cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Newborn Screening for Severe Combined Immunodeficiency: 10-Year Experience at a Single Referral Center (2009–2018)

In 2008, newborn screening (NBS) for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) began as a pilot study in Wisconsin and has recently been added to every state's newborn screen panel. The incidence of SCID is estimated at 1 per 58,000 births which may suggest infrequent NBS SCID screen positive results in states with low annual birth rates. In this study, we report our center's experience with NBS positive SCID screen referrals over a 10-year period. A total of 68 full-term newborns were referred to our center for confirmatory testing. Of these referrals, 50% were false positives, 12% were SCID diagnoses, 20% syndromic T cell lymphopenia (TCL) disorders, and 18% non-SCID, non-syndromic TCL. Through collaboration with our newborn screening lab, second-tier targeted gene sequencing was performed for newborns with SCID screen positive results from communities with known founder pathogenic variants and provided rapid genetic confirmation of SCID and non-SCID TCL disorders. Despite extensive genetic testing, two of the eight (25%) identified newborns with SCID diagnoses lacked a definable genetic defect. Additionally, our referrals included ten newborns who were otherwise healthy newborns with idiopathic TCL and varied CD3+ T cell number longitudinal trajectories. Collectively, referrals to our single site over a 10-year period describe a broad spectrum of medically actionable and idiopathic TCL disorders which highlight the importance of clinical immunology expertise in all states, demonstrate efficiencies and challenges for second-tier genetic testing, and further emphasize the need to development standardized evaluation algorithms for non-SCID TCL.
Modifying an Introduction to Criminal Justice Course to Be Writing-Intensive

Undergraduate students often struggle to produce clear and concise written assignments. Faculty in criminal justice often struggle with how to help them. The current study describes how a fully onl...
Abstract 1941: The regulation of ATG9A-mediated autophagy by an ULK1-independent ATG13 complex

Cancer cells rely on autophagy for survival during periods of nutrient stress or chemotherapy. The activation of autophagy in cancer is thought to be regulated by AMPK-dependent activation of the ULK1 complex, consisting of FIP200, ATG13, ATG101, and ULK1. However, the regulation and dynamic cooperation of these proteins to govern autophagy is not completely understood. Our preliminary data suggest that ATG13 and ATG101 exist in an ULK1-independent complex that plays a key role in the regulation of autophagy. In an effort to identify the function of this ULK1-independent ATG13 complex, we discovered that an ULK1 binding-deficient mutant of ATG13 interacts with ATG9A, an apical regulator of autophagy. Using a split-venus approach coupled with confocal imaging, we found that ATG13, ATG101 and ATG9A interact together at sites of autophagosome assembly. This interaction between ATG13 and ATG9A is unaffected by deletion of ULK1 or the canonical ULK1 complex protein, FIP200. Furthermore, we found that CRISPR/Cas9-mediated deletion of ATG13 led to an aberrant accumulation of ATG9A puncta that colocalize with p62/SQSTM1. Importantly, this accumulation of ATG9A in ATG13 KO cells was rescued by expression of the ULK1 binding-deficient mutant of ATG13. Taken together, these data suggest that ATG9A interacts with ATG13 and ULK1 separately, and that ATG101 is part of an ULK1-independent ATG13 complex that controls the trafficking of ATG9A to p62 puncta. We are currently developing approaches to selectively isolate, identify, and characterize additional interacting partners of the ULK1-independent ATG13-ATG101 complex, which will give us new insight into the regulation and broader function of this complex in autophagy. Citation Format: Daniel Poole, Ashari Kananngara, Vajira Weerasekara, Colten McEwan, Alexandra Thornock, Misael Lazaro, Joshua Youngs, Joshua Andersen. The regulation of ATG9A-mediated autophagy by an ULK1-independent ATG13 complex [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 1941.
SMARCA4 inactivation promotes lineage-specific transformation and early metastatic features in the lung.

SMARCA4/BRG1 encodes for one of two mutually exclusive ATPases present in mammalian SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complexes and is frequently mutated in human lung adenocarcinoma. However, the functional consequences of SMARCA4 mutation on tumor initiation, progression, and chromatin regulation in lung cancer remain poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that loss of Smarca4 sensitizes CCSP+ cells within the lung in a cell-type dependent fashion to malignant transformation and tumor progression, resulting in highly advanced dedifferentiated tumors and increased metastatic incidence. Consistent with these phenotypes, Smarca4-deficient primary tumors lack lung lineage transcription factor activities and resemble a metastatic cell state. Mechanistically, we show that Smarca4 loss impairs the function of all three classes of SWI/SNF complexes, resulting in decreased chromatin accessibility at lung lineage motifs and ultimately accelerating tumor progression. Thus, we propose that the SWI/SNF complex - via Smarca4 - acts as a gatekeeper for lineage-specific cellular transformation and metastasis during lung cancer evolution.
Overview and Perspectives: Cardiovascular Disease in Racial/Ethnic Minorities in the Era of COVID-19

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and a major contributor to preventable deaths. The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the persistent disparate burden of CVD and associated risk factors seen in racial/ethnic minorities and disadvantaged populations. In the United States, there are clear disparities associated with CVD and risk factors among racial/ethnic populations, especially for non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic/Latino groups. In the United States, Black groups compared to other racial/ethnic groups have a higher prevalence of hypertension (HTN), with associated target organ damage, obesity (especially among Black females), type 2 diabetes (T2D), premature myocardial infarction, heart failure (HF), peripheral arterial disease (PAD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), end renal stage disease (ERSD), and stroke. There has been some progress in reducing health inequalities over the years, but racial/ethnic disparities persist. Research continues to reveal the unique aspects of CVD, especially related to the social determinants of health and the built environment, even more so than potential genetic factors. The various components of this textbook specifically highlight important concepts and emerging data related to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of CVD in non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic/Latino Americans. Healthcare is complex and involves social factors, such as available community resources. It is essential that clinicians, researchers, and public health officials use the best available data and the concepts described here-in to tackle the persistent and unacceptable disparities in CVD and associated cardiometabolic risks.
Combination vaccines for cattle

Multivalent vaccines are used commonly for the prevention of human and animal diseases. However, they should not be used in replacement of good hygiene or good management practices but only after careful considerations based on epidemiology, convenience, cost, difficulty of differential diagnosis, best interest of the animals and their owners. Combination vaccines on the market today have been tested for their safety and efficacy during their development, leading to a government license for sale. Any combination vaccine that passed the rigorous procedures of the EC directive 92/18 could be used with the same benefits as a monovalent product. Several biologicals are available in Europe to control bovine respiratory disease and neonatal diarrhea. The veterinarian should use her or his judgement in selecting the right product for a specific customer.
A Tale of Two Fractals

Introduction.- Part 1. The Sierpinski Gasket.- Definition and General Properties.- The Laplace Operator on the Sierpinski Gasket.- Harmonic Functions on the Sierpinski Gasket.- Part 2. The Apollonian Gasket.- Introduction.- Circles and Disks on Spheres.- Definition of the Apollonian Gasket.- Arithmetic Properties of Apollonian Gaskets.- Geometric and Group-Theoretic Approach.- Many-Dimensional Apollonian Gaskets.- Bibliography.
Visualization of protein 3D structures in reduced representation with simultaneous display of intra and inter-molecular interactions

Protein structure representation is an important tool in structural biology. There exists different methods of representing the protein 3D structures and different biologists favor different methods based on the information they require. Currently there is no available method of protein 3D structure representation which captures enough chemical information from the protein sequence and clearly shows the intra-molecular and the inter-molecular H-bonds and VDW interactions at the same time. This project aims to reduce the 3D structure of a protein and display the reduced representation along with intermolecular and the intra- molecular H-bonds and van der Waals interactions. A reduced protein representation has a significantly lower atomicity (i.e., number of atom coordinates) than one which is in all- atom representation. In this work, we transform the protein structure from all-atom representation" (AAR) to double-centroid reduced representation (DCRR), which contains amino acid backbone (N, CA, C', O) and side chain (CB and beyond) centroid coordinates instead of atomic coordinates. Another aim of this project is to develop a visualization interface for the reduced representation. This interface is implemented in MATLAB and displays the protein in DCRR along with its inter-molecular, as well as intra-molecular, interaction. Visually, DCRR is easier to comprehend than AAR. We also developed a Web Server called the Protein DCRR Web Server wherein users can enter the PDB id or upload a modeled protein and get the DCRR of that protein. The back end to the Web Server is a database which has the reduced representation for all the x-ray crystallographic structure in the PDB.
Sexual Orientation Change Efforts and the Search for Authenticity

This article is based on structured interviews of a sample of 15 former participants in sexual orientation change efforts (SOCE), who currently identify as gay or lesbian. The primary research question for this study was, "What was the experience of self-identified gay men and lesbians who went through some type of SOCE and eventually asserted themselves as gay or lesbian?" The research concludes that participants sometimes identified as heterosexual during SOCE, but never changed their underlying homosexual orientation, and that suppression, disconnection, and a sense of inauthenticity were significant phenomena of this process.
GPS and Space-Based Geodetic Methods

Space-based geodetic methods such as the Global Positioning System (GPS) have revolutionized our view of the Earth, enabling us to observe plate tectonics in progress, right now as it happens. The relative positions between any pair of geodetic stations in the world can be determined with a precision measured in millimeters; thus, the long-term movement of the Earth's surface can be monitored to within 1 mm Year − 1 . Dense networks of GPS stations are now being used to map the rate of strain in the Earth's crust in plate boundary regions. The Earth's geometric and gravitational shapes and its orientation in space are being monitored and inverted to determine the redistribution of geophysical fluids on or near the Earth's surface, including the ocean and atmosphere, cryosphere, and the terrestrial hydrosphere. All of this has been made possible since the development of space-based geodetic techniques in the 1970s and 1980s, starting with satellite laser ranging and very long baseline interferometry. This chapter provides a summary of the developments that led to this astonishing new geophysical tool and also introduces the fundamentals of space geodesy and how it is being applied to geophysical research, with examples provided from plate tectonics, the earthquake cycle, and surface mass redistribution.
A low-power FSK modulator/demodulator for an MICS band transceiver

This paper presents a low-power FSK (frequency shift keying) modulator/demodulator. It supports a data rate of 20 kb/s and uses a phase interpolating clock recovery circuit that forces the rising edge of the clock track the demodulated data precisely. In the transmitter side, the base-band data directly modulate a four stage differential ring VCO (voltage controlled oscillator) with an FSK tone frequency of 80 kHz fitting into one of ten 300-kHz channels allocated at the new 402-405 MHz MICS (medical implant communication services) band. The designs are implemented in a 0.18-/spl mu/m CMOS process. The all digital demodulator circuits consume only 33.41 /spl mu/A current from a 1.5-V supply.
Land Value Taxes and Wilmington, Del.: A Case Study

The author advocates adoption of a land value tax in Wilmington, Del., and other localities as well; fines implemented recently in Wilmington could accomplish some of the same results as land value taxes, the author says. A single-rate tax on all property actually provides incentives not to maintain a piece of property in good condition, the author suggests.
Engagement of CD14 on monocytes inhibits the synthesis of human Igs, including IgE.

Engagement of CD14 on normal human monocytes results in monocyte activation and, furthermore, delivers a negative signal that terminates T cell proliferation. We show herein that engagement of selected CD14 epitopes by specific mAbs inhibited PWM-induced IgM and IgG synthesis, as well as IL-4-dependent IgE synthesis by human PBMCs. Inhibition by anti-CD14 mAb was still evident when the Ab was added after 6 days of culture, suggesting that inhibition targets a late B cell activation event. In experiments that focused on the role of CD14 in IgE regulation, suppression of IgE synthesis after CD14 engagement did not result from the release of inhibitory monokines (IL-10, TGF-beta, and PG). In fact, neutralizing Abs and specific inhibitors did not restore the IgE response and anti-CD14-conditioned monocyte supernatants did not inhibit IgE synthesis. On the other hand, inhibition of IgE synthesis by anti-CD14 mAb was not likely to be caused by the lack of soluble factors with amplificatory effects on the IgE response, because addition of either rIL-6 or rTNF-alpha did not overcome CD14-dependent inhibition of IgE production. IgE inhibition after CD14 engagement was exerted at the B cell level, inasmuch as it was observed not only in T cell-dependent IgE induction i.e., mononuclear cells stimulated with IL-4, but also in T cell-independent systems, i.e., T cell-depleted populations stimulated with IL-4 plus anti-CD40 mAb or IL-4 plus hydrocortisone. These data indicate that CD14 plays a regulatory role in B cell responses.
Brugada Syndrome Presenting as Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia-Ventricular Fibrillation Lasting 94 Seconds Recorded on an Ambulatory Monitor.

Importance Cardiac arrhythmias are common causes of syncope. Brugada syndrome is an uncommon but serious genetic arrhythmia disorder that can be unmasked by medicines causing sodium channel blockade. Observations This report documents a case of Brugada syndrome and polymorphic ventricular tachycardia–ventricular fibrillation not initially recognized in a patient taking nortriptyline and experiencing syncope. It also illustrates one of the longest episodes of ventricular fibrillation recorded on an ambulatory monitor (94 seconds). Although the baseline electrocardiogram did not demonstrate a typical appearance for Brugada syndrome, provocative testing with flecainide in this patient with documented polymorphic ventricular tachycardia revealed a Brugada electrocardiogram pattern. Conclusions and Relevance Vigilance should be maintained for arrhythmia substrates such as Brugada syndrome in patients with typical symptoms when they are prescribed membrane-active medicines. Long-term ambulatory rhythm monitors can provide useful information in these cases, especially when symptoms are infrequent.
Gray scale and color flow Doppler characterization of uterine tumors

The aim of this study was to investigate gray scale and color flow characteristics of a group of patients with a suspected uterine pathologic condition. One hundred and twenty-two consecutive patients at the Women's Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, undergoing transvaginal sonography and color flow Doppler imaging for suspected uterine corpus abnormality made up the study group. After gray scale morphologic assessment, color flow Doppler imaging of the tumor and uterus was performed, including the ipsilateral uterine artery. Malignant tumors were confirmed pathologically in all 35 patients who had them. In comparing patients with benign versus malignant tumors, gray scale morphologic assessment confirmed that malignant uterine tumors (31 endometrial cancers and four sarcomas) were more likely to have a thickened echoic endometrium (P = < 0.0001), be enlarged (P = 0.004), to be retroverted (P = 0.02), and to lack a subendometrial halo (P < 0.0001). Patients with four benign and 13 malignant tumors demonstrated increased flow when assessed by CFD. The calculated sensitivity of increased color flow in predicting malignancy was 39%, with a specificity of 92%, a positive predictive value of 77%, and a negative predictive value of 71%. No difference existed between the benign and malignant groups for the systolic, diastolic, and mean velocities and for the calculated pulsatility index and resistive index in both sampled uterine and intramyometrial or tumor vessels.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
ACADEMIC PROBATION AS A MEASURE OF PERFORMANCE: CONTRASTING TRANSFER STUDENTS TO NATIVE STUDENTS

While previous research has measured the performance of community college transfer students, there are some discrepancies among the results. In an attempt to examine this issue in a new manner, a novel technique was utilized to assess the academic performance of community college transfer students. Using probationary status as a measuring device, comparisons were drawn between native university students and all types of transfer students and between community college transfer students and all other types of transfer students. While it did appear that transfer students in general were more likely to be placed on academic probation than were native university students, community college transfer students were no more likely to end up on probation than any other types of transfer students. A discussion of the implications of this result is presented.
Aponin, a cytolytic factor toward the red tide organism, gymnodinium breve. Biological assay and preliminary characterization∗

Abstract An improved isolation procedure for a cytolytic material ("aponin") from the blue green alga, Gomphosphaeria aponina is described. The cytolytic activity of aponin toward G. breve, an unarmored dinofiagellate associated with Florida red tides, was assayed. Cytolytic activity of the crude aponin showed no change following incubation for one hour at various temperatures over the range 30–110°C. Aponin was acid stable, and base labile, on the basis of incubation at 30°C in distilled water at definite pH for 48 hours prior to bioassay with G. breve. In sea water, the cytolytic activity remained constant for 1–10 days, following which the cytolytic activity decreased. Preliminary purification was effected using silica gel chromatography, followed by permeation gel chromatography (Sephadex LH‐20).
Deciphering the impact of change on the driftwood cycle: contribution to the study of human use of wood in the Arctic

Abstract Driftwood that originates in the Siberian and North American boreal forest is the major source of wood to people in the treeless Arctic. It archives various kinds of data about climate, river flow, ocean and ice circulation, and other critical environmental and cultural characteristics in the north. Unlike wood in most other regions, it is often well preserved in arctic archaeological sites. The existence and renewal of driftwood are closely linked to specific climatic and ecological conditions that have changed through time (e.g., floods, river banks, storms, prevailing currents and winds, sea-ice circulation, etc.). These conditions differently affect the fall, circulation and delivery of driftwood to the coast, resulting in changes in abundance, distribution and intrinsic properties of the wood. Based on a review of existing literature supplemented by new data from Alaska, this paper details factors underlying the “dynamic of driftwood production” in terms of driftwood abundance and quality, and indigenous people's use of the resource. Oral history interviews in coastal and river communities of Alaska recorded knowledge on driftwood use and ecology. Driftwood samples were collected from accumulations along the northwest coast of Alaska and the south of the Chukotka Peninsula. Results show that the timing of treefall and river transport are crucial to the subsequent ocean circulation and may determine the size and quality of the wood. Ultimately, it conditions what coastal people could build or manufacture.
Successful restoration of filled wetlands at four locations along the Texas Gulf Coast

Earthen fill material was deposited into coastal wetlands at four locations, without prior authorization from the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers. The filled wetland areas were located adjacent to the Hayes Ridge Lake, Redfish Bay, Port Bay, and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway of the Texas Gulf Coast. The fill material was removed by construction machinery, and the impacted areas were restored to the previous contour elevation. The previous hydrodynamic regime was established when the contour elevations were restored. The restored areas were allowed to revegetate through natural processes. Revegetation of the restored areas was satisfactory, and the previously filled areas provide viable habitat for wildlife.
Scoped hybrid automatic repeat reQuest with forward error correction (SHARQFEC)

Reliable multicast protocols scale only as well as their ability to localize traffic. This is true for repair requests, repairs, and the session traffic that enables receivers to suppress extraneous requests and repairs. We propose a new reliable multicast traffic localization technique called Scoped Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest with Forward Error Correction (SHARQFEC). SHARQFEC operates in an end-to-end fashion and localizes traffic using a hierarchy of administratively scoped regions. Session traffic is further reduced through the use of a novel method for indirectly determining the distances between session members. For large sessions, this mechanism reduces the amount of session traffic by several orders of magnitude over non-scoped protocols such as Scalable Reliable Multicast (SRM). Forward Error Correction is selectively added to regions which are experiencing greater loss, thereby reducing the volume of repair traffic and recovery times. Receivers request additional repairs as necessary. Simulations show that SHARQFEC out performs both SRM and non-scoped hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest / Forward Error Correction protocols. Assuming the widespread deployment of administrative scoping, SHARQFEC could conceivably provide scalable reliable delivery to tens of millions of receivers without huge increases in network bandwidth.
Association of the Invariant Chain with Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I Molecules Directs Trafficking to Endocytic Compartments

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and class II molecules have been shown to present peptides of different origin to alpha beta T cells. Most peptides presented by class I molecules are derived from endogenously synthesized proteins, whereas most peptides presented by class II molecules are from exogenous sources. This functional dichotomy can largely be achieved by the preferential intracellular association of the invariant chain (Ii) with MHC class II molecules, which may inhibit binding of endogenous peptides to class II molecules and direct them to endocytic compartments where extracellularly derived peptides can be sampled. Here, we show that Ii also can associate with a subset of MHC class I molecules and direct them to endocytic compartments. Ii was coprecipitated with class I molecules after lysis of human lymphocytes in mild detergent such as 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propane-sulfonic acid or digitonin, and the association was more clearly visualized by the use of dithiobis[succinimidyl-propionate], a homobifunctional chemical cross-linker. The class I.Ii complex was reconstituted in Ii negative cells by transfection of corresponding cDNA clones and was found to be transported through the Golgi to acidic endocytic compartments. These observations may explain how some exogenous antigens can be presented by MHC class I molecules and how MHC class II molecules can bind self peptides derived from MHC class I molecules in endocytic compartments.
The Economic Activities of Foreigners in Egypt, 1920–1950: From Millet to Haute Bourgeoisie

Lord Cromer, British Consul-General in Egypt and virtual ruler of the country, was fond of arguing that Egypt could never become a homogeneous, unitary nation state, like Britain or France. Because of its location astride the Suez Canal and at the meeting point of Africa and Asia, the country, Cromer believed, would always attract large foreign populations and would be of vital importance to foreign powers. Its institutions must take account of diverse interests and peoples. To be sure Cromer used this vision self-seekingly, denying Egyptian nationalists many of their demands for increased self-government. But he had to heed the foreigners in Egypt, for they had become an influential group in the nineteenth century. A booming economy, peace and political stability, uninterrupted except for the short-lived ‘Urābī revolt (1879–1882), the fashioning of European law courts, called the Mixed Tribunals, administering French law through foreign judges, and then the presence of British troops and administrators from 1882 onwards all conspired to make Egypt seem an attractive Middle Eastern country to British, French, Belgian, Italian, Greek, Armenian, and Syrian immigrants.
Screening of exotic potato germplasm for nitrogen uptake and biomass production

Exotic potato germplasm may contain useful traits for improving nitrogen (N) use efficiency in cultivated potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.). The objective of this study was to evaluate a “mini” core collection of wild germplasm for biomass production, N uptake, and N use efficiency. A field study was conducted during the 1993 growing season on a loamy sand soil at Becker, Minnesota. Uniform transplants for 39 wild accessions and 3 varieties were grown under greenhouse conditions, and after 40 days, they were transplanted to the field. Plants were subjected to two N treatments, 0 and 225 kg N ha1, replicated three times in a split-plot design. Plant parts were collected separately 111 days after transplanting, dried, weighed, and analyzed for N concentration. Nitrogen rate and potato species had significant effects on total dry weight, N content, and tissue N concentration. The regression coefficient of N concentration on total dry weight was very low (r=0.22, NS), whereas the regression coefficient of total N content on total dry weight was high (r=0.94, P>0.001). At both low and high N environments, Russet Burbank had greater dry weight than all the accessions. Several wild accessions, especiallyS. chacoense, S. commersonii, S. kurtzianum, S. microdontum, andS.phureja, had equal to or greater dry weights than Russet Norkotah or Red Norland. For N uptake efficiency, 2,7, and 20 accessions were ranked better than Russet Burbank, Russet Norkotah, and Red Norland, respectively. Recovery of soil applied N by the varieties ranged from 16 to 36%; the top seven wild accessions recovered between 27 and 49%. Based on plant growth without added N fertilizer and relative response to N fertilizer, the species were categorized into four relative N use efficiency groups: good foragers with good response to N, poor foragers with good response to N, good foragers with poor response to N, and poor foragers with poor response to N.
The Prefiguration of Some Aspects of the Holocaust in the Armenian Genocide (Revisiting the Comparative Perspective)

The field of genocide studies has been marked by a comparative tendency, while at the same time scholarship on the Holocaust has tended to focus on its singularity; the Armenian Genocide has often been treated as representing a “dress rehearsal” for the Holocaust. This article examines the parallels and commonalities, as well as the differences, between the two events, with a view to drawing them into a comparative perspective. More specifically, four major factors (vulnerability of the victim group, degradation of victims, war as opportunity, and fear of retaliation on the part of perpetrators) and three subsidiary factors (methods of extermination, disregard of economic factors, and terminological deflection) are examined with respect to both the Holocaust and the Armenian Genocide.
Transient Characteristics of Current Transformers During Faults

THE factors involving current-transformer performance that affect the operation of protective equipment have recently received considerable attention.1–3 The fact that the transient performance may be greatly different from the steady-state performance has been recognized, but little quantitative data on transient performance have been published. Data from oscillograph records of tests and from approximate analytical methods have definitely indicated the magnitudes of the expected steady-state errors and at the same time conveyed the thought that the transient errors would be very much larger. This paper presents some of the results of a study of current-transformer transient performance that has been made on the differential analyzer with the effects of transformer saturation more accurately considered.
Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide and vasoactive intestinal peptide increase cytosolic free calcium concentration in cultured rat hippocampal neurons.

Recently, pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) was isolated from ovine hypothalamus and it was shown to stimulate adenylate cyclase in rat pituitary cells, neurons, and astrocytes. PACAP exhibits a 68% amino acid sequence homology with vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP); however, it is 1000 times more potent than VIP in stimulating adenylate cyclase. In view of the wide distribution of PACAP and its receptor in the central nervous system, PACAP is likely to act as a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator as well. In the present study, we investigated the effects of PACAP38 on cytosolic-free calcium concentrations ([Ca2+]i) and compared these effects with those of VIP in cultured rat hippocampal neurons. Calcium concentrations, at the single cell level, were measured using fura-2, a calcium sensitive fluorescent dye, and fura-2-loaded neurons were continuously superfused at 37 C and viewed under an inverted microscope. Images of these neurons were recorded at 10-sec intervals by a video ...
How waves go down the bowel

Abstract Faradic stimulation of the small bowel of the rabbit causes a disturbance to spread out from 3 to 20 cm. orad and caudad. As a rule these wavelets travel slightly farther and faster caudad than orad and they almost always cause contraction of the muscle. There is rarely any sign of Bayliss' and Starling's law in the bowel of the rabbit. There is considerable evidence to show that conduction in the bowel takes place by way of neurones in Auerbach's plexus. The synapses between these neurones are probably valve-like and favor conduction in the caudad direction; they appear to be highly susceptible to anoxemia because in the rabbit peristaltic rushes disappear immediately after the death of the animal. They are susceptible also to the action of nicotine. The nerve cells are remarkably resistant to anoxemia as shown by the fact that in the cat they do not seem to lose their function when the circulation is shut off for five hours. Certain forms of paralytic ileus may perhaps be due to a blockage by toxins or by nervous inhibition of the synapses between the conducting neurones in Auerbach's plexus. Tonic contraction rings which sometimes produce intestinal obstruction may we11 be produced by a loss of function in another group of neurones which presumably are attached directly to the muscle.
Proteins with selected sequences: a heteropolymeric study.

Protein sequences are expected not to be random but selected in order to form a stable native structure that is kinetically accessible. Therefore our model contains a selective temperature in sequence space (see [S. Ramanathan and E. Shakhnovich, Phys. Rev. E 50, 1303 (1994)] ) to optimize the sequence for the target conformation statistically. Replica calculations, which go beyond quadratic approximations in the field-theoretical Hamiltonian, are presented. A phase diagram indicating the temperatures and selective temperatures at which transitions to a frozen globule, i.e., the native state, occur is obtained. It is shown that going beyond the quadratic approximation in the field Hamiltonian is very important, since it results in a significant change of the phase diagram. Moreover, we suggest that a one-step replica permutation symmetry scheme is sufficient to solve the model. In addition to this we present a result for the sequence correlation function along the chain in the case of a short-ranged potential between the monomers. A correlation function between monomers that form a contact in the native state is given depending on the temperature and the interaction parameter.
Qualitative and quantitative analysis of women's perceptions of transvaginal surgery.

Prior surveys evaluating women’s perceptions of transvaginal surgery both support and refute the acceptability of transvaginal access. Most surveys employed mainly quantitative analysis, limiting the insight into the women’s perspective. In this mixed-methods study, we include qualitative and quantitative methodology to assess women’s perceptions of transvaginal procedures. Women seen at the outpatient clinics of a tertiary-care center were asked to complete a survey. Demographics and preferences for appendectomy, cholecystectomy, and tubal ligation were elicited, along with open-ended questions about concerns or benefits of transvaginal access. Multivariate logistic regression models were constructed to examine the impact of age, education, parity, and prior transvaginal procedures on preferences. For the qualitative evaluation, content analysis by independent investigators identified themes, issues, and concerns raised in the comments. The completed survey tool was returned by 409 women (grouped mean age 53 years, mean number of 2 children, 82% ≥some college education, and 56% with previous transvaginal procedure). The transvaginal approach was acceptable for tubal ligation to 59%, for appendectomy to 43%, and for cholecystectomy to 41% of the women. The most frequently mentioned factors that would make women prefer a vaginal approach were decreased invasiveness (14.4%), recovery time (13.9%), scarring (13.7%), pain (6%), and surgical entry location relative to organ removed (4.4%). The most frequently mentioned concerns about the vaginal approach were the possibility of complications/safety (14.7%), pain (9%), infection (5.6%), and recovery time (4.9%). A number of women voiced technical concerns about the vaginal approach. As in prior studies, scarring and pain were important issues to be considered, but recovery time and increased invasiveness were also in the “top five” list. The surveyed women appeared to actively participate in evaluating the technical components of the procedures.
Effect of Sterculia foetida Oil on Gossypol Discoloration in Cold Storage Eggs and the Mechanism of Gossypol Discoloration

Abstract THE appearance of olive colored yolks in eggs laid by hens fed cottonseed meal was reported in 1917 by Lamon and Lee. This discoloration ranges, according to Heywang, Denton and Bird (1949), from olive green or light chocolate brown to nearly black. Earlier work indicates that the coloration developed because of the free gossypol in the meals (Heywang, Bird and Altshul, 1955). However, Frampton, Piccolo and Heywang (1961), recently reported that there was poor correlation between intensity of coloration in the yolk and the free gossypol content of the meals fed. It is apparent from these reports that the discoloration attributed to gossypol may be due to a combination of other factors with gossypol. That pH has an effect on the chromogen is well known. The recent work by Masson, Vavich, Heywang and Kemmerer (1957), that Sterculia foetida oil or sterculic acid produced the typical pink discoloration in eggs attributed…
Teaching Composition in the College Level Foreign Language Class: Insights and Activities from Sociocultural Theory

The second language composition course at the college level presents a number of challenges to the instructor. A requirement for most major and minor language degrees, there are many factors that make the course difficult or burdensome to teach. It is precisely this course, however, that offers learners the opportunity to develop their linguistic and written competencies and the instructor the opportunity to create multiple situations of pedagogical value. This article will draw on several relevant and useful components of sociocultural theory in the organization of a second language composition course and the creation of activities designed to improve stu- dents' written skills in the second language
Two nucleic acid-containing components of tomato ringspot virus

Abstract Purified tomato ringspot virus (TmRSV) has two nucleic acid-containing components (instead of only one), with estimated sedimentation coefficients of 119 S and 127 S. These two components were present in four different isolates, including a peach yellow bud mosaic isolate. Evidence is presented that the two components are not different conformations of a single component. The relative proportions of the two components were dependent upon whether the virus was increased in cucumber or in tobacco plants. The faster sedimenting component appeared relatively more infectious than the slower sedimenting one. The difference in infectivity may reflect a difference in the degree of separation of the two components rather than an inherent difference between their biological activities. Both components appeared to migrate electrophoretically at the same rate and were not distinguishable by electron microscopy. The 119 S component had a buoyant density in cesium chloride of 1.495, and the 127 S component had a buoyant density of 1.51. Two major nucleic acids were extracted, one, presumably, from each nucleoprotein. They sedimented with estimated values of 30.9 and 32.6 S. After formylation, only one nucleic acid was resolved, with an estimated S value of 18.2 and a molecular weight of about 2.3 × 10 6 daltons.
Identification and Analysis of Key Barriers to the Utility of General Aviation

Barriers to the utility of general aviation were identified through a web-based survey of active general aviation pilots based in North America. An analytical travel mode choice model was also developed to examine further some of these barriers and their impact on general aviation utility. Several key issues emerged as being important to increasing the utility of general aviation transportation. Improved weather information as well as near all-weather capability for general aviation aircraft and better access to ground transportation at the travel destination would significantly increase utility. Furthermore, modifying the business model for owning and operating general aviation aircraft may be the best near-term strategy for lowering the expense of general aviation transportation. Analysis with the mode choice model also indicates that increasing the cruise speed of general aviation aircraft does not necessarily translate into an increase in the utility of general aviation transportation
Autoimmune bullous diseases in childhood

Autoimmune blistering disorders are a heterogeneous group of diseases that result from autoantibodies generated against target antigens found in the skin and mucous membranes. This process leads to a variety of disruptions in keratinocyte adhesion and cellular integrity, resulting in fluid accumulation and development of blisters. Physicians should have an appreciation and understanding of autoimmune blistering disorders in the pediatric population when formulating a differential diagnosis of a patient who presents with skin blistering. Early detection and discrimination between the varied autoimmune blistering disorders can change the course of treatment and outcome. Due to the similarity in clinical presentation among different diseases within this category, histopathologic evaluation and, especially, immunofluorescence studies are necessary to establish the definitive diagnosis.
Association of bioelectrical resistance with estimates of fat-free mass determined by densitometry and hydrometry.

The relationship of whole-body electrical resistance (WBR) to fat-free mass, derived from densitometry (FFMDb ), hydrometry (FFMTBW ), and densitometric fat-free mass corrected for hydration (FFMD+W ) was investigated in three independent samples (AZ, IL, CA). Subjects included 75 males and 75 females ranging in age from 18 to 32 years. Whole-body resistive index (WBRI) computed as height2 /resistance was highly correlated to FFMDb , FFMTBW , and FFMD+W (r = 0.97, 0.95, and 0.97, respectively). Multiple regression analysis was employed to develop prediction equations for FFMDb , FFMTBW , and FFMD+W . In each prediction equation, WBRI was the single best predictor. Accounting for sex and variation in body weight significantly improved the prediction equations, by increasing the R2 s to 0.95, 0.94, and 0.96 and decreasing the SEEs to 2.6, 3.2, and 2.5 kg, for FFMDb , FFMTBW , and FFMD+W , respectively. Similarity of the SEEs between methods (less than 1.0 kg difference) suggests consistency in the precision of WBRI estimates for body composition.
Pharmacy services in a Federal extended care facility, as provided by a pharmacy student.

The objective of this study was to identify the role of the pharmacy student in providing health care to a Federal Nursing Home Care Unit. Under the supervision of a graduate pharmacy resident, the student was responsible for monitoring compliance in drug therapy, providing consultation services, and developing several research projects. A detailed study of allergy documentation in 78 patients showed that 25.6 percent of their records indicated drug allergies, but upon further investigation only 5.1 percent could be confirmed. Fourteen (41 percent) of the 34 reported allergy-producing substances had been administered again after the initial allergic incident, without ensuing difficulties. Evaluation of the self-medication program indicated that 71.4 percent of 14 study patients could not easily open their child-proof medicine containers. A change to “tight” containers enhanced the patients' ability to open them. However, no significant conclusions could be drawn regarding improvement in the patients' compliance with prescription directions. Pharmacy students can be a valuable resource in improving documentation, testing drug prescription compliance, and participating in the general care of patients in long-term facilities.
Designing Multifunctional Polymer Composite for Disaster Monitoring

In this study, a piezoresistive structural sensor (multifunctional material) was developed and a cantilever beam element with varying cross sections was designed and tested to measure low pressures for use during disaster events such as hurricanes. The piezoresistive structural polymer composite material developed in this study had a compressive strength of over 65 MPa (9425 psi), considered to be stronger than the standard construction materials. Also the piezoresistive material was over 30 times more sensitive than the resistance strain gages in detecting strain. The compressive stress-strain relationship of the polymer composite was modeled using a non-linear relationship. The constitutive behavior of the piezoresistive material was modeled using incremental nonlinear stress-resistivity relationship. The structural response of the cantilever beam with varying cross sections was analyzed using the finite element method. With the newly developed cantilever beam element it was possible to magnify the piezoresistive response and detect applied pressure as small as 1.4 kPa (∼0.2 psi) with a change in electrical resistivity of 0.5%.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Maternal weight gain and neonatal intensive care unit admissions.

hCG level was 1,315,635 mIU/ml. Pelvic ultrasound scan showed an enlarged uterus 10.3× 6.3 cm (L×AP) containing hyper-echoic masses. Chest X-ray and CT scan of the brain were normal. She was treated according to the high-risk gestational trophoblastic disease protocol with multiple agent chemotherapy. She was cured after six courses. Qualitative pregnancy tests kits are used in district hospitals to test the urine for hCG. When this is positive, the urine is serially diluted to give an indication of how high the hCG is. However, when the pregnancy test is initially negative it is usually assumed that there is no hCG in the urine and no serial dilutions for retesting are done. This can lead to missed diagnoses. Qualitative urine hCG test may be negative in cases of choriocarcinoma due to micro-heterogeneity of hCG molecule with different immunoreactivities [1]. Also, the sensitivity of hCG detection in the urine is optimum at pH 5.5–10 and a ‘high-dose hook effect’ in immunoassays, when very high doses of antigen saturate the capacity of antibody, may give negative urine hCG test [2,3]. It is concluded that the initially negative urine sample test for hCG must have been due to the ‘high-dose hook effect’. This case demonstrates the need to dilute urine samples for qualitative hCG tests, when choriocarcinoma is suspected and the initial qualitative urine hCG test is negative.
Are Nurses Healthier and Happier Than the General Public

During the last decade, an increasing amount of research has been done on the health of nurses. This work has been limited by a focus on illness and single health behaviors as well as by a lack of systematic comparisons with non-nurses. Analysis of General Social Survey data from the National Opinion Research Center is used tocompare the general health status, experiences and behaviors, and general level of happiness of nurses with non-nurses. Findings suggest that nurses tend to evaluate their personal health status more positively than non-nurses, although nurses and non-nurses tend to be very similar in terms oftheir smoking behaviors and the amount of hospitalizations, disabilities, and stressful life events that they experience. Nurses, however, more often report using alcoholic beverages. Finally, both nurses and non-nurses report rather high levels of happiness with their personal lives and marriages.
A study of the flavor stability and autoxidation of beef fats

The odoriferous compounds isolated from a fresh edible tallow were found to be very complex in nature and could not be diminished by treatment with carbonyl reagents. When these compounds were removed by deodorization, the bland tallow which was obtained developed on autoxidation another type of odoriferous compounds. The latter contained various carbonyl compounds of the type which have been associated with flavor reversion in edible oils.