cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Description of pleural defensive organs in three species of firefly larvae (Coleoptera, Lampyridae)

Although reflex bleeding as a defence mechanism is well characterised in the adult lampyrid little is known of the defensive mechanisms of immature bioluminescent beetles. A detailed comparative examination of the morphology and microstructure of the pleural defensive organs of Lampyris noctiluca L., Luciola cruciata Motschulsky and a Nyctophila species obtained from Amol forest, Iran, using light microscopy and epifluorescent imaging, revealed vesicles continuous with the pleural organ membrane and held in place by a disc structure. Structural differences were apparent between species. We speculate on the function and evolution of these organs among the Lampyridae.
Comparison of Simvastatin Tablets from the US and International Markets Obtained via the Internet

Background:Convenient access to prescription drugs produced outside the US has been facilitated by the Internet. Of greatest concern to clinicians and policy-makers is product quality and patient safety. The Food and Drug Administration has issued warnings to potential buyers that the safety of drugs purchased through the Internet cannot be guaranteed and may present consumers with a health risk from substandard products.Objective:To determine whether generic simvastatin tablets and capsules obtained via the Internet from international markets are equivalent to the US innovator product regarding major aspects of pharmaceutical quality.Methods:Twenty simvastatin tablets and capsules were obtained for pharmaceutical analysis: 19 generic samples from international Internet pharmacy Web sites and the US innovator product. Tablet samples were tested according to US Pbarmacopeial (USP) guidelines where applicable, using high-performance liquid chromatography, disintegration, dissolution, weight variation, hardn...
Trait forgiveness and enduring vulnerabilities: Neuroticism and catastrophizing influence relationship satisfaction via less forgiveness

Abstract Two studies examine whether specific cognitive tendencies and underlying personality traits inhibit the tendency to forgive and, in turn, decrease relationship satisfaction among emerging adults in committed romantic relationships (median relationship duration 1–2 years). In Study 1 (N = 355), trait forgiveness had a positive, direct association with later relationship satisfaction and mediated the effect of neuroticism on relationship satisfaction. In Study 2 (N = 354), forgiveness had a positive, direct association with relationship satisfaction and mediated the association between catastrophic rumination and relationship satisfaction. Forgiveness mediated changes in relationship satisfaction over time, with greater trait forgiveness predicting higher relationship satisfaction. Implications for research on forgiveness and for applied work on couple preventive interventions are discussed.
X-Ray Studies of Low-Temperature Grown Sio2 on Si

X-ray reflectivity has been used to study properties of thin SiO2 films on (100) Si prepared by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) or by anodic oxidation. Reflectivity curves were analyzed to obtain information concerning the thickness, density (ρ) and interface roughness (σ) of these oxide films. We found that the PECVD films have typically a density of 0.98 ρSi with a sharp Si/SiO2 interface (σ < 0.2 nm) and a surface roughness of ~0.5 nm. Anodic oxide films have a lower density (ρ = 0.88 pSi) and larger interface and surface roughness σ ~ 0.5 nm. High temperature annealing of the anodic oxides up to 900 °C resulted in no appreciable densification but caused an increase in the interfacial roughness. Considerable variations were observed in the reflectivity curves from a PECVD oxide film annealed in the 650–1050 °C range. Modeling of these results suggests the existence of a thin interfacial layer (~0.5 nm) of less density (~0.9ρSi) at the original silicon/PECVD oxide interface.
What lies beneath: a plea for complete information.

Despite the large quantities of chemical weapons disposed for in the ocean from 1946 to 1972, offshore dumping sites have not been mapped or assessed adequately.
Force-Strain Curves Of Microcapsules With Atomic Force Microscopy

We develop an algorithm to measure elastic properties of microcapsules with Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). The AFM is used as an indenter and presses down on a spherical microcapsule. We study the system from an atomic point of view (considering interactions between the atoms in the system via Equivalent Crystal Theory) and calculate the force produced by the system to balance the external AFM force. We plot this force as a function of the indentation depth, and from that curve we extract the interatomic parameters of ECT that are related with elastic constants. Our calculations model measurements of force-strain curves including non-linear effects. This is relevant as classical elasticity theory breaks down in the AFM indentation regime, when atomic interactions must be considered explicitly.
Tumor-derived extracellular fragments of receptor protein tyrosine phosphatases (RPTPs) as cancer molecular diagnostic tools.

Receptor protein tyrosine phosphatases (RPTPs) are involved in many cellular processes, including the regulation of adhesion, migration and cellular signaling. Many RPTPs are putative tumor suppressors because of the transcriptional and translational changes observed in their expression during tumorigenesis. Recently, RPTPs were shown to be post-translationally regulated during tumorigenesis by proteolysis in a manner similar to proteolysis of the Notch receptor. There is accumulating evidence that proteolysis of RPTPs influence their cellular function and that RPTP fragments may function as oncogenes. By exploiting what is known about RPTP ligand binding domains and crystal structures of ligand-RPTP interfaces, we describe novel molecular diagnostics that have been or can be developed to identify tumor margins and target tumor tissues.
Density Functional Theory Study of Carboxylic Acids Adsorption and Enolization on Monoclinic Zirconia Surfaces

Computational modeling is a valuable tool for understanding atomic-level catalytic processes on metal oxides. Carboxylic acid adsorption and enolization with varied degrees of α branching on monoclinic zirconia's most important surfaces, (111), (111), and (101), have been studied by the density functional theory (DFT). Carboxylates on zirconia (111) and (111) surfaces are preferentially stabilized in the bidentate bridging mode, with O–H bond dissociation and hydrogen bonding to a 2-fold coordinated (2-fc) lattice oxygen. Carboxylic α hydrogen abstraction by another 2-fc lattice oxygen results in enolization of adsorbed carboxylates most readily on the (111) surface of monoclinic zirconia with activation energy ∼25 kcal/mol, which is not sensitive to acid branching. Enolization on the (111) surface requires higher activation energy, 29–33 kcal/mol depending on acid branching. This study demonstrates the origin of an important intermediate in the carboxylic acid ketonization mechanism—often named “surf...
Research of dependent task schedule of cloud computing based on weighted directed hypergraph

How to schedule dependent task efficiently is the key issue in cloud computing environment. The formal description of dependent task scheduler in cloud computing is presented. This paper adopts the weighted directed acyclic hypergraph as the mathematical model of the dependent task scheduling problem in cloud computing, whose vertex can be considered as the dependent task and directed hyperedge can be represented as the priority dependency among the tasks.Furthermore, it transforms the dependent task scheduling problem to the hypergraph partition problem and proposes the task partitioning algorithm based on the multilevel method and the weighted directed hypergraph. It also designs and implements the prototype system of the cloud computing dependent tasks schedule based on the multilevel method. It carries out the comparative experiments among the Min-Min algorithm, Max-Min algorithm and the proposed algorithm based on Cloud Sim simulation platform of cloud computing. The experiment and analysis show the proposed algorithm has better performance in terms of decreasing the task completing time and the improvement of resource load balancing.
Recurrent Fat Embolic Strokes in a Patient With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy With Long Bone Fractures and a Patent Foramen Ovale.

Abstract Background Individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy have an increased risk of long bone fractures. Such fractures are sometimes associated with brain dysfunction due to fat embolism syndrome, although this syndrome has seldom been documented in muscular dystrophy patients. Patient Description We describe a child with Duchenne muscular dystrophy who developed fat embolism syndrome with neurological dysfunction following multiple long bone fractures. He experienced recurrent cerebral infarctions that probably resulted from embolization through a patent foramen ovale. The patent foramen ovale was closed by an occluder device in the cardiac catheterization laboratory, and he did not experience further infarctions. Conclusions Fat embolism with ischemic cerebral infarction can occur in individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy following long bone fractures. In this setting it is important to identify and close atrial level shunts in order to prevent additional infarctions.
Consequences of mating and predation risk for longevity in a freshwater snail: abstinence makes the heart beat longer.

Senescence is not a static property of an individual or population, but rather it is a dynamic process that may be influenced by environmental conditions. This can occur in at least two ways: in the long-term across multiple generations, and in the short-term via phenotypic plasticity. The former has attracted a lot of attention, both theoretically and empirically; the latter has lagged behind. To determine whether two important environmental variables (predation risk and mate availability) affect the pattern of actuarial senescence (i.e., the increase in mortality with age), we reared 30 full-sib families of the simultaneously hermaphroditic freshwater snail Physa acuta under four different environmental conditions and tracked individuals until death. Individuals were reared in a 2x2 factorial experiment that manipulated the non-lethal presence of chemical cues from predatory crayfish (presence/absence) and the opportunity to mate with an unrelated partner (mated/not mated). Snails that receive a partner reproduce by outcrossing, while those that remain in isolation can reproduce by self-fertilization. We compared the cumulative survival curves to test for an effect of predation risk and mating. The hazard ratio for the predation-risk comparison was 1.042 indicating no significant difference between the curves. However, the hazard ratio for the mating comparison was 4.021, reflecting a significant reduction in survival probability for mated snails relative to isolated snails. As such, mating resulted in a much shorter lifespan, an outcome that we interpret in terms of shifting resource allocation. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Applying terrestrial lidar for evaluation and calibration of airborne lidar-derived shrub biomass estimates in Arctic tundra

ABSTRACTMonitoring of climate-driven expansion of low-stature shrubs in Arctic tundra can be improved through application of high-resolution remote sensing. However, the destructive nature of harvest sampling that is usually performed for validation of these data is resource intensive and can limit future comparisons by destroying benchmark measurements. We compared aboveground shrub biomass estimates derived from terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) and airborne laser scanning (ALS) with the goal of determining whether TLS data can be used to accurately calibrate ALS estimates of shrub biomass in Arctic tundra. We used a leave-one-out cross-validation calibration of canopy volume against harvested shrub biomass to establish predictive relationships between TLS canopy volume and harvested shrub biomass, and between ALS canopy volume and TLS-derived shrub biomass estimates. TLS produced more accurate predictions of shrub biomass (R2 = 0.78; root mean square deviation [RMSD] = 102 g) than did ALS, but the accur...
RACIAL AND ETHNIC DISPARITIES IN ADL DISABILITY AFTER HOSPITALIZATION AMONG OLDER HOME CARE RECIPIENTS

Older adults who experience new or worsening difficulties performing activities of daily living (ADL) after hospitalization have poorer prognoses within a year after discharge. Past research suggests racial/ethnic disparities exist in the development and progression of ADL disability. However, little research exists examining ADL disability disparities among racially/ethnically diverse older adults after hospitalization. Understanding differences in ADL disability across racial/ethnic groups may lead to targeted interventions reducing disparities and promoting ADL performance. This study’s purpose was to determine if differences exist in ADL disability trajectories among racially/ethnically diverse adults age 65 years and older receiving home care following hospitalization. We used 2013–2014 Outcome and Assessment Information Set data (n=21,473) from a large non-profit home care agency to examine overall change in ADL disability, which was measured by summing the difference of admission and discharge scores from nine individual ADL. Associations between race/ethnic groups and overall ADL change scores were examined using general linear regression models, adjusting for personal, environmental, and health-related factors from the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health framework. On home care admission, Asians, African-Americans, and Hispanics had poorer individual ADL scores compared to Non-Hispanic Whites (all p<.05). During the home care episode, Asians, African-Americans, and Hispanics experienced significantly less improvement in overall ADL disability compared to Non-Hispanic Whites (all p<.01). To increase generalizability, study replication is needed using a nationally-representative sample. Additional research is needed to determine mechanisms of ADL disability disparities in racial/ethnic subgroups.
Review: β-blockers benefit patients with chronic heart failure

Source Citation Lechat P, Packer M, Chalon S, et al. Clinical effects of β-adrenergic blockade in chronic heart failure. A meta-analysis of double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trials. Circ...
Geometry of curves in Rn from the local singular value decomposition

Abstract We establish a connection between the local singular value decomposition and the geometry of n-dimensional curves. In particular, we link the left singular vectors to the Frenet-Serret frame, and the generalized curvatures to the singular values. Specifically, let γ : I → R n be a parametric curve of class C n + 1 , regular of order n. The Frenet-Serret apparatus of γ at γ ( t ) consists of a frame e 1 ( t ) , … , e n ( t ) and generalized curvature values κ 1 ( t ) , … , κ n − 1 ( t ) . Associated with each point of γ there are also local singular vectors u 1 ( t ) , … , u n ( t ) and local singular values σ 1 ( t ) , … , σ n ( t ) . This local information is obtained by considering a limit, as ϵ goes to zero, of covariance matrices defined along γ within an ϵ-ball centered at γ ( t ) . We prove that for each t ∈ I , the Frenet-Serret frame and the local singular vectors agree at γ ( t ) and that the values of the curvature functions at t can be expressed as a fixed multiple of a ratio of local singular values at t. To establish this result we prove a general formula for the recursion relation of a certain class of sequences of Hankel determinants using the theory of monic orthogonal polynomials and moment sequences.
Understanding Women Veterans’ Family Planning Counseling Experiences and Preferences to Inform Patient-Centered Care

Abstract Background Women veterans' unique experiences in the military and burden of health comorbidities increase their risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes and may influence their counseling needs related to planning or preventing pregnancy. We investigated women veterans’ experiences of family planning counseling in the military and Veterans Affairs (VA) health care systems as well as their counseling preferences. Methods We conducted 32 qualitative interviews among women veterans ages 18–44 years receiving primary care at the VA Puget Sound or VA Pittsburgh health care systems between March and June 2016 to explore their experiences and preferences related to counseling about pregnancy goals and planning and contraception. Transcripts were analyzed using inductive and deductive content analysis, and key themes were identified. Results Nearly all participants described negative experiences in family planning counseling encounters in the military and/or VA, including perceptions of gender-based discrimination and pressure to choose certain contraceptive methods, perceived judgment of their reproductive choices, and a lack of continuity with providers. Some women also reported positive experiences in family planning encounters in the VA, including feeling respected, receiving comprehensive information about options, and having their perspectives and concerns elicited. Counseling preferences that emerged included that providers initiate and validate family planning discussions, establish trust and avoid judgment, elicit women's individual preferences, and engage them as equal partners in decision making. Conclusions Women veterans reported a spectrum of negative and positive experiences in family planning encounters in the military and VA that, in conjunction with their preferences, provide key insights for patient-centered reproductive health care in VA.
Love Stories: How Language Use Patterns Vary by Relationship Quality

Romantic relationships vary in quality, and the purpose of the present investigation was to examine a wide scope of linguistic variables as possible markers of this variability. Ninety-six undergra...
Correlates of Physical Activity During Pregnancy: A Systematic Review with Implications for Evidence-based Practice.

Background Numerous attempts have been made to improve women's physical activity participation during pregnancy, but activity levels remain low. Aim To examine systematically the associations of physical activity participation during pregnancy with non-modifiable correlates (not subject to change) and modifiable theoretical correlates of physical activity. Methods This systematic review followed PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis) guidelines. It includes cross-sectional and longitudinal studies that assessed non-modifiable correlates and modifiable theoretical correlates of physical activity. Five electronic databases were searched for studies published in the English language between 2010 and 2017. An author-developed data collection tool was used to examine selected variables; effect sizes were determined; and study bias was assessed. Results Ten studies were included in the final review. Overall, effect sizes for non-modifiable correlates of physical activity were small to moderate, except for mental health (d = 1.35) and prior physical activity (d = 0.63). By contrast, modifiable theoretical correlates of physical activity (e.g., self-efficacy [d = 0.96-1.42] & intention to be physically active [d = 1.62]) had moderate to large effects in the expected direction with physical activity during pregnancy. Discussion The findings underscore the importance of developing physical activity interventions for pregnant women that are guided by modifiable theoretical correlates, taking into consideration non-modifiable correlates of physical activity. Linking evidence to action Clinicians should help pregnant women to increase self-confidence in their ability to be physically active and provide anticipatory guidance to overcome barriers to physical activity.
Breaking Down Benefits: Employee Understanding of Benefits and Readability Levels of University Benefits Handbooks:

Benefits are often cited as one of the most important factors to hiring and retaining employees. One of the key ways employees learn about benefits is through communications provided by their human...
Abstract 870: Cardiac Gene Therapy With Relaxin Receptor 1 Overexpression Protects Against Acute Myocardial Infarction and Associated Adverse Remodeling

Background: Relaxin signaling confers cardioprotection against acute myocardial infarction (MI) and mitigates adverse cardiac remodeling. We investigated the role of relaxin receptor (RXFP1) overex...
Like Parent, Like Child: Intergenerational Patterns of Cardiovascular Risk Factors at Midlife.

Abstract Purpose We aimed to assess the prevalence of four cardiovascular risk factors (obesity, diabetes, excessive alcohol intake, and cigarette smoking) for parents and their adult children at the same approximate midlife age. We also evaluated associations of parents' cardiovascular risk factors, childhood health exposures, and social contexts (i.e., family, school, and neighborhood) during adolescence with adult children's cardiovascular health at midlife. Methods We used data from respondents at Wave V of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health who had corresponding parent (mostly mothers) data from Wave I. The final sample included 10,466 adult children with a mean age of 37.8 years. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models were estimated, accounting for the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health sampling design. Results At similar ages (i.e., 35–45 years) to their parents, adult children had higher rates of excessive drinking and obesity than their parents, lower rates of diabetes, and similar rates of smoking. Adult children's health largely converged and correlated with their parents' health at similar ages. Cardiovascular risks for adult children were also significantly associated with their childhood health exposures and social contexts during adolescence. Some associations varied with respect to the health status of parents at Wave I. Conclusions The cardiovascular risk of parents at midlife is strongly associated with the cardiovascular risk of their adult children at midlife. The status of parents' health during adolescence can also modify the significance and magnitude of associations between childhood health exposures or adolescent social contexts and adult children's cardiovascular risk factors.
Wireless Crowd Charging Applications: Taxonomy and Research Directions

Wireless power transfer technologies lead the way towards new paradigms for pervasive networking and have already penetrated the mobile and portable user device research and market. Their use is not only limited to charging devices like smartphones wirelessly by using a central wireless charger, but it is also extended to peer-to-peer (P2P) wireless crowd charging, when a user device shares energy directly with another user device. This paper surveys the literature over the period 20142020 on both P2P and central wireless crowd charging from the point of view of algorithmic applications as it applies to ubiquitously networked user devices and identifies some open research challenges for the future.
Abstract P007: Overexpression Of Mitochondrial Transcription Factor A Attenuates Mitochondrial Damage And Hypertension-induced Aged Kidney Injury

Aging-induced changes in the kidney are associated with reduction of mitochondria and increased mitochondrial abnormalities. The presence of hypertension in the aging population has additional dele...
Ecological Implications of Plant Secondary Metabolites - Phytochemical Diversity Can Enhance Agricultural Sustainability

Conventional agriculture production, although proficient in feeding an expanding human population, is having negative environmental impacts that are diminishing the sustainability of natural resources. Producers and consumers are increasingly interested in understanding how land management practices can enhance agricultural sustainability and improve human health. This perspective article offers a new approach to enhancing agricultural sustainability by growing crops and forages with diverse plant secondary metabolites (PSMs). Plants produce tens of thousands of PSMs to mediate interactions with soil, other plants, and animals. Plants use these metabolites to communicate with organisms in their environment, both above and belowground, and to modify the rhizosphere and influence chemical, physical, and biological attributes of soil. In pastures and rangelands, animal health benefits and production increases when animals ingest forages with different PSMs, which has implications for enhancing the biochemical richness of meat and dairy products for human consumption. A deeper understanding of PSMs, and their functional roles in agroecology, may help producers better manage their lands, reduce inputs, and minimize negative environmental impacts.
Toward a common laser powder bed fusion qualification test artifact

Abstract Test artifacts have been used to evaluate additive manufacturing (AM) systems since the early 1990s with over 65 artifacts published to date. Due to the system agnostic approach to artifact design, principally focused on geometric accuracy, there has yet to be a widely adopted artifact for laser powder bed fusion (LPBF). To speed qualification of LPBF, a rapid method that quantifies impacts of process variables on part structure, properties, and performance is required. Using a list of design requirements developed from literature, build experience, and needs from several major roadmapping efforts, a test artifact was designed to evaluate geometry-specific microstructure, dimensional accuracy, residual stress, chemistry, surface integrity, powder removal, and distortion. The LPBF artifact includes: four sides for geometric feature accuracy and surface integrity analysis, indication marks for accurate sectioning for metallography, and additional features specifically designed to evaluate residual stress, powder removal, mechanical properties and distortion. The artifact is compact and designed to fit within a standard 50 mm metallographic mount with indication marks used to improve measurement repeatability and accuracy. Microstructure and anomaly population are quantifiable on features including overhangs, islands, thin features, channels, lattice structures and bulk areas representing different thermal histories. It is believed that this single test artifact can be used for many purposes, including optimization of LPBF input variables, qualification and more. Ongoing work is continuing to improve the artifact design, testing its implementation across LPBF platforms, and using the artifact to concretely define process sensitivity currently limiting standardization and adoption of LPBF due to costs associated with defining process windows in terms of qualification and certification. As part of this effort, the artifact described here forms the basis of the Global Test Artifact Data Exchange Program – a program designed and managed by the authors for the benefit of research to advance LPBF qualification efforts and help lead to more widespread adoption of LPBF (described in more detail at keck.utep.edu/GTADExP).
Long-term trends in the incidence of endometriosis in China from 1990 to 2019: a joinpoint and age-period-cohort analysis.

Trends in the incidence of endometriosis in China remain unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine the trends in the incidence of endometriosis and the effects of age, period, and cohort on...
Peripheral Nerve Blockade for Patients With Raynaud Phenomenon and Other Causes of Digital Ischemia: A Case Report and Practice Implications.

Raynaud phenomenon can be an idiopathic benign disease, or it can be associated with vascular insufficiency due to arterial disease caused by other processes. Medical management of Raynaud phenomenon can be difficult, and digital ischemia, gangrene, and ulcers may occur secondary to vascular insufficiency. This case report describes the anesthetic management of a patient with a diagnosis of Raynaud phenomenon who presented to the perioperative area for debridement and distal amputation of the right third finger, which had become necrotic and gangrenous. An ultrasound-guided supraclavicular nerve block was performed preoperatively with 15 mL of 1.5% mepivacaine and 15 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine. The block was performed without complication, and the patient tolerated the procedure. A review of literature related to the use of peripheral nerve blockade for the treatment of digital ischemia is discussed. Ultrasound-guided technique is considered the gold standard for the performance of peripheral nerve blocks because this technique provides better efficacy and safety. These same ultrasonographic skills can expand anesthesia providers' practice beyond nerve blockade for anesthesia and analgesia with the addition of treatment and management of digital ischemia.
Differentiation of Free-Living Rhizobia into Endosymbiotic Bacteroids

This chapter outlines the complexities of bacterial invasion and bacteroid differentiation. Because the early plant-bacterial signal exchange has been the subject of many excellent recent reviews the chapter emphasizes the later stages about which less is known. The strategies that both bacteria and plant use to maintain the symbiosis and prevent pathogenesis are also discussed. The formation of effective nodules containing differentiated, nitrogen-fixing bacteroids consists of a defined series of stages. In response to chemical signals secreted by plant roots, rhizobia attach to root hairs, which are cells on the root surface that project outward into the soil. Chemotaxis plays an important role in the initial attraction of rhizobia to plant root hairs. The signal transduction pathway leading to the formation of the nodule must have unique characteristics, because nodules are completely different from other normal plant structures. Mutants lacking succinoglycan were first isolated by the inability of colonies to fluoresce on plates containing the laundry whitener Calcofluor. Such mutants still complete Nod factor-dependent events, such as root hair deformation, cortical cell divisions, and infection thread initiation. Immunological studies with monoclonal antibodies have documented changes in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) structure during bacteroid differentiation and when free-living rhizobia are cultured in different media. Knockout strategies are useful because it is easy to map and clone the affected genes and because many functions in bacteroid development are probably not essential for free-living cells.
Thymic physiology and biochemistry.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the anatomy and physiology of the thymus gland. It focuses on variety of polypeptides that are produced by thymic epithelial cells and that are well-characterized biochemically. The various primary and secondary immunodeficiency disorders that are associated with abnormalities of the endocrine thymus are also discussed. The thymus gland is required for the normal maturation and differentiation of all the various T cell subsets that are described. During fetal and neonatal life, the thymus serves as a micro-environment for the differentiation and expansion of progenitor lymphoid cells that have migrated from the yolk sac, fetal liver, and ultimately the bone marrow. In adults, the thymus continues to play an important role with regard to maintaining immune balance among the various subsets of T cells that are under its control. The first clinical attempts to reconstitute patients with impaired T cell immunity utilized fetal thymus transplants. The chapter discusses the biologic properties attributable to thymic factors in both animals and man. Many of the biologic activities of thymic hormones are mimicked by nonspecific agents, such as endotoxin, prostaglandins, and cyclic adenosine monophosphate. The most important clinical application of the thymic hormones is their potential therapeutic use in selected patients with primary immunodeficiency disorders—for example DiGeorge's syndrome—infections, cancer, and autoimmune disorders.
Alliteration and sound change in early English

List of figures List of tables List of abbreviations Preface 1. Social and linguistic setting of alliterative verse in Anglo-Saxon and Medieval England 2. Linguistic structures in English alliterative verse 3. Segmental histories: velar palatalization 4. Syllable structure 5. ONSET and cluster alliteration in Old English: the case of sp-, st-, sk- 6. ONSET and cluster alliteration in Middle English 7. Verse evidence for cluster simplification in Middle English References Index of names Subject index.
Agriculture, beginnings of

The transition from hunting and gathering to farming represented a fundamental transition in the human career. No doubt this transformation had profound impacts on how sexual identity, labor, status, and ideology were defined. Human representations, osteological material, grave goods, and architecture have been examined to shed light on these impacts. Keywords: fertility; figurines; reproduction
Distributing Event Information by Simulating Word-of-Mouth Exchanges

Word-of-mouth is a persuasive but error-prone and unreliable mode of communicating personally relevant event information in a university environment. In this paper we present a design, early prototype, and the results of preliminary usability tests for Augmented Word-of-mouth Exchange (AWE), a portable system that models and enhances word-of-mouth communications. AWE simulates word-of-mouth exchanges by automatically transmitting accurate and persistent information about community events between physically proximate devices, and by visualizing the popularity of each event. The system uses physical proximity between mobile devices to help users filter incoming information and determine its relevance.
Prediction of left ventricular ejection fraction using simple: Quantitative clinical information

The left ventricular ejection fraction is useful in characterizing cardiac performance and evaluating prognosis in patients with known or suspected cardiac disease. The purpose of this study was to determine if simple, quantitative clinical information generated as part of a routine patient evaluation could be used to predict ejection fraction determined by radionuclide ventriculography. Multiple regression analysis was used to study a group of 64 patients selected to represent the full range of ejection fraction values. All patients had undergone cardiac catheterization and standard chest radiography in addition to resting and exercise radionuclide ventriculography. Using easily determined clinical variables, a regression formula was developed that predicted the radionuclide ventriculographic ejection fraction (r = 0.73). Plain film heart volume, heart rate, pulse pressure, and thoracic width were highly significant terms in the optimal regression equation. For validation, the formula was applied to a second, independent verification data set composed of 41 cases and revealed similar correlation (r = 0.78). A radionuclide ventriculographic ejection fraction below 40 was identified in the verification data set with a sensitivity of 87 percent and specificity of 83 percent. Use of this method, requiring only direct heart rate, blood pressure, and chest radiographic measurements and simple calculations, may assist physicians in patient management and facilitate the optimal use of more invasive and expensive studies.
The ties that bind : Performance implications of cohabitation and blood relationships among new venture team members

The ties that bind : Performance implications of cohabitation and blood relationships among new venture team members
CD4+ T cells from simian immunodeficiency virus disease-resistant sooty mangabeys produce more IL-2 than cells from disease-susceptible species: involvement of p300 and CREB at the proximal IL-2 promoter in IL-2 up-regulation.

IL-2 is an important cytokine required for the physiological function of CD4+ T cells. Immunological unresponsiveness—anergy— of CD4+ T cells is characterized by the inability of these cells to synthesize IL-2. Both progressive HIV infection leading to AIDS in humans and SIV infection in rhesus macaques (RM) are associated with dysregulation of IL-2 synthesis. In certain nonhuman primate species, such as sooty mangabeys (SM), SIV infection does not lead to AIDS. We have shown that this is associated with the resistance of the CD4+ T cells from SM to undergo anergy in vitro. In this study, we show that CD4+ T cells from SM spontaneously synthesize 2- to 3-fold higher levels of IL-2 than corresponding cells from RM. Proximal IL-2 promoter constructs derived from SM show significantly higher activity than the RM-derived constructs in primary CD4+ T cells, which is associated with an element at approximately nt −200. Activity of both constructs was up-regulated by p300 and down-regulated by CREB to a similar degree. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis showed significantly higher binding of p300 and lower binding of CREB to the SM promoter in vivo. Two single nucleotide substitutions present in the SM sequence around position −200 and −180 seem to increase the affinity of these sites for the binding of transcription factors, one of which was identified as Oct-1. These unique characteristics of the proximal IL-2 promoter in SM therefore can represent one of the mechanisms contributing to the resistance of these cells to undergo anergy.
A socio-professional analysis of the semisubsistence farms managers in Dambovita county

The requirement for improving human skills from agro-food and forestry system is even more acute if we consider the fact that Romania is rich in rural human resources, in quantitative terms (number), but still poor in terms of quality and professionalism of the human resources, in terms of European competitive and competition point of view. This research study is based on quantitative and qualitative analysis of a sample of 500 farmers in DA¢mboviA£a County who accessed Measure 141 and who attended information and vocational training courses in economics. The sample was stratified according to various criteria: field of activity, sex, different age groups of the managers of the holdings, levels of agricultural and non-agricultural training, education, skills, etc. All these criteria were correlated and analyzed according to the minimum levels of knowledge of farmers in management, accounting, marketing and organic farming, after at least two years after projects implementation. Due to the highly heterogeneous basic training, within the non-agricultural part without economic knowledge, authorized small farmers were forced by the newly created circumstances to adapt and cope on-going, more or less correctly and thoroughly, to the new accounting, fiscal and management requirements. The farmersâ€™ education and vocational training, as well as the monitoring of the implementation of projects have also had an impact on the use of financial support and the quality of farm management and marketing of agricultural products.
Professionalizing the Role of Peer Leaders in STEM.

Efforts to improve retention in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) majors frequently utilize peer mentors and/or leaders. At Authors’ University, the STEM Ambassador (SA) program involves students in the creation of a STEM community through multifaceted roles as mentors, peer-learning facilitators, and social organizers. The program utilizes best practices in organizational leadership and leadership development to maximize the effectiveness of the SAs. The program has resulted in positive perceptions of the SAs, increased retention of STEM students that participate in the SA-led activities, and a well nurtured, professionally developed set of students that serve as SAs.
Mutational analysis of X-linked amelogenesis imperfecta in multiple families

Abstract Seven mutations in the amelogenin gene are associated with X-linked amelogenesis imperfecta. These mutations can produce reductions in the amount of enamel and the degree of mineralization. Two families have been identified from western North Carolina exhibiting features of amelogenesis imperfecta, characterized by brown enamel in affected males and interposed vertical bands of normal appearing and brown enamel in presumably heterozygous females. Mutational analysis reveals a C–A mutation in exon 6 at codon 41 of the X-chromosomal amelogenin gene, resulting in a pro–thr change in all individuals having the amelogenesis imperfecta phenotype. This mutation was previously reported in a family with X-linked hypomaturation amelogenesis imperfecta. There is no known relationship between any of the three families but the presence of similar phenotypes and common mutations suggests they may be distantly related. For individuals from all three families, the haplotype for six highly polymorphic loci flanking the amelogenin gene was determined. A common haplotype was demonstrated among two of the three families, suggesting that the mutation may have been inherited from a common ancestor. The finding that the third family had a distinct haplotype may indicate that the C–A mutation at codon 41 represents a mutational hotspot that occurs with greater frequency than other known amelogenin gene mutations. The phenotype resulting from this mutation was highly consistent in affected male members of the same family and between families.
DNA buckling in bacteriophage cavities as a mechanism to aid virus assembly

Abstract While relatively simple biologically, bacteriophages are sophisticated biochemical machines that execute a precise sequence of events during virus assembly, DNA packaging, and ejection. These stages of the viral life cycle require intricate coordination of viral components whose structures are being revealed by single molecule experiments and high resolution (cryo-electron microscopy) reconstructions. For example, during packaging, bacteriophages employ some of the strongest known molecular motors to package DNA against increasing pressure within the viral capsid shell. Located upstream of the motor is an elaborate portal system through which DNA is threaded. A high resolution reconstruction of the portal system for bacteriophage ϕ 29 reveals that DNA buckles inside a small cavity under large compressive forces. In this study, we demonstrate that DNA can also buckle in other bacteriophages including T7 and P22. Using a computational rod model for DNA, we demonstrate that a DNA buckle can initiate and grow within the small confines of a cavity under biologically-attainable force levels. The forces of DNA-cavity contact and DNA–DNA electrostatic repulsion ultimately limit cavity filling. Despite conforming to very different cavity geometries, the buckled DNA within T7 and P22 exhibits near equal volumetric energy density (∼1 kT/nm3) and energetic cost of packaging (∼22 kT). We hypothesize that a DNA buckle creates large forces on the cavity interior to signal the conformational changes to end packaging. In addition, a DNA buckle may help retain the genome prior to tail assembly through significantly increased contact area with the portal.
The effect of shock wave treatment at the tendon-bone interface-an histomorphological and biomechanical study in rabbits.

Abstract Purpose. This study was performed to investigate the effect of shock wave treatment on the healing at tendon–bone interface in rabbits. Materials and methods. Thirty-six New Zealand White rabbits were used in this study. The anterior cruciate ligament was excised and replaced with the long digital extensor. The right knees (study group) were treated with 500 impulses of shock waves at 14 kV, while the left knees (control group) received no shock waves. Histomorphological studies were performed in 24 rabbits at 1, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24 weeks. Biomechanical studies were performed in 12 rabbits at 12 and 24 weeks. Results. There was significantly more trabecular bone around the tendons noted in the study group compared with the control group at different time intervals after 4 weeks (P Conclusion. Shock wave treatment significantly improves the healing rate of the tendon–bone interface in a bone tunnel in rabbits. The effect of shock waves appears to be time-dependent.
Primary sphincter repair in anorectal trauma

Two patients who sustained severe anorectal trauma from "fist fornication" were treated by irrigation, colostomy, drainage, antibiotics, and primary repair of the rectum and anal sphincters without complications. Both had complete return of continence. Primary sphincter repair is advocated for these and similar anorectal injuries.
Epitaxial regrowth of silicon for the fabrication of radial junction nanowire solar cells

Radial p-n silicon nanowire (SiNW) solar cells are of interest as a potential pathway to increase the efficiency of crystalline silicon photovoltaics by reducing the junction length and surface reflectivity. Our studies have focused on the use of vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) growth in combination with chemical vapor deposition (CVD) processing for the fabrication of radial p-n junction SiNW array solar cells. High aspect ratio p-type SiNW arrays were initially grown on gold-coated (111) Si substrates by CVD using SiCl 4 as the source gas and B2H6 as the p-type dopant source. The epitaxial re-growth of n-type Si shell layers on the Si nanowires was then investigated using SiH4 as the source gas and PH3 as the dopant. Highly conformal coatings were achieved on nanowires up to 25 μm in length. The microstructure of the Si shell layer changed from polycrystalline to single crystal as the deposition temperature was raised from 650oC to 950oC. Electrical test structures were fabricated by aligning released SiNWs onto pre-patterned substrates via fieldassisted assembly followed by selective removal of the n-type shell layer and contact deposition. Current-voltage measurements of the radial p-n SiNWs diodes fabricated with re-grown Si shell layers at 950°C demonstrate rectifying behavior with an ideality factor of 1.93. Under illumination from an AM1.5g spectrum and efficiency for this single SiNW radial p-n junction was determined to be 1.8%, total wire diameter was 985 nm.
Delays Conferred by Escalating Costs Modulate Dopamine Release to Rewards But Not Their Predictors

Efficient reward seeking is essential for survival and invariably requires overcoming costs, such as physical effort and delay, which are constantly changing in natural settings. Dopamine transmission has been implicated in decisions weighing the benefits and costs of obtaining a reward, but it is still unclear how dynamically changing effort and delay costs affect dopamine signaling to rewards and related stimuli. Using fast-scan cyclic voltammetry, we examined phasic dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) core and shell during reward-seeking behavior in rats. To manipulate the effort and time needed to earn a reward, we used instrumental tasks in which the response requirements (number of lever presses) were either fixed throughout a behavioral session [fixed ratio (FR)] or systematically increased from trial to trial [progressive ratio (PR)]. Dopamine release evoked by cues denoting reward availability was no different between these conditions, indicating insensitivity to escalating effort or delay costs. In contrast, dopamine release to reward delivery in both the NAcc core and shell increased in PR, but not in FR, sessions. This enhancement of reward-evoked dopamine signaling was also observed in sessions in which the response requirement was fixed but the delay to reward delivery increased, yoked to corresponding trials in PR sessions. These findings suggest that delay, and not effort, was principally responsible for the increased reward-evoked dopamine release in PR sessions. Together, these data demonstrate that NAcc dopamine release to rewards and their predictors are dissociable and differentially regulated by the delays conferred under escalating costs.