cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Disparate Rates of Cesarean Delivery in Term Nulliparous Women with Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy.

Objective To evaluate the prevalence of cesarean delivery in women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), and explore whether maternal, sociodemographic, or obstetric comorbidities contribute to cesarean delivery rates. Study Design This is a retrospective cohort study of nulliparous, term, singleton, vertex women using the 2013 U.S. National Vital Statistics Report. We compared prevalence of risk factors for cesarean delivery between women with and without HDP, and then calculated probabilities of cesarean delivery after controlling for these risk factors. Results In this cohort of 1,439,977 women, the unadjusted probability of cesarean delivery in women with HDP was 39.5 versus 26.8% in those without the diagnosis (p Conclusion Even after controlling for multiple comorbidities, hypertension remained a significant risk factor for cesarean delivery in nulliparous women at term. Hypertensive women may therefore represent an important target population in efforts aimed at reduction of cesarean rates.
Transforming Mexico’s energy field: the intended consequences of a drug war

ABSTRACTBy utilizing the theory of Strategic Action Fields (SAFs), the present article explains how a new meso-level social order seems to have emerged in Mexico as a result of the paramilitarizati...
STANDAERT, David G.: Alabama/USA

Dr. Standaert came to the field of movement disorders in a deliberate way, but it has grown in to a passion. He was interested in science early; inspired by his father, a pharmacologist, he started working in research labs when he was about 14 years old. At Harvard College, he studied biochemistry and worked on projects related to motor control, studying Homerus americanus (the American lobster) with Ed Kravitz. He went to Washington University in St. Louis in 1982 to pursue a combined MD/PhD degree. His thesis mentors were Clifford Saper, then a new assistant professor of Neurology, and Philip Needleman, Chair of the Department of Pharmacology. Dr. Standaert launched his PhD work just as Phil was discovering the atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) in the heart (he preferred to call it “atriopeptin,” but that name never caught on). Clif and he looked for it in the brain, and they were amazed to find that this hormone from the heart was also in brain neurons involved in cardiovascular regulation. This was a very hot topic of the time, and led to a wild scientific ride.
Processing and Consequences of Oxidative DNA Base Lesions

DNA base lesions produced by free radicals are common products of normal oxidative metabolism. These lesions are removed by base excision repair processing, the first step of which is recognition of the base lesion by a DNA-glycosylase. In general, the oxidative DNA base lesions are recognized by either a pyrimidine-specific or a purine-specific DNA-glycosylase. In this chapter, we describe the biochemical and biological properties of the newest of these activities the pyrimidine-specific oxidative DNA glycosylase, endonuclease VIII (nei) of Escherichia coli. We also describe an in vitro reconstitution of the base excision repair pathway using model DNAs that contain closely opposed lesions similar to multiply damaged sites produced by ionizing radiation. Here we show that when closely opposed lesions are more than three nucleotides apart, processing by base excision repair can lead to a potentially lethal double strand break. Finally, we describe the interaction between two ring saturation products of pyrimidines, one derived from cytosine, uracil glycol, the other from thymine, thymine glycol, with a model DNA polymerase, DNA polymerase I of E. coli. Both incorporation of the modified nucleoside triphosphate and translesion synthesis past the lesion in the DNA template, are considered
An ecoacoustic approach to understand the effects of human sound on soundscapes and avian communication

Anthropogenic sound disrupts animal communication, but little research has both quantified how this disruption changes the soundscape and connected these changes to shifts in avian behaviour. We ex...
From “Jungles of Terror” to “God Will Begin a Healing in This City”: Billy Graham and Evangelicals on Cities and Suburbs:

Evangelist Billy Graham spoke to millions in the postwar era when suburban populations swelled and many white Americans, including conservative Protestants, left cities for suburbs. Adding to resea...
Demand-Side Participation via Economic Bidding of Responsive Loads and Local Energy Resources

The active participation of demand response (DR) resources into the wholesale market price formation and load dispatch process has the potential to stimulate demand-side flexibility. However, it is challenging for a market entity to utilize the DR resources for practical use. This is because day-ahead wholesale market-clearing prices are uncertain, and DR resources are heterogeneous. Furthermore, DR participation may lead to violations of the distribution system’s operational constraints. In this article, we propose an approach for an aggregator/load-serving entity (LSE) to profitably bid aggregated DR resources into the day-ahead wholesale market. The LSE requires an optimal bidding strategy that reflects the price elasticity of the aggregated retail loads to participate in the wholesale market operations. In the proposed approach, the LSE executes load curtailment and load shifting contracts with DR resources, where DR resources are remunerated for their participation at pre-contracted incentive prices. Then, the LSE aggregates the DR flexibility and optimally bids it in the day-ahead wholesale market. The proposed approach is validated using the IEEE-123-bus test system. It is demonstrated that the LSE can successfully generate economic bids for its participation in the day-ahead market by optimal management of DR resources and without violating the network’s operating constraints.
Schr\"{o}dinger's "What is Life?" at 75

2019 marked the 75th anniversary of the publication of Erwin Schrodinger's "What is Life?", a short book described by Roger Penrose in his preface to a reprint of this classic as "among the most influential scientific writings of the 20th century." In this article, I review the long argument made by Schrodinger as he mused on how the laws of physics could help us understand "the events in space and time which take place within the spatial boundary of a living organism." Though Schrodinger's book is often hailed for its influence on some of the titans who founded molecular biology, this article takes a different tack. Instead of exploring the way the book touched biologists such as James Watson and Francis Crick, as well as its critical reception by others such as Linus Pauling and Max Perutz, I argue that Schrodinger's classic is a timeless manifesto, rather than a dated historical curiosity. "What is Life?" is full of timely outlooks and approaches to understanding the mysterious living world that includes and surrounds us and can instead be viewed as a call to arms to tackle the great unanswered challenges in the study of living matter that remain for 21$^{st}$ century science.
Deriving column-integrated thermospheric temperature with the N 2 Lyman–Birge–Hopfield (2,0) band

Abstract. This paper presents a new technique to derive thermospheric temperature from space-based disk observations of far ultraviolet airglow. The technique, guided by findings from principal component analysis of synthetic daytime Lyman–Birge–Hopfield (LBH) disk emissions, uses a ratio of the emissions in two spectral channels that together span the LBH (2,0) band to determine the change in band shape with respect to a change in the rotational temperature of N2 . The two-channel-ratio approach limits representativeness and measurement error by only requiring measurement of the relative magnitudes between two spectral channels and not radiometrically calibrated intensities, simplifying the forward model from a full radiative transfer model to a vibrational–rotational band model. It is shown that the derived temperature should be interpreted as a column-integrated property as opposed to a temperature at a specified altitude without utilization of a priori information of the thermospheric temperature profile. The two-channel-ratio approach is demonstrated using NASA GOLD Level 1C disk emission data for the period of 2–8 November 2018 during which a moderate geomagnetic storm has occurred. Due to the lack of independent thermospheric temperature observations, the efficacy of the approach is validated through comparisons of the column-integrated temperature derived from GOLD Level 1C data with the GOLD Level 2 temperature product as well as temperatures from first principle and empirical models. The storm-time thermospheric response manifested in the column-integrated temperature is also shown to corroborate well with hemispherically integrated Joule heating rates, ESA SWARM mass density at 460 km, and GOLD Level 2 column O / N 2 ratio.
Patellar Sleeve Fracture

Patellar fractures in children are uncommon; however, sleeve fractures comprise the majority of such injuries, are unique to the pediatric and adolescent population, and are more common in boys. They are typically caused by a rapid contraction of the quadriceps muscle, while the knee is in a flexed position, often while jumping or during a fall. These injuries most commonly present with the acute onset of anterior knee pain, swelling, and difficulty straightening the leg. On exam, patients with patellar sleeve fractures typically have a limp, tenderness to palpation over the extensor mechanism, an effusion, and often an extensor lag. A high-riding patella and a palpable patellar gap may be present, as well. A lateral knee x-ray is helpful in making the diagnosis but can underestimate some injuries, so MRI or ultrasound should be utilized, if there is a high index of suspicion of patellar sleeve fracture. Minimally or nondisplaced fractures can be treated conservatively with casting, while displaced fractures require surgery.
Differentiation of Czech Countryside in Light of the OECD Typology

This study deals with the differentiation of Czech countryside in its relation to the delineation of countryside itself. Ongoing changes in the countryside bring about its increased differentiation. This trend also applies to Czech countryside, which can be characterized as highly differentiated. This implies a need to delineate countryside itself, as well as its individual types. The delineation of countryside is a long term focus of the OECD, whose methodology is employed in this study. Its scale, however, has been adjusted to the level of districts (LAU 1). This study attempts to shed some light on the existing differentiation and diversity of the Czech countryside. For the individual categories of the OECD typology, we observed selected socio-economic indicators (net migration, primary sector employment, educational structure and unemployment rate) and analyzed the differentiation of these characteristics across the sets of municipalities. The observation clearly indicates that small municipalities in rural regions display worse socio-economic characteristics. In terms of the selected indicators, the analysis also reveals a significant differentiation caused by the regions’ geographic position.
Radiation therapy at end of life in children.

Abstract Objective: Few data exist on evaluating utilization patterns of radiotherapy (RT) at the end of life (EOL) in children. Metastatic disease in pediatric patients is not pathognomonic for pa...
Tuning the spin Hamiltonian of Ni(C 2 H 8 N 2 ) 2 NO 2 ClO 4 by external pressure: A neutron-scattering study

We report an inelastic neutron scattering study of antiferromagnetic spin dynamics in the Haldane chain compound Ni(C2H8N2)2NO2ClO4 (NENP) under external hydrostatic pressure P = 2.5 GPa. At ambient pressure, the magnetic excitations in NENP are dominated by a long-lived triplet mode with a gap which is split by orthorhombic crystalline anisotropy into a lower doublet centered at $\Delta_\perp\approx$ 1.2meV and a singlet at $\Delta_\parallel\approx$ 2.5meV. With pressure we observe appreciable shifts in these levels, which move to $\Delta_\perp{(2.5GPa)}\approx$ 1.45 meV and $\Delta_\parallel(2.5GPa)\approx$ 2.2meV. The dispersion of these modes in the crystalline c-direction perpendicular to the chain was measured here for the first time, and can be accounted for by an interchain exchange J'_c approximately 3e-4*J which changes only slightly with pressure. Since the average gap value $\Delta_H\approx$ 1.64 meV remains almost unchanged with P, we conclude that in NENP the application of external pressure does not affect the intrachain coupling J appreciably, but does produce a significant decrease of the single-ion anisotropy constant from D/J = 0.16(2) at ambient pressure to D/J = 0.09(7) at P = 2.5 GPa.
The relationship between gender role stereotypes and requisite military leadership characteristics

The continuing emphasis on the need to utilize fully women's leadership skills in traditionally or predominantly male environments highlights the need for understanding gender stereotypes and leadership characteristics perceived to be associated with various jobs. This study essentially replicates Schein's research (1973, 1975) to determine the extent of gender stereotypes held by military students for military leadership positions. The results indicate (1) continued disparity in men's perceptions of the similarities between women and leaders, (2) support of previous findings that women recognize similarities between women and leaders, (3) senior military students possess stronger masculine gender role stereotypes of successful officers than do students with less than 1 year of service in the military academy, (4) greater experience with being led by female leaders did not affect men's masculine gender role stereotypes of successful leaders, and (5) successful female cadet leaders perceive successful officers as having characteristics commonly ascribed to both women and men. These results are interpreted in light of previous research on gender roles and leadership, and the practical implications for meeting organizational, and individual objectives for successful utilization of women in military leadership positions are discussed.
Low-power turbo equalizer architecture

In this paper, we propose a low complexity architecture for turbo equalizers. Turbo equalizers jointly equalize and decode the received signal by exchanging soft information iteratively. The proposed architecture employs early termination of the iterative process when it does not impact the bit-error rate (BER). Early termination enables the powering down parts of the soft-input soft-output (SISO) equalizer and decoder thereby saving power. Simulation results show that the complexity is reduced by 20% /spl sim/ 59% and 8% /spl sim/ 58% in equalization and decoding, respectively. In addition, the number of iterations is reduced by 30% /spl sim/ 47% with negligible degradation in BER.
Atherogenesis and Coronary Heart Disease

There are two major pathways by which atherosclerosis progresses: excess lipids in blood, which end up in atherosclerotic plaque, and inflammatory forces. Much recent research has demonstrated the association of chronic low-level inflammation (microinflammation) with both diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It appears that microinflammation is not only a result of these diseases but also exhibits “positive feedback,” causing the disease process to accelerate. This downward spiral has a slope that is modified by genetic architecture and environmental variables, and may prove difficult to interrupt or modify effectively, since the pathways involved represent not only pathophysiology but also normal homeostatic physiology. We currently have some medications that do seem to work to modify this process, such as aspirin and statins. The role of the environment is clearly important, but the role of genetic architecture is only now emerging. There is a need for more effective public health efforts in education and behavior modification, as well as economic and political approaches to arrest the burgeoning global epidemic of obesity. We already know that if the lipid burden is decreased, atherosclerosis will decrease. If we can understand the microinflammatory pathways in enough detail, and learn how to modify these activities, we may be able to decrease atherosclerosis through this mechanism as well, and also affect the development of the other chronic diseases of old age. By attacking both major arms we may finally be able to limit chronic progressive atherosclerosis, and possibly the other chronic diseases of old age as well. Keywords: diabetes; insulin resistance; inflammation; hemostasis; fibrinolysis; atherosclerosis; cardiovascular disease
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

This book is an introduction on artificial intelligence. Topics include reasoning under uncertainty, robot plans, language understanding, and learning. The history of the field as well as intellectual ties to related disciplines are presented.
Mixing times and e p bounds for oblivious routing

We study the task of uniformly minimizing all the ep norms of the vector of edge loads in an undirected graph while obliviously routing a multicommodity flow. Let G be an undirected graph having m edges and n vertices. Let the performance index π of an oblivious routing algorithm A (on G) be the supremum of its competitive ratios over all ep norms, where the adversarial adaptive routing scheme may vary both with norm and the set of demands. We give a expression in closed form for π (Harmonic) for a certain oblivious algorithm Harmonic that uses the "electrical flow". We show that π(Harmonic) = O(Tmix) where Tmix(G) is the mixing time of the canonical random walk on G and by O(√m). These results lead to O(log n) upper bounds on π(Harmonic) for expanders. We independently show that on N × M discrete tori where N ≤ M, π(Harmonic) = O(N). Lastly, we can handle a larger class of norms than ep, namely those norms that are invariant with respect to all permutations of the canonical basis vectors and reflections about any of them. Two novel aspects of our proofs are the use of interpolation theorems that relate different operator norms, and connections between discrete harmonic functions and random walks.
Advanced Visualization and Accessibility to Heterogeneous Monitoring Data

The proper management and visualization of data is crucial for the success of structural health monitoring (SHM). The article discusses how SHM is a promising tool for the better management of infrastructure. General principles for SHM data management are researched, established, and proposed by the authors, and an original solution for data management based on these principles is presented. The article discusses how data management is especially challenging when heterogeneous data are involved and combined with camera images. Various sensors based on different technologies can measure many parameters such as strain, tilt, weather, etc., whereas live cameras can visualize traffic response and all of the data streams can be registered both statically and dynamically. Data management is even more complex if multiple users access the data and have diverse backgrounds and interests (e.g., the owner/manager of the structure, operator, responsible engineer, and academic). The proposed principles were implemented in novel data management software and applied to a signature bridge for validation purposes. The article discusses how feedback from interested groups including managers, operators, engineers of record, and academics are used for validation.
Effect of Recutting and Plant Maturity on Kernel Passage and Feeding Value of Corn Silage

Abstract In each of two trials, 16 Holstein first-lactation cows were assigned to a Latin-square design for four, five-week feeding periods to compare the intake and milk production response when fed corn silages involving various plant maturities, as reflected by the following values for silage dry matter content and fineness of chopping—Trial I: 22%; 30%; 34% recut 5cm; and 46%, recut 5cm, and Trial II: 33%; 33%, recut 5cm and 2.5 cm; 40%; and 38%, recut 2.5cm. With silages of higher dry matter content, less silage (as-fed basis) was consumed, but more dry matter was consumed per 100kg of body weight. Recutting had no significant effect on silage dry matter intake. All silage treatments within trials supported milk production equally well. Steers were used to determine the digestibility of each silage, and kernel passage was determined. Plant maturity had no significant effect on total digestible nutrient or digestible energy of the dry matter of the silages. Recutting the plant before ensiling reduced the amount of kernel dry matter in the feces, but recutting had no significant effect on the total digestible nutrients or digestible energy values of the silages.
A theorem on the summation of return differences and some consequences

It is shown that the sum of the reciprocals of the return differences with respect to all network elements equals the nullity of the network. Some consequences of this theorem in relation to the summation of driving-point and transfer network immittances are discussed.
NMDA neuroprotection against a phosphatidylinositol‐3 kinase inhibitor, LY294002 by NR2B‐mediated suppression of glycogen synthase kinase‐3β‐induced apoptosis

To identify the intracellular signaling pathways that mediate the pro-survival activity of NMDA receptors (NMDARs), we studied effects of exogenous NMDA on cultured rat cortical and hippocampal neurons that were treated with a phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor, LY294002. NMDA at 5 or 10 microm protected against LY294002-induced apoptosis, suggesting NMDAR-mediated activation of a survival signaling pathway that is PI3K-independent. NR2B-specific NMDAR blockers antagonized anti-apoptotic effects of NMDA, indicating a critical role of NR2B NMDARs in the neuroprotection. NMDA at 10 microm suppressed LY294002-induced activation of a pro-apoptotic kinase, glycogen synthase kinase 3beta (GSK3beta). GSK3beta activation by LY294002 was associated with decreased levels of inhibitory GSK3beta phosphorylation at the Ser9 residue. However, NMDA did not prevent the LY294002-mediated decline of phospho-Ser9 levels. In addition, NMDA inhibited cortical neuron apoptosis induced by the overexpression of either wild type (wt) or Ser9Ala mutant form of GSK3beta, suggesting that NMDA suppressed GSK3beta in a Ser9-independent manner. Finally, inhibition of NR2B NMDARs reduced the NMDA protection against overexpression of GSK3betawt. These data indicate that moderate stimulation of NR2B NMDAR protects against inhibition of PI3K by a Ser9-independent inhibition of the pro-apoptotic activity of GSK3beta. Hence, the activation of NR2B and the Ser9-independent inhibition of GSK3beta are two newly identified elements of the signaling network that mediates the pro-survival effects of NMDA.
Mechanistic Model of Natural Killer Cell Proliferative Response to IL-15 Receptor Stimulation

Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes that provide early host defense against intracellular pathogens, such as viruses. Although NK cell development, homeostasis, and proliferation are regulated by IL-15, the influence of IL-15 receptor (IL-15R)-mediated signaling at the cellular level has not been quantitatively characterized. We developed a mathematical model to analyze the kinetic interactions that control the formation and localization of IL-15/IL-15R complexes. Our computational results demonstrated that IL-15/IL-15R complexes on the cell surface were a key determinant of the magnitude of the IL-15 proliferative signal and that IL-15R occupancy functioned as an effective surrogate measure of receptor signaling. Ligand binding and receptor internalization modulated IL-15R occupancy. Our work supports the hypothesis that the total number and duration of IL-15/IL-15R complexes on the cell surface crosses a quantitative threshold prior to the initiation of NK cell division. Furthermore, our model predicted that the upregulation of IL-15Rα on NK cells substantially increased IL-15R complex formation and accelerated the expansion of dividing NK cells with the greatest impact at low IL-15 concentrations. Model predictions of the threshold requirement for NK cell recruitment to the cell cycle and the subsequent exponential proliferation correlated well with experimental data. In summary, our modeling analysis provides quantitative insight into the regulation of NK cell proliferation at the receptor level and provides a framework for the development of IL-15 based immunotherapies to modulate NK cell proliferation.
P‐119: A Highly Precise Processes for Cathode Structure of CNT‐FEDs

In this work, the cathode structure of carbon nanotubes field emission display (CNT-FED) was fabricated by both the screen printing and photolithography processes. In order to get the precise cathode structure and lower processes cost (reducing one or two mask), bottom-exposure method based on existed CNT layer to be the mask, and then photo-sensitive dielectric paste was executed. Dielectric holes are made precisely directly over CNTs emitters, regardless of sintering shrinkage phenomenon and alignment deviation in the photolithography process. In this manuscript, 10″ normal triode structures are demonstrated.
Hard and Soft Commitments to Human Rights Treaties, 1966–20001

What factors determine whether and how deeply countries will commit to the international human rights regime? Using data for up to 142 countries between 1966 and 2000, this article analyzes patterns of membership to the International Human Rights Covenants. The analysis produced two main conclusions. First, the potential costs associated with joining a treaty, rather than its substantive content, motivates the decision to join. Treaties that protect different rights but establish comparable implementation mechanisms exhibit similar patterns of membership, whereas treaties that protect identical rights but establish different implementation provisions exhibit dissimilar patterns of membership. Second, rates of treaty membership differ by level of commitment. Countries that sign human rights treaties differ from countries that ratify. Results are interpreted with respect to four theories of commitment and compliance: realism, liberalism, constructivism, and sociological institutionalism. Theories that emphasize the importance of a treaty 's costs (realism and institutionalism) fare better than theories that prioritize a treaty's content (liberalism and constructivism).
Loyalty Lost: Catholics, Liberals, and the Culture Wars

Although the influx of religiously committed evangelical Christians to the Republican Party has dominated both the popular press and the scholarly literature, a similarly stunning shift has occurred among American Catholics. This article addresses the causes and effects of that shift by focusing on how the American Left covered Catholicism in its publications. Content analyses of The Nation, In These Times, and Mother Jones indicate that although the American Left was largely positive toward Catholicism during the late 1970s and 1980s, by the 1990s the religious frames changed. As the religious right rose in prominence and power, the American Left altered its perspective of Catholics and conflated its political values with those of the religious right. This shift among “elite” opinion leaders in the press reflected and may have exacerbated partisan shifts already underway within the general public.
Religiosity as a Determinant of Physical Activity: The Case of Judaism

Americans are not engaged in physical activity (PA) at recommended levels for quantity and quality. Research into methods for counteracting this phenomenon is variously rooted; one approach seeks determinants of PA toward identifying factors that facilitate or hinder PA. Identification of determinants provides a useful lens for affecting change through targeted interventions. However, the research consistently demonstrates a multi-factorial basis for determining PA with much variance left unexplained. This paper proposes religionfreligiosity as another or alternative determinant for understanding PA patterns and uses the religion of Judaism as a vehicle for understanding such a relationship. The paper is organized into three major sections: review of previously investigated determinants, argumentation for religion as a determinant, and a limited but focused agenda for beginning study of religion and PA with attention to methodological concerns.
Sustainable current generation from the ammonia–polypyrrole interaction

Although current production in response to a polypyrrole (PPy) surface interaction with ammonia has been exploited in different sensor configurations, the origin of current generation has yet to be characterized. One of the standing issues critical to the use of this PPy–ammonia current generation is the limited lifetime of the PPy in the presence of ammonia. Our investigations into a possible mechanism for this reaction and experimental results indicate that this current generation is significantly more sustainable in the presence of a reactive oxygen species. Increase in lifetime (up to 50 fold) for such current generation has allowed an investigation of the reaction at different ammonia concentrations and pHs. Such experimentation allows the further contemplation of the use of ammonia as a possible fuel in a room temperature and ambient pressure fuel cell without an anodic precious metal catalyst.
A novel, associative process modulating photic resetting of the circadian clock

Appropriate timing of physiological and behavioral processes requires that the circadian clock be reset daily by salient cues in the environment, particularly light. It is known that the ability of light to reset the clock depends both on its intensity and on the circadian time when it is applied (Daan and Pittendrigh, 1976; Moore-Ede et al., 1982). Here we show that the ability of a weak light stimulus to reset the clock is dramatically enhanced when it is presented daily at the same circadian time. Equivalent daily presentations of this light stimulus, but at different circadian times each day, do not lead to such enhancement. These findings suggest that the ability of light to reset the clock can be modified through a novel, and previously unrecognized, conditioning-like associative process in which circadian time serves as the conditioned stimulus and light as the unconditioned stimulus. The idea that circadian time can serve as a conditioned stimulus to modulate the effectiveness of light provides a new perspective on the lasting impact that light schedules have on the circadian clock and, thus, may have implications for existing models of photic entrainment (Pittendrigh and Daan, 1976; Moore-Ede et al., 1982).
Success of an Infection Control Program to Reduce the Spread of Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae

Objective. To assess the effect of enhanced infection control measures with screening for gastrointestinal colonization on limiting the spread of carbapenem‐resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in a New York City hospital endemic for this pathogen. Design. Retrospective observational study with pre‐ and postinterventional phases. Methods. Beginning in 2006, a comprehensive infection control program was instituted in a 10‐bed medical and surgical intensive care unit at a university‐based medical center. In addition to being placed in contact isolation, all patients colonized or infected with carbapenem‐resistant gram‐negative bacilli, vancomycin‐resistant Enterococcus, or methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus were cohorted to one end of the unit. Improved decontamination of hands and environmental surfaces was encouraged. In addition, routine rectal surveillance cultures were screened for the presence of carbapenem‐resistant pathogens. The number of patients per quarter with clinical cultures positive for...
The analytical control of the cationic aggregation in chromium complexes

Electrophoretic assay is proposed as a control method for the cationic aggregation in chromium complexes. The experimental agreement between the physico-chemical characteristics of the non-dialyzable fraction, and the absence of electrophoretic mobility, indicate the validity of this approach. Furthermore, the experimental experience in animal distribution studies corroborates the usefulness of the method.
I/O Decoupling in High Speed Packages Using Embedded Planar Capacitors

Embedded passives are gaining in importance due to the reduction in size of consumer electronic products. Embedded passives are gradually replacing discretes due to the miniaturization of electronic products. Integration of these passives within the package increases the real estate for active components. This would increase the functionality of the system. Among the passives, capacitors pose the biggest challenge due to the large capacitance required for decoupling high performance circuits. This paper will highlight the performance of DuPont's planar embedded capacitor laminates in organic packages to provide I/O decoupling for active circuits.
Immunization of mice with irradiated Trypanosoma cruzi grown in cell culture: relation of numbers of parasites, immunizing injections, and route of immunization to resistance.

Abstract Mice were given 5 or 8 weekly injectins of either 2·0 × 10 6 or 20·0 × 10 6 irradiated T. cruzi from cell culture (ratio of trypomastigotes to amastigotes, 1 : 1) via the intraperitoneal route or via the subcutaneous route and challenged via the subcutaneous route one week after the last injection with 5·0 × 10 4 T. cruzi in mouse blood. The irradiated parasites used were not capable of producing infections in either Vero cell cultures or C 3 H mice. Mice receiving irradiated parasites were significantly protected against the challenge infection as evidenced by significantly lower mean parasitemia, lessened signs of acute disease, and reduced mortality than that observed in untreated controls. Mice receiving 5 weekly immunizing injections of irradiated parasites were more resistant to challenge than those receiving 3 in previous work. Mice receiving 8 weekly immunizing injections were not significantly more protected against challenge than those receiving 5. Mice given 5 weekly injections of 20·0 × 10 6 irradiated parasites were significantly more resistant to challenge than those receiving 2·0 × 10 6 irradiated parasites on the same schedule. Mice given 5 weekly intraperitoneal injections of 20·0 × 10 6 irradiated parasites were significantly more resistant to challenge than those receiving an equivalent number of immunizing injections via the subcutaneous route.
Trends in dermatoglyphic research

A brief update of recent developments and trends in dermatoglyphic research is presented, based on a 1980–87 literature review. The discussed topics include anthropological, genetic, medical and developmental studies of the epidermal ridge patterns and flexion creases, including dermatoglyphic variability, new methodological and classification approaches, studies of nonhuman primates and of other experimental animals. Rather than an exhaustive survey of the existing literature, the purpose of this communication is to point out specific accomplishments, novel approaches, and emerging trends in various fields of dermatoglyphic research.
Selective chemical inactivation of AAA proteins reveals distinct functions of proteasomal ATPases

Abstract Background: The 26S proteasome contains six highly related ATPases of the AAA family. We have developed a strategy that allows selective inhibition of individual proteasomal ATPases in the intact proteasome. Mutation of a threonine in the active site of Sug1/Rpt6 or Sug2/Rpt4 to a cysteine sensitizes these proteins to inactivation through alkylation by the sulfhydryl modifying agent NEM. Using this technique the individual contributions of Sug1 and Sug2 to proteasome function can be assessed. Results: We show that both Sug1 and Sug2 can be selectively alkylated by NEM in the context of the intact 26S complex and as predicted by structural modeling, this inactivates the ATPase function. Using this technique we demonstrate that both Sug 1 and 2 are required for full peptidase activity of the proteasome and that their functions are not redundant. Kinetic analysis suggests that Sug2 may have an important role in maintaining the interaction between the 19S regulatory complex and the 20S proteasome. In contrast, inhibition of Sug1 apparently decreases peptidase activity of the 26S proteasome by another mechanism. Conclusions: These results describe a useful technique for the selective inactivation of AAA proteins. In addition, they also demonstrate that the functions of two related proteasomal AAA proteins are not redundant, suggesting differential roles of proteasomal AAA proteins in protein degradation.
Hydroperoxide formation in soybean seeds during storage

‘Forrest’ soybeans were stored for two yearsand the extracted lipids were assayed for hydroperoxide content. The crude lipid was separated by high- performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and three hydroperoxide peaks plus the triglyceride peak were measured every two months. There was a lag in hydroperoxide production for the first nine months followed by a steady increase for the remaining twenty- two months. This method of measuring changes in lipid oxidation should be useful for monitoring seed changes in germination and vigor during storage.
Renal tubular interactions of proteins

One of the functions of the kidney is to reclaim amino acids from filtered proteins, but under certain pathologic conditions the kidney can be affected by these filtered proteins. Low molecular weight proteins and larger polypeptides are filtered into Bowman's space and reabsorbed by the tubules, hydrolyzed by the lysosomes to amino acids, and these amino acids are reused in other proteins. This reclamation process is accelerated when the tubules are presented with large amounts of protein, such as in the nephrotic syndrome, and the kidney takes up a lesser percentage of the protein as the filtered load increases. The fraction escaping reabsorption appears in final urine, and observations of increased protein excretion are termed “proteinuria”. Recently, it has become clear that the filtration of proteins such as Bence-Jones or myoglobin, which occurs in pathologic conditions such as myeloma or crush injury, can result in the interaction of these molecules with tubular structures. This interaction can drastically alter the normal physiology of tubular cells and possibly cause acute renal failure. Our current explanation for the nephrotoxic effect of these proteins involves a change in the ionic form of proteins with isoelectric points (near pH 7) as they pass along the nephron. This change in form is related to the pH gradient along the tubule. The more acidic the tubular fluid, the more cationic the filtered protein. Proof of this hypothesis has been partially derived from experiments in which human Bence-Jones proteins were infused into rats. Those proteins with a lower isoelectric point (more polyanionic) caused less change in renal function than did those with higher isoelectric points (more polycationic). These last observations can be translated into patient prognosis. Those patients producing Bence-Jones of higher isoelectric point probably have a greater risk of renal failure than those who produce one of a more polyanionic nature. In addition, it can be speculated that treatment of a hemolytic transfusion reaction with mannitol and alkalinization of the patient prevents renal failure by dilution of the pathologic protein and also by changing its polyionic character.
Stability Aspects of Gas Bubbles in Slug Flow

In a microgravity gas-liquid flow, the greater importance of surface tension relative to body forces considerably enlarges the region of parameter space in which slug flow is encountered. This paper describes numerical simulations which focus on two aspects of the stability of this type of flow. The first one is the stability of a periodic system of axisymmetric bubbles as their mutual distance is reduced. It is found that, below a certain minimum distance dependent on the parameters of the problem, consecutive bubbles tend to merge thus triggering a transition to annular flow. The second problem concerns the stability of axisymmetric flow with respect to non-axisymmetric disturbances. To study this problem, a linear stability analysis is carried out by means of a domain perturbation approach based on a numerically computed axisymmetric base state. The perturbation equations are solved numerically on the assumption of an exponential time dependence of the perturbation quantities. The numerical method used for both problems is based on a fixed-grid, front-tracking method in which the interface is tracked by means of Lagrangian marker points.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Measurement of serum ferritin by a 2-site immunoradiometric assay

Abstract A 2-site immunoradiometric assay (2-site IRMA) for human serum ferritin is carried out by reaction of the ferritin solution with a solid-phase anti(human ferritin), followed by a second reaction in which the insoluble product is incubated with purified, radioactively labeled anti(human ferritin). Unreacted labeled antibodies remain in solution and are washed away. As the amount of ferritin increases, the radioactivity in the solid-phase increases. Factors affecting the assay were evaluated including (a) concentration and stability of solid-phase antibody, (b) variation in temperature, reaction times, and reagent concentrations, (c) stability and storage of antibody coated tubes, (d) effect of tube washing cycles, (e) effect of serum proteins and anticoagulants, (f) organ specificity of ferritin. A paradoxical fall in dose-response was seen at high dose. Statistical analysis, dose interpolation, and automatic data processing were carried out by a generalization of the logit/log method and computer programs used in conventional radioimmunoassay. The dependence of the variance on the position on the dose-response curve is different than that seen in radioimmunoassay systems and is reflected in a greater effective assay range. 2-Site IRMA may also have advantages in reagent stability, specificity, antigen protection, and suitability for automation. The properties of 2-site IRMA are closely related to the usual IRMA assay system, but 2-site IRMA is more economical in antigen, is unlikely to be subject to deleterious allosteric reactions, and has a lower zero dose-response (0.5–2% of the total radioactivity in the system).
Role of Subunits in the Ribosome Cycle

In this article Dr Davis reviews recent developments in the search for the precise nature of the cycle of ribosomes in protein synthesis.
Abnormal Frontal Plane Knee Mechanics During Sidestep Cutting in Female Soccer Athletes After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction and Return to Sport

Background:Athletes who have undergone anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) have a high risk of reinjury upon the return to sports participation. While the mechanisms behind this increased risk of reinjury are unknown, it has been suggested that altered knee biomechanics during sports-specific activities may be a contributing factor.Purpose/Hypothesis:To compare frontal plane knee joint angles and moments during a sidestep cutting maneuver in female soccer athletes who have undergone ACLR with those in athletes with no history of knee injury. It was hypothesized that athletes with a history of ACLR would exhibit increased knee abduction angles and knee adductor moments compared with those with no history of injury.Study Design:Controlled laboratory study.Methods:Twelve female soccer players with a history of ACLR served as the experimental group, and 12 female soccer players with no history of knee injury constituted the control group. Three-dimensional kinematics and ground-reaction forces we...
Effect of Low Frequency Electromagnetic Field on Microstructures and Macro-Segregation of Direct Chill Casting Al-19.2%Si Alloys

The influences of low frequency electromagnetic field on microstructures and macro-segregation in direct chill casting process were investigated in the experiments，Al-19.2%Si alloys were semi-continuously cast into ingots with 100 mm in diameter. Microstructures and macrostructures of samples taken from different part of the cast with different electromagnetic field conditions were characterized by optical microscopy. The results showed that low frequency electromagnetic field refines the microstructures and reduces macro-segregation. Unlike casting without electromagnetic field, the primary Si grains were homogeneous with fine dimensions and the morphology of the primary silicon exhibited small blocky structures or near-spherical structures. Further more, decreasing frequency is beneficial to the improvement. In the range conditions in the experiments, the optimum frequency is found to be 15Hz. During casting, the temperature of the liquid metal in the sump was monitored. The results shown, under LFEC the width of the liquid-solid region became narrowed and the temperature field in the sump also became homogeneous.
Semi-automated characterization of the γ′ phase in Ni-based superalloys via high-resolution backscatter imaging

Abstract The size distribution and volume fraction of the γ ′ phase in Ni-based superalloys plays a critical role in microstructural evolution and mechanical properties. Automated analysis of images is often desired for rapid quantitative characterization of these microstructures. Backscatter electron imaging of specimens in which the γ ′ phase has been selectively etched yields images that can be more readily segmented with image processing algorithms than other imaging techniques. Utilization of this combination of sample preparation and imaging technique allows for the rapid collection of microstructural data.
The immunobiology of cancer immunosurveillance and immunoediting

The last fifteen years have seen a reemergence of interest in cancer immunosurveillance and a broadening of this concept into one termed cancer immunoediting. The latter, supported by strong experimental data derived from murine tumor models and provocative correlative data obtained by studying human cancer, holds that the immune system not only protects the host against development of primary nonviral cancers but also sculpts tumor immunogenicity. Cancer immunoediting is a process consisting of three phases: elimination (i.e., cancer immunosurveillance), equilibrium, and escape. Herein, we summarize the data supporting the existence of each of the three cancer immunoediting phases. The full understanding of the immunobiology of cancer immunosurveillance and immunoediting will hopefully stimulate development of more effective immunotherapeutic approaches to control and/or eliminate human cancers.