cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ultrastructure of Golgi-impregnated and gold-toned spiny and aspiny neurons in the monkey neostriatum

Golgi-impregnated, gold-toned spiny and aspiny neurons in the monkey neostriatum were deimpregnated and examined at the electron microscope level.Spiny type I neurons have relatively large nuclei with few indentations and aggregates of chromatin under the nuclear membrane which in some regions give the appearance of a dark rim. The small quantity of surrounding cytoplasm is poor in organelles.Aspiny type I neurons have eccentric, highly indented nuclei. The relatively large proportion of cytoplasm is rich in organelles especially Golgi apparatus and rough endoplasmic reticulum which often appears in stacks.
Message Effects and Social Determinants of Health: Its Application to Cancer Disparities

Recent work on message effects theories offers a fruitful way to systematically explore how features, formats, structures of messages may attract audience attention and influence the audience and is of great relevance to public health communications. Much of this work, however, has been pursued primarily at the individual level of analysis. It is our contention that message effects on health outcomes could potentially be moderated and mediated by social contextual factors in public health such as social class, social organizations and neighborhoods among others, leading to differential effects among different audience sub-groups. This essay, through a selective review of literatures in communication and social epidemiology, will explore how major message effects may moderate and mediate the role of social determinants of health on cancer control, specifically cancer-related health disparities.
Corn Response to Nitrogen Rate, Row Spacing, and Plant Density in Eastern Nebraska

Efficient use of N by corn (Zea mays L.) is financially and environmentally important, and may be improved with higher plant density and reduced row spacing. Hypotheses were tested that irrigated corn yield in northeast Nebraska is increased by reducing row spacing from 0.76 m and increasing plant density above 61800 plants ha 21 , and that grain yield response to applied N is greater with reduced row spacing and increased plant density. Field experiments were conducted for 3 yr comparing the effects 0.76- vs. 0.51-m row spacing, three plant densities, and four N rates on crop performance. The soil was a silty clay loam (mesic Cumulic Haplustoll). Nitrogen rates ranged from 0 to 252 kg N ha 21 . Plant N concentration and biomass and grain yield were not affected by plant density. Decreasing row spacing from 0.76 to 0.51 m resulted in 4% more grain yield. Grain yield response to applied N and N rates for optimum yield were not affected by row spacing. Nitrogen application resulted in mean increases of 22% more biomass production and 24% more grain yield. The N response function was linear in 1996, quadratic in 1997, and quadratic with decreased yields at the high N rate (252 kg N ha 21 )i n 1998. Grain yield was not affected by increasing plant density above 61800 plants ha 21 but was greater with narrow row spacing. Yield response to applied N was similar for all planting arrangements. Optimal N rate cannot be better predicted by considering plant density and row spacing. N ITROGEN fertilizer is a major input for corn production in the Midwest. Ideal N management optimizes grain yield, farm profit, and N use efficiency while it minimizes the potential for leaching of N beyond the crop rooting zone. Efficiency of use of applied N is variable, with a mean of only 33% of applied N recovered by cereal crops (Raun and Johnson, 1999). Demand for N increases with biomass yield, which may be enhanced by reduced row spacing and greater plant density (Jordan et al., 1950). The effect of decreasing corn row spacing from a mean of 1.07 to 0.90 m was estimated to result in an overall mean yield increase of 175 kg ha 21 (Cardwell, 1982), while most farmers have reduced corn row spacing to 0.76 m or less. Corn yields may be further increased by reducing row spacing from 0.76 to 0.38 m (Nielsen, 1988; Widdicombe and Thelen, 2002), but there may be little advantage to fur
Quantitative Analysis of Peptides by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectrometry

Quantitative analysis of peptides using internal standards was carried out with the use of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) on a time-of-flight mass spectrometer in a ferulic acid matrix. Spectra were collected and averaged over several areas of the sample surface at constant laser energy, and a defocused beam was used to improve reproducibility. A calibration curve was plotted, showing a correlation coefficient of 0.992 and a relative standard deviation of 1.83%. The accuracy and precision of this technique were sensitive to the crystal structure of the matrix and saturation effects of the instrument's detector.
Purification and properties of gentamicin nucleotidyltransferase from Escherichia coli: Nucleotide specificity, pH optimum, and the separation of two electrophoretic variants☆

Gentamicin nucleotidyltransferase, AAD 2", catalyzes the transfer of a nucleotide to many aminoglycoside antibiotics, which are the drugs of choice in the treatment of gram-negative bacterial infections. The transfer is accompanied by the production of pyrophosphate, which is coupled to three other enzymes so that an increase in absorbance at 340 nm of NADPH can be monitored continuously as a quantitative assay of activity. A purification method was developed for this enzyme using all common principles of protein purification. These include selection of a desirable source of enzyme (choice of plasmid pMY 10), maximizing cellular yield of enzyme (controlled and monitored growth of Escherichia coli pMY 10/W677), selective extraction of protein (modified osmotic shock), removal of nucleic acids (precipitation with streptomycin sulfate), concentration of protein (precipitation with ammonium sulfate), removal of low-molecular-weight impurities (chromatography on Bio-Gel P-2), separation of proteins on the basis of charge (ion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-Bio-Gel A), separation of proteins according to a biospecific property (affinity chromatography on gentamicin-Affi-Gel), and separation of proteins according to size (gel filtration on Ultrogel AcA 54). Purification to near-homogeneity revealed the presence of two related forms of enzyme. The first had a specific activity of 0.134 units/mg, bound rapidly and tightly to gentamicin-Affi-Gel, eluted as a function of ionic strength from Ultrogel, and migrated faster during electrophoresis in both the presence and absence of sodium dodecyl sulfate. It has an isoelectric point of 5.7 +/- 0.2 and consists of a single polypeptide of 32,500 Da. Kinetic characterization showed a pH optimum of 9.5 and Michaelis constants of 2.76 +/- 0.35 microM for tobramycin, 404 +/- 28 microM for Mg-ATP, 2008 +/- 260 microM for Mg-CTP, 30 +/- 3 microM for Mg-dATP and Mg-dGTP, and 90 +/- 7 microM for Mg-dCTP and Mg-dTTP. The second form had a specific activity of 0.274 unit/mg. It also bound tightly to gentamicin-Affi-gel but the onset of binding was time dependent. This form migrated slower during polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in both the presence and absence of sodium dodecyl sulfate. It has an isoelectric point of 6.0 +/- 0.2 and consists of a single polypeptide of 31,500 Da. The exact relationship between the two forms has not been elucidated. It is probable that they have a recent common ancestor or are the same polypeptide because the amino acid compositions and polypeptide chain lengths are essentially identical.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Cystatin C levels in patients with β-thalassemia during deferasirox treatment

Deferasirox (Exjade®) is a once-daily, oral iron chelator approved for the treatment of transfusional iron overload. This study was conducted to analyze changes in cystatin C concentration, an endogenous marker of glomerular filtration rate (GFR), in patients with thalassemia receiving daily deferasirox therapy over a period of at least 9 months. One hundred and fifty β-thalassemia patients were treated with deferasirox at doses of 20–40 mg/kg/day for 9 consecutive months. Cystatin C concentrations were measured at regular intervals and GFR was calculated according to the cystatin C-based prediction equation. Plasma concentrations of NGAL protein and NT-proBNP were also monitored as indicators of renal function and LVEF, respectively. Serum ferritin concentration was also measured to assess iron overload. Throughout the 9 months of deferasirox treatment cystatin C concentration remained stable (p > 0.850). The baseline cystatin C mean values were 0.97 ± 0.27 mg/L and reached a maximum of 1.01 ± 0.29 mg/L at 4 months of treatment. No correlation was found between cystatin C and NGAL concentrations (p > 0.674). Cystatin C and NT-proBNP concentrations correlated positively with a binomial equation (p < 0.004), as also did cystatin C and serum ferritin (p < 0.001). These findings suggest that slight changes of cystatin C during deferasirox treatment may not reflect renal injury. However hemodynamic signals such as LVEF alterations and iron mobilization do appear to affect changes in cystatin C concentration.
Complex equilibrium calculations by simplex and duality theories with applications to liquid metal fuel propulsion systems

Abstract A method to utilize the Simplex method and Duality theory of linear programming to solve the nonlinear problem of complex chemical equilibrium calculations of nonideal multiphase reacting systems is presented. The Simplex method and Duality theory are used to automatically generate an optimal set of initial estimates of equilibrium compositions and Lagrangian multipliers to overcome the divergence problem encountered in the iterative solution process. Such an optimization technique has been incorporated into a general purpose equilibrium computational code applicable for ideal or nonideal reacting mixtures that may contain single-phase or multiphase, electrolytic or nonelectrolytic solutions, or miscible or immiscible liquid solutions. Predictions are found in good agreement with experimental data of the binary and ternary solubilities of lithium-lithium fluoride-lithium sulfide system. Complete equilibrium state relationships and submerged turbulent plume structures of several reacting systems of interest in closed stored chemical energy propulsion systems are then investigated. It is shown that the production of hydrogen gas is feasible from a NaH 2 O reacting system but not from a LiH 2 O system. Finally, comparisons are made among those submerged plumes and assessments are made regarding the maximum temperature and total penetration length of the plumes.
Evaluation of unsteady pressure fields and forces in rotating airfoils from time-resolved PIV

The instantaneous pressure fields and aerodynamic loads are obtained for rotating airfoils from time-resolved particle image velocimetry (TR-PIV) measurements. These allowed evaluating the contribution from the local acceleration (unsteady acceleration) to the instantaneous forces. Traditionally, this term has been neglected for wind turbines with quasi-steady flows, but results show that it is a dominant term in the wake where high temporal variations in the flow field are present due to vortex shedding. Briefly, time-resolved particle image velocimetry TR-PIV measurements are used to calculate flow velocity fields and corresponding spatial and temporal derivatives. These derivatives are then used in the Poisson equation to solve for the pressure field and later used in the integral momentum equation to solve for the instantaneous forces. The robustness of the measurements is analyzed by calculating the PIV uncertainty and the independence of the calculated forces. The experimental mean aerodynamic forces are compared with theoretical predictions from the blade element momentum theory showing good agreement. The instantaneous pressure field showed dependence with time in the wake due to vortex shedding. The contribution to the instantaneous forces from each term in the integral momentum equation is evaluated. The analysis shows that the larger contributions to the normal force coefficient are from the unsteady and the pressure terms, and the larger contribution to the tangential force coefficient is from the convective term.
Interacting vs. non-interacting single domain behavior in natural and synthetic samples

The disparity in response to high alternating field (AF) demagnetization for samples containing fine magnetic carriers is apparently related to the degree of interactions between those carriers. The presence of interaction fields between single domain (SD) grains can be tested by plotting isothermal remanence (IRM) acquisition vs. saturation remanence (SIRM) demagnetization. For the case of noninteracting SD grains, the two curves will be symmetrical. For the interacting SD case, the acquisition curve will be steepest at higher field, and the demagnetization curve steepest at lower fields, resulting in nonsymmetry. The point of intersection of the two curves approximates the remanent coercive force (H sub RC) field for all cases. Minor hysteresis loops and anhysteretic remanence (ARM) acquisition curves are also strongly influenced by interaction fields. Because of the difficulty in dispersing strongly magnetic grains, fine grained synthetic samples made with highly magnetic materials will not display equivalent AF stability to natural samples with fine, dispersed grains.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation in Children With Overactive Bladder: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Purpose: We evaluated the effectiveness of parasacral transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation to treat overactive bladder in children. We designed a prospective randomized trial with sham control for this evaluation.Materials and Methods: We prospectively randomized 25 girls and 12 boys with an average age of 7.6 years (range 4 to 12) into the test (active treatment) or sham (superficial scapular electrical stimulation) group. A total of 20 sessions, 20 minutes each (10 Hz) were performed 3 times weekly. The criteria used to evaluate the rate of success were 1) self-reported cure, or significant, mild or no improvement; 2) visual analogue scale (level of success 0 to 10); 3) percent improvement; 4) modified Toronto score; and 5) maximum voided volume, average voided volume and number of voids daily based on bladder diary entries. After completion of the 20 sessions controls who were not cured underwent active treatment.Results: A total of 21 patients in the test group and 16 in the sham group underwen...
On the Theory of Axially Symmetric Electron Beams in an Axial Magnetic Field

One of the more perplexing problems in the design of klystrons and traveling-wave tubes has been the formation of well collimated electron beams. An axially symmetric form of an electron beam is proposed in which the space-charge repulsive forces are just balanced by magnetic focusing forces so that the beam may be made as long as desirable without any change in its cross section. The equations governing the existence of such beams are derived.
Physical Model for Non-steady-state Dissolution of Dental Enamel

The purpose of this study was to provide a rigorous theoretical understanding of the dissolution behavior of dental enamel over the entire time-course of demineralization and to simulate by computer an erosion-type caries lesion according to the physical "hydroxyapa tite model".The appropriate diffusion equations which accountfor simultaneous diffusion and equilibrium of all species in enamel pores, boundary layer, and bulk solution, and which also take into consideration surface reaction kinetics, were employed to allow for calculation of the micro-environmental solution concentration and changes in the mineral density as a function of time and distance within the enamel. This comprehensive physical model for non-steady-state enamel dissolution also explicitly takes into account changes in the diffusivity and the dissolution rate constant as a function of mineral density. Demineralization experiments were conducted in 0.1 mol/L sink acetate buffer (pH = 4.50, μ= 0.50), with ground bovine dental enamel bl...
Transformation of a vortex ring, initiated by a downburst, into a horseshoe vortex in the boundary layer

The oblique interaction of a vortex ring with a boundary in shear flow is considered by the method of three-dimensional vortex singularities (vortons). It is demonstrated how a vortex ring transforms into a horseshoe vortex. The results are in agreement with laboratory observations. The possible application of this approach to the problem of aircraft accidents, caused by downbursts in the atmospheric boundary layer, is briefly discussed.
Search Strategy Optimization for Intruder Detection

Sensors can take advantage of environmental information to sweep for a moving intruder in a manner that will look random to an intruder, but that will maximize the probability of detection. We show how likelihood information about intrusion from particular sectors can be used to design a sweep strategy
Fabrication of a Tungsten Master Stamp Using Self-Ordered Porous Alumina

We describe the preparation of a tungsten pillar nanoimprint stamp without the use of lithography and etching techniques. Structures with heights of 15 nm were prepared on the basis of self-ordered porous alumina templates and this was followed by DC sputtering of tungsten. The stamp was successfully used to prepare an aluminium surface to obtain highly ordered porous anodic alumina films after a single anodization step. The preparation efficiency for highly ordered porous alumina was dramatically improved as compared to the more conventional two-step anodization–strip-anodization method, as a sacrificial layer with a thickness of a few hundred micrometres was not required. In addition, by fractal calculations, we have evaluated the degree of ordering of the asperities on the nanoimprint master stamp.
A Low Velocity Wind Tunnel to Evaluate Inhalability and Sampler Performance for Large Dust Particles

Abstract Workers in occupations such as mining, wood working, spray painting, pesticide application, and metal grinding are exposed to large particles in the 10 to 150-μm particle size range. For sampling large particles such as these, the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists has recently adopted criteria for inhalable particulate mass (IPM) sampling. Measurements of inhalability and IPM sampler performance are sensitive to the direction and velocity of the ambient air motion as well as particle size. Because of the complex flow field around a person, these measurements are best made under simulated industrial conditions in a large, low velocity wind tunnel where particle size, wind velocity, and direction can be carefully controlled. An 11,000 ft3/min, open-cycle, closed-jet wind tunnel with a cross-section of 1.6 × 1.6 m has been constructed for IPM studies. It can produce wind velocities from less than 0.1 to 2 m/s (20 to 390 ft/min). It can accommodate a full-torso mannequin. The ...
An assessment of the impact of quality-of-life policing on crime and disorder

In this paper we examine the impact of quality-of-life policing on crime and disorder. Specifically, we examine a quality-of-life initiative conducted by the Chandler, Arizona Police Department, which was grounded in an operational strategy of policing social and physical disorder. Using data on calls for service, we employ an interrupted time-series analysis to examine the effect of the intervention on 10 offense categories within the overall target area and within four zones that constitute the target area. The findings suggest that the quality-of-life initiative exerted the strongest effect on two categories of crime and disorder: public morals and physical disorder. Diffusion of benefit and displacement effects were also observed in nearby areas. We discuss the implications of the findings for policy makers and researchers.
Multiply Robust Inference for Statistical Interactions

A primary focus of an increasing number of scientific studies is to determine whether two exposures interact in the effect that they produce on an outcome of interest. Interaction is commonly assessed by fitting regression models in which the linear predictor includes the product between those exposures. When the main interest lies in the interaction, this approach is not entirely satisfactory, because it is prone to (possibly severe) bias when the main exposure effects or the associations between outcome and extraneous factors are misspecified. In this article we consider conditional mean models with identity or log link that postulate the statistical interaction in terms of a finite-dimensional parameter but are otherwise unspecified. We show that estimation of the interaction parameter often is not feasible in this model, because it requires nonparametric estimation of auxiliary conditional expectations given high-dimensional variables. We thus consider multiply robust estimation under a union model th...
Strength characterization of yttria/alumina-doped sintered silicon nitride

The flexural strength of yttria/alumina-doped sintered silicon nitride (Ford Material-RM 20) was measured as a function of temperature (20 to 1400 deg C), applied stress and time. Flexural stress rupture testing at 800 and 1000 deg C indicated that the material can sustain 344 MPa and 276 MPa, respectively, without failure, for a limited time (less than or equal to 100 h). The RM 20 material was susceptible to both oxidation and early stages of creep deformation at temperatures above 1000 deg C and displayed extensive creep deformation and degradation in strength above 1300 deg C.
From max-plus algebra to nonexpansive mappings: a nonlinear theory for discrete event systems

Discrete event systems provide a useful abstraction for modelling a wide variety of systems: digital circuits, communication networks, manufacturing plants, etc. Their dynamics--stability, equilibrium states, cyclical behaviour, asymptotic average delays--are of vital importance to system designers. However, in marked contrast to continuous dynamical systems, there has been little systematic mathematical theory that designers can draw upon. In this paper, we survey the development of such a theory, based on the dynamics of maps which are nonexpansive in the l∞ norm. This has its origins in linear algebra over the max-plus semiring but extends to a nonlinear theory that encompasses a variety of problems arising in other mathematical disciplines. We concentrate on the mathematical aspects and set out several open problems.
A typology of adolescent runaways

No single program seems adequate to serve a highly complex adolescent runaway and homeless youth population. A service program must have many components with each part addressing the needs of a specific and different population. This paper presents a typology of runaway behavior which has three categories. These categories distinguish among runaway and homeless youth by reference to their family situation, psychological characteristics, and length of time out of home. The implications for intervention that follow from these categories are discussed.
Induction of micronuclei by low doses of azidothymidine (AZT).

Abstract The dideoxynucleoside azidothymidine (AZT; Zidovudine) was assessed for its ability to induce micronuclei in mouse erythrocytes at a low (therapeutic) dosage. Specifically, male and female BALB/c mice were treated via intraperitoneal injection 5 days a week for 2 weeks with saline or 17 mg AZT/kg body weight per day. Each animal was monitored for chemical-induced micronucleus formation over the course of the treatment regimen through the flow cytometric analysis of one-million pre-dosing and one million post-dosing peripheral blood erythrocytes. No significant change in micronucleus frequencies was observed for the vehicle control group as micronuclei continued to enter the peripheral blood pool at background levels. Conversely, the AZT-treated mice exhibited a statistically significant net increase in micronucleated cells over the course of dosing as erythrocytes with a high incidence of micronuclei entered the peripheral blood pool. The advantages of high throughout scoring protocols utilizing flow cytometry are discussed.
Hereditary dysplasia of bone with kyphoscoliosis,contractures, and abnormally shaped ears

A father and son have been observed with an unusual complement of musculoskeletalanomalies, including severe kyphoscoliosis, generalized osteopenia without evidence of fractures, slender long bones, arachnodactyly, congenital contractures, under-developed musculature, and abnormally formed ears. Although similar in many respects to Marfan's syndrome and osteogenesis imperfecta, the present condition, which is apparently inherited in an autosomal dominant manner, seems to represent a distinct genetic entity.
Carcinogenicity, metabolism and Ki-ras proto-oncogene activation by 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene in rainbow trout embryos.

Field studies suggest that recent epizootics of hepatic neoplasms in some feral fish populations are associated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) exposure, but attempts to induce liver tumors in these species under laboratory conditions have been unsuccessful. Several studies have shown hepatic neoplasma to be inducible in laboratory fish species following PAH exposure at the free-swimming life stage. However, neither the susceptibility of the fish embryonic life stage to tumor induction by PAHs nor the potential of these carcinogens to induce oncogenic point mutations analogous to those reported in feral fish hepatic tumors have been clearly established. To address this, rainbow trout embryos were exposed by passive water uptake to 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA), a potent model PAH in many mammalian tumor protocols. DMBA was rapidly absorbed by trout eggs and metabolized. The major non-polar metabolites identified were 12-hydroxymethyl-7-methylbenz[a]anthracene and 3,4-dihydroxy-3,4-dihydro-DMBA, whereas approximately 25% of the water soluble metabolites were identified as glucuronides by beta-glucuronidase treatment. Embryonic DNA adduction increased with time of DMBA exposure (2.2 +/- 0.3 pmol DMBA-equivalents/mg DNA at 24 h). Liver tumor incidence nine months after DMBA treatment was found to increase with DMBA concentration and exposure period (3.8% at 1 p.p.m./2 h; 23% at 5 p.p.m./2 h; 85% at 5 p.p.m./24 h). Stomach adenomas and nephroblastomas also were observed at low incidence in the DMBA-treated trout. Among 11 hepatic tumors examined, nine carried Ki-ras alleles with activating point mutations in codon 12 (4/11 GGA-->AGA; 4/11 GGA-->GTA) or codon 61 (1/11 CAG-->CTG). This spectrum differs substantially from those reported for DMBA-initiated mouse skin papillomas or hepatic tumors. These results may have important environmental implications because they suggest that even a brief exposure to PAHs during a sensitive stage of development may adversely affect some fish populations. They also indicate considerable variation in DMBA ras gene mutations among species and target organs.
Fredkin Gates in χ (2) Microdisks via Quantum Zeno Blockade

Using the quantum Zeno effect, we present a quantum optical Fredkin gate in LiNbO3 microdisks for telecom applications. Such gates can operate with sub-femtojoule pumps and, in the ideal limit, without any energy dissipation.
Radon remediation studies in northern Virginia and southern Maryland

A three year study of indoor radon in more than 1,000 homes in northern Virginia and southern Maryland was conducted by using three month-exposure alpha-track monitors In a study set of approximately 200 homes, first floor indoor radon concentrations, which most closely ap proximate home exposure levels, averaged slightly more than 3 pC1/L In a study set of approximately 100 homes, radon concentrations in the water supplies were < 10,000 pC1/L, and no evidence was found to indicate that the waterborne radon concentration was related to the airborne radon concentration In a study set of approximately 100 homes, subslab ventilation was used to reduce indoor radon concentrations Interest in remediation was related to public perception of radon hazard, in that people with indoor radon measurements of >4 pC1/L were more likely to participate in the reme diation phase of the project Subslab ventilation was successful in >90% of the homes in reducing indoor radon from concentrations as high as 30 pC1/L to <4 pC1/L, at least for the entire year of postremediation radon measurements
Interatrial block: is it time for more attention?

Interatrial block (IAB) is defined as delayed conduction between the right and left atrium, which results in prolonged P-wave duration (≥110 milliseconds). Interatrial block can be partial or advanced (much less common), depending on the severity of the conduction abnormality. Several studies have reported that the prevalence of IAB is more than 40% in hospital inpatients. Despite this, IAB remains largely underdiagnosed and commonly ignored. Although more investigations are needed to identify the cause of IAB, coronary artery disease and conditions related to cardiovascular disease, such as hypertension or diabetes mellitus, have been described as potential risk factors for developing IAB. Interatrial block has strong associations with multiple medical conditions including atrial fibrillation, myocardial ischemia, left atrial enlargement, and systemic emboli. Treatment modalities for IAB to preclude its consequences include pacing and medical management, in which angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers have given promising results. However, more interest, attention, and research for IAB is required to explore this uncertain issue thoroughly.
Transient inhibition of protein synthesis accompanies differentiation of Trypanosoma brucei from bloodstream to procyclic forms.

Abstract It has been widely believed that bloodstream forms of Trypanosoma brucei must be first transformed into intermediary and/or short-stumpy forms in the bloodstream of the mammalian host before differentiation to the procyclic culture form can occur. In our recent studies, the pleomorphic T. brucei strain TREU667 was found to differentiate directly from the long-slender bloodstream form to the procyclic form in Cunningham's medium at 26°C [7]. In the present investigation, the same was found true for another pleomorphic strain of T. brucei , STIB366D. Four independent monomorphic strains of T. brucei were tested; two, #427 and EATRO164, were found capable of differentiating in vitro directly into procyclic forms, whereas the other two, TREU667/RP-56 and EATRO110, could not. There is thus no correlation between the capability of differentiating in vitro and the ability of being converted from long-slender to intermediary and short-stumpy bloodstream forms. Two additional markers for following differentiation, other than observing morphological changes, were tested. Assays for the emerging phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) by immunoblottings worked well, with results agreeing closely with the morphological change. But immunoblottings of glycosomal phosphoglycerate kinase (gPGK) failed to demonstrate a significant decrease in the protein level upon completion of differentiation. Apparently, gPGK has a rather long half-life and is unsuitable as a marker of differentiation. When temperature was dropped from 37°C to 26°C at the starting point of in vitro differentiation, protein synthetic activity in the pleomorphic T. brucei TREU667 bloodstream form was decreased by 4-fold. When the activity was gradually brought back to and beyond the original level after a day's incubation, the profile of newly synthesized proteins was that of the procyclic form. A monomorphic variant of TREU667, RP-56, which is incapable of differentiating in vitro, has a much higher protein synthetic activity than its pleomorphic parent in the bloodstream form. This high activity and the bloodstream profile of proteins thus synthesized were unaffected by the decreased temperature in Cunningham's medium until cell death. We thus conclude that a general inhibition of protein synthesis in bloodstream forms caused by temperature drop may be among the early events triggering differentiation into the procyclic form.
A fully integrated 802.11n radio with 24GHz harmonic LO generation for low-cost, low power, multi-standard systems

We report a novel harmonic LOG based direct conversion RF transceiver for 802.11n radio. This multi-comm transceiver consists of Bluetooth SoC and WiFi, it includes 19–24GHz VCO, integrated front-end including WiFi T/R and WiFi-BT switches. Fabricated in 90nm digital CMOS technology, this IC consumes 422/560mW (Rx/Tx 802.11n 300/150Mbps), 110mW in BT mode, with an area of approx 19mm2. A peak saturated power of 24/9dBm is achieved at antenna in WiFi/BT mode.
Efficacy and Safety of Long-Acting Reversible Contraception in Women With Cardiovascular Conditions

The physiological changes that occur during pregnancy can be deleterious to women with a cardiovascular condition. Evidence-based contraceptive counseling and provision is essential in this patient population. Although long-acting reversible contraception (LARCs), which include the intrauterine device (IUD) and the etonogestrel contraceptive implant, have been found to be safe and effective in healthy women, there are inadequate data regarding LARC use in patients with cardiovascular conditions. We conducted a retrospective chart review of women diagnosed with cardiovascular disease who had a copper IUD, levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system or contraceptive implant placed at the University of Washington Medical Center from 2007 to 2012. We abstracted and analyzed patient demographic characteristics, medical conditions, indications for LARC placement, and complications. The sample included 470 women with cardiovascular conditions. The mean age was 34.6 years. One hundred twenty-four patients (26.11%) were nulligravid and 169 patients (35.58%) were nulliparous. Four hundred ten chose the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (87.23%), 33 patients (7.02%) opted for the copper IUD, and 23 patients (4.89%) chose the etonogestrel implant. Eighteen patients (3.83%) had a confirmed IUD expulsion, 2 patients (0.43%) became pregnant, and there were 4 cases of pelvic inflammatory disease (0.85%). There were no cases of perforation. There were no confirmed cases of infective endocarditis associated with LARC insertion. In conclusion, LARC devices appear safe with few complications for women with cardiovascular conditions. Clinicians can be reassured that LARC may be offered as an appropriate option when counseling women with cardiovascular disease on safe contraceptive methods.
Residence time calculation for chemotactic bacteria within porous media

Local chemical gradients can have a significant impact on bacterial population distributions within subsurface environments by evoking chemotactic responses. These local gradients may be created by consumption of a slowly diffusing nutrient, generation of a local food source from cell lysis, or dissolution of nonaqueous phase liquids trapped within the interstices of a soil matrix. We used a random walk simulation algorithm to study the effect of a local microscopic gradient on the swimming behavior of bacteria in a porous medium. The model porous medium was constructed using molecular dynamics simulations applied to a fluid of equal-sized spheres. The chemoattractant gradient was approximated with spherical symmetry, and the parameters for the swimming behavior of soil bacterium Pseudomonas putida were based on literature values. Two different mechanisms for bacterial chemotaxis, one in which the bacteria responded to both positive and negative gradients, and the other in which they responded only to positive gradients, were compared. The results of the computer simulations showed that chemotaxis can increase migration through a porous medium in response to microscopic-scale gradients. The simulation results also suggested that a more significant role of chemotaxis may be to increase the residence time of the bacteria in the vicinity of an attractant source.
Inhibition by coenzyme Q of ethanol- and carbon tetrachloride-stimulated lipid peroxidation in vivo and catalyzed by microsomal and mitochondrial systems

The ability of coenzyme Q to inhibit lipid peroxidation in intact animals as well as in mitochondrial, submitochondrial, and microsomal systems has been tested. Rats fed coenzyme Q prior to being treated with carbon tetrachloride or while being treated with ethanol excrete less thiobarbituric acid-reacting material in the urine than such rats not fed coenzyme Q. Liver homogenates, mitochondria, and microsomes isolated from rats treated with carbon tetrachloride and ethanol catalyze lipid peroxidation at rates which exceed those from animals also fed coenzyme Q. The rate of lipid peroxidation catalyzed by submitochondrial particles isolated from hearts of young, old, and endurance trained elderly rats was inversely proportional to the coenzyme Q content of the submitochondrial preparation in assays in which succinate was employed to reduce the endogenous coenzyme Q. Reduced, but not oxidized, coenzyme Q inhibited lipid peroxidation catalyzed by rat liver microsomal preparations. These results provide additional evidence in support of an antioxidant role for coenzyme Q.
Beyond the Ecofact: Toward a Social Paleoethnobotany in Mesoamerica

This essay examines the relationship between social archaeology and paleoethnobotany in Mesoamerica, a region where paleoethnobotanical research has been growing rapidly. We synthesize Mesoamerican paleoethnobotanical studies that have gone beyond descriptions of subsistence economies, reconstructions of ecological systems, or static lists of identified plant remains. These paleoethnobotanical investigations, we argue, transcend the ecofact to shed light on how human–plant interaction was connected to power, agency, societal structures, and normative constraints—fundamental foci of research in social archaeology. Pulling on current trends in Mesoamerican paleoethnobotany, we show how these social archaeological topics have been addressed via studies of political ecology and ritual. Future advances in social paleoethnobotany are contingent upon methodological innovations in data sampling, quantification, analysis, and integration. We end with a consideration of additional pathways toward a social paleoethnobotany, which includes contributions to understanding materiality, past gender relations, environmental knowledge, and the effect of scale on analysis and interpretations.
Improving nutritional screening of hospitalized patients: the role of prealbumin.

BACKGROUND: Limited resources prevent hospitals from having all patients formally evaluated by a nutrition expert. Thus, hospitals rely on nutrition-screening tools to identify malnourished patients. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a nutrition-screening protocol, prealbumin (PAB), retinol binding protein (RBP), and albumin (ALB) in identifying malnourished hospitalized patients. METHODS: A nutrition screening protocol was prospectively used in medical and surgical patients and consisted of a nurse administering a questionnaire to patients and requesting formal evaluation by a registered dietitian (RD) only if nutritional issues were identified. Patients also had ALB, PAB, and RBP drawn, which were used to both screen and identify the malnourished. PAB, RBP, and ALB were compared as predictors of RD classification of patient nutritional status. RESULTS: The nutrition-screening protocol classified 104 of 320 patients (33%) as malnourished. However, 43% of the patients were no...
Low-Density Lipoprotein in Hypercholesterolemic Human Plasma Induces Vascular Endothelial Cell Apoptosis by Inhibiting Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 Transcription

Background— Apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells (ECs) can be induced in vitro by experimentally modified LDL. Description of proapoptotic circulating lipoproteins may significantly enhance understanding of atherothrombosis pathophysiology. Methods and Results— Fast protein liquid chromatography of LDL samples from 7 asymptomatic, hypercholesterolemic patients yielded subfractions L1–L5 in increasing electronegativity. L4 and L5 were not detectable or collectible in normolipidemic samples. In bovine aortic EC cultures, L5 induced marked apoptosis and L4 had a mild effect, whereas hypercholesterolemic or normolipidemic L1–L3 had negligible effects. Compared with copper-oxidized LDL, L5 was only mildly oxidized, although its propensity to form conjugated dienes in response to copper exceeded that of other subfractions. L5-induced apoptosis was associated with suppressed fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) transcription, as assessed by nuclear run-on analysis. Degrading platelet-activating factor (PAF)-lik...
Outcomes of a pilot faculty mentoring program

Objective The purpose of this study was to determine whether a junior faculty mentoring program is beneficial to participants and to identify particular positive and negative aspects of such a program to enable others to institute similar programs. Study design In 2001 a pilot program was instituted in our obstetrics and gynecology department for interested faculty members. There were 3 focus groups and a written survey that assessed the project. A combination of qualitative and quantitative methods were used for data analysis; Fisher's exact test was used. Results Two recurring themes emerged from the focus group sessions: participants felt better supported by the department and appreciated a greater sense of camaraderie. Most mentees noted the program's success in the following areas of having a role model (83.3%), having increased visibility (82.3%), and having to whom someone to turn (93.8%). Conclusion The faculty mentoring program had significant benefits for everyone who participated.
A distributed placement service for graph-structured and tree-structured data

Effective data placement strategies can enhance the performance of data-intensive applications implemented on high end computing clusters. Such strategies can have a significant impact in localizing the computation, in minimizing synchronization (communication) costs, in enhancing reliability (via strategic replication policies), and in ensuring a balanced workload or enhancing the available bandwidth from massive storage devices (e.g. disk arrays).Existing work has largely targeted the placement of relatively simple data types or entities (e.g. elements, vectors, sets, and arrays). Here we investigate several hash-based distributed data placement methods targeting tree- and graph- structured data, and develop a locality enhancing placement service for large cluster systems. Target applications include the placement of a single large graph (e.g. Web graph), a single large tree (e.g. large XML file), a forest of graphs or trees (e.g. XML database) and other specialized graph data types - bi-partite (query-click graphs), directed acyclic graphs etc. We empirically evaluate our service by demonstrating its use in improving mining executions for pattern discovery, nearest neighbor searching, graph computations, and applications that combine link and content analysis.
Tools available to communities for conducting cumulative exposure and risk assessments

This paper summarizes and assesses over 70 tools that could aid with gathering information and taking action on environmental issues related to community-based cumulative risk assessments (CBCRA). Information on tool use, development and research needs, was gathered from websites, documents, and CBCRA program participants and researchers, including 25 project officers who work directly with community groups. The tools were assessed on the basis of information provided by project officers, community members, CBCRA researchers, and by case study applications. Tables summarize key environmental issues and tool features: (1) a listing of CBCRA-related environmental issues of concern to communities; (2) web-based tools that map environmental information; (3) step-by-step guidance documents; (4) databases of environmental information; and (5) computer models that simulate human exposure to chemical stressors. All tools described here are publicly available, with the focus being on tools developed by the US Environmental Protection Agency. These tables provide sources of information to promote risk identification and prioritization beyond risk perception approaches, and could be used by CBCRA participants and researchers. The purpose of this overview is twofold: (1) To present a comprehensive, though not exhaustive, summary of numerous tools that could aid with performing CBCRAs; and (2) To use this toolset as a sample of the current state of CBCRA tools to critically examine their utility and guide research for the development of new and improved tools.
Partnerships With Providers: Reflections From Parents of Children With Type 1 Diabetes

Sixty-three parents with a child or an adolescent with type 1 diabetes participated in this study that focused on what helped them “live well with diabetes.” Beyond medical expertise, parents described a partnering relationship with their provider as one of the factors that supported their efforts to live well with diabetes. Parents reported that a partnership was enhanced when the provider had the ability to understand the dynamic nature of the journey in living with diabetes, connect with their family and set the tone by inviting them to openly communicate about all aspects of family life impacting diabetes care, recognize when and how the provider may have to assume the role of Captain of the Ship in times of need, and empathize and respond therapeutically to intense emotions inherent in managing diabetes over time.
Arthroscopic tissue culture for the evaluation of periprosthetic shoulder infection.

Background Periprosthetic shoulder infections can be difficult to diagnose. The purpose of this study was to investigate the utility of arthroscopic tissue culture for the diagnosis of infection following shoulder arthroplasty. Our hypothesis was that culture of arthroscopic biopsy tissue is a more reliable method than fluoroscopically guided shoulder aspiration for diagnosing such infection. Methods A retrospective review identified patients who had undergone culture of arthroscopic biopsy tissue during the evaluation of a possible chronic periprosthetic shoulder infection. The culture results of the arthroscopic biopsies were compared with those of fluoroscopically guided glenohumeral aspiration and open tissue biopsy samples obtained at the time of revision surgery. Results Nineteen patients had undergone arthroscopic biopsy to evaluate a painful shoulder arthroplasty for infection. All subsequently underwent revision surgery, and 41% of those with culture results at that time had a positive result, which included Propionibacterium acnes in each case. All arthroscopic biopsy culture results were consistent with the culture results obtained during the revision surgery, yielding 100% sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value. In contrast, fluoroscopically guided glenohumeral aspiration yielded a sensitivity of 16.7%, specificity of 100%, positive predictive value of 100%, and negative predictive value of 58.3%. Conclusions Arthroscopic tissue biopsy is a reliable method for diagnosing periprosthetic shoulder infection and identifying the causative organism. Level of evidence Diagnostic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Object–oriented programming in a shared memory multiprocessing environment

A programming methodology for parallel applications is presented that relies on object–oriented programming techniques. This work differs in that the object–oriented techniques are applied to a shared memory multiprocessing environment. These techniques are used to implement shared data structures and processing agents. The use of a statically typed object language provided excellent execution times and speedups for multiple processing elements. A case study is presented in which the object–oriented approach is compared to Fortran, producing better performance and easier understood source code.