cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The R346K Mutation in the Mu Variant of SARS-CoV-2 Alter the Interactions with Monoclonal Antibodies from Class 2: A Free Energy of Perturbation Study

The Mu variant of SARS-CoV-2 has been recently classified as a variant of interest (VOI) by the world health organization (WHO) but limited data are available at the moment. In particular, a special attention was given to the R346K mutation located in the receptor binding domain (RBD). In the current study we performed Free energy of perturbation (FEP) calculations to elucidate it possible impact on a set of neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) which have been shown to be strong inhibitors of the most other known COVID-19 variants. Our results show that R346K affects the class 2 antibodies but its effect is not so significant (0.66 kcal/mol); i.e. reduces the binding with RBD about 3 times. An identical value was calculated also in the presence of both class 1 and class 2 antibodies (BD-812/836). Further, a similar reduction in the binding (0.4 kcal/mol) was obtained for BD-821/771 pair of mAbs. For comparison, the addition of K417N mutation, present in the newly registered Mu variant in July 2021 in UK, affected the class 1 mAbs by 1.29 kcal/mol reducing stronger the binding by about 10 times. Thus, the resistance effect of R346K mutation in the Mu variant is possible but not so significant and is due to the additional decrease of antibody neutralization based on the reduced binding of class 2 antibodies.
VALUE FUNCTIONS AND PREFERENCE STRUCTURES

This paper presents existence conditions for a real valued function representation of preference, and the value function representation for special kinds of preference structures. The concepts of additive, monotonic value functions and of preference separability are explored. An efficient method to verify the preference separability condition for the subsets of the criteria index set is discussed, as well as a decomposition algorithm to specify the form of the value function given a collection of preference separable subsets of the index set of criteria. References to techniques for preference elicitation are provided.
An XUV Image Sensor for Rowland-circle Spectrographs

Publisher Summary This chapter reports on the preliminary design of a windowless oblique magnetic-focus image sensor similar to existing sensors but configured to match the long narrow image format of a Rowland-type spectrograph. The principal advantage of this image sensor is its use of an opaque photocathode on a smooth surface to obtain the high quantum efficiency available. Although simulations of the electromagnetic focusing for a variety of sensor parameters have been made, none of these parameters has yet been optimized to achieve the best possible image quality. The model uses software developed several years ago to design a two-dimensional (2D) windowless intensified charge-coupled device (WICCD) for the interstellar medium absorption profile spectrograph (IMAPS) sounding rocket programme. The depth of focus of the electromagnet is deep, providing a margin for variation in the magnetic and electric fields and, for example, making the detector insensitive to the orientation of the Earth's magnetic field.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF ANALYTICAL MODELS FOR RAILROAD TRACK DYNAMICS

ABSTRACT A renewed interest during the past decade in high-speed rail transportation has underlined a need for better understanding of the dynamic interaction between vehicle and track. Speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour tax the presently-used rail-tie-ballast track structure in terms of long-term stability and required track accuracy. Hence the investigation of improved structures with better dynamic response characteristics and greater stability has followed in the wake of improved high-speed railcar design. This paper presents some recent developments in analytical modeling of railroad track structures for the study of vehicle-track dynamic interaction by computer simulation. A technique for describing the track structure, which is a complex distributed-parameter system, as a lumped-parameter model of one or more degrees of freedom is developed; and the use of this model to generate both the “on-car” and “trackside” response is examined. Field measurements taken on mainline track of several North American railroads are used to evaluate the accuracy and define the necessary modifications of the computer model. Predictions of better overall system response and long-term stability from this computer model have aided in the preliminary design of several new track structures which are currently undergoing field evaluation.
Energy Metabolism in Cells

Cells have three alternative means of procuring energy for digestion and biochemical synthesis, for maintaining concentration gradients, for muscular contractions and cell division, and for maintaining body heat: 1. Photosynthesis : The chloroplasts of green plants capture photons to convert ADP to ATP. Water is split to reduce NADP to NADPH, releasing oxygen. 2. Respiration: The mitochondria use that oxygen and convert ADP to ATP. In the process, NADH is oxidized to NAD and water. 3. Glycolysis: Lacking illuminated chloroplasts or lacking oxygen, cells metabolize sugars by fermentation to make a little ATP from ADP. Historically, this was probably the first way to make the high-energy pyrophosphate bond of ATP. All cells maintain this pathway. Most cells fall back on glycolysis only when they have no better alternative, but it is common to have no better alternative. The microorganisms of yogurt, sauerkraut, gangrene, and food poisoning, for example, subsist wholly on glycolysis, as do faculative anaerobes such as intertidal bivalves (e.g., oysters) and parasitic helminths (e.g., schistosomes) and diving vertebrates (e.g., green sea turtles) during their prolonged periods of contented abstinence from respiration. Red blood cells have no other energy supply. Poorly vascularized tissue such as the cornea of the eye, compact tumors, and embryos rely heavily on glycolysis for their energy needs.
How do leaders use emotional labor

Summary Leaders use emotional labor to regulate their own emotions and to manage the moods, job attitudes, and performance of their followers. Researchers need to examine how emotional labor is related to (i) leadership styles, (ii) leader and subordinate stress and well-being, (iii) leader authenticity and character, and (iv) leader effectiveness. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
l-Azaserine toxicity in established cell lines: Correlation with γ-glutamyl transpeptidase activity

Abstract Four established cell lines derived from pig kidney (LLC-PK 1 ), human Wilms' tumor (TuWi), rat liver (ARL 6), and hamster lung (V79) were found to contain widely divergent levels of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) which decreased in the order given from 96 nmole p -nitroaniline released/min/mg protein for LLC-PK 1 to 0.5 nmole for V79, independent of cell density. When lines were treated with l -azaserine for short periods, a positive correlation was observed between cellular GGT levels and sensitivity to azaserine toxicity. Equimolar concentrations of l -serine and l -glutamine were non-toxic. Azaserine-resistant strains were isolated from TuWi cultures exposed to l -azaserine for 24 h. Most exhibited reduced levels of GGT. Those strains expressing the lowest GGT activities also showed the greatest resistance to azaserine toxicity following short-term re-exposure to l -azaserine. These results indicate that GGT is an important determinant in cell sensitivity to l -azaserine toxicity and suggest that heightened susceptibility is a consequence of active transport of the diazo-amino acid.
A study of subvisual clouds and their radiation effect with a synergy of CERES, MODIS, CALIPSO, and AIRS data

[1] Subvisual cirrus clouds that are defined as those whose optical thickness is less than ∼0.3 are found in ∼50% of global observations. Passive remote-sensing instruments, such as the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), generally fail to detect these optically thin clouds. The launch of NASA's Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO) satellite provides an unprecedented ability to detect thin cloud layers globally. Also, the Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) provides accurate measurements of top-of-atmosphere radiation. By using CERES, MODIS, and CALIPSO measurements in a synergistic manner, a quantitative assessment of the influence of subvisual clouds on the Earth's shortwave (SW) radiation is accomplished. The difference between clear-sky radiation flux and the flux obtained with the presence of subvisual clouds clearly shows the cooling effect of subvisual clouds in the SW. The subvisual clouds increase the diurnal mean reflected SW flux by ∼2.5 W m−2. The subvisual clouds' effect on outgoing longwave radiation is also studied using a radiative-transfer model. The model results show that a layer of subvisual clouds having optical thickness of 0.1 can have a warming effect of ∼15 W m−2. These clouds can also affect the polarization of the reflected SW radiation and the accuracy of aerosol retrieval with satellite measurements. This work demonstrates that the study of subvisual clouds is necessary for an accurate and detailed understanding of Earth-atmosphere radiation.
Development and income distribution in a dual economy : a dynamic simulation model for Zambia

This paper discusses medium-term development prospects for Zambia. The analysis is carried out in terms of a modified dual economy model, suitably modified to capture a number of key aspects of the Zambian Economy. Mining is separated from other urban production and the rural sector is sub-divided into traditional, emergent and commercial farming. Simulations are carried out on the basis of alternative governmental expenditure, investment, and taxation policies. Special attention is paid to sectoral employment and income distribution implications. In addition, the model is used to derive a number of shadow prices which would be used for project appraisal. These include shadow price of government savings, and a social discount rate.
Alteration of location of dimer linkage sequence in retroviral RNA: little effect on replication or homologous recombination.

Abstract Retrovirus particles contain a dimer of retroviral genomic RNA. A defined region of the retrovirus genome has previously been shown to be important for both dimerization and encapsidation. To study the importance of the position of this encapsidation and dimerization signal for retroviral replication and homologous recombination, we used a previously described spleen necrosis virus-based helper cell system. This system allows retroviral vectors with multiple genetic markers to be studied after a single cycle of retroviral replication. The sequence responsible for dimerization, the encapsidation/dimer linkage sequence (E/DLS), was moved from its normal location near the 5' end of the retroviral genome to a location near the 3' end of the genome. We characterized four pairs of retroviral vectors: (i) with both E/DLSs at the 5' ends of the genomes, (ii) with both E/DLSs at the 3' ends of the genomes, and (iii) two with one E/DLS at the 5' end of the genome and one at the 3' end of the genome. We found that moving the E/DLS to the 3' end of the genome resulted in at most an approximately factor of 5 reduction in virus titer in a single cycle of retroviral replication. Furthermore, we found no changes that were attributable to the alteration of the position of the E/DLS in the minus-strand DNA primer transfers or the plus-strand DNA primer transfers, the rate of homologous recombination, or the number of internal template switches in recombinant proviruses. These results indicate that any alignment or conformation necessary for retroviral replication or recombination is not the result of the position of the E/DLS.
Everyday Life in Family Scholarship and Family Life: Sketches and Interpretations

L'A. presente quelques dates et anecdotes autobiographiques, en tant qu'elles permettent de saisir plusieurs themes importants de ses travaux en sociologie de la famille, ainsi que l'interaction etroite entre le personnel et le professionnel
Containing and shrinking ellipsoids in the path-following algorithm

We describe a new potential function and a sequence of ellipsoids in the path-following algorithm for convex quadratic programming. Each ellipsoid in the sequence contains all of the optimal primal and dual slack vectors. Furthermore, the volumes of the ellipsoids shrink at the ratio $$2^{ - \Omega (\sqrt n )} $$ , in comparison to 2−Ω(1) in Karmarkar's algorithm and 2−Ω(1/n) in the ellipsoid method. We also show how to use these ellipsoids to identify the optimal basis in the course of the algorithm for linear programming.
Differences in locus of control between expectant women and their spouses.

Summary.-115 expectant married couples from an HMO population were recruited during a routine 5.1310. prenatal visit. Husbands and wives independently completed a background questionnaire and the Rotter Internal-External (I-E) Locus of Control Scale. Differences in I-E scale scores between husbands and wives were significant. I-E scores of expectant wives indicated greater external locus of control than those of expectant husbands. This finding was derived from a repeated-measures multivariate analysis of covariance with socioeconomic status as the covariate and withincouple scores as the repeated-measure. The relationship between pregnancy and locus of control and the need lor research are discussed. The psychological and social changes which occur during pregnancy are consistently supported by research. Studes have investigated the relationship between pregnancy and numerous psychosocial variables including bonding (Bowlby, 1969), intimacy and self-esteem (Hobfoll, Nadler, & Leiberman, 1986), division of labor and adherence to traditional roles (Belsky, Lang, & Huston, 19861, depression (Fawcett & York, 1986; Fawcett, Bliss-Holtz, Hass, Leventhal, & Rubin, 1986), stress (Molfese, Bricker, Manion, Yapple, & Beadnell, 1987), and psychosis (Nilsson, 1970; Nilsson & Almgren, 1970). Despite the many variables studied, no investigation has examined locus of control in both pregnant women and their spouses. Ths omission is surprising for two reasons. First, it is well-documented that the physiological and psychological changes which occu~ during pregnancy often involve an alteration of a woman's view of herself and her environment (Deutsch, 1944-1945; Gutmann, 1985; Leifer, 1977; Winnicott, 1956). Second, there is growing evidence that psychological changes occur in men as well (Fawcett & York, 1986). Thus, a rather large gap exists in the literature on the relationship between locus of control and pregnancy. Ths report is intended to fill this lacuna by examining the locus of control in a sample of expectant women and their spouses. The present report documents an unexpected finding which was peripheral to a larger investigation (Michaels, Schneider, Yusim, Wu, Goodman, & Eichmann, 1987).
Antibiotic treatment of tuboovarian abscess: Comparison of broad-spectrum β-lactam agents versus clindamycin-containing regimens

One hundred nineteen patients with tuboovarian abscess were evaluated for response to antibiotics. Results were stratified into three groups by antimicrobial regimen. Group 1 consisted of 37 patients treated with a single-agent broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotic and oral doxycycline. Initial clinical response (defined as decreased pain, diminished white blood cell count, or defervescence) in group 1 was 31/37 (84%). Group 2 consisted of 64 patients treated with clindamycin in combination with an aminoglycoside with or without a penicillin. There was an initial clinical response in 45 of 64 (70%). Group 3 consisted of 18 patients from group 1 who were changed to a clindamycin-containing regimen after 2 to 3 days of initial treatment with a single-agent broad-spectrum antibiotic. The decision to switch antibiotics was not based on treatment failure but occurred when delayed ultrasonography confirmed the diagnosis of tuboovarian abscess. The switch reflected physician preference for clindamycin-containing regimens in the treatment of tuboovarian abscesses. The response rate in this subset of patients was 14 of 18 (78%). Overall initial clinical response rate was 90 of 119 (75%). There were no statistically significant demographic or clinical differences among the three groups. There was no statistical difference in the rate of early and late antibiotic failure rates among the groups. Our study demonstrates that extended-spectrum antibiotic coverage, including single-agent broad-spectrum antibiotics such as cefoxitin, in conjunction with doxycycline has efficacy that is equivalent to that of clindamycin-containing regimens. An overall medical treatment success rate of 75% suggests that conservative treatment of tuboovarian abscesses is warranted.
Toxicity of ammonia, nitrite ion, nitrate ion, and orthophosphate to Mercenaria mercenaria and Crassostrea virginica.

The 96-h lethal tolerance limits of the hard clam Mercenaria mercenaria (Linne) and the oyster Crassostrea virginica (Gmelin) to ammonia, nitrite ion, nitrate ion, and orthophosphate were defined. Sublethal effects of the chemicals upon the rates at which the shellfish removed algal cells from suspension were also studied. In comparison with other marine and aquatic species which have been studied, hard clams and oysters are extremely tolerant.
Regulation of glutamate receptor binding by the cytoskeletal protein fodrin.

The erythrocyte cytoskeleton, which consists primarily of a mesh-work of spectrin and actin, controls cell shape and the disposition of proteins within the membrane1–3. Proteins similar to spectrin have recently been found in diverse cells and tissues3–7, and it is possible that they mediate the capping of cell-surface receptors8,9, although this has not been demonstrated directly. In neurones, the spectrin-like protein fodrin lines the cortical cytoplasm and may link actin filaments to the membrane3–7. Fodrin has been hypothesized to regulate the number of receptor binding sites on neuronal membranes for the putative neurotransmitter L-glutamate10,11. Micromolar calcium concentrations activate the thiol protease calpain I (ref. 12), induce fodrin degradation10,11 and more than double the density of glutamate binding sites10,13; these effects are all blocked by thiol protease inhibitors. We have now used specific antibodies to examine further the role of fodrin proteolysis in regulating glutamate receptors. We report that fodrin antibodies block the fodrin degradation and increase in glutamate binding normally induced by calcium, and so provide direct evidence for control of membrane receptors by a non-erythroid spectrin.
Oral Reading Miscues of Hispanic Students: Implications for Assessment of Learning Disabilities

Twenty Hispanic successful readers and twenty Hispanic students identified as having learning disabilities in reading were assessed in English and Spanish using the Reading Miscue Inventory. Oral reading miscues were analyzed to determine similarities and differences between the groups in their first and second reading languages. Data were analyzed for graphic similarity, sound similarity, grammatical function, comprehension, and grammatical relationships. Significant differences were found to exist in all these categories when analyzed in the students' first reading language and in the last three categories when analyzed for English reading. The data for students classified as learning disabled suggest the need for more extensive consideration of primary language reading in the determination of a learning disability.
Modified Techniques for Improved Gas Chromatographic Quantification of Free Fatty Acids in Dairy Foods

Abstract Modified techniques for improved routine gas chromatographic quantification of individual free fatty acids include the use of diethylene glycol succinate columns, incorporation of a carbon-9 free fatty acid internal standard, removal of excess water from free fatty acid isolates and gas chromatographic systems, and exclusion of chemical contaminants from free fatty acids isolates.
Conducting Randomized Controlled Trials With Offenders in an Administrative Setting

Evaluation research conducted in agencies that sanction law violators is often challenging and due process may preclude evaluators from using experimental methods in traditional criminal justice ag...
Vectorization of a treecode

Abstract Vectorized algorithms for the force calculation and tree construction in the Barnes-Hut tree algorithm are described. The basic idea for the vectorization of the force calculation is to vectorize the tree traversal across particles, so that all particles in the system traverse the tree simultaneously. The tree construction algorithm also makes use of the fact that particles can be treated in parallel. Thus these algorithms take advantage of the internal parallelism in the N -body system and the tree algorithm most effectively. As a natural result, these algorithms can be used on a wide range of vector/parallel architectures, including current supercomputers and highly parallel architectures such as the Connection Machine. The vectorized code runs about five times faster than the non-vector code on a Cyber 205 for an N -body system with N = 8192.
Application of wavelet filtering to the radioactive particle tracking technique

Abstract The Computer Automated Radioactive Particle Tracking (CARPT) technique has been used for the investigation of fluid dynamics, material dispersion and mixing in various multiphase rectors. The accuracy of the CARPT measurement depends on the properties of the tracer particle, the algorithm and the technique for calibration and signal processing. In this paper, a filtering technique based on the wavelet theory for the removal of white noise from the data is presented. It is shown, experimentally, that the adopted wavelet-based filtering algorithm reduces the level of noise in the data by 80–90%. The suitability and necessity of wavelet filtering are further illustrated by performing a group of typical CARPT experiments in an air-water bubble column operated at different superficial gas velocities. It is demonstrated that the use of the unfiltered data results in significant over-estimation of turbulent parameters while the influences on the mean velocities are minor.
The role of 5-alpha-reductase inhibition as monotherapy in view of the MTOPS data.

Medical treatment for the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) consists of α blockers and 5-α -reductase inhibitors. Data suggest that 5-α -reductase inhibitors can prevent progression of BPH and reduce the risk of BPH-related surgery, especially in men with large-volume prostates. Results from the largest randomized, prospective, placebo-controlled trial, the Medical Therapy of Prostatic Symptoms trial, have been presented. These results support the notion of using 5-α-reductase inhibitors for the prevention of BPH progression and BPH-related surgery. Furthermore, long-term 5-α -reductase inhibitor monotherapy, although slow in onset, is a viable therapy for symptom relief in men with mild to moderate symptoms.
The current status of studies of aminopyridines in patients with multiple sclerosis

Because the symptomatic treatments for multiple sclerosis (MS) are limited, new approaches have been sought. Anatomical studies of MS lesions show a relative preservation of axons, and clinical studies suggest that some of the neurological impairment in patients with MS is physiological. Electrophysiological studies suggest that demyelination exposes axonal potassium channels that decrease action-potential duration and amplitude, hindering action-potential propagation. Potassium channel blockers, including aminopyridines, have been shown to improve nerve conduction in experimentally demyelinated nerves. Two potassium channel blockers, 4-aminopyridine (AP) and 3,4 diaminopyridine (DAP) have been tested in patients with MS. Preliminary studies of AP demonstrated benefit in many temperature-sensitive patients with MS, and improvement of function was found in a large randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial of 3 months of oral treatment in 68 patients with MS. An open-label trial of DAP showed improvement in some deficits, and a double-blind placebo-controlled trial showed significant improvements in prospectively defined neurological deficits. A crossover comparison of the two agents suggested that AP produces more central nervous system side effects (dizziness and confusion), whereas DAP produces more peripheral side effects (paresthesias and abdominal pain). Both agents have rarely caused seizures. These studies suggest that aminopyridines may provide a new approach to the symptomatic treatment of MS.
The use of rotary instruments as auxiliary aids to root canal preparation of molars

Summary One hundred adult extracted molars (292 canals) were apportioned into four groups of 25 teeth each. Group 1 was prepared using K-type files. Group 2 was prepared to size no. 25 with K-type files, followed by a no. 1 Peeso reamer, which enlarged the cervical third. The canal preparation was then completed with K-type files. Group 3 was identical to group 2 except that a no. 1 Gates-Glidden drill was used instead of a no. 1 Peeso reamer. In group 4, canals were prepared with the Giromatic method. All teeth were enlarged to size no. 30 to 35 in curved roots and size 40 in straight roots, at the apical stop level. Accurate silicone models were made of the preparations. A panel of seven endodontists rated the results according to the specific criteria of apical design, aberration removal, flow, taper, uniformity, and smoothness of preparation. The combination of K-type file and Peeso reamer or Gates-Glidden reamer preparations (groups 2 and 3) favorably met the foregoing criteria. Hand instrumentation and the Giromatic technique produced less favorable results.
Synthesis of [4-14C]Theophylline

The synthesis of [4-14C]theophylline is presented with the radiolabel introduced in the first step of the procedure. The label is carried stoichiometrically to theophylline, and yields are satisfactory. The position of the label at position 4 of the purine ring is attractive for discerning metabolic pathways of the drug.
Toxicity of bilirubin to Leishmania tropica promastigotes.

Abstract Treatment of Leishmania tropica promastigotes with bilirubin results in loss of viability and death of the cells. A concentration of 0.1 m M is sufficient to cause complete inhibition of growth. Bilirubin inhibits the uptake of 2-deoxy- d -glucose and l -methionine. It increases the efflux of intracellularly accumulated sugars (both free and phosphorylated forms). Though it inhibits oxygen uptake, bilirubin is unable to affect endogenous respiration in L. tropica . Albumin protects the cells from the deleterious effects of bilirubin. Evidence is presented to show that decreased uptake of nutrients, lowered respiration, loss of viability, and cell death due to bilirubin are all possible consequences of membrane disruption. The results suggest that excessive amounts of bilirubin in hemoglobin solutions used in the growth media could adversely affect growth.
Role of Lipids in Osteoporosis

Cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis together account for most of the morbidity and mortality in our aging population despite significant improvements in treatment. Recently, converging lines of evidence suggest that these 2 diseases share an etiologic factor--that hyperlipidemia contributes not only to atherosclerotic plaque formation, but also to osteoporosis, following a similar biologic mechanism involving lipid oxidation. In vitro studies indicate that lipid products of oxidation promote osteoblastic differentiation of vascular cells and inhibit such differentiation in bone cells. Ex vivo, in vivo, and clinical studies further suggest that lipid-lowering agents reduce both atherosclerotic calcification and osteoporosis. Whether lipid-lowering agents reduce osteoporosis directly or indirectly through lipid reduction remains controversial.
Should Countries Engage in a Race to the Bottom? The Effect of Social Spending on FDI

Summary This paper examines the effect of social spending in developing countries on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Existing studies on the race to the bottom in social services attempt to discern the extent to which FDI affects social expenditure. However, it remains an open question whether FDI is actually attracted to lower spending levels. We find no indication that FDI is repelled by social spending; indeed there is strong evidence that investment is associated with greater programmatic emphases on health and education. These findings have important implications for leaders seeking to attract investment and for those attempting to expand social programs.
Self-optimization in tool wear for friction-stir welding of Al 6061+20% Al2O3 MMC

Abstract Tool wear and the rate of wear for hardened, steel, right-hand screws rotating at 1000 rpm in the friction-stir welding of Al 6061+20 vol.%Al2O3 particles were observed to decrease for increasing weld or traverse speeds. When sufficiently long traverse distances were reached, tool wear became small or negligible, and an optimized tool shape emerged. This shape was slightly different at 6 and 9 mm s−1 weld speeds but in each case a self-optimized tool shape emerged. This self-optimizing wear phenomena and tool shape result by counter motions of solid-state flow regimes which depend upon both tool rotation speed and actual weld traverse speed. Although sound, porosity-free welds are obtained with both the unworn, threaded pin tool and the worn, unthreaded pin tool, microstructures vary and the worn pin tool produced a narrower heat affected zone with less drop in hardness than the threaded pin tool.
Lightheaded spells and hypertension.

differential diagnosis of spells is broad and includes labile essential hypertension and secondary hypertension. Because mild increases in 24 h urinary excretion of free catecholamines may be found in patients with other causes of hypertension, we have recommended higher cut-off points to be considered diagnostic of phaeochromocytoma. Although phaeochromocytoma is usually the first diagnosis considered in patients with hypertensive spells, most of these patients do not have the disorder. Indeed, spells have been reported in other forms of hypertension, including renovascular hypertension. All patients with relatively new onset hypertension should be questioned about the possibility of renal trauma. The trauma may be as innocent as falling off a bicycle or more serious trauma, as reported by our patient. Although renal artery injury resulting in hypertension is an uncommon cause of secondary hypertension, recognition of this subset of secondary hypertension is crucial to appropriate therapy. The hypertension may develop immediately or over a period of months to years. When hypertension occurs immediately after trauma, it usually is related to extrinsic renal compression by a haematoma. Delayed onset of hypertension occurs when the renal artery is affected and may be easily controlled with inhibitors of angiotensin-converting enzyme.
MRI evaluation of asymmetry of nigrostriatal damage in the early stage of early-onset Parkinson's disease

Introduction: The motor symptoms and signs of early-onset idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD) in Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) stage-1 are generally unilateral. We hypothesized that there would be detectable differences in the quantitative MRI parameters in these PD patients between the hemispheres contralateral to the clinically symptomatic and non-symptomatic body side. Methods: We tested this hypothesis by comparing transverse relaxation rates and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) parameters in the substantia nigra and putamen between the two hemispheres contralateral to the symptomatic and non-symptomatic side in H&Y stage-1 PD patients who had onset of symptoms between ages of 40e59 years. Results: There were quantifiable hemispheric asymmetries in transverse relaxation rates in the substantia nigra, as well as fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity in the putamen in early PD, which correlated with the unilaterality of motor symptoms as evaluated using the motor portion of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale. Conclusion: Transverse relaxation mapping and DTI demonstrated significant differences between the symptomatic and non-symptomatic hemispheres at the early stage of early-onset PD. These findings support the hypothesis of asymmetric neurodegeneration in the bilateral nigrostriatal pathways in the early stage of the disease.
Performance of the aerobell extendible rocket nozzle

Aerobell extendible nozzle rocket engine design and performance, cold flow and simulated hot flow test results
All-or-none versus incremental learning of errorless shock escapes by the rat

Investigation showed that in a two-choice correction procedure the probability of an errorless response in those rats which have consistently made errors is not constant, as required by the all-or-none model, but increases with trials. Even an all-or-none model which provides for accidental error and accidental success is inadequate.
An Algorithm for the Job Shop Scheduling Problem based on Global Equilibrium Search Techniques

The job shop scheduling problem is considered, and an algorithm based on the global equilibrium search method is proposed for its solution. Computational experiments using well-known benchmark problems are presented. Several new upper bounds for these problems are obtained.
The Effectiveness of Wellness Coaching for Improving Quality of Life

Abstract Objective To learn more about the potential psychosocial benefits of wellness coaching. Although wellness coaching is increasing in popularity, there are few published outcome studies. Patients and Methods In a single-cohort study design, 100 employees who completed the 12-week wellness coaching program were of a mean age of 42 years, 90% were women, and most were overweight or obese. Three areas of psychosocial functioning were assessed: quality of life (QOL; 5 domains and overall), depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), and perceived stress level (Perceived Stress Scale-10). Participants were recruited from January 1, 2011, through December 31, 2011; data were collected up to July 31, 2012, and were analyzed from August 1, 2012, through October 31, 2013. Results These 100 wellness coaching completers exhibited significant improvements in all 5 domains of QOL and overall QOL ( P P P Conclusion In this single-arm cohort study (level 2b evidence), participating in wellness coaching was associated with improvement in 3 key areas of psychosocial functioning: QOL, mood, and perceived stress level. The results from this single prospective cohort study suggest that these areas of functioning improve after participating in wellness coaching; however, randomized clinical trials involving large samples of diverse individuals are needed to establish level 1 evidence for wellness coaching.
Evidence for the Missing 2- State in Ag 110

In spite of ingenious investigations of the isomeric decay of 253-day ${\mathrm{Ag}}^{110m}$ by several groups of authors, the missing low-energy first excited (2-) state in ${\mathrm{Ag}}^{110}$ has so far escaped detection. High-precision studies of the $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays from the ${\mathrm{Ag}}^{109}(n,\ensuremath{\gamma}){\mathrm{Ag}}^{110}$ reaction, as well as coincidence studies, now provide conclusive evidence for this level at an energy of 1.28 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.10 keV.
Simultaneous detection of volatile, semivolatile organic compounds, and organometallic compounds in both air and water matrices by using membrane introduction mass spectrometry

Abstract We present results for the simultaneous detection of volatile organic compounds, semivolatile organic compounds, and organometallic compounds in air and water by using membrane introduction ion trap mass spectrometry. In these experiments, a membrane composed of a microporous polypropylene hollow support fiber coated with an ultrathin (∼0.5 μm) polydimethylsiloxane layer serves as the interface between the sample and the vacuum of the mass spectrometer. Simultaneous detection of benzene, naphthalene, and ferrocene in aqueous solution is achieved by proton transfer chemical ionization using H3O+ from membrane-diffused water. With the same membrane, we also demonstrate the simultaneous detection of methyl ethyl ketone, toluene, 1-methylnaphthalene, and ferrocene in air with chemical ionization employing membrane-diffused oxygen from air as the reagent gas.
Varied prevalence of Clostridium difficile in an integrated swine operation.

Abstract The objectives of this study were to compare the prevalence of Clostridium difficile (Cd) among different age and production groups of swine in a vertically integrated swine operation in Texas in 2006 and to compare our isolates to other animal and human isolates. Results are based on 131 Cd isolates from 1008 swine fecal samples and pork trim samples (overall prevalence of 13%). The prevalence (number positive/number tested in production type) of Cd was different between the groups (P ≤ 0.001), and was highest among suckling piglets at 50.0% (61/122), followed by 23.8% (34/143) for lactating sows and effluent from the farrowing barn, 8.4% (10/119) for nursery, 6.5% (4/62) for pork products, 3.9% (15/382) for grower-finisher, and 3.9% (7/180) for breeding boars and sows. Of the 131 isolates, 122 were positive by PCR for both toxins A (tcdA) and B (tcdB) genes, 129 isolates harbored a 39 base pair deletion in the tcdC gene, 120 isolates were toxinotype V, and all 131 of the isolates were positive for the binary toxin gene cdtB. All isolates were resistant to cefoxitin, ciprofloxacin, and imipenem, whereas all were sensitive to metronidazole, piperacillin/tazobactam, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, and vancomycin. The majority of isolates were resistant to clindamycin; resistant or intermediate to ampicillin; and sensitive to tetracycline and chloramphenicol. There was an increased (P ≤ 0.001) number of isolates for the timeframe of September to February compared to March to August.
Origins of the New Latino Underclass

Over the past four decades, the Latino population of the United States was transformed from a small, ethnically segmented population of Mexicans in the southwest, Puerto Ricans in New York, and Cubans in Miami into a large national population dominated by Mexicans, Central Americans, and South Americans. This transformation occurred through mass immigration, much of it undocumented, to the point where large fractions of non-Caribbean Hispanics lack legal protections and rights in the United States. Rising illegality is critical to understanding the disadvantaged status of Latinos today. The unauthorized population began to grow after avenues for legal entry were curtailed in 1965. The consequent rise in undocumented migration enabled political and bureaucratic entrepreneurs to frame Latino migration as a grave threat to the nation, leading to a rising frequency of negative framings in the media, a growing conservative reaction, and increasingly restrictive immigration and border policies that generated more apprehensions. Rising apprehensions, in turn, further enflamed the conservative reaction to produce even harsher enforcement and more still more apprehensions, yielding a self-feeding cycle in which apprehensions kept rising even though undocumented inflows had stabilized. The consequent militarization of the border had the perverse effect of reducing rates of out-migration rather than inhibiting in-migration, leading to a sharp rise in net undocumented population and rapid growth of the undocumented population. As a result, a majority of Mexican, Central American, and South American immigrants are presently undocumented at a time when unauthorized migrants are subject to increasing sanctions from authorities and the public, yielding downward pressure on the status and well-being of Latinos in the United States.
Interactions of radiolabeled tuftsin with human neutrophils

Abstract Tuftsin, the phagocytosis-stimulating peptide, was labeled with [ 14 C] or [ 125 I] at the C-terminal or N-terminal portions of the molecule and the specific interactions of the corresponding radiolabeled tuftsin with human neutrophils, lymphocytes, or monocytes were studied in vitro . Neutrophils bound 72.2 ± 10.3%, of the 14 C- or 125 I-labeled tuftsin in the incubation medium. When the label was incorporated at the N-terminal portion, the binding was reduced to 10%, indicating that the N-terminus is essential for the activity. Lymphocytes and monocytes also showed specific binding sites for labeled tuftsin, but the percentage binding was lower. The differences were not significant. Addition of varying amounts of unlabeled tuftsin to the labeled tuftsin-neutrophil complex, indicated quantitative competition for the binding sites on the cells. Preincubation of the neutrophils with chicken antituftsin abolished the binding. These studies indicate that neutrophils, lymphocytes and monocytes possess receptor sites for the phagocytosis-stimulating peptide. The enzymatic cleavage and generation of tuftsin from leukokinin by the action of leukokininase on neutrophils has been suggested to be a major event in phagocytosis. The receptor sites on neutrophils for the tetrapeptide tuftsin, evidenced by our present work, provide a valuable link towards the elucidation of the mechanism of phagocytosis-stimulation. The presence of similar binding sites for tuftsin on lymphocytes and monocytes indicates a probable role for these cell populations as well, in the sequence of events during phagocytosis. Splenectomized or asplenic patients who have frequent infections may be having defective F c receptors on these cells or these patients may be deficient in the particular subclass of IgG and/or the specific enzyme which cleaves tuftsin from it.
COMPARISON OF FLUBENDAZOLE AND DIETHYLCARBAMAZINE IN TREATMENT OF ONCHOCERCIASIS

Flubendazole, an injectable benzimidazole drug, was compared with diethylcarbamazine (DEC) in a prospective double-blind study of the treatment of onchocerciasis. Nineteen Mexican men were randomly assigned to receive either flubendazole 750 mg intramuscularly once a week for 5 doses, or DEC 100 mg twice daily for 14 days, and they were then followed up for 12 months. Major systemic side-effects during the first 3 weeks were common in the DEC group but not in the flubendazole group in which there was considerable inflammation at the injection site instead. Ocular complications (limbitis, punctate keratitis, and uveitis) were also common in the DEC group, whereas in the flubendazole group they consisted only of one new punctate opacity at day 4 in one subject. One DEC patient also had several new areas of chorioretinal changes on day 2 but these had disappeared by 2 months. Skin microfilaria counts fell rapidly in the DEC group, but returned to the pretreatment levels. In contrast, skin microfilaria counts in the flubendazole group fell slowly, but by 6 and 12 months were lower than in the DEC group (at 12 months 0.2 vs 7.3 mf/mg, p less than 0.001). In addition, by 6 months none of the flubendazole subjects had intracorneal microfilariae, and only one had microfilariae in the anterior chamber, whereas the numbers of intraocular microfilariae in the DEC group had returned to pretreatment levels. The results suggest that flubendazole is safer and more effective than DEC in the treatment of onchocerciasis.
The effects of cytochalasins on lymphocytes: V. Interaction of trifluoperazine and cytochalasin B in inhibition of human lymphocyte proliferation.

AbstractTrifluoperazine (TFP), a phenothiazine derivative, is known to inhibit calmodulin-mediated phenomena. We report here that TFP reversibly inhibited lymphocyte proliferative responses to mitogenic lectins. This inhibition was observed only when TFP was added during the early stages of exposure of lymphocytes to the stimulus. Furthermore, at sub optimally inhibitory concentrations of each compound, effects of TFP on lymphocyte proliferation were additive to those of cytochalasin B (CB). Incubation of lymphocytes in TFP (10−5 -10−4 M) markedly inhibited cytochalasin B binding to the actin associated, low affinity binding site without affecting its binding to the high affinity site or to the medium affinity site. This effect developed gradually during incubation with TFP, becoming demonstrable after 30 minutes reaching maximum after 30–60 min of incubation at 37.The findings suggest the occurrence of an interaction of TFP with the lymphocyte cytoskeleton, which may play a role in the impairment in the ...
Common Field Agriculture as a Cultural Landscape of Latin America: Development and History in the Geographical Customs of Resource Use

Common field agriculture is a form of communitybased landscape use. This ethnogeographic custom coordinates the production of crops and livestock grazing in managed fallow among the designated sectors of a community. Areas of cropping and communal grazing and resource collection are spatially separate and sequenced temporally. A number of indigenous peasant communities utilize common field agriculture (suyu, surt'i) in the tropical mountain landscapes of Peru and Bolivia. Presumably pre-European, it was recast under Spanish colonialism for tribute payments and food supply. Recent neoliberal development and conservation, common to Latin America, could either imperil or give incentive to this landscape custom. Uncoordinated intensification of land use is the chief threat. Benefits, both environmental and social, include the management of soils, vegetation, and crop pest and disease in Andean grass-shrub fallows; the reduction of labor-time demands in land use; and the bolstering of local food supply. Common...
Patient Perceptions of Obstetrician-gynecologists’ Practices Related to HIV Testing

Objectives The objectives of this study were to (1) determine the percentage of obstetrician-gynecologists' patients who have been tested for HIV; (2) examine patient attitudes about HIV testing and patients' knowledge about their own risk status; (3) determine primary reasons patients decline an HIV test; and (4) learn patient recall of how their obstetrician-gynecologists approach the topic of HIV testing. Method Survey packets were mailed to each of 687 obstetrician-gynecologists who are members of the Collaborative Ambulatory Research Network (CARN) to distribute to their patients. Data are reported from 851 patient respondents (297 pregnant and 554 non-pregnant), and were analyzed utilizing independent samples t-tests, v 2 analysis, and linear regression. Results Two-thirds of respondents (65%/n = 534) reported having been tested for HIV at some point, although the majority (72%) did not recall that their current obstetrician-gynecologist had rec- ommended HIV testing. Among pregnant respondents specifically, 61% did not recall that their current obstetri- cian-gynecologist had recommended HIV testing, although 82% reported having had an HIV test at some point and 71% stated they had received their most recent HIV test results from their obstetrician-gynecologist during their current pregnancy. Age, race, and pregnancy status were linked to likelihood of patient recall of receiving an HIV testing recommendation from their obstetrician-gynecolo- gist; with young, pregnant, Hispanic, and African- American patients most likely to recall a test recommen- dation. Perceived low risk was the primary reason given for declining an HIV test. Only 2% of respondents considered themselves high-risk for HIV despite almost half of the sample reporting having had unprotected sex at some point with more than one partner. Conclusions Many patients did not recall that their obstetrician-gynecologist had ever recommended HIV testing, although the majority had been tested. Efforts should be made to increase communication between obstetrician-gynecologists and their patients rela- ted to HIV risk status and HIV testing.