cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Medical student education program in Alzheimer's disease: the PAIRS Program.

As life expectancy increases, dementia incidence will also increase, creating a greater need for physicians well-trained to provide integrated geriatric care. However, research suggests medical students have limited knowledge or interest in pursuing geriatric or dementia care. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the PAIRS Program and its effectiveness in enhancing medical education as a service-learning activity and replication model for the Buddy ProgramTM. Between 2007 and 2011, four consecutive classes of first year Boston University School of Medicine students (n = 45; 24 ± 3 years, 58% female, 53% White) participated in a year-long program in which they were paired with a patient with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Assessments included pre- and post-program dementia knowledge tests and a post-program reflective essay. Program completion was 100% (n = 45). A paired-sample t-test revealed a modest improvement in dementia knowledge post-program (p < 0.001). Using qualitative coding methods, 12 overarching themes emerged from the students’ reflective essays, such as observing care partner burden, reporting a human side to AD, reporting experiences from the program that will impact future clinical practice, and obtaining a greater understanding of AD. Quantitative and qualitative findings suggest that the PAIRS Program can enhance the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and positive attitudes regarding geriatric healthcare in future generations of physicians, a skill set that is becoming increasingly relevant in light of the rapidly aging population. Furthermore, results suggest that The Buddy ProgramTM model can be successfully replicated.
Is lysyl oxidase-like protein-1, alpha-1 antitrypsin, and neutrophil elastase site specific in pelvic organ prolapse?

We investigated whether the expression of alpha-1 antitrypsin (ATT), neutrophil elastase (NE), and lysyl oxidase-like protein 1 (LOXL-1) vary within the vagina in subjects with pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Biopsies were obtained from the anterior and posterior vaginal wall of 22 women with POP (≥stage 2 by POP-Q). The subjects were grouped by the most prominent defect: cystocele, cystocele plus uterine prolapse, and rectocele. Comparative real-time PCR, Western blotting, and NE enzyme activity assay were performed. The ratio of anterior and posterior vaginal wall ATT, NE, and LOXL-1 expression varied between individuals within the same defect group. ATT, NE, and LOXl-1 expression was variable among different biopsy sites in the vagina. No consistent pattern was present when the subjects were grouped by the most prominent defect. We recommend careful consideration of biopsy sites in future studies on POP to enhance reproducibility of data.
Effects of oxidants and antioxidants on proliferation of endometrial stromal cells

Objective To evaluate the effects of oxidative stress and antioxidants on proliferation of endometrial stromal cells. Design In vitro study. Setting Academic laboratory. Patient(s) Women, with and without endometriosis, of reproductive age. Intervention(s) Culture of endometrial stromal cells with antioxidants or with agents inducing oxidative stress. Main outcome measure(s) Proliferation of endometrial stromal cells as determined by thymidine incorporation assay and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Result(s) Antioxidants induced a dose-dependent inhibition of thymidine incorporation: vitamin E succinate was inhibitory at 10–100 μM (by 43%–95%), ebselen at 10–30 μM (by 29%–77%), and N -acetylcysteine at 10–30 mM (by 52%–85%). In contrast, modest oxidative stress induced by hypoxanthine/xanthine oxidase (1 mM/3–30 μU/mL) stimulated proliferation by 40%–62%. H 2 O 2 (1 μM) increased DNA synthesis by 56%. Comparable findings were obtained using MTT proliferation assay. Antioxidants inhibited proliferation: vitamin E succinate (100 μM) by 91%, ebselen (30 μM) by 81%, and N -acetylcysteine (30 mM) by 95%. Hypoxanthine/xanthine oxidase (1 mM/30 μU/mL) and H 2 O 2 (1 μM) stimulated growth by 122% and 58%, respectively. Conclusion(s) Reactive oxygen species may modulate growth of endometrial stroma. Under pathologic conditions such as endometriosis, increased oxidative stress and depletion of antioxidants may contribute to excessive growth of endometrial stromal cells.
Micro Quantitative Edman Manual Sequencing

The ability to quantitatively as well as qualitatively determine amino acid residues from protein/peptide sequencing would provide an important tool for the study of proteins, which up to recently has not been utilized.1 Edman clearly noted this; and was surprised so little emphasis was placed on the quantitative aspects of sequencing when so much additional information could be obtained by its realization.2 The method to be described attempts to fulfill this intention by having a technical ease which facilitates reproducibility and by incorporating a simple, sensitive, accurate system for quantitation; thus not only protein chemists but anyone dealing with proteins could avail themselves of the potential of quantitative sequencing. In addition the method has the flexibility to effectively treat a broad scope of sequencing problems such as rapidly deblocking and sequencing pyroglutamyl polypeptides and preventing material losses during extractive procedures (without special carriers).
Astrophysical applications of few-nucleon physics

Abstract Some applications of few-nucleon physics to Big Bang Nucleosynthesis, solar neutrinos, and neutron stars have been reviewed. The future in all of these areas is very exciting as improved measurements of the light element abundances, solar neutrino fluxes, and neutron star properties are planned. On the nuclear physics side new theoretical calculations and measurements will improve our understanding of the underlying physics. Together these effors will lead to a greater understanding of both our Universe and few-nucleon dynamics.
Spectral simulation methodology for calibration transfer of near-infrared spectra.

A spectrum simulation method is described for use in the development and transfer of multivariate calibration models from near-infrared spectra. By use of previously measured molar absorptivities and solvent displacement factors, synthetic calibration spectra are computed using only background spectra collected with the spectrometer for which a calibration model is desired. The resulting synthetic calibration set is used with partial least squares regression to form the calibration model. This methodology is demonstrated for use in the analysis of physiological levels of glucose (1–30 mM) in an aqueous matrix containing variable levels of alanine, ascorbate, lactate, urea, and triacetin. Experimentally measured data from two different Fourier transform spectrometers with different noise levels and stabilities are used to evaluate the simulation method. With the more stable instrument (A), well-performing calibration models are obtained, producing a standard error of prediction (SEP) of 0.70 mM. With the less stable instrument (B), the calibration based solely on synthetic spectra is less successful, producing an SEP value of 1.58 mM. For cases in which the synthetic spectra do not describe enough spectral variance, an augmentation protocol is evaluated in which the synthetic calibration spectra are augmented with the spectra of a small number of experimentally measured calibration samples. For instruments A and B, respectively, augmentation with measured spectra of nine samples lowers the SEP values to 0.64 and 0.85 mM.
Effect of tetralin, decalin and naphthalene as hydrogen donors in the upgrading of heavy oils

Abstract Nowadays the upgrading of heavy crude oils is achieved by thermal cracking or hydrocracking, which are based on the carbon rejection and hydrogen addition routes. These processes have several problems yet to be solved, such as coke deposition both on the reactor walls and on the catalyst, low quality of products and low efficiency of usage of hydrogen. Thus, an efficient technology for the production of high quality distillates from heavy oils or residua has not been developed yet. An interesting alternative for improving the yield of valuable liquid products in the hydroprocessing of heavy feeds is the use of hydrogen donors (usually polycyclic naphthenic-aromatic or naphthenic compounds that can be reversibly hydrogenated-dehydrogenated in the reacting mixture). The molecules of the hydrogen donors are dehydrogenated, transferring hydrogen atoms to the heavy hydrocarbons in the oil, thus improving the quality of the cracked products and minimizing the polymerization of the heavier molecules via a free radicals mechanism. This work is focused on the effect of tetralin, decalin and naphthalene as hydrogen donors (Hdonors) in the thermal cracking of a Mexican heavy crude oil (12.1 °API) in the presence of hydrogen or methane as reducing agents. Experiments were carried out in a batch reactor under relatively mild conditions, 1.1 MPa initial pressure and 693 K temperature. The results indicate that the combination of these H-donors and reducing agentsleads to significant reductions in the yield of coke, compared to those obtained using only the reducing agents under the same conditions. The improvements in the API gravity, the viscosity and the distillates yield (as determined by GC-simulated distillation) upon treatment are nearly the same with or without H-donors, confirming that the primary cracking reactions depend mainly on the temperature of reaction and are not appreciably affected by the presence of reducing agents or hydrogen donors. The reduction in the yield of coke was similar for tetralin, decalin and naphthalene.
(1S,3R)‐1‐Aminocyclopentane‐1,3‐Dicarboxylic Acid‐Induced Increases in Cyclic AMP Formation in the Neonatal Rat Hippocampus Are Mediated by a Synergistic Interaction Between Phosphoinositide‐ and Inhibitory Cyclic AMP‐Coupled mGluRs

A pharmacological approach was used to investigate the cellular mechanism and metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) subtypes that mediate stimulation of basal cyclic AMP (cAMP) formation in slices of the neonatal rat hippocampus. (1S,3 R)-1-Aminocyclopentane-1, 3-dicarboxylic acid (1S,3R-ACPD), which is an agonist for phosphoinositide-coupled and inhibitory-coupled cAMP-linked mGluRs in cloned and in situ preparations, produced prominent stimulations of basal cAMP levels (five- to 10-fold). However, the agonists 3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG) and (2R,4R)-4-aminopyrrolidine-2,4-dicarboxylate (2R,4R-APDC), which selectively act on phosphoinositide-coupled and inhibitory cAMP-coupled mGluRs, respectively, only weakly increased cAMP levels. When these two mGluR subtype-selective agonists were added in combination, robust increases in cAMP levels, similar to those observed for 1S,3R-ACPD, were found. Stimulations of cAMP content evoked by 1S,3R-ACPD and combined additions of DHPG plus 2R,4R-APDC occurred at concentrations of these agents that directly couple to other mGluR second messenger responses. However, these stimulatory cAMP responses were prevented by the presence of adenosine deaminase and 8-p-sulfophenyltheophylline (an adenosine receptor antagonist), as well as (+)-alpha-methyl-4-carboxyphenylglycine (an mGluR receptor antagonist). Thus, 1S,3R-ACPD-induced increases in cAMP formation in the neonatal rat hippocampus are mediated by a synergistic interaction between mGluRs coupled to phosphoinositide (group 1) and inhibitory cAMP (group 2), which are indirectly expressed by potentiation of cAMP responses to other agonists (in this case, endogenous adenosine).
Limitations and applicability of the Maréchal approximation.

The Marechal approximation for the Strehl ratio versus rms wavefront distortion is widely used in atmospheric scaling law codes, but a complete derivation is absent in the open literature. I present an updated derivation of the first term in Marechal, then a complete derivation. The Strehl ratio is proportional to the square of the Fourier transform of the probability density function of the random phase noise. For Gaussian noise, the traditional Marechal formulation is the result. The more general formulation suggests a method for characterization of random phase aberrations.
Citrinin nephrotoxicity in rats: a light and electron microscopic study.

Abstract Citrinin, a myocotoxin produced by Penicillium citrinum , causes hepatic and renal damage. This study describes light and electron microscopic changes in rat kidneys at intervals of 24, 48, 72, and 96 hr following administration of 50 mg/kg citrinin. Twenty-four hours after treatment, the most prominent change was cytoplasmic vacuolization of epithelial cells of proximal convoluted tubules. This vacuolar change involved clusters of proximal convolutions. Such focal changes were distributed throughout the cortex. Other components of the cortex and medulla appeared relatively normal morphologically; distal tubular damage was not observed. At 48 hr following administration of citrinin, multifocal areas of necrotic proximal convoluted tubules were observed. Extensive mineral deposits were present in the necrotic areas. Intact proximal and distal tubules were observed between the necrotic areas, and components of the medulla were not appreciably altered. At 72 hr, various degrees of regeneration of proximal tubular epithelial cells were noted in areas of necrosis in the cortex. Ninety-six hours following citrinin administration, tubular regeneration was still prominent and, in some cases, kidneys appeared completely normal morphologically.
Superconducting tunneling without the tunneling Hamiltonian

The theory of superconducting tunneling is extended to treat superconducting junctions with arbitrarily thin, but structureless tunnel barriers. An exact expression for the tunneling current is obtained, using standard, many-body, nonequilibrium Green's function techniques, assuming Fermi distributions in each electrode. The tunneling current result agrees with the recent theory of Blonder, Tinkham, and Klapwijk, but extends their results to treat strong coupling superconductors, proximity effect tunneling, and the effects of tunneling angle. Results for the Josephson critical current in S' INS (superconductor S', insulator I, metal N, superconductor S) junctions, where NS is a proximity effect double layer, are presented for barrier thicknesses ranging from zero to barrier thicknesses for which the tunneling Hamiltonian approach is correct, and for varying N metal thicknesses. Results forI-V curves are presented for normal metal (M)-INS junctions for a similar range of barrier thicknesses and N metal thicknesses. It is shown that the tunneling currentI is the sum of a supercurrentISUP carried solely by Cooper pairs through S, and a quasiparticle currentIQP carried solely by quasiparticles. The influence of leakage on phonon structure observed on tunneling into strong coupling superconductors is described. The nonoscillating portion of the Josephson current is plotted as a function of voltage for the S' INS junction in the tunneling Hamiltonian limit.
FT-RAIRS study of alkyl radicals chemisorbed on single-crystal surfaces

Alkyl radicals play a key role as reaction intermediates for many surface processes such as catalytic hydrocarbon synthesis or the degradation of coatings and lubricants. Their properties and reactivity on surfaces, however, are still poorly understood because simple synthetic routes to prepare them have not yet been developed and their identification among other hydrocarbon fragments requires highly specific and sensitive techniques. Using alkyl halides as precursors, we have prepared alkyl species on single crystal surfaces in an ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) environment and studied their surface chemistry by a combination of different surface science techniques. In this report we present an IR spectroscopic study on the formation of ethyl species from ethyl iodide and their decomposition on a Pt(111) surface.
Comparison of the genotyping results using DNA obtained from blood and saliva.

Traditionally, large scale genotyping projects have used DNA derived from whole blood or lymphoblast cell lines. But over the past several years, a number of investigators have begun to use DNA prepared from saliva for genotyping studies, particularly for use in behavioral genetic studies. However, the comparability of DNA from these two sources has not been rigorously analyzed by unbiased sources. In this communication, we compare the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping results from DNA derived from whole blood samples obtained from 474 subjects from the Iowa Adoption Studies with that saliva samples prepared from 555 members of the Strong African American Families project. We found that DNA prepared from whole blood performed significantly better than that prepared from saliva. Genotyping success was significantly associated with the concentration of human DNA in the saliva sample as determined by quantitative PCR, but not with the total amount of DNA as determined by UV spectroscopy. We conclude that investigators contemplating the choice of source materials of DNA for genotyping studies will need to balance the ease and economy of saliva based DNA collection methods with the higher yields and rates of genotyping calls associated with DNA prepared from whole blood.
Use of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Determine Myocardial Viability in an Infant with In Utero Septal Myocardial Infarction and Ventricular Noncompaction

We describe the use of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) to determine myocardial viability and subsequently clinical prognosis in a patient with in utero septal myocardial infarction (MI) and dilated cardiomyopathy. MI is most commonly associated with congenital heart disease. These lesions include aortic atresia and stenosis, interrupted aortic arch, hypoplastic left ventricle (LV), and total anomalous pulmonary venous return (TAPVR). Within the last decade, it has been clearly established that systolic dysfunction is not always a definitive status after MI. In the presence of residual viable myocardium and an adequate myocardial perfusion, contractility might normalize-this process being related to a remarkable prognostic benefit. Until the use of CMRI, myocardial viability has been poorly characterized by other imaging modalities, thus making prognosis difficult to predict. Using myocardial delayed-enhancement CMRI, this patient was shown to have a dilated left ventricle with noncompaction, longitudinal midwall hyperenhancement consistent with nonviable tissue, and severely diminished left ventricular function. In conclusion, CMRI is the only imaging modality that can define anatomy, function, and tissue characterization simultaneously. In the future, CMRI could circumvent the need for more invasive diagnostic procedures in determining the cause and prognosis of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and myocardial infarction.
Impact of fresh versus cryopreserved testicular sperm upon intracytoplasmic sperm injection pregnancy outcomes in men with azoospermia due to spermatogenic dysfunction: a meta-analysis.

Objective To determine if clinical pregnancy rates and fertilization rates with the use of cryopreserved sperm for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in patients with azoospermia due to spermatogenic dysfunction (i.e., nonobstructive azoospermia) are similar to those with fresh sperm. Design Systematic review and meta-analysis. Setting Academic medical center. Patient(s) Azoospermic men secondary to spermatogenic dysfunction. Intervention(s) Not applicable. Main Outcome Measure(s) Clinical pregnancy rate, fertilization rate. Result(s) Eleven studies met criteria for the outcome of clinical pregnancy rate. Seventy-nine (28.7%) of 275 intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles using fresh testicular sperm resulted in a clinical pregnancy, compared with 84 (28.1%) of 299 intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles using cryopreserved sperm (relative risk [RR] 1.00, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.75–1.33). Ten studies met criteria for the outcome of fertilization rate. A total of 1,422 (52.9%) of 2,687 oocytes injected with fresh testicular sperm were fertilized, compared with 1,490 (54.0%) of 2,757 oocytes injected with cryopreserved sperm (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.92–1.02). Conclusion(s) In men with azoospermia due to spermatogenic dysfunction, there is no statistical difference between the use of fresh versus cryopreserved-thawed testicular sperm when assessing clinical pregnancy or fertilization rates in couples undergoing ICSI.
Regioselective reactions for programmable resveratrol oligomer synthesis

Although much attention has been devoted to resveratrol, a unique polyphenol produced by plants and credited as potentially being responsible for the 'French paradox'--the observation that French people have a relatively low incidence of coronary heart disease, even though their diet is high in saturated fats--the oligomers of resveratrol have been largely ignored despite their high biological activity. Challenges in achieving their isolation in sufficient quantity from natural sources, coupled with an inability to prepare them easily synthetically, are seen as the main obstacles. Here we report a programmable, controlled and potentially scalable synthesis of the resveratrol family via a three-stage design. The synthetic approach requires strategy- and reagent-guided chemical functionalizations to differentiate two distinct cores possessing multiple sites with the same or similar reactivity, ultimately leading to five higher-order natural products. This work demonstrates that challenging, positionally selective functionalizations of complex materials are possible where biosynthetic studies have indicated otherwise, it provides materials and tools with which to unlock the full biochemical potential of this family of natural products, and it affords an intellectual framework within which other oligomeric families could potentially be accessed.
Action! Why People Engaged in the Fight Against HIV/AID should Take Note of Traditional Healer Organizations in Uganda

Traditional healers occupy a unique and critical location in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Uganda, and anthropologists are specially positioned to highlight the benefits of involving them in this fight. Here we describe the results that healer organizations are having on efforts to train and organize healers of all kinds in Uganda, in the fight against HIV/AIDS and other diseases. In Uganda, we can see that traditional healers are increasingly organized into networks or member organizations, forming groups with a stronger, louder, and more coherent voice than ever previously seen among healers. These groups provide coherent prevention and treatment strategies in their approach to HIV/AIDS. This is important in light of the recent debate among HIV/AIDS professionals, including Paul Farmer, Barbara Pillsbury, Edward Green and others, about the relative importance of prevention versus treatment. Healer organizations in Uganda also articulate policies about how to synchronize their efforts with those of their...
Model filled polymers. XI. Synthesis of monodisperse crosslinked polymethacrylonitrile beads

Monodisperse polymethacrylonitrile beads of varied size and crosslink density are prepared by emulsion copolymerization of methacrylonitrile and allylmethacrylate in the absence of emulsifier. The particle size is very sensitive to polymerization temperature and initiator concentration. Because of a nitrile group effect, the maximum conversion varies with reaction conditions. The highest conversion obtained was 82%. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Rapid T-wave normalization after balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty in children.

Abstract The T wave in electrocardiographic lead V1 is normally inverted in children under 12 years old.1 Although upright T waves in anterior precordial leads are a well-recognized electrocardiographic sign of right ventricular hypertrophy,1,2 the physiologic basis of this sign has not been elucidated. Children who have undergone balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty provide a unique opportunity to determine whether abnormal upright anterior T waves reflect right ventricular systolic pressure or right ventricular hypertrophy.
An evaluation of the data processing program at eastern kentucky univ.

The purpose of this study was to explore job potential for data processing majors and to ascertain what industries in the metropolitan areas of Kentucky want, need, or expect in the way of skills and knowledges by these majors.
Four-reflection "nested" meV-monochromators for 20-30 keV synchrotron radiation

Abstract We present the design and performance of three silicon high-resolution ( E / Δ E ≈ 2 – 5 × 10 7 ) monochromators for synchrotron radiation that work at energies corresponding to nuclear excited states in 151 Eu (21 542 eV), 119 Sn (23 880 eV), and 161 Dy (25 651 eV). The design of each monochromator is quite similar with the exception of the silicon crystal reflections that are used and the surface asymmetry angles that are chosen. We give the basic design underlying all three monochromators along with a table of the specific parameters used for each one. Performance in terms of resolution and spectral efficiency are measured and compared to theoretical expectations. Measurements of lattice excitations in different solids containing the aforementioned isotopes demonstrate the utility of each monochromator. Possible improvements to performance are presented.
Activation of human Kupffer cells by thymostimulin (TP-1) to produce cytotoxicity against human hepatocellular cancer

Background: In a small pilot study, thymostimulin (TP-1) produced tumor regression in almost 50% of patients with hepatocellular cancer (HCC) who were treated with TP-1 alone. However, the mechanism of the TP-1-mediated antitumor effect against HCC is unknown.
Duration of liquid water habitats on early Mars

The duration of ice-covered lakes after the initial freezing of the early Mars is presently estimated via a climate model whose critical parameter is the existence of peak seasonal temperatures above freezing, and in which the variability of insolation is included. Under conditions in which meltwater was supplied by an ice source, it is found that water habitats could have been maintained under relatively thin ice sheets for as many as 700 million years after the onset of below-freezing global temperatures. The duration of such habitats on the early Mars therefore exceeds the upper limit of the time envisioned for the emergence of aquatic life on earth.
Abbreviations, Full Spellings, and Searchers’ Preferences

This study examined ten, selected word pairs, each containing a word's full spelling and its abbreviation, to determine which form search engine users preferred in searching. Using seven search logs gathered from several Internet search engines with approximately 608 MB of data, the study measured the occurrences of the twenty terms. The selected words are important in library cataloging, for some are prescribed abbreviations in metadata content standards. The study found that in eight of the ten word pairs users preferred to search words’ full spellings over the abbreviations, often by a high margin.
Using HPC for teaching and learning bioinformatics software: Benefits and challenges

Background We present our work on using the XSEDE high-performance computing (HPC) network to support and facilitate hands-on bioinformatics tasks for participants of our Essentials of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) workshop, as well as for students and other learners. In the summer of 2012, the University of Kentucky hosted the NGS workshop, attended by faculty and students from across the Commonwealth who were introduced to the laboratory and bioinformatic components of next-generation sequencing and sequence analysis. Participants used next-generation technology to sequence real genetic material, then used a variety of bioinformatics software tools to assemble those sequences, compare and align them to other sequences, predict genes, and visualize the genome. Due to the success of the 2012 workshop, the second workshop, planned for this summer, is expected to be larger in scale and to include even more participants. It will furthermore include several additional bioinformatics tools and tasks. Since participants will be simultaneously running intensive bioinformatics computing tasks, the resources required will exceed the capacity of the single twelve-core server used to support the workshop last year. One particular resource that appears promising to meet our intensive computational needs is the XSEDE grid computing network, a follow-on to the TeraGrid project designed specifically for “e-Science” and scientific computing. Many of the systems in the XSEDE network already support some of the software used within our workshop; however, many of the programs we will demonstrate have not previously been installed on tested on the XSEDE network. We will describe our experiences porting these applications to, and deploying them on, XSEDE. We will also discuss the challenges that the HPC approach presents for teaching and learning, particularly the complexities of navigating between time-sharing systems and remote job scheduling.
Accidental needle sticks, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and the fallacy of public policy.

Background Current Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines mandate the use of safety needles when allergy injections are given. Safety needles for intradermal testing remain optional. Whether safety needles reduce the number of accidental needle sticks (ANSs) in the outpatient setting has yet to be proven. Objective To determine the rate of ANSs with new (safety) needles vs old needles used in allergy immunotherapy and intradermal testing. Methods Allergy practices from 22 states were surveyed by e-mail. Results Seventy practices (28%) responded to the survey. Twice as many ANSs occurred in practices giving immunotherapy when using new needles vs old needles ( P Conclusions These findings further question whether OSHA's guidelines for safety needle use in outpatient practice need revision and if allergy practices might be excluded from the requirement to use safety needles.
Simulations of collector resistance of pnp transistors for complementary bipolar technology

Abstract This paper describes simulation results for the collector resistance of a vertical pnp for complementary bipolar LSI, which can be fabricated by adding a p-well formation to the npn process[1]. It is found that the performance fT and current driving capability of such pnp devices are limited by the collector resistance Rc. A simple method for extracting the lumped Rc from a device simulator is described. The simulations show that the collector charging time adds a significant amount to emitter-to-collector delay, and the quasi-saturation in the collector junction limits its current driving capability. These observations highlight the importance of collector design in high performance pnp.
Expression of the Rous Sarcoma Virus pol Gene by Ribosomal Frameshifting

The pol gene of Rous sarcoma virus is positioned downstream of the gag gene in a different, briefly overlapping reading frame; nevertheless, the primary translation product of pol is a gag-pol fusion protein. Two mechanisms, ribosomal frameshifting and RNA splicing, have been considered to explain this phenomenon. The frameshifting model is supported by synthesis of both gag protein and gag-pol fusion protein in a cell-free mammalian translation system programmed by a single RNA species that was synthesized from cloned viral DNA with a bacteriophage RNA polymerase. Under these conditions, the ratio of the gag protein to the fusion protein (about 20 to 1) is similar to that previously observed in infected cells, the frameshifting is specific for the gag-pol junction, and it is unaffected by large deletions in gag. In addition, synthesis of the fusion protein is ten times less efficient in an Escherichia coli cell-free translation system and cannot be explained by transcriptional errors or in vitro modification of the RNA. Ribosomal frameshifting may affect production of other proteins in higher eukaryotes, including proteins encoded by several retroviruses and transposable elements.
Personality Assessment Inventory Scores as Predictors of Treatment Compliance and Misconduct among Sex Offenders Participating in Community-Based Treatment

This study examined the ability of the Personality Assessment Inventory scores to predict noncompliance and probation revocations among a sample of sex offenders mandated to participate in community-based treatment. Scores on the Borderline Features (BOR) scale and subscales were the strongest predictors of noncompliance, with effect sizes as large as d = 1.50, outperforming scores on scales designed to predict treatment rejection and antisocial traits. Relatively low BOR cut scores (e.g., 50T, 55T) appeared to be most useful for identifying those at risk for noncompliance, suggesting that those with even moderate levels of borderline or personality disorder traits may be at risk for noncompliance.
Laboratory-acquired Infections

Summary LAIs still occur but the risk can be minimized by use of standard precautions, good microbiological technique, and adherence to a comprehensive safety program. The health care organization and laboratory director must provide a safe work environment, but it is the responsibility of each employee to be aware of potential hazards and the recommended practices to minimize the risk associated with working with infectious agents.
Near‐source ground motion from steady state dynamic rupture pulses

[1] Ground motion from two-dimensional steady state dynamic ruptures is examined for both subshear and supershear rupture velocities. Synthetic seismograms demonstrate that coherent high-frequency information about the source process rapidly attenuates with distance from the fault for subshear ruptures. Such records provide almost no resolution of the spatial extent of the stress breakdown zone. At supershear speeds, S waves radiate away from the fault, preserving the full source spectrum and carrying an exact history of the slip velocity on both the fault-parallel and fault-normal components of motion, whose amplitudes are given by a function of rupture speed that vanishes at times the S-wave speed. The energy liberated from the strain field by the passage of a supershear rupture is partitioned into fracture energy dissipated within the fault zone and far-field S-wave radiation. The partition depends on both the rupture velocity and the size of the breakdown zone.
Structural synthesis with reliability constraints using approximation concepts

A method for structural synthesis with reliability constraints under service conditions is presented. Uncertain structural parameters and variables are considered. Constraints are imposed on system reliability. Optimization is carried out by generating and solving a sequence of explicit approximate problems. An example problem illustrates the methodology set forth.
Isolation and characterization of a wheat germ agglutinin-binding glycoprotein from B16 mouse melanoma cells.

Abstract Cells of B16 mouse melanoma grown in serum-free medium in the presence of [3H]glucosamine secreted or shed labeled glycoproteins. A wheat germ agglutinin-binding glycoprotein was isolated that accounted for 37% of the total [3H]glucosamine incorporated; it had a molecular weight of ≈50,000 and was absent in less-tumorgenic wheat germ agglutinin (isolectin I)-resistant variants of the cells. The glycoprotein contained ≈25% of serine and threonine plus equimolar amounts of glucosamine and galactosamine, indicating both N- and O-linked oligosaccharide chains. Neuraminidase treatment released ≈60% of the glycoprotein's 3H radioactivity as N-acetylneuraminic acid. The sialoglycoprotein did not, but the desialylated species did, bind (97%) to ricin-Sepharose, suggesting the presence of terminal sialic acid and penultimate galactose residues in most of the saccharide units. Alkaline borohydride released 61% of the glycoprotein's radioactivity as oligosaccharide alcohols that were mainly tetrasaccharides (75%) with some branched trisaccharides (10%) from the O-linked structures. Hydrazinolysis and analysis of the alkaline borohydride-resistant portion of the glycoprotein indicated the presence of mainly triantennary, complex-type structures (N-linked) containing three sialic acids residues plus l -fucose. Serial lectin-affinity chromatography of the hydrazine-released saccharides with concanavalin A-agarose, pea lectin-agarose, L-PHA-agarose, and E-PHA-agarose, indicated the absence of high-mannose or hybrid-type structures and further confirmed the presence of triantennary, complex-type units.
Supererogation in an Ethics of Care

Most philosophers who advance an ethics of care do not claim that their theories are meant to account for all of morality, or that they can, or should, replace the traditional Western philosophical approaches to moral theory. However, one care ethicist, Michael Slote, holds that his theory can be used to understand all of individual and political morality. Moreover, while Kantianism, utilitarianism, and both ancient and contemporary Aristotelian ethics are all uncomfortable with supererogation and are typically committed to assumptions that rule out the possibility of someone acting beyond the call of duty, Slote claims that the way in which his theory accommodates supererogation constitutes a real advantage over other approaches to ethics. My aim in this paper is to cast doubt on the truth of this claim by showing that Slote’s theory has considerable difficulty accommodating supererogation.
DOES DIGOXIN (DIG) ACTIVATE SODIUM-CALCIUM (NA-CA) EXCHANGE IN INTACT IMMATURE MAMMALIAN MYOCARDIUM? † 190

Although Na-Ca exchange has been clearly demonstrated in isolated immature cardiomyocytes, the degree to which DIG can stimulate Na-Ca exchange has not been studied in the intact, beating immature mammalian heart. We studied 37 paced, isovolumically contracting, constant pressure-perfused 3-week old New Zealand white rabbit modified Langendorff heart preparations at 37° C: 1) DIG dose-response curves under varying perfusate [Ca]; 2) response to DIGvs. low potassium (1 mM KCl) perfusate (which stimulates Na-Ca exchange) in 1.3 mM perfusate [Ca]; 3) resPonse to DIG vs. low K, in 0.2 uM nifedipine and 1.3 mM [Ca]. Results are expressed as% of baseline (mean± SE). DIG exerted inotropic and lusitropic effects only at 1 uM, but the degree increased with decreasing [Ca] in dose-dependent fashion. Low K consistently enhanced contractility and relaxation. During nifedipine Ca channel blockade, contractility and relaxation decreased markedly, recovered somewhat with 1 uM DIG, and were enhanced further with low K, with greater recovery of contractility than relaxation. As changes in contractile state are most directly related to Ca fluxes, our results show that Na-Ca exchange can be stimulated in the intact heart to enhance Ca entry and efflux markedly, corresponding to improved inotropy and lusitropy. DIG can stimulate Na-Ca exchange only to a limited degree, except under conditions of low [Ca]; under physiologic conditions of 1.0 mM [Ca], DIG has no significant inotropic actions. Interpretation of prior results with DIG should take into account the[Ca] used in the preparation. TableTable Table
Platelet-activating factor metabolism in human amnion and the responses of this tissue to extracellular platelet-activating factor.

Abstract It was found previously that platelet-activating factor (PAF, 1-0-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) is undetectable in human amniotic flu id obtained befor labor but is present in the majority of samples of amniotic fluid obrained after labor. In the present investigation, the amount of PAF in amnion tissue and the ability of this tissue to preduce PAF and respond to PAF were investigated. Amount of PAF in amnion obtained either during the second trimester of gestation or at term (before labor) were similar. After labr, however, the amount of PAF in amnion increased to 2.5-times that in amnion before labor without any discernible changes in the amount of two related glycerophospholipids viz. , 1-0-alkyl- sn -dlycero-3-phosphocholine and 1-0-alkyl-2-acyl- sn -glycero-3-phosphocholine. The Ca2+-ionophore A23187, in the presence of Ca2+, caused an increase in the amount of PAF in amnion tissue disks but PAF did not appear to be released into the incubation medium. The stimulation of PAF formation by A23187 and Ca2+ was not affected by the addition of indomethacin. Addition PAF to disks of amnion tissue resulted in an increase in the concentration of prostaglandin E2 in the incubation medium. An increase in prostaglandin E2 formation of similar magnitude was induced by A23187. Based on these results it is concluded that PAF can be synthesized in amnion tissue and net production is stimulated by Ca2+. In addition, amnion is receptive to extracellular PAF and exhibits, as one response, an increased production of prostaglandin E2.
A model for the human spine during impact including musculature influence

Abstract The role of the abdominal and erector spinae muscles is included in a simplified model for the human spine. The particular situation investigated here is a sudden stopping of the base of the spine model when it is travelling at constant velocity. The spine model motion predicted here is thought to be an appropriate first approximation to the spine motion resulting when a person with a seat belt, but no shoulder strap, is subjected to vehicle impact.
Sun storm dangers! Protecting IT, business, and society

The sun seems to be our greatest blessing. It gives us warmth, lights our day, provides the seasons, and marks time. But it can also be our undoing. Throughout history, the sun occasionally ejects a billion-ton plume of superheated, ionized gas—known as a coronal mass ejection (CME). If this massive bubble of plasma and radiation is aimed directly at Earth, it can seriously damage our technology. Prior to a hundred years ago, these solar events simply produced spectacular aurora displays that caused great fear—but did little long-lasting damage to society. But these severe solar storms are no longer harmless. Our dependence on vulnerable modern technology has put us in great danger. Indeed, a direct hit by a massive CME could knock out satellites and cause widespread power failures—which cannot be repaired or restored quickly. So how can you protect your IT systems and your business from this potentially catastrophic danger? And what should our society do to protect all of us? © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bootstrap Methods for Evaluating Sablefish Pot Index Surveys

Abstract The National Marine Fisheries Service has been conducting pot index surveys in the northeast Pacific Ocean since 1978 in an attempt to measure changes in the relative abundance of sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria). These surveys began initially off southeast Alaska and have since been extended to the Washington-Oregon-California region. In this paper, we evaluate the available data base using analysis of variance and the relatively new method of bootstrapping (i.e., a Monte Carlo form of sample reuse). Analysis of variance indicated the between-year changes in relative abundance were not statistically significant. Bootstrap analyses indicate three or fewer sets are required for each depth stratum at a sampling location (currently five are being taken), and as many as 12 sampling locations per region may be desirable (currently four locations are sampled off southeast Alaska and six locations are sampled off Washington-Oregon-California). These recommendations may have to be altered in the future whe...
Simple Novel Assays in Glycobiology

In response to an invitation from this journal, I am providing this mini-review of recent work from the Oppenheimer lab. Over the past 4 decades we have developed many assays that help us examine the role of specifc glycans in cellular interactions. Recently we have used two model systems for this work, the sea urchin embryo and yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). We have developed two assays using the sea urchin embryo. One involves a microplate method where living sea urchin embryos are incubated with specific glycans or glycosidases. A specific set of cellular interactions, development of the primitive gut…archenteron, is examined over time in the presence and absence of the sugars or enzymes in living embryos. L-rhamnose and polyglucans have been identified as playing a role in mediating these cellular interactions. The second assay involves microdissection of the primitive gut away from the blastocoel roof to which it adheres. Using independently characterized glycosidases, we showed that polyglucans appear to mediate this cellular interaction. In the second system using yeast, we examine yeast disaggregation from lectin-derivatized agarose beads in the presence and absence of specific glycans using a quantitative, kinetic graphic profile assay. We found that D-melezitose was the best adhesion inhibitor and may be therapeutically useful in anti-adhesion venues of pathogen binding to cells and in cancer cell binding.
A Pseudomonas stutzeri gene cluster encoding the biosynthesis of the CCl4-dechlorination agent pyridine-2,6-bis(thiocarboxylic acid).

A spontaneous mutant of Pseudomonas stutzeri strain KC lacked the carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) transformation ability of wild-type KC. Analysis of restriction digests separated by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) indicated that the mutant strain CTN1 differed from strain KC by deletion of approximately 170 kb of chromosomal DNA. CTN1 did not produce pyridine-2,6-bis(thiocarboxylic acid) (PDTC), the agent determined to be responsible for CCl4 dechlorination in cultures of strain KC. Cosmids from a genomic library of strain KC containing DNA from within the deleted region were identified by hybridization with a 148 kb genomic SpeI fragment absent in strain CTN1. Several cosmids identified in this manner were further screened for complementation of the PDTC biosynthesis-negative (Pdt−) phenotype. One cosmid (pT31) complemented the Pdt− phenotype of CTN1 and conferred CCl4 transformation activity and PDTC production upon other pseudomonads. Southern analysis showed that none of three other P. stutzeri strains representing three genomovars contained DNA that would hybridize with the 25 746 bp insert of pT31. Transposon mutagenesis of pT31 identified open reading frames (ORFs) whose disruption affected the ability to make PDTC in the strain CTN1 background. These data describe the pdt locus of strain KC as residing in a non-essential region of the chromosome subject to spontaneous deletion. The pdt locus is necessary for PDTC biosynthesis in strain KC and is sufficient for PDTC biosynthesis by other pseudomonads but is not a common feature of P. stutzeri strains.