cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Innate immune protein surfactant protein-A (SP-A) in preterm and term placenta

TERM PLACENTA COLIN MACNEILL, SARA KENNEDY, TOM LIN, ZHENWU LIN, DEBRA SHEARER, JUDITH WEISZ, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hershey, Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Hershey, Pennsylvania OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine the presence, localization and concentration of SP-A in preterm and term placentae. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted an immunohistochemical, immunoblot, RT-PCR and converted-RFLP analysis of 17 placentae delivered before 36 weeks and 15 delivered after 37 weeks. Chorion and decidua were disected, and proteins separated on a 1-D gel. Immunoblot densitometry values were analyzed for an association between SP-A levels, preterm/term delivery and presence of chorioamnionitis. Converted RFLP, from RT-PCR products, was used to determine if messages were transcribed from the SP-A1 or SP-A2 gene. RESULTS: SP-A was identified by immunohistology in the subchorionic plate and villous and extravillous trophoblasts. Immunostaining appeared more intense in the subchorionic plate of placentae with chorioamnionitis. Immunoblot analysis demonstrated that SP-A was increased in the chorionic plate in term placentae (p = 0.001). One-way ANOVA was used to determine if chorioamnionitis had an effect on the increase in SP-A concentration at term. In placentae with chorioamnionitis, SP-A concentration in the chorionic plate was greater in those delivered at term (p = 0.002). Similarly, in placentae without chorioamnionitis, SP-A was increased in the subgroup delivered at term (p = 0.02). SP-A transcripts were identified by RT-PCR from RNA isolated from chorionic and decidual plate. Notably, both SP-A1 and SP-A2 genes are transcribed in term placentae whereas only SP-A2 is transcribed in preterm placentae. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that SP-A is present in preterm and term placentae, and is increased in the chorionic plate in term placentae. The increase in SP-A in term placenta may be associated with gestational age and unrelated to preterm birth. Alternatively, given that SP-A2 has been shown to have greater inflammatory activity in vitro, another feature of placental SP-A, such as the ballance of SP-A2/SP-A1, may be associated with preterm birth.
Characterization of 14 microsatellite loci in a tropical palm, Attalea phalerata (Arecaceae)

UNLABELLED PREMISE OF THE STUDY We developed microsatellite primers for the widely distributed tropical palm Attalea phalerata for studies on the dispersal and spatial genetic structure of palm populations. • METHODS AND RESULTS Fourteen di-, tri-, and tetra-nucleotide microsatellite primer pairs were identified. The number of alleles in the population tested ranged between 3 and 25, with a mean of 12.1. Ten microsatellite loci exhibited no significant deviations from Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium or presence of null alleles, and their combined probability of exclusion was 0.998. • CONCLUSIONS These microsatellite loci will be useful in parentage analysis and population genetics studies of Attalea phalerata.
Siding with Euthyphro: Response‐Dependence and Conferred Properties

I argue that ar esponse-dependence account of ac oncept can yield metaphysical results, and not merely epistemological or semantical results, which has been a prevalent view in the literature on response-dependence. In particular, I show how one can argue for a conferralist account of a certain property by arguing that the concept of the property is response-dependent, if certain assumptions are made. 1. Response-Dependence and Conferred Properties Euthyphro is in the unfortunate situation of having to prosecute his own father, because he thinks that is the pious thing to do. Socrates, in his customary fashion, insists that Euthyphro give him an account of what it is for an action to be pious. When Euthyphro responds that to be pious is to be loved by the gods, Socrates asks him: 1
Effects of selective pulses on the measurement of T2 and apparent diffusion in multiecho MRI

The effects of using spatially selective and nonuniform radiofrequency pulses on the apparent T2 of a train of multiple echoes have been calculated by computer simulation. It is demonstrated that the use of selective pulses produces errors in estimates of T2 in imaging experiments because regions of the slice are effectively off resonance and therefore receive spin rotations less than in an ideal case. Components of the transverse magnetization that are incompletely rotated by 180° refocusing pulses produce longitudinal components that are later returned to the transverse plane and add to subsequent echoes. These so-called ghost components influence the precise value of T2 estimated, but even when completely removed the resultant estimate is too short. The apparent T2 is influenced by the magnitude of the nutation angle inhomogeneity across the slice and paradoxically is not always more accurate with larger numbers of echoes. The reduction of apparent T2 caused by increasing the slice-selection gradient across a thin slab of material replicates the effects previously ascribed to diffusion and affords an alternative explanation for these without recourse to motion of the Spins. © 1987 Academic Press, Inc.
Annual Risk Assessment for Overload Security

This paper presents an approach to assess the cumulative risk associated with overload security for the purposes of mid-term power system planning. The work is motivated by a need to refine bulk power system reliability assessment to meet the needs of the restructured industry. There are two main contributions to the work. First, the assessment is performed over a year-long trajectory of hourly operating conditions, resulting in reliability assessment of all expected conditions and not just a limited number of snapshots. Secondly, the assessment is quantified by a risk index comprised of summed products of probability and consequence. This index is a good indicator of the actual reliability level, it is decomposable, and it can be effectively integrated into economic decision making paradigms. The work is illustrated using the 1996 IEEE Reliability Test System.
IUCF high intensity polarized ion source

In order to meet experimental requirements an ANAC source is being replaced with a modern high intensity source expected to yield in excess of 100 mu A DC H/sup +/ and D/sup +/ ion beams and/or at least 10 mu A DC H/sup -/ and D/sup -/ ion beams. Of the various proven state-of-the-art polarized ion source technologies, the system recently built and brought into successful operation best meets all needs. In 1989 the authors began acquiring design specifications from TUNL to build HIPIOS (High Intensity Polarized Ion Source). Based on TUNL's experience, HIPIOS should produce in excess of 100 mu A DC H/sup +/ and D/sup +/ ion beams. It employs cold ( approximately 30 K) atomic beam technology, a proven method for generating intense neutral atomic beams. >
Computational modeling of the EGF-receptor system: a paradigm for systems biology

Computational models have rarely been used as tools by biologists but, when models provide experimentally testable predictions, they can be extremely useful. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is probably the best-understood receptor system, and computational models have played a significant part in its elucidation. For many years, models have been used to analyze EGFR dynamics and to interpret mutational studies, and are now being used to understand processes including signal transduction, autocrine loops and developmental patterning. The success of EGFR modeling can be a guide to combining models and experiments productively to understand complex biological processes as integrated systems.
A new contingency ranking method (power systems)

A contingency ranking method for detecting voltage problems is proposed. The method is based on the AC network model and a voltage-sensitive performance index (PI). An efficient algorithm is proposed for the computation of the change of the performance index with respect to each contingency. The method accounts for the effects of: voltage regulators; discontinuities arising from generation bus limits; discontinuities arising from regulating transformer tap limits; and voltage-dependent loads. The concept of bus stiffness is introduced to provide a priori knowledge of the accuracy of the ranking method. The computational requirements of the proposed method are comparable to that of one iteration of the Newton-Raphson power flow. The method is suitable for online voltage security assessment. >
Array folding using heuristics and simulated annealing

Array folding is a technique to reduce the area of a logic array by exploiting its sparsity. Since the problem is NP-complete, heuristic algorithms that yield a near optimal solution have to be employed. In this paper, a method employing a combination of simulated annealing and heuristic algorithms has been used to find a near optimal solution for both simple and multiple folding of logic arrays. The algorithms developed have been implemented in a computer program called GAMIN-SA. When compared to PLEASURE, GAMIN-SA was seen to perform as good or better with regard to quality of solution and, for the bigger arrays, it was better in terms of run-time as well (multiple folding). >
SIZE-RELATED ANOMALIES AND STOCK RETURN SEASONALITY Further Empirical Evidence

This study examines, month-by-month, the empirical relation between abnormal returns and market value of NYSE and AMEX common stocks. Evidence is provided that daily abnormal return distributions in January have large means relative to the remaining eleven months, and that the relation between abnormal returns and size is always negative and more pronounced in January than in any other month - even in years when, on average, large firms earn larger risk-adjusted returns than small firms. In particular. nearly fifty percent of the average magnitude of the ‘size effect’ over the period 1963-1979 is due to January abnormal returns. Further, more than lifty percent of the January premium is attributable to large abnormal returns during the first week of trading in the year, particularly on the first trading day.
SEM Studies of Strobilating Aurelia

Strobilation in Texas Aurelia provides a rapid, controlled developmental model for the study of morphogenetic changes in biological organisms. The Texas Aurelia polyps (scyphistomae) are induced to strobilate using thyroxine which initiates segmentation in the organisms in 2–3 days. The segments metamorphose into ephyrae in 3 days.
14,000 Years of Sediment, Vegetation, and Water-Level Changes at the Makepeace Cedar Swamp, Southeastern Massachusetts

Data from a transect of four cores collected in the Makepeace Cedar Swamp, near Carver, Massachusetts, record past changes in deposition, vegetation, and water level. Time series of palynological data provide a 14,000-yr record of regional and local vegetation development, a means for biostratigraphic correlation and dating, and information about changes in water level. Differences in records among cores in the basin show that water level decreased at least 1.5 m between ∼10,800 and 9700 cal yr B.P., after which sediment accumulation was slow and intermittent across the basin for about 1700 yr. Between 8000 and 5600 cal yr B.P., water level rose ∼2.0 m, after which slow peat accumulation indicates a low stand about the time of the hemlock decline at 5300 ± 200 cal yr B.P. Dry conditions may have continued after this time, but by 3200 cal yr B.P., the onset of peat accumulation in shallow cores indicates that water level had risen to close to its highest postglacial level, where it is today. Peat has accumulated across the whole basin since 3200 cal yr B.P. Data from Makepeace and the Pequot Cedar Swamp, near Ledyard, Connecticut, indicate an early Holocene dry interval in southern New England that began 11,500 yr ago near the end of the Younger Dryas interval. The dry conditions prevailed between 10,800 and 8000 cal yr B.P. and coincide with the arrival and later rise to dominance of white pine trees (Pinus strobus) both regionally and near the basins. Our results indicate a climatic cause for the “pine period” in New England.
General compact model for bit-rate limit of electrical interconnects considering DC resistance, skin effect and surface scattering

Compact models are presented for the bit-rate limit of transmission lines using a general form of resistance that for the first time simultaneously considers dc resistance, skin effect, and surface scattering. A conventional approximation that is only valid for fast rising signals is also relaxed. In contrast to previous models, it is shown that the bit-rate limit of a transmission line is not independent of wire perimeter-to-length ratio or scale-invariant. It is also shown that the error of previous models is large (e.g. 80% for bit-rate limit equals reciprocal time of flight) if bit-rate limit is not considerably larger than the reciprocal time-of-flight.
Intelligent tutoring in nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

The development of "Learning Environment for Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy" (LEMRS) is discussed. LEMRS is an intelligent exploration-based learning environment which assists students in learning the procedural knowledge involved with a one-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy experiment. >
Structural mechanisms of DNA binding and unwinding in bacterial RecQ helicases

RecQ helicases unwind remarkably diverse DNA structures as key components of many cellular processes. How RecQ enzymes accommodate different substrates in a unified mechanism that couples ATP hydrolysis to DNA unwinding is unknown. Here, the X-ray crystal structure of the Cronobacter sakazakii RecQ catalytic core domain bound to duplex DNA with a 3′ single-stranded extension identifies two DNA-dependent conformational rearrangements: a winged-helix domain pivots ∼90° to close onto duplex DNA, and a conserved aromatic-rich loop is remodeled to bind ssDNA. These changes coincide with a restructuring of the RecQ ATPase active site that positions catalytic residues for ATP hydrolysis. Complex formation also induces a tight bend in the DNA and melts a portion of the duplex. This bending, coupled with translocation, could provide RecQ with a mechanism for unwinding duplex and other DNA structures.
BOOK REVIEW: "PRINCIPLES OF QUANTUM COMPUTATION AND QUANTUM INFORMATION, Vol. I: BASIC CONCEPTS, VOL. II: BASIC TOOLS AND SPECIAL TOPICS" BY G. BENENTI, G. CASATI AND G. STRINI

This two-volume book is a great addition to the growing number of books devoted to the field. It is very clearly written by classroom professionals, always with the students in mind. The tutorial presentation is supplemented with a number of exercises whose solutions are also given at the end of each volume. The first volume can serve as a textbook for a one semester introductory course in quantum computation and quantum information. The second volume is more technical and brings the reader to the level of the current literature. It is useful for the specialist, can serve as a textbook for a more advanced course, or has its place as a reference book. In summary, I can highly recommend this book to anyone interested in this field.
Injection of IgG 192-saporin into the medial septum produces cholinergic hypofunction and dose-dependent working memory deficits

192-IgG saporin is an anti-neuronal immunotoxin that combines the 192 monoclonal antibody to the p75 neurotrophin receptor found on terminals and cell bodies of neurons in the cholinergic basal forebrain with the ribosome-inactivating protein saporin. Injection of 100, 237.5 or 375 ng of 192-saporin into the medial septum produced dose-related deficits in a variable-delay radial-arm maze task. 192-saporin decreased the number of correct choices and increased the number of errors in the delayed non-match to sample task. These deficits persisted throughout training and were most evident in the 375 ng group. The behavioral deficits were associated with dose-dependent decreases in pre-synaptic cholinergic parameters (ie., high affinity choline uptake) in the terminal fields of the medial septum (hippocampus, cingulate, entorhinal cortex). Choline uptake was not affected in the frontal cortex or the striatum; structures not innervated by the septum. There were no changes in regional concentrations of dopamine, serotonin, or their metabolites. Site-specific injection of IgG 192-saporin is a useful approach to explore the functions of the cholinergic basal forebrain and to model diseases of cholinergic hypofunction such as Alzheimer's disease.
Beyond Incentive Pay: Insiders' Estimates of the Value of Complementary Human Resource Management Practices

Do human resource management (HRM) practices, such as incentive pay, teamwork, training, and careful screening practices, raise productivity, and if so, under what conditions does productivity rise? Recently, this question has been a central focus in organizational and personnel economics. We emphasize the value of a new research approach--an approach we label "insider econometrics"--that is aimed going deep inside businesses to obtain data and insights into the ways in which HRM practices affect specific production processes. We conclude that sets of complementary HRM practices appear to raise performance, but that some firms, such as those that make complex products or those that are starting up brand new facilities, benefit more from these practices.
Indoor Air Quality of Houses Located in the Urban Environment of Agra, India

Increased concern over the adverse health effects of air pollution has highlighted the need for air-pollution measurements, especially in urban areas, where many sources of air pollutants are normally monitored outdoors as part of obligations under the National Air Quality Strategies. Very little is known about air pollution indoors. In fact, the largest exposure to health-damaging indoor pollution probably occurs in the developing world, not in households, schools, and offices of developed countries where most research and control efforts have been focused to date. As a result much of the health impacts from air pollution worldwide seem to occur among the poorest and most vulnerable populations. The authors in their earlier studies have confirmed the importance of ambient air in determining the quality of air indoors. In this study an observation of air quality indoors and outdoors of domestic homes located in an urban environment from October 2004 to December 2005 in Agra, north central India, is performed. The purpose of this study was to characterize the indoor/outdoor (I/O) relationship of airborne pollutants and recognize their probable source in all three seasons, that is, winter, summer, and rainy season. Concentrations of SO(2), NO(2), CO(2), Cl(2), H(2)S, NH(3), RSPM, and PAH were monitored simultaneously and I/O ratios were calculated. In order to investigate the effect of seasonality on indoor and ambient air quality, winter to summer and winter to monsoon average ratios were calculated. It is apparent that there is a general pattern of increasing levels from monsoon to summer to winter, and similarly from outdoor to indoor air. Regressions analysis had been done to further investigate the influence of outdoor air-pollutant concentrations on indoor concentrations. The most probable categories of sources for these pollutants have been identified by using principal-component analysis. Indoor air pollution is a complex function of energy housing and behavioral factors. On the basis of this study and observations, some interventions are also suggested.
Design approach to implement implicit traffic in a simulation environment

As the United States' Army attempts to spiral future force technologies into the current force, realistic representations of network-centric warfare become a priority for modeling and simulation (M&S). Specifically, future communications systems will provide different performance and capabilities than current systems, and these new capabilities need to be represented by the Army's M&S. In order to enable realistic analysis, the new communications systems models will need to be loaded by realistic representations of traffic flows to ensure the accuracy of the command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (C4ISR) analysis results. This paper will present a design approach and a series of algorithms to implement implicit traffic in the Future Combat Systems (FCS) Simulation Environment (FSE). The paper will focus on a phased approach for the generation of implicit traffic that will realistically load the modeled communications networks as the level of explicit traffic within the simulation environment increases from a small percentage to a large percentage of overall traffic.
MIF Is Necessary for Late-Stage Melanoma Patient MDSC Immune Suppression and Differentiation

Highly aggressive cancers "entrain" innate and adaptive immune cells to suppress antitumor lymphocyte responses. Circulating myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) constitute the bulk of monocytic immunosuppressive activity in late-stage melanoma patients. Previous studies revealed that monocyte-derived macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is necessary for the immunosuppressive function of tumor-associated macrophages and MDSCs in mouse models of melanoma. In the current study, we sought to determine whether MIF contributes to human melanoma MDSC induction and T-cell immunosuppression using melanoma patient-derived MDSCs and an ex vivo coculture model of human melanoma-induced MDSC. We now report that circulating MDSCs isolated from late-stage melanoma patients are reliant upon MIF for suppression of antigen-independent T-cell activation and that MIF is necessary for maximal reactive oxygen species generation in these cells. Moreover, inhibition of MIF results in a functional reversion from immunosuppressive MDSC to an immunostimulatory dendritic cell (DC)-like phenotype that is at least partly due to reductions in MDSC prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)). These findings indicate that monocyte-derived MIF is centrally involved in human monocytic MDSC induction/immunosuppressive function and that therapeutic targeting of MIF may provide a novel means of inducing antitumor DC responses in late-stage melanoma patients.
A Survey for Hα Pulsar Bow Shocks

We report on a survey for Hα bow shock emission around nearby γ-detected energetic pulsars. This survey adds three Balmer-dominated neutron star bow shocks to the six previously confirmed examples. In addition to the shock around Fermi pulsar PSR J1741–2054, we now report Hα structures around two additional γ-ray pulsars, PSR J2030+4415 and PSR J1509–5850. These are the first known examples of Hα nebulae with pre-ionization halos. With new measurements, we show that a simple analytic model can account for the angular size and flux of the bow shocks' apices. The latter, in particular, provides a new pulsar probe and indicates large moments of inertia and smaller distances than previously assumed in several cases. In particular, we show that the re-measured PSR J0437–4715 shock flux implies I = (1.7 ± 0.2) × 1045/(f H I sin i) g cm2. We also derive a distance d 0.72 kpc for the γ-ray only pulsar PSR J2030+4415 and revised distances for PSRs J1959+2048 (1.4 kpc) and J2555+6535 (~1 kpc), smaller than the conventional DM-estimated values. Finally, we report upper limits for 94 additional LAT pulsars. An estimate of the survey sensitivity indicates that for a warm neutral medium filling factor WNM ~ 0.3 there should be a total of approximately nine Hα bow shocks in our LAT-targeted survey; given that seven such objects are now known, a much larger WNM seems problematic.
Radiolytic Hydrogen Production in the Subseafloor Basaltic Aquifer

Hydrogen (H2) is produced in geological settings by dissociation of water due to radiation from radioactive decay of naturally occurring uranium ((238)U, (235)U), thorium ((232)Th) and potassium ((40)K). To quantify the potential significance of radiolytic H2 as an electron donor for microbes within the South Pacific subseafloor basaltic aquifer, we use radionuclide concentrations of 43 basalt samples from IODP Expedition 329 to calculate radiolytic H2 production rates in basement fractures. The samples are from three sites with very different basement ages and a wide range of alteration types. U, Th, and K concentrations vary by up to an order of magnitude from sample to sample at each site. Comparison of our samples to each other and to the results of previous studies of unaltered East Pacific Rise basalt suggests that significant variations in radionuclide concentrations are due to differences in initial (unaltered basalt) concentrations (which can vary between eruptive events) and post-emplacement alteration. However, there is no clear relationship between alteration type and calculated radiolytic yields. Local maxima in U, Th, and K produce hotspots of H2 production, causing calculated radiolytic rates to differ by up to a factor of 80 from sample to sample. Fracture width also greatly influences H2 production, where microfractures are hotspots for radiolytic H2 production. For example, H2 production rates normalized to water volume are 190 times higher in 1 μm wide fractures than in fractures that are 10 cm wide. To assess the importance of water radiolysis for microbial communities in subseafloor basaltic aquifers, we compare electron transfer rates from radiolysis to rates from iron oxidation in subseafloor basalt. Radiolysis appears likely to be a more important electron donor source than iron oxidation in old (>10 Ma) basement basalt. Radiolytic H2 production in the volume of water adjacent to a square cm of the most radioactive SPG basalt may support as many as 1500 cells.
The progress of small cell lung cancer management using irinotecan plus cisplatin chemotherapy

7721 Background: Etoposide/cisplatin (EP) is the most widely used regimen resulting in a median survival of 8–10 mos and 17–20 mos respectively for patients (pts) with extensive-disease (ED) and li...
Patterns of Consumption Change and Economic Development: A Comparative Perspective

This paper examines the process of consumption change and economic development that took place in the developed economies (during their period of rapid economic development) and compares it with the process that is taking place in the developing economies of today. The paper suggests that the impact of marketing and other factors (e.g., media) on consumer behavior in the developing economies today may be similar to the impact of these same factors on consumers of the developed economies during the periods of their development. Lastly, the paper proposes a thesis regarding the pattern of changes in consumption and economic development. Implications of the thesis are discussed.
Peroneal Tendon Abnormalities on Routine Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Foot and Ankle

Background:Abnormalities of the peroneal tendons can frequently be identified on routine MRI of the foot and ankle. Previous studies in the orthopedic literature have discussed the prevalence of abnormal MRI findings in asymptomatic patients, most notably with regards to the spine and shoulder. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of abnormal findings of the peroneal tendons on MRI in asymptomatic individuals.Methods:We retrospectively reviewed all foot and ankle MRIs from 2 independent time periods that were either performed or reviewed at our institution. Studies were excluded if performed on patients with documented inversion injuries, ankle sprains, or lateral ankle trauma. A total of 294 (of 617) MRIs were eligible for inclusion in this study. A single attending musculoskeletal radiologist reviewed each MRI. Pathologies of the peroneal tendons included tendinosis, tenosynovitis, acute tears, chronic tears, and tendon splits. Additionally, the primary pathology encountered on each...
Tunneling field effect transistors: Device and circuit considerations for energy efficient logic opportunities

Any significant improvement in the energy efficiency of logic will require significantly lower supply voltages (VDD) while keeping leakage current low. The Tunneling Field-Effect Transistor (TFET) is a leading future transistor option because its potential for steep subthreshold swing (SS) enables more efficient low VDD operation. In contrast to the MOSFET, the TFET is not fundamentally limited to 60 mV/dec SS, so for a range of operating voltages TFET circuits can have lower leakage or higher performance [1]. The physics of TFET operation is different than the MOSFET (Fig. 1a) because it uses electric field control of the quantum tunneling effect through a barrier [2] for the transport. Steep SS is possible by filtering of high-energy carriers in the Fermi-tail of the conduction (or valence) band of the N-TFET (or P-TFET) [3]. The TFET physical structure can be like the MOSFET (e.g. planar, fin, nanowire), but requires opposite type doping in source and drain (Fig. 1a). With this structure, an asymmetric Id-Vds exists with low conduction at negative Vds (or Vsd) for an N-TFET (or P-TFET) (Fig. 2) [4].
The Commercial Development of Biological Control in California

Most attempts at biological control of insect pests have consisted in the simple introduction and establishment of entomophagous insects, rather than in the continous laboratory propagation and distribution of these insects in order to force them to a condition of permanent dominance. This latter type of work has been developed in a large commercial way against the mealybugs attacking citrus in California and has proved very sucessful as well as economical. There arc now ten local insectaries engaged in this work in California in addition to several private ones. $33,800.00 is invested in equipment for this work. Operating expenses for the past season were $48,750.00, and over four million Cryptolaemus montrouzieri were propagated in the insectaries and distributed in the infested groves.
Quill Wall Thickness and Feeding of Syringophiloidus minor (Berlese) (Acarina: Syringophilidae)

Syringophiloidus minor (Berlese) lives and reproduces inside the quills of the house sparrow, Passer domesticus L. Colonizing females and their offspring feed by piercing the quill wall with their styletiform chelicerae. The length of the chelicerae is about 100 I¼m
Radiographic distribution of drops and sprays within the sinonasal cavities.

BackgroundTopical nasal sprays are commonly prescribed for sinonasal disease. Nasal drops applied in a head-down position are described alternatively to sprays. Multiple research methods have inves...
The effect of repeated blood meals infective for bluetongue on the infection rate of Culicoides variipennis.

Repeated infective feedings of blood meals containing a uniform concentration of bluetongue virus progressively increased the infection rate when the virus concentration was well below that needed to infect 100% of the susceptible flies in a colony population of Culicoides variipennis (Coquillett). The blood meal having the 10−1 dilution of virus (3 × 106 egg median lethal doses/ml) infected about 30% of the flies regardless of the number of infective meals given; thus this 30% is the susceptibility rate for our colony population of C. variipennis (SONORA strain) to the strain of bluetongue virus designated as 62-45S. No flies were infected at the 10−4 dilution. A normal blood meal prior to an infective meal at 10−1 dilution did not make the population become more or less susceptible. A reduction in the infection rate after the fourth infective meal indicated a loss of bluetongue virus infection, and possibly of susceptibility, by physiologically older flies.
Quantifying Isoniazid Levels in Small Hair Samples: A Novel Method for Assessing Adherence during the Treatment of Latent and Active Tuberculosis.

Author(s): Gerona, Roy; Wen, Anita; Chin, Aaron T; Koss, Catherine A; Bacchetti, Peter; Metcalfe, John; Gandhi, Monica | Abstract: BackgroundTuberculosis (TB) is the leading cause of death from an infectious pathogen worldwide and the most prevalent opportunistic infection in people living with HIV. Isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) reduces the incidence of active TB and reduces morbidity and mortality in HIV-infected patients independently of antiretroviral therapy. However, treatment of latent or active TB is lengthy and inter-patient variability in pharmacokinetics and adherence common. Current methods of assessing adherence to TB treatment using drug levels in plasma or urine assess short-term exposure and pose logistical challenges. Drug concentrations in hair assess long-term exposure and have demonstrated pharmacodynamic relevance in HIV.MethodsA large hair sample from a patient with active TB was obtained for assay development. Methods to pulverize hair and extract isoniazid were optimized and then the drug detected by liquid chromatography/ tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS). The method was validated for specificity, accuracy, precision, recovery, linearity and stability to establish the assay's suitability for therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). Hair samples from patients on directly-observe isoniazid-based latent or active TB therapy from the San Francisco Department of Public Health TB clinic were then tested.ResultsOur LC/MS-MS-based assay detected isoniazid in quantities as low as 0.02ng/mg using 10-25 strands hair. Concentrations in spiked samples demonstrated linearity from 0.05-50ng/mg. Assay precision and accuracy for spiked quality-control samples were high, with an overall recovery rate of 79.5%. In 18 patients with latent or active TB on treatment, isoniazid was detected across a wide linear dynamic range.ConclusionsAn LC-MS/MS-based assay to quantify isoniazid levels in hair with performance characteristics suitable for TDM was developed and validated. Hair concentrations of isoniazid assess long-term exposure and may be useful for monitoring adherence to latent or active TB treatment in the setting of HIV.
Impact of Physical Educators on Local School Wellness Policies

The Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 required school district officials to approve a local school wellness policy by July 2006, making this the first federal legislation requiring school district officials to establish a goal for physical activity and that could focus on physical education. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a sample of local school wellness policies with particular attention to (1) the presence of seven federally mandated components as goals within the policy, (2) characterization of differences among policies created with and without formal input from physical educators, and (3) reference to assessment through having a monitor and a plan to measure implementation. Administrators in every district in Iowa were contacted by mail to complete a brief survey and submit a copy of their local school wellness policy; 241(43%) responded fully. Physical education (75%) and health teachers (64%) were not required committee members, but served on the majority of committees. Policies were examined in two ways. First, policies were examined to determine whether the seven federally mandated components were present. Second, a numeric value was assigned to the characteristics of each goal, nutrition guideline, and assessment plan that was summed (M = 54.5, SD = 28.4) from a possible score of 113. Policies were predictably influenced by committee membership. Having a physical education teacher on the committee had a modest influence on the content of the physical education goal (3.1 vs. 2.4 goal points, ES =0.4) and specific aspects of the physical education goal (more minutes of physical education per week [ES = 0.4], all grades Kâ€“12 [ES =0.32]). Physical educators had a positive influence on school wellness policies.
Volumetric Composition Imaging at the Nanoscale by Soft X-Ray Laser Ablation Mass Spectrometry

Single shot soft x-ray laser ablation in combination with mass spectrometry is shown to make it possible to detect intact molecular ions from organic and inorganic materials from atto-liter volumes with high sensitivity. The technique is demonstrated to record 3D composition images of heterogeneous samples.
Diffuse Unilateral Subacute Neuroretinitis

Diffuse unilateral subacute neuroretinitis (DUSN) is an ocular disease caused by a nematode, which invades the subretinal space, damaging the retinal pigment epithelium and retina and potentially leading to blindness. Most cases are unilateral, but involvement of both eyes has been reported.
Hemorrhage Control and Thrombosis Following Severe Injury

Abstract Severe injury is a profound stress on the human blood-clotting system and leads to high rates of death from uncontrolled hemorrhage and vascular thrombosis in those who survive. Such patients are under the immediate care of trauma and acute care surgeons, interventional radiologists, and trauma anesthesiologists. Consultative care for these patients and interaction with their caregivers requires knowledge of the hematology of injury, of the current practice of trauma care, available blood resources, and practice in delivering consultative service at the speed of care required in these critically injured patients. The acute coagulopathy of trauma and amplifying factors such as blood loss, hemodilution, acidosis, hypothermia, platelet and factor consumption, and fibrinolysis are reviewed, as are practical considerations around giving modern blood components to reconstitute the functions of whole blood. Practical advice for conveying complex information under stress is given. The acute coagulopathy occurs when microvascular disruption leads to excessive consumption of factor VII or profound disruption leads to the activation of protein C with subsequent inactivation of factors V and VIII and plasminogen activator inhibitor. These losses are best treated with plasma replacement. A one-to-one ratio of units of plasma to red blood cells maintains a critical hematocrit while replacing consumed or inactivated coagulation factors. Prophylaxis against thrombosis should start as soon as bleeding stops. Coordinating hematologic care of trauma patients is best accomplished with a preplanned massive transfusion protocol, knowledge of the sources of hemostatic failure, and early initiation of thromboprophylaxis.
Profile of the Local AC Temperature Distribution in a Thermally Insulating Solid

Many applications in therma wave physics involve calculating the periodic temperature distribution T(r,t), everywhere for a source of known geometry. For calculations involving more than one medium, such as a gas and a solid, or a layered structure, we assume particular boundary conditions for the continuity of temperature and the heat flux, which affect the final temperature distribution. KUO et al. [1] have calculated the periodic temperature distribution assuming a point heat source for a homogeneous, isotropic solid, when the thermal diffusivity of the solid is greater than, equal to, and less than that of the gas, predicting the distortion of the temperature profile near the gas-solid interface. We present a direct experimental measurement of the temperature profile in an insulating solid, which demonstrates the effect of the mismatch in thermal properties at the interface and provides a picture of the temperature distribution in the solid near the interface. We describe the experimental parameters, present our results, and briefly compare our results with the theoretical picture of [1].
Voice Outcomes following a Single Office-Based Steroid Injection for Vocal Fold Scar

ObjectivePersistent dysphonia from vocal fold scar remains a clinical challenge, with current therapies providing inconsistent outcomes. We evaluated voice outcomes after a single office-based steroid injection.Study DesignCase series with chart review.SettingAcademic medical center.Subjects and MethodsThis study was based on pre- and postoperative analysis of patient-reported, perceptual, acoustic, aerodynamic, and videostroboscopic parameters. The sample comprised 25 patients undergoing office-based dexamethasone injection into the superficial lamina propria for mild/moderate vocal fold scar. Average follow-up was 13.7 ± 4.4 weeks; patients completed 3.5 ± 2.3 sessions of voice therapy between assessments. Complete data sets were not available for each parameter; sample size is noted with results.ResultsVoice handicap index (n = 24; P < .001) and glottal function index (n = 22; P < .001) decreased after injection. Total GRBAS score (grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenia, strain) decreased (n = 25; P <...
Antihypertensives as novel antineoplastics

P ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is one of the most fatal malignancies that is characterized by metabolic alterations and increased rates of glycolysis and lipogenesis. Deregulation of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and overexpression of the lipogenesis promoting enzyme fatty acid synthase (FAS) are key metabolic alterations in PDA. FAS, an oncogene that is regulated by AMPK, provides constant supply of lipids and lipid precursors to fuel membrane production during cancer cell proliferation. Activation of AMPK and subsequent inhibition of FAS have been shown to suppress tumor growth in several animal models of human cancer. We have previously shown that angiotensin II (AngII), the principal hormone of the renin angiotensin system (RAS), is actively generated in the pancreas. In PDA, all RAS members, including AngII receptors type 1 and type 2 (AT1R and AT2R) and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) are highly upregulated in the malignant ducts. We show here that AngII significantly increases the production of FAS in PDA cells and that its blockade by ACE inhibitors or by ATR blockers (ARBs) inhibits endogenous FAS production through regulating its transcription. Interestingly, AngII blockers activate AMPK and induce phosphorylation-inhibition of acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC). In vivo, in a xenograft model of human PDA, AngII blockade induces significant reduction of tumor size and decreases FAS production. Furthermore, we show that hypertensive PDA patients who receive AngII blockade therapies enjoy a significant survival advantage (P<0.02). Our data have a considerable impact on both the understanding of pancreatic carcinogenesis and its treatment as targeting AngII maybe an attractive means to modulate pancreatic cancer progression. Our results also shed new light on the ' lipogenesis-cancer' paradigm as our data suggest that AngII may be a central component in the sequence of metabolic changes leading to cancer by down regulating AMPK activity and driving oncogenic FAS production.
Abstract 283: Platelet Inhibition Increases Angiotensin II-induced Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Incidence and Rupture in Mice

Objective Platelets play a central role in both hemostasis and thrombosis. The coagulation protease thrombin activates platelets by cleavage of protease-activated receptors (PAR1 and PAR4 in humans, and PAR3 and PAR4 in mice). Circulating thrombin is increased in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). We recently demonstrated that PAR4 deficiency in mice increased the incidence of aneurysm (P = 0.001) and rupture-induced death (P = 0.003) in an angiotensin II (AngII) infusion model of AAA. Furthermore, platelet depletion significantly increased rupture in this model (P = 0.048). The purpose of this study was to examine clinically used anti-platelet drugs in this mouse model of AAA. Methods and Results Male Ldlr -/- mice (8-12 weeks in age) were fed a fat and cholesterol-enriched diet (21% milk fat, 0.2% cholesterol). Groups of mice received either aspirin (30 mg/L via drinking water [ASA]), or diet supplemented with the direct thrombin inhibitor dabigatran etexilate (10 g/kg chow [DE]) or the P2Y 12 inhibitor clopidogrel (50 mg/kg/day [Plavix]) 1 week prior to and throughout AngII (1,000 ng/kg/min) infusion for 28 days. Drug bioavailability was confirmed with all treatments. Medial diameters in the suprarenal aortic region were increased significantly from baseline to day 28 in all groups infused with AngII, as measured by in vivo ultrasound. Medial diameters were not different in any of the treatment groups compared with placebo controls. However, DE (87% vs. 47%) and Plavix (82% vs. 40%) significantly increased the incidence of AAA versus placebo groups (P Conclusion This study indicates that the presence of functional platelets reduces the formation and rupture of AAA in this mouse model. This suggests that inhibition of platelet function may be detrimental to patients with existing AAAs, a conclusion that will be addressed in future mouse studies.
Community Control of Social Work Education a Historical Example

From 1901 to 1924 social work education in the mid and southwest was provided by the Missouri School of Social Economy (MSSE). In 1924 the MSSE suddenly closed and was almost immediately replaced by an entirely new program, the Washington University Training Course for Social Workers. This paper explores the reasons for the demise of the MSSE, finding that it was apparently too liberal for the taste of university administrators and not responsive enough to the needs of the local practice community. The case of the MSSE provides an interesting and useful example of community control of social work education. Histories of social work education generally discuss the four "pioneer schools" of social work the New York School of Philanthropy (1898; now the Columbia University School of Social Work); the Chicago School of Civics and Philanthropy (1903; now the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration); the Boston School for Social Workers (1904; now the Simmons College School of Social Work) and the Philadelphia Training School for Social Work (1908; now the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Work). Few make note, however, that there was a fifth school, the Missouri School of Social Economy, that opened in St. Louis in 1901. The Missouri School provided professional social work education to much of the mid and southwest until 1924 when it suddenly went out of business and was immediately replaced by the Washington University Training Course for Social Workers (now the George Warren Brown School of Social Work). The strange fact is that there was absolutely no connection between the two programs. The Washington University course was different in affiliation, administration, faculty, and curriculum. The story of the development and eventual failure of the Missouri School of Social Economy and its replacement by the Washington University program provides an interesting and useful example of community control over social work education.
Is School out for the Summer? The Impact of Year-Round Pell Grants on Academic and Employment Outcomes of Community College Students.

Despite having been the largest source of financial aid to low-income college students in the United States, the traditional Pell Grant had one major limitation: If students enrolled in two semeste...
Extracting the Time-Domain Building Response From Random Vibrations

The extraction of the response from field fluctuations excited by random sources has received considerable attention in a variety of different fields. I show application of this principle to the motion recorded in the Millikan library at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, California, after an earthquake. Deconvolution of the recorded motion at different floors unravels the building response from the complicated excitation and from the unknown soil-structure interaction. I give arguments why analyzing the response function in the time domain is more informative than just using the amplitude spectrum of the transfer function. I provide examples that show that it is possible to extract the building response that satisfies the same dynamic equations as does the real building, but that may satisfy different boundary conditions at the base. This means one can obtain from the data the building response with different soil-structure interaction than the real building has.