cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Management of soilborne diseases in strawberry using vegetable rotations

Subbarao, K. V., Kabir, Z., Martin, F. N., and Koike, S. T. 2007. Management of soilborne diseases in strawberry using vegetable rotations. Plant Dis. 91:964-972. The influence of crop rotation on soilborne diseases and yield of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) was determined at a site infested with Verticillium dahliae microsclerotia and at another with no known history of V. dahliae infestation during 1997 to 2000. The rotations studied at the V. dahliae-infested site were (i) broccoli-broccoli-strawberry, (ii) Brussels sproutsstrawberry, and (iii) lettuce-lettuce-strawberry; the treatments at the site with no history of V. dahliae were (i) broccoli-broccoli-strawberry, (ii) cauliflower-cauliflower-strawberry, and (iii) lettuce-lettuce-strawberry. The effects of rotation on V. dahliae and Pythium populations, strawberry vigor, Verticillium wilt severity, and strawberry fruit yield were compared with a standard methyl bromide + chloropicrin fumigated control treatment at both sites. Rotations did not alter total population levels of Pythium spp. at either study site. However, V. dahliae microsclerotia were significantly reduced with broccoli and Brussels sprouts rotations compared with lettuce rotations at the V. dahliae-infested site. Reduced propagules led to lower Verticillium wilt severity on strawberry plants in the broccoli and Brussels sprouts rotations than in lettuce-rotated plots. Strawberry vigor and fruit yield were significantly lower in lettuce-rotated plots than in broccoli- and Brussels sprouts-rotated plots. Despite no detectable microsclerotia at the other site, strawberry vigor and fruit yield were greatest in plots rotated with broccoli, intermediate with cauliflower, and lowest with lettuce. None of the rotation treatments were better than the fumigated control for all variables measured. In the absence of fumigation, rotation with broccoli and Brussels sprouts is an effective cultural practice for managing Verticillium wilt in strawberry production; whereas, in fields with no detectable V. dahliae, broccoli is also a feasible rotational crop that enhances strawberry growth and yield. According to a cost-benefit analysis, the broccoli-strawberry rotation system could be an economically viable option provided growers are able to alternate years for strawberry cultivation.
SELECTIVE MORTALITY DURING THE LARVAL-JUVENILE TRANSITION IN TWO CORAL REEF FISHES

For organisms with complex life histories, processes occurring during transitions between stages can strongly affect population dynamics. The major life history transition for many marine species is settlement from pelagic larvae to benthic or demersal juveniles. We examined differential mortality at settlement as a function of early life history traits (size-at-age, growth rates) in three cohorts of two common Caribbean coral reef fishes, Thalassoma bifasciatum and Halichoeres bivittatus (Labridae). We deployed light traps to collect late-stage larvae of each cohort. We also collected juveniles of each cohort at regular intervals (every second day) for two weeks following their first appearance on the nearshore reefs of Barbados, West Indies, during the spring (April–May) and fall (August–October) of 1997. Comparisons of otolith-derived traits exhibited by younger recruits (initial group) to those exhibited by older juveniles (survivor group) revealed that there was a difference in otolith growth during ...
Nitroalkane oxidase, a carbanion-forming flavoprotein homologous to acyl-CoA dehydrogenase

While several flavoproteins will oxidize nitroalkanes in addition to their physiological substrates, nitroalkane oxidase (NAO) is the only one which does not require the anionic nitroalkane. This, in addition to the induction of NAO by nitroethane seen in Fusarium oxysporum, suggests that oxidation of a nitroaliphatic species is the physiological role of the enzyme. Mechanistic studies of the reaction with nitroethane as substrate have established many of the details of the enzymatic reaction. The enzyme is unique in being the only flavoprotein to date for which a carbanion is definitively established as an intermediate in catalysis. Recent structural analyses show that NAO is homologous to the acyl-CoA dehydrogenase and acyl-CoA oxidase families of enzymes. In NAO, the glutamate which acts as the active site base in the latter enzymes is replaced by an aspartate.
Saying no to negativity: The effects of context and motivation to control prejudice on automatic evaluative responses

The current research explored the interaction of context and motivation to control prejudice reactions (MCPR) on automatic evaluative responses toward individuals of different races. Three studies incorporated contextual backgrounds into an evaluative priming procedure. Across all three studies, White participants low in MCPR demonstrated automatic ingroup biases when threatening contexts were presented. However, in contexts where targets could be construed as threatening, Whites high in MCPR showed automatic outgroup biases in favor of Blacks over Whites. Importantly, this outgroup bias was driven by an automatic inhibition of negative responses toward Blacks. The results indicate that even at the automatic level, people high in motivation to control prejudice can inhibit negative responses toward Blacks in contexts that have cues associated with prejudice.
RNA–protein interactions promote asymmetric sorting of the ASH1 mRNA ribonucleoprotein complex

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, ASH1 mRNA is localized to the tip of daughter cells during anaphase of the cell cycle. ASH1 mRNA localization is dependent on four cis-acting localization elements as well as Myo4p, She2p, and She3p. Myo4p, She2p, and She3p are hypothesized to form a heterotrimeric protein complex that directly transports ASH1 mRNA to daughter cells. She2p is an RNA-binding protein that directly interacts with ASH1 cis-acting localization elements and associates with She3p. Here we report the identification of seven She2p mutants—N36S, R43A, R44A, R52A, R52K, R63A, and R63K—that result in the delocalization of ASH1 mRNA. These mutants are defective for RNA-binding activity but retain the ability to interact with She3p, indicating that a functional She2p RNA-binding domain is not a prerequisite for association with She3p. Furthermore, the nuclear/cytoplasmic distribution for the N36S and R63K She2p mutants is not altered, indicating that nuclear/cytoplasmic trafficking of She2p is independent of RNA-binding activity. Using the N36S and R63K She2p mutants, we observed that in the absence of She2p RNA-binding activity, neither Myo4p nor She3p is asymmetrically sorted to daughter cells. However, in the absence of She2p, Myo4p and She3p can be asymmetrically segregated to daughter cells by artificially tethering mRNA to She3p, implying that the transport and/or anchoring of the Myo4p/She3p complex is dependent on the presence of associated mRNA.
The effect of low mobility sputter conditions on thin-film disk tribology

The deposition conditions used to sputter the magnetic layer of a thin-film disk were found to have a significant influence on tribological performance. Low-mobility sputter conditions (low deposition rate, high sputter pressure, and low substrate temperature) led to columnar Co (Cr, Pt) magnetic grains with domed tops which were isolated by intergranular voids. These films have been used to reduce media noise. The microtopography of these magnetic films resulted in shadowing during the subsequent deposition of the overcoat film. The porous carbon overcoats showed degraded abrasion and corrosion resistance. However, larger amounts of perfluoropolyether lubricant could be applied to the low-mobility disks without a viscous stiction response. Despite the lower carbon abrasion resistance, low-mobility disks showed improved contact start/stop wear and stiction performance. Shifts were observed in lubricant evaporation rates. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) lubricant measurements, and the rates of hydrocarbon adsorption from the environment. >
Perceived Sources of Stress Among Pediatric Oncology Nurses

This study examined the stressors most commonly experienced by pediatric oncology nurses. A descriptive, correlational design was used, and Selye's stress theory served as the theoretical framework. The final sample consisted of 155 members of the Association of Pediatric Oncology Nurses who completed and returned the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Pediatric Oncology Nurse Stressor Questionnaire (PONSQ). The participants reported that relapse or sudden death of a favorite patient was their greatest source of stress. The second most common stressor was a workload perceived as too great to give quality patient care. The participants reported no more state or trait anxiety than the reference group. Statistics for white-collar working women were used as the reference group by Spielberger. The PONSQ shows that pediatric oncology nursing is a stressful profession. Additional research is needed to identify positive strategies for reducing this stress.
Signal-processing techniques for cochlear implants

Cochlear implants have been successful in restoring partial hearing to profoundly deaf people. The success of cochlear implants can be attributed to the combined efforts of scientists from various disciplines, including bioengineering, physiology, otolaryngology, speech science, and signal processing. Each of these disciplines contributed to various aspects of the cochlear implant design. Signal processing, in particular, played an important role in the development of different techniques for deriving electrical stimuli from the speech signal. The purpose of this article is to present a review of various signal-processing techniques that have been used for cochlear prosthesis over the past 25 years.
An evaluation of exact and approximate 3-D reconstruction algorithms for a high-resolution, small-animal PET scanner

MicroPET is a low-cost, high resolution positron emission tomography (PET) scanner designed for imaging small animals. MicroPET operates exclusively without septa, acquiring fully three-dimensional (3-D) data sets. The performance of the projection-reprojection (3DRP), variable axial rebinning (VARB), single slice rebinning (SSRB), and Fourier rebinning (FORE) methods for reconstruction of microPET data were evaluated. The algorithms were compared with respect to resolution, noise variance, and reconstruction time. Results suggested that the 3DRP algorithm gives the best combination of resolution and noise performance in 9 min of reconstruction time on a Sun UltraSparc I workstation. The FORE algorithm provided the most acceptable accelerated method of reconstruction, giving similar resolution performance with a 10%-20% degradation in noise variance in under 2 min. Significant degradation in the axial resolution was measured with the VARB and SSRB methods, offsetting the decrease in reconstruction time achieved with those methods. In-plane angular mashing of the 3-D data before reconstruction led to a 50% reduction in reconstruction time but also introduced unacceptable tangential blurring artifacts. This thorough evaluation of analytical 3-D reconstruction techniques allowed for optimal selection of a reconstruction method for the diverse range of microPET applications.
Parametric inference of incomplete data with competing risks among several groups

We develop parametric inferential methods for the competing risks problem where data arise due to multiple causes of failure in several groups with censoring and possibly missing causes. We provide the general likelihood method and the closed-form maximum-likelihood estimators for the exponential model. Parametric tests are given for comparing different causes and groups. An extensive numerical and graphical investigation is presented to substantiate the proposed methods. A real-data example is illustrated.
Neonatal Calcaneous Osteomyelitis Related to Contaminated Mineral Oil

Contaminated mineral oil may have been associated with calcaneous osteomyelitis in a newborn. Staphylococcus aureus is viable for 1 month as a suspension in mineral oil.
Early redox, Src family kinase, and calcium signaling integrate wound responses and tissue regeneration in zebrafish

Tissue injury can lead to scar formation or tissue regeneration. How regenerative animals sense initial tissue injury and transform wound signals into regenerative growth is an unresolved question. Previously, we found that the Src family kinase (SFK) Lyn functions as a redox sensor in leukocytes that detects H(2)O(2) at wounds in zebrafish larvae. In this paper, using zebrafish larval tail fins as a model, we find that wounding rapidly activated SFK and calcium signaling in epithelia. The immediate SFK and calcium signaling in epithelia was important for late epimorphic regeneration of amputated fins. Wound-induced activation of SFKs in epithelia was dependent on injury-generated H(2)O(2). A SFK member, Fynb, was responsible for fin regeneration. This work provides a new link between early wound responses and late regeneration and suggests that redox, SFK, and calcium signaling are immediate "wound signals" that integrate early wound responses and late epimorphic regeneration.
75Se-Selenomethionine in the Study of Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism of Adult Rats

SummaryThere is abundant evidence that selenomethionine is an analogue of methionine. We have utilized whole-body counting of 75Se after the administration of 75Se-selenomethionine to determine whether this technique might be used to evaluate overall changes in protein metabolism in animals fed different amounts of protein or methionine. Changes in overall body counts were not sensitive to changes in these dietary variables, but the excretion of 75Se was greatly affected by the selenium content of the diet. Thus, whole-body counting is apparently not a useful technique for following the metabolism of tissue proteins.
Inaccessibility of β-Hydride Elimination from −OH Functional Groups in Wacker-Type Oxidation

Quantum mechanics calculations (B3LYP and MPW1K density functional theory) on mechanisms relevant to the Wacker process for dehydrogenation of alcohol to ketone show that the commonly accepted mechanism for product formation (β-hydride elimination (BHE) leading to Pd−H formation) is not energetically feasible (36.2 kcal/mol). An alterative pathway involving a five-bodied reductive elimination (RE) leads to an activation enthalpy of 18.8 kcal/mol, which is just half that of the BHE from the −OH group usually assumed for the Wacker process. We find that a water molecule catalyzes both processes, reducing the barrier to 17.2 for RE and 25.0 for BHE, but will not change the relative ordering of the two mechanisms. This suggests that assumptions of BHE mechanisms should be reexamined for cases in which the β atom is not an alkyl group.
Population increases in obesity appear to be partly due to genetics.

Studies have documented substantial increases in obesity throughout most of the industrialized world in recent decades. The majority of explanations for these increases have centred around environmental factors such as the increasing availability of high-fat, high-carbohydrate foods and sedentary lifestyles. This study sought to determine if genetic factors might be contributing to the increases in the proportions of North Americans who are obese and overweight. The body mass index (BMI) for a large sample of two generations of United States and Canadian subjects was correlated with family fertility indicators. Small but highly significant positive correlations were found between the BMIs of family members and their reproduction rates, especially in the case of women. For instance, mothers in the sample (most of whom were born in the 1940s and 50s) who were in the normal or below normal range had an average of 4·3 siblings and 3·2 children, compared with 4·8 siblings and 3·5 children for mothers who were overweight or obese. When combined with evidence from twin and adoption studies indicating that genes make substantial contributions to obesity, this study suggests that recent increases in obesity are partially the result of overweight and obese women having more children than is true for average and underweight women. It is speculated that improvements in medical treatments for conditions associated with obesity – particularly diabetes and heart disease – are making it possible for overweight women to live longer and to be more fertile than was true historically.
Evidence Suggesting a Multigenic Origin of Membranous Septal Defect in Rats

The study was designed to assess the relative importance of parity, parental age and the fetal genome in the etiology of congenital interventricular septal defects in a subline of Long-Evans rats with a high incidence of malformation (25%). Analysis of successive litters produced in 27 full sibships indicated that parity and parental aging had no consistently significant influence on the incidence of defects. Relatively consistent litter incidences within sibships but highly significant differences in the mean litter incidences of the different sibships support the hypothesis that the fetal genome is of primary etiologic importance. Analysis of the half-sibships produced by 12 males in sequential matings with different young virgin females indicated that neither paternal age nor a parental age differential significantly influenced the incidence of defects. Highly significant differences between the half-sibships in respect to mean litter incidences of malformation were attributable to highly significant differences between sires, significant differences between dams and considerable within litter variation. Analysis of the parental-offspring distribution of defects rules out the possibility of fully penetrant unifactorial inheritance but suggests that ventricular anomalies are transmitted in accordance with a polygenic, quasi-continuous inheritance pattern.
Modeling repeated count measures with excess zeros in an epidemiological study

Abstract Purpose Highly skewed count data with excess zeros challenge the application of conventional statistical methods. Additional problems arise from repeated zero-inflated measures. Longitudinal zero-inflated Poisson (ZIP-mixed) models are mixtures of logistic and Poisson models that accommodate excess zeros and repeated counts. We compared a ZIP-mixed model with traditional Poisson and negative binomial models using data on problems with female condom use reported by women at high risk of sexually transmitted diseases. Methods The follow-up experience of this cohort represents a mixture of “perfect use” (no opportunity to report problems), represented by the structural zeros, and use experience that bears the risk of condom use problems, represented by a Poisson distribution. Results The ZIP-mixed model provided better fit and richer results than other models. The odds of being in the zero problem category increased with age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.1 per additional year, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.0–1.3) and with follow-up (OR = 3.0 per additional month, 95% CI: 1.4–6.0).The nonzero problem rate was lower among women who believed in the benefits of condom use (rate ratio [RR] = 0.9, 95% CI: 0.7–1.0) and had no sexually transmitted diseases at baseline (RR = 0.7, 95% CI: 0.6–0.9), and it decreased during follow-up (RR = 0.8 per additional month, 95% CI: 0.7–0.9). Conclusions Using ZIP-mixed model provided further insights into the determinants of condom failure.
Nutritional and temporal control of arabitol and mannitol accumulation in Geotrichum

Intracellular arabitol and mannitol accumulation is under nutritional and temporal control during arthrospore germination, vegetative growth, and arthrospore formation in Geotrichum. Arabitol is not produced if the glucose concentration in the medium is low. Arabitol is produced in large quantities in the cells if the carbon source is acetate or if the glucose level is above 10%. Low levels of glucose do not repress acetate induction of arabitol formation. Arabitol began to accumulate during spore swelling and vegetative growth in the presence of acetate. Mannitol appeared to serve as a carbon and energy reserve during starvation and arthrospore germination; the concentration of mannitol in vegetative cells remained barely detectable until sporulation commenced.
CORP-a new recovery procedure for VLSI processor arrays

CORP, a procedure for recovery from transient faults in real-time sensitive medical applications, is introduced. CORP is more effective than the traditional approach because it relies on concurrent retries executed by two neighbor processors in the array (faulty and assistant), instead of successive retries executed only by the faulty processor. Techniques to analyze how the occurrence of transient/intermittent faults disturbs the execution of a parallel algorithm in linear arrays are discussed. An optimal assistant assignment policy is constructed that maximizes the array performance in the presence of faults. The adaptive implementation of the optimal policy in linear-wavefront arrays using local distributed control and near-neighbor communications is presented. >
Being Feared: Masculinity and Race in Public Space:

Research on fear of crime typically examines the perceptions of those who fear, emphasizing women's experiences of vulnerability in public space. In this paper, I invert this practice to examine instead men's experiences of being feared in public spaces. Drawing on interviews with 82 male college students, I use a social constructionist approach to examine how men's experiences of being feared interact with men's formation of racial identities and the racialization of public places. Fear is a key mechanism for justifying and maintaining race privilege and exclusion. The experience and inter- pretation of being feared (or not feared) in public space intersects with men's construction of gender and race identities, and the ways that men assign racial meanings to public places. This paper examines these processes and proposes strategies for challenging fear and the exclusion it supports.
Advanced laser-backlit Grazing-Incidence X-Ray Imaging Systems for Inertial Confinement Fusion Research. II. Tolerance Analysis.

Two example ultrahigh-spatial-resolution laser-backlit grazing-incidence x-ray microscope designs for inertial confinement fusion (ICF) research have been described [Appl. Opt.40, 4570 (2001)]. Here details of fabrication, assembly, and optical surface errors that are characteristic of present state-of-the-art superpolished multilayer-coated spherical mirrors are given. They indicate that good image qualities can be expected; in particular, <0.5-µm spatial resolution at very high x-ray energies (up to 25 keV) appears to be feasible: Existing ICF imaging diagnostics approach ∼2 µm spatial at low (<2 keV) energy. The improvement in resolution compared with that of other grazing-incidence devices is attributed to a fortuitous residual on-axis aberration dependence on short wavelengths; recent advances in mirror fabrication, including a new thin-film deposition technique to correct figure errors precisely in one dimension; and novel design. For even higher resolutions, a means of creating precise aspherical mirrors of spheric-quality microroughness may be possible by use of the same deposition technique.
Filovirus pathogenesis and immune evasion: insights from Ebola virus and Marburg virus

Ebola viruses and Marburg viruses, members of the filovirus family, are zoonotic pathogens that cause severe disease in people, as highlighted by the latest Ebola virus epidemic in West Africa. Filovirus disease is characterized by uncontrolled virus replication and the activation of host responses that contribute to pathogenesis. Underlying these phenomena is the potent suppression of host innate antiviral responses, particularly the type I interferon response, by viral proteins, which allows high levels of viral replication. In this Review, we describe the mechanisms used by filoviruses to block host innate immunity and discuss the links between immune evasion and filovirus pathogenesis.
Effect Of Auto Plant Openings On Net Migration In Auto Corridor, 1980-97

How do newly opened auto plants influence the patterns of demographic change in an area? An answer to this question has important policy implications. Competition among communities to attract new manufacturing jobs is substantial. Local governments often provide significant economic incentives to firms to induce them to locate a new plant in a given community. Such financial commitments are often justified, in part, by the argument that new jobs will aid the community in retaining its population, particularly its young adult population. The young population is viewed as critical to the future of communities because it represents a significant amount of human capital. In that context, we believe it is important to document the impact that such industrial development has on the local demographic structure. We would expect such demographic change to be most evident in the patterns of migration to and from the respective counties. Our research links demographic trends of the last two decades to the geographic dispersion of the auto industry. The analysis focuses on the nonmetropolitan areas of seven states that make up the core of the auto industry. This "auto corridor" includes 66 percent of the employees and 70 percent of the plants engaged in the production of cars and light trucks in the U.S. Our primary interest is in estimating the impact that the presence of auto plants has on the pattern of migration in the immediate and proximate counties. We accomplish this by combining county-level migration data with data on the spatial and longitudinal distribution of auto industry plants. Our auto industry dataset is unique, consisting of plant-level information for auto assembly plants plus data on the notoriously hard-to-track auto supplier plants. It encompasses over 2,200 individual plants, representing just under 900,000 employees for the seven auto corridor states. Such comprehensive coverage of this industry represents a significant contribution to the literature. Our models estimate the impact of auto plants on county-level net migration during the 1980s and 1990s. Explanatory variables include measures of economic, locational, and demographic characteristics and several variables measuring the presence and structure of auto plants within and proximate to the county. Consistent with previous empirical work, we find that a set of background variables widely used in demographic research accounts for the bulk of the variation in county-level migration. However, including variables measuring the presence and addition of auto plants does add to the explanatory power of the model. The addition of a large plant to a county appears to have a significant positive influence on migration. This effect is evident not only in the county where the plant locates, but also in the contiguous counties. The effect of smaller plants is much more limited, but it is in the expected direction.
Characterization of an Electron Gun for Hollow Electron Beam Collimation

Hollow electron beam collimation (HEBC) is a new technique developed to complement conventional beam collimation system to remove beam halo in a controlled fashion. We study the characteristics of the electron gun that produces the hollow electron beam. Cathode yield and beam profile measurements are used to extract information on gun performance. Results of characteristic measurements are presented.
Female veterans of Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom: status and future directions.

ABSTRACTObjectives: The number of female veterans has increased four-fold over the past 20 years, yet the study of specific care for female veterans is lacking. Given our military's growing number of female veterans, this article aims to review historical and recent knowledge as well as define research priorities for treatment of the unique physical and mental health issues experienced by women who have served in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Methods: A literature review was performed of publications spanning the Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War, and Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom periods to determine what health issues persist among female veterans. Results: Female veterans historically report more reproductive and gynecological problems than the general population. They also potentially experience higher incidences of post-traumatic stress disorder and depression compared to male veterans, and overall exhibit a higher prevalence of several mental health disorders co...
The Suez Canal as an International Waterway

The Suez Canal, opened for general use on November 17, 1869, more than justified the gloomy predictions of its opponents that it would become “un second Bosphore.” Abbreviating by hundreds or thousands of miles the transit distance between important parts of the globe, it wrought a kind of revolution in maritime activities and particularly in strategical concepts of peace and war. Its consummation brought to an end more than a score of years of controversy marked by the efforts of the British Government to quash a project certain to destroy the monopoly of sea access to East Africa and the Middle and Far East via the Cape of Good Hope. Until 1869 the protection of British interests in the East had required only the maintenance of naval supremacy among the European States and a close surveillance of the Eastern Mediterranean with Malta and Constantinople as points of vantage. The cutting through of the Isthmus of Suez instantly destroyed previous schemes of British strategy by giving an almost infinite extension to the shores of the Mediterranean. With a similar projection of the problems of the Mediterranean, fundamental changes in planning and procedure, both by Great Britain and by other European States having maritime interests, were unavoidable.
Three-year Experience Using Near Infrared Spectroscopy Tissue Oximetry Monitoring of Free Tissue Transfers

Early recognition of threatened free-flap failure is paramount to flap salvage. A noninvasive, reproducible, sensitive monitoring tool would be a useful adjunct to clinical examination. The purpose of this study was to examine outcomes using a near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) tissue oximeter for postoperative flap monitoring. A total of 128 free flaps were performed in 113 patients over a 3 year period. The patients were divided into 2 cohorts: conventional monitoring (group 1) and conventional monitoring plus NIRS oximetry (group 2). Overall flap survival was 90.6% in group 1 and 98.7% in group 2 (P = 0.05). Overall survival of threatened flaps was 0% (0/5) in the conventional group and 87.5% (6/7) in the oximeter group, P = 0.005. Salvage of operated flaps was significantly improved in group 2: 0% (0/4) in group 1 versus 100% (3/3) in group 2, P = 0.03. The sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values for detecting threatened flap loss were 100%. The NIRS tissue oximeter is a highly reliable, sensitive, and specific, noninvasive method for postoperative free tissue transfer monitoring.
Declarations and Commitments: The Cognitive Practice of Sustainability Agreements

This study analyzes six American voluntary agreements for university sustainability, demonstrating that the individual agreement networks intersect to form a larger network for sustainable low-carbon transitions. Drawing on a framework of social and institutional learning, the study uses network and positional analysis methods to map the cognitive practice of universities engaged in voluntary sustainability commitment. These agreements scaffold learning structures for member universities, providing support in the search for solutions to sustainable transitions. Within these structures, universities experiment and learn as they construct new norms for institutions. Through their participation, universities join a network of shared practice and beliefs. By participating in several of these networks, institutions are connected to many new ideas and practices. These overlapping memberships link together, making a network of networks. By choosing to participate in any or all of these agreements, universities have chosen to enter into a dialogue about and practice of sustainable transition, where learning, experience and expertise intersect. The universities participating in these voluntary sustainability agreements are forming a network of committed practitioners supported by policies and an emerging cognitive practice with the ability, capacity and commitment to significantly address the critical problem of climate change.
Epidemic Stuation of Advanced Schistosomiasis in Danleng County

Objective To discuss the incidence trend of advanced schistosomiasis,and provide the basis for the work after interruption of schistosomiasis transmission.Methods Historical records of advanced schistosomiasis cases were collected and detailed investigation was carried out within the county;new cases were registered and the mismatched were removed from the register.Incidences and distribution were statistically analyzed.Results Totally 119 cases were recorded through the last 60 years;of whom,4 were the cadres,115 of farmers,7 of illiterates.Males were 75 and females were 44.Significant difference was found between cases before 1980s and cases after that(χ2=40.17,P0.01).There were 37 advanced schistosomiasis cases alive.Conclusion Advanced schistosomiasis morbidity rises yearly in Danoleng county,thus intimate attention should be paid to the worsening situation.
Middle cerebral artery blood velocity during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation.

Objective To measure cerebral blood flow velocities using transcranial Doppler during ovulation induction after pituitary suppression. Design Women undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation after pituitary suppression were prospectively studied. Setting Tertiary institution. Patients A microprocessor-controlled directional pulsed-wave adjustable hand held probe (2 MHz) was used to measure blood flow velocities and pulsatility indices in the right and left middle cerebral arteries (middle cerebral artery) in nine patients. Measurements of peak middle cerebral artery velocities (cm/s) and pulsatility index were obtained after achieving pituitary suppression with leuprolide acetate and repeated over several days after treatment with human menopausal gonadotropin (225 IU/d). Results There was a significant increase in the peak middle cerebral artery velocities (cm/s) of the patients measured at the time of pituitary suppression when compared with those obtained at the time of maximal estradiol (E 2 ) (98 ± 12 versus 105 ± 12, P P 2 ). The middle cerebral artery velocities were significantly correlated with LnE 2 levels ( P r = 0.93). Conclusion Estrogen levels appear to be directly correlated with cerebral blood flow velocity and pulsatility index, implying an effect of ovarian steroids on cerebrovascular hemodynamics.
The role of evidence reports in evidence-based medicine: a mechanism for linking scientific evidence and practice improvement.

Article-at-a-Glance Study questions In this article two related questions are considered: (1) Why isn't evidence-based medicine (EBM) more consistently implemented? and (2) Using the EBM paradigm, by what mechanism can we link evidence reports to concrete practice improvement activities? Study design To motivate a systematic analysis, answers to these questions are framed within the context of a general conceptual model for practice improvement, using as an example the application of this general model to the question of improving anticoagulation. Conclusions The potential role of evidence reports is quite broad and to be most effective, they should (1) be considered as part of a comprehensive strategy for practice improvement and (2) be designed with their customers in mind. A system-based method for using the information from evidence reports involves ultimately suggesting specific practice improvement strategies in which the strategies are defined in terms of (1) a set of functional specifications and (2) a toolbox of implementation options. Such an approach brings to bear the specialized expertise and generalized fund of scientific knowledge used to produce the evidence report, but does so in a way that facilitates local tailoring. That is, while information synthesis should be global, implementation must be local.
Assessing the educational preparation of clinical laboratory scientists.

OBJECTIVE To assess the educational preparation of clinical laboratory science (CLS) graduates using an approach that addresses the general education and professional components of the curriculum and includes multiple programs. DESIGN Survey of a convenience sample. SETTING Four CLS programs in North Carolina. PARTICIPANTS CLS graduates with one, three, and five years of experience. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Results of 48 competency statements rated by graduates for level of preparation and importance in current jobs. RESULTS Graduates indicated that they were well prepared in most conceptual and technical competencies with the exception of computers and management. Preparation in career marketability skills (interviewing, writing resumes, and career planning), contextual competence (understanding socioeconomic and governmental issues), and scholarly concern for professional improvement (research skills) was rated relatively low. Graduates considered the conceptual and technical competencies related to their current specialty as very important for their jobs. They also rated professional ethics, communication skills, and integrative competencies as very important for practice. Graduates in supervisory positions rated communication competencies significantly higher in importance than did graduates in other positions. Graduates rated as relatively unimportant competencies in conceptual and technical skills unrelated to their current specialties and scholarly concern for professional improvement. CONCLUSION In the professional component of the curriculum, educators should review the amount of conceptual and technical content required and the level of preparation in career marketability skills. In the general education component of the curriculum, CLS students' preparation in contextual competencies and communication skills should be reviewed and strengthened.
Molecular Analysis of Breast Cancer in Cytology Samples

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. Molecular studies have been increasingly used as adjuncts to histopathologic and cytopathologic features in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of breast cancer. At present, the molecular biomarkers that have the most important prognostic and predictive significance for breast carcinoma are hormone receptors including estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Positive expression of hormone receptor occurs in about 70 % of invasive breast carcinoma cases and is associated with better tumor differentiation and a more indolent natural history. The HER2 gene is located on chromosome 17q12-21 and encodes a transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptor. Amplification of the gene or overexpression of HER2 protein has been identified in 15–20 % of invasive breast carcinoma cases and is associated with adverse clinical outcome. Knowledge of the status of these biomarkers is important for therapeutic decision-making and especially for assessment of a patient’s eligibility for endocrine therapy and anti-HER2 targeted therapies, respectively. Patients with tumors that are negative for hormone receptors and HER2 need to be treated essentially with chemotherapy alone.
Molecular Biology of JC Virus and the Human Demyelinating Disease, Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy

JC virus (JCV) is a human neurotropic polyomavirus that causes the fatal demyelinating disease of the central nervous system known as progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). JCV was first isolated in 1971 from the brain tissue of a patient suffering from PML. With the emergence of AIDS in the 1980s, the incidence of PML increased dramatically. There has been a rapid expansion in the number of the additional human polyomaviruses in recent years, due to new discoveries, bringing the present number to 13. In his chapter, a particular attention was devoted to the description of the molecular biology of JCV (section “The Molecular Biology of JCV”) and the pathophysiology of PML (section “The Pathology and Pathogenesis of Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy”) with special emphasis on exciting aspects of current research into this increasingly important pathogen.
Impact of biodiesel on NOx emissions in a common rail direct injection diesel engine

The impact of biodiesel on NOx emissions was investigated in a 2.5 L common rail direct injection diesel engine under both low load and high load conditions with different fuel injection strategies. Three fuels were used in this study, an ultralow sulfur diesel fuel (BP15), a blend of 20 vol % biodiesel in BP15 (B20), and a blend of 40 vol % biodiesel in BP15 (B40). Fuel injection timings were held the same for the biodiesel blends and the baseline diesel fuel to eliminate the potential injection timing differences due to the different fuel heating values. According to the needle lift profiles obtained from the needle lift sensor, no measurable injection timing differences were observed between the biodiesel blends and the baseline diesel fuel. Biodiesel blends were found to generally produce slightly lower NOx emissions than the baseline diesel fuel at the low load condition. Under the high load condition, evidently higher NOx emissions for biodiesel blends were observed under both single and double inje...
In vitro characterization of electrochemically compacted collagen matrices for corneal applications

Abstract Loss of vision due to corneal disease is a significant problem worldwide. Transplantation of donor corneas is a viable treatment option but limitations such as short supply and immune-related complications call for alternative options for the treatment of corneal disease. A tissue engineering-based approach using a collagen scaffold is a promising alternative to develop a bioengineered cornea that mimics the functionality of native cornea. In this study, an electrochemical compaction method was employed to synthesize highly dense and transparent collagen matrices. We hypothesized that chemical crosslinking of electrochemically compacted collagen (ECC) matrices will maintain transparency, improve stability, and enhance the mechanical properties of the matrices to the level of native cornea. Further, we hypothesized that keratocyte cell viability and proliferation will be maintained on crosslinked ECC matrices. The results indicated that uncrosslinked and 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide-N-hydroxysuccinimide (EDC-NHS) crosslinked ECC matrices were highly transparent with light transmission measurements comparable to native cornea. Stability tests showed that while the uncrosslinked ECC matrices degraded within 6 h when treated with collagenase, EDC-NHS or genipin crosslinking significantly improved the stability of ECC matrices (192 h for EDC-NHS and 256 h for genipin). Results from the mechanical tests showed that both EDC-NHS and genipin crosslinking significantly improved the strength and modulus of ECC matrices. Cell culture studies showed that keratocyte cell viability and proliferation are maintained on EDC-NHS crosslinked ECC matrices. Overall, results from this study suggest that ECC matrices have the potential to be developed as a functional biomaterial for corneal repair and regeneration.
Seeing Race: Teaching Residential Segregation with the Racial Dot Map.

Students commonly hold erroneous notions of a “post-racial” world and individualistic worldviews that discount the role of structure in social outcomes. Jointly, these two preconceived beliefs can ...
Using Ultrasonography to Assess the Effectiveness of Cricoid Pressure on Esophageal Compression.

Abstract Background Cricoid pressure during intubation has been used for decades as a way to potentially occlude the esophagus to avoid aspiration of gastric contents. However, recent evidence has questioned the effectiveness of this maneuver. Objective This study uses a noninvasive modality, ultrasonography, to determine the anatomic position of the cricoid cartilage and the esophagus and examines the effectiveness of cricoid pressure on esophageal compression. Methods Ultrasound imaging was used to describe the anatomic relationship of the esophagus to the trachea as either being directly behind the trachea, partially behind the trachea, or completely lateral to the trachea. These relationships were described with and without cricoid pressure. Participants were also asked to swallow a carbonated beverage with and without cricoid pressure to help visualize the exact position of the esophagus and to see whether cricoid pressure actually occluded the esophagus and the passage of the liquid. Results Without cricoid pressure, 20% of the esophagi laid directly behind the trachea, 60% partially behind the trachea, and 20% completely lateral to the left of the trachea. When cricoid pressure was applied, the esophagus shifted laterally to the left in 50% of the subjects and remained directly behind the trachea in only 4% of our entire study group. In addition, all of the participants were able to swallow liquid with cricoid pressure applied. Conclusions This study highlights the potential ineffectiveness of cricoid pressure on esophageal compression, calling into question the utility of this maneuver.
Effect of hydrogel material composition on hBMSC differentiation into zone-specific neo-cartilage: engineering human articular cartilage-like tissue with spatially varying properties

Biological tissues are complex structures with spatially distinct cellular compositions, architecture, and biochemical and mechanical properties. Therefore, it is imperative that biomaterial scaffolds which serve as frameworks for engineering tissue structures contain spatially-varying cues to differentiate encapsulated progenitor cells into distinct, spatially-organized phenotypes. Human articular cartilage consists of three spatially distinct zones: superficial, transitional, and middle, which have unique extracellular matrix (ECM) compositions, chondrocyte phenotypes, and mechanical properties. To identify material compositions that can differentiate human bone marrow stromal cells (hBMSCs) into these zone-specific cells, we studied nine different composite hydrogel materials under normoxic and hypoxic conditions, and determined their collagen composition, sulfated glycosoaminoglycan (sGAG) levels, and mechanical properties. A combined collagen-sGAG index was used to identify three material compositions that yielded superficial, transitional, and middle zone-like cells. These materials were then used to generate a composite tri-layer scaffold and hBMSC differentiation into spatially-varying cartilage-like tissue was evaluated. Our results show that material composition alone can be used to direct hBMSCs into distinct, zone-specific cell phenotypes and that spatially-varying, multi-layered material scaffolds can generate complex, patterned tissue structures.
Anesthesiology, automation, and artificial intelligence

ABSTRACTThere have been many attempts to incorporate automation into the practice of anesthesiology, though none have been successful. Fundamentally, these failures are due to the underlying comple...