cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evidence for altered neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration in Wolfram syndrome using longitudinal morphometry.

Wolfram syndrome is a rare disease caused by mutations in the WFS1 gene leading to symptoms in early to mid-childhood. Brain structural abnormalities are present even in young children, but it is not known when these abnormalities arise. Such information is critical in determining optimal outcome measures for clinical trials and in understanding the aberrant neurobiological processes in Wolfram syndrome. Using voxel-wise and regional longitudinal analyses, we compared brain volumes in Wolfram patients (n = 29; ages 5–25 at baseline; mean follow-up = 3.6 years), to age and sex-equivalent controls (n = 52; ages 6–26 at baseline; mean follow-up = 2.0 years). Between groups, white and gray matter volumes were affected differentially during development. Controls had uniformly increasing volume in white matter, whereas the Wolfram group had stable (optic radiations) or decreasing (brainstem, ventral pons) white matter volumes. In gray matter, controls had stable (thalamus, cerebellar cortex) or decreasing volumes (cortex), whereas the Wolfram group had decreased volume in thalamus and cerebellar cortex. These patterns suggest that there may be early, stalled white matter development in Wolfram syndrome, with additional degenerative processes in both white and gray matter. Ideally, animal models could be used to identify the underlying mechanisms and develop specific interventions.
Personal protective equipment doffing practices of healthcare workers

During the doffing of personal protective equipment (PPE), pathogens can be transferred from the PPE to the bodies of healthcare workers (HCWs), putting HCWs and patients at risk of exposure and in...
Many Particle Coulomb Systems

With the introduction of the Schroedinger equation in 1926 it became possible to resolve one of the fundamental paradoxes of the atomic theory of matter (which itself had only become universally accepted a few decades earlier): Why do the electrons not fall into the nucleus?(Jeans, 1915). Following this success, more complicated questions posed themselves. Why is the lowest energy of bulk matter extensive, i.e. why is it proportional to N, the number of particles, instead of to some higher power of N? Next, why do the ordinary laws of thermodynamics hold? Why, in spite of the long range Coulomb force, can a block of matter be broken into two pieces which, after a microscopic separation, are independent of each other?
Responsibility and the Problem of So-Called Marginal Agents

Philosophical views of responsibility often identify responsible agency with capacities such as rationality and self-control. Yet in ordinary life, we frequently hold individuals responsible who are deficient in these capacities, such as children or people with mental illness. The existing literature that addresses these cases has suggested that we merely pretend to hold these agents responsible or that they are responsible to a diminished degree. In this paper, I demonstrate that neither of these approaches is satisfactory, and I offer an alternative focused on the role relationships play in determining whether it is appropriate to hold someone responsible. I argue that relationships are sources of normative expectations about how parties in that relationship ought to behave and that we can be responsible in virtue of being subject to these norms. This is so not only for those who are impaired or immature, but for all of us.
Epidemiological investigation of prevalence of severe mental disorders in Cangzhou

Objective To understand the distribution of severe mental disorders in Cangzhou City to provide basic foundation for making mental hygiene working planning. Methods From June 2011 to June 2015, five counties (cities and districts) were selected for data collation and analysis according to the east, south, west, north and the geographic location in all jurisdictions of Cangzhou. The data of patients with severe mental disorders were based on the village or community doctor report. Results The total resident population of five counties (cities and districts) was 1,695,752. The serious mental disorders detection rate was 3.06‰ in the district (2.65‰ in male and 3.50‰ in female); and it increased with age, and 70-year-old age group had the highest rate. In six categories of serious mental disorders, schizophrenia had the highest proportion (72.9%), followed by mental retardation (9.64%), mental disorders due to epilepsy (8.60%), bipolar (affective) disorder (4.34%), schizoaffective psychosis (3.02%), and paranoid psychosis (1.50%). It was found that 98.28% patients were Han nationality; 56.72% patients lived in impoverished condition; 88.66% patients were famers. Conclusion Schizophrenia is the most common serious mental disorders in Cangzhou city, and the majority of patients were female with poorer families. Key words: Severe mental disorder; Epidemiological investigation; Schizophrenia
Vena caval filters.

Summary The patient with a caval filter poses a challenge to the emergency physician. Key considerations in management are a knowledge of underlying disease processes in this patient population, indications for filter placement, potential early or delayed complications associated with these devices, and appropriate diagnostics and consultation. Diagnostic evaluation should include plain radiographs to evaluate gross structural problems, filter migration, significant filter tilting or angulation, and filter leg span splaying or retraction as well as evidence of visceral perforation or obstruction. Comparison films should be obtained, if possible. Screening laboratory tests to assess coagulation, hematologic, and renal function are indicated. The possibility of recurrent PE and a reassessment of filter protection and anticoagulation status should be considered. Advanced diagnostic imaging tools such as abdominal CT, duplex sonography, and cavography may be needed to elucidate suspected caval filter complications, or suspected new DVT or IVC occlusion. Early consultation is indicated. With new and expanded indications as well as technical improvements in caval filters, increased use of these devices can be anticipated, as can associated complications first seen and evaluated by the emergency medicine physician.
The Standard of Care for Immune Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura Today

Targeted therapy of immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (iTTP) requires acurate and prompt diagnosis and differentiation from complement-mediated hemolytic uremic syndrome and other causes of thrombotic microangiopathy. ADAMTS-13 (A Disintegrin And Metalloprotease with ThromboSpondin-1 Domain, member 13) evaluation (activity and inhibitors or anti-ADAMTS-13 IgG) is the key for diagnosis and further management of patients with suspected iTTP during acute episode and in clinical response or remission. Clinical trial results and real-world data have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of the triple therapy consisting of therapeutic plasma exchange, caplacizumab, and immunosuppressives (e.g., corticosteroids and rituximab) for acute iTTP. Such a therapeutic strategy has significantly accelerated the normalization of platelet counts, decreased the length of stays in the intensive care unit and the hospital, but most importantly reduced the mortality rate. The present review highlights some of the important advancements for the diagnosis and management of iTTP and proposes triple therapy as the standard of care for acute iTTP today.
Green distributive politics: Legitimizing green capitalism and environmental protection in Latin America

Abstract Green capitalism offers a salvific counterpoint to business-as-usual capitalism while underscoring the perils of environmental degradation and unsustainable development. Focusing on Latin America and drawing on the work of James Ferguson, this article examines how green capitalism is established, legitimized, and negotiated among marginalized rural populations through what we call “green distributive politics.” Green distribution refers to value transfers that link state, capital, and civil-society actors in ways that promote environmental protection and green development. Different forms of distribution—such as markets, reciprocity, redistribution, and sharing—are mobilized by state and capital actors as they transfer value to marginalized populations and seek to legitimize new socioeconomic arrangements. Green distributive politics refers to efforts to build consent through distributive programs that both cultivate citizen-subjects with environmental responsibilities and open up longer-term fields of contested sociopolitical interactions with rural populations. The argument is developed comparatively across case studies from Chile (Aysen), Brazil (Acre), and Mexico (Michoacan) focused respectively on sustainable fishing, forest emissions reductions, and pine resin plantations. The article contributes to scholarship on capitalist environmentalisms by critiquing “green marketization” approaches as insufficiently attentive to the sociopolitical dynamics and varied distributive forms employed by state and capital actors to generate consent for green capitalist initiatives. It also elaborates a conceptual framework for green distributive politics that can be applied to other domains within and beyond Latin America.
Using recommender systems to improve proactive modeling

This article investigates using recommender systems within graphical domain-specific modeling languages (DSMLs). The objective of using recommender systems within a graphical DSML is to overcome a shortcoming of proactive modeling where the modeler must inform the model intelligence engine how to progress when it cannot automatically determine the next modeling action to execute (e.g., add, delete, or edit). To evaluate our objective, we implemented a recommender system into the Proactive Modeling Engine, which is an add-on for the Generic Modeling Environment. We then conducted experiments to subjectively and objectively evaluate enhancements to the Proactive Modeling Engine. The results of our experiments show that extending proactive modeling with a recommender system results in an average reciprocal hit-rank of 0.871. Likewise, the enhancements yield a System Usability Scale rating of 77. Finally, user feedback shows that integrating recommender systems into DSMLs increases usability and learnability.
Embedding Just Transition in the USA: The Long Ambivalence

The concept of just transition came to prominence in the USA during the 1990s. Currently, it is used by some unions, while most prefer to focus on green industrial policy. This chapter traces the trajectory of just transition in the USA since the 1980s through the life histories of five unionists. Their views and work reflect the main approaches to just transition and labour environmentalism, more broadly—embedding just transition, directly or indirectly, within a broader socioecological politics or within green industrial policy. The overall argument is that their successes and failures are the result of organizational dynamics, political conjunctures and personal worldviews. Thus, while their actions are not a sufficient explanation, they are a necessary explanatory factor.
Follicular Papules and Pustules—Trunk

Differential diagnosis of follicular papulopustules includes acne, bacterial folliculitis, Pityrosporum folliculitis, and eosinophilic folliculitis. Papules and pustules of acne share with infectious folliculitis histological features of a ruptured hair follicle surrounded by a variably mixed infiltrate of neutrophils, histiocytes, and multinucleated cells. Histological confirmation of acne requires the finding of comedonal rounded dilatation of the follicular infundibulum. Bacterial folliculitis usually reveals a dense collection of neutrophils (pustule) in the superficial follicular epithelium (infundibulum), and sometimes the mid- and deep portions as well. Pityrosporum folliculitis tends to reveal, in addition to neutrophils, histiocytes and sometimes multinucleated giant cells. Spores are usually seen in the dilated superficial portion of the follicular epithelium. The mere presence of few spores in a dilated infundibulum in a lesion of folliculitis does not always confirm the diagnosis of pityrosporum folliculitis. Eosinophilic folliculitis is characterized by an infiltrate rich in eosinophils in and around the follicular epithelium, adjacent dermis, and sometimes the overlying epidermis.
Association of a school-entry varicella vaccine requirement with the declining incidence of varicella infection

Varicella vaccine was licensed in the United States in March 1995. During 1995 to 2000, active surveillance sites observed a 71% to 84% decrease in cases of varicella infection. We describe an evaluation of the passive varicella surveillance system in Illinois including trends in the incidence of varicella and the impact of a school-entry vaccine requirement. Varicella surveillance data and varicella-specific hospital discharge data collected by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) during January 1995 through December 2005 were reviewed and summarized. IDPH received 29,189 aggregate reports representing 138,177 cases of varicella infection and 136 individual case reports. Incidence of varicella infection declined 95% from 2.0 cases per 1000 population in 1995 to 0.1 cases per 1000 population in 2005. Hospital discharge data also demonstrated a notable decline (78%). IDPH policy requiring vaccination of children ≥ 2 years of age enrolled in child care facilities or school-operated programs at or below the kindergarten level was temporally associated with a decline from 10,805 cases in 2002 to 3,829 cases in 2003 (65%). Widespread use of the varicella vaccine has resulted in a marked decline in cases of varicella infection, thereby decreasing the burden of reporting and increasing the feasibility of case-based reporting.
Factors driving learner success in online professional development

This study examined factors that contributed to the success of online learners in an online professional development course. Research instruments included an online survey and learners’ activity logs in an online professional development course for 512 in-service teachers. The findings showed that there were several factors affecting online learners’ success in online professional development. In addition, there were also significant differences between successful and unsuccessful online learners in terms of course login frequency and learning activities viewed.
Emotional Aspects of Learning Problems: Implications for Assessment.

Educational and mental health professionals working with children should be familiar with the emotional aspects of learning problems. While such problems are often given recognition as having a contributory role, the nature of that involvement is not always well understood, and too often those engaged in the assessment and treatment of learning problems give only cursory attention to the possible emotional components. This paper presents a discussion of the emotional aspects of learning problems, outlining the dynamics of emotional involvement as seen in 12 scenarios commonly found with clinic-referred children. Implications for assessment and intervention are also presented.
Sulfur-Dioxide/Water Equilibria Between 0° and 50°C. An Examination of Data at Low Concentrations

In order to resolve the discrepancy noted in values currently used for the first dissociation constant of SO2 in water, the pertinent literature was critically examined and a value of 0.0132 M at 25 C was recommended. An expression correlating this value as a function of temperature for zero-50 C has been developed. Attention is also given to the literature for the Henry's law constant, and a value of 1.242 M/atm at 25 C is recommended. Ionic activity corrections and speciation in more concentrated solutions are discussed, and recommendations are made for estimating the activity coefficients of the various ionic species in solutions of moderate ionic strength.
Exploration of power amplifier performance using a digital demodulation loadpull measurement procedure

In this paper, an innovative digital demodulation loadpull system setup for power amplifiers and transistors is introduced. It enables the designers to evaluate the system linearity metrics, e.g. error vector magnitude (EVM), of the device-under-test (DUT) performance under different source, load impedances and input power levels. An interesting observation is that the source tuning has more influence on the EVM performance than the load tuning does for the DUT used in this study. Using this new measurement, the designers can have a better understanding of the device performance with respect to system metrics and optimize their designs to them directly, instead of resorting to the traditional analog RF nonlinear metrics only.
The conserved U.G pair in the 5' splice site duplex of a group I intron is required in the first but not the second step of self-splicing.

Abstract Group I self-splicing introns have a 5' splice site duplex (P1) that contains a single conserved base pair (U.G). The U is the last nucleotide of the 5' exon, and the G is part of the internal guide sequence within the intron. Using site-specific mutagenesis and analysis of the rate and accuracy of splicing of the Tetrahymena thermophila group I intron, we found that both the U and the G of the U.G pair are important for the first step of self-splicing (attack of GTP at the 5' splice site). Mutation of the U to a purine activated cryptic 5' splice sites in which a U.G pair was restored; this result emphasizes the preference for a U.G at the splice site. Nevertheless, some splicing persisted at the normal site after introduction of a purine, suggesting that position within the P1 helix is another determinant of 5' splice site choice. When the U was changed to a C, the accuracy of splicing was not affected, but the Km for GTP was increased by a factor of 15 and the catalytic rate constant was decreased by a factor of 7. Substitution of U.A, U.U, G.G, or A.G for the conserved U.G decreased the rate of splicing by an even greater amount. In contrast, mutation of the conserved G enhanced the second step of splicing, as evidenced by a trans-splicing assay. Furthermore, a free 5' exon ending in A or C instead of the conserved U underwent efficient ligation. Thus, unlike the remainder of the P1 helix, which functions in both the first and second steps of self-splicing, the conserved U.G appears to be important only for the first step.
Genetic linkage mapping of chromosome 17 markers and neurofibromatosis type 1

Abstract The von Recklinghausen neurofibromatosis (NF1) gene has been localized to the pericentromeric region of chromosome 17. We have screened six multigenerational families with multiple, tightly linked markers to aid in mapping this region of the chromosome. More than 150 members in six families were typed with probes including HHH202, D17Z1, EW203, EW206, EW207, EW301, pA10–41, D17S37, and D17S36. Two-point lod scores for NF1 versus all markers were calculated. HHH202 demonstrated the tightest linkage to NF1 with θ = .0, = 3.86 (95% confidence limits [CL] of [unk] = .0–.13), suggesting that HHH202 be considered as a potential candidate marker for use in carrier detection and prenatal diagnosis. Pairwise marker-to-marker lod scores were used in examining the most likely order of subsets of the markers. Of those tested, the most likely order was (pter)-pA10-41–EW301–D17Z1–HHH202–NF1–EW206–EW207–EW203-(qter). In addition, we have ascertained an NF1 × NF1 half-cousin mating in which there are four affected family members who are potentially homozygous for the disease gene. Two of these four individuals have been sampled and typed for marker loci. When their D17Z1 genotypes are considered, the probability that both these individuals are heterozygous is 85%.
Dentro de la ciudad letrada: la producción de la escritura pública en el Perú colonial

This article examines how notaries, who had the power to register people’s words and actions in official records, did their business. The author asks how the notaries registered judicial processes, in whose name they did it, and what were the vested interests involved in the processes.
A simplified model for predicting the ignition of FRP composites with validation using intermediate‐scale fire experiment data

This study presents a simplified theoretical model to predict the ignition of FRP composites of general thermal thickness (GTT) subjected to one-sided heating. A simplified GTT heat transfer model to predict the surface temperature of GTT composite panels was developed, and the exposed surface temperature was used as ignition criterion. To validate the GTT model, intermediate scale calorimeter fire tests of E-glass fiber reinforced polyester composite panels at three heat flux levels were performed to obtain intermediate-scale fire testing data in a controlled condition with well-defined thermal boundary conditions. The GTT model was also verified by using results from finite element modeling predictions. This model can be used to estimate the surface temperature increase, time-to-ignition, and mass loss of FRP composites for fire safety design and analysis. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Generation of Tripoles from Unstable Axisymmetric Isolated Vortex Structures

Tripolar coherent vortices are shown to emerge from the unstable evolution of perturbed two-dimensional axisymmetric flows. They are obtained from the nonlinear equilibration of barotropically linearly unstable normal modes, as well as from more general initial perturbations. This instability is proposed as an important mechanism for the generation of both dipolar and tripolar coherent vortex structures.
Luminal Nutrients Exacerbate Intestinal Hypoxia in the Hypoperfused Jejunum

Background: Provision of enteral nutrients shortly after traumatic injury has become the preferred method of nutrition support provided to patients. However, traumatic shock results in splanchnic hypoperfusion, which may cause persistent intestinal hypoxia. This study tested the hypothesis that delivery of enteral nutrients to the hypoperfused jejunum increases oxidative demand beyond that available, thereby exacerbating intestinal hypoxia. Methods: Wistar-Furth rats (186 ± 4 g; n = 24) were randomized to receive intestinal hypoxia (superior mesenteric artery occlusion) or serve as normoxic controls (sham laparotomy). Within the jejunum of each rat, 4 6-cm loops were randomized to receive luminal perfusions with 1 of 4 substrates: mannitol (an osmotic control); glucose (undergoes active transport via the sodium-glucose co-transporter [SGLT-1] and is metabolized); 3-o-methylglucose (3-o-mg; uses SGLT-1 but is not metabolized); or fructose (does not use SGLT-1 but is metabolized). After in situ perfusions, jejunal tissue was removed for analysis of nutrient transport and barrier function in modified Ussing chambers. Tissue homogenate was used to determine concentration of ATP, lactate, pyruvate, and protein. Also, jejunal tissue was stained with hematoxylin and eosin for qualitative analysis of ischemia and necrosis. Results: Transmural resistance was lower (p <.001) in the hypoxia groups, irrespective of substrate, indicating increased mucosal permeability. When compared with the normoxic controls, glucose transport was impaired (p <.001) in the hypoxic groups; however, glutamine transport was unaffected. The degree of intestinal hypoxia, assessed by jejunal lactate concentration, was higher (p <.001) in the glucose and fructose groups, than the control mannitol and 3-o-mg groups. Conclusions: The observation that 3-o-mg did not differ from the mannitol control indicates that SGLT-1 activation alone does not exacerbate hypoxia. Rather, these results indicate that provision of metabolizable nutrients to the hypoperfused intestine exacerbate hypoxia and potentially lead to intestinal ischemia. Although early enteral nutrition is an important intervention after trauma, care must be taken to ensure intestinal perfusion is adequate to allow for nutrient metabolism and prevent further compromise.
Attitudinal Study of Graphic Computer-Based Instruction for Punctuation

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship of student attitude using graphic enhanced versus nongraphic enhanced computer-based instruction. Four intact groups were randomly assigned treatment. Two groups received graphic instruction and two groups received nongraphic computer-based instruction. An attitude questionnaire was administered to evaluate student attitude toward the graphic and nongraphic computer-based instruction. Results of t-tests indicated there was no significant difference in attitude scores between graphic and nongraphic treatment groups at the .05 level.
Assessment of Some Integrated Cooling Mechanisms for an Active Integrated Power Electronics Module

The increased heat generation in power electronic components can greatly reduce the reliability of the components and increase the chances of malfunction to the components. A good understanding of the thermal behavior of these components can help in deciding an effective thermal management scheme. Recognizing the inherent need for the thermal design of the active integrated power electronics modules, this paper assesses various possibilities of integrated thermal management for integrated power electronics modules. These integrated thermal management strategies include employing high thermal conductivity materials as well as structural modifications to the current module structure while not adding complexity to the fabrication process to reduce the cost.
Nuclear changes in ovine luteal cells in response to PGF2α.

Abstract Percentages of normal and apoptotic parenchymal cells, fibroblasts and endothelial cells in ovine corpora lutea at 12, 24 and 36 hr following administration of a luteolytic dose of PGF 2α were determined and compared to percentages for identical cell types in corpora lutea removed from control ewes on days 10 (n = 5) and 12 (n = 6) postestrus. In corpora lutea obtained from control ewes ≥ 95% of nuclei examined were scored normal for each of the respective cell types with no difference (P > .05) observed between luteal tissue obtained on days 10 and 12 postestrus. Following treatment with PGF 2α there were significant (P 2α -treatment; however significant reductions in percentages of parenchymal and fibroblast nuclei scored normal were not evident until 24 and 36 hr, respectively. Consistent with the concept of apoptosis, nuclear condensation and/or margination indicative of apoptosis did not occur synchronously within a given cell type: i.e, irrespective of the time point examined some cells appeared normal, whereas others had undergone nuclear condensation and/or margination. A sequence of events to explain structural and functional changes that occur during luteolysis following the interaction of PGF 2α with specific receptors in large steroidogenic luteal cells is discussed.
Electronic and excitonic processes in light-emitting devices based on organic materials and colloidal quantum dots

We investigate the mechanism of operation of hybrid organic/colloidal quantum dot light emitting devices (QD-LEDs). Novel quantum dot (QD) deposition methods allow us to change the location of an emissive QD monolayer within a QD-LED multilayer structure. We find that the quantum efficiency of devices improves by $g50%$ upon imbedding QD monolayers into the hole transporting layer $l10\text{ }\text{nm}$ away from the interface between hole and electron transporting layers. We consider two possible mechanisms responsible for this improvement: one based on a charge injection model of the device operation and the other based on an exciton energy-transfer model. In order to differentiate between the two suggested mechanisms, we fabricate a set of structures that enable control over charge injection into colloidal QDs. We find that the dominant process limiting QD-LED efficiency is charging of the QDs by trapped electrons. We demonstrate that with the set of organic materials implemented in this study, device efficiency is increased by maximizing energy transfer from organics to QDs and by limiting direct charge injection that contributes to QD charging.
EFFECTS OF TRANSFER ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENTS AT THE FOUR‐YEAR INSTITUTION

This study presents an in‐depth meta‐analysis of transfer shock, the grade point average (GPA) drop experienced by many community college transfer students. The purpose of the study was to identify all possible studies dealing with transfer shock and to report the magnitude of GPA change from the last quarter or semester at the community college to the end of the first quarter or semester at the senior institution. The study also researched the amount of recovery of GPA obtained by the community college transfer students at the 4‐year institution. The search revealed 62 studies that reported the magnitude of GPA change. The studies showed that although community college transfer students in 79% of the studies experienced transfer shock, the majority of the magnitude of GPA change was one half of a grade point or less. Of the studies that showed that community college transfer students experienced transfer shock, 67% reported that students recover from transfer shock, usually within the first year after tr...
Theoretical Studies of the Ground and Excited Electronic States in Cyclometalated Phenylpyridine Ir(III) Complexes Using Density Functional Theory

The ground state and low-lying excited electronic states in the Ir(III) complex Ir(ppy)3, and in the related complexes Ir(ppy)2(acac) and Ir(ppy)2(bza), are studied using density functional theory techniques [where ppy = 2-phenylpyridine, acac = acetoylacetonate, and bza = benzyolacetonate]. Ir complexes of ppy have been the subject of numerous photophysical absorption and luminescence experiments and have been examined as potential donors in organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs). The electronic properties of the neutral molecules, in addition to the positive and negative ions, are studied using the B3LYP functional. Optimized geometries are compared to experimentally observed structures. Excited triplet and singlet states are examined using time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT). The calculated energies of the lowest triplet state (2.4−2.6 eV) and lowest singlet state (2.6−2.7 eV) in the three complexes are in good agreement with experimental absorption spectra and luminescence studies. All of ...
Genetic differences in nicotine-induced conditioned taste aversion

Abstract Genetic differences in nicotine-induced conditioned taste aversion were examined using inbred mice. Adult male C57BL/6J, DBA/2J, BALB/cJ and C3H/heJ mice were adapted to a 2-h per day water access regimen. Subsequently, mice received nicotine injections (0.5, 1.0 or 2.0 mg/kg) immediately after 1-h access to a NaCl flavored solution. DBA and C3H mice developed dosedependent aversions to the nicotine-paired flavor. BALB mice showed only minor reductions in intake with no difference between the nicotine dose groups. C57BL mice did not show development of nicotine-induced conditioned taste aversion. These results demonstrate that nicotine's aversive motivational effect is strongly influenced by genotype. Further, genetic sensitivity (DBA mice) or insensitivity (C57BL mice) to nicotine-induced conditioned taste aversion was similar to reports of genetic sensitivity to ethanol's aversive effect measured in this design.
Structural Changes in Monomeric HIV-RT Upon Binding the NNRTI Efavirenz

HIV-1 reverse transcriptase is a complex multi-subunit enzyme that converts single stranded viral RNA into double stranded proviral DNA. This enzyme possesses both DNA polymerase and RNase H activity. Structurally, RT is composed of a 66 kD (p66) subunit and a 51 kD (p51) subunit that lacks an RNase H domain. The homodimers retain DNA polymerase activity but only the p66/p66 homodimer has RNase H activity. In solution, the enzyme exists as an equilibrium mixture of the heterodimer p66/p51, two homodimers p66/p66 and p51/p51 and the two monomers. The nonnucleoside reversible inhibitor (NNRTI) efavirenz enhances dimerization of p66/p51, p66/p66, and p51/p51. The drug binds both monomeric and dimeric RTs. However, structural changes induced by drug binding are unknown. A combination of hydrogen deuterium exchange and mass spectrometry is used to probe the solution structure of RT monomers in the presence and absence of efavirenz. Here we demonstrate that p66 and p51 monomers have similar solution structures, which resemble the p51 subunit in the crystal structure of p66/p51 heterodimer. After drug binding the solution structure of the monomers changes to resemble the p66 subunit in the crystal structure of the heterodimer. We also show that residues in the drug binding pocket of p66/p51-efavirenz complex are affected by drug binding to monomer.
It/cs workshop: multimodal, multimedia courseware for teaching technical concepts in humanistic context

As global competition in IT increases, IT/CS students must learn concepts, theory, and implementation more efficiently, more broadly (e.g., technical and humanistic context) and in greater technical depth. IT (esp. CS and mathematics) is data-intensive - teaching can suffer from information overload, particularly in Web-based courseware. Efforts to simplify IT/CS teaching sometimes result in technology overload, where students encounter technical detail without humanistic context (e.g., history, ethics, business aspects). Overload usually correlates with decreased comprehension, increased boredom, decreased learning, and potentially lower performance in applicative tasks.In response to this problem, our paper describes IT/CS Workshop (ICW), an innovative, interactive Web-based paradigm for teaching and learning of technical concepts in a multi-level, multi-media humanistic context. ICW, under development at University of Florida, complements established undergraduate and graduate coursework and texts, by interactively presenting concepts at three modes or levels of abstraction:(1) WorkShop - Students are assigned tasks similar to jobs in an industrial workshop, with interactive suggestions and helps;(2) WorkBench - Technical views of Tools (e.g., concept, theory, example) and Techniques (implementation and analysis) are integrated with humanistic views of Environment (history and recycling of previous technology) and Society (ethics, interactive collaboration with experts and friends); and(3) TestBench - Interactive analysis of results, quizzes, practice exams, and progress tracking help students evaluate their work, with pointers to remedial web pages.For example, ICW's multi-media (audio-video lectures, animated examples, and sophisticated interactive analysis programs) support teaching of computer systems performance analysis (IT), algorithm complexity analysis (CS), and error propagation theory (Mathematics). Links to related Internet groups, websites, and scholarly articles support in-depth learning. ICW's multi-level, multi-media approach enriches teaching and learning, while reinforcing different learning styles and cultural views.Additional features of ICW include creative exploration, whereby students can collaborate competitively, within loose constraints. This opens many new applications and approaches, and provides multiple data sources to support the semi-automatic or (eventually) automatic monitoring and modification of student learning behavior. Thus, instructors could extract metaphors for exploration, then apply these to the process of evaluating student progress. This paper describes ICW's software architecture, interfaces, and courseware generation techniques, with examples from IT (hardware performance) and CS (complexity analysis).
Cost-effectiveness model for colon cancer screening.

Abstract Background & Aims: The relative efficacy and effectiveness of different colon screening programs has not been assessed. The purpose of this analysis was to provide a model for comparing several colon screening programs and to determine the key variables that impact program effectiveness. Methods: Five screening programs were compared: annual fecal occult blood test (FOBT) alone, flexible sigmoidoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy and FOBT combined, one-time colonoscopy, and air-contrast barium enema. Key variables were adjusted for sensitivity analyses. Cost-effectiveness was defined as the cost per cancer death prevented. Results: FOBT alone prevents fewer cancer deaths than the other programs. The addition of flexible sigmoidoscopy to the FOBT increases the rate of cancer prevention. One-time colonoscopy has the greatest impact on colorectal cancer mortality, largely because of assumptions that cancer would be prevented in most patients who undergo polypectomy. FOBT alone is the most cost-effective of the programs, but the cost is sensitive to several key variables. Conclusions: The model shows key variables that impact the cost-effectiveness of colon screening programs. Compliance is an important determinant of effectiveness of all of the screening programs. Future study should be focused on methods of patient education that improve patient compliance with screening.
Minimum Cost Quality Control Tests

Abstract An expected cost model of a process whose mean is controlled by an X chart is developed. A two-stage numerical procedure is used to calculate the sample size, the number of units produced between samples, and the control limits of optimal control charts. Optimal plans are tabulated for three values of the a priori distribution parameter and three values of each of the three cost coefficients.
Growth of embryogenic sweet orange callus on media varying in the ratio of nitrate to ammonium nitrogen

Embryogenic callus from Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck cv. Hamlin was cultured for 28 days on 20 media arranged in a 5×2×2 factorial varying in the ratio of nitrate to ammonium nitrogen, total inorganic nitrogen, and benzyladenine. Fresh weight increase of callus and final medium pH were significantly affected by total inorganic nitrogen and the ratio of nitrate to ammonium. The nitrate to ammonium ratio accounted for 55% of the variation in the fresh weight increase of the callus and 93% of the variation in the final medium pH. Varying the NO3-:NH4- ratio provided adequate pH control.
Physical Environments and Employee Reactions: Effects of Stimulus-Screening Skills and Job Complexity

This study examined the moderating effects of stimulus-screening skills and job complexity on relations between environmental characteristics and employee reactions. Employees exhibited the lowest ...
Collaborative search revisited

Despite recent innovations in technologies supporting collaborative web search [11, 13, 25, 34, 35, 37], the features of the primary tools for digital information seeking (web browsers and search engines) continue to reflect a presumption that search is a single-user activity. In this paper, we present the findings of a survey of 167 diverse users' collaborative web search practices, including the prevalence and frequency of such activities, the information needs motivating collaboration, the methods and tools employed in such tasks, and users' satisfaction with the status quo. We find an increased prevalence and frequency of collaborative search, particularly by younger users, and an appropriation of "old" technologies like e-mail as well as "new" technologies like smartphones and social networking sites, rather than the use of dedicated collaborative search tools. We reflect on how and why collaborative search practices have changed in the six years since the first survey detailing this phenomenon was conducted [22], and synthesize our findings to offer suggestions for the design of future collaborative search technologies.
The urodele limb regeneration blastema. Determination and organization of the morphogenetic field.

Abstract The idea that the undifferentiated limb regeneration blastema of urodele amphibians is an undetermined and pluripotent structure is examined. A detailed review of the literature shows that this notion has no basis in fact. The data show that the morphogenetic potency of the blastema is restricted to its prospective significance and that this potency can be fully expressed when the blastema is transplanted either to neutral location or to regenerating organ of another type. Within this morphogenetic constraint, however, blastema cells have histogenetic potency that is, at least in some cases, greater than their limb cell phenotype of origin. The morphogenetic responses of the regeneration field to discontinuities suggest that its autonomous determining relationships are based on the inheritance, from parent limb cells, of graded set of mesodermal positional values specifying the pattern of the amputation plane, and single epidermal external boundary value. The dividing mesenchymal cells of the blastema change positional value to erase any discontinuity between themselves and the epidermis, and the epidermis acts as stop signal to inform the mesenchyme when the regenerate boundary has been reached. In vitro experiments suggest that changes in mesenchymal positional value in response to discontinuity can be interpreted in terms of gradients of cell-cell adhesivity, and they focus attention on the importance of molecular studies of blastema cell surfaces for our future understanding of regeneration and morphogenesis in general.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use, hormone receptor status, and breast cancer-specific mortality in the Carolina Breast Cancer Study

Epidemiologic studies report a protective association between non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use and hormone receptor-positive breast cancer risk, a finding consistent with NSAID-mediated suppression of aromatase-driven estrogen biosynthesis. However, the association between NSAID use and breast cancer-specific mortality is uncertain and it is unknown whether this relationship differs by hormone receptor status. This study comprised 935 invasive breast cancer cases, of which 490 were estrogen receptor (ER)-positive, enrolled between 1996 and 2001 in the Carolina Breast Cancer Study. Self-reported NSAID use in the decade prior to diagnosis was categorized by duration and regularity of use. Differences in tumor size, stage, node, and receptor status by NSAID use were examined using Chi-square tests. Associations between NSAID use and breast cancer-specific mortality were examined using age- and race-adjusted Cox proportional hazards analysis. Tumor characteristics did not differ by NSAID use. Increased duration and regularity of NSAID use was associated with reduced breast cancer-specific mortality in women with ER-positive tumors (long-term regular use (≥8 days/month for ≥ 3 years) versus no use; hazard ratio (HR) 0.48; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.23–0.98), with a statistically significant trend with increasing duration and regularity (p-trend = 0.036). There was no association for ER-negative cases (HR 1.19; 95 %CI 0.50–2.81; p-trend = 0.891). Long-term, regular NSAID use in the decade prior to breast cancer diagnosis was associated with reduced breast cancer-specific mortality in ER-positive cases. If confirmed, these findings support the hypothesis that potential chemopreventive properties of NSAIDs are mediated, at least in part, through suppression of estrogen biosynthesis.
Fast carbon nanotube detectors for micro gas chromatographs

Highly sensitive and completely reversible chemiresistor detectors based on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were fabricated for multi-component chemical analysis. CNT detectors were used in a series configuration with a gas chromatography column and exposed to a mixture of nine different compounds. It is shown that CNT detectors were able to show parts per billion (pbb) sensitivity responses to each individual component of the mixture and detect nine distinct chemical compounds in roughly 210 s when the detector operates in current stimulated desorption (CSD) mode. This is the first demonstration of an uncoated CNT detector to analyze multi-component chemical mixtures providing an alternative yet simple sensing approach for online air quality control and health monitoring applications.
Characterization of the metabolic effects of irisin on skeletal muscle in vitro

Aims This work explored the effects of irisin on metabolism, gene expression and mitochondrial content in cultured myocytes. Methods C2C12 myocytes were treated with various concentrations of irisin for various durations. Glycolysis and oxidative metabolism were quantified by measurement of extracellular acidification and oxygen consumption, respectively. Metabolic gene expression was measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and mitochondrial content was assessed by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Results Cells treated with irisin exhibited significantly increased oxidative metabolism. Irisin treatment also significantly increased mitochondrial uncoupling at various doses and durations. Lastly, treatment with irisin also significantly elevated metabolic gene expression including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1 alpha (PGC-1α), nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1), mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM), irisin, glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) and mitochondrial uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3) leading to increased mitochondrial biogenesis. Conclusions Our observations are the first to document increased metabolism in myocytes through irisin-mediated induction of mitochondrial biogenesis and uncoupling with corresponding gene expression. These observations support the need for further investigation into the therapeutic and pharmacological effects of irisin, as well as development of irisin-based therapy.
Cytolysin-Mediated Translocation (CMT): A Functional Equivalent of Type III Secretion in Gram-Positive Bacteria

Type III secretion for injection of effector proteins into host cells has not been described for Gram-positive bacteria despite their importance in disease. Here, we describe an injection pathway for the Gram-positive pathogen Streptococcus pyogenes that utilizes streptolysin O (SLO), a cholesterol-dependent cytolysin. The data support a model in which an effector is translocated through the SLO pore by a polarized process. The effector, SPN (S. pyogenes NAD-glycohydrolase), is capable of producing the potent second messenger cyclic ADP-ribose, and SLO and SPN act synergistically to trigger cytotoxicity. These data provide a novel paradigm for the function of the cholesterol-dependent cytolysin family and its wide distribution suggests that cytolysin-mediated translocation (CMT) may be the equivalent of type III secretion for Gram-positive pathogens.
Postmarketing survey results of T.R.U.E. TEST, a new allergen patch test☆

Abstract Background : T.R.U.E. TEST, (Thin-layer Rapid Use Epicutaneous Test; Glaxo Dermatology, Division of Glaxo Wellcome Inc, Research Triangle Park, NC) an allergen patch test used in the diagnosis of contact dermatitis, was first introduced to the United States market on January 16, 1995. A voluntary postmarketing survey of its use during the initial 19.5 months has been conducted. Objective : The survey was conducted to provide information on the incidence of positive reactions to the specific allergens included in the panel as well as to evaluate test performance and safety. Methods : Data collection forms were included with each initial order of T.R.U.E. TEST purchased by dermatologists and other physicians. Data for a total of 3,209 patients were analyzed for incidence of dermatitis by body site, reaction frequency to test allergens, physician interpretation of clinical relevance, and adverse events. Results : Allergens with the highest reaction rates included nickel sulfate (17.8%), Quaternium-15 (10.6%), thimerosal (9.4%), and formaldehyde (8.7%). These figures were similar to those obtained in the North American clinical trials used to support the US market approval of T.R.U.E. TEST. Itching/burning sensation and excited skin were the most frequent adverse events recorded, each reported in less than 2% of patients tested. Conclusion : T.R.U.E. TEST provides a standardized, convenient, reliable, and safe method of assessing patients with contact dermatitis.