency-associated anemia and neutropenia in a child because of dietary restrictions, specifically, transitioning from a formula-based ketogenic diet to a pureed food-based ketogenic diet. On copper supplementation, the patient's anemia and neutropenia resolved. To our knowledge, this report is the first revealing copper deficiency anemia and neutropenia developing because of a ketogenic diet.
The Temporomandibular Joint of the Domestic Dog (Canis lupus familiaris) in Health and Disease.

This study aimed to characterize the histological, biomechanical and biochemical properties of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) of the domestic dog in health and disease. In addition, we sought to identify structure-function relationships and to characterize TMJ degenerative lesions that may be found naturally in this species. TMJs (n = 20) from fresh cadaver heads (n = 10) of domestic dogs were examined macroscopically and microscopically and by cone-beam computed tomography. The TMJ discs were evaluated for their mechanical and biochemical properties. If TMJ arthritic changes were found, pathological characteristics were described and compared with healthy joints. Five (50%) dogs demonstrated macroscopically normal fibrocartilaginous articular surfaces and fibrous discs and five (50%) dogs exhibited degenerative changes that were observed either in the articular surfaces or the discs. In the articulating surfaces, these changes included erosions, conformational changes and osteophytes. In the discs, degenerative changes were represented by full-thickness perforations. Histologically, pathological specimens demonstrated fibrillations with or without erosions, subchondral bone defects and subchondral bone sclerosis. Significant anisotropy in the TMJ discs was evident on histology and tensile mechanical testing. Specifically, the discs were significantly stiffer and stronger in the rostrocaudal direction compared with the mediolateral direction. No significant differences were detected in compressive properties of different disc regions. Biochemical analyses showed high collagen content and low glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content. No significant differences in biochemical composition, apart from GAG, were detected among the disc regions. GAG concentration was significantly higher in the central region as compared with the caudal (posterior) region. The TMJ of the domestic dog exhibits similarities, but also differences, compared with other mammals with regards to structure-function relationships. The TMJ articular surfaces and the disc exhibit degenerative changes as seen in other species, including perforation of the disc as seen in man. The degenerative changes had greater effects on the mechanical properties compared with the biochemical properties of the TMJ components. Translational motion of the TMJ does occur in dogs, but is limited.
Role of hydrophobic effects in mechanistic QSAR

To extend the successful application of Hammett equations, previously used to predict equilibrium and rates of physico-chemical reactions with electronic and steric parameters, to the realm of biology and biochemistry, a parameter that measures hydrophobicity is required. The partition coefficient of a solute between octanol and water, expressed in log terms to put it on the same free-energy basis as the classic Hammett parameters, has been shown to be widely applicable. It is directly involved in passive transport through membranes, in binding to proteins, and in specific binding at active sites in enzymes. Methods of calculating logP(octanol) that reflect the solvation forces involved, can be useful in elucidating unusual solute conformations that may be preferred in a non-polar environment.
Amino Acid Availability and Control of Histaminergic Systems In the Brain

Histamine (Hm) in the mammalian brain is generally partitioned into a larger “neuronal” fraction with rapid turnover, and a much smaller pool with slow turnover in the mast cells. There are however, reports suggesting the absence of mast cells in the brains of the guinea pig, nonhuman and human primates (1). Synthesis of Hm in the mammalian brain involves the specific histidine decarboxylase (L-histidine carboxylase, EC 4.1.122) with a Km (apparent) of approximately 310−5 M which is high relative to normal brain levels of histidine. Thus, histidine (His) is converted to Hm by a specific substrate-limited enzyme. Within the last two decades, several lines of evidence mainly neurochemical and neuro-pharmacological, strongly suggest that Hm endogenous to the central nervous system, functions as an important neuroregulatory substance (2, 3). Mammalian brain contains at least two kinds of Hm receptors (H1 and H2), and both receptor subtypes have been fairly well characterized (3, 4). The relatively recent immunocytochemical visualization of neurons containing Hm and histidine decarboxylase (HDC) in the mammalian brain (5, 6) has strengthened the claim of a neurotransmitter status for Hm.
Prediction of children's school readiness by parent and teacher reports and individual testing

The purpose of this study was to develop a comprehensive screening instrument to assess the competencies of young children as they enter kindergarten. A broad range of intellectual, social-emotional, and physical characteristics were evaluated through parental reporting, teacher rating, and direct testing of the children. Each of the three data sources proved to be valuable assets to the screening process. Parents contributed to the screening battery by significantly predicting the success of their children in kindergarten and by rating their children on various competency areas. In addition, such demographic variables as parents' education significantly predicted students' school success. The results of the present study also confirmed previous research demonstrating the effectiveness of teachers' ratings in predicting school success. In a very short period of time (one to four days), the teachers were able to assess a child's academic competency and readiness for the school experience. Direct testing using the Worthing Early Screening Test (WEST), which was developed for the study, complemented the other data sources in predicting concurrent achievement (measured by the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children Achievement Scale) and kindergarten success (assessed by the kindergarten teachers' ratings). As hypothesized, the ability to recognize and segment the component sounds of words was an important indicator of early academic achievement. Skills such as
Excavating Sites Unseen

In this chapter, two case studies from the colonial Chesapeake are presented to demonstrate the potential of low visibility archaeological sites toward the interpretation of historical landscapes. By comparing survey results against data recovery excavations, it is argued that low-density sites offer an important resource that need to be more effectively considered when engaging in inter- and intra-site spatial analyses, regional settlement patterning, and the determination of site significance as part of cultural resource surveys.
Oh No! Something Doesn’t Fit!

Establishing an appropriate attitude towards anomalies and deviations provides a powerful basis for identifying new problems and for the effective characterization of research problems. Negative or unexpected results may attain a significance that is as great as positive results because they provide the opportunity for the development of new, or even paradigm-shifting, hypotheses.
Highest-Weight Theory

In this chapter we study the regular representations of a classical group G by the same method used for the adjoint representation. When G is a connected classical group, an irreducible regular G-module decomposes into a direct sum of weight spaces relative to the action of a maximal torus of G. The theorem of the highest weight asserts that among the weights that occur in the decomposition, there is a unique maximal element, relative to a partial order coming from a choice of positive roots for G. We prove that every dominant integral weight of a semisimple Lie algebra g is the highest weight of an irreducible finite-dimensional representation of g. When g is the Lie algebra of a classical group G, the corresponding regular representations of G are constructed in Chapters 5 and 6 and studied in greater detail in Chapters 9 and 10. A crucial property of a classical group is the complete reducibility of its regular representations. We give two (independent) proofs of this: one algebraic using the Casimir operator, and one analytic using Weyl’s unitarian trick.
Tubal Ligation and Pregnancy: Mechanism of Recanalization After Tubal Ligation

The mechanism of recanalization following female sterilization is illustrated in a case study of a woman who underwent tubal ligation by the Pomeroy technique. The epithelial lining of the tube tends to regenerate at the level of resection thus covering the ends and planes of the resected surfaces and creating slitlike spaces and blind pouches lined by tall columnar cells. Scarring and subsequent retraction of the severed ends tend to result in approximation. In some cases the resected ends and the epithelial lining cross the gap between the lumina resulting in tubal patency. Surgical techniques that seal the lumina should produce better success rates than the Pomeroy technique.
Homogenization of food samples for gamma spectrometry using protease

We previously reported a food preparation method for gamma spectrometry during radiological emergencies aimed at developing best compromises between degree of homogenization, accuracy, speed, and minimizing laboratory equipment contamination. We now propose an additional method using the protease bromelain that can homogenize meats and composite meals containing both meat and starch in ~ 1 h without high heat or harsh chemicals. Additionally, we show evidence from studies with environmental samples suggesting the potential utility of these homogenization methods for use with atmospherically deposited radionuclides using naturally occurring 7Be as a model.
Hydrolysis of 2D Transition-Metal Carbides (MXenes)in Colloidal Solutions

Although oxidation was deemed as the main factor responsible for the instability of MXenes in aqueous colloids, here we put forward and test a hypothesis about the central role of water as the prim...
Developing an Aerial-Image-Based Approach for Creating Digital Sidewalk Inventories:

To support active mobility, extensive work has been focused on planning, maintaining, and enhancing infrastructure, such as sidewalks. A significant amount of these efforts has to go on the setup a...
Neo-Vygotskian Developmental Theory

Lev Vygotsky's Russian followers have elaborated his ideas into an innovative developmental theory, in which each period in children's development is characterized by their leading activity. In the context of this activity, adults mediate children's mastery of new psychological tools, which results in the development of new mental processes in children. As another outcome of adult mediation, children develop a new motive. As a result, children transit to the new leading activity that is specific to their next age period. Vygotsky's followers have used this theoretical model to analyze children's development in industrialized societies from birth through adolescence.
A Comparative Effectiveness Trial of Two Patient-Centered Interventions for Women with Unmet Social Needs: Personalized Support for Progress and Enhanced Screening and Referral

Background: Despite recent widespread acceptance that unmet social needs are critically relevant to health, limited guidance exists about how best to address them in the context of women's health c...
cAMP-dependent phosphorylation and hexamethylene-bis-acetamide induced dephosphorylation of p19 in murine erythroleukemia cells

The objective of this study was to investigate cyclic-adenosinemonophosphate (cAMP)-dependent phosphorylation in murine erythroleukemia (MEL) cells and to identify either direct substrates of cAMP-dependent kinase or downstream effectors of cAMP dependent phosphorylation with a potential function in growth and differentiation. MEL-cells rendered deficient in cAMP-dependent protein kinase (A-kinase) activity by stable transfection with DNA encoding for either a mutant regulatory subunit or a specific peptide inhibitor of A-Kinase (PKI) are unable to differentiate normally in response to chemical inducers. We have identified by 2-D Western blotting 2 phosphorylated forms of p19, a highly conserved 18-19 kDa cytosolic protein that is frequently upregulated in transformed cells and undergoes phosphorylation in mammalian cells upon activation of several signal transduction pathways. The phosphorylation of the more acidic phosphorylated form is increased in a cAMP-dependent fashion and impaired in cells deficient in cAMP-dependent kinase (A-kinase). Treatment of MEL-cells with the chemical inducer of differentiation hexamethylene-bisacetamide (HMBA) led to dephosphoryation of this phosphoform. Our data are compatible with previous observations which imply that phosphorylation of Ser 38 in p19 by p34cdc2-kinase leads to a more basic phosphoform and simultaneous phosphorylation by mitogen-activated kinase of Ser 25 in response to protein kinase C and the cAMP- dependent kinase creates the more acidic species.
Glutathione plays an important role in tumor microenvironment-mediated drug resistance in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

685 Chemotherapy agents such as fludarabine and cyclophosphamide are important drugs used in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Unfortunately, development of drug resistance in CLL represents a major challenge in clinical treatment of this disease. The facts that CLL cells survive and accumulate in vivo but rapidly die in culture indicate the importance of microenvironment to sustain the survival of CLL cells. Tumor microenvironment is also thought to play a critical role in cellular sensitivity to anticancer agents. In our study, we observed that extracellular glutathione (GSH) added to the culture of leukemia B-cells isolated from CLL patients protect the CLL cells from apoptosis in vitro. Because cellular GSH decrease rapidly in B-CLL cells in vitro, we tested the hypothesis that proper microenvironment is critical in maintaining the GSH level in B-CLL cells and confers cell survival advantage and drug resistance. Comparison of intracellular GSH in B-CLL cells cultured alone and co-cultured with human bone marrow stromal cells showed that the GSH level was significantly higher in the co-culture system, whereas the levels of GSH in the medium were similar under both culture conditions. CLL cells showed a significantly better viability and were resistant to F-ara-A (active form of fludarabine) when co-cultured with bone marrow stromal cells. This data indicate that, rather than secrete and provide extracelluar GSH to B-CLL cells, the stromal cells likely provide a factor that signals B-CLL cells to maintain a high level of GSH and promotes cell survival and drug resistance. Depletion of GSH in CLL cells by β-phenylethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) abrogated the protective effect of the stromal cells under the co-culture conditions. To evaluate the nature of this protective factor, experiments using transwell apparatus showed that the bone marrow stromal cells seemed to produce soluble factor(s) to upregulate GSH synthesis in B-CLL cells. Our study suggests a novel role of GSH in promoting CLL cell survival mediated by bone marrow stromal factor(s), and a feasibility to overcome drug resistance using proper agents such as PEITC.
Purged from the Rolls: A Study of Medicaid Disenrollment in Iowa

Purpose: To describe the impact of disenrollment from Medicaid because of failure to pay premiums as part of Iowa's Medicaid program's personal responsibility component. Methods: We conducted a mixed method study consisting of in-depth interviews with disenrolled members in 2016 and 2017 (n=72) and a survey of disenrolled members in 2017 (n=225). Results: Many disenrollees did not know why they were disenrolled, were unaware of the personal responsibility component or premium requirement, and were confused by the disenrollment process. Disenrollment had negative effects including stress, financial burden, and engaging in behaviors such as skipping medication and postponing medical or dental care. Furthermore, disenrollees were often unable to enroll in health insurance, and for those who did, many reported it was a difficult process. Conclusions: Disenrollment had numerous, negative impacts on members who failed to pay their premiums. There was confusion about program requirements, which might indicate challenges communicating about a complicated program. Policymakers need to consider how to design and implement personal responsibility programs to achieve their desired outcome and reduce confusion and negative consequences.
A therapeutic combination of metyrapone and oxazepam increases brain levels of GABA-active neurosteroids and decreases cocaine self-administration in male rats

In rodents, the behavioral and neurochemical effects resulting from the pharmacological blockade of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis are unclear. Metyrapone, a corticosterone synthesis inhibitor, has been demonstrated to reduce cocaine-related behaviors, especially in a low-dose combination with oxazepam, a benzodiazepine. Although this combination therapy (MET/OX) also reduces drug-taking and drug-seeking behaviors in both rodents and cocaine-dependent humans, these effects are not correlated with plasma glucocorticoid levels. In this brief report, we present data demonstrating that this MET/OX combination enhances brain levels of the GABA-active steroid metabolites, tetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone (THDOC) and allopregnanolone. Male rats, trained to self-administer cocaine or that received yoked-saline infusions, were pretreated with MET/OX, at doses that reduced cocaine-motivated responding, or vehicle. Allopregnanolone and THDOC were measured using liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (LC-MS/MS) in the prefrontal cortex and amygdala in the brains from these rats. THDOC levels were enhanced following MET/OX pretreatment in both brain regions, regardless of cocaine self-administration experience. However, allopregnanolone was selectively enhanced in the rats that self-administered cocaine, but not in rats in the yoked-saline group. Thus, the MET/OX combination increased neurosteroid content in brain regions important for drug addiction. These neurosteroids have been shown to reduce cocaine-related behaviors and may contribute to the behavioral effects of MET/OX combination therapy.
Adaptation of One-Session Treatment for Specific Phobias for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Using a Non-concurrent Multiple Baseline Design: A Preliminary Investigation

Anxiety disorders are among the most common co-occurring disorders for individuals with ASD. Several adaptations to cognitive behavioral approaches have been proposed for this population (Moree & Davis, 2010). The current study examined feasibility and preliminary efficacy of an ASD-specific adaptation of one-session treatment (OST) for specific phobia (SP). Standard OST consists of one 3-h session followed by four weekly phone calls. Modifications for ASD included increased parental involvement, use of visual aids, and inclusion of four 1-h booster sessions in place of the four weekly phone calls. Visual inspection and Friedman tests revealed significant reductions in fear ratings and phobia severity from pre- to post-treatment and follow-up assessments. Modest changes were observed in behavioral avoidance. These findings provide initial evidence that this treatment merits further study.
Can We Count on Counting? An Analysis of the Validity of Community Engagement Survey Measures

Researchers use various survey efforts to understand students’ community engagement experiences. Among the crucial pieces of information for both academic and applied research is the extent to which (or whether or not) students participate in community engagement activities. However, recent studies have questioned the validity of many college student survey items. This paper describes an exploratory study that sought to investigate the validity of several survey items related to students’ community engagement participation. The study found that large percentages of students who have taken community-based learning courses do not accurately report these experiences on student surveys and examines what factors relate to misreporting. Implications for future community engagement research are discussed.
Training technology in the hospitality industry

Describes a study which aims to reveal the current methods and tools of training in US hospitality firms and to discover the opinions of those using them as to whether the methods and tools are effective and efficient. Hospitality training executives were surveyed and asked to identify the methods and tools used in their organization, to rate each method and tool, and to give suggestions for improvement if they believed it was needed. Answers were compared according to position of the respondent, size of company based on number of employees, annual sales, and level of company.