cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Acute Presentation of Vestibular Schwannoma Secondary to Intratumoral Hemorrhage: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Background Vestibular schwannomas (VS) are common slow-growing tumors that typically present with the insidious progression of unilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, and gait imbalance. Clinically significant intratumoral acute hemorrhage is exceedingly rare and can present with the acute onset of symptoms, neurologic deterioration, and significant dysfunction of cranial nerves VII and VIII. We discuss a 40-year-old man who developed mild hearing loss and headaches over the course of a month before presenting with a large acutely hemorrhagic vestibular schwannoma. In addition, we review the current literature pertaining to this pathology. Case Presentation A previously healthy 40-year-old man with a 1-month history of mild headaches, dizziness, and left-sided hearing loss, tinnitus, and facial numbness presented with the acute onset of severe headache, vomiting, complete left-sided hearing loss, and left-sided facial weakness. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 4.1 × 2.7 cm hemorrhagic mass in the left cerebellopontine angle most consistent with VS. The patient subsequently underwent a retrosigmoid craniotomy and resection of the tumor. Pathology was consistent with hemorrhagic VS. Imaging at 1-year follow-up demonstrated no residual or recurrent disease, and facial motor function had completely recovered. Conclusions Histologically, vascular abnormalities and microhemorrhages are nearly ubiquitous across vestibular schwannomas and may contribute to cystic degeneration and rapid tumor growth. However, clinically significant hemorrhage is rarely encountered and is more commonly associated with more profound neurologic sequelae and cranial nerve VII dysfunction. Surgical resection at the time of presentation should be strongly considered to remove the risk of repeat hemorrhage and further deterioration. Our case represents a typical presentation and clinical course for a patient presenting with this rarely encountered pathology.
Review of Sex Slaves and Serfs: The Dynamics of Human Trafficking in a Small Florida Town, by Erin C. Heil

Erin Heil’s book, Sex Slaves and Serfs: The Dynamics of Human Trafficking in a Small Florida Town, is an excellent illustration of the plight of undocumented and documented people who toil in the U...
Application of the Social Vulnerability Index for Identifying Teen Pregnancy Intervention Need in the United States

Objectives Originally developed to assess emergency preparedness, evidence suggests the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) may also be useful to investigate multilevel environmental and social influences on health risk behaviors and outcomes. This ecological study explores the application of the SVI as a predictor of teen pregnancy rates across counties in the United States (U.S.) and identifies areas with greatest need for community-based interventions. Methods County-level SVI and teen birth rate data were obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Regression analysis was conducted to examine associations between teen birth rates and social vulnerability, geographic region, and the four themes which compromise the index: socioeconomic status, household composition, minority status, and housing. Dot maps of teen birth rates and SVI by quartiles were used to examine spatial distribution across counties. Results Each increase in SVI quartile was associated with an additional 11.5 births per 1000 females ages 15–19. Higher social vulnerability was significantly associated with higher teen birth rates to varying degrees across the U.S., with largest effect sizes observed in East South Central (β = 62.56; SE = 6.28; p < 0.001) and West South Central (β = 66.75; SE = 5.33; p < 0.001) Census divisions. Among index themes, socioeconomic status (β = 25.56; SE = 1.16; p < 0.001), household composition (β = 23.49; SE = 1.00; p < 0.001), and minority/language status (β = 10.99; SE = 0.83; p < 0.001) were positively associated with teen birth. No association was observed with housing/transportation. Conclusions The SVI offers a novel tool for identifying at-risk populations most in need of resources and guiding community-based teen pregnancy interventions across the U.S.
Establishing RPTE-derived cell lines expressing hTERT for studying BK polyomavirus

ABSTRACT We previously established an infection model for BKPyV in primary human renal proximal tubule epithelial (RPTE) cells. Use of these cells is limited by their inability to be passaged extensively. We describe RPTE cells immortalized with hTERT, which can serve as a model system for acute or persistent BKPyV infection.
Collective properties of the odd-mass I nuclei: /sup 123,125,127/I

The high-spin states of $^{123,125,127}\mathrm{I}$ have been investigated via the $^{A}\mathrm{Sn}(^{6}\mathrm{Li}, 3n)^{A+3}\mathrm{I}$ reactions to study the collective properties of the odd-mass I isotopes. In-beam measurements of $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray excitations, $\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ coincidences, $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray angular distributions, and pulsed beam-$\ensuremath{\gamma}$ timing were performed with Ge detectors to determine level energies, decay schemes, $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray multipolarities, ${J}^{\ensuremath{\pi}}$ assignments, and lifetime information. A similar study of the $^{117,119,121}\mathrm{I}$ isotopes is reported in the following paper. Two collective features have been identified in these odd-mass I nuclei. Systematic $\ensuremath{\Delta}J=1$ bands built on low-lying ${\frac{9}{2}}^{+}$ proton-hole (4p-1h) states were observed. The ${\frac{9}{2}}^{+}$ bandheads, that involve the excitation of a $1{g}_{\frac{9}{2}}$ proton across the $Z=50$ shell, drop to very low energies near the middle of the neutron shell. The properties of the ${\frac{9}{2}}^{+}$ proton-hole states for all of the odd-mass I isotopes are presented and related to the systematic information for the proton-hole states in the entire $Zg50$ transition region. Systematic $\ensuremath{\Delta}J=2$ bands built on ${\frac{11}{2}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ ($1{h}_{\frac{11}{2}}$ quasiproton) states, on ${\frac{7}{2}}^{+}$ ($1{g}_{\frac{7}{2}}$ quasiproton) states, and on ${\frac{5}{2}}^{+}$ ($2{d}_{\frac{5}{2}}$ quasiproton) states were also observed. The $\ensuremath{\Delta}J=2$ band spacings generally follow the spacings of the Te-core ground-state bands with the exception of the ${\frac{11}{2}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ $\ensuremath{\Delta}J=2$ bands, for which the spacings decrease significantly relative to those for the Te cores as $A$ decreases. These systematic properties are discussed in terms of several theoretical approaches to the onset of collectivity in transitional nuclei. An isomer at 2660 keV in $^{123}\mathrm{I}$ was observed to have a mean lifetime $\ensuremath{\tau}=38\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}3$ ns.NUCLEAR REACTIONS $^{120\ensuremath{-}124}\mathrm{Sn}(^{6}\mathrm{Li}, 3n)^{123\ensuremath{-}127}\mathrm{I}$; measured $\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ coincidences, $\ensuremath{\gamma}(E, \ensuremath{\theta}, t)$; deduced level schemes in odd-mass $^{123\ensuremath{-}127}\mathrm{I}$, $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ multipolarities, ${J}^{\ensuremath{\pi}}$, ${T}_{\frac{1}{2}}$. Enriched targets, Ge(Li) detectors.
The Effects of Return on Investment and Residual Income Measures on Risk-Taking in Capital Investment Decisions

We conduct an experiment to examine the separate and interactive effects of individuals’ risk preferences and two commonly-used performance measures – return on investment (ROI) and residual income (RI) – on risk-taking in capital investment decisions. We predict and find that the use of ROI as a performance measure leads to riskier choices as compared to RI, and that this effect is concentrated in relatively more risk-averse individuals. We also provide process evidence that reveals some of the ways in which ROI and RI performance measures affect decision making. Collectively, our results contribute to literature examining the effects of accounting information and performance measures on managers’ risk-taking behaviors.
Investigation of laminate debonding in horizontal axis water turbine composite blades

Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites are becoming popular due to their superior strength to weight ratio and stiffness properties. This study highlights the interlaminar debonding growth, which is considered one of the most frequent problems with composite materials. A three-blade horizontal axis water turbine (HAWT) was manufactured using IM7/Cycom5320-1 carbon/epoxy prepreg. During the process of manufacturing, a specific number of Teflon sheets were placed between the composite layers in two locations to create a separation between the layers and to investigate the delamination growth. Three different laminate stacking sequences were selected to be tested: [0°]4, [0°/90°]S, and [45°/−45°]S. The composite blades were placed in a water tunnel and run for 3 million revolutions. A thermography analysis was carried out to evaluate the propagation and growth of the delamination. A one-way fluid–structure interaction (FSI) model was created and implemented to obtain the stress values along the blade. The results showed the influence of the composite lay-up orientation on the growth of the delamination. The unidirectional blades ([0°]4) showed the lowest amount of propagation, while the cross-ply ([0°/90°]S) showed the most delamination growth. The bottom location (near the root) showed the maximum delamination. Both sides of the blades showed significant delamination growth. However, the back side showed more interlaminar debonding growth than the front side. After three million revolutions, the percentage of debonding growth for the bottom/back side of the blades was 6.58%, 36.25%, and 27.63% for [0°]4, [0°/90°]S, and [45°/−45°]S, respectively.
Annulations with Butenolides and Phthalides: New Entries to Isocoumarins, 3,4-Dihydroisocoumarins, and Benzofurans

The reactions of the anions of butenolides and substituted phthalides with sorbate esters and mono-epoxy sorbate esters furnish isocoumarins, 3,4-dihydroisocoumarins, and benzofurans. The yields range from 41% to 71%.
Plasmid copy number variation of a modular vector set in Shewanella oneidensis MR-1

To advance synthetic biology approaches that utilize S. oneidensis as host for biotechnology applications, we have investigated the variation in plasmid copy number of a modular vector set resulting from distinct origins of replication under different conditions. The replicons yielded a ≈9X-fold range for plasmid copy number variation in S. oneidensis (while the same origins yielded a ≈3X-fold range in Escherichia coli). This provides a sizeable range to control gene expression levels in S. oneidensis for synthetic biology applications. In addition, plasmid harboring the pBBR1 origin resulted in stable copy numbers in S. oneidensis under different conditions (mid-logarithmic, stationary, multi-plasmid). This may enable the realization of synthetic circuits in S. oneidensis where predictable, quantitative behavior is desired (in either single- or double-plasmid contexts).
Effect of early posthatch supplementation of vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids on the severity of wooden breast, breast muscle morphological structure, and gene expression in the broiler breast muscle

Abstract Wooden breast (WB) has arisen primarily in the breast muscle of commercial broilers. It is characterized by palpation of a rigid pectoralis major (p. major) muscle and is under severe oxidative stress and inflammation. Previous studies have shown that vitamin E (VE) has antioxidant properties and omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids have an anti-inflammatory effect. The objectives of this study were to identify the effects of VE and n-3 fatty acids on the severity of WB, morphological structure of the p. major muscle, expression of genes likely associated with WB and to determine the most beneficial supplementation period. A total of 210 Ross 708 broilers were randomly assigned into 7 treatments with 10 replicates of 3 birds each. The control group received a corn–soybean meal basal diet during the entire study (0–58 d). Supplementation of VE (200 IU/kg), n-3 fatty acids (n-6/n-3 ratio of 3.2:1), or combination of both were fed during the starter phase (0–10 d) or grower phase (11–24 d). All broilers were harvested at 58 d of age. Morphological assessment of the p. major muscle included myofiber width, perimysial and endomysial connective tissue space, overall morphological structure, and scoring of WB microscopically. Gene expression was measured using nanostring analysis. Genes associated with muscle development and growth factors, inflammation, extracellular matrix, and glucose metabolism were differentially expressed in the p. major muscle of the broilers supplemented with VE in the grower diet. Greater than 2 times more giant myofibers (≥70 μm) were found in the group supplemented with VE and n-3 fatty acids in the starter diet compared with the group fed VE in the grower diet (P = 0.02). Microscopic evaluation showed that VE supplementation in the grower diet had a 16.19% increase in muscle with no WB compared with the control group (P = 0.05). These data suggest that supplementation of VE during the grower phase may reduce the severity of WB in broilers.
Lipid-mediated innate lymphoid cell recruitment and activation in aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease.

Abstract Objective To synthesize investigations into the role of lipid-mediated recruitment and activation of group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) in aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD). Data Sources A comprehensive literature review of reports pertaining to cellular mechanisms, cytokine, and lipid mediators in AERD, as well as ILC2 activation and recruitment, was performed using PubMed and Google Scholar. Study Selections Selections of studies were based on reports of lipid mediators in AERD, cytokine mediators in AERD, type 2 effector cells in AERD, platelets in AERD, AERD treatment, ILC2s in allergic airway disease, and ILC2 activation, inhibition, and trafficking. Results The precise mechanisms of AERD pathogenesis are not well understood. Greater levels of proinflammatory lipid mediators and type 2 cytokines are found in tissues derived from patients with AERD relative to controls. After pathognomonic cyclooxygenase-1 inhibitor reactions, proinflammatory mediator concentrations (prostaglandin D2 and cysteinyl leukotrienes) are rapidly increased, as are ILC2 levels in the nasal mucosa. The ILC2s, which potently generate type 2 cytokines in response to lipid mediator stimulation, may play a key role in AERD pathogenesis. Conclusion Although the literature suggests that lipid-mediated ILC2 activation may occur in AERD, there is a dearth of definitive evidence. Future investigations leveraging novel next-generation single-cell sequencing approaches along with recently developed AERD murine models will better define lipid mediator–induced ILC2 trafficking in patients with AERD.
CD47 blocking antibody accelerates hematoma clearance and alleviates hydrocephalus after experimental intraventricular hemorrhage.

Abstract Background CD47, a glycoprotein on red blood cell membranes, inhibits phagocytosis via interaction with signal regulatory protein α on phagocytes. Our previous research has demonstrated that blocking CD47 accelerates hematoma clearance and reduces brain injury after intracerebral hemorrhage. The current study investigated whether phagocytosis or erythrocyte CD47 impacts hematoma resolution and hydrocephalus development after intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). Methods Adult (3-month-old) male Fischer 344 rats were intraventricularly injected with 200 μl autologous blood, mixed with either CD47 blocking antibody or isotype IgG, or 200 μl saline as control. In subgroups of CD47 blocking antibody treated rats, clodronate liposomes (to deplete microglia/monocyte-derived macrophages) or control liposomes were co-injected. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to evaluate ventricular volume and intraventricular T2* lesion volume (estimating hematoma volume). The brains were harvested after 4 or 72 h for histology to evaluate phagocytosis. Results In adult male rats, CD47 blocking antibody alleviated hydrocephalus development by day 3. In addition, the CD47 blocking antibody reduced intraventricular T2* lesion and T2* non-hypointense lesion size after IVH through day 1 to day 3. Erythrophagocytosis was observed as soon as 4 h after IVH and was enhanced on day 3. Furthermore, intra-hematoma infiltration of CD68, heme oxygenase-1 and ferritin positive phagocytes were upregulated by CD47 blockade by day 3. Clodronate liposomes co-injection caused more severe hydrocephalus and weight loss. Conclusion Blocking CD47 in the hematoma accelerated hematoma clearance and alleviated hemolysis and hydrocephalus development after IVH, suggesting CD47 might be valuable in the future treatment for IVH.
Otoconia Structure After Short- and Long-Duration Exposure to Altered Gravity.

Vertebrates use weight-lending otoconia in the inner ear otolith organs to enable detection of their translation during self or imposed movements and a change in their orientation with respect to gravity. In spaceflight, otoconia are near weightless. It has been hypothesized that otoconia undergo structural remodeling after exposure to weightlessness to restore normal sensation. A structural remodeling is reasoned to occur for hypergravity but in the opposite sense. We explored these hypotheses in several strains of mice within a Biospecimen Sharing Program in separate space- and ground-based projects. Mice were housed 90 days on the International Space Station, 13 days on two Shuttle Orbiter missions, or exposed to 90 days of hindlimb unloading or net 2.38 g via centrifugation. Corresponding flight habitat and standard cage vivarium controls were used. Utricular otoliths were visually analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and in selected samples before and after focused ion beam (FIB) milling. Results suggest a possible mass addition to the otoconia outer shell might occur after exposure to longer-duration spaceflight, but not short ones or hindlimb unloading. A destructive process is clearly seen after centrifugation: an ablation or thinning of the outer shell and cavitation of the inner core. This study provides a purely descriptive account of otoconia remodeling after exposures to altered gravity. The mechanism(s) underlying these processes must be identified and quantitatively validated to develop countermeasures to altered gravity levels during exploration missions.
Well but Unwanted: The Subtle Backlash Against Prioritizing Mental Wellbeing at Work

Organizations are investing more into mental wellbeing initiatives than ever before, seeking to become more inclusive workplaces and combat rising employee stress. Yet 75% of employees still strugg...
Le Fort Colpocleisis

Study Objective To highlight a safe and effective technique of the Lefort Colpocleisis for treating pelvic organ prolapse in an elderly patient. Design Educational Video. Setting OR. Patients or Participants The index patient is an 82-yo G2P1011 patient with symptomatic stage III pelvic organ prolapse; the anterior compartment was the leading edge. Due to the prolapse the patient was unable to exercise and walk as much as she desired. She failed an initial trial of ring pessary. After appropriate counseling, the patient opted for surgical intervention via a Lefort Colpocleisis with the understanding that this would preclude vaginal intercourse in the future. Preoperative evaluation with cystoscopy, urodynamic studies and a pelvic ultrasound were all within normal limits. We started the procedure by marking rectangular areas on the anterior and posterior vagina. The marked areas are then removed by careful sharp and blunt dissection. The edges of the rectangle and the denuded vaginal mucosa were then closed; leaving laterally created tunnels for drainage of cervical mucus. As successive sutures were placed; it was ensured that the knots were within the epithelial lined tunnels. This carefully maneuvered technique allowed the uterus and vaginal apex to be gradually turned inward. A bladder neck plication suture was then placed due to the high risk of stress incontinence accompanying these cases. A perineorrhaphy was completed to narrow the vaginal introitus. A cystoscopy was then performed confirming ureteral patency and excluding lower urinary tract injury. At her postoperative visit the patient had resolution of her symptoms and was pleased with the outcome of her surgery. Interventions LeFort Colpocleisis. Measurements and Main Results N/A. Conclusion This technique is a good approach for the management of pelvic organ prolapse in elderly patients or those who are not candidates for major reconstructive surgery.
Antipsychotic Drug Prescription in Pediatric Intensive Care Units: A 10-Year U.S. Retrospective Database Study

Delirium recognition during pediatric critical illness may result in the prescription of antipsychotic medication. These medications have unclear efficacy and safety. We sought to describe antipsychotic medication use in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) contributing to a U.S. national database. This study is an analysis of the Pediatric Health Information System Database between 2008 and 2018, including children admitted to a PICU aged 0 to 18 years, without prior psychiatric diagnoses. Antipsychotics were given in 16,465 (2.3%) of 706,635 PICU admissions at 30 hospitals. Risperidone (39.6%), quetiapine (22.1%), and haloperidol (20.8%) were the most commonly used medications. Median duration of prescription was 4 days (interquartile range: 2–11 days) for atypical antipsychotics, and haloperidol was used a median of 1 day (1–3 days). Trend analysis showed quetiapine use increased over the study period, whereas use of haloperidol and chlorpromazine (typical antipsychotics) decreased (p
The Epic of Social Equity

This symposium issue of Administrative Theory & Praxis considers the role of social equity in public administration and policy. Our paper's contribution to this volume is to discuss the evolution, essence, and emergence of social equity within our field. Our analysis of evolution calls attention to foundational contributions that stem from Rawls, Minnowbrook I, and the New Public Administration. Next, we examine both the empirical and normative dimensions of the essence of social equity, which has been influenced largely by the Standing Panel on Social Equity within the National Academy of Public Administration. Finally, we conclude with a discussion of the future emergence of social equity, which we argue should focus on expanded, global examples, measurement, and integration into our public administration curriculum.
Site-directed isotope labeling of membrane proteins: A new tool for spectroscopists

Publisher Summary This chapter introduces a method for assigning bands in Fourier transform infrared (FTIR)-difference spectra based on a technique termed as site-directed isotope labeling (SDIL). The key element in SDIL is the use of a suppressor tRNA aminoacylated with an isotopically labeled amino acid. This tRNA is targeted to insert the isotopic amino acid at the proper position in the nascent protein by using an amber codon at the corresponding position in the gene. Cell-free synthesis (in vitro translation) and exogenous addition of the aminoacylated suppressor tRNA prevent aminoacylation of non-suppressor tRNAs with the isotopic amino acid, similar to the approach used for site-directed non-native amino acid replacement. The integral membrane protein bacteriorhodopsin (bR) was chosen as a model system for demonstrating the application of SDIL-FTIR. Studies on bacteriorhodopsin demonstrate that the FTIR-SDIL approach can probe the local environment and structural changes of specific residues and backbone carbonyl groups in a protein.
Afferent control of midbrain dopamine neurons: an intracellular perspective.

Publisher Summary Afferent synaptic inputs regulate the firing frequency and pattern of dopamine neurons in vivo. To study effects of synaptic inputs, membrane potentials or currents from single doparnine neurons were recorded with intracellular microelectrodes or patch pipettes in whole-cell configuration in the rat midbrain slice. Dopamine-containing neurons were identified by well-established electrophysiological criteria, which include the spontaneous firing of action potentials, a large postspike hyperpolarization, presence of Ih (hyperpolarization-activated current), and membrane hyperpolarization or outward current evoked by perfusing the slice with dopamine. A single electrical stimulus delivered to the slice evokes a biphasic potential composed of an early depolarization mediated by glutamate (fast excitatory postsynaptic potential [EPSP]) followed by a hyperpolarization mediated by synaptic release of GABA (fast inhibitory postsynaptic potential [IPSP]). When stimulation electrodes are placed in the caudal region of the horizontal midbrain slice, a slow EPSC can be recorded in dopamine neurons in voltage clamp. The finding that the slow EPSC is preferentially evoked by stimulation of caudal regions of the slice is consistent with the hypothesis that afferents arising from pontine nuclei selectively release glutamate onto metabotropic glutamate receptors on dopamine neurons. Finally, an inhibitory synaptic potential mediated by dopamine can be evoked, but this synaptic potential is encountered rarely. The dopamine mediated IPSP is similar in time course to the GABAB IPSP but is insensitive to CGP 35348. Such studies show that dopamine neurons receive inputs containing glutamate, which evokes fast excitatory synaptic currents mediated by N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and non-NMDA receptors, as well as a slow-onset long-duration synaptic current mediated by metabotropic glutamate receptors. Moreover, inputs containing GABA produce a fast IPSP mediated by GABAA receptors and a slow IPSP mediated by GABAB receptors.
HIV protease assays.

The fluorescence-based assay described in this unit is used not only to screen large numbers of compounds in a 96-well format for the ability to inhibit human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV) protease, but also to determine accurately the affinity of inhibitors for the enzyme. A method for performing an active site titration, using tight-binding inhibitors, and determining the Km of a substrate is also provided. Because numerous potent inhibitors of HIV protease have been identified, information is provided on the analysis required to deal with these potent compounds and with fluorometric enzyme assay data in general.
Ly alpha Cloud Size Evolution and Shape from QSO Groups

We present results from Keck HIRES, KPNO 4m/RC Spec and HST FOS spectra of a low-redshift, close QSO pair and a close, higher-redshift QSO triplet in order to explore the size evolution, shape and clustering of Ly alpha absorbers. The results we highlight here indicate that there is no strong evidence for evolution of Ly $\alpha$ cloud size with redshift, that strong (W > 0.4A) Ly alpha forest absorbers are probably not filaments, but probably more sheet- like. For C IV absorbers a large component of clustering on 200 km/s < Delta v < 600 km/s scales along single sightlines is due to internal velocities of single absorbers, not clustering between absorbers.
Genetic, dietary, and other lifestyle determinants of plasma homocysteine concentrations in middle-aged and older Chinese men and women in Singapore

BACKGROUND Epidemiologic studies have identified the plasma homocysteine concentration as a risk factor for atherothrombotic vascular disease. There is little information on the distributions and determinants of homocysteine concentrations in Asian populations. OBJECTIVE The present study was designed to examine the relations between genetic and lifestyle factors and plasma homocysteine concentrations among Chinese in Singapore. DESIGN Plasma total homocysteine, folate, vitamin B-12, and vitamin B-6 concentrations and genetic variation at the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) locus were measured in 486 Chinese men and women aged 45-74 y in Singapore. Data on dietary and other lifestyle factors were collected in face-to-face interviews. RESULTS Men had higher plasma concentrations of total homocysteine than women (P = 0.0001). Age was positively associated with plasma homocysteine in both sexes (P for trend = 0.0001). Plasma concentrations of folate, vitamin B-12, and vitamin B-6 were inversely associated with homocysteine concentrations. Among individuals with low plasma folate, those possessing 2 copies of MTHFR mutant alleles had significantly higher homocysteine concentrations than did those with > or = 1 copy of the wild-type allele. Cigarette smoking, daily coffee consumption, and physical inactivity were positively related to plasma homocysteine concentrations in both sexes (P < 0.05). However, these associations disappeared after adjustment for plasma folate concentrations. CONCLUSIONS Age, sex, plasma folate, vitamin B-12 and B-6 concentrations, and MTHFR genotype are independent determinants of plasma homocysteine in middle-aged and older Chinese in Singapore. These factors combined could account for up to 40% of the total variation in homocysteine concentrations in this Asian population.
Managerial Use of Debt to Fund Municipal Government Risks

In recent years, managers of municipalities have been forced to reevaluate the cost-effectiveness of their risk management strategy. In many cases, individual or groups of municipalities (pools) finance a self-insurance plan through the issuance of debt. However, no decision-making methodology for cost-effectively structuring the debt issue presently exists. Utilizing a math programming model, we examine a self-insurance alternative to conventional insurance that uses tax-exempt debt supplemented by taxable borrowing to finance a municipality's or pool's liability exposure. We implement our optimization model with actuarial and financial data from an intergovernmental risk pool (IRP) in the state of California, and simulate the effect of the trade-offs important to sound managerial decision making. We find that significant savings are realized by using a self-insurance plan rather than purchasing conventional insurance. We also find that managerial goals and risk preferences impact the decision when revenue flows are insufficient by themselves to reasonably fund expected losses.
Variations in attitudes of the adult stutterer toward his clinician related to progress in therapy

Abstract The variations in attitudes of the adult stutterer toward his clinician and stutterer progress in therapy were studied. Each week seventeen clients enrolled in an intensive residential program completed the 200 item true-false Snyder Client Affect Scale. On the same day, the clinicians made judgements as to client stage-in-therapy. Four stages of therapy were identified: identification and structuring, examination and confrontation, introspection and testing and symptom modification. Three general patterns of client attitudinal changes were observed to occur across the four stages of therapy. Progress was determined by pre- and post-therapy difference scores on measures of overt stuttering and on client attitudes. Results support the suggestion that client progress and the pattern of client affect change are related. It was concluded that research of this nature assists in describing the therapy process and may lead to the identification of those characteristics of therapeutic relationships which facilitate the modification of client behavior.
Survey of a Laboratory Building for Airborne Antibiotics

Antibiotics are routinely examined by laboratory analysis in a six-story building which houses the laboratories of the National Center for Antibiotics and Insulin Analysis (NCAIA) on the second floor. A survey was performed to determine if antibiotic dust was being disseminated throughout the building. Air throughout the building was analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively for residues of penicillin and tetracyclines. The microbiological assay plates used were sensitive enough to detect 0.001 unit of penicllin and 0.0004 mcg. of chlortetracycline in the air. Results of this study showed that, outside of the actual laboratories of NCAIA, the incidence of antibiotic contamination of the air was negligible. In the immediate areas where antibiotics were physically handled, 0.012 unit of penicillin and 0.0185 mcg. of chlortetracycline per cubic foot of air were detected.
Originless Sin: Rational Dilemmas for Satisficers

Suppose you have an infinite past. If you had banked the spare dollar you have always had, then the interest would have made you rich by now. Your procrastination is inexcusable. But what should you have done? At any time at which you invest the dollar you would regret not investing it earlier. Satisficers can solve prospective puzzles involving infinite choice but cannot solve this retrospective puzzle about regret. A moral version of the puzzle suggests that there can be inevitable moral failure. It does so without appeal to moral luck, moral dilemmas or original sin.
Link prediction across networks by biased cross-network sampling

The problem of link inference has been widely studied in a variety of social networking scenarios. In this problem, we wish to predict future links in a growing network with the use of the existing network structure. However, most of the existing methods work well only if a significant number of links are already available in the network for the inference process. In many scenarios, the existing network may be too sparse, and may have too few links to enable meaningful learning mechanisms. This paucity of linkage information can be challenging for the link inference problem. However, in many cases, other (more densely linked) networks may be available which show similar linkage structure in terms of underlying attribute information in the nodes. The linkage information in the existing networks can be used in conjunction with the node attribute information in both networks in order to make meaningful link recommendations. Thus, this paper introduces the use of transfer learning methods for performing cross-network link inference. We present experimental results illustrating the effectiveness of the approach.
Left Ventricular Wall Resection for Aneurysm and Akinesia due to Coronary Artery Disease: Fifty Consecutive Patients

Abstract Left ventricular wall resection with or without vein bypass grafting was performed in 50 consecutive patients with aneurysm or an akinetic segment with poor left ventricular hemodynamics. Ejection fraction averaged 29% and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure averaged 20 mm Hg. Associated valve disease was present in 14 patients (28%). Hospital mortality was 22% (11 patients) and late mortality was 20% (10 patients). The lowest mortality (3%, 1 death) was found in patients who had anterior apical resection with associated vein bypass, in whom prophylactic balloon pumping was used when needed for ejection fractions of less than 30%. A high mortality occurred with associated valve replacement (6 deaths, 86%) and posterior aneurysm. Among 39 patients followed for an average of twenty-four-months, 34 (87%) improved one class and 18 (46%) improved two classes of the New York Heart Association Functional Classification.
Binding and hydrolysis of radiolabeled pheromone and several analogs by male-specific antennal proteins of the mothAntheraea polyphemus

Sensory hair proteins from antennae of males of the wild silk moth,Antheraea polyphemus (Lepidoptera, Saturniidae) were incubated with radiolabeled 6E,11Z-hexadecadienyl acetate in the presence of unlabeled pheromone analogs as competitive inhibitors. The two extracellular proteins of importance, a highly active sensillar esterase and an abundant 15,000 mol wt binding protein, interact to degrade labeled pheromone less efficiently in the presence of certain unsaturated acetate analogs of the natural pheromone.
Self-degrading, MRI-detectable hydrogel sensors with picomolar target sensitivity.

Nanostructured hydrogels have been developed as synthetic tissues and scaffolds for cell and drug delivery, and as guides for tissue regeneration. A fundamental problem in the development of synthetic hydrogels is that implanted gel structure is difficult to monitor noninvasively. This work demonstrates that the aggregation of magnetic nanoparticles, attached to specific macromolecules in biological and synthetic hydrogels, can be controlled to detect changes in gel macromolecular structure with MRI. It is further shown that the gels can be made to self-degrade when they come into contact with a target molecule in as low as pM concentrations. The sensitivity of the gels to the target is finely controlled using an embedded zymogen cascade amplifier. These “MRI reporter gels” may serve as smart, responsive polymer implants, as tissue scaffolds to deliver drugs, or to detect specific pathogens in vivo. Magn Reson Med, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Imitations, interactions, and language acquisition

The precise function of imitation in children's speech is still debated. Two hypotheses have been offered that focus on either the progressive nature of imitation to aid in the language acquisition process or the social, conversational role played by imitation in discourse. Support for these positions was sought in the imitations within the speech of a single child at ages 2; 8 and 3; 0. Evidence is presented for both roles of imitation in language acquisition. First, imitation aids in limiting the complexity (MLU) of the language environment. The effects of imitation in this role are compared and contrasted to the effects of the child's productions of what? Also, forms may appear in imitation prior to their appearance in spontaneous speech. A model is proposed in which imitation and what?-responses are overlapping phases of language acquisition which occur prior to spontaneous production of a given form.
Dopamine beta hydroxylase genotype identifies individuals less susceptible to bias in computer-assisted decision making.

Computerized aiding systems can assist human decision makers in complex tasks but can impair performance when they provide incorrect advice that humans erroneously follow, a phenomenon known as “automation bias.” The extent to which people exhibit automation bias varies significantly and may reflect inter-individual variation in the capacity of working memory and the efficiency of executive function, both of which are highly heritable and under dopaminergic and noradrenergic control in prefrontal cortex. The dopamine beta hydroxylase (DBH) gene is thought to regulate the differential availability of dopamine and norepinephrine in prefrontal cortex. We therefore examined decision-making performance under imperfect computer aiding in 100 participants performing a simulated command and control task. Based on two single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) of the DBH gene, −1041 C/T (rs1611115) and 444 G/A (rs1108580), participants were divided into groups of low and high DBH enzyme activity, where low enzyme activity is associated with greater dopamine relative to norepinephrine levels in cortex. Compared to those in the high DBH enzyme activity group, individuals in the low DBH enzyme activity group were more accurate and speedier in their decisions when incorrect advice was given and verified automation recommendations more frequently. These results indicate that a gene that regulates relative prefrontal cortex dopamine availability, DBH, can identify those individuals who are less susceptible to bias in using computerized decision-aiding systems.
Effect of centrifuge speed on the sedimentation of high-molecular-weight bacteriophage G DNA.

Large molecular weight bacteriophage G DNA, about five times larger than T2 DNA, was used to test Zimm's theory [(1974) Biophys. Chem.1, 279–291] for the effect of rotor speed on the sedimentation of large linear monodisperse DNA. Sedimentation profiles from neutral sucrose gradinets at low and high rotor speeds show G DNA sedimenting from 1.8 to 0.7 times as fast as T2 DNA. Experimental measurements indicate that the sedimentation coefficient of G DNA decreases with increasing rotor speed about as fast as predicted by theory.
Evidence for bistable defects in 6H-SiC

Abstract Electrical properties of nitrogen (N) doped 6H-SiC have been investigated throughout the temperature range from 10 K to 550 K. Scattering mechanisms in different temperature regions have been investigated. Persistent photoconductivity (PPC) has also been observed. Because of the existence of PPC, we have been able to vary continuously the electron concentration, n , within a single sample at fixed temperatures, through the variation of the excitation phonon dose. The electron mobility as a function of the electron concentration, μ(n), has been measured at fixed temperatures. The temperature dependence of the photogenerated electron concentration in the PPC state, ▵n, has also been investigated. Experimental results indicate that the defect centers respobsible for the PPC effect are bistable in nature, which is analogous to the DX centers in AlGaAs.
News and Notes: An Atypical Campylobacter coli Exhibiting Unusual Morphology

Campylobacter coli cells are characterized by a comma, or spiral shape, and a single polar flagellum. Here we report stable spontaneous changes in morphology to an aflagellated straight rod. The ability to colonize the chick cecum was lost. The atypical cells were compared with the original C. coli 67 culture from which they were derived, with PCR, Riboprinting, and PFGE.
Effect of Altered Redox States on Expression and DNA-Binding Activity of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1

Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) is a heterodimeric basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH)-PAS DNA-binding protein tightly regulated by cellular oxygen tension. Cellular redox states are related to hypoxia by changes in the expression of redox regulated genes and the generation of reactive oxygen intermediates. Here, we provide evidence that alteration of cellular redox states by treating cells with H2O2 or dithiothreitol impairs hypoxia signaling mechanisms and the expression of HIF-1 alpha protein in hypoxic cells. In addition, HIF-1 DNA-binding activity in vitro is sensitive to oxidizing reagents diamide and H2O2 and the alkylating agent N-ethylmaleimide. The activity of N-ethylmaleimide-inactivated HIF-1 can be partially restored by addition of nuclear extract from nonhypoxic cells.
Ground state of a spin-phonon system. I. Variational estimates

A study is made of the ground-state energy of a spin-one-half particle in a fieldB and interacting with a phonon bath. The infrared-sensitive case of acoustic phonons with point coupling in three dimensions is characterized by two parameters, a coupling constant α andB. Units are used where the high-momentum phonon cutoff is unity. There is a curve α(B) separating a symmetry-breaking region with a long-range phonon field from a normal region. Two simple, well-known, approximations are compared. The source theory yields discontinuities in the first derivatives of the energy with respect toB and α whenB>e−1 and an infinite-order transition whenB<e−1, but is trivial in the large-α region. The classical theory yields discontinuities in the second derivatives but is trivial in the small-α region. An improved variationally fixed ground-state wave function is analyzed. It gives a new α(B) curve with an infinite-order transition with continuous energy derivatives whenB<e/(e2−1/4) and with discontinuous derivatives whenB is larger than this value. It is nontrivial in the entire α(B) plane. The crossover to classical behavior occurs near α=1/2 forB≪1. But the wave function does not describe quantum fluctuations in the large-α phase. A second way of combining source and classical effects is described. It yields a second-order transition (near α=1/2 forB≪1) everywhere. These theories are special cases of a symmetry-breaking transformation together with a one-mode treatment of quantum fluctuations. The transition is viewed in terms of a single mode with a variable length, coupled dynamically to the spin.
Quantum Mie scattering and metrology with a Fabry-Perot interferometer and quantum states of light

We present a model for quantum Mie scattering in one dimension, and show that quantum states of light, such as Fock states, exhibit the same transmission functions as coherent states for an ordinary intensity measurement. If a number-resolving measurement is carried out instead, we observe narrower transmission functions than for the classical case. We discuss applications of this effect for high-precision length measurements in interferometry.
Soviet emigration under Gorbachev

(1989). Soviet emigration under Gorbachev. Soviet Jewish Affairs: Vol. 19, No. 2, pp. 15-24.
Interviewers’ Moods and Evaluations of Job Applicants: The Role of Applicant Qualifications1

Participants were induced to experience positive affect, negative affect, or no shift in current affect. Then they conducted a simulated job interview with an applicant (actually an assistant) who appeared to be highly qualified, ambiguously qualified, or unqualified for the job in question. It was predicted that interviewers’ moods would exert the strongest influence on ratings of the applicant when this person's qualifications were ambiguous. Results offered partial support for this hypothesis. When the applicant's qualifications were ambiguous, participants induced to experience positive affect rated this person higher on several dimensions than participants induced to experience negative affect. When the applicant appeared to be highly qualified for the job, in contrast, interviewers’ moods had no significant effect on their ratings of this person. Contrary to expectations, however, interviewers’ moods significantly influenced ratings of the applicant when this person appeared to be unqualified for the job in question. In this condition, participants induced to experience positive affect actually rated the applicant lower than those induced to experience negative affect. Several mechanisms that may have contributed to these results (e. g., tendencies toward mood maintenance, adoption of a positive-test strategy) are examined. In addition, practical implications of these findings for conducting job interviews and for the use of various impression-management techniques by applicants are discussed.
Oscillator Representation for Pseudoharmonic Potential

Oscillator representation method is applied to obtain the bound state energy eigenvalues and the corresponding eigenfunctions of the n-dimensional Schrodinger equation for the pseudoharmonic potential with arbitrary angular momentum.
Founding the Fathers: Early Church History and Protestant Professors in Nineteenth-Century America

Founding the Fathers: Early Church History and Protestant Professors in Nineteenth-Century America ELIZABETH A. CLARK Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 2011 Pp. 576, $69.95 (hbk), ISB...
On the symmetry breaking instability leading to vortex shedding

It is well known that at early stages an impulsively started flow past a circular cylinder consists of twin vortices which are images of one another by reflection through the mid-plane. While the twin vortices are stable for Reynolds numbers below the critical Reynolds number value (Rec≃48), they become unstable above the critical Reynolds number. At Re>Rec, the flow keeps its symmetric recirculating bubble structure for a short time, undergoes a symmetry-breaking instability, and develops into a Karman vortex street. Foppl’s vortex model is studied here as a low-dimensional model for the symmetric bubble. The stability analysis of a fixed bubble in the model shows that there are two asymmetric eigenmodes, a stable mode and an unstable one. In this paper, we show by two-dimensional direct numerical simulations (DNS) of the impulsively started flow past a circular cylinder how the instability properties of the model qualitatively mimic those of the real flow.