cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rhodococcus equi venous catheter infection: a case report and review of the literature.

Introduction Rhodococcus equi is an animal pathogen that was initially isolated from horses and is being increasingly reported as a cause of infection in humans with impaired cellular immunity. However, this pathogen is underestimated as a challenging antagonist and is frequently considered to be a mere contaminant despite the potential for life-threatening infections. Most case reports have occurred in immunocompromised patients who have received organ transplants (for example kidney, heart, bone marrow) or those with human immunodeficiency virus infection. Infections often manifest as pulmonary involvement or soft tissue abscesses. Bacteremia related to R. equi infections of tunneled central venous catheters has rarely been described.
Functional dissection of nebulette demonstrates actin binding of nebulin-like repeats and Z-line targeting of SH3 and linker domains.

Nebulette, a 107 kDa protein associated with the I-Z-I complex of cardiac myofibrils, may play an important role in the assembly of the Z-line. Determination of the complete primary structure of 1011 residue human fetal nebulette reveals a four-domain layout similar to skeletal muscle nebulin: a short N-terminal domain, followed by 22 nebulin-like repeats that are linked to a C-terminal Src homology 3 (SH3) domain via a short linker domain. To elucidate the mechanisms of assembly for nebulette in the Z-line, the complete coding sequence or fusions of nebulette domains with green fluorescent protein (GFP) were expressed in cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts. The complete protein localized to Z-lines in cardiac cells and to dense bodies in nonmuscle cells. The GFP-repeat domain forms bundles that are associated with actin filaments in both cell types and disrupts the microfilament network. In contrast, the GFP-repeat plus linker shows limited interaction with dense bodies in nonmuscle cells and the Z-lines of cardiomyocytes. Interestingly, the tagged linker or SH3 is diffusely distributed in nonmuscle cells, but localizes to the Z-lines in cardiomyocytes. Supporting the cellular localization work, recombinant nebulette fragments bind to actin, tropomyosin, and α-actinin in in vitro binding assays. These results suggest the repeat domain contains actin binding functions and that the linker domain may target this interaction to Z-lines and dense bodies. Our data also indicate that the linker and SH3 domains can distinguish between dense bodies and Z-lines, suggesting that the ligands for their interactions are specific to these muscular substructures. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 44:1–22, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Identification of genes associated with multiple cancers via integrative analysis

Background Advancement in gene profiling techniques makes it possible to measure expressions of thousands of genes and identify genes associated with development and progression of cancer. The identified cancer-associated genes can be used for diagnosis, prognosis prediction, and treatment selection. Most existing cancer microarray studies have been focusing on the identification of genes associated with a specific type of cancer. Recent biomedical studies suggest that different cancers may share common susceptibility genes. A comprehensive description of the associations between genes and cancers requires identification of not only multiple genes associated with a specific type of cancer but also genes associated with multiple cancers.
Expression of the integrin α5 subunit in HT29 colon carcinoma cells suppresses apoptosis triggered by serum deprivation

It is clear that certain integrins can regulate the growth of tumors, probably by contributing to signal transduction processes. In the present study we have used HT29 human colon carcinoma cells stably transfected with human cDNA for the integrin alpha 5 subunit and studied the effects of alpha 5 expression on the induction of apoptosis. We observe that apoptosis can be triggered in HT29 cells by removal of serum and that this process can be suppressed by the stable expression of full-length integrin alpha 5 subunits. While the mechanism underlying this effect is still unclear, these observations suggest that the alpha 5 beta 1 integrin plays an important role in modulating tumor cell responses to growth factors and nutrients.
Curriculum-Based Measurement of Oral Reading Evaluation of Growth Estimates Derived With Pre–Post Assessment Methods

Curriculum-based measurement of oral reading (CBM-R) is used to index the level and rate of student growth across the academic year. The method is frequently used to set student goals and monitor s...
On the bit error rate of lightwave systems with optical amplifiers

The problem of evaluating the performances of communication systems with optical amplifiers and a wideband optical filter is addressed. Exact probability of error expressions for optical signals in presence of amplifier spontaneous noise and photodetector shot noise are given and compared with those predicted by Gaussian approximations for amplitude shift keying (ASK), frequency shift keying (FSK), or differential phase shift keying (DPSK) modulations, both for ideal photodetectors and for the case where shot noise is significant. >
Bioluminescent magnetic nanoparticles as potential imaging agents for mammalian spermatozoa

Nanoparticles have emerged as key materials for developing applications in nanomedicine, nanobiotechnology, bioimaging and theranostics. Existing bioimaging technologies include bioluminescent resonance energy transfer-conjugated quantum dots (BRET-QDs). Despite the current use of BRET-QDs for bioimaging, there are strong concerns about QD nanocomposites containing cadmium which exhibits potential cellular toxicity. In this study, bioluminescent composites comprised of magnetic nanoparticles and firefly luciferase (Photinus pyralis) are examined as potential light-emitting agents for imaging, detection, and tracking mammalian spermatozoa. Characterization was carried out using infrared spectroscopy, TEM and cryo-TEM imaging, and ζ-potential measurements to demonstrate the successful preparation of these nanocomposites. Binding interactions between the synthesized nanoparticles and spermatozoon were characterized using confocal and atomic/magnetic force microscopy. Bioluminescence imaging and UV–visible-NIR microscopy results showed light emission from sperm samples incubated with the firefly luciferase-modified nanoparticles. Therefore, these newly synthesized luciferase-modified magnetic nanoparticles show promise as substitutes for QD labeling, and can potentially also be used for in vivo manipulation and tracking, as well as MRI techniques. These preliminary data indicate that luciferase-magnetic nanoparticle composites can potentially be used for spermatozoa detection and imaging. Their magnetic properties add additional functionality to allow for manipulation, sorting, or tracking of cells using magnetic techniques.
Laser in situ keratomileusis versus photorefractive keratectomy in the correction of myopic astigmatism.

PURPOSE To evaluate retrospectively the effectiveness of astigmatism correction in eyes treated with laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). METHODS Patients with low to moderate myopia with astigmatism ranging from +0.25 to +4.50 diopters were included in the study. PRK was performed on 62 eyes and LASIK on 70 eyes. Six-month data were analyzed with regard to astigmatism power, astigmatism axis, spherical equivalent, uncorrected visual acuity, vector astigmatism change, and topographic corneal regularity. RESULTS Mean astigmatism magnitude change was 0.54 +/- 0.76 in PRK-treated eyes and 0.60 +/- 0.67 in LASIK-treated eyes (61% versus 64% change, respectively, p = 0.61) at 6 months after surgery. Mean spherical correction change was -2.79 +/- 1.51 for PRK and -2.90 +/- 1.03 for LASIK (p = 0.63). Mean spherical equivalent change was -2.5 +/- 1.57 for PRK and -2.6 +/- 1.23 for LASIK (p = 0.73). Mean change in astigmatism axis was 20.8 +/- 73.1 for PRK and 33.8 +/- 81.7 for LASIK (p = 0.34). Mean change in uncorrected visual acuity (LogMar) was 0.84 +/- 0.26 for PRK and 0.89 +/- 0.23 for LASIK (p = 0.21). Mean vector-corrected astigmatism change was 0.88 +/- 0.66 for PRK and 0.95 +/- 0.59 for LASIK (p = 0.51). Mean vector-corrected astigmatism axis for PRK was 86.9 +/- 59 degrees and for LASIK 83.8 +/- -47.6 degrees (p = 0.75). CONCLUSION There was no significant difference in astigmatism correction between PRK and LASIK at 6 months after surgery.
Optimization Design and Simulation of Fuzzy Control System Based on MATLAB

The method of design and simulation using Matlab is presented in this paper.Especially,to improve performance of fuzzy control system,three kinds of major methods of optimization design and simulation of fuzzy control system are discussed,via combining fuzzy logic toolbox with Simulink seamlessly.First,fuzzy logic inferential system is established by using toolbox of fuzzy logic in Matlab 6.5.Then,in Simulink5.0,through the instance of the template of S-function,the module of S-function for optimizing fuzzy control and corresponding control model are constructed,and the parameters of simulation are set.Finally,the dynamic simulation of the system is implemented.
The Role of Self-compassion in Psychological Well-being for Male Survivors of Childhood Maltreatment

Many studies have explored the negative outcomes of childhood maltreatment, including psychopathology, risk-taking behaviors, and death by suicide. Being male may exacerbate negative symptoms following maltreatment and result in a decreased sense of psychological well-being. Much remains unexamined when exploring factors that may buffer the negative outcomes of maltreatment. Self-compassion has been suggested to aid in the improvement of psychological well-being and in the recovery of traumatic events. This study examined the relationship between self-compassion and psychological well-being among a sample of men who had and had not experienced childhood maltreatment. Testing a model of mediation, findings reflected that self-compassion, while not a full mediator between maltreatment and psychological well-being, served as partial mediator. Implications and future directions are explored.
The British Mission at Los Alamos: The Scientific Dimension

The first members of the British Mission — Otto Frisch and Ernest and Peggy Titterton — arrived in Los Alamos in mid-December, 1943, soon to be followed by Sir James and Lady Chadwick. Egon Bretscher came in February, 1944 and Rudolf and Genia Peierls shortly thereafter. The team was essentially complete by the fall of 1944, although Canadians Kathleen and J. Carson Mark did not arrive until May of 1945.1
Fulminant Clostridium perfringens Sepsis in Kidney Transplant: A Case Report.

Abstract Background Infections, particularly urinary tract infections, and cardiovascular accidents are the main causes of morbidity and mortality during the 1st year after kidney transplantation (KT). Bacteria and viruses, such as Escherichia coli, Enteroccoci, and Polyoma BK virus are common in the 1st 6 months, so they are controlled routinely. On the other hand, Clostridium perfringens infection is a rare life-threatening condition, associated with a high mortality rate especially in the transplant population, that is not controlled routinely. Case Report A 50-year-old man with end-stage renal disease secondary to hypertension and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis underwent living-related KT. He recovered well and was discharged 11 days after KT. Two weeks after his discharge, he presented with severe abdominal pain, fever, and vomiting. Radiologic assessment showed pneumoperitoneum. Urgent exploratory laparotomy revealed significant amount of gas and no bowel perforation. However, right retroperitoneal gas collection was noted and drained. Blood culture was positive for C perfringens. Patient died after 48 hours, with signs of multiorgan failure. Conclusions Clostridium perfringens sepsis is severe and usually lethal in the transplant population. Prevention is difficult because the origin of the infection is unclear. Keeping high suspicion in patients with sudden and unexplained septic shock and aggressive surgical and medical treatment are fundamental.
From Signalosome to Enhanceosome: The Translocation of CD40 from Membrane to Nucleus Involves Multiple Mechanisms

Abstract CD40 plays important roles in the proliferation, survival and differentiation of lymphocytes. Constitutively active CD40 recruits TRAFs and IKKs within the lipid rafts to form a signalosome that mediates pivotal downstream proliferation and survival mechanisms involving NF-kB. Recently, we have reported that nuclear localization of CD40, through its interaction with c-Rel, promotes growth, cell cycle progression and survival in large B cell lymphoma. Our studies have opened a new paradigm in the functional role of CD40 in non-Hodgkin lymphomas of B cell origin (NHL-B). However, the mechanism about how CD40 enters nuclear still remains elusive. In this study, we show that CD40 ligation enhances its nuclear accumulation with activation of c-Rel in both normal B-lymphocytes and B cell lymphoma cells with cell fractionation assay and con-focal microscopy. Over-expression of c-Rel in B cell lymphoma cells drives CD40 into cell nucleus. We hypothesize that the route CD40 enters nucleus may involve endosome-endoplasmic reticulum-nuclear pore complex. Indeed, further studies show CD40 co-localizes with endosome marker-EEA1 and endoplasmic reticulum marker-Sec61. Furthermore, our co-immunoprecipitation assay has demonstrated CD40 interacts with Sec61. CD40 also co-localizes and immuno-precipitates with nuclear pore complex (NPC) proteins-NUP62 in normal B-lymphocytes and B lymphoma cells, which suggests NPC proteins may facilitate the nuclear translocation of CD40 protein. Overall, our study suggests that translocation of CD40 into cell nucleus involves multiple pathways. Blocking nuclear localization may modulate the function of CD40 in lymphoma cells; which could provide a new-targeted therapeutic approach for lymphoma therapy.
Use of Biologic Therapy by Pregnant Women With Inflammatory Bowel Disease Does Not Affect Infant Response to Vaccines

Background & Aims In women with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), exposure to immunomodulator or biologic therapy has not been associated with adverse events during pregnancy or outcomes of newborns. We investigated whether exposure of patients to these agents during pregnancy affects serologic responses to vaccines in newborns. Methods We collected data from the Pregnancy in IBD and Neonatal Outcomes registry, which records outcomes of pregnant women with diagnosis of IBD receiving care at multiple centers in the United States, from 2007 through 2016. Serum samples collected from infants at least 7 months old were analyzed for titers of antibodies to Haemophilus influenzae B (HiB) or tetanus toxin; mothers completed a survey of vaccine practices and outcomes from July 2013 through October 2016. Umbilical cord blood samples from 33 infants were assayed for concentration of biologic agents. Vaccination response was compared between infants born to mothers exposed to biologic therapy (infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab pegol, golimumab, natalizumab, vedolizumab, or ustekinumab—either as a single agent or in combination with an immunomodulator, at any time between conception and delivery) and infants born to unexposed mothers. Results A total of 179 women completed the vaccine survey (26 biologic unexposed, 153 exposed to a biologic agent). We found no significant difference in proportions of infants with protective antibody titers against HiB born to exposed mothers (n = 42, 71%) vs unexposed mothers (n = 8, 50%) ( P = .41). We also found no difference in the proportion of infants with protective antibody titers to tetanus toxoid born to exposed mothers (80%) vs unexposed mothers (75%) ( P = .66). The median concentration of infliximab in cord blood did not differ significantly between infants with vs without protective antibody titers to HiB ( P = .30) or tetanus toxoid ( P = .93). Mild reactions were observed in 7/40 infants who received rotavirus vaccine and whose mothers had been exposed to biologic therapies. Conclusions Vaccination of infants against HiB and tetanus toxin, based on antibody titers measured when infants were at least 7 months old, does not appear to be affected by in utero exposure to biologic therapy.
Sexual Communication in Archaea, the Precursor to Eukaryotic Meiosis

In archaea, sexual communication during mating includes transferring information (segments of DNA) to a second cell, apparently promoting DNA repair in the recipient. This process involves recombination between homologous DNA molecules from the two cells. Meiosis is a general capability of eukaryotes, and accumulating evidence indicates that the common ancestor of all eukaryotes was capable of meiosis. A central feature of meiosis is the recombination of homologous DNA molecules, ordinarily from two individuals (parents). Here, we present evidence that archaeal mating was the likely ancestral precursor to eukaryotic meiotic sex. In both archaea and eukaryotic microorganisms, the sexual cycle is induced by stresses that can cause DNA damage. Meiosis appears to have evolved in complexity from the simpler archaeal ancestral recombinational process. This evolution in complexity was likely part of a general protective response to DNA damaging reactive oxygen species produced by the proto-mitochondria during the prokaryotic to eukaryotic transition.
Fundamental Principles of American Law

With the cool detachment of anthropologists describing human sacrifice among the Maya, the editors of the Bluebook thus calmly report on that peculiar human custom of legal citation. The self-interested nature of the editors' report-providing an apology for both the 365 pages and steady royalty income that follow-makes it no less accurate. But the measured tone of the report does underplay the significance of legal citation to those who must actually do it-an importance that ranges from cultish obsession to defeated indifference. Some of us never lose the zeal of the newly converted, compulsively searching every legal text for canonical purity. Others of us become equally ardent schismatics, embracing, for example, the Maroon heresy. Still others lapse in the faith, either making a principled decision that there are better ways to spend our time or simply feigning contempt because we can't for the life of us remember if the space goes between the "F." and the "2d" or the "F." and the "Supp." But one thing is certain: we all complain. Law review editors grouse about the mindless tedium and thanklessness of cite-checking,' while authors whine about the tyranny of jump cites, parentheticals, and
Communication Link Elimination in Static LQG Teams

We consider here a scenario in which a team of agents switch to a secure shared communication channel with limited bandwidth to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks. To deal with the limited bandwidth, the agents identify which communication links in the team can be eliminated without paying a high penalty in terms of the performance of the control task. We formulate this problem as an LQG team problem with communication link elimination. Using Schur Complement Eigenvalue Interlacing Property, we bound the achievable optimal cost for removing only one communication link within the team problem. Under certain assumptions on the eigenvalues of the cost and covariance matrices, we identify an (heuristic) index-based link elimination policy with some tight performance guarantees. We substantiate our bounds with numerical simulation on random instances of static team problems and identify interesting directions for future research.
Teaching and viewing recursion as delegation

We present an effective way to teach recursion which we believe nearly anyone can understand. Most people are familiar with the concept of someone delegating a task to another person. Our method is based on this idea and presents recursion as a particular form of task delegation. This simple form of delegation is similar to the Little People metaphor. We then extend this form to a more general description of task delegation. We believe that this extension improves understanding of how to program recursive procedures (especially by end-users and novice programmers). Finally we discuss the initial design of a recursion visualization based on task delegation for the Greenfoot programming environment.
A Direct High-Order Curvilinear Triangular Mesh Generation Method Using an Advancing Front Technique

In this paper, we propose a novel method of generating high-order curvilinear triangular meshes using an advancing front approach. Our method relies on a direct approach to generate meshes on geometries with curved boundaries. Our advancing front method yields high-quality triangular elements in each iteration which omits the need for post-processing steps. We present several numerical examples of second-order curvilinear triangular meshes of patient-specific anatomical models generated using our technique on boundary meshes obtained from biomedical images.
Salt bridges govern the structural heterogeneity of heme protein interactions and porphyrin networks: microperoxidase-11

In this work, a proteolytic digest of cytochrome c (microperoxidase 11, MP-11) was used as a model to study the structural aspects of heme protein interactions and porphyrin networks. The MP-11 structural heterogeneity was studied as a function of the starting pH (e.g., pH 3.1–6.1) and concentration (e.g., 1–50 μM) conditions and adduct coordination. Trapped ion mobility spectrometry coupled to mass spectrometry (TIMS-MS) showed the MP-11 structural dependence of the charge state distribution and molecular ion forms with the starting pH conditions. The singly charged (e.g., [M]+, [M − 2H + NH4]+, [M − H + Na]+ and [M − H + K]+) and doubly charged (e.g., [M + H]2+, [M − H + NH4]2+, [M + Na]2+ and [M + K]2+) molecular ion forms were observed for all solvent conditions, although the structural heterogeneity (e.g., number of mobility bands) significantly varied with the pH value and ion form. The MP-11 dimer formation as a model for heme-protein protein interactions showed that dimer formation is favored toward more neutral pH and favored when assisted by salt bridges (e.g., NH4+, Na+ and K+ vs. H+). Inspection of the dimer mobility profiles (2+ and 3+ charge states) showed a high degree of structural heterogeneity as a function of the solution pH and ion form; the observation of common mobility bands suggest that the different salt bridges can stabilize similar structural motifs. In addition, the salt bridge influence on the MP-11 dimer formations was measured using collision induced dissociation and showed a strong dependence with the type of salt bridge (i.e., a CE50 of 10.0, 11.5, 11.8 and 13.0 eV was observed for [2M + H]3+, [2M − H + NH4]3+, [2M + Na]3+ and [2M + K]3+, respectively). Measurements of the dimer equilibrium constant showed that the salt bridge interactions increase the binding strength of the dimeric species.
FRACTURE PROCESS ZONE IN CERAMICS AND CERAMIC COMPOSITES

ABSTRACT Moire interferometry was used in a hybrid experimental-numerical analysis to study the fracture process zone (FPZ) which trailed a stably growing crack in AI 2 O 3 ceramics and SiC w /Al 2 O 3 ceramic matrix composite. Fiber and grain bridging in the FPZ generated crack closing stress which was related to the crack opening displacement. The FPZ was identified as the major energy sink with an energy dissipation rate close to the energy release rate during crack extension.
Who wants to live forever? Age cohort differences in attitudes toward life extension.

Abstract Introduction: Biomedical technology holds the promise of extending human life spans; however, little research has explored attitudes toward life extension. Methods: This survey asked young adults (n = 593), younger-old adults (n = 272), and older-old adults (n = 46) whether they would take a hypothetical life extension treatment as well as the youngest and oldest age at which they would wish to live forever. Results: Age cohorts did not vary in their willingness to use life extension; however, in all three age cohorts, a plurality indicated that they would not use it. Men indicated a higher level of willingness to use the life extension treatment than women. Younger-old and older-old adults indicated that they would prefer to live permanently at an older age than younger adults. Discussion: If a life extension treatment were to become available that effectively stopped aging, young adults may be likely to use such a treatment to avoid reaching the ages at which older cohorts say they would prefer to live forever.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in critically ill neonatal and pediatric patients with acute respiratory failure: a guide for the clinician.

Intro: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for neonatal and pediatric respiratory failure continues to demonstrate improving outcomes, largely due to advances in technology along with refined manag...
Immune dynamics in a time of covid

Motivated by curiosities of disease progression seen in the coronavirus pandemic, we analyze a minimalist predator-prey model for the immune system (predator) competing against a pathogen (prey). We find that the mathematical model alone accounts for numerous paradoxical behaviors observed in this and other infections. These include why an exponentially growing pathogen requires an exposure threshold to take hold, how chronic and recurrent infections can arise, and what can allow very sick patients to recover, while healthier patients succumb. We also examine the distinct dynamical roles that specific, "innate," and nonspecific, "adaptive," immunity play, and we describe mathematical effects of infection history on prognosis. Finally, we briefly discuss predictions for some of the effects of timing and strengths of antibiotics or immunomodulatory agents.
Temperature compensation of fiber-optic water flow sensor based on laser-heated silicon Fabry-Perot cavity

Flow measurement by the hot-wire fiber-optic water flow sensor based on laser-heated silicon Fabry-Perot interferometer (FPI) need to compensate the temperature variation of the water. This temperature compensation is required to get the flow speed from a unique calibration irrespective of the initial water temperature. Flow measurement is the wavelength change from the baseline wavelength to the final wavelength due to the laser heating of the silicon FPI and cooling by the flow. Temperature variation of the water will also induce wavelength change in the measurement. This will change the baseline resulting different wavelength shift for different water temperature for a given flow speed. We report a technique to compensate the effect of water temperature change in the flow measurement by using another sensor which will track the temperature of the water. By using the information of the water temperature change, baseline can be defined which will provide unique wavelength change for the flow. Finally, wavelength change corresponding to the flow speed were calibrated using the sensor pair after compensating the water temperature.
Whole Effluent Toxicity

Whole effluent toxicity (WET) tests are designed to estimate the toxicity of aqueous chemical mixtures, effluents, ambient (receiving) waters or stormwaters. WET tests use freshwater or marine plants, invertebrates or vertebrates to measure the aggregate toxicity of such waters. Tests for acute toxicity (‘acute tests’) measure mortality, usually after 24, 48 or 96 hours. Tests of chronic toxicity (‘chronic tests’) usually run longer and measure sublethal effects, such as reduced reproduction, growth, fertilization or larval development, in addition to mortality. Regulatory authorities recommend testing wastewaters with organisms from several phyla to determine the most sensitive test species for routine testing.
Non-Antiviral Actions of Interferons

Interferons induce cells to inhibit virus replication, by an intricate system that can be described as a primary line of defense activated in cells by interferon which, by itself can likely handle translation processes of some viruses. However, if viruses are able to avoid being completely restricted by this mechanism and can begin to produce double-stranded RNA replicative forms, the cell responds more affirmatively by activating a number of more potent resistance mechanisms, such as kinases to phosphorylate (and thus inactivate) initiation factors, and an enzyme can also be activated that synthesizes a low molecular weight effector which then activates an endoribonuclease which degrades messenger RNAs. And if all else fails, the cell can abort the whole system by an interferon-induced self-destruct mechanism. It is possible that the severity of the cel1’s initial response may be determined by the concentration of interferon it is exposed to, and dimensions of its secondary or subsequent responses may be determined by interferon concentrations and ability of the viruses to form triggers for these reactions.
Effect of Estuarine Sediment pH and Oxidation-Reduction Potential on Microbial Hydrocarbon Degradation

Microbial mineralization rates of two petroleum hydrocarbons, as affected by pH and oxidation-reduction potential, were determined in a Barataria Bay, Louisiana, sediment using 14C-labeled hydrocarbons. Hydrocarbon mineralization rates were inferred from the activity of respired 14CO2. Sediment pH and oxidation-reduction potential were important factors in governing the population of hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms in the sediment and subsequent mineralization rates. Highest mineralization rates occurred at pH 8.0, and the lowest occurred at pH 5.0. At all pH levels mineralization decreased with decreasing oxidation-reduction potential (i.e., increasing sediment anaerobiosis). Generally, mineralization rates for octadecane were greater than those for naphthalene. Aerobic microorganisms in the oxidized sediment were more capable of degrading hydrocarbons than anaerobic microorganisms in reduced sediment of the same pH.
Design of a nickel-hydrogen battery simulator for the NASA EOS testbed

The hardware and software design of a nickel-hydrogen (Ni-H2) battery simulator (BS) with application to the NASA Earth Observation System (EOS) satellite is presented. The battery simulator is developed as a part of a complete testbed for the EOS satellite power system. The battery simulator involves both hardware and software components. The hardware component includes the capability of sourcing and sinking current at a constant programmable voltage. The software component includes the capability of monitoring the battery's ampere-hours (Ah) and programming the battery voltage according to an empirical model of the nickel-hydrogen battery stored in a computer.
Residual bacterial contamination after surgical preparation of the foot or ankle with or without alcohol

To investigate the usefulness of a standard surgical preparation in prevention of surgical site contamination, 49 consecutive patients undergoing foot or ankle surgery were randomly assigned to sta...
Investigation of biomarkers of early taurine deficiency in Florida pompano Trachinotus carolinus

Abstract Despite garnering high interest in fish nutrition as an essential amino acid in a number of teleosts, the metabolic and physiological functions of taurine remain poorly described in fish. This study describes the postprandial changes of taurine in Florida pompano juveniles fed a taurine-replete diet, followed by a wide screening of metabolic and physiological markers when fed a taurine-deficient diet over 16 days. The goal was to screen for markers of early taurine deficiency and identify its initial components. Postprandial taurine levels varied between 106.75 and 170.37 μg/ml with a mild peak at 2–4 h after feeding, and decreased to 72.1% of the baseline value at 6 h. Fish fed the taurine-deficient diet did not have reduced hematocrit or increased bilirubin, suggesting an absence of hemolysis. However, linear decreases in alkaline phosphatase activity and in bile acid content were observed (R2 = 0.5968 and 0.5613, respectively, P 0.75, P Statement of relevance This manuscript presents results of scientific research relevant to the field of aquaculture. Taurine is a nutrient of great importance for many teleost species and for the sustainability of fish feeds; yet its metabolic functions remain unclear. This study constitutes, to the authors' knowledge, the first attempt at characterizing these functions. These results shed light on the complexities of taurine metabolism and emphasize possible hypotheses for future research. Therefore this study presents novel research results of high interest to the aquaculture and fish biology communities.
A Qualitative Analysis of Faculty Advocacy on LGBT Issues on Campus

Faculty activism is an integral part of shared governance in higher education institutions, yet little is known about the dynamics that underlie this activism. Using oral history interviews with 30 faculty members working to secure lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT)-supportive policies on their respective campuses, this article identifies reasons the faculty members became involved in this advocacy, types of advocacy in which they engaged, factors associated with engaging in advocacy, and challenges facing these faculty advocates. Specific dynamics facing LGBT faculty are discussed, and predictions are made for the future of faculty advocacy on LGBT campus policy issues.
Step-like structure and EBG structure to improve the performance of patch antennas on high dielectric substrate

Applications of microstrip antennas on high dielectric constant substrate are of growing interest due to their compact size and conformability with monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC). However, there are some drawbacks with the use of high dielectric constant substrate such as narrow bandwidth, low efficiency and poor radiation patterns, which result from the pronounced excitation of surface waves. Several methods were previously used to overcome these drawbacks by manipulating the antenna substrate. One approach suggested was to lower the effective dielectric constant of substrate under the patch using micromachining techniques. A shortcoming of this approach is the larger patch size than that on the unperturbed substrate. Another approach is to surround the patch with a complete band-gap structure or synthesized low dielectric constant substrate so that the surface wave can be reduced. In this paper, a step-like substrate and electromagnetic band-gap (EBG) structure is applied to the patch antennas separately to overcome the undesirable features of the high dielectric constant substrate without sacrificing any of the desirable features, namely, small size and bandwidth. Both numerical and experimental results are presented to demonstrate the validity of these two approaches.
What’s My Line? An Exercise on First Impressions and Perceptual Shortcuts That Puts Students into the Picture

This article provides an interactive exercise for increasing students' awareness of stereotyping as a perceptual shortcut. Volunteers in the class disclose something about themselves that is not readily apparent to others. Students in the audience then match the information disclosed with each volunteer. The exercise is designed to sensitize people to think first and not base their decisions on sterotypical information.
Decisions in resource management: The case of microforms

This study examines management of microforms at libraries and institutions maintaining an active interest in their own microform collections, defined for the purpose of this study as those not only holding, but still acquiring microforms. Survey results presented here, which identify factors that contribute to retention and discard decisions – including holdings of the same content in different formats – are considered in the context of decision theory. Findings could inform current and future decisions relating to the microforms discussed here as well as to holdings in formats dependent on other technologies that will eventually change.
Attitudes and experiences with levonorgestrel 100 μg/ethinyl estradiol 20 μg among women during a 3-month trial

Abstract To describe attitudes and experiences with a low-dose oral contraceptive pill (Alesse) over 3 months, women aged 18 years and older (n = 218) were enrolled from 16 locations to evaluate their experiences with Alesse. The questionnaire assessed demographic and personal characteristics, attitudes and experiences, and satisfaction. The participants had a mean age of 26.7 years and most were single, Caucasian, had completed high school, had a regular sexual partner, and had previously used OCs. Sixty percent of participants could discuss pill use easily with their mothers, 92% with friends, and 96% with partners; 45% of the women were unsure about their mother’s previous OC use. Of the 11 side effects assessed, the most frequently anticipated side effect was weight gain. There was a significant relationship between anticipated and reported side effects for weight and mood changes; however, there remained a number of women for whom these differed. Most (90%) were satisfied with Alesse. Even when beginning on 20 μg pills, some women may still anticipate side effects such as weight gain typically associated with higher doses of estrogen. Healthcare providers should assess women’s attitudes and anticipated experiences with OCs and counsel accordingly.
Luminescent Zn and Pd tetranaphthaloporphyrins

Zn and Pd complexes of meso-tetraphenyltetranaphthaloporphyrins (Ph4TNP) exhibit strong infrared absorption bands and luminesce in solutions at room temperature. S1 → S0 fluorescence (λmax = 732 nm, φ = 5.3%) is the predominant emission in the case of ZnPh4TNP (1). This emission is in part due to the delayed fluorescence (φ = 1.1%). Phosphorescence (T1 → S0) of 1 (λmax = 973 nm) is very weak (φ = 0.04%) and occurs with lifetime of about 440 μs in deoxygenated DMF. In the case of PdPh4TNP (2), almost no S1 → S0 fluorescence could be observed, while the main emission detected was T1 → S0 phosphorescence (λmax = 938 nm). The phosphorescence of 2 occurs with lifetime of about 65 μs and (φ=6.5%) in deoxygenated DMF solution. Metalloporphyrins 1 and 2 are promising near infrared dyes biomedical applications.
A comparison of the discriminative stimulus properties of phencyclidine, given intraperitoneally or intraventricularly in rats

Abstract Rats trained to discriminate intraperitoneally injected phencyclidine (PCP) from saline in a two-lever operant procedure distributed most of their responses on the phencyclidine lever after administration of 150 or 300 μg of phencyclidine into a lateral ventricle. This demonstrated that the discriminative stimulus properties of phencyclidine were centrally mediated. On the other hand, the potency of phencyclidine was increased by no more than about 7-fold from intraperitoneal to intraventricular administration. This suggests that either periventricular sites are not involved in mediating the discriminative stimulus properties of phencyclidine or that absorption of phencyclidine to relevant sites in the brain is not markedly enhanced by intraventricular administration.
Reliability of P50 auditory event-related potential indices of sensory gating

We examined the reliability of three traditional P50 auditory event-related potential indices under paired-click conditions: (a) the conditioning response (C), (b) the testing response (T), and (c) the testing to conditioning suppression ratio (T/C). Three alternative indices, (a) the (C - T) difference, (b) the (C - T)/(C + T) adjusted difference, and (c) the (T - T') residualized difference, where T' is the regression of T on C, were also studied. The N100 wave was used as a generalizability check. Although C and T amplitudes were reliably measured by traditional means, the T/C suppression ratio was not. For psychometric reasons that are described, the reliability of the suppression ratio is undermined principally by the correlation between C and T. The C - T difference score is a promising alternative to the unreliable T/C suppression ratio. Theoretical consequences of changed metrics are discussed.
Hipovolemia grave como causa de insuficiência mitral aguda

flow occurred across the left ventricular outflow tract with a peakgradient of 57.2 mmHg. Systolic anterior motion (SAM) couldnot be demonstrated by M mode echocardiography.It was suspected that the severe mitral insufficiency was secon-dary to the hyperdynamic left ventricular function and severe volu-me depletion. During echocardiographic monitoring, 1000 mL ofnormal saline was rapidly infused over a period of 30 minutes. Aprogressive slowing of the heart rate from 96 to 64 beats perminute, a decrease in outflow gradient (from 57.2 to 10.1 mmHg),and total resolution of the mitral insufficiency were documented(Fig.1a, 1b, 2a, and 2b).
Taking on semantic commitments: Processing multiple meanings vs. multiple senses ☆

Abstract When does the human language processor take on semantic commitments? This question has two parts: (1) for what class of semantic decisions will the processor make a decision rather than leaving the developing interpretation vague or unspecified?; and (2) at what point during sentence analysis will a decision be made if insufficient information is available to guarantee an accurate decision? Neither question has been answered (or even posed in a fully explicit general form) in the psycholinguistic literature. We recorded readers' eye movements in a study designed to explore these questions. The data indicated that delaying the presentation of disambiguating information until after the occurrence of an ambiguous target lengthened fixation times for words with multiple meanings (the concrete vs. abstract meaning of ball, ring), but not for words with multiple senses (the concrete vs. abstract sense of library, poem). This finding is taken as initial support for the view that semantic commitments are minimized, occurring only when mutually incompatible choices are presented by the grammar or when forced by the need to maintain consistency between the interpretation of the current phrase and any already processed contextual material. However, decisions forced by either of these circumstances occur immediately with associated effects appearing in the eye movement record long before the end of the sentence.
Antioxidant enzymes of the black swallowtail butterfly, Papilio polyxenes, and their response to the prooxidant allelochemical, quercetin

The black swallowtail butterfly larvae, Papilio polyxenes, are specialist feeders that have adapted to feeding on plants containing high levels of prooxidant allelochemicals. Third, fourth, and fifth instar larvae were tested for their antioxidant enzyme activities, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), and glutathione peroxidase (GPOX), using 850-g supernatants from whole-body homogenates. The overall antioxidant enzyme profile for P. polyxenes was high compared to other insects, with activities ranging as follows: SOD, 1.1–7.5; CAT, 124–343; GR, 1.0–7.5; and GPOX, 0 units. To determine whether these antioxidant enzymes were inducible, P. poly xenes larvae were given a prooxidant challenge by dipping parsley leaves (their diet in the initial studies) in solutions of quercetin, such that the leaves became coated with this prooxidant flavonoid. Mid-fifth instar larvae fed on quercetin-coated leaves were assayed for antioxidant enzyme activities as was previously done with the larvae fed the standard diet. Food consumption and quercetin intake were monitored. SOD activity was increased almost twofold at the highest quercetin concentration tested. CAT and GR activity, on the other hand, were inhibited by increased quercetin consumption, with GR activity completely inhibited at the highest quercetin concentration after 12 h of feeding. GPOX activity, not present in control insects, was also not inducible by a quercetin challenge. These studies point out the key role that the antioxidant enzymes play in insect defenses against plant prooxidants.
Thermal decomposition studies of energetic materials using confined rapid thermolysis / FTIR spectroscopy

An experimental setup for performing rapid thermolysis studies of small samples of energetic materials is described. In this setup, about 8 μL of a liquid sample or about 2 mg of a solid sample is heated at rates exceeding 1500 K/s to a set temperature where decomposition occurs. The rapid heating is achieved as a result of confining the sample between two closely spaced isothermal surfaces. The gaseous decomposition products depart from the confined space through a rectangular slit into the region of detection. The evolved gases are quantified using FTIR absorption spectroscopy by accounting for the instrument line shape. To illustrate the use of this setup, the thermolysis behaviors of three different energetic materials are examined. These materials include HMX, RDX, and HAN, all of which are considered as highly energetic propellant ingredients. The results obtained in this study of the temporal evolution of species concentrations from these ingredients are in reasonably close agreement with results available in the literature.
The distribution of total and electrochemically available copper in the northwestern atlantic ocean

Abstract Copper in a series of samples from the northwestern Atlantic has been determined by anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) and atomic absorption spectrometry after preconcentration by cobalt—APDC coprecipitation. Samples from a transect across the continental shelf directly off the New York Bight showed a linear relationship between total copper and salinity (31–34‰) and less than 5% of the total copper was detectable by ASV. A slope water station showed less than 9% of the total copper to be ASV detectable in the upper 780m, below which the ASV detectable copper increased to 70% at 3000 m. The Sargasso Sea profiles showed less than 7% ASV detectable copper in the upper 150 m; the fraction of the total copper detected by ASV increased to about 80% of the total copper at greater depths. The reduced availability of copper to the ASV measurement in coastal waters and open ocean surface waters appears to be related to recent contact with waters where biological productivity occurs.
Self-tolerance of natural killer cells

Natural killer (NK) cells, similar to other lymphocytes, acquire tolerance to self. This means that NK cells have the potential to attack normal self cells but that there are mechanisms to ensure that this does not usually occur. Self-tolerance is acquired by NK cells during their development, but the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Recent studies have produced important new information about NK-cell self-tolerance. Here, we review the evidence for and against possible mechanisms of NK-cell self-tolerance, with an emphasis on the role of MHC-specific receptors.