cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High consequence infectious diseases training using interprofessional simulation and TeamSTEPPS.

Background The comfort level of health care workers to respond to an infectious disease outbreak or epidemic is likely directly related to the amount of education, training, and experience they have in responding to these events. Methods A quasi-experimental study evaluated health care workers’ state anxiety, self-efficacy, and interprofessional teamwork when working with patients simulated to have a potentially high consequence infectious disease. Results Pretest-posttest 1 scores revealed a significant decrease in state anxiety (P Conclusions Simulation exercises are an effective strategy to increase self-efficacy and decrease state anxiety for health care workers. Positive teamwork scores indicate that the subjects value interprofessional teamwork.
A Novel Nanoscale Electrode for Biosensing

Nanoscale electrodes are becoming increasingly popular in Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy (SECM) due to their unique inherent properties. However, their preparation with current methods is laborious and not cost-effective, hindering the effective use of SECM in nanoscale detection and imaging. We have developed a novel and cost-effective nanoscale SECM electrode preparation method with electrochemically grown gold nanowires. Our method allows simple diameter tuning of nanowires and their direct interfacing with tungsten wires, enabling facile electrode preparation. The method is very cost-efficient as salt solutions of target noble metals are used in growing nanowires directly from tapered tungsten wires. The selective detection of target molecule is achieved by attaching DNA aptamers on the electrode surface. DNA aptamers are terminated with Methylene Blue redox molecules and an electronic signal is recorded with standard voltammetry due to target induced conformal change in the aptamers. The aptamer-based nanowire electrodes were successfully utilized in the detection of picomolar concentration ATP molecules.
Formal Pulmonary Rehabilitation after Lung Transplantation Improves Six Minute Walk Distance

Purpose We hypothesized that an intensive PR program after LT would improve 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) more than a conventional PR program. Methods 78 consecutive LT recipients who survived >90 days were included. The intensive group (n=48) was prescribed supervised PR 5 days/wk for 10 wks. The conventional group (n=30) was prescribed supervised PR 3 days/wk for 8 wks with additional self-exercise on non-PR days for a total of 10 wks. Both groups completed 6MWD, Patient Health Questionnare-9 (PHQ-9), and Rating of Perceived Dyspnea (RPD) assessments on their initial and final visits. The primary outcome was change in 6MWD. Secondary outcomes were days required to achieve 30 min of continuous exercise and changes in PHQ-9 and RPD scores. Changes in 6MWD, PHQ-9, and RPD were assessed by paired Wilcoxon signed rank testing. Multivariable linear regression was used to control for age, type of LT, indication, and lung allocation score (LAS). Results The intensive PR group completed 42 supervised visits while the conventional group completed 24 supervised and 12 unmonitored visits (p Conclusion Formal PR after LT significantly improved 6MWD, PHQ-9, and RPD scores. Intensive PR achieved a clinically significantly greater improvement in 6MWD and required fewer PR visits to achieve 30 min of continuous exercise.
Optical Fiber-Based Level Sensor for High Temperature Applications

The novel optical fiber-based level sensing probe previously developed by Weathered was optimized to operate at higher temperatures and modified to measure local flow rates. The probe was submerged into a molten salt pool and a heating element run along the length of the probe was used to create a distinct temperature profile at the fluid-gas interface. An optical fiber was run in parallel which utilized optical frequency domain reflectometry to measure the temperature along the length of the probe at fine increments providing a quasi-continuous temperature profile. A numeric model was created in ANSYS to determine the optimal level sensor design. Three unique designs were then created and compared against one another to verify performance. A new level determining algorithm was generated in an attempt to increase the robustness of the sensor. With the optimal design and newly developed algorithm, the new level sensor was successfully tested up to 750 °C with an accuracy of ±1.5 mm and a response time of 3.0 ± 1.2 s and 7.5 ± 3.5 s for increasing and decreasing fluid levels, respectively. Additionally, the optimized level sensor was also tested under dynamic fluid level conditions to analyze the level sensors capability to measure fluid velocity. The velocity measurement capabilities were successfully tested in temperatures up to 750 °C with fluid velocities of 0.2 cm/s and 0.1 cm/s for increasing and decreasing fluid levels, respectively.
Chapter 10 – Degraded DNA

Publisher Summary DNA may be damaged or destroyed by adverse environmental conditions. Environmental exposure degrades DNA molecules by randomly breaking them into smaller pieces. Enemies to the survival of intact DNA molecules include water, oxygen, ultra violent irradiation, and enzymes called nucleases that chew up DNA. These conditions are ubiquitous in nature and can result in fragmented DNA depending on the specific environmental situation of a biological sample. The more degraded a DNA sample becomes, the more breaks occur in the template and fewer and fewer DNA molecules contain the full length needed for PCR amplification. An ethidium–bromide stained agarose “yield gel” is run to evaluate the quality of a DNA sample. Short tandem repeat (STR) loci can be amplified with fairly small product sizes; there is a greater chance for the STR primers to find some intact DNA strands for amplification. In addition, the narrow size range of STR alleles benefits analysis of degraded DNA samples because allele dropout via preferential amplification of the smaller allele is less likely to occur since both alleles in a heterozygous individual are similar in size.
Human Rights before and after COVID-19: Getting Human Rights Education out of Quarantine.

This article explores the way in which the Covid-19 pandemic has worsened human rights conditions across the globe, particularly around the rise of authoritarianism, erosion of democracy, increase in hate crimes and racism, and deepening of economic inequality. We then advocate for the possibilities and significance of human rights education as a core component of every student’s learning experience and provide suggestions and specific resources for teaching human rights during and after the Covid-19 pandemic.
The impact of co-surgeons on complication rates and healthcare cost in patients undergoing microsurgical breast reconstruction: analysis of 8680 patients.

The use of two operating microsurgeons has been shown to improve the efficiency and reduce the operative duration of microsurgical breast reconstruction (MSBR). However, the impact of this practice on healthcare cost has not been previously assessed. The goal of this study is to query a national claims database to assess complication rates and overall cost in patients undergoing MSBR using co-surgeon (CS) vs. single-surgeon (SS) approach. The study cohort, extracted from the MarketScan database, included all female patients who underwent MSBR between 2010 and 2017. Our primary outcome measure was the difference in total healthcare cost between the two operative groups while differences in complication rates were secondary outcome measures. We identified a total of 8680 patients, out of whom 7531 (87%) underwent MSBR with a SS and 1149 (13%) had a CS. Over the study period, the annual incidence rate of MSBR cases using CS increased from 7.2% in 2010 to 23.3% in 2017 (p < 0.001). Following propensity score matching, complications, emergency room visits, readmissions, and reoperations were all similar between the CS and SS groups. The median total healthcare cost was higher for the CS group [US $76,227 (IQR $67,879) vs. $61,340 (IQR $54,318); p < 0.0001], Use of the CS approach in MSBR has become increasingly prevalent over time. Analyses of a national claims database suggested that the use of CS is a safe option for patients undergoing MSBR. Further research is needed to optimize CS utilization from a costs and outcomes perspective.
A unique case of Rhizopus oryzae brain abscess treated with intracavitary amphotericin.

Here we present a case of a poorly controlled diabetic who developed extensive rhinocerebral mucormycosis. Systemic and intrathecal amphotericin were not able to improve his life threatening infect...
Conversion of Digital Dentures for Immediate Loading of Complete Arch Implant Prostheses

The development and expanded use of digital dentures has led to their use in the immediate loading of complete arch implant prostheses. This paper reviews the prosthetic complications that can occur with immediately loaded conversion prostheses along with the advantages afforded by digital dentures in minimizing or eliminating these complications. The process of using digital dentures in the fabrication of conversion dentures for immediate loading of complete arch implant prostheses is presented as well as the use of digital dentures for definitive prostheses. The described procedures include methods of obtaining clinical records, the fabrication of conversion dentures, the immediate loading procedure using a conversion prosthesis, and use of a conversion denture in the fabrication of a definitive prosthesis.
Increasing Pedestrian Safety and Security Management Using Internet of Things (IOT) Application

Pedestrian safety has become an inherent problem all over the world. This work provides a unique framework for pedestrian safety using the Internet of Things. It aims to provide an IoT built motion-sensing system that ensures the safety of the pedestrians by providing smart notifications on their mobile devices of incoming vehicles as well as LED systems that notify vehicles of passing pedestrians. The system also includes location tracking, and other emergency security services (like emergency push buttons) that can be used by pedestrians as well as all other person in the vicinity. Various patterns were observed that helped identify the key elements to ensuring pedestrian safety that have been incorporated into this proposed solution. The proposed solution is highly efficient, cost effective and can be easily integrated into the current traffic management system. The key technologies used to build this component include the Internet of Things, Cloud Services, RESTful web services, and IFTTT web services. If incorporated into the current traffic management system, it can lead to enhancement in pedestrian safety, lower accident rates, and general safer traffic handling.
Bob Beall at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

Bob Beall is the Chief Executive Officer of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation ("CFF"). CFF is an extremely successful organization, but Beall has to determine how to manage the organization through the financial crisis of 2008/2009. In this situation, donations are likely to decline, investment surplus has declined and biotech partners are challenged to finance joint projects as well as their own operations. Beall is striving to find a cure for cystic fibrosis while also determining what priorities he must emphasize and what trade-off decisions he must make in managing through the current period. He is preparing for a meeting with his board of trustees where he plans to discuss the current situation and the key decisions the organization needs to make.
Regulation in Vertically-Related Industries: Myths, Facts, and Policy

This paper explains why conclusions that appear to be “facts” can truly be “myths” in industries like today’s telecommunications industry, where key suppliers operate in multiple vertical stages of production. The paper explains, for example, why an entrant’s decision to make or buy critical production inputs may be largely insensitive to the price of these inputs. It also reviews why a vertically-integrated producer (VIP) may prefer to assist, rather than disadvantage, retail rivals, and why a VIP may be disadvantaging rivals even when it provides them with the same wholesale service quality that it provides to its own retail affiliate.
Alden v. Maine: A New Genre of Federalism Shifts the Balance of Power

Copyright C 2001 California Law Review, Inc. California Law Review, Inc. (CLR) is a California nonprofit corporation. CLR and the authors are solely responsible for the content of their publications. t J.D. Candidate, School of Law, University of California, Berkeley (Boalt Hall), 2001; B.A., University of California, Berkeley, 1995. I would like to thank Jesse Choper, Earl Warren Professor of Public Law, School of Law, University of California, Berkeley (Boalt Hall) for his insightful comments and valuable revisions, Marina Hsieh, Assistant Professor of Law at the University of Maryland, for her inspiration and encouragement, and Alan Brownstein, Professor of Law at the University of California at Davis, for introducing me to the wonders of constitutional law. In addition, I thank the editors and staff of the California Law Review for their valuable comments and suggested improvements to this Case Note. For encouraging me through all of my endeavors, I thank my parents, Dave and Lisa. Above all, I thank my wife, Staci, without whose love, encouragement, and support this Case Note, and indeed my journey through law school, would not have been possible. 1. 3 WILLIAM BLACKSTONE, COMMENTARIES *23. 2. 527 U.S. 706 (1999).
SI 2P AND 2S RESONANT EXCITATION AND PHOTOIONIZATION IN SIF[SUB]4

We present partial-cross-section results for Si 2p and valence photoionization of ${\mathrm{SiF}}_{4}$ for photon energies in the vicinity of the Si 2p and 2s thresholds. The continuum shape resonances decay only to the Si 2p main line, in accordance with one-electron theory predictions. The Si ${L}_{2}$,3VV Auger spectrum was also measured, and was found to agree with earlier work. We propose that variations in hole-interaction energies are important in assigning the Auger final states. For the Si 2p discrete excitations, spectra obtained on the ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}^{\mathrm{*}}$(${a}_{1}$) resonances compare well with previous qualitative results and the above-threshold Si ${L}_{2}$,3VV Auger spectrum. Our results help to quantify the relative enhancement of satellites and main lines, emphasizing the dominance of spectator decay. Spectra obtained at several higher-energy Si 2p and Si 2s excitations also generally support spectator decay as an important mode of relaxation for these discrete states. The overall assignment of the Si 2p and 2s discrete excitations to molecular-orbital and Rydberg transitions is discussed.
Isoprene emissions and impacts over an ecological transition region in the U.S. Upper Midwest inferred from tall tower measurements

We present 1 year of in situ proton transfer reaction mass spectrometer (PTR-MS) measurements of isoprene and its oxidation products methyl vinyl ketone (MVK) and methacrolein (MACR) from a 244 m tall tower in the U.S. Upper Midwest, located at an ecological transition between isoprene-emitting deciduous forest and predominantly non-isoprene-emitting agricultural landscapes. We find that anthropogenic interferences (or anthropogenic isoprene) contribute on average 22% of the PTR-MS m/z 69 signal during summer daytime, whereas MVK + MACR interferences (m/z 71) are minor (7%). After removing these interferences, the observed isoprene and MVK + MACR abundances show pronounced seasonal cycles, reaching summertime maxima of >2500 pptv (1 h mean). The tall tower is impacted both by nearby and more distant regional isoprene sources, with daytime enhancements of isoprene (but little MVK + MACR) under southwest winds and enhancements of MVK + MACR (but little isoprene) at other times. We find that the GEOS-Chem atmospheric model with the MEGANv2.1 (Model of Emissions of Gases and Aerosols from Nature version 2.1) biogenic inventory can reproduce the isoprene observations to within model uncertainty given improved land cover and temperature estimates. However, a 60% low model bias in MVK + MACR cannot be resolved, even across diverse model assumptions for NOx emissions, chemistry, atmospheric mixing, dry deposition, land cover, and potential measurement interferences. This implies that, while isoprene emissions in the immediate vicinity of the tall tower are adequately captured, they are underestimated across the broader region. We show that this region experiences a strong seasonal shift between VOC-limited chemistry during the spring and fall and NOx-limited or transitional chemistry during the summer, driven by the spatiotemporal distribution of isoprene emissions. Isoprene's role in causing these chemical shifts is likely underestimated due to the underprediction of its regional emissions.
Desert Environments: Biological Soil Crusts

Structure, Development, Composition, and Diversity Functional Aspects and Biogeochemistry Environmental Impact and Conservation Efforts Keywords: desert environments; extreme environments; soil crusts, biological; soils
Fast Effective Deterministic Primality Test Using CUDA/GPGPU

There are great interests in understanding the manner by which the prime numbers are distributed throughout the integers. Prime numbers are being used in secret codes for more than 60 years now. Computer security authorities use extremely large prime numbers when they devise cryptographs, like RSA (short for Rivest, Shamir, and Adleman) algorithm, for protecting vital information that is transmitted between computers. There are many primality testing algorithms including mathematical models and computer programs. However, they are very time consuming when the given number n is very big or n→∞. In this paper, we propose a novel parallel computing model based on a deterministic algorithm using central processing unit (CPU) / general-purpose graphics processing unit (GPGPU) systems, which determines whether an input number is prime or composite much faster. We develop and implement the proposed algorithm using a system with an 8-core CPU and a 448-core GPGPU. Experimental results indicate that up to 94.35x speedup can be achieved for 21-digit decimal numbers.
Frameworks and methods in diagnosing autism spectrum disorders

Recent issues and research addressing conceptualizations of diagnostic frameworks for autism spectrum disorders are discussed. Strengths of current systems, including comparability across international criteria, attention to developmental variation, and broader inclusion of individuals with social-communicative dysfunction are highlighted. Controversial issues, including difficulties in identifying thresholds for pervasive developmental disorders other than autism, implications of age of onset, and the appropriateness of diagnostic hierarchies, are also considered. Specific instruments for diagnosis are discussed in terms of current conceptualizations of autism spectrum disorders. MRDD Research Reviews 1998;4:90–96. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Communicating Nature: Wild Animals in the Living Room

ABSTRACTThis research is an examination of the relationship between representations of nonhuman species in nature-oriented television programs and films and viewer perceptions of those species. Of particular interest were the relationships between the message strategies used to tell the stories of the lives of other species (e.g., action orientation, use of high visibility sources, personification, demonstrations of similarity, and so forth) and the perceptions of those species. Focus group discussions of four video presentations revealed four types of message/communication strategies: (1) credibility of the narrator and/or featured humans, (2) emphasis on similarity of the species to humans, (3) degree of personification of the species, and (4) juxtaposition of elements and arguments. The impact of these message/communication strategies on participant perceptions is discussed, and several recommendations for the structure and critical assessment of media portrayals of nonhuman species are offered.
Particle diffusion in degenerate, ionized gases

A perturbation treatment is used to find the distribution functions from the Boltzmann transport equation for a two-component ionized, degenerate gas. General expressions are found for the diffusion coefficient and relative diffusion velocity. Tables are given for specific values of spin and mass ratio.
THE GROWTH OF THE FEDERAL DEFICIT AND THE ROLE OF PUBLIC ATTITUDES

How can the recent explosion in the fiscal deficit of the United States be reconciled with the well-known support of the American public for fiscal conservatism? It is first shown that the reputation for fiscal conservatism is fully supported by public opinion polls dating back over a period of four decades. Solid majorities have consistently opposed tax reductions that might produce an unbalanced budget. Recently, however, the public has also shown strong opposition to increases in taxes to close the fiscal gap, which might appear to imply a new acquiescence to the deficit. But this opposition, too, is shown to have persisted for a long time and to be not logically inconsistent with rejecting tax cuts resulting in deficit. Another fashionable explanation for the deficit holds that the budget process in a democratic society is biased toward deficit because the cost of higher taxes is immediate while the cost of deficit is delayed. But it is inconsistent with the fiscal history of the United States over the last 100 years, which reveals no systematic bias toward deficits, at least until recent years. The major explanation that emerges is that the administration succeeded in misleading the public (and perhaps even itself) into believing that the tax cut would not result in deficit thanks to "supply" and "Laffer curve" effects.
Spectral stabilization of amplified pulses from synchronously-pumped dye laser systems☆

Abstract We demonstrate an effective scheme for passively stabilizing the single shot spectrum of the amplified pulses from a synchronously pumped dye laser system. This scheme is easy to implement and inexpensive. Data from resonant and nonresonant coherent transient experiments are shown to illustrate its effectiveness.
Mechanisms Of Laser Damage To Optical Components

A description is presented of the degradations in optical performance which result when optical components are exposed to intense CW or pulse laser beams. The intensities which cause either catastrophic or non catastrophic failure are discussed. Finally, some remedies to minimize performance degradation and maximize component life are given.
Sequential biochemical alteration to antifolate resistance in L1210 leukaemia.

ANTIFOLATE resistant, transplantable, murine tumours are most often characterized by a single change involving either the transport of drug1 or the level of dihydrofolate reductase2–5. This is understandable if one accepts the idea that multiple genetic events leading to an involvement of more than one physiological site rarely occur simultaneously. In two cases, where both physiological properties were altered6,7, the development of resistance probably occurred in a step-wise manner8. We have demonstrated this type of sequential alteration in resistance at both the physiological and cytogenetic level during repeated transplantation of a subline of L1210 leukaemia.
Thermodynamic and elastic properties of a many-body model for simple oxides

Many-body effects in the binding energy of oxides can be incorporated efficiently in empirical Hamiltonians by including terms that describe the response of the ionic charge density to the crystalline environment. It is assumed that the effect of the ionic response on interionic interactions is completely characterized by the dependence of the ionic radius on the crystal field, which in turn is given by the positions of all the ions in the system. The model is particularly suitable for oxides, where the field is necessary to stabilize the ${\mathrm{O}}^{2\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$ ion. This scheme has allowed ab initio electron-gas models to predict elasticity and phase transitions in oxides. Here we propose simple parametric expressions for the dependence of the ionic radius on the crystal field, and the dependence of the energy on the former. By parametrizing the Hamiltonian, and solving for harmonic phonon spectra without approximations, we obtain accurate volume-dependent thermodynamic properties at the experimentally accessible range of pressure and temperature. Predictions of thermoelastic properties at conditions beyond experimental capabilities are readily obtained. Of particular interest is our finding that the sensitivity of the compressibility to temperature decreases significantly at high compressions. Reduction of thermal effects at high pressures is plausible from a theoretical standpoint. However, the only physical manifestation of our prediction comes from the geophysical data on the Earth's interior. Seismic studies find that the transverse-acoustic velocity in the Earth's oxide mantle is significantly more sensitive to temperature than the longitudinal velocities. Partial melting has been suggested for reconciling this observation with the behavior of relevant minerals under laboratory conditions. Our results support the alternative conjecture, that the relative insensitivity of the longitudinal waves to temperature is a characteristic of oxygen-bearing minerals at high pressure.
Two properties of condition numbers for convex programs via implicitly defined barrier functions

We study two issues on condition numbers for convex programs: one has to do with the growth of the condition numbers of the linear equations arising in interior-point algorithms; the other deals with solving conic systems and estimating their distance to infeasibility.¶These two issues share a common ground: the key tool for their development is a simple, novel perspective based on implicitly-defined barrier functions. This tool has potential use in optimization beyond the context of condition numbers.
Conservation and divergence of Grb7 family of Ras-binding domains.

Ras proteins are signal-transducing GTPases that cycle between inactive GDP-bound and active GTP-bound forms. Ras is a prolific signaling molecule interacting with a spectrum of effector molecules and acting through more than one signaling pathway. The Ras-effector proteins contain a Ras-associating (RA) domain through which these associate with Ras in a GTP-dependent manner. The RA domain is highly conserved among the members of the growth factor receptor-bound (Grb) 7 family of proteins which includes Grb7, Grb10 and Grb14. Our laboratory has reported an unusual observation that RA domain of Grb14 binds to the C-terminal nucleotide binding site of cyclic nucleotide gated channel (CTRCNGA1) and inhibits the channel activity. Molecular modeling of the CTR-CNGA1 displays 50%–70% tertiary structural similarity towards Ras proteins. We named this region as Ras-like domain (RLD). The interaction between RA-Grb14 and RLD-CNGA1 is mediated through a simple protein-protein interaction temporally and spatially regulated by light and cGMP. It is interesting to note that Grb14 binds to GTPase-mutant Rab5, a Ras-related small GTPase whereas Grb10 binds only to GTP-bound form of active Rab5 but not to GTPase-defective mutant Rab5. These results suggest that Grb14 might have been evolved later in the evolution that binds to both Ras and nucleotide binding proteins such as CNGA1. Our studies also suggest that eukaryotic CNG channels could be evolved through a gene fusion between prokaryotic ion channels and cyclic nucleotide binding proteins, both of which might have undergone several sequence variations for functional adaptation during evolution.
Climate zone delineation: Evaluating approaches for use in natural resource management

Recent efforts by the United States Department of the Interior (DOI) have the potential to make climate zones the basic geographic units guiding monitoring and resource management programs in the western U.S. We evaluated a new National Park Service approach for delineating climate zones that will likely be a model for other DOI agencies. Using the test case of the Greater Yellowstone Area in Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, we conducted three separate analyses, each based on a different dataset. Cluster analysis of 1971-2000 temperature and precipitation normals grouped weather stations according to similarities in seasonal patterns. Principal Components Analysis (PCAs) of 1895-2008 monthly data grouped stations by similarities in long-term variability. Finally, an analysis of snow data further subdivided the zones defined by the other two analyses. The climate zones produced by the cluster analysis and the PCAs were roughly similar to each other, but the differences were significant. The two sets of zones may be useful for different applications. For example, studies that analyze links between climate patterns and the demography of threatened species should focus on the results of the PCAs. The broad similarity among results produced by the different approaches supported the application of these zones in climate-related monitoring and analysis. However, since choices in data and methodology can affect the details of maps depicting zone boundaries, there are practical limitations to their use.
Functional characteristics of the macrophage receptors for IgG-Fc and C3: Failure to detect C3 receptor-mediated extracellular cytolysis by mouse peritoneal macrophages

Abstract The ability of several immunologic ligands to mediate extracellular cytolysis of sheep erythrocytes (E) by mouse macrophages was studied. E coated with rabbit IgG (EIgG), but not nonsensitized E or E coated with rabbit IgM (EIgM), were lysed and phagocytized by resident peritoneal macrophages as well as by macrophages activated in vivo with either BCG or Corynebacterium parvum or in vitro with lymphokine. EIgM incubated with mouse serum to deposit the third component of complement (C3) onto E (EIgMC) were ingested by thioglycolate-elicited and lymphokine-treated macrophages, but not by the other macrophage populations examined. However, none of the macrophages performed lysis of EIgMC, suggesting that engagement of macrophage C3 receptors by target cell-bound C3 was not a sufficient trigger for cytolysis. Lysis of E coated with both IgG and C3 (EIgGC) was moderately elevated over that of EIgG; this enhancement was not abolished after proteolytic destruction of the macrophage C3-rosetting capacity, indicating that C3 receptors were not responsible. EIgGC and EIgMC were more susceptible to hypotonic lysis than were either E, EIgG, or EIgM, suggesting that enhanced lysis of serumtreated E may be partially explained by increased E fragility.
9G4 Autoreactivity Is Increased in HIV-Infected Patients and Correlates with HIV Broadly Neutralizing Serum Activity

The induction of a broadly neutralizing antibody (BNAb) response against HIV-1 would be a desirable feature of a protective vaccine. Vaccine strategies thus far have failed to elicit broadly neutralizing antibody responses; however a minority of HIV-infected patients do develop circulating BNAbs, from which several potent broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have been isolated. The findings that several BNmAbs exhibit autoreactivity and that autoreactive serum antibodies are observed in some HIV patients have advanced the possibility that enforcement of self-tolerance may contribute to the rarity of BNAbs. To examine the possible breakdown of tolerance in HIV patients, we utilized the 9G4 anti-idiotype antibody system, enabling resolution of both autoreactive VH4-34 gene-expressing B cells and serum antibodies. Compared with healthy controls, HIV patients had significantly elevated 9G4+ serum IgG antibody concentrations and frequencies of 9G4+ B cells, a finding characteristic of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, both of which positively correlated with HIV viral load. Compared to the global 9G4-IgD--memory B cell population, the 9G4+IgD--memory fraction in HIV patients was dominated by isotype switched IgG+ B cells, but had a more prominent bias toward "IgM only" memory. HIV envelope reactivity was observed both in the 9G4+ serum antibody and 9G4+ B cell population. 9G4+ IgG serum antibody levels positively correlated (r = 0.403, p = 0.0019) with the serum HIV BNAbs. Interestingly, other serum autoantibodies commonly found in SLE (anti-dsDNA, ANA, anti-CL) did not correlate with serum HIV BNAbs. 9G4-associated autoreactivity is preferentially expanded in chronic HIV infection as compared to other SLE autoreactivities. Therefore, the 9G4 system provides an effective tool to examine autoreactivity in HIV patients. Our results suggest that the development of HIV BNAbs is not merely a consequence of a general breakdown in tolerance, but rather a more intricate expansion of selective autoreactive B cells and antibodies.
Nitrogenase activity in pure cultures of spectinomycin-resistant fast and slow-growing Rhizobium.

Abstract Several strains of Rhizobium resistant to spectinomycin also had nitrogenase activity (C 2 H 2 reduction and H 2 production) in static culture under 95% Ar/1%O 2 /4%C 2 H 2 . This relationship between nitrogenase activity and spectinomycin resistance was observed in both fast-growing ( R. trifolii and R. leguminosarum ) and slow-growing ( R. japonicum ) rhizobia. The effect of different media and various carbon sources on nitrogenase activity was investigated in more detail in R. trifolii strain TlSp. This communication demonstrates that fast-growing rhizobia can have nitrogenase activity in the absence of any plant component.
Mechanical Inhibition of RANKL Expression Is Regulated by H-Ras-GTPase *

Mechanical input is known to regulate bone remodeling, yet the molecular events involved in mechanical signal transduction are poorly understood. We here investigate proximal events leading to the ERK1/2 activation that is required for mechanical repression of RANKL (receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand) expression, the factor that controls local recruitment of osteoclasts. Using primary murine bone stromal cells we show that dynamic mechanical strain via substrate deformation activates Ras-GTPase, in particular the H-Ras isoform. Pharmacological inhibition of H-Ras function prevents strain activation of H-Ras as well as the downstream mechanical repression of RANKL. Furthermore, small interfering RNA silencing of H-Ras, but not K-Ras, abrogates mechanical strain repression of RANKL. H-Ras-specific inhibition of mechanorepression of RANKL was also demonstrated in a murine pre-osteoblast cell line (CIMC-4). The requirement of cholesterol for H-Ras activation was probed; cholesterol depletion of rafts using methyl-betacyclodextrin prevented mechanical H-Ras activation. That the mechanical repression of RANKL requires activation of H-Ras, a specific isoform of Ras-GTP that is known to reside in the lipid raft microdomain, suggests that spatial arrangements are critical for generation of specific downstream events in response to mechanical signals. By partitioning signals this way, cells may be able to generate different downstream responses through seemingly similar signaling cascades.
Determination of transuranic and thorium isotopes in ocean water: In solution and in filterable particles

A sensitive technique for the measurement of dissolved and particulate actinide concentrations and water column distributions is described. Pu, Am, and Th isotopes are collected using large-volume, wire-mounted electrical pumping systems. Particles were removed by filtration, and actinides by absorption on MnO2-coated filters. The very large volumes processed (up to 4000 liters) result in very sensitive and precise concentration measurements after analyses of the samples by standard radiochemical and alpha spectrometric techniques.
Cost-effectiveness of clinical interventions for AIDS wasting

Economic studies of HIV/AIDS interventions are important for providing cost-effective care. This paper presents a costeffectiveness study of a three-arm clinical trial conducted at Tufts University School of Medicine/New England Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts that treated 50 patients with AIDS wasting from March 1998 through January 2001. This study compared the costs and impacts of a nutritional counseling intervention alone (NC arm), the nutrition intervention with oxandrolone (OX arm), and the nutrition intervention with progressive resistance training (PRTarm) for the treatment of AIDS wasting. The cost of each intervention was derived for both the three-month clinical trial and a six-month estimated community model (ECM), its projected adaptation to community-based medical care. The cost determination involved obtaining and multiplying unit economic costs and quantities expended of each resource within each study arm. The ECM average cost per client in the cost-effectiveness analysis incorporated both institutional and societal perspectives. The costeffectiveness analysis compared the cost of each intervention to its quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gain (Zeckhauser and Shepard, 1976). From a societal perspective, for the NC arm, the cost per client totaled US dollars 983 for the actual and US dollars 596 under the ECM. For the OX arm, the cost per client totaled US dollars 3,772 for the actual study and US dollars 3,385 under the ECM. For the PRT arm, the cost per client totaled US dollars 3,189 for the actual study and US dollars 2,987 under the ECM. Under the societal perspective the cost per QALY was US dollars 55,000 (range: US dollars 51,000 to US dollars 83,000) for the NC arm, US dollars 151,000 (range: US dollars 149,000 to US dollars 171,000) for the OX arm, and US dollars 65,000 (range: US dollars 44,000 to US dollars 104,000) for the PRTarm. When using only an institutional perspective, the cost per QALY was US dollars 45,000 (range: US dollars 42,000-US dollars 64,000) for the NC arm, US dollars 147,000 (range: US dollars 147,000 to US dollars 163,000) for the OX arm, and US dollars 31,000 (US dollars 21,000 to US dollars 44,000) for the PRTarm. This paper shows that cost and cost-effectiveness analyses can be adapted to a community setting by combining information from community practice and costs with data from a randomized trial. Compared to other AIDS treatments, such as highly active antiretroviral therapies, all three interventions were affordable, but their cost-effectiveness was intermediate. Oxandrolone was the least cost effective of the interventions, even compared to nutrition alone, as it included similar or somewhat greater costs for less of an increase in quality of life. PRT was the most cost-effective treatment for AIDS wasting, particularly from an institutional perspective. Third party payers should consider coverage of PRT.
SEASONALITY, PARASITE DIVERSITY, AND LOCAL EXTINCTIONS IN PLASMODIUM FALCIPARUM MALARIA

We incorporate stochastic, density-dependent seasonal recruitment in adult Anopheles mosquito populations in a discrete-event model of Plasmodium falciparum malaria transmission and find the probabilities of parasite extinction higher than with perennial transmission. Seasonal fluctuations in vector populations act to synchronize the dynamics of infection and immunity in host populations, leading to fluctuations in parasite prevalence greater than expected solely on the basis of high- and low-season vector densities. This synchronization also biases frequencies of infection with multiple parasite phenotypes or genotypes.
Structural Disarticulation and Third World Human Development

Structural disarticulation that entails uneven sectoral development has increasingly become one of the biggest stumbling blocks in the Third World development process. Specifically, it has contributed greatly to the lack of correspondence between economic and social development. This article provides a quantitative cross national assessment of the impact of structural disarticulation on human development. Results indicate that structural disarticulation exhibits a strong negative effect on human development net of (1) the development level; (2) state size and state strength; and (3) major forms of economic dependency such as foreign trade, foreing direct investment, and external indebtedness.
Radiation effects in concrete for nuclear power plants – Part I: Quantification of radiation exposure and radiation effects

A large fraction of light water reactor (LWR) construction utilizes concrete, including safety-related structures such as the biological shielding and containment building. Concrete is an inherently complex material, with the properties of concrete structures changing over their lifetime due to the intrinsic nature of concrete and influences from local environment. As concrete structures within LWRs age, the total neutron fluence exposure of the components, in particular the biological shield, can increase to levels where deleterious effects are introduced as a result of neutron irradiation. This work summarizes the current state of the art on irradiated concrete, including a review of the current literature and estimates the total neutron fluence expected in biological shields in typical LWR configurations. It was found a first-order mechanism for loss of mechanical properties of irradiated concrete is due to radiation-induced swelling of aggregates, which leads to volumetric expansion of the concrete. This phenomena is estimated to occur near the end of life of biological shield components in LWRs based on calculations of estimated peak neutron fluence in the shield after 80 years of operation.
Tumor necrosis factor α stimulates endothelin-1 synthesis in rat hepatic stellate cells in hepatic wound healing through a novel IKK/JNK pathway

Endothelin-1 (ET-1), a potent vasoconstrictor peptide up-regulated during wound healing and fibrosis, induces myofibroblasts to contract tissue. Here we have used a liver injury model to test the hypothesis that TNFα may be an important stimulator of ET-1 production in hepatic wound healing. We examined primary rat hepatic stellate cells, isolated from either normal or injured livers and used standard methodology to measure preproET-1 mRNA and mature ET-1 peptide, specific kinases, and preproET-1 promoter activity. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis was used to determine basal binding of transcription factors to the preproET-1 promoter. TNFα induced preproET-1 expression in activated hepatic stellate cells in a c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)/AP-1-dependent fashion. TNFα activated JNK through an IκB kinase (IKK) pathway, which activated the transcriptional factor, c-Jun, leading to preproET-1 promoter mediated ET-1 transcription. The TNFα mediated induction of ET-1 synthesis also had functional effects, specifically mediating autocrine induced stellate cell contraction. TNFα stimulated activated stellate cells to produce ET-1 via a novel IKK-JNK-dependent signaling pathway. The resulting autocrine functional effects of ET-1 are likely to be important in the wound-healing process.
Near-infrared spectroscopy: a tool to monitor cerebral hemodynamic and metabolic changes after cardiac arrest in rats.

Abstract Introduction: Cardiac arrest (CA) is associated with poor neurological outcome and is associated with a poor understanding of the cerebral hemodynamic and metabolic changes. The objective of this study was to determine the applicability of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), to observe the changes in cerebral total hemoglobin (T-Hb) reflecting cerebral blood volume, oxygenation state of Hb, oxidized cytochrome oxidase (Cyto-C), and brain water content following CA. Methods: Fourteen rats were subjected to normothermic (37.5 °C) or hypothermic (34 °C) CA induced by 8 min of asphyxiation. Animals were resuscitated with ventilation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and epinephrine (adrenaline). Hypothermia was induced before CA. NIRS was applied to the animal head to measure T-Hb with a wavelength of 808 nm ( n = 10) and oxygenated/deoxygenated Hb, Cyto-C, and brain water content with wavelengths of 620–1120 nm ( n = 4). Results: There were no technical difficulties in applying NIRS to the animal, and the signals were strong and consistent. Normothermic CA caused post-resuscitation hyperemia followed by hypoperfusion determined by the level of T-Hb. Hypothermic CA blunted post-resuscitation hyperemia and resulted in more prominent post-resuscitation hypoperfusion. Both, normothermic and hypothermic CA resulted in a sharp decrease in oxygenated Hb and Cyto-C, and the level of oxygenated Hb was higher in hypothermic CA after resuscitation. There was a rapid increase in brain water signals following CA. Hypothermic CA attenuated increased water signals in normothermic CA following resuscitation. Conclusion: NIRS can be applied to monitor cerebral blood volume, oxygenation state of Hb, Cyto-C, and water content following CA in rats.
Comparative protein population investigation of the Alnus serrulatarugosa complex

The data from electrophoretic and serological studies with proteins extracted from pollen from: eight populations of the Alnus serrulata-rugosa complex indicate that some bands of the protein pattern (Type A bands) were consistently present in all the samples collected from various populations. The Type A band pattern was not influenced by individual genotypes or environmental differences. Attempts to use bands other than those of Type A in the characterization of populations within the complex did not prove valuable. The importance of using a sample size large enough to cope with the problem of variability within a population was revealed. The data obtained by the use of qualitative serological techniques (Ouchterlony method) agreed with those obtained by the quantitative turbidimetric procedure (Boyden procedure). Serology differences among populations within the complex were not detected. However, marked differences were detected when compared to Betula populifolia, another genus in the same family. All but one sample of seeds of the complex studied revealed 95% sterility because of abnormal embryo development. Viability pollen tests of the 14 samples from the eight populations revealed 94–99% viability. We believe that a taxonomic treatment which designates this complex as one species with varieties or subspecies is the best interpretation of the data available from diverse disciplines and several independent studies.
Devī’s Dance: The Interweaving of Politics, Mysticism, and Culture in Kathmandu Valley

On June 1, 2001, shots rang out from Nepal's Royal Palace. Later that night Nepal's home minister reported to the world a crime of Shakespearean dimensions: the Crown Prince Dipendra, in a state of drugged and drunken rage, had gunned down his father, mother, sister, younger brother, and several other family members before turning the trigger on himself and thereby extinguishing an entire dynastic bloodline. Immediately, a majority of Nepalese asserted that this official line was a cover-up.1 They pointed their collective finger at new King Gyanendra and his son Paras claiming that they had orchestrated a coup with the backing of the military and perhaps extra-national forces. Several powerful forces would have likely had interest in the death of former King Birendra Shah Deva, The Maoists, funded by terrorist forces outside Nepal, saw him as the symbol of the old regime, a regime predicated on unjust and unquestioned hierarchies justified by superstitions and religious ide ologies. Hindu factions in India were deeply troubled by his open policy towards their potential enemies, the Chinese, and were further angered by his commitment to restricting Indian immigrants. The United Marxist Leninists, funded by Chinese Maoist groups, resented King Birendra's powerful hold on the Nepalese majority who still regarded him as a god-king. Some speculate that King Gyanendra's early