cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Meningitis secondary to disseminated gonococcal infection.

We report one of the unusual presentations of disseminated gonococcal infection. This case report describes a 24-year-old woman who presented with disseminated gonococcal infection manifesting as meningitis. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and throat swab PCR were positive for Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Blood and CSF cultures were negative for bacterial growth. The patient was treated with a total of 14 days of intravenous ceftriaxone. She was discharged with no neurological sequelae.
Small but mighty: old and new parvoviruses of veterinary significance

In line with the Latin expression “sed parva forti” meaning “small but mighty,” the family Parvoviridae contains many of the smallest known viruses, some of which result in fatal or debilitating infections. In recent years, advances in metagenomic viral discovery techniques have dramatically increased the identification of novel parvoviruses in both diseased and healthy individuals. While some of these discoveries have solved etiologic mysteries of well-described diseases in animals, many of the newly discovered parvoviruses appear to cause mild or no disease, or disease associations remain to be established. With the increased use of animal parvoviruses as vectors for gene therapy and oncolytic treatments in humans, it becomes all the more important to understand the diversity, pathogenic potential, and evolution of this diverse family of viruses. In this review, we discuss parvoviruses infecting vertebrate animals, with a special focus on pathogens of veterinary significance and viruses discovered within the last four years.
Cubilin-, Megalin- and Dab2-dependent transcription revealed by CRISPR/Cas9 knockout in kidney proximal tubule cells.

The multiligand receptors megalin and cubilin and their endocytic adaptor protein Dab2 play essential roles in maintaining the integrity of the apical endocytic pathway of proximal tubule (PT) cells, and have complex and poorly understood roles in the development of chronic kidney disease. Here we used RNA-Seq and CRISPR/Cas9 knockout (KO) technology in a well-differentiated cell culture model to identify PT-specific transcriptional changes that are directly consequent to the loss of megalin (Lrp2), cubilin (Cubn), or Dab2 (Dab2) expression. KO of Lrp2 had the greatest transcriptional effect, and nearly all genes whose expression was affected in Cubn KO and Dab2 KO cells were also changed in the Lrp2 KO cells. Pathway analysis and more granular inspection of the altered gene profiles suggest changes in pathways with immunomodulatory functions that might trigger the pathologic changes observed in KO mice and in Donnai-Barrow patients. Additionally, differences in transcription patterns between Lrp2 and Dab2 KO cells suggest the possibility that altered spatial signaling by aberrantly localized receptors contributes to transcriptional changes upon disruption of PT endocytic function. A reduction in transcripts encoding Sglt2, was confirmed in Lrp2 KO mouse kidney lysates by qPCR analysis. Our results highlight the role of megalin as a master regulator and coordinator of ion transport, metabolism, and endocytosis in the PT. Compared with studies in animal models, this approach provides a means to identify PT-specific transcriptional changes that are directly consequent to the loss of these target genes.
Pressurized Discharge of Liquid Nitrogen from an Uninsulated Tank

Work on the discharge of liquid nitrogen from an uninsulated tank which is subjected to heating from the atmosphere has recently been completed. The objective of this investigation was to determine how various factors influence the mass of gas in the tank when the discharge process has been completed, and to determine how this amount of residual gas can be reduced to a minimum. This paper deals with two aspects of the investigation, namely, a study of temperature transients and boiloff rate without discharge, and secondly, the influence of the temperature of the pressurizing gas on the mass of gas in the tank when discharge is completed.
Systematic Changes of Northern Hemisphere Ozone and Their Relationship to Random Interannual Changes

Abstract Northern Hemisphere ozone underwent a monotonic decline during the 1980s and 1990s. Systematic changes associated with that trend are shown to have a close relationship to random changes of ozone. These two components of interannual variability share a common structure. In it, ozone changes at high latitude are compensated at low latitude by changes of opposite sign. The out-of-phase relationship between ozone changes at high and low latitudes is consistent with a change of the residual mean circulation of the stratosphere, and so is the seasonality of systematic changes. Compensating trends at high and low latitudes amplify simultaneously—during winter, when the polar-night vortex is disturbed by planetary waves that force residual motion. Analogous relationships are obeyed by Northern Hemisphere temperature. The strong resemblance between systematic and random changes of Northern Hemisphere ozone implies that a major portion of its decline during the 1980s and 1990s involved a systematic weaken...
HIV Medication Adherence in Adolescents: A Qualitative Study

The purpose of this pilot study was to qualitatively identify major factors which may correlate with HIV-positive adolescent adherence to drug regimens. Six HIV-positive adolescents ranging in age from sixteen to twenty-four were interviewed. For each patient, data were collected by medical chart review, a brief questionnaire and a semi-structured interview. The major factors found to negatively influence adherence were: a strong fear of social stigma relating to HIV disclosure; familial over-involvement in the regimen; a complex drug regimen; medication side effects; poor general knowledge about the HIV infection; and the quality of the doctor-patient relationship. Further research is needed to elucidate HIV medication adherence among adolescents in order to improve their treatment outcomes.
Unconscious and conscious mediation of analgesia and hyperalgesia.

Although a number of studies have shown that behavioral responses can occur without awareness of stimulus cues that evoke them, a study by Jensen et al. (1) in PNAS shows that increases (hyperalgesia) and decreases (analgesia) in pain can be classically conditioned without awareness of conditioning cues during both acquisition and test phases of a conditioning paradigm. These results suggest that nonconscious stimuli have salient effects on human brain function and complex dimensions of experience, such as pain. Because pain, analgesia, and hyperalgesia represent higher-order cognitive functions, their modulation without conscious awareness suggests that low levels of the brain’s hierarchical organization are susceptible to learning that affects higher cognitive functions (e.g., pain). These findings, along with supportive past results (2–4), may have deep implications for subliminal influences on many forms of experience and behavior.
Design Pedagogy Enters the Cold War

During the Cold War, the United States and USSR used educational exchange programs as instruments of cultural diplomacy. In 1950, East German reconstruction policy was radically transformed through a well-documented Soviet-sponsored reorientation of architects and planners from East Berlin. This article chronicles a concurrent but little-known exchange, sponsored by the U.S. High Commissioner for Germany, which sent West German architects to America for professional retraining. Although the U.S. program fell far short of its intentions, it illuminates the nature of Cold War cultural strategies deploying urban planning pedagogy, which were meant to reproduce American values and systems of governance abroad.
Cellular Interactions in the Stem Cell Niche

Stem cells are capable of both self-renewal and differentiation into many different cell types. These hallmark characteristics are regulated by other cells within the stem cell niche. In their Perspective, Wurmser et al. discuss the finding that endothelial cells in the neural stem cell niche secrete factors that influence neural stem cells to proliferate and become neurons ( Shen et al.).
Improved estimates for processes b-->sl+l-, B-->Kl+l-, and B-->Kl+l-

We present the complete calculation for the short-distance flavor-changing process $b\ensuremath{\rightarrow}s{l}^{+}{l}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ and discuss the effect of QCD enhancement, and the resulting $e\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\mu}$ rate difference. We estimate the exclusive rates for $B\ensuremath{\rightarrow}k{l}^{+}{l}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ and $B\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{k}^{*}{l}^{+}{l}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ using the relativistic constituent-quark model to calculate the different form factors that include recoil effects. The effect of the fourth generation in enhancing the rates is also discussed.
Moderate exercise at energy balance does not affect 24-h leucine oxidation or nitrogen retention in healthy men

Short-term metabolic experiments have revealed that physical exercise increases the oxidation of leucine, which has been interpreted to indicate an increased requirement for dietary protein in physically active subjects. Because it may be inaccurate to extrapolate measurements of amino acid oxidation made over a few hours to the entire day, we have carried out a continuous 24-h intravenous [1-13C]leucine/[15N]urea tracer study in eight healthy adult men. Their diet supplied 1 g protein.kg-1.day-1, and exercise (mean maximal O2 consumption 46%) was for 90 min during the 12-h fast and 12-h fed periods of the day. Subjects were adapted to the diet and exercise regimen for 6 days. Then, on day 7, they were dressed in the University of Uppsala energy metabolic unit's direct calorimeter suit, were connected to an open-hood indirect calorimeter, and received the tracers. Exercise increased leucine oxidation by approximately 50 and 30% over preexercise rates for fast and fed periods, respectively. This increase amounted to approximately 4-7% of daily leucine oxidation. Subjects remained in body leucine equilibrium (balance -4.6 +/- 10.5 mg.kg-1.day-1; -3.6 +/- 8.3% of intake; P = not significant from zero balance). Therefore, moderate exercise did not cause a significant deterioration in leucine homeostasis at a protein intake of 1 g.kg-1.day-1. These findings underscore the importance of carrying out precise, continuous, 24-h measurements of whole body leucine kinetics; this model should be of value in studies concerning the quantitative interactions among physical exercise, energy/protein metabolism, and diet in humans.
Same-Sex Couples: Marriage, Families, and Children

This report analyzes the arguments for and against a ballot initiative, Proposition 22, which would ban recognition of same- sex couple marriage in California. The analysis focuses on the likely effects of passage of the initiative on the well-being of children. It also looks at the issue of same-sex marriage in the context of California family law and policies. The report assesses the research examining the relationships of same-sex couples and the research on the development of children raised by gay parents. The report concludes that allowing same-sex couples to marry would benefit the adults, their children, and society as a whole. The report also assesses the issues raised by state statutes that would deny "full faith and credit" to same-sex couple marriages, if some state decides to authorize such marriages.
Dirac Equations and Einstein Theory

HERMANN WEYL (Proc. Nat. Acad. of the U.S.A., 15, 323; April 1929) has recently developed a relativistic theory of the Dirac equation which, like that of Wigner (Zeit. f. Phys., 53, 592; 1929), and that of Vallarta and myself (NATURE, Mar. 2, 1929, p. 317), employs the Einstein notion of an ‘n-leg’. Unlike the two other theories, Weyl rejects Einstein's distant parallelism, and obtains a theory invariant under a local rotation varying continuously from point to point. That is, Weyl's theory depends solely on the gλµ's of Einstein's 1916 gravitational theory, and not on the shλ of his 1929 theory. It is perhaps interesting to remark that the same degree of invariance may be obtained by choosing as the 4-legs of the Einstein theory the Ricci principal directions. If we write R—µ for the 1916 contracted curvature tensor, this additional condition is expressed by the formula
Thioredoxin-mediated redox regulation of resistance to endocrine therapy in breast cancer

Resistance to endocrine therapy in breast carcinogenesis due to the redox regulation of the signal transduction system by reactive oxygen species (ROS) is the subject of this review article. Both antiestrogens and aromatase inhibitors are thought to prevent cancer through modulating the estrogen receptor function, but other mechanisms cannot be ruled out as these compounds also block metabolism and redox cycling of estrogen and are free radical scavengers. Endocrine therapeutic agents, such as, tamoxifen and other antiestrogens, and the aromatase inhibitor, exemestane, are capable of producing ROS. Aggressive breast cancer cells have high oxidative stress and chronic treatment with exemestane, fulvestrant or tamoxifen may add additional ROS stress. Breast cancer cells receiving long-term antiestrogen treatment appear to adapt to this increased persistent level of ROS. This, in turn, may lead to the disruption of reversible redox signaling that involves redox-sensitive phosphatases, protein kinases, such as, ERK and AKT, and transcription factors, such as, AP-1, NRF-1 and NF-κB. Thioredoxin modulates the expression of estrogen responsive genes through modulating the production of H2O2 in breast cancer cells. Overexpressing thioredoxine reductase 2 and reducing oxidized thioredoxin restores tamoxifen sensitivity to previously resistant breast cancer cells. In summary, it appears that resistance to endocrine therapy may be mediated, in part, by ROS-mediated dysregulation of both estrogen-dependent and estrogen-independent redox-sensitive signaling pathways. Further studies are needed to define the mechanism of action of thioredoxin modifiers, and their effect on the redox regulation that contributes to restoring the antiestrogen-mediated signal transduction system and growth inhibitory action.
A bioinformatics approach for biomarker identification in radiation-induced lung inflammation from limited proteomics data.

Many efforts have been made to discover novel biomarkers for early disease detection in oncology. However, the lack of efficient computational strategies impedes the discovery of disease-specific biomarkers for better understanding and management of treatment outcomes. In this study, we propose a novel graph-based scoring function to rank and identify the most robust biomarkers from limited proteomics data. The proposed method measures the proximity between candidate proteins identified by mass spectrometry (MS) analysis utilizing prior reported knowledge in the literature. Recent advances in mass spectrometry provide new opportunities to identify unique biomarkers from peripheral blood samples in complex treatment modalities such as radiation therapy (radiotherapy), which enables early disease detection, disease progression monitoring, and targeted intervention. Specifically, the dose-limiting role of radiation-induced lung injury known as radiation pneumonitis (RP) in lung cancer patients receiving radiotherapy motivates the search for robust predictive biomarkers. In this case study, plasma from 26 locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with radiotherapy in a longitudinal 3×3 matched-control cohort was fractionated using in-line, sequential multi-affinity chromatography. The complex peptide mixtures from endoprotease digestions were analyzed using comparative, high-resolution liquid chromatography (LC)-MS to identify and quantify differential peptide signals. Through analysis of survey mass spectra and annotations of peptides from the tandem spectra, we found candidate proteins that appear to be associated with RP. Based on the proposed methodology, alpha-2-macroglobulin (α2M) was unambiguously ranked as the top candidate protein. As independent validation of this candidate protein, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) experiments were performed on independent cohort of 20 patients’ samples resulting in early significant discrimination between RP and non-RP patients (p = 0.002). These results suggest that the proposed methodology based on longitudinal proteomics analysis and a novel bioinformatics ranking algorithm is a potentially promising approach for the challenging problem of identifying relevant biomarkers in sample-limited clinical applications.
Long economic cycles and the criminal justice system in the U.S.

Long cycles in capitalist development have been utilized as an analytical tool for political economic theory1 and to explain major shifts in the social structure within capitalist political economies.2 However, the potential impact that these massive changes in the political economy have on the historical development of criminal justice institutions and policies is an area not addressed within the literature. This article explores the relationship between long cycles of capitalist development and the historical formation of criminal justice policy in the United States.
Photorefractive adaptive sidelobe canceler for phased-array antennas

ABSTRACT This paper reports on the continuation of work on photorefractive correlation and tapped delay linestructures for the implementation of adaptive signal processors. A six channel implementation of asidelobe canceling system will be described. The laboratory model is approximately 30 cm in length.It uses indium phosphide as the photorefractive material and a six channel tellurium dioxide Braggcell delay line. A time integrating correlator uses a 1 .2 micron "write" laser. The correlation coeffi-cients are applied to tap the delay line with a 1 .3 micron read laser. A combination of polarization andwavelength multiplexing are used to obtain greater than 60 dB read/write isolation.The system is designed to achieve greater than 40 dB of suppression of c.w. interference over a 20MHz band centered at 70 MHz. The adaptation time for pulsed c.w. interferers is designed to achievegreater than 30 dB suppression within 100 microseconds. 1. SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE The architecture of the photorefractive adaptive sidelobe canceler is an extension of the singlechannel narrowband interference canceler reported by Montgomery and Lange1. The multichannel sys-tem reported here is diagrammed in Fig. 1 .
Accumulation of a commercial polychlorinated biphenyl mixture (Aroclor 1016) in adult rhesus monkeys and their nursing infants.

Abstract Female rhesus monkeys (24) were divided into 3 groups and fed diets calculated to contain 1.0, 0.25 or 0 parts per million (ppm) of a commercial mixture of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), Aroclor 1016. The animals consumed a calculated total of 18.1±3.1, 4.5±0.6 and 0 mg Aroclor 1016/kg of body weight over the 87±9 week experimental period. All animals were bred, conceived and experienced uncomplicated pregnancies. The birth weights of the infants born to females receiving the 1.0 ppm PCB diets were significantly less than those of the control infants. There was a positive relationship between the levels of Aroclor 1016 in the tissues and the dose administered in the diets. Aroclor 1016 content of infant tissues was consistent with maternal adipose tissue PCB levels. The content of Aroclor 1016 in the milk fat of the animals more closely approximated that in the individual's adipose tissue than in the serum. At weaning, the mesenteric fat of the experimental infants contained concentrations of Aroclor 1016 which were 4–7 times that found in the mothers. Analyses of the tissues and fluids of the experimental animals demonstrated accumulation of PCB isomerides. The number of isomerides present and the ratio of those detected differed between adult and infants as well as between milk and serum. After weaning, the pattern ofAroclor 1016 isomerides present in the infant's adipose was similar to that observed at weaning although the concentrations had decreased.
Intracranial Ablative Procedures for the Treatment of Chronic Pain

Three main techniques delineate a possible role for intracranial ablative procedures in patients with chronic pain. Recent studies demonstrate a continued need for clinical investigation into central mechanisms of neuroablation to best define its role in the care of patients with otherwise intractable and severe pain syndromes. Cingulotomy can result in long-term pain relief. Although it can be associated with subtle impairments of attention, there is little risk to other cognitive domains.
A dietary haloperidol regimen for inducing dopamine receptor supersensitivity in rats

Abstract The induction of dopaminergic supersensitivity in rats by the administration of haloperidol in their diet for 30 days (CHAL) in three increasing concentrations (7–15 mg/kg/day) was compared to that induced by single daily subcutaneous injections (SCHAL, 0.7 mg/kg) on the basis of biochemical (radioimmunoassay of serum haloperidol levels, 3 H-spiroperidol binding) or behavioral (apomorphine stereotypy, spontaneous locomotor activity) parameters. The two modes of administration produced equivalent blood levels of haloperidol by day 30. At 48 hours post treatment: (a) spontaneous locomotor activity and stereotyped behavior were significantly increased in both groups of haloperidol-treated rats, (b) stereotyped behavior was significantly greater in CHAL- vs. SCHAL-treated rats at 8 days post treatment and (c) specific 3 H-spiroperidol binding was increased 64% and 236% within the striatum and GP, respectively, of CHAL-treated vs. control rats. Scatchard analysis of 3 H-spiroperidol binding isotherms revealed a significant increase in the B max of high affinity binding sites [K D ∼55 pM] within the striatum of both CHAL- and SCHAL-treated rats at 48 hours post treatment. A second, lower affinity site was resolved within the SCHAL-treated group which was not detected within striatal homogenates of CHAL-treated or control rats.
Measuring Dialogue Across Difference as a Civic Skill

The most recent column of “New Scholars and Scholarship” focused on a scholarly exchange that emerged at a recent Symposium on Assessing Students’ Civic Outcomes hosted by the Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) Center for Service and Learning. The event was cosponsored by the National Service Learning Clearinghouse and the American Association of State Colleges and Universities’ (AASCU) American Democracy Project. Symposium participants were asked to present and analyze studies of recent studies of civic engagement in hopes of possible collaboration. This issue’s column follows through on the challenge presented by the Symposium. It compares several survey projects’ choices of measures of civic dialogue, seeking to understand the purpose of the survey, what is being measuring, examples of survey questions, strong predictors or correlations.
Estrogen-Mediated Renoprotection following Cardiac Arrest and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Is Robust to GPR30 Gene Deletion

Introduction Acute kidney injury is a serious,sexually dimorphic perioperative complication, primarily attributed to hypoperfusion. We previously found that estradiol is renoprotective after cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation in ovariectomized female mice. Additionally, we found that neither estrogen receptor alpha nor beta mediated this effect. We hypothesized that the G protein estrogen receptor (GPR30) mediates the renoprotective effect of estrogen. Methods Ovariectomized female and gonadally intact male wild-type and GPR30 gene-deleted mice were treated with either vehicle or 17β-estradiol for 7 days, then subjected to cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Twenty four hours later, serum creatinine and urea nitrogen were measured, and histologic renal injury was evaluated by unbiased stereology. Results In both males and females, GPR30 gene deletion was associated with reduced serum creatinine regardless of treatment. Estrogen treatment of GPR30 gene-deleted males and females was associated with increased preprocedural weight. In ovariectomized female mice, estrogen treatment did not alter resuscitation, but was renoprotective regardless of GPR30 gene deletion. In males, estrogen reduced the time-to-resuscitate and epinephrine required. In wild-type male mice, serum creatinine was reduced, but neither serum urea nitrogen nor histologic outcomes were affected by estrogen treatment. In GPR30 gene-deleted males, estrogen did not alter renal outcomes. Similarly, renal injury was not affected by G1 therapy of ovariectomized female wild-type mice. Conclusion Treatment with 17β-estradiol is renoprotective after whole-body ischemia-reperfusion in ovariectomized female mice irrespective of GPR30 gene deletion. Treatment with the GPR30 agonist G1 did not alter renal outcome in females. We conclude GPR30 does not mediate the renoprotective effect of estrogen in ovariectomized female mice. In males, estrogen therapy was not renoprotective. Estrogen treatment of GPR30 gene-deleted mice was associated with increased preprocedural weight in both sexes. Of significance to further investigation, GPR30 gene deletion was associated with reduced serum creatinine, regardless of treatment.
The Strategic Effects of Batch Processing

We study a duopoly game in which firms commit to a batch technology before competing in sales quantities. Adopting a batch technology requires the quantity produced to equal an integer number of batches and allows sales to be less than production. When larger batch sizes lower unit production costs (as in the U.S. airline industry with its economies of density), subgame perfect equilibrium sales quantities are unique and more competitive than the Cournot equilibrium quantities of a one-shot game with continuous total cost functions. When larger batch sizes yield higher unit costs, equilibrium production can exceed equilibrium sales.
Alterations in Circulating Thyroid Hormones and Thyrotropin in Hepatic Cirrhosis: Evidence for Euthyroidism Despite Subnormal Serum Triiodothyronine

ABSTRACT We studied serum concentrations of thyroid hormones and thyrotropin (TSH) in 23 clinically euthyroid patients with hepatic cirrhosis. The mean serum total thyroxine T4 concentration of 7.5 μg per 100 ml was modestly but significantly lower than the corresponding normal mean value of 8.4 μg per 100 ml. However, since the dialyzable fraction of serum T4 in patients with hepatic cirrhosis was considerably above normal (0.055% vs 0.030%), their mean serum free T4 concentration of 3.9 ng per 100 ml was significantly greater than the mean normal value of 2.8 ng per 100 ml. The mean serum concentration of triiodothyronine (T3) of 33 ng per 100 ml in patients with cirrhosis was markedly lower than the normal mean of 126 ng per 100 ml. The mean serum concentration of free T3, 163 pg per 100 ml, was also significantly lower than the mean of 375 pg per 100 ml in normal subjects; this was the case even though the mean dialyzable fraction of serum T3, 0.52, was significantly higher than that of 0.34 in normal...
Elastic contact versus indentation modeling of multi-layered materials

Abstract The elastic contact problem of a rigid cylindrical punch indenting a multi-layered linear elastic half space is studied and then used to model the unloading phase of a microindentation test of thin fims deposited on a substrate. First, we adopt a moduli-perturbation method to construct a closed-form, first-order-accurate solution for the contact compliance of a nonhomogeneous medium with a piecewise constant (layered) or continuously varying moduli in the depthwise direction. These solutions are used to estimate the unloading compliance associated with the indentation testing of an Aluminum thin film deposited on a Silicon substrate. Comparison with results obtained from numerical computations indicates that the perturbation estimates are approximately valid for a moderate range of material combinations of practical importance. Also, a finite element analysis is performed to investigate the effects of a penny-shaped debonding crack along the film; substrate interface on the unloading compliance, and to analyse the energy release rate which drives the interface crack. Important conclusions include: (i) interface debonding can cause a significant increase in the unloading compliance of an indentation test; (ii) there exists a saturation crack size beyond which the compliance no longer changes significantly with the crack length; (iii) the plastic deformation near the indentcr does not appreciably affect the unloading compliance, but it plays a major role in maintaining the long range energy release rate which drives the crack growth.
A Comprehensive Review of School‐Based Body Mass Index Screening Programs and Their Implications for School Health: Do the Controversies Accurately Reflect the Research?

BACKGROUND Whereas legislation for body mass index (BMI) surveillance and screening programs has passed in 25 states, the programs are often subject to ethical debates about confidentiality and privacy, school-to-parent communication, and safety and self-esteem issues for students. Despite this debate, no comprehensive analysis has been completed that compares and contrasts how these issues differentially affect schools, parents, and students. METHODS A keyword search from electronic databases a review of state legislation related to BMI surveillance screening was used to identify relevant literature data focused on surveillance screening policies, BMI report cards, parental perceptions of BMI screenings their child's weight status. RESULTS This article addresses the gap of previous literature by outlining the ethical considerations and implications that BMI screening programs and report cards have for schools, parents, and students, and links these with outcome studies to address whether these controversies are supported by research. CONCLUSIONS Despite the controversies surrounding these programs, this review shows that they can be valuable for all parties and demonstrates BMI screening programs to be vital to the development of robust school-based obesity prevention programs and promotion of healthy lifestyles in schools.
Comparison of the Etest and the NCCLS-approved agar dilution method to detect metronidazole and clarithromycin resistant Helicobacter pylori.

Although the NCCLS has approved the agar dilution method as the test of choice for antimicrobial susceptibility testing of Helicobacter pylori, a critical evaluation of this method in clinical trials to detect antibiotic resistance has not been performed. This study compares the Etest and agar dilution methods for detection of metronidazole and clarithromycin resistance in clinical isolates of H. pylori. MIC data were gathered from US-based clinical trials. The Etest was performed on Mueller-Hinton sheep blood agar plates following incubation for 4 days under 12% CO(2). The agar dilution test was performed according to the recently approved NCCLS methodology using aged sheep blood in a Mueller-Hinton agar base. Metronidazole resistance as determined by Etest was significantly higher than that determined by agar dilution (39%; 690/1768 vs. 25. 1%; 367/1465)(P 0.5). Inter-patient metronidazole resistance showed that the MIC values for identical isolates tested by both methods were equivalent in 58% (109/188). Of the 42% with a >2log(2) difference in MIC values, 17. 6% had a change in susceptibility pattern. For clarithromycin, 71.4% (237/332) of the MIC values for identical isolates tested by both methods had equivalent MIC values. Of the MIC values with a >2log(2) difference in MIC values, only 3% showed a change in susceptibility pattern. Intra-patient variability, i.e. paired isolates from the same patient, was assessed only for metronidazole. Of the 1393 paired isolates tested by Etest, 38.8% were shown to be resistant. Almost 69% of the Etest MIC determinations were deemed equivalent and 16.7% had a change in susceptibility pattern. Of the 639 paired isolates tested by agar dilution, 23.9% were resistant to metronidazole. Almost 72% of the agar dilution MIC values were equivalent and 11.3% of the determinations had a change in susceptibility pattern. Clarithromycin resistance rates are similar, when determined by either test method. The Etest yields a significantly higher prevalence of metronidazole resistance among H. pylori compared with the agar dilution method and both methods yield discordant results, when isolates from different parts of the same stomach are compared. Neither method is reliable in determining metronidazole resistance in H. pylori.
Dynamic rational B-spline surfaces

Abstract The rationale for the development of a constant performance incremental algorithm for the dynamic real-time modification of B-spline surfaces is presented. Pseudocode for the complete algorithm is presented. Implemented in software, the algorithm is capable of dynamic real-time modification of B-spline surfaces using moderately capable general-purpose computers.
African Hemorrhagic Fevers Due to Marburg and Ebola Viruses

Marburg and Ebola viruses are morphologically similar, immunologically distinct rod-shaped agents of African origin. They produce acute hemorrhagic fever in man. Although other viruses cause a rather similar disease in Africa and differential diagnosis of a sporadic case cannot be made on clinical grounds, the syndrome associated with infection by these two agents is sufficiently unique and unvarying to distinguish it from yellow fever, Lassa fever, and other infections whenever a cluster of cases occurs. For this reason, the term African hemorrhagic fever (AFHF), rather than Marburg or Ebola disease, is used here to refer to clinical infection caused by either virus. Recent emergence, high mortality, nosocomial secondary transmission, and ecological mystery have combined to draw worldwide attention to these infections.
Velocity space diffusion in Q-machine plasmas

Measurements of test particle diffusion in velocity space are reported. Test particles are created and examined using the method of optical tagging, an extension of laser-induced fluorescence. In quiet plasma conditions ( delta n/n >
Intracellular calcium regulates insulin-like growth factor-I messenger ribonucleic acid levels

Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) is involved in repair and regeneration in tissues in which non-GH-mediated regulation of its production has been shown to be important. We have investigated the effects of a second messenger signaling pathway, intracellular calcium, on IGF-I mRNA levels in cultured rat dermal fibroblasts using a RNase protection assay. Intracellular calcium concentrations ([Ca2+]i) were increased using either the calcium ionophore A23187 or thapsigargin. The ability of these agents to increase [Ca2+]i was confirmed by spectrofluorimetry, using fluo-3 as the Ca2+ indicator. Treatment of cells in serum-free medium and 0.25% BSA [Minimum Essential Medium (MEM) + BSA] with 500 nM A23187 or 1 micron thapsigargin decreased IGF-I mRNA levels in a time-responsive manner over 4-8 h. A23187 and thapsigargin also decreased IGF-I mRNA levels to 36% and 47% of control levels, respectively, in a dose-responsive fashion. Basic fibroblast growth factor mRNA levels, which were simultaneously determined...
Some petrographic applications to coal, coke and carbons

Abstract Petrographic methods have been widely applied in the coking industry especially in predicting coke strength and coke reactivity and to a lesser extent in predicting coking pressure and volume change. Non-maceral microstructure analysis is important in coal characterization; they include various coal types, oxidized coal, brecciation, coarse mineral matter, and miscellaneous materials. The non-maceral microstructure-analysis can be as important, or more important than the maceral analysis in many instances. Coke petrography is a very useful petrographic tool. Different ranks and types of coal produce different carbon forms. Coke petrographic analysis can be used to reconstruct the coal blend and to determine the amount and size of binder and filler phase, and under-coked, burnt coke and depositional carbons. Petrographic techniques have proven important in determining coal tar and pitch quality. The quinoline insolubles can be analyzed microscopically to determine the amount of fine size, low ash material from vapor or gas phase cracking and the amount of material related to coal carryover which is coarser and higher in ash. The tar and pitch quality is often related to the amount and size of the solids. Microscopic techniques have proven useful in the study of composite carbon materials, such as briquettes, electrodes, and “C” cell carbons. As the binder is often optically detectable from the aggregate it can be evaluated in terms of its distribution and wetting ability. Feedstocks also can be evaluated for use in carbon fiber production. Petrography is used in determining the amount, size and distribution of minerals in coal and in grinding studies to determine the degree of liberation of pyrites in coal. It is also used to study feed coals and residues from liquefaction processes. In addition, microscopic techniques are being developed to characterize coal feeds and solid chars or cenospheres produced in combustion. Petrographic data, such as vitrinite reflectance and maceral composition, are used in the International Codification of Coals and is being considered for use in the International Classification of Coals. The use of petrographic techniques is very broad and is developing in scope. The coal petrographer has the tools and, generally, has the background which permits him to expand his analytical repertoire to include many of the diverse applications that relate to coal, coke and carbons.
Soil management to prevent earthworms from riddling irrigation ditch banks

Earthworm activities were observed under subdued light in lucite fronted soil filled boxes in which bean plants were growing. They formed their burrows by ingesting a relatively small core of soil about 2 mm in diameter and expanding these holes to a diameter of about 5 mm by flexing their muscles. The compacted zone extended about 4 mm from the radii of these burrows. As shallow bean roots of young plants extracted water from the upper portions of the soil, worms moved downward to moister soil. During furrow irrigation, worms moved toward the water source through existing burrows. A few of them burrowed new holes to the furrow and emerged and swam in the water for up to 20 min before burrowing back into the mud in the bottom of the furrow. In columns with sections packed with pressures of 50, 100, 200, 300 and 600 kPa, worm burrowing was reduced in sections packed at higher pressures and was practically negligible in the sections packed at 600 kPa. Visual comparison of porosity in the compacted soil surrounding earthworm burrows and the soil compacted at 300 and 600 kPa indicated that the worms are able to compact soil with a force between 300 and 600 kPa. Worms were not able to survive long enough to burrow through 15 cm of a subsoil with organic carbon content less than 0.2% that lay between them and topsoil. Both compaction and use of subsoil for the banks show promise for reducing earthworm burrowing and water loss from ditches.
Separation of maize particles from alcohol extracts with minimal losses

Abstract Low-cost extraction of maize protein using ethanol at the front end of a dry grind ethanol plant has been discussed in recent articles. Thorough recovery of (alcoholic) extract from the extracted maize is essential to make the process economical and to prevent the ethanol from interfering with liquefaction enzymes or fermentation organisms where the solid residues are to be subsequently reduced to glucose and finally fermented to ethanol. Because the particles will be converted in water it is unnecessary to dry them, if a (miscible) liquid/liquid miscible displacement method can be used. Therefore, three methods of displacing extract liquid from the extracted corn particles were tried using (1) packed bed displacement, (2) centrifugation with rinsing, and (3) gravitational settling into water. Displacing extract (liquid) from a stationary bed of milled corn extract was too slow to be practical. This finding should discourage the use of similar techniques based on stationary layers of extracted corn. Continuous centrifugation, with rinsing by fresh ethanol solution, was effective at recovering protein in the extract with rinse rates comparable to extract feed rates. Settling the extracted corn into water appears to be the most feasible method of separation, requiring low extract dilution and inexpensive equipment.
Characterizing the Epidemiology of Postoperative Transfusion-related Acute Lung Injury

Background Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) is the leading cause of transfusion-related death in the United States; however, it remains poorly characterized in surgical populations. To better inform perioperative transfusion practice, and to help mitigate perioperative TRALI, the authors aimed to better define its epidemiology before and after TRALI mitigation strategies were introduced.
Influence of body weight and growth rate on nitrogen and electrolyte excretion in rats.

ConclusionYoung male rats that differed in body weight by only about 20% had significant(p ≦ .05) metabolic differences during a 3-day fast. These included calcium, phosphate, urea, creatinine, the Na/K, Mg Ca, Ca/PO4 and uric acid/creatinine ratios. There was an almost 10-fold difference in their respective growth rates, however, which undoubtedly contributed to the differences. These group differences tended to disappear in almost all variables as the fast progressed. The various ratios proved to be quite sensitive to the group differences.
Decision making styles and progress in occupational decision making

Abstract This study provides a reexamination of the role of different decisional strategies in facilitating progress in occupational decision making. Although the assumptions that a rational decision making style is the preferred mode of vocational functioning has been endorsed in a variety of career theories and interventions, there has been conflicting evidence about the validity of this assumption. To examine the role of different decisional approaches in the progress of making an occupational decision, the rational, intuitive, and dependent decision making style scores of 71 undergraduate students were used to predict progress in occupational decision making. The results of the regression analyses failed to provide support for the assumption that a rational style is the most effective in accomplishing this careerrelated task, but indicated strong support for the conclusion that the use of dependent decisional strategies is damaging, particularly in early stages of the decisional process.
The staged approach to bladder exstrophy closure and the role of osteotomies

Since the 1970's, the staged reconstruction of bladder exstrophy has yielded consistent surgical success. The Johns Hopkins Hospital approach begins with early pelvic ring approximation with abdominal wall, bladder, and posterior urethral closure. Within the first 72 hours of life, the malleable pelvis can sometimes be approximated without osteotomies. Beyond this age, the author's prefer a combined vertical iliac and horizontal innominate osteotomy. Second, we typically perform the epispadias closure at 1 year of age. A modified Cantwell-Ransley technique is performed, usually yielding an increase in bladder capacity and very satisfactory results. In the last phase, the modified Young-Dees-Leadbetter continence procedure along with transtrigonal/cephalotrigonal ureteroneocystostomies are performed when the urethra is catheterizable, the bladder capacity is 60cc or greater, and the child will participate in a postoperative voiding program (typically 4–5 years of age). This applied approach usually results in a continent, voiding patient with pleasing external genitalia and preserved renal function.
Improving Technological Innovation Through Laboratory/Industry Cooperative R&D

Even though the federal government is both a primary supporter and a major performer of research and development (R and D), only a small fraction of the results of this research is finding its way into commercial applications. A new system of linkages between laboratories and commercial firms might reorient the neation's R and D system through joint ventures, cooperative research centers, research consortia, or limited partnerships. The authors describe a number of institutional modifications needed to facilitate a more symbiotic relationship between public-supported research and private enterprise. They outline the barriers of patent and publication policies, of lack of communication, and of conflicts of interests as well as the prestige and financial incentives for both parties to seek mutually acceptable solutions. 24 references, 2 figures, 1 table.
Determination of a novel epothilone D analog (AV-EPO-106) in human plasma using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

A novel ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS-MS) method has been established for the determination of a newly synthesized epothilone D analog (AV-EPO-106) in human plasma. The plasma samples were prepared by liquid–liquid extraction with cold tert-butyl methyl ether. The chromatographic separation was achieved within 5 min on a C18 column with water–methanol (10:90, v/v) as mobile phase at a flow-rate of 0.8 mL/min. Mass transition of m/z 568.2 to 386.1 was measured for AV-EPO-106 in positive atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mode. A detailed validation of the method was performed as per the USFDA guidelines. For AV-EPO-106 at the concentrations of 1.0, 5.0 and 10.0 µg/mL in human plasma, the absolute extraction recoveries were 86.17, 85.24 and 85.69%, respectively. The linear quantification range of the method was 0.10–20.0 µg/mL in human plasma with linear correlation coefficients greater than 0.999. The intra-day and inter-day accuracy for AV-EPO-106 at the levels of 1.0, 5.0 and 10.0 µg/mL in human plasma fell in the ranges of 98.25–100.47 and 94.19–97.25%, and the intra- and inter-day precision were in the ranges of 4.75–6.30% and 8.89–10.45%, respectively. The method was successfully applied to quantify AV-EPO-106 in human plasma to determine the half-life of this compound in human plasma. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
NH2-terminal arm of phage lambda repressor contributes energy and specificity to repressor binding and determines the effects of operator mutations.

Abstract Several lines of evidence indicate that the phage lambda repressor recognizes its operator by using, in part, an alpha helix (the "recognition helix"), which it inserts into the major groove of DNA. In addition to its recognition helix, lambda repressor has an "arm," consisting of the first six amino acids, that wraps around the DNA helix. We constructed plasmids that, in Escherichia coli, direct the expression of derivatives of lambda repressor that lack the NH2-terminal one, three, six, or seven amino acids. We studied these modified proteins in vivo and in vitro, and from our results we argue that the arm: contributes a large portion of the binding energy; helps to determine sequence specificity of binding and, in particular, the relative affinities for two wild-type binding sites; determines entirely repressor's response to one operator mutation (a "back-side" mutation); magnifies repressor's response to other operator mutations ("front-side" mutations); and increases the sensitivity of repressor binding to salt concentration and temperature.