cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of IgG and neutralizing antibody responses after one or two doses of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine in previously infected and uninfected individuals

Abstract Background Recent reports have suggested that among individuals previously infected with SARS-CoV-2, a single mRNA vaccine dose is sufficient to elicit high levels of immunity. Methods We compared anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor binding domain (RBD) IgG antibody concentrations and antibody-mediated neutralization of spike-angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE2) receptor binding in vitro following vaccination of non-hospitalized participants by sero-status and acute virus diagnosis history. Participants were analysed before and after mRNA vaccination (BNT162b2/Pfizer or mRNA-1273/Moderna) in a community-based, home-collected, longitudinal serosurvey in the Chicago area (USA); none reported hospitalization for COVID-19. Samples were collected in January and February 2021. Before vaccination, some reported prior positive acute viral diagnostic testing and were seropositive (COVID-19+); the others who did not report acute viral diagnostic testing were categorized as seropositive or seronegative based on anti-spike RBD IgG test results. Findings Of 307 unique vaccine recipients, 46 reported a prior COVID-19 diagnosis and were seropositive (COVID-19 +). Of the 261 with no history of acute viral diagnostic testing, 117 were seropositive and 144 seronegative before vaccination. The median age was 38 years (range 21–83) with 67 female and 33% male; 40% were non-White. Responses were evaluated after one (n = 142) or two (n = 191) doses of BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273 vaccine. After one dose, median post-vaccine IgG concentration and percent surrogate neutralization were each significantly higher among the COVID-19+ (median 48·2 µg/ml, IgG; > 99.9% neutralization) compared to the seropositives (3·6 µg /ml IgG; 56.5% neutralization) and seronegatives (2·6 µg /ml IgG; 38·3% neutralization). The latter two groups reached > 95% neutralization after the second vaccine dose. Interpretation After one dose of mRNA vaccine, individuals previously diagnosed with COVID-19 responded with high levels of anti-RBD IgG and surrogate neutralization of spike-ACE2 interaction. One dose of mRNA vaccine was not sufficient to generate comparably high responses among most persons previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 without a clinical COVID-19 diagnosis, nor among seronegative persons. Funding National Science Foundation 2035114, NIH 3UL1TR001422–06S4, and Northwestern University Office of Research.
Community daytime noise pollution and socioeconomic differences in Chicago, IL

Environmental noise may affect hearing and a variety of non-auditory disease processes. There is some evidence that, like other environmental hazards, noise may be differentially distributed across communities based on socioeconomic status. We aimed to a) predict daytime noise pollution levels and b) assess disparities in daytime noise exposure in Chicago, Illinois. We measured 5-minute daytime noise levels (Leq, 5-min) at 75 randomly selected sites in Chicago in March, 2019. Geographically-based variables thought to be associated with noise were obtained, and used to fit a noise land-use regression model to estimate the daytime environmental noise level at the centroid of the census blocks. Demographic and socioeconomic data were obtained from the City of Chicago for the 77 community areas, and associations with daytime noise levels were assessed using spatial autoregressive models. Mean sampled noise level (Leq, 5-min) was 60.6 dBA. The adjusted R2 and root mean square error of the noise land use regression model and the validation model were 0.60 and 4.67 dBA and 0.51 and 5.90 dBA, respectively. Nearly 75% of city blocks and 85% of city communities have predicted daytime noise level higher than 55 dBA. Of the socioeconomic variables explored, only community per capita income was associated with mean community predicted noise levels, and was highest for communities with incomes in the 2nd quartile. Both the noise measurements and land-use regression modeling demonstrate that Chicago has levels of environmental noise likely contributing to the total burden of environmental stressors. Noise is not uniformly distributed across Chicago; it is associated with proximity to roads and public transportation, and is higher among communities with mid-to-low incomes per capita, which highlights how socially and economically disadvantaged communities may be disproportionately impacted by this environmental exposure.
Finding the Next Edge in Service Innovation: A Complex Network Analysis

The topic of service innovation (SI) attracts substantial interest among both service researchers and industrial practitioners. Drawing from network theory and complex network analysis methods, this chapter maps the conceptual structure of SI by detecting and delineating related themes and their interconnections. Based on subject terms collected from more than two thousand SI-related articles published in 786 scholarly journals during the years from 2003 to 2018, six SI clusters or domains are identified. Next, the critical concepts, typical research methods, and prominent industry contexts of each domain are recognized and further used to inform a multi-level SI conceptual framework. This chapter closes with a discussion on the proposed structural holes that imply novel, combinative research opportunities between otherwise disparate domains for future SI research.
Evaluating the Impact of Information Technology Tools to Support the Asthma Medical Home

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of information technology tools on the outcomes of children with asthma in the medical home. A registry was established for children aged 4 to 18 years with an ICD-9 code for asthma. Changes to the electronic health record included modifications to notes, care plans, and orders. A retrospective analysis of emergency department and in-patient utilization for a cohort of patients was conducted from July 2009 through June 2013. Of the study population (n = 1217), 65% had a classification of asthma severity and 63% were risk-stratified. Seventy percent had a control assessment at least once. Care plan use increased from 5% to 22% and enrollment in care coordination increased from 0.1% to 4%. After 3 years, there was a reduction of emergency department and inpatient admissions for asthma (P < .05 and P < .005, respectively). The implementation of information technology tools was associated with improved asthma outcomes.
Optimal Information Security Architecture for the Enterprise

Information security is growing to be an IT priority for many firms, but several critical dimensions of enterprise security like type of loss or strategic effects of countermeasures have received little attention in the economics-based literature. We develop a model of a contagious threat that can attack multiple divisions of a firm's enterprise network and cause both availability and confidentiality losses. Firms commonly deploy countermeasures to mitigate the harmful effects of threats. Such deployment is complicated by the CIO's lack of information on the information systems of the divisions and due to the differing goals of division managers. In this setting, we model the business process and interconnectivity requirements of the enterprise and demonstrate how to optimally design the security architecture, which consists of protection, recovery and cryptographic measures. We evaluate commonly suggested mechanisms like subsidies and liability and find that they are inadequate as well as informationally demanding. To remedy these problems which directly impact practitioners, we derive mechanisms that have no ex-post informational requirements and are easily implementable for both availability and confidentiality losses. Some of our results are counterintuitive, notably that countermeasure can be overdeployed by division managers and that having a single platform for all divisions can decrease unexpected confidentiality losses.
Bayesian Thermostatistical Analyses of Two-Level Complex and Quaternionic Systems

The three and five-dimensional convex sets of two-level complex and quaternionic quantum systems are studied in the Bayesian thermostatistical framework introduced by Lavenda. Associated with a given parameterization of each such set is a quantum Fisher (Helstrom) information matrix. The square root of its determinant (adopting an ansatz of Harold Jeffreys) provides a reparameterization-invariant prior measure over the set. Both such measures can be properly normalized and their univariate marginal probability distributions (which serve as structure functions) obtained. Gibbs (posterior) probability distributions can then be found, using Poisson's integral representation of the modified spherical Bessel functions. The square roots of the (classical) Fisher information of these Gibbs distributions yield (unnormalized) priors over the inverse temperature parameters.
Cultural Politics in Colonial Tehuantepec: Community and State among the Isthmus Zapotec, 1500–1750

Cultural Politics in Colonial Tehuantepec: Community and State among the Isthmus Zapotec, 1500–1750. Judith Francis Zeitlin. Stanford: Stanford University Press, 2005. 323 pp.
Screening iridium-based bimetallic alloys as catalysts for direct ethanol fuel cells

Abstract Current ethanol oxidation catalysts in direct ethanol fuel cells (typically platinum-based) suffer from low conversion and are susceptible to CO poisoning. We therefore determined to find viable alternative catalysts for ethanol oxidation based on iridium using density functional theory to model bimetallic alloy (1 1 1) surfaces. Iridium was alloyed with another transition metal (from groups 4 through 11), M, in an overlayer (one layer of metal M on top of bulk iridium) or subsurface configuration (M inserted under the first layer of iridium). Segregation energies were calculated and the subsurface configuration was found to be most stable configuration in the majority of alloy cases under vacuum conditions. Select alloys (including Ir–Pt and Ir–Rh) showed a reversal of preferred alloy state (overlayer or underlayer) upon adsorption of CO. CO adsorption was modeled and lower CO adsorption energies were found for many alloys compared to pure Pt, indicating less CO poisoning. Complete oxidation of ethanol is typically limited by the breaking of strong C C bonds, so any catalyst must lower the barriers for C C bond breaking. Activation energies for C C bond breaking (by considering a representative intermediate molecule CHCO) were lowered for the vast majority of the alloys used in an underlayer structure, reinforcing the significance of the underlayer structures or “subsurface” alloys. Finally, we found, based on CO adsorption energy, activation energy for C C breakage reaction, and metal cost, three important catalyst descriptors, a number of promising catalysts for the ethanol oxidation reaction, such as alloys with M = Zr, Nb, Mo, W, Ru, Os, or Re. Experimental verification (cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry for ethanol oxidation) on Ir, Ir–Ru, and Ir–Rh catalysts confirmed the superiority of these Ir-based catalysts compared to Pt. Our results demonstrate that alloys of Ir show promise as more affordable substitutes for platinum group metals.
Relative Population of the Levels of the 1s2s2p and 1s2p2 Configurations of Argon from Three Electron Excited Atoms

The possible contributions of the cascading from higher excited states to the states which can deexcite by the x-ray and Auger processes are investigated for Li-like argon. A model is developed to calculate the probability that a given excited state will eventually populate a particular lower excited state. The model requires the calculation of the transition rates of the cascading levels. Numerical results are presented for the cascade feeding of the levels of the ls2s2p and ls2p2 configurations. The cascading levels considered belong to the ls2snl and ls2pnl configurations with nl = 3s,3p,...4f.
Structure, flexibility, and repair of two different orientations of the same alkyl interstrand DNA cross-link.

Interstrand DNA cross-links are the principal cytotoxic lesions produced by chemotherapeuticbifunctional alkylating agents. Using an N4C-ethyl-N4C interstrand DNA cross-link to mimic this classof clinically important cancer chemotherapeutic agents, we have characterized the repair, structure, andflexibility of DNA that contains this cross-link in two different orientations. Plasmid DNAs in which thecytosines of single CpG or GpC steps are covalently linked were efficiently processed by repair proficientand homologous recombination deficient strains of Escherichia coli. Repair in a nucleotide excision repair(NER) deficient strain was less efficient overall and displayed a 4-fold difference between the two crosslinkorientations. Both the structure and flexibility of DNA containing these cross-links were examinedusing a combination of 1H NMR, restrained molecular dynamics simulations, and atomic force microscopy(AFM). The NMR structure of a decamer containing a CpG interstrand cross-link shows the cross-linkeasily accommodated within the duplex with no disruption of hydrogen bonding and only minorperturbations of helical parameters. In contrast, disruptions caused by the GpC cross-link producedconsiderable conformational flexibility that precluded structure determination by NMR. AFM imaging ofcross-link-containing plasmid DNA showed that the increased flexibility observed in the GpC cross-linkpersists when it is embedded into much larger DNA fragments. These differences may account for thedifferent repair efficiencies seen in NER deficient cells.
Evaluation of primary dendrite trunk diameters in directionally solidified Al-Si alloys

Abstract Hypoeutectic Al-Si alloys were directionally solidified under conditions of steady-state growth. Cross-sectional views of the microstructure, i.e., perpendicular to the growth direction, were examined and measurements of the primary dendrite trunk diameters made. The results are presented as functions of growth velocity, composition, and temperature gradient, and evaluated in terms of relevant theory. It is suggested that the primary dendrite trunk diameter is a reliable, or better, a measure of the local solidification conditions during constrained growth than either the conventionally accepted eutectic (λE) or primary dendrite arm (λ1) spacing.
Can we make some general recommendations regarding immune recovery after hematopoietic reconstitution preceded by ablative therapy

: Children undergoing marrow transplantation have compromised immune systems for variable periods of time after transplant. A number of methods have been utilized to assess recovery of the immune system. Four recommendations are made in regards to the testing that should be done, when the testing should be done, when immunizations should be provided and when antibiotic and other infection prophylaxis can be reduced
Harvest date and yielding potential of Onaway and Sebago seed potatoes

Seed potatoes of the Onaway and Sebago varieties harvested at an early or intermediate date were superior in plant vigor and yields to seed harvested late. Potatoes topkilled up to 6 weeks before harvest produced the lowest yields. There was no effect on percent size distribution or specific gravity.
Exon-Specific QTLs Skew the Inferred Distribution of Expression QTLs Detected Using Gene Expression Array Data

Mapping of expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) is an important technique for studying how genetic variation affects gene regulation in natural populations. In a previous study using Illumina expression data from human lymphoblastoid cell lines, we reported that cis-eQTLs are especially enriched around transcription start sites (TSSs) and immediately upstream of transcription end sites (TESs). In this paper, we revisit the distribution of eQTLs using additional data from Affymetrix exon arrays and from RNA sequencing. We confirm that most eQTLs lie close to the target genes; that transcribed regions are generally enriched for eQTLs; that eQTLs are more abundant in exons than introns; and that the peak density of eQTLs occurs at the TSS. However, we find that the intriguing TES peak is greatly reduced or absent in the Affymetrix and RNA-seq data. Instead our data suggest that the TES peak observed in the Illumina data is mainly due to exon-specific QTLs that affect 3′ untranslated regions, where most of the Illumina probes are positioned. Nonetheless, we do observe an overall enrichment of eQTLs in exons versus introns in all three data sets, consistent with an important role for exonic sequences in gene regulation.
Pediatric choroid plexus neoplasms: MR, CT, and pathologic correlation.

Choroid plexus papillomas are rare, constituting approximately 0.5% of all intracranial neoplasms. Four benign choroid plexus papillomas and one choroid plexus carcinoma were retrospectively reviewed in patients aged 4-20 months who had been examined with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging with a field strength of 0.5 T or 1.0 T and with computed tomography (CT) before and after the administration of contrast material. In general, the tumors were of intermediate signal intensity on T1-weighted images and of either intermediate or increased signal intensity (T2 lengthening) with T2 weighting. All demonstrated variable areas of internal signal void interpreted as signifying regional blood flow, calcification, or old hemorrhage. CT findings included relatively uniform contrast enhancement. Microscopic pathologic changes of the benign lesions mimicked the appearance of normal choroid plexus and confirmed the highly vascular nature of these tumors. MR imaging, with its high-resolution multiplanar techniques, offe...
Video Rate Hardware For Image Histogram Modification

A system performing histogram equalization for video signal will be presented. A closed circuit TV system will be used to give a live demonstration of the system. The performance and evaluation results will be discussed. We shall present a size and cost evolution of the system from 1979 through 1982 to 1984 and discuss some of the future applications.© (1982) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Isolation of Proteins from Samples of Airborne Participates

Abstract Development of a method for protein extraction from a sample of airborne particles is discussed. The nature of the extracted proteins was investigated by means of electrophoresis. Electrophoretic patterns of extracts for different air samples are shown. Fourteen amino acids were identified following hydrolysis of proteins obtained from an air sample. Total protein determinations were made using two methods.
Effect of single scatter phase function distribution on radiative transfer in absorbing-scattering liquids

Abstract Calculations have been performed to determine the effect of the scattering distribution on radiation transfer in an absorbing-scattering liquid which is irradiated across an air interface. The scattering distribution has been systematically varied by changing the asymmetry factor used in the Henyey-Greenstein form of the phase function, and calculations have been based on the discrete ordinate, forward, scattering and three-flux methods of solving the equation of transfer. A change in the scattering distribution from one which is highly peaked in the forward direction to one which is isotropic has the effect of increasing radiation absorption in the surface layers of the liquid, as well as the overall reflectance of the liquid. The three-flux predictions agree well with those of the discrete ordinate method over a wide range of scattering distributions, while there is poor agreement between the discrete ordinate and forward scattering results.
Energetics of Intercavity Diffusion in a Simple Model of a Low-Density p-tert-Butylcalix[4]arene Crystal

Potentials of mean force calculated for the diffusion of small guest molecules (CO2 and CH4) between adjacent host cavities in the β0 p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene polymorph reveal sufficiently high barriers to diffusion to justify characterizing the lattice voids in this crystal as independent host cavities rather than as extended volumes. In addition, the calculated barrier heights are consistent with a “relay” model for gas diffusion in this ostensibly nonporous organic solid involving the lateral sliding of the host bilayers.
SYSTEMATICS OF THE DESMOGNATHUS OCHROPHAEUS COMPLEX IN THE CUMBERLAND PLATEAU OF TENNESSEE

Abstract We attempted to identify salamanders from the Cumberland Plateau of Tennessee that have been referred by previous investigators to Desmognathus ochrophaeus. We compared variation at 22 allozyme loci in 10 populations to allozymic variation in other desmognathines. Multidimensional scaling, cluster, and parsimony analyses indicate that populations from our southernmost localities in the plateau are referable to D. ocoee, whereas the northernmost populations are D. ochrophaeus. In contrast, animals sampled from the middle of the plateau are genetically very distinct from all members of the complex and represent a new species described herein as Desmognathus abditus. D. abditus exhibits very limited gene exchange with D. ocoee and D. ochrophaeus where it contacts those forms. A population from the Eastern Highland Rim that has previously been referred to D. ochrophaeus may represent yet another undescribed species. The southern Cumberland Plateau clearly represents an area of substantial desmognathi...
The Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System: Cardiorenal Effects and Implications for Renal and Cardiovascular Disease States

The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) plays an integral role in maintaining vascular tone, optimal salt and water homeostasis, and cardiac function in humans. However, it has been recognized in recent years that pathologic consequences may also result from overactivity of the RAAS. Clinical disease states such as renal artery stenosis, hypertension, diabetic and nondiabetic nephropathies, left ventricular hypertrophy, coronary atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and congestive heart failure (CHF) are examples. Part of the adverse cardiorenal effects of the RAAS may be related to the prominent role that this system plays in the activation of the sympathetic nervous system, the dysregulation of endothelial function and progression of atherosclerosis, as well as inhibition of the fibrinolytic system. Also, direct profibrotic actions of angiotensin II and aldosterone in the kidney and heart promote end organ injury. Current basic science and clinical research supports the use of inhibitors of the RAAS, including angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, and aldosterone antagonists in treating hypertension, improving diabetic nephropathy and other forms of chronic kidney disease, preventing or ameliorating CHF, and optimizing prognosis after myocardial infarction.
Language as oppression: The English‐only movement in the united states

(2003). Language as oppression: The English‐only movement in the united states. Socialism and Democracy: Vol. 17, Radical Perspectives on Race and Racism, pp. 187-208.
Inhibition of return and attentional control settings

In the present study, we used a spatial cuing paradigm in conjunction with a choice identification task to investigate whether exogenous attentional orienting and inhibition of return are affected by attentional control settings. As in previous studies (e.g., Folk, Remington, & Johnston, 1992), onset- and color-defined targets were crossed with uninformative onset-and color-defined cues. As expected, when the cue-target stimulus onset asynchrony (SOA) was short (i.e., 100 msec), the results showed that exogenous attentional orienting was contingent on attentional set; attentional capture occurred in response to a particular cue only when the feature that defined the cue also defined the target (Folk et al., 1992). More importantly, when the cue-target SOA was long (i.e., 1,000 msec), the results showed that the occurrence of inhibition of return was also contingent on attentional set, at least partially so; inhibition of return occurred in response to onset cues only when they preceded onset targets. In contrast, inhibition of return never occurred in response to color cues (at a variety of long SO As). The associations and dissociations that were observed between exogenous attentional orienting and inhibition of return are discussed in terms of posterior and anterior attention networks in the brain (Posner & Petersen, 1990).
Multispectral principal component imaging

We analyze a novel multispectral imager that directly measures the principal component features of an object. Optical feature extraction is studied for color face images, multi-spectral LANDSAT-7 images, and their grayscale equivalents. Blockwise feature extraction is performed that exploits both spatial and spectral correlation, with the goal of enhancing feature fidelity (i.e., root mean square error). The effect of varying block size, number of features, and detector noise is studied in order to quantify feature fidelity and optimize reconstruction performance. These results are compared with conventional imaging and demonstrate the advantages of the multiplexed approach. Specifically, we find that in addition to reducing the number of detectors within the imager, the reconstruction fidelity (i.e., root mean square error) can be significantly improved using a feature-specific imager.
Templated recursive image composition

With the proliferation of image acquisition and consumption, there is an increasing need for solutions that help ordinary people create high quality image composites. In most solutions today, image layouts are provided as fixed templates, which offer the potential of visually diverse layout sets. However, the layout choices are limited to those selected in advance by the template designer; and the library may not support a particular image count, aspect ratio set or spatial distribution. To ameliorate these shortcomings, we propose an image layout framework called Templated Recursive Image Composition. TRIC is template-based in that every layout is based on a template specification. However, TRIC is also generative in that virtually any image set can be accommodated as long as there is at least one image for every region in the template specification. Constraints ensure respect for image aspect ratios; for spacing in the layout interior; and for proportions and placement of sublayouts corresponding to regions in the template specification. We present a description of TRIC, results that demonstrate its versatility, and a user study that supports its acceptability.
Optical determination of field angular correlation for transmission through three-dimensional turbid media

A method is presented for measuring the correlation between the optical fields scattered in different directions by an arbitrary three-dimensional turbid medium. The field angular correlation function is obtained by processing ensemble average intensity data, which are recorded experimentally by a single-channel Shack–Hartmann wave-front sensor. Some general properties of scattered light are expressed in terms of the field angular correlation function, and the correlation function is measured for transmission through a suspension of microspheres under nonballistic transport conditions.
Brown Fat and the Myth of Diet-Induced Thermogenesis

The notion that brown adipose tissue (BAT) in mice or humans maintains energy balance by burning off excess calories seems incompatible with evolutionary biology. Studies in obese rats and mice lacking UCP1 indicate that diet-induced thermogenesis by BAT is unlikely.
Student types and the evaluation of the university

The relationship between student types and students' perceptions and evaluations of the university has been infrequently researched, particularly among the post-activist student generation. Using a random sample of 460 Southern Illinois University-Carbondale (SIU-C) students surveyed in 1973, the relationship between students' academic orientations and six academically-related sets of variables was investigated: (1) the students' adjectival descriptions of the university, (2) the students' evaluations of university goal implementation, (3) the students' attitudes about academic governance, (4) the students' evaluations of the academic environment, (5) the students' feelings of academic alienation, and (6) the students' preferences concerning academic reform. The results of this research indicate that students' self-descriptions on the Clark-Trow typology of academic orientations are moderately associated with their perceptions and evaluations of the university, with the nonconformist student type emerging as the most distinct academic orientation.
Muriel Wheldale Onslow and early biochemical genetics.

Muriel Wheldale, a distinguished graduate of Newnham College, Cambridge, was a member of William Bateson’s school of genetics at Cambridge University from 1903. Her investigation of flower color inheritance in snapdragons (Antirrhinum), a topic of particular interest to botanists, contributed to establishing Mendelism as a powerful new tool in studying heredity. Her understanding of the genetics of pigment formation led her to do cutting-edge work in biochemistry, culminating in the publication of her landmark work, The Anthocyanin Pigments of Plants (1916). In 1915, she joined Frederick Gowland Hopkin’s Department of Biochemistry as assistant and in 1926 became one of the first women to be appointed university lecturer. In 1919 she married the biochemist Huia Onslow, with whom she collaborated until his death in 1922. This paper examines Wheldale’s work in genetics and especially focuses on the early linkage of Mendelian methodology with new techniques in biochemistry that eventually led to the founding of biochemical genetics. It highlights significant issues in the early history of women in genetics, including the critical role of mentors, funding opportunities, and career strategies.
General prevention of tax evasion: A factorial survey approach

A factorial survey design is used to examine the taxpaying decisions of a random sample of adults. Data collected by asking respondents to rate their chances of cheating on their taxes under varying experimental conditions show only a small proportion of the sample expects to evade taxes. The few likely offenders judge lower tax rates to reduce their incentive to cheat, while higher audit rates, heavier prison sentences, and fines act as key inhibitors to tax cheating. The implications of this methodology and these data for future studies of tax evasion and deviance are briefly discussed.
A means for calculating the optics MTF of an under-sampled IR imaging system

Using measured quantities, it is possible to arrive at a reasonable approximation for the optics MTF of a longwave undersampled imaging system. Certain reasonable assumptions concerning the format of the data from the imaging system should be made in order to make sure that there is no image processing artifacts. For systems that contain imaging artifacts, such as an analog output, there are too many secondary effects that will degrade the predicted Optics MTF beyond a reasonable approximation.
249 Strongyloides Stercoralis Infection After Simultaneous Pancreas and Kidney Transplant; A Case Report in Survival

STRONGYLOIDES STERCORALIS INFECTION AFTER SIMULTANEOUS PANCREAS AND KIDNEY TRANSPLANT; A CASE REPORT IN SURVIVAL Ameena Bagree, Amber Podoll, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas USA Strongyloides stercoralis hyperinfection has been described rarely in single solid organ transplant patients but never in dual organ transplants to date. It is associated with a very high mortality rate (80-90%). We present a 50 year old Canadian-born male 4 months status post simultaneous pancreas kidney (SPK) transplant that was maintained on prograf, mycophenolic acid and low dose prednisone. He had several months of indolent symptoms of nausea and diarrhea with no identifiable source and multiple negative stool cultures. He, then, acutely represented with diarrhea, vomiting, larva currens abdominal rash, and acute respiratory failure with no readily identifiable exposures. Mycophenolic acid was discontinued. Extensive Strongyloides larval infiltration was detected by duodenal biopsy with massive shedding in nasogastric and respiratory secretions. An initial regimen of enteric Ivermectin 15mg daily and Albendazole 400mg BID was started. His Ivermectin was titrated to three times daily. The patient improved clinically and was extubated 10 days after initiation of therapy. Ivermectin was discontinued following negative larval samples from stool, tracheal, and gastric aspirates but had to be resumed due to one episode of recurrence of larva. Once the larval samples cleared, the ivermectin dosing was eventually minimized to the lowest possible dose and tapered off along with albendazole. The main concern during his therapeutic course was diminished responsiveness and neurotoxicity from ivermectin. The patient has now begun to make a slow neurologic recovery and long term outcomes remain to be determined. His renal and pancreatic grafts remained fully functional throughout his illness. This unique case highlights the importance of aggressive, early diagnosis and proposes a potential treatment regimen that can reduce this infection’s high mortality.
Truncated human serum albumin retains general anaesthetic binding activity.

Multiple binding sites for anaesthetics in HSA (human serum albumin) make solution studies difficult to interpret. In the present study, we expressed the wild-type HSA domain 3 (wtHSAd3), a peptide with two known anaesthetic binding sites in a yeast expression system. We also expressed a site-directed mutant of domain 3 (Y411Wd3). The stability and secondary structure of the constructed fragments were determined by HX (hydrogen–tritium exchange) and CD spectroscopy. The binding of two general anaesthetics, 2-bromo-2-chloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane and propofol, to wtHSAd3 and Y411Wd3 was determined using isothermal titration calorimetry, HX and intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence quenching. Although the expressed fragments are less stable than intact wtHSA as indicated by both CD and HX, they retain the secondary structure and anaesthetic-binding characteristics of an intact HSA molecule, but with fewer binding sites. Y411Wd3 had decreased affinity for propofol but not for 2-bromo-2-chloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane, consistent with steric hindrance. Retention of structural features and anaesthetic binding properties with fewer binding sites in this truncated protein provide feasibility for using scaled-down models of otherwise intractable systems to gain an understanding of anaesthetic binding requirements and binding–stability relationships.
Stimulation of glucose transport in cultured uterine cells by rat and rabbit uterine extracts

Abstract Estradiol-17β was previously shown to stimulate glucose transport (as measured by phosphorylation of 2-deoxyglucose) in rat uterine tissue in vivo (Meier D.A. and Garner C.W. (1987) Endocrinology 121, 1366–1374) but attempts to demonstrate this in uterine organ strips in vitro, in uterine tumor cell lines or in uterine cells in primary culture have been unsuccessful. However, aqueous uterine extracts and uterine luminal fluid did stimulate glucose transport in uterine tumor cells and uterine cells in primary culture. Estradiol in vivo and uterine extracts in vitro each increased the initial rate of glucose transport 1.5- to 3-fold. In each case, 2–3 h were required for the stimulation to be fully expressed. The stimulation was not inhibited by cycloheximide suggesting that protein synthesis was not required. Uteri from ovariectomized rats injected daily for 4 days with 10 μg estradiol contained 4-fold more activity than uteri from saline-injected control animals. The activity was acid- and heat-stable, inactivated by trypsin treatment but not removed by dextran-coated charcoal treatment, suggesting that the activity is (or is associated with) a protein. The activity eluted in the 6–12 kDa range upon chromatography on Sephadex G-50. Insulin (1–1000 ng/ml) and epidermal growth factor (1–100 ng/ml) stimulated glucose transport, but only less than 50% of the stimulation by extracts. The substance(s) present in the extracts, possibly a known growth factor, may be involved in the estradiol stimulation of glucose transport and other estradiol actions in vivo.
MATERNO-FETAL TRANSFER OF THYROXINE (T 4 ): MATERNAL (M) AND FETAL (F) FREE T 4 (FT 4 ) RELATIONSHIP AND THYROMIMETIC EFFECTS IN THE FETUS

MATERNO-FETAL TRANSFER OF THYROXINE (T 4 ): MATERNAL (M) AND FETAL (F) FREE T 4 (FT 4 ) RELATIONSHIP AND THYROMIMETIC EFFECTS IN THE FETUS
Supported ru-pt bimetallic nanoparticle catalysts prepared by atomic layer deposition.

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is used to deposit ruthenium−platinum nanostructured catalysts using 2,4-(dimethylpentadienyl)(ethylcyclopentadienyl) ruthenium, trimethyl(methylcyclopentadienyl) platinum, and oxygen as precursors. Transmission electron microscopy shows discrete 1.2 nm nanoparticles decorating the surface of the spherical alumina support. The Ru−Pt particles are crystalline and have a crystal structure similar to pure platinum. X-ray fluorescence measurements show that the nanoparticle composition is controlled by the ratio of metal precursor ALD cycles. X-ray absorption spectroscopy at the Ru K-edge indicates a nearest neighbor Ru−Pt interaction consistent with a bimetallic composition. Methanol decomposition reactions further confirm a Ru−Pt interaction and show enhanced methanol conversion for the bimetallic nanoparticles when compared to catalysts comprised of a mixture of pure Pt and Ru nanoparticles of similar loading. These results demonstrate that ALD is a viable technique for synthe...
Intradermal and oral immunization with recombinant Mycobacterium bovis BCG expressing the simian immunodeficiency virus Gag protein induces long-lasting, antigen-specific immune responses in guinea pigs.

To develop a new recombinant BCG (rBCG) vaccine, we constructed rBCG that expresses the full-length Gag protein of simian immunodeficiency virus (rBCG-SIVGag) at a level of 0.5 ng/mg after 3 weeks of bacterial cell culture. Intradermal (i.d.) inoculation of guinea pigs with 0.1 mg of rBCG-SIVGag resulted in the induction of delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) responses to both purified protein derivative (PPD) of tuberculin and SIV Gag p27 protein; responses that were maintained for the duration of the 50-week study. In contrast, guinea pigs orally vaccinated with 160 mg of the same antigen exhibited a long-lasting DTH response to the SIV Gag p27 protein, but mounted no response to PPD. Proliferative responses to SIV Gag p27 and PPD antigens were detected in both i.d. and orally immunized animals; however, the levels of PPD-specific responses were significantly higher in guinea pigs immunized by the i.d. than the oral route. A significant increase in the level of PPD- and SIV Gag p27-specific IFNγ mRNA expression was also detected in both immunization groups receiving rBCG-SIVGag. In addition, both i.d. and oral immunization with rBCG-SIVGag induced PPD- and SIV Gag p27-specific serum IgG responses. Insertion of the SIV gag gene into BCG did not appear to change the ability of rBCG-immunized animals to elicit PPD-specific immune responses. These results indicate that rBCG-SIVGag has the ability to effectively induce long-lasting, cell-mediated and humoral immunity against both viral and bacterial antigens in guinea pigs, suggesting that rBCG-Gag has the potential to elicit immunities specific not only for tuberculosis but also for HIV at human doses.
Us without them: Evidence for an intragroup origin of positive in-group regard.

Four experiments examined whether group formation and positive in-group regard require interaggregate comparison as the in-group-requires-an-out-group assumption of the metacontrast principle implies. The authors fostered novel social aggregates with or without a contrasting aggregate with which members could compare and varied intra-aggregate factors (interaction or interdependence). Regardless of whether interaggregate comparison was feasible, the intra-aggregate factors increased the perceived entitativity of the aggregate and positive regard toward the aggregate (i.e., social attraction and cooperation among members). Mediation analyses were consistent with the possibility that the intra-aggregate factors promoted entitativity, which in turn promoted in-group regard. These data suggest that group formation and in-group regard have intragroup origins and do not require comparison with a contrasting social aggregate.
Perinatal outcomes of a multidisciplinary pregnancy loss evaluation service

Abstract Objective: To determine the outcomes of patients presenting to a multidisciplinary pregnancy loss evaluation service. Methods: Patients presenting to the Pregnancy Loss Evaluation Service (PLES) from July 1994 to December 1998 were evaluated. Criteria for the PLES include three first-trimester losses (FTL) or any second-trimester (STL), third-trimester (TTL), or term pregnancy loss (TL). Each patient was discussed in a multidisciplinary setting that included a maternal–fetal medicine specialist, geneticist, perinatal pathologist, reproductive endocrinologist, and rheumatologist. The variables studied were FTL, STL, TTL, TL, term pregnancy (TP), gestational age at delivery, preterm delivery (PTD), and ongoing pregnancy. Preterm delivery was defined as delivery at less than 36 weeks of gestation. Results: The PLES evaluated 215 patients, and data were available for 70% (151/215). Pregnancies occurred in 76% (114/151) of patients and were not achieved in 24% (37/151). Fourteen ongoing pregnancies were not included. Term Pregnancy Preterm Delivery Loss Rate FTL (n = 48) 75% (36/48) 2% (1/48) 23% (11/48) STL (n = 42) 69% (29/42) 5% (2/42) 26% (11/42) TTL (n = 1) 100% (1/1) 0% 0% TL (n = 9) 88% (8/9) 11% (1/9) 0% Total (n = 100) 74% (74/100) 4% (4/100) 22% (22/100) Conclusion: Patients who have experienced pregnancy loss can have good outcomes (> 75%) when thorough evaluations and medical interventions are performed in a multidisciplinary setting.
The effects of variable pulse width of Er:YAG laser on facial skin.

Background. The use of CO2 and Er:YAG lasers for resurfacing has increased significantly in the past few years. Er:YAG laser causes pinpoint bleeding during and after treatment with a typical pulse width of 250 μsec. A longer pulse of Er:YAG laser can potentially coagulate dermal blood vessels and increase the residual thermal damage (RTD). Objective. To evaluate the effects of various pulse durations of Er:YAG laser on the depth of RTD and bleeding. Methods. The preauricular skin of a volunteer was exposed to Er:YAG laser at 250-, 350-, and 700-μsec pulse durations, with a fluence of 5 J/cm2. The number of passes varied between 6 and 16. The treated skin was excised and a histologic evaluation was done. Results. The maximum depth of RTD was 50 μm and there was decreased bleeding with a 700-μsec pulse duration. Conclusion. The increased pulse duration of Er:YAG laser of 700 μs does not increase the maximum reported RTD and therefore would not change the recovery time and may have a beneficial effect on hemostasis.
Ebonics, to Be or Not to Be? A Legacy of Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade

This article discusses the historical underpinnings of Ebonics as a product of linguistic influence of Bantu languages spoken in West Africa today. Many teacher educators preparing White pre-service teachers for linguistic diversity in public schools tend to focus mostly on respecting culturally different students’ home languages without employing historical, lexical, grammatical, and phonological evidence to challenge students’ deficit thinking about Ebonics, which is often associated in the mainstream with a physiological deficiency. Thus, the study uses several Niger-Congo languages to explain the origin of Ebonics and the influences of the Niger-Congo languages on the grammatical and phonological structures of Ebonics, and concludes by defining it as a respectable variety of English with its own sophisticated grammar.
The Perils of Picky Eating: Dietary Breadth Is Related to Extinction Risk in Insectivorous Bats

Several recent papers evaluate the relationship between ecological characteristics and extinction risk in bats. These studies report that extinction risk is negatively related to geographic range size and positively related to habitat specialization. Here, we evaluate the hypothesis that extinction risk is also related to dietary specialization in insectivorous vespertilionid bats using both traditional and phylogenetically-controlled analysis of variance. We collected dietary data and The World Conservation Union (IUCN) rankings for 44 Australian, European, and North American bat species. Our results indicate that species of conservation concern (IUCN ranking near threatened or above) are more likely to have a specialized diet than are species of least concern. Additional analyses show that dietary breadth is not correlated to geographic range size or wing morphology, characteristics previously found to correlate with extinction risk. Therefore, there is likely a direct relationship between dietary specialization and extinction risk; however, the large variation in dietary breadth within species of least concern suggests that diet alone cannot explain extinction risk. Our results may have important implications for the development of predictive models of extinction risk and for the assignment of extinction risk to insectivorous bat species. Similar analyses should be conducted on additional bat families to assess the generality of this relationship between niche breadth and extinction risk.
The impact of household economy on stress reactions among professional women

The impact on felt stress and and stress-related behaviors of household composition and proportion of pay utilized to sustain the household economy was evaluated using a homogenous group of female professionals. After controlling for individual-difference and work-load influences, the impact of household variables was found to be weak and inconsistent. While living alone with a child and having a larger proportion of one's salary allocated to sustaining the household economy was associated with psychosomatic distress, household factors did not predict sickdays, medication usage and alcohol consumption. The reasons for these weak and inconsistent findings were explored.
Design and evaluation of a literate spreadsheet

Support for capturing and sharing the problem-solving knowledge associated with end-user-developed software is often lacking. The principles behind literate programming have been proposed as an approach to addressing this. To study the potential efficacy of these principles in the general end-user programming case, they were applied to spreadsheets, the most common end-user programming environment, to produce a literate spreadsheet design. The resulting artifact was then evaluated through a user study with a focus on the literate design's effect on user comprehension and modification performance in each of the data, formula and dependency layers of the spreadsheet model. Significant performance improvements were observed in the formula and dependency layers over the traditional spreadsheet design, suggesting that the literate form can help improve end-user problem-solving knowledge reuse.
The Power of God and Miracles in Process Theism

L'intention de l'A. est de discuter un certain nombre de questions soulevees par les theistes particulierement lorsqu'elles concernent le type d'evenements que Dieu est capable d'assumer dans le monde. Il veut montrer en detail comment ce theisme de l'evolution affirme que Dieu ne peut intervenir unilateralement pour prevenir le mal tandis que les hommes le peuvent. Ceci apporte une base interessante pour developper un concept des miracles alternatif. L'A. pense que les evenements dans lesquels Dieu est implique concernent des occasions libres
Reactivity of hydrocarbons on Fe−Cr−O catalysts

Generalized experimental data for deep and complete oxidation of hydrocarbons on Fe−Cr−O catalysts are presented with calculated kinetic parameters and reactivity of hydrocarbons.