cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of duodenal bulb biopsy for diagnosis of celiac disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background and study aims Although duodenal biopsy is considered the “gold standard” for diagnosis of celiac disease, the optimal location of biopsy within the small bowel for diagnosis remains unclear. The primary aim of this study was to perform a structured systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the diagnostic utility of endoscopic duodenal bulb biopsy for celiac disease. Patients and methods Searches of PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were performed from 2000 through December 2017. Review of titles/abstracts, full review of potentially relevant studies, and data abstraction was performed. Measured outcomes of adult and pediatric patients included location of biopsy, mean number of biopsies performed, and diagnosis of celiac disease as defined by the modified Marsh-Oberhuber classification. Results A total of 17 studies (n = 4050) were included. Seven studies evaluated adults and 11 studies assessed pediatric populations. Mean age of adults and pediatric patients was 46.70 ± 2.69 and 6.33 ± 1.26 years, respectively. Overall, sampling from the duodenal bulb demonstrated a 5 % (95 % CI 3 – 9; P Conclusions Based upon our results, biopsy and histologic examination of duodenal bulb during routine upper endoscopy increases the diagnostic yield of celiac disease.
194 OMALIZUMAB (XOLAIR) FOR CHRONIC URTICARIA.

Background Chronic urticaria is a difficult medical problem for which a definite cause is frequently not identified. In addition, treatment is difficult and often poorly effective. A patient with chronic urticaria and elevated IgE prompted a trial of omalizumab. This drug is a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds circulating IgE and prevents degranulation of mast cells by IgE. Methods Case report, or n-of-1 trial. Results A 25-year-old woman with a lifelong history of poorly controlled asthma gave a 1-year history of urticaria occurring conitnually every day. An extensive workup had revealed no infectious or allergic cause. No malignancy was identified initially or in follow-up. Protein level and activity assays of C1 esterase inhibitor were normal. Serum immunoglobulin levels were normal except for serum IgE, which was about twice the upper end of normal on multiple occasions. The patient was begun on omalizumab 300 mg subcutaneous every 2 weeks. Within a few hours of the first dose, the urticaria disappeared. The third dose was held when the patient had streptococcal pharyngitis. Urticaria recurred 20 days after the last dose and promptly resolved with an additional dose. After 3 months, the dosage was reduced to 150 mg subcutaneous every 2 weeks with continued efficacy. Conclusions Omalizumab, a humanized anti-IgE monoclonal antibody, was approved by the FDA for treatment of refractory asthma in 2003. This drug blocks IgE-mediated degranulation of mast cells and proved useful in this patient with chronic urticaria associated with elevated IgE.
The Transcriptional Signature of a Runner's High.

INTRODUCTION Endorphins, endocannabinoids, monoamines, and neurotrophins have all been implicated in the euphoric response to endurance running, known as a runner's high (RH). The epitranscriptional mechanisms regulating this effect have not been defined. Here, we investigate peripheral micro-ribonucleic acid (miRNA) changes unique to athletes experiencing postrun euphoria, yielding insights into gene networks that control an RH. METHODS A cohort study involving 25 collegiate runners (48% females, age = 20 ± 1 yr) examined salivary RNA levels before and after a long-distance run. Participants were divided into RH and nonrunner's high (NRH) groups based on surveys of four criteria (mood, lost sense of time, run quality, and euphoria). Physiological measures were also recorded (temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, pupillary dilatation, and salivary serotonin). Levels of miRNAs and their messenger RNA targets were compared across pre- and postrun samples from RH and NRH groups with two-way ANOVA. Representation of opioid, gamma-aminobutyic acid (GABA), endocannabinoid, neurotrophin, serotonergic, and dopaminergic pathways was assessed in DIANA miRPath. Pearson's correlation analyses examined relationships between miRNAs and RH indices. RESULTS RH participants (n = 13) demonstrated postrun mydriasis (P = 0.046) and hypothermia (P = 0.043) relative to NRH participants (n = 12) but had no difference in serotonin dynamics (P = 0.88). Six miRNAs (miR-194-5p, miR-4676-3p, miR-4254, miR-4425, miR-1273-3p, miR-6743-5p) exhibited significant effects (false discovery rate P value < 0.05) across pre- or postrun and RH/NRH groups. These miRNAs displayed target enrichment for opioid (P = 2.74E-06) and GABA (P = 0.00016) pathways. miR-1237-3p levels were related with lost sense of time (R = 0.40). Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK11), an endocannabinoid target of miR-1273-3p, was nominally elevated in RH participants (false discovery rate P value = 0.11). CONCLUSIONS Unique dynamics in miRNA concentration occur in athletes with subjective/objective evidence of RH, targeting genes implicated endorphin, endocannabinoid, and GABAergic signaling.
Antibiotic-Loaded Bone Cement in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty: Utilization Patterns and Impact on Complications Using a National Database.

Abstract Background The routine usage of antibiotic-loaded bone cement (ALBC) in primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is controversial. Its effectiveness in reducing infection risk remains unclear while high-dose antibiotics can lead to multiple adverse effects. The purpose of this population-based study is to evaluate utilization patterns of ALBC in primary TKA and its impact on clinical outcomes. Methods This retrospective cohort study used data from the nationwide Premier Healthcare claims database (2006-2016). Multivariable models estimated associations between ALBC use and early postoperative infection, kidney injury, allergic reaction, hospital readmission, cost, and length of stay. Results ALBC was used in 27.2% of all primary TKAs (N = 1,184,270). Usage increased from 17.3% to 30.2% in 2006-2010, then plateaued. Study covariates differed minimally between groups, suggesting nonselective ALBC use. Utilization was lower in rural (21.4%) and higher in large (>500 beds; 29.4%) hospitals. After adjusting for relevant covariates, ALBC use was associated with significantly decreased odds for early postoperative infection (odds ratio, 0.89; confidence interval, 0.83-0.96) and increased odds for acute kidney injury (odds ratio, 1.06; confidence interval, 1.02-1.11). Conclusion With utilization rates of around 30%, we found that ALBC reduced odds for early postoperative infection and increased odds for kidney injury. Strong consideration should be given for selective use of ALBC in primary TKA.
Bone mineral density and lean mass asymmetries are greater in cyclists than non-cyclists.

Cyclists may be at greater risk of developing asymmetrical force and motion patterns than other ground-based athletes. However, functional asymmetries during cycling tend to be highly variable, mak...
The Relationship Between User Experience and Machine Learning

Based on our primary research question of what the relationship between user experience (UX) and machine learning (ML) is, this literature review examines how UX and ML function independently and interact with each other. We review literature with regard to the development of UX and ML separately, as well as the combination of these two areas. Our ultimate findings focus on four dimensions: the relationship between UX and ML, the advantages of integrating UX and ML, the challenges of applying ML technology to UX design, as well as the future implications in using ML to enhance UX. Finally, we give our suggestions concerning the establishment of a better ecosystem between UX and ML.
C.S. Lewis & the Father Wound

This essay combines trends in law and social policy with the life and literature of C. S. Lewis. It presents a new and unique analysis of Lewis’ childhood, connecting his famous works with child and fatherhood concerns facing western civilization today. Examining Lewis' life through a family law social policy lens, the essay works to reveal some significant new considerations about children and the impact fathers have on them throughout their lives. Considering the historical facts of Lewis’ childhood, this essay presents a case that his behavior and writings evidence a degree of father wound, while illustrating how that wound is manifested and healed in some of his most loved fictional work.
Stand age, disturbance history and the temporal stability of forest production

Abstract Sustaining the terrestrial carbon (C) sink requires knowledge of the forest properties supporting stable production under increasingly variable climate conditions. We examined how stand disturbance history and age, structural complexity and species diversity, and leaf properties relate to the 10-yr stability of above-ground wood net primary production (NPPw) in northern temperate forests of Michigan, USA. Our investigation centered on separate deciduous, evergreen, and mixed late successional stands initiated over a century ago and free of recent disturbance, a “Cut Only” chronosequence established following clearcut harvesting, and a “Cut and Burn” chronosequence that regenerated following experimental clearcut harvesting and fire. The temporal stability of stand production was calculated from the 10-yr coefficient of variation (CV) of annual NPPw estimated from tree cores; canopy rugosity, a measure of structural complexity, was estimated using terrestrial LiDAR; and >1500 subcanopy leaves were sampled for leaf mass area and chlorophyll fluorescence intensity. The temporal stability of stands differed by >2-fold, from 5% to 11% CV of NPPw. Counter to expectations, we found that NPPw stability was greatest in the more severely disturbed Cut and Burn stands and lowest in late successional stands. Despite similar successional patterns of species diversity and structural complexity, NPPw stability increased in Cut Only stands and declined in Cut and Burn stands as age, diversity and canopy rugosity increased. The NPPw of more diverse, late successional deciduous forests was more temporally stable than that of evergreen forests. We conclude that management for maximal rates of production may not confer temporal stability, indicating future studies are needed to elucidate the stand and canopy properties that support both high production rates and stability.
The Impact of Non-uniform Metal Scaffolds on the Performance of 3D Structured Silicon Anodes

Abstract Silicon-based anodes are considered to be one of the most competitive candidates for next generation high power/energy density lithium ion batteries. A main drawback limiting their practical application is significant volume changes in Si during lithiation-delithiation, which induce high stresses and cause degradation and pulverization of the anode. A novel structured silicon anode, consisting of a metal scaffold coated with a layer of Si, has been introduced to address this issue and to improve the cycle life performance of Si anodes. In this paper, the impact of non-uniform metal scaffold structures on the mechanical performances of the Si anode is investigated. A multi-physics based finite element (FE) model is developed, where the geometric of the non-uniform structured anode is built based on experimental measurements. The stress distribution and deformation of the anode after full lithiation are predicted and compared with experimental results. It is found that large tensile stress concentrations are shown on the surfaces of Si layers; the volume-expansion induced stress is sensitive to the degree of non-uniformity of the scaffold. Sharp edges on the scaffold could result in high compressive stress. Rounding these edges is found to be a promising approach to reduce stress concentrations and improve the structural integrity of the anode.
Effects of Cognitively-Based Compassion Training on Parenting Interactions and Children’s Empathy

Cognitively-Based Compassion Training (CBCT) aims to cultivate participants’ compassion and enhance their well-being. CBCT was developed for college students and has been adapted for several unique populations, such as children in foster care, but it has only recently been used with parents of infants and young children. This analysis of data from a preliminary efficacy study examined effects of CBCT on parenting interactions and early empathy in infants and young children (aged 9 months to 5 years, 4 months). The study also examined the perceived benefits and challenges of participating in a 20-h CBCT intervention for parents. Thirty-nine families from university-affiliated preschools participated in this study; 25 parents were in the CBCT group and 14 parents were in a wait list control group. Parents were evaluated before and after the intervention, as well as after each session on their impressions of the class and experience with the assignments. Families were evaluated at pre- and post-intervention on observed parent-child interactions and child empathy. Parents found that participating in CBCT was a positive, even life-changing experience for them, though finding time to practice the guided meditations was difficult. However, CBCT did not improve sensitive and responsive interactions between parents and children or young children’s empathy assessed in a lab setting. CBCT for parents was viewed positively by participants but it did not change their observed parenting interactions or young children’s observed empathy across a 3-month period.
Implications of relationships with family, friends, and neighbors for changes in women's well-being in late life.

This study examined whether relationships with family, friends, and neighbors (both satisfaction and number in the social network) were associated with older women’s well-being concurrently and ove...
Determining the impact of body mass index on ultrasound accuracy for diagnosing appendicitis: Is it less useful in obese children?

Abstract Background Ultrasonography (US) is the preferred imaging for suspected pediatric appendicitis. We hypothesize that children with elevated Body-Mass-Index-for-age percentile (BMIP) may be more likely to have an inaccurate or equivocal (IE) US. Methods After IRB approval, a four-year review was performed on pediatric patients evaluated for appendicitis by US. The CDC BMIP Calculator was used. IE subgroups were analyzed together for comparison against the accurate group. Results 1059 patients were included: median age 11.3 years (IQR: 8.2, 14.6), 506 (47.8%) males. Median BMIP was 65.9 (IQR: 33.9, 89.6). US accurately diagnosed 857 (80.9%), incorrectly diagnosed 76 (7.2%), 126 (11.9%) were equivocal. Overall sensitivity was 0.85, specificity 0.96, PPV 0.93 and NPV 0.91. Obese children (BMIP ≥95%), had higher odds of IE US (OR: 1.86, 95% CI: 1.28, 2.70; p = 0.001). When analyzed by sex, risk increased in obese males (OR: 2.55, 95% CI:1.53, 4.24; p = 0.0003) but normalized in obese females (OR: 1.30, 95% CI:0.74, 2.28; p = 0.35). Conclusions An elevated BMIP may increase difficulty in visualizing the appendix, resulting in inaccurate or equivocal findings. This risk is seen specifically in obese males. If US findings do not correlate with clinical assessment in obese children with abdominal pain, further evaluation may be warranted.
Characterization of the complexation of fluoroquinolone antimicrobials with metal ions by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

Abstract The complexation of the fluoroquinolone antimicrobials is important because it has been implicated in reduced oral bioavailability and reduced antimicrobial activity when the drugs are co-administered with antacids or multi-vitamin preparations containing iron. The complexation of two model compounds, lomefloxacin and norflaxacin was studied using NMR. With aluminum ions, exchange between free and bound drug molecules was slow on the NMR timescale. Two complexes, proposed to have stoichiometries of 2:1 and 3:1 (drug:metal) based on peak widths and variable temperature studies, were observed. The crystal structure of lomefloxacin, which shows intermolecular self association previously reported to be crucial to the drug's mode of action, is also reported. Because the metal ion complexes could not be crystallized, the crystal structure of uncomplexed lomefloxacin together with the NMR data on the aluminum complexes were used in the molecular modelling of the lomefloxacin—aluminum complexes.
Battling Serpents, Marrying Trees: Towards an Ecotheology of the Bhāgavata Purāṇa

With its Vedāntic metaphysics and devotionally rich narratives, the Bhāgavata Purāṇa can provide valuable models for ecological care and preservation. Throughout the Purāṇa, we find narratives that can be harnessed in service of the environment, whether it be Kṛṣṇa battling the serpent Kāliya or Varāha lifting the Earth from the depths of the cosmic ocean. This article, however, will focus on a little-known narrative found in Book Four, namely, the Pracetās’ destruction, and eventual protection, of the Earth’s trees. The Pracetās’ narrative is significant for several reasons: (1) instead of simply venerating nature, the story demonstrates the challenge of balancing human needs and the needs of other life forms; (2) it accords agency to the Earth by giving the forest a voice within the narrative; and (3) it bridges the boundary between human beings and the natural world by building kinship relationships between them. This article will explore the ways in which Vaiṣṇava commentators have interpreted this episode as they attempt to negotiate the question: who has priority—humans or nature?
The Role of Spirituality in Conceptualizations of Health Maintenance and Healthy Aging Among Latin American Immigrants.

Abstract Objectives We aimed to investigate ways in which spirituality was conceptualized in relationship to maintaining brain health and healthy aging in a cohort of older adults who immigrated to the United States from diverse regions of Latin America, in order to ultimately develop culturally-tailored brain health promotion approaches. Design We conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews. Setting Participants were recruited from community centers and by a memory care center at a large academic medical center. Participants We interviewed 30 Spanish-speaking immigrants over age 60. Questions addressed perspectives about the brain, aging, and dementia. Interviews were coded for themes. Measurements Thematic analysis was used to analyze participants’ responses. Results We identified 5 themes: (1) expressing gratitude to God for mental and physical health, (2) putting the onus of life and death in God's hands, (3) using church as a place to socialize and build community as an approach to leading a healthy lifestyle, (4) using prayer as nourishment for the soul and the brain, and (5) gaining inner-peace and calm, and thus maintaining a healthy life, due to a connection with God. Conclusion The incorporation of customized spiritual interventions may be a mechanism by which to increase the effectiveness of brain health promotion efforts.
Animal Agriculture, Wet Markets, and COVID-19: a Case Study in Indirect Activism

There were excellent reasons to reform intensive animal agriculture prior to COVID-19. Unfortunately, though, intensive animal agriculture has grown rapidly over the last century. All signs indicate that it will continue to grow in the future. This is bad news for billions of animals. It’s also bad news for those who want an animal-friendly food system. Because the public isn’t very concerned about the plight of animals—or is concerned, but has a high tolerance for cognitive dissonance—animal activists regularly engage in indirect activism. Indirect activism involves arguing that some cause that’s indirectly related to the activist’s primary agenda provides reasons to act in ways that are congruent with that agenda. In this paper, we consider the two indirect arguments that animal activists advanced in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic: first, some used COVID-19 to criticize intensive animal agriculture—many of these had US-based audiences as their target; second, and more modestly, some activists used COVID-19 to condemn wet markets specifically. We contend that both arguments had the risk of backfiring: they risked promoting the very systems that are worst for animals. We then assess the moral significance of this risk, concluding that while it may have been permissible to advance these arguments, there were some serious moral considerations against doing so—ones that weren’t addressed by flagging animal activists’ concern for animals or any other stakeholder in the discussion. In both cases, we think there are plausible precautionary arguments against the strategies that these activists pursued. Additionally, in the case of arguments against wet markets specifically, we contend that the precautionary argument can be supplemented with a side constraint condition that, arguably, activists violated insofar as they were acting in ways that maintain a racist and xenophobic system.
Experimental Studies of Gas Breakdown and Electron Emission for Nanoscale Gaps at Atmospheric Pressure

Characterization of gas breakdown for microscale and smaller gaps is critical for applications requiring plasma formation (e.g. combustion and plasma medicine) and the prevention of plasma formation (e.g. microelectronics reliability). Traditionally, gas breakdown is driven by Townsend avalanche and predicted mathematically by Paschen’s law. Reducing gap distance at atmospheric pressure creates high electric fields at the cathode that strip electrons by field emission (FE) to ionize neutral gas atoms; the resulting space-charge adds to secondary electron emission 1 . A matched asymptotic analysis predicts that breakdown voltage decreases linearly with decreasing gap distance when FE drives breakdown 1 . Further reducing gap distance below a few hundred nm at atmospheric pressure leads to a third order nexus, where the solutions for FE, collisional space-charge limited current, and vacuum space-charge limited current match 2 . Thus, for smaller gaps, space-charge may impact emission prior to encountering breakdown.
RESISTIVITY OF A15 COMPOUNDS

Publisher Summary There is more to A15s than high critical fields and transition temperatures. In particular, resistivity studies of A15s, although related to superconducting properties, have a life of their own. As is well known, most properties of A15s are rather anomalous and so is the resistivity. One way to study the resistivity behavior of A15s is to introduce controllable amounts of disorder by irradiating films of fast particles. Of the many explanations suggested for the resistivity saturation, one of them is Mott's Fermi smearing. At low temperatures resistivity of A15s continues to be anomalous in a sense that it does not follow predictions of the classical theory of conductivity. Should superconductivity be suppressed by the presence of magnetic moments or for any other reason, resistivity, provided it is high enough, would still deviate from linearity. However, in metallic systems resistivities rarely exceed their given values.
Metal surface area measurement of fresh and aged automotive catalysts by CO methanation

Abstract The CO chemisorption method of Komai et al. [J. Catal. 120 (1989) 370] , based on methanation of adsorbed CO and chromatographic quantification of the product methane with a flame ionization detector, was used to determine noble metal particle sizes of two 80,000 km vehicle-aged automotive catalysts, a Pt/Rh formulation and a Pd/Rh formulation. The aged Pt/Rh catalyst gave a spherical particle diameter of 72±6 A while the aged Pd/Rh catalyst gave a spherical particle diameter of 366±44 A. These values compare closely with particle sizes of 110±20 and 470±120obtained for the Pt/Rh and Pd/Rh catalysts, respectively, from line-broadening in x-ray diffraction. In contrast, conventional CO chemisorption could not be successfully applied to either of the commercial catalysts because of interference from support components. Overall, the results of this study indicate that the chemisorption technique based on CO methanation is particularly useful for aged automotive catalysts; it is fast, highly sensitive, and free of complications associated with adsorption on support components.
Mental Health and Hooking Up: A Self-Discrepancy Perspective

One hundred seventy-two undergraduates took part in a study to evaluate how self-concept discrepancies and casual sexual involvement, both as independent and additive factors, predict negative and positive affect. Hierarchical regression analyses demonstrated that actual-ideal (AI) and actual-ought (AO) discrepancy were negatively associated with positive affect after engaging in hookups, defined as casual sexual encounters. However, the degree to which self-discrepancy predicted positive and negative affect varied by gender. Females with high AI discrepancy, who typically engaged in petting during hookups, reported increased negative affect, β = -.24, p < .001, while their male peers reported increased positive affect, β = .63, p < .01. Overall, self-discrepancy appeared to have a distinct and strong association with the sexual practices of young adults in this study and their subsequent positive and negative affect associated with these sexual practices.
Microanalytical technologies to monitor cellular signaling

The past few decades have been notable for enormous progress in our understanding of signal transduction mechanisms and their roles in disease states. The value of modulating intracellular signaling pathways has become clear with demonstrations of the clinical efficacy of specific inhibitors of kinases, a class of enzymes whose members mediate much of the signal transduction in eukaryotic cells. Coupled with these advances is the need to develop new methods to measure signaling in single cells from patients, new screening strategies for pharmaceutical agents targeting disordered signaling pathways, and new tools for patient diagnostics and prognostics. The lab is currently developing single-cell, microanalytical assays for enzymes with crucial roles in cellular signaling. These assays can be performed in a capillary format or on a microfluidic device fabricated from poly(dimethylsiloxane). Recent results on assay development in these devices will be presented.
Comparison of calculations to estimate gastric emptying half-time of solids in humans.

The conventional test for measurement of gastric emptying is scintigraphy (1,2). Using a solid-phase meal is recommended, as it quantifies the emptying of a physiologic caloric meal. Most centers use a 99mTc sulfur colloid-labeled egg-containing meal with standard imaging at 0, 1, 2, and 4 hours. In fact, a 4-hour gastric emptying test, using radiolabeled EggBeaters® with jam, toast, and water and measured by external scintigraphy, is advocated by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and The American Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society as the recommended standard (2). Assessment of gastric emptying over 4 hours is necessary, as extrapolation to measure T½ may be erroneous (3). Some regard the gastric retention of solids at 4 hours as the most reliable parameter for identifying gastroparesis. Gastric emptying T½ (GE T½) is also acceptable if imaging has been performed to 4 hours or at least to 50% emptying. However, it is also important to assess emptying at least 1 and 2 hours after radiolabeled meal ingestion, since prolongation of the early phases of emptying may also be associated with symptoms of gastroparesis, even though the gastric retention at 4 hours is normal or mildly delayed. Pharmacological studies have traditionally used GE T½ as an endpoint of significant interest. Traditionally, estimation of GE T½ has utilized detailed imaging over the 4-hour period or a power exponential analysis (4,5) which increases the cost of the procedure through the need for repeated imaging and special calculations. In the past, we have championed the use of hourly imaging for estimation of gastric emptying (6). The emptying phase of solids is generally linear after the initial lag phase, and gastroparesis due to neuropathic or myopathic motility disorders retards GE T½ (5,7,8). Therefore, measurement of GE T½ is a relevant clinical and pharmacodynamic measurement and, given the approximately linear post-lag phase, it is conceivable that imaging may be spaced out in time and still give accurate measurements of GE T½. We aimed to examine the validity of the use of hourly imaging (0-4 hours) as a measurement of GE T½ compared to T½ estimates obtained from more detailed imaging, every 15 minutes for the first 2 hours and every 30 minutes for the subsequent 2 hours.
Plant rooting strategies in water-limited ecosystems

[1] Root depth and distribution are vital components of a plant's strategy for growth and survival in water-limited ecosystems and play significant roles in hydrologic and biogeochemical cycling. Knowledge of root profiles is invaluable in measuring and predicting ecosystem dynamics, yet data on root profiles are difficult to obtain. We developed an ecohydrological model of environmental forcing, soil moisture dynamics, and transpiration to explore dependencies of optimal rooting on edaphic, climatic, and physiological factors in water-limited ecosystems. The analysis considers individual plants with fixed biomass. Results of the optimization approach are consistent with profiles observed in nature. Optimal rooting was progressively deeper, moving from clay to loam, silt and then sand, and in wetter and cooler environments. Climates with the majority of the rainfall in winter produced deeper roots than if the rain fell in summer. Long and infrequent storms also favored deeper rooting. Plants that exhibit water stress at slight soil moisture deficiencies consistently showed deeper optimal root profiles. Silt generated the greatest sensitivity to differences in climatic and physiological parameters. The depth of rooting is governed by the depth to which water infiltrates, as influenced by soil properties and the timing and magnitude of water input and evaporative demand. These results provide a mechanistic illustration of the diversity of rooting strategies in nature.
Possible involvement of red cell membrane proteins in the hemolytic action of Portuguese Man-of-War toxin.

Abstract Glycophorin and the fragments isolated from trypsinizing intact rat, dog, sheep and human red blood cells (rbc's) neutralize the hemolytic action of the Portuguese Man-of-War venom. This action can be blocked by rabbit antisheep hemolysin and phytohemagglutinin, a lectin which preferentially binds to glycophorin. Concanavalin A, which binds to band-3 protein of rbc membranes, does not block the neutralizing action of rbc tryptic fragments or glycophorin. The concentrations of rat, dog, human and sheep glycophorin which half neutralize venom induced hemolysis are inversely and linearly proportional to the hemolytic sensitivities of these rbc's to the venom. These data implicate glycophorin as a possible binding site for the hemolytic component of the Portuguese Man-of-War venom.
Materialism and Workplace Behaviors: Does Wanting More Result in Less?

Research indicates that a heightened value of materialism has negative outcomes for subjective well-being. But organizations may see materialism in employees as an important antecedent of productivity and utilize this value to achieve organizational goals. At issue is whether materialism results in negative effects on employee behavior at work, which in turn implies negative effects on fellow employees and the organization. This study investigates the relationship between materialism and two indicators of behavior at work: organizational citizenship behavior and workplace deviance. Results show a significant negative materialism-organizational citizenship behavior relationship and a positive materialism-interpersonal deviance relationship. Materialism was not significantly related to organizational deviance. These results support the concern that materialistic values lead to negative behavioral consequences, which in turn affect fellow employees and the organization. In supplementary analyses we failed to find evidence that materialism is significantly related to task performance, further questioning organizational attempts to create or utilize this value.
Hot-film anemometry in aqueous NaCl solutions

Abstract An experimental investigation was performed on the calibration of cylindrical hot-film sensors in aqueous NaCl solutions. The results are consistent with Kramers' law provided the Reynolds number exponent is reduced to 0.36 and correction is made for conduction to the quartz fiber backing. A modified King's law appears to provide a useful approximation to the usual Kramers' law for practical applications of hot-film sensors in flows of variable density. The modified King's law provides a simple method for estimating the magnitude of errors introduced when variable density effects are ignored in the velocity calibration of a hot-film sensor in saline solutions.
Constellation Design for Space-Based Space Situational Awareness Applications: An Analytical Approach

The growing number of resident space objects in Earth orbit has made effective monitoring a formidable task. Supplementing the capabilities of ground-based sensor networks with on-orbit sensing platforms would dramatically enhance the ability of such systems to detect, track, identify, and characterize resident space objects. To facilitate constellation design that promotes these goals, an optimization approach is selected, which inherently requires a predefined mathematical representation of a cost index or measure of merit. Such representations are often analytically available, but when considering optimal constellation design for space-based space situational awareness applications, a closed-form expression for the cost index is only available under certain assumptions. The present study focuses on a subset of cases that admit exact representations. In this case, geometrical arguments are employed to establish an analytical formulation for the coverage area provided as well as for certain coverage mult...
Acquired Von Willebrand syndrome secondary to mitral and aortic regurgitation.

The association between aortic stenosis and gastrointenstinal bleeding due to acquired von Willebrand syndrome (AVWS) has been well established. We report a patient with AVWS from underlying severe endocarditis-associated aortic regurgitation and pre-existing mitral regurgitation. Cardiovascular disease-related AVWS occurs from a selective loss of the largest multimers of von Willebrand factor from high shear forces, and desmopressin leads to transient clinical improvement.
Longitudinal Relations Among Negative Affect, Substance Use, and Peer Deviance During the Transition From Middle to Late Adolescence

The transition from middle to late adolescence brings challenges that increase risk for emotional, behavioral, and social problems. The nature of the associations among these types of problems is poorly understood. This National Institute on Drug Abuse-funded study examined longitudinal relations among negative affect, substance use, and peer deviance from ages 16 to 18 years. Multiwave youth and parent questionnaire data collected from 429 sixth graders (222 girls) and their families residing in the rural Midwestern United States and recruited in 1993 were analyzed via structural equation modeling. Consistent with the self-medication hypothesis, negative affect statistically predicted increased substance use over time. Implications for theory and prevention are discussed and the study's limitations are noted.
cis-Diamminedichloroplatinum(II) selectively cross-links high mobility group proteins 1 and 2 to DNA in micrococcal nuclease accessible regions of chromatin.

Abstract The reaction of cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) with chicken erythrocyte nuclei produces covalent cross-linking of HMG proteins 1,2 and E to DNA, in addition to cross-links amongst LMG proteins. This is supported by and consistent with the observations that all cross-links are chemically reversed by NaCN treatment, while only the cross-links involving the HMG proteins 1,2 and E are eliminated after a limited digestion with micrococcal nuclease. Having identified the subset of proteins selectively cross-linked to DNA by the bifunctional cis-(NH3)2PtCl2, a tentative model is proposed for the interactions between DNA and HMG proteins 1 and 2 in bulk chromatin. In addition, possible modes of action for this anti-neoplastic drug are suggested in light of these findings.
Receptive Field Properties of Trigeminothalamic Neurons in the Rostral Trigeminal Sensory Nuclei of Cats

This study described topographic and receptive field representation in the region of the rostral trigeminal nuclei, and evaluated whether thalamic neurons from the principal sensory nucleus relay muscle afferent information to the thalamus. Extracellular single-unit activity was recorded from anesthetized cats. Units were tested for responses to natural stimuli (i.e., air bursts, brushing, light pressure, and pinch) applied to the face and oral cavity, electrical stimulation of the masseter nerve, and ramp-and-hold movements of the jaw. The receptive fields and physiological properties for 110 units were studied; we were able to verify the recording site for 96 of these units. Most of the units had discrete receptive fields in the oral cavity, skin, hair, and masseter muscle. Only 2 units received convergent inputs. Stimulation of the ipsilateral and contralateral ventroposteromedial nucleus of the thalamus was performed to identify antidromically activated units. The results showed that the dorsal princi...
The microplastic behaviour of polycrystalline nickel

Abstract : A study was undertaken to determine the deformation behavior of polycrystalline nickel of grain sizes from 0.018 to 0.44 mm in the microstrain region. Deformation was observed to begin at stresses of about 200 psi or 0.1 of the critical resolved shear stress for single crystals. Deformation proceeded in annealed samples by three well developed stages, the nature of each of which was influenced by prior thermomechanical treatments. The micro-flow stress in the third stage obeyed a Petch type of grain size dependence; no parabolic hardening behavior was observed. A micro-Bauschinger effect was observed that may be related to the lattice resistance to free dislocation motion. (Author)
Types of laticifers and crystals in Jatropha and their taxonomic implications

Anatomical examination of 37 species of Jatropha (Euphorbiaceae) has revealed the occurrence of two distinct types of laticifers-articulated, and nonarticulated-in addition to idioblasts that are irregularly shaped individual cells. With the notable exception of J. augustii Pax & K. Hoffm. (section Peltatae (Pax) Dehgan & Webster), these idioblasts occur in the two most advanced sections of the subgenus Curcas (Adans.) Pax, namely Loureira (Cav.) Muell. Arg. ex Pax and Mozinna (Ortega) Pax. The presence of two laticifer types and "idioblastic laticifers" in the genus, in association with the morphological reduction series found with evolutionary advancement are, therefore, significant in the delimitation of sections and subsections. Further evidence is presented by the occurrence of 'chambered crystalliferous cells" in subgenus Curcas, but not in subgenus Jatropha (=Adenorhopium Griseb.). Reexamination of laticifers in other genera of the Euphorbiaceae is suggested as a possible means of alleviating the long-standing taxonomic dilemma of this large and morphologically diverse
Second-order ( 2 + 1 ) -dimensional anisotropic hydrodynamics

We present a complete formulation of second-order $(2+1)$-dimensional anisotropic hydrodynamics. The resulting framework generalizes leading-order anisotropic hydrodynamics by allowing for deviations of the one-particle distribution function from the spheroidal form assumed at leading order. We derive complete second-order equations of motion for the additional terms in the macroscopic currents generated by these deviations from their kinetic definition using a Grad-Israel-Stewart 14-moment ansatz. The result is a set of coupled partial differential equations for the momentum-space anisotropy parameter, effective temperature, the transverse components of the fluid four-velocity, and the viscous tensor components generated by deviations of the distribution from spheroidal form. We then perform a quantitative test of our approach by applying it to the case of one-dimensional boost-invariant expansion in the relaxation time approximation (RTA) in which case it is possible to numerically solve the Boltzmann equation exactly. We demonstrate that the second-order anisotropic hydrodynamics approach provides an excellent approximation to the exact (0+1)-dimensional RTA solution for both small and large values of the shear viscosity.
Hadron physics with hyperon beams

Some quantitative expectations are given for hadronic experiments with hyperon beams. These include measurements of total and elastic cross sections, diffractive production of nonresonant and resonant states, charge- and hypercharge-exchange reactions, studies of ''missing'' strange resonances, uses of polarized hyperon beams, and searches for new particles. Some comments are added about Coulomb dissociation of hyperons. (AIP)
Ligand oxidation in N4 tetradentate Schiff base complexes catalyzed by copper(II) hexafluoroacetylacetonate dihydrate: reaction details and structures

The ethylene unit connecting the two anilino nitrogen atoms of the copper or nickel complexes of 7,8,15,16,17,18-hexahydro-dibenzo[e,m][1,4,8,11]tetraazacyclotetradecine [H2(2,2 mac)] and 8,9,16,17,18,19-hexahydro-7H-dibenzo[e,n][1,4,8,12]tetraazacyclopentaadecine [H2(3,2 mac)], i.e. M(2,2 mac) and M(3,2 mac), are oxidized in chloroform at room temperature under atmospheric conditions in the presence of Cu(hfa)2·(H2O)2 to the oxamide (N–CH2–CH2–N– to N–CO–CO–N–). If Cu(hfa)2·(H2O)2 is present in stoichiometric amounts the isolated product of the reaction is the dinuclear complex, M(3,2 oxomac)Cu(hfa)2. The dinuclear complex can also be prepared by direct reaction of M(3,2 oxomac) (prepared by another method) with Cu(hfa)2·(H2O)2. The dinucleation reaction of M(3,2 oxomac) with M(hfa)2 is quite general but the ligand oxidation of M(3,2 mac) is specific for Cu(hfa)2·(H2O)2. Reaction of Cu(3,2 mac) with Hhfa or H2(3,2 mac) with Cu(hfa)2·(H2O)2 results not in oxidation of the macrocycle but in protonation to give Cu{H2(3,2 mac)}(hfa)2. The oxidation of Cu(3,2 mac) in an 18O2 atmosphere does not result in a significant incorporation of 18O. However, nearly quantitative incorporation of 18O is achieved when the reaction is carried out under air in the presence of H218O. The structures of Cu(3,2 mac), Cu(3,2 oxomac), Cu(3,2 oxomac) Cu(hfa)2 and Cu{H2(3,2 mac)}(hfa)2 are reported.
Large-scale production of the fungal pathogenHirsutella thompsonii in submerged culture and its formulation for application in the field

A large-scale method for producing the fungal pathogen,Hirsutella thompsonii, in submerged culture was developed in the laboratory to supply adequate quantities for studies of field efficacy against the citrus rust mite. Laboratory fermentors consisted of 18.9 liter sterilizable solution bottles stopped with aeration heads that were connected in series to supply a closed system for the passage of the sterile compressed air necessary for agitation and for supplying oxygen to the liquid enrichment.
Factors affecting the economics of small, free-standing cogeneration systems

Samples of thermal and electric loads for four hospitals were used to evaluate cogeneration potential. The size range was one-half to three MWe, and the units were assumed free-standing in the sense that surplus power buyback by utilities was not considered. Discounted cash flow analysis was applied to calculate Return on Investment (ROI). Using typical values for the installed equipment cost, fuel cost and financing variables ROI was found to range from 25% to 90%. The sensitivity of ROI to eight system and pricing variables and five financing variables is reported. The ROI was found to be most sensitive to electricity price. The sensitivity to thermal efficiency of the engine was low provided that the efficiency was in the 20%–30% range. This suggests that moderate-performance high reliability gas turbines are the most suitable for this application.Copyright © 1984 by ASME
Significance of angiogenin plasma concentrations in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia and advanced myelodysplastic syndrome.

Human angiogenin is a potent inducer of angiogenesis. The association between angiogenin and cancer progression and poor outcome in solid tumours has been documented, but its significance in leukaemias has not been evaluated. We evaluated plasma angiogenin levels in 101 previously untreated patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) (59 patients) and advanced myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) (42 patients). Angiogenin levels were significantly higher in AML and advanced MDS patients than in healthy individuals (P < 0·00001). Angiogenin levels were also significantly higher in advanced MDS than in AML (P = 0·001). Higher levels of angiogenin correlated with prolonged survival periods in both AML and advanced MDS patients (P = 0·02 and 0·01 respectively). We found no correlation between angiogenin plasma level and various patient characteristics, including age, performance status, antecedent haematological disorder, haemoglobin, white blood cell and platelet counts, and poor prognosis cytogenetics. There was no significant correlation between angiogenin level and complete remission rate and duration in AML or advanced MDS patients. In multivariate analysis, angiogenin concentration retained its significance as a prognostic factor in AML (P = 0·03), together with age (P = 0·00007) and haemoglobin (P = 0·03).
Adenosine and Prostaglandin E2 Production by Human Inducible Regulatory T Cells in Health and Disease

Regulatory T cells (Treg) play a key role in maintaining the balance of immune responses in human health and in disease. Treg come in many flavors and can utilize a variety of mechanisms to modulate immune responses. In cancer, inducible (i) or adaptive Treg expand, accumulate in tissues and peripheral blood of patients, and represent a functionally prominent component of CD4+ T lymphocytes. Phenotypically and functionally, iTreg are distinct from natural (n) Treg. A subset of iTreg expressing ectonucleotidases CD39 and CD73 is able to hydrolyze ATP to 5'-AMP and adenosine (ADO) and thus mediate suppression of those immune cells which express ADO receptors. iTreg can also produce prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). The mechanisms responsible for iTreg-mediated suppression involve binding of ADO and PGE2 produced by iTreg to their respective receptors expressed on T effector cells (Teff), leading to the up-regulation of adenylate cyclase and cAMP activities in Teff and to their functional inhibition. The potential for regulating these mechanisms by the use of pharmacologic inhibitors to relieve iTreg-mediated suppression in cancer suggests the development of therapeutic strategies targeting the ADO and PGE2 pathways.
Vapor-phase sampling

Two new sample preparation procedures that produce solvent-free extracts especially suitable for use with high resolution GC are described. One is based on Soxhlet extraction in a pressurized container that permits the use of liquid carbon dioxide as the extractant; the other utilizes refluxing difluorodichloro-methane (Freon 12) to isolate entrained volatiles from gas streams.