cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the ends of higher dimensional knot groups

An n-knot (S” in Sn+2) is said to be quasi-aspherical if Hn + i(c) = 0 where c is the universal cover of the complement of the knot. S.J. Lomonaco conjectured that all 2-knots are quasi-aspherical. We give an example of a 2-knot whose group has an infinite number of ends and we show that it is a counterexample to Lomonaco’s conjecture. We also prove: (1) every knot whose group has one or two ends is quasi-aspherical; (2) the group of every fibered knot has one or two ends; (3) the class of knots each of whose groups has one or two ends is closed under composition. The theory of ends of finitely generated groups was developed by Heinz Hopf [B] and Hans Freudenthal[6] and is based on Freudenthal’s earlier theory of the ends of a space [5]. All groups in the paper will be finitely generated unless otherwise stated. Excellent references for the theory of the ends of a group are [3, 4, 181. In [B] Hopf proved the following: (1) a group has either 0, 1, 2 or an infinite number of ends, (2) a group has 0 ends if and only if it is finite, (3) a group has two ends if and only if it has an infinite cyclic subgroup of finite index. In [20] C.T.C. Wall sharpened Hopf’s characterization of groups with 2 ends by showing that a group G has 2 ends if and only if it is one of the following two types:
Serotonin turnover in individual brain nuclei: Evaluation of three methods using liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection

Abstract Liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection and brain microdissection techniques were used to evaluate three methods of studying serotonin turnover in 10 individual brain nuclei. The increase in serotonin (5-HT) and decline in 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5-HIAA) after administration of the monoamine oxidase inhibitor, pargyline, as well as the accumulation of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) after the L-amino acid decarboxylase inhibitor, m-hydroxybenzylhydrazine, were measured. Serotonin accumulation and 5-HIAA decline could be detected in the n. caudutus, globus pallidus, cortical amygdala, n. interstitialis striae terminalis, n. preopticus medialis, and n. dorsomedialis. Only serotonin accumulation could be accurately assessed in the n. ventromedialis, n. arcuatus, and median eminence. The pattern of increase of serotonin after pargyline varied in different nuclei. There was a linear increase of serotonin over 90 minutes in the caudate, globus pallidus, and ventromedial nucleus and over 60 minutes in the n. preopticus medialis, and cortical amygdala. This contrasted with a maximal increase at 30 minutes in the other nuclei. However, 5-HIAA decline tended to be greatest after 30 minutes in most nuclei. Increases in 5-HTP concentrations after decarboxylase inhibition were not reliably detected in these areas. These results indicate that two nonsteady state methods may be used to evaluate changes in serotonin turnover in selected individual, nonpooled hypothalamic and forebrain nuclei.
Regulation of JNK activity in the apoptotic response of intestinal epithelial cells

We have studied apoptosis of gastrointestinal epithelial cells by examining the receptor-mediated and DNA damage-induced pathways using TNF-α and camptothecin (CPT), respectively. TNF-α requires inhibition of antiapoptotic protein synthesis by cycloheximide (CHX). CHX also results in high levels of active JNK, which are necessary for TNF-induced apoptosis. While CPT induces apoptosis, the increase in JNK activity was not proportional to the degree of apoptosis. Thus the mechanism of activation of JNK and its role in apoptosis are unclear. We examined the course of JNK activation in response to a combination of TNF-α and CPT (TNF + CPT), which resulted in a three- to fourfold increase in apoptosis compared with CPT alone, indicating an amplification of apoptotic signaling pathways. TNF + CPT caused apoptosis by activating JNK, p38, and caspases-8, -9, and -3. TNF-α stimulated a transient phosphorylation of JNK1/2 and ERK1/2 at 15 min, which returned to basal by 60 min and remained low for 4 h. CPT increased JNK1/2 activity between 3 and 4 h. TNF + CPT caused a sustained and robust JNK1/2 and ERK1/2 phosphorylation by 2 h, which remained high at 4 h, suggesting involvement of MEKK4/7 and MEK1, respectively. When administered with TNF + CPT, SP-600125, a specific inhibitor of MEKK4/7, completely inhibited JNK1/2 and decreased apoptosis. However, administration of SP-600125 at 1 h after TNF + CPT failed to prevent JNK1/2 phosphorylation, and the protective effect of SP-600125 on apoptosis was abolished. These results indicate that the persistent activation of JNK might be due to inhibition of JNK-specific MAPK phosphatase 1 (MKP1). Small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of MKP1 enhanced TNF + CPT-induced activity of JNK1/2 and caspases-9 and -3. Taken together, these results suggest that MKP1 activity determines the duration of JNK1/2 and p38 activation and, thereby, apoptosis in response to TNF + CPT.
Specialized metabolites from the microbiome in health and disease

The microbiota, and the genes that comprise its microbiome, play key roles in human health. Host-microbe interactions affect immunity, metabolism, development, and behavior, and dysbiosis of gut bacteria contributes to disease. Despite advances in correlating changes in the microbiota with various conditions, specific mechanisms of host-microbiota signaling remain largely elusive. We discuss the synthesis of microbial metabolites, their absorption, and potential physiological effects on the host. We propose that the effects of specialized metabolites may explain present knowledge gaps in linking the gut microbiota to biological host mechanisms during initial colonization, and in health and disease.
COMPARISON OF TIME, FREQUENCY, AND PHASE MEASUREMENTS IN INDUCED POLARIZATION*

Abstract In comparing the similarity between time, frequency, and phase measurements as used in the induced polarization method of geophysical prospecting, parameters must first be defined and the basis for comparison established. The conditions for mathematical equivalence then follow in a natural sequence. Laboratory measurements are made on a variety of rock samples to indicate the type of comparison and correlation expected from field measurements. Results indicate that frequency domain and phase measurements are equivalent, but two frequency domain measurements are needed to produce the same amount of polarization information as a single phase measurement. Frequency and time domain measurements will be similar but never equivalent due to the basic differences in their respective parameter definitions.
The structural basis of elasticity in fibrillin-based microfibrils.

Abstract The resiliency of vertebrate tissues such as skin and blood vessels is generated by the elastic fiber network. A recent article by Lee and colleagues (Lee et al., 2004) provides intriguing new cues into the organization and structure of this network.
Zero-crossings of a wavelet transform

The completeness, stability, and application to pattern recognition of a multiscale representation based on zero-crossings is discussed. An alternative projection algorithm is described that reconstructs a signal from a zero-crossing representation, which is stabilized by keeping the value of the wavelet transform integral between each pair of consecutive zero-crossings. The reconstruction algorithm has a fast convergence and each iteration requires O(N log/sup 2/ (N)) computation for a signal of N samples. The zero-crossings of a wavelet transform define a representation which is particularly well adapted for solving pattern recognition problems. As an example, the implementation and results of a coarse-to-fine stereo-matching algorithm are described. >
An interactive introduction to protein structure

To improve student understanding of protein structure and the significance of noncovalent interactions in protein structure and function, students are assigned a project to write a paper complemented with computer-generated images. The assignment provides an opportunity for students to select a protein structure that is of interest and detail three to five noncovalent interactions important for protein structure and/or function. The assignment is designed to provide a hands-on learning experience for students in a moderately large introductory biochemistry class.
Nursing Theory-Guided Research

Theory-guided research has a long tradition in nursing that spans at least 50 years. Yet the use of nursing theory with qualitative research approaches continues to raise questions. Grounded theory is selected by nurses as a research methodology to address research questions that are aimed at understanding the nuances of nursing communication processes. Nurse theorist Margaret Newman is recognized in this issue for her theoretical contributions to practice and research, and a Newman scholar is introduced who explains her use of grounded theory research methodology guided by Newman's theory of health as expanding consciousness.
Effect of Premature Loss of Deciduous Canines and Molars on Malocclusion of the Permanent Dentition

There was a significantly increased frequency of orthodontic treatment among those with the premature loss of one or more deciduous teeth. Of those with no history of orthodontic treatment, there was a significant effect of the premature loss of molars but not canines on malalignment. Anterior crowding was related only to the premature extraction of canines.
Oil removal from waste coffee grounds using two-phase solvent extraction enhanced with ultrasonication

Abstract The objective of this study was to investigate the kinetics of ultrasound assisted-two phase oil extraction from waste coffee grounds with high moisture content. Waste coffee grounds is the wet residue which contains approximately 13% (db) oil. Ultrasound-assisted two-phase oil extraction method successfully extracted 98% of the available oil from the waste coffee grounds in 30 min. Ultrasonication reduced the amount of hexane used for the extraction. Fatty acid methyl ester compositions of the waste coffee oil and the soybean oil were similar. The kinetics of oil extraction from waste coffee grounds were modeled using a two-exponential mathematical equation. Establishing oil extraction facilities at locations where the ready-to-drink coffee products are produced and using two-phase oil extraction eliminate major challenges of collection, transportation and drying, which makes waste coffee grounds a viable feedstock for biodiesel production.
Financial Engineering of the Integration of Global Supply Chain Networks and Social Networks with Risk Management

In this paper, we focus on the financial engineering of integrated global supply chain networks and social networks. Through a multilevel, dynamic supernetwork framework consisting of the global supply chain network with electronic commerce and the social network, we capture the multicriteria decision-making behavior of the various decision-makers (manufacturers, retailers, and consumers), which includes the maximization of profit, the maximization of relationship values, and the minimization of risk. Relationship levels in our framework are assumed to influence transaction costs as well as risk and to have value for the decision-makers. We explore the dynamic co-evolution of the global product transactions, the associated product prices, and the relationship levels on the supernetwork until an equilibrium pattern is achieved. The pricing mechanism guarantees that optimality for each decision-maker is achieved in the financially engineered multitiered, multilevel supernetwork. We provide some qualitative properties of the dynamic trajectories, under suitable assumptions, and propose a discrete-time algorithm, which yields explicit closed form expressions at each iteration for the tracking of the evolution of the global product transactions, relationship levels, and prices until an equilibrium is attained. We illustrate the model and computational procedure with several numerical examples.
Knowledge management: issues, challenges and opportunities for governments in the new economy

Throughout history, knowledge has always been viewed from multiple perspectives-abstract, philosophical, religious and practical. This paper focuses on the practical perspective and how governments can capitalize on it as they attempt to come to terms with the forces being unleashed by what is being described as the "new economy." To deliver more innovative services to a demanding public, governments must be involved in the deployment of such new services as e-government and e-commerce. Active management of their knowledge assets is mandatory for success. Drawing from reported private sector experiences, some issues, challenges and opportunities for government services provision are examined. A suggested implementation approach highlights leadership, culture, technology, and measurement as critical success factors. Examining some US government early practices, the paper advocates for "communities of practice", cautions on "best practices" and concludes with recommendations.
Selected Translations of Social Psychology to Counseling Psychology

This article briefly discusses some circumscribed important areas where social and counseling psychology interface. Some of the historical routes of the interface are noted and the effect of this work is addressed. It is concluded that considerable progress has been made in translating social psychology research into counseling research and practice but that much more remains to be investigated. We note that most of the research and practice advances have come from social to counseling psychology. Counseling psychologists are encouraged to contribute to the interface and advance our general knowledge of human behavior. The article concludes by introducing the four companion articles in this special issue and the final summary article.
Anesthetics and cardiocentesis increase urinary carnitine excretion in rats and guinea pigs

Our interest in carnitine homeostasis lead us to determine effects of several commonly used anesthetics and blood sampling procedures on serum and urinary carnitine concentrations. Serum and urine samples were collected from male rats and guinea pigs prior to and after anesthesia with and without cardiocentesis and assayed for carnitine and acylcarnitine. Methoxyflurane alone increased urinary carnitine excretion in guinea pigs but not in rats. Methoxyflurane plus cardiocentesis increased urinary carnitine and acylcarnitine in both species, and isoflurane mimicked methoxyflurane in rats. Cardiocentesis with phenobarbital or pentobarbital increased carnitine and acylcarnitine in serum but not in urine. Ketamine plus acepromazine increased total carnitine only in the serum of rats. A combination of ketamine and xylazine increased serum carnitine and urinary acylcarnitine. It is concluded that anesthesia and cardiocentesis increased serum and urinary carnitine and acylcarnitines differently depending on the species and the anesthetic administered.
Hydrothermal unit commitment with probabilistic constraints using segmentation method

Hydrothermal unit commitment is studied using a formulation which employs the unit commitment risk as a reliability constraint. This approach provides a rational modeling of the problem by considering the outages of thermal units and the uncertainty of the demand. Thermal unit commitment is optimized by using dynamic programming. The calculation of the expected cost of thermal generation and the evaluation of commitment risk are performed by the segmentation method. For hydrothermal coordination, an expected incremental cost grid of thermal generation is constructed for different levels of hydro generating capacity by introducing a new algorithm which supplements the segmentation method with an efficient shifting technique. The gradient method is then applied to use this grid in the optimal dispatch of hydro units. The global optimization is executed in an iterative loop which consists of the thermal unit commitment and hydrothermal coordination. >
Recent Membership Trends of the Economic History Association

Hugh G. J. Aitken, as former chairman of the membership committee of the Economic History Association, made a very revealing analysis of the trends, geographical distribution, and prospects of the Association's membership as of 1962. See his communication on “The Association's Membership: Growth and Distribution” in this Journal for September 1963, pages 335–341. This updating of Aitken's analysis is based on the reports made by the membership committee and by Herman Krooss, the Association's treasurer, at the annual meeting in September 1964.
Optical imaging in tissue with X-ray excited luminescent sensors

We report a high-spatial resolution imaging technique to measure optical absorption and detect chemical and physical changes on surfaces embedded in thick tissue. Developing sensors to measure chemical concentrations on implanted surfaces through tissue is an important challenge for analytical chemistry and biomedical imaging. Tissue scattering dramatically reduces the resolution of optical imaging. In contrast, X-rays provide high spatial resolution imaging through tissue but do not measure chemical concentrations. We describe a hybrid technique which uses a scanning X-ray beam to irradiate Gd2O2S scintillators and detect the resulting visible luminescence through the tissue. The amount of light collected is modulated by optical absorption in close proximity to the luminescence source. By scanning the X-ray beam, and measuring total amount of light collected, one can measure the local absorption near scintillators at a resolution limited by the width of luminescence source (i.e. the width of the X-ray excitation beam). For proof of principle, a rectangular 1.7 mm scanning X-ray beam was used to excite a single layer of 8 μm Gd2O2S particles, and detect the absorption of 5 nm thick silver island film through 10 mm of pork. Lifetime and spectroscopic measurements, as well changing the refractive index of the surroundings indicate that the silver reduces the optical signal through attenuated total internal reflection. The technique was used to image the dissolution of regions of the silver island film which were exposed to 1 mM of H2O2 through 1 cm of pork tissue.
The Vascular Flora of Sandy Run Savannas State Natural Area, Onslow and Pender Counties, North Carolina

Abstract The vascular plants of Sandy Run Savannas State Natural Area, located in portions of Onslow and Pender counties, North Carolina, are presented as an annotated species list. A total of 590 taxa in 315 genera and 119 families were collected from eight plant communities. Families with the highest numbers of species were the Asteraceae (80), Poaceae (66), and Cyperaceae (65). Two species, Carex lutea (golden sedge) and Thalictrum cooleyi (Cooley's meadowrue), have federal endangered status. A total of 23 taxa are tracked by the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, while 29 others are considered rare, but not included on the priority list. Of 44 species considered strict endemic or near-endemic taxa to the North and South Carolina Coastal Plain, 18 (41%) were collected in this study. Selected pine savannas within the site were rated as nationally significant by the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program. Fifty-one (51) non-native species were present and represented 8.7% of the flora.
The Role of Platelet Factor 4 in Local and Remote Tissue Damage in a Mouse Model of Mesenteric Ischemia/ Reperfusion Injury

The robust inflammatory response that occurs during ischemia reperfusion (IR) injury recruits factors from both the innate and adaptive immune systems. However the contribution of platelets and their products such as Platelet Factor 4 (PF4; CXCL4), during the pathogenesis of IR injury has not been thoroughly investigated. We show that a deficiency in PF4 protects mice from local and remote tissue damage after 30 minutes of mesenteric ischemia and 3 hours of reperfusion in PF4-/- mice compared to control B6 mice. This protection was independent from Ig or complement deposition in the tissues. However, neutrophil and monocyte infiltration were decreased in the lungs of PF4-/- mice compared with B6 control mice. Platelet-depleted B6 mice transfused with platelets from PF4-/- mice displayed reduced tissue damage compared with controls. In contrast, transfusion of B6 platelets into platelet depleted PF4-/- mice reconstituted damage in both intestine and lung tissues. We also show that PF4 may modulate the release of IgA. Interestingly, we show that PF4 expression on intestinal epithelial cells is increased after IR at both the mRNA and protein levels. In conclusion, these findings demonstrate that may PF4 represent an important mediator of local and remote tissue damage.
Client Perspectives About Religion and Spirituality in Group Counseling

The main purpose of this study was to examine client-rated appropriateness and preferences regarding the discussion of religious and spiritual concerns in group counseling. Participants were 164 group clients at nine university counseling centers nationwide. Clients volunteered to complete an online questionnaire about their experiences and opinions regarding religion and spirituality in group counseling. The majority of clients indicated that religious concerns are an appropriate topic for group counseling and reported a preference to discuss religious and spiritual concerns with their groups. Regression analyses examined predictors of client-rated (a) appropriateness of discussing religious concerns in group, (b) appropriateness of group leaders using religious or spiritual interventions, and (c) preferences for discussing religious and spiritual issues in group. The most consistent predictors of these ratings were client spirituality, client religious commitment, degree of spiritual struggles, and the ...
Scintigraphic evaluation of cerebrospinal fluid diversionary shunt: complications of the proximal limb.

A FOUR-MONTH-OLD infant with three previous cerebrospinal diversionary shunt revisions presented with a full anterior fontanelle, mild abdominal distention, and an enlarged head circumference for her age. An abdominal radiograph was obtained (Fig 1). The following hospital day, a scintigraphic study was obtained to evaluate the patency of her CSF diversionary shunt (Fig 2). The distal limb of the patient's shunt was revised. Her anterior fontanelle was normal on the first postoperative day. Over the next several weeks, her abdomen no longer appeared distended, and her abdominal mass was no longer palpable. After serious complications of ventriculoatrial and ventriculocaval CSF diversionary shunts became evident, use of the absorbent capacity of the peritoneal cavity for excess CSF held considerably more appeal. In general, ventriculoperitoneal shunts for treatment of hydrocephalus potentiate fewer serious complications than ventriculoatrial shunts. However, as demonstrated by the following array of documented peritoneal complications, the breadth of peritoneal complications appears to be limited only by the imagination.
Document scanner velocity command synthesis using time optimal command shaping

Vibration induced scan velocity fluctuation during high speed scanning can cause color mis-registration and Moire patterns which degrade the quality of the scanned image. To avoid this problem, scanner manufacturers often introduce additional buffer between velocity ramp-up and constant scan velocity regions in order to allow the initial velocity transient to settle down. This buffer region results in longer scanning time and larger scanner footprint. To address these issues, this paper proposes using a time optimal command shaping algorithm to synthesize the velocity ramp-up profile for a stepper motor belt drive system, resulting in reduced oscillations in the transient region. The benefit is twofold - the required platen length as well as the time for completing a scan are reduced. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach in minimizing overshoots in ramp up velocity transient thereby shortening the initial velocity stabilization buffer by 8%. This also corresponds to 0.9 inch reduction in the length of the platen.
Nature of the Promoter Activated by C.PvuII, an Unusual Regulatory Protein Conserved among Restriction-Modification Systems

A widely distributed family of small regulators, called C proteins, controls a subset of restriction-modification systems. The C proteins studied to date activate transcription of their own genes and that of downstream endonuclease genes; this arrangement appears to delay endonuclease expression relative to that of the protective methyltransferase when the genes enter a new cell. C proteins bind to conserved sequences called C boxes. In the PvuII system, the C boxes have been reported to extend from −23 to +3 relative to the transcription start for the gene for the C protein, an unexpected starting position relative to a bound activator. This study suggests that transcript initiation within the C boxes represents initial, C-independent transcription of pvuIICR. The major C protein-dependent transcript appears to be a leaderless mRNA starting farther downstream, at the initiation codon for the pvuIIC gene. This conclusion is based on nuclease S1 transcript mapping and the effects of a series of nested deletions in the promoter region. Furthermore, replacing the region upstream of the pvuIIC initiation codon with a library of random oligonucleotides, followed by selection for C-dependent transcription, yielded clones having sequences that resemble −10 promoter hexamers. The −35 hexamer of this promoter would lie within the C boxes. However, the spacing between C boxes/−35 and the apparent −10 hexamer can be varied by ±4 bp with little effect. This suggests that, like some other activator-dependent promoters, PpvuIICR may not require a −35 hexamer. Features of this transcription activation system suggest explanations for its broad host range.
Product choice for international web-based SMEs

SMEs can use the internet to enter new countries. While setting up web-based stores to target consumers in a new country, an important issue for SME managers is what products to sell in their stores. This is because all products are not likely to succeed equally in all cultural settings. In this context, this paper proposes that SMEs should market hedonic products in those cultures where hedonic shopping motivations are dominant and utilitarian products where utilitarian motivations are dominant. This hypothesis was tested on data that was obtained from a web-based survey. The results of empirical analysis supported the hypothesis.
Broad-Spectrum Drug Screening Using Liquid Chromatography-Hybrid Triple-Quadrupole Linear Ion Trap Mass Spectrometry

Urine is processed with a simple C18 solid-phase extraction (SPE) and reconstituted in mobile phase. The liquid chromatography system (LC) injects 10 μL of extracted sample onto a reverse-phase LC column for gradient analysis with ammonium formate/acetonitrile mobile phases. Drugs in the column eluent become charged in the ion source using positive electrospray ionization (ESI). Pseudomolecular ions (M + H) are analyzed by a hybrid triple-quadrupole linear ion trap (QqQ and QqLIT) mass spectrometer using an SRM-IDA-EPI acquisition. An initial 125 compound selected ion monitoring (SRM) survey scan (triple quadrupole or QqQ mode) is processed by the information-dependent acquisition (IDA) algorithm. The IDA algorithm selects SRM signals from the survey scan with a peak height above the threshold (the three most abundant SRM signals above 1000 cps) to define precursor ions for subsequent dependent scanning. In the dependent QqLIT scan(s), selected precursor ion(s) are passed through the first quadrupole (Q1), fragmented with three different collision energies in the collision cell (Q2 or q), and product ions are collected in the third quadrupole (Q3), now operating as a linear ion trap (LIT). The ions are scanned out of the LIT in a mass dependent manner to produce a full-scan product ion spectrum (m/z 50-700) defined as an Enhanced (meaning acquired in LIT mode) Product Ion (EPI) spectrum (Mueller et al., Rapid Commun Mass Spectrom 19:1332-1338, 2005). Each EPI spectrum is linked to its precursor ion and to the associated SRM peak from the survey scan. EPI spectra are automatically searched against a 125 drug library of reference EPI spectra for identification. When the duty cycle is complete (one survey scan of 125 SRMs plus 0-3 dependent IDA-EPI scans) the mass spectrometer begins another survey scan of the 125 SRMs.
Sepsis-induced changes in protein synthesis: differential effects on fast- and slow-twitch muscles.

Sepsis is associated with severe muscle wasting. Mechanisms responsible for sepsis-induced alterations in muscle protein metabolism were investigated in vivo and compared with changes induced by no...
Testing Prison Inmates for Entrepreneurial Aptitude

A pilot study of prison inmates was conducted to measure their entrepreneurial aptitude, with the objective of determining whether self-employment training/or such inmates would be of value. Statistical analysis of the collected aptitude data , measured by Miner Sentence Completion Scale-Form T testing of task motivation, indicates that these inmates have such a propensity, at a level comparable to or higher than samples of currently practicing entrepreneurs. Since a major cause of inmate recidivism is the inability of ex-convicts to obtain employment, then if prison inmates have significant entrepreneurial propensity, it follows that self-employment should be considered a valid alternative path for ex-convicts. Self-employment training would facilitate inmates’ movement along this path. Further, and more probing, research is suggested.
A Reclassification of the Palpomyia-Bezzia-Macropeza Groups, and a Revision of the North American Sphaeromiini (Diptera, Ceratopogonidae)

Keys are given to the four subfamilies of Ceratopogonidae and the seven tribes of Ceratopogoninae of the World, and to the World genera of the four tribes (Sphaeromiini, HETEROMYIINI, Stenoxenini, and Palpomyiini) that comprise the Palpomyia-Bezzia-Macropeza Groups. A synonymic list of these tribes and genera, with distributions of the latter, follows the keys. The genera of Sphaeromiini treated here, with keys to their North American species, are: Johannsenomyia (= Dicrohelea Kieffer) with 2 species, both reassigned back to it from Dicrohelea; Sphaeromias , now with S. longipennis (Loew) its sole North American species; Nilobezzia , with 1 now species and with 3 others transferred to it from Sphaeromias ; and MALLOCHOHELEA (type Johannsenomyia albibasis Malloch), erected to include the majority (15) of the species formerly placed in Johannsenomyia . This new genus includes 11 Nearctic species, 5 of which are new. The two North American species of Jenkinshelea and the 20 species of Probezzia (= Dicrobezzia of authors) will be reviewed elsewhere.
Gene–Education Interactions Identify Novel Blood Pressure Loci in the Framingham Heart Study

BACKGROUND Blood pressure (BP) variability has a genetic component, most of which has yet to be attributed to specific variants. One promising strategy for gene discovery is analysis of interactions between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and BP-related factors, including age, sex, and body mass index (BMI). Educational attainment, a marker for socioeconomic status, has effects on both BP and BMI.
Design of Organic Chromophores for All-Optical Signal Processing Applications

Organic materials possess many key attributes that make them suitable for exploitation in all-optical signal processing applications including facile tunability of their optical properties, strong and ultrafast nonlinear optical response, and potential for integration into device structures. In this perspective, we present molecular design guidelines for organic chromophores that could serve as the active constituents for such materials. Using a relatively simple model, a candidate class of chromophores, namely cyanine-like polymethines, is identified based on promising microscopic nonlinear optical properties in the near-IR spectral region. The challenges associated with translating these microscopic properties into materials with macroscopic properties suitable for device applications are presented along with molecular engineering approaches for overcoming these hurdles.
INFLUENCE OF POLYOXIN D ON BASIDIOSPORE GERMINATION OF TWO WOOD DECAY FUNGI

The increasing awareness of the potential value of pesticides with narrow and specific target activities has led to investigation of chemicals such as plant lectins (1) and inhibitors of chitin synthesis as anti-fungal agents (2-6). In fact, many fungicides currently used in agriculture (e.g., triazines, sulfenimides) are specific chitin synthetase inhibitors (7). Though fungi differ greatly in their sensitivity to such agents, it has been shown that one group of such compounds, the polyoxins, can produce abnormal hyphal morphology, retard or stop growth, and reduce wood decay by basidiomycete fungi (4-6). As spores of decay fungi are known to be more sensitive to certain wood preservatives than is established mycelium (8, 10), this study sought to determine the effect of such a chitin synthesis inhibitor-Polyoxin D-on spore germination and early hyphal development of a brown rot and a white rot fungus in vitro. Polyoxin D is a competitive, substrateanalogue type of chitin synthetase inhibitor (2). The drawbacks to use of such a compound as a wood preservative (i.e., cost, possible leaching or degradation) might be reduced should it be effective in preventing decay initiation by spore germination at very low concentrations. Basidiospores from 3 week-old cultures of Gloeophyllum trabeum (Pers.: Fr.) Murr. [MN 51 isolate] and Poria tenuis (Schw.) Cooke [ATCC 36207] were collected from covers on inverted cultures which had been changed 24 hours earlier. These fungi (brown and white rot, respectively) sporulate well on 2% malt extract (Difco) agar when grown in deep glass dishes (8). Spore suspensions were made in 0.5% malt extract in sterile distilled, deionized water and adjusted to a density of approximately 1 x 106/ml. Equal volumes of spore suspension and water solution of Polyoxin D (from a Streptomyces speciesBehring Diagnostics, La Jolla, California) were micropipetted (70 ,l each) into a well slide. A cover slip was placed over the well to retard evaporation during incubation, and the slides were placed in Petri plate incubation chambers containing filter paper wetted with sterile water and 10% glycerol. Plates (2 replicates per concentration) were incubated at 25 C on the lab bench in diffuse light. Final polyoxin concentrations in the wells ranged from 1 ppb (0.001 ,ug/ ml) to 400 ppm (jig/ml). Aliquots from stirred well slide solutions were removed at 24 hours to
Blindness resulting from bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the skull base

AbstractBisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) is a rare, serious complication of bisphosphonate therapy. We report here a 69-year-old man with a history of multiple myeloma and 5 years of adjuvant zoledronate therapy presenting with loss of light perception, proptosis, ptosis and impaired abduction of the right eye. This patient was found to have developed an unusually severe presentation of osteomyelitis of the skull base in the setting of BRONJ that ultimately led to unilateral blindness. In this extreme case of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the skull base, we reveal the importance of early identification and treatment of these lesions. This is the first description of BRONJ-induced blindness.
Identifying fatigue crack geometric features from acoustic emission signals

Acoustic emission (AE) caused by the growth of fatigue crack were well studied by researchers. Conventional approaches predominantly are based on statistical analysis. In this study we focus on identifying geometric features of the crack from the AE signals using physics based approach. One of the main challenges of this approach is to develop a physics of materials based understanding of the generation and propagation of acoustic emissions due to the growth of a fatigue crack. As the geometry changes due to the crack growth, so does the local vibration modes around the crack. Our aim is to understand these changing local vibration modes and find possible relation between the AE signal features and the geometric features of the crack. Finite element (FE) analysis was used to model AE events due to fatigue crack growth. This was done using dipole excitation at the crack tips. Harmonic analysis was also performed on these FE models to understand the local vibration modes. Experimental study was carried out to verify these results. Piezoelectric wafer active sensors (PWAS) were used to excite cracked specimen and the local vibration modes were captured using laser Doppler vibrometry. The preliminary results show that the AE signals do carry the information related to the crack geometry.
Biology of the mesangial cell in glomerulonephritis--role of cytokines.

AbstractThe mesangial cell occupies a central position in the genesis of the pertubations occurring during the pathogenesis of glomerulonephritis. In vitro studies have shown that this cell is a metabolically active cell producing a variety of cytokines which act as autocoids; such cytokines are also liberated by the monocytes/macrophages which infiltrate the glomerulus in nephritis. This review summarizes the evidence for the participation of these cytokines in animal models of nephritis and in human renal disease, focusing on the roles of basic fibroblast growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor, transforming growth factor-β, colony-stimulating factor-1, tumor necrosis factor, interleukin-1, and interleukin-6.
P08.01 Characterising cd4+ and cd8+ t-cell responses by intracellular cytokine staining in women with and without chlamydia trachomatis reinfection

Background Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection is the most prevalent bacterial sexually transmitted infection worldwide and, untreated, can lead to significant reproductive morbidity. Unfortunately, the prevalence remains high in the United States and no effective CT vaccine exists, in part because of an inadequate knowledge of immunological responses to CT infection in humans and, specifically, no correlates of protective immunity to guide vaccine studies. In animal studies, IFN-γ and/or TNF-α producing CD4 cells are known to mediate protection against C. trachomatis . The objective of this study was to characterise the T-cell mediated immune responses to C. trachomatis in humans with and without CT reinfection at a follow up clinic visit. Methods In an ongoing study, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) are collected from CT-infected women at the time of treatment and stimulated in vitro with C. trachomatis antigens MOMP or PGP3, then fixed and permeabilized. The percentage of CD4 + and CD8 + T-cells expressing either IFN-γ or TNF-α is then assessed using intracellular cytokine staining (ICCS) and flow cytometry. Women return at 3- and 6-months for repeat genital chlamydia screening. Cytokine-specific ICCS responses are then compared in women with versus without subsequent CT reinfection at follow-up to assess for possible correlates of protection. Results To date, we have performed ICCS on 44 women who have completed the study. Compared with women who had CT reinfection at a follow-up visit (n = 14), women without CT reinfection (n = 30) had higher baseline positive CD8 + TNF-α responses (p = 0.042). There was no significant association of IFN-γ and/or TNF-α CD4 responses with CT reinfection risk. Conclusions Our preliminary findings reveal that a TNF-α-producing CD8 + T-cell response appears to correlate with a decreased risk for CT reinfection, suggesting a possible role in protective immunity. CD4 T-cell responses have not significantly differed in women with versus without CT reinfection. Disclosure of interest statement Nothing to declare.
Effects of candesartan and PD123319 on responses to angiotensin II in the anesthetized mouse.

The effects of candesartan (30 microg/kg i.v.) and PD123319 (10 mg/kg i.v.) on changes in systemic arterial pressure in response to angiotensin II (AngII) were investigated in the anesthetized mouse. Intravenous injections of AngII caused dose-related increases in systemic arterial pressure. Pressor responses to AngII were attenuated by candesartan but were not altered by PD123319. Neither candesartan nor PD123319 had a significant effect on baseline systemic arterial pressure or on the increase in arterial pressure in response to norepinephrine. The present results suggest that increases in systemic arterial pressure in response to AngII in the anesthetized mouse are mediated by AT1 receptors and that AT2 receptors do not modulate the pressor response to AngII.
PET Imaging of Response and Resistance to Cancer Therapy

As cancer treatment moves towards more targeted therapy, there is an increasing need for tools to guide therapy selection and to evaluate response. Biochemical and molecular imaging can complement existing in vitro assay methods and is likely to play a key role in early drug testing and development, as well as future clinical practice. Imaging is ideally suited to assessing the spatial and temporal heterogeneity of cancer and to measure in vivo drug effects. This chapter highlights imaging approaches to guide cancer therapy, focusing on positron emission tomography and on those approaches that have undergone preliminary testing in patients. Examples showing how positron emission tomography imaging can be used to (1) assess the therapeutic target, (2) identify resistance factors, and (3) measure early response are described.
Comprehensive Assessment of Speech Sound Production in Preschool Children

This paper describes a comprehensive speech sound assessment for preschool children suspected of having a speech sound disorder (SSD). Recommended components include standardized single-word testing, additional single-word testing, connected speech sampling, phonological analyses, stimulability testing, and inconsistency testing. While data collection and some cursory analyses take place during the evaluation session, allowing the speech-language pathologist (SLP) to share key information with the parents/caregivers, much of the in-depth analysis takes place later. Since most preschool children's SSDs are phonological in nature, a phonological approach to analysis, target selection, and treatment is required. Two examples of phonological analyses, a place-voice-manner (PVM) analysis and an error pattern analysis, are discussed. Both allow the SLP to identify patterns of difficulty in the child's speech with regards to the place, voicing, and/or manner characteristics of target consonants. Phonological ana...
Thresholds for Hepatocarcinogenicity of DNA-Reactive Compounds

The concept of thresholds for the carcinogenicity of chemicals has long been under consideration and is widely accepted for carcinogens with an epigenetic mode of action. Most studies of DNA-reactive carcinogens that used relatively low cumulative doses have been interpreted as not showing a threshold, although some investigators have calculated “virtually safe doses,” “practical thresholds,” or no-adverse-effect levels. In this review of dose–effect relationships for DNA-reactive rodent liver carcinogens we discuss relevant data, including DNA adducts, cytotoxicity, cell proliferation, and preneoplastic lesions, with regard to possible no-adverse-effect levels. We conclude that thresholds exist for all these effects.
GT-Cats: Tracking Operator Activities in Complex Systems

Human operators of complex dynamic systems can experience difficulties supervising advanced control automation. One remedy is to develop intelligent aiding systems that can provide operators with context-sensitive advice and reminders. The research reported herein proposes, implements, and evaluates a methodology for activity tracking, a form of intent inferencing that can supply the knowledge required for an intelligent aid by constructing and maintaining a representation of operator activities in real time. The methodology was implemented in the Georgia Tech Crew Activity Tracking System (GT-CATS), which predicts and interprets the actions performed by Boeing 757/767 pilots navigating using autopilot flight modes. This report first describes research on intent inferencing and complex modes of automation. It then provides a detailed description of the GT-CATS methodology, knowledge structures, and processing scheme. The results of an experimental evaluation using airline pilots are given. The results show that GT-CATS was effective in predicting and interpreting pilot actions in real time.
Direct Percutaneous Endoscopic Jejunostomy (DPEJ) Tube Placement: A Single Institution Experience and Outcomes to 30 Days and Beyond

Patients with prior foregut surgery requiring long-term enteral access typically undergo operative jejunostomy tube placement; however, direct percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy (DPEJ) is a viable alternative. All de novo DPEJ procedures performed by surgical and advanced endoscopists from May 2003 to June 2015 were retrospectively reviewed following approval by the Institutional Review Board. There were 59 cases identified. Our cohort had a mean age of 50.3 ± 16.9 years and 35 (59.3%) were female. All but two patients previously had foregut surgery including 19 patients (34.5%) with prior bariatric surgery. The composite of malnutrition and dehydration was the indication for DPEJ in 29 patients (49.1%) and was the initial enteral access placed in 47 patients (79.7%). Moderate sedation was used in 32 cases (54.2%), and 29 procedures (49.2%) were performed in the operating room. Within 30 days, there were six complications in five patients, giving a peri-procedural complication rate of 12.5%. Beyond 30 days, the most common complications were peri-tube leakage and dislodgement (each 16.9%). The median time to complication was 197 days. In patients with surgically altered foregut anatomy, DPEJ offers a less invasive alternative to operative jejunostomy tube placement. DPEJ can be placed in the endoscopy suite or operating room with an acceptable risk of perioperative complications.
Modeling Spread of Disease from Social Interactions

Research in computational epidemiology to date has concentrated on coarse-grained statistical analysis of populations, often synthetic ones. By contrast, this paper focuses on fine-grained modeling of the spread of infectious diseases throughout a large real-world social network. Specifically, we study the roles that social ties and interactions between specific individuals play in the progress of a contagion. We focus on public Twitter data, where we find that for every health-related message there are more than 1,000 unrelated ones. This class imbalance makes classification particularly challenging. Nonetheless, we present a framework that accurately identifies sick individuals from the content of online communication. Evaluation on a sample of 2.5 million geo-tagged Twitter messages shows that social ties to infected, symptomatic people, as well as the intensity of recent co-location, sharply increase one's likelihood of contracting the illness in the near future. To our knowledge, this work is the first to model the interplay of social activity, human mobility, and the spread of infectious disease in a large real-world population. Furthermore, we provide the first quantifiable estimates of the characteristics of disease transmission on a large scale without active user participation---a step towards our ability to model and predict the emergence of global epidemics from day-to-day interpersonal interactions.