cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of combined THC and heroin vapor inhalation in rats.

Opioids are effective medications, but they have several key limitations including the development of tolerance, establishment of dependence, diversion for non-medical use, and the development of addiction. Therefore, any drugs which act in an additive or synergistic fashion with opioids to address medical applications have the potential to reduce opioid-related harms. To determine if heroin and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) interact in an additive or independent manner to alter nociception, body temperature, and spontaneous locomotor activity when inhaled or injected. Groups of female and male rats, implanted with radiotelemetry transmitters, were exposed to vapor generated from heroin (50 mg/mL in propylene glycol vehicle; PG), THC (50 mg/mL), or the combination for assessment of effects on temperature and activity. Thermal nociception was assessed with a warm water tail-withdrawal assay. Heroin inhalation increased temperature and activity whereas THC inhalation decreased temperature and activity in both female and male Sprague–Dawley rats. Effects of combined inhalation were in opposition, and additional experiments found the same outcome for the injection of heroin (0.5 mg/kg, s.c.) and THC (10 mg/kg, i.p.) alone and in combination. In contrast, the co-administration of heroin and THC by either inhalation or injection produced additive effects on thermal nociception in both male and female Sprague–Dawley and Wistar rats. This study shows that additive effects of THC with an opioid on a medical endpoint such as analgesia may not generalize to other behavioral or physiological effects, which may be a positive outcome for unwanted side effects.
Penetrierende Verletzungen

Das Verletzungsausmas im Rahmen von penetrierenden Verletzungen kann von einer einfachen Weichteilwunde bis zu einer komplexen und lebensbedrohlichen Mehrfachverletzung reichen. Erschwerend fur den behandelnden Notarzt ist, dass penetrierende Verletzungen haufig nur eine limitierte praklinische Diagnostik und Behandlung zulassen. Erfahrungen und wissenschaftliche Studien zeigen, dass die Zeit bis zur operativen Versorgung von hamodynamisch instabilen Patienten mit penetrierenden Verletzungen der entscheidende Uberlebensfaktor ist. Deshalb sollte die praklinische Diagnostik und Stabilisierung bei diesen Patienten die operative Versorgung nicht verzogern.
Enhancers regulate 3′ end processing activity to control expression of alternative 3′UTR isoforms

Multi-UTR genes are widely transcribed but show cell type-specific 3′UTR isoform expression. As transcriptional enhancers regulate mRNA expression, we investigated if they also regulate mRNA isoform expression. Deletion of an endogenous enhancer of a multi-UTR gene did not impair transcript production but prevented a switch in 3′UTR isoform expression. Also, the same enhancers are able to increase transcript production in the context of single-UTR gene promoters, but they increase 3′ end processing activity when paired with multi-UTR gene promoters. We show that transcription factors regulate processing activity of weak polyadenylation sites to control cell type-specific alternative 3′UTR isoform expression of widely expressed genes.
Multiplex suppression of four quadruplet codons via tRNA directed evolution.

Genetic code expansion technologies supplement the natural codon repertoire with assignable variants in vivo, but are often limited by heterologous translational components and low suppression efficiencies. Here, we explore engineered Escherichia coli tRNAs supporting quadruplet codon translation by first developing a library-cross-library selection to nominate quadruplet codon–anticodon pairs. We extend our findings using a phage-assisted continuous evolution strategy for quadruplet-decoding tRNA evolution (qtRNA-PACE) that improved quadruplet codon translation efficiencies up to 80-fold. Evolved qtRNAs appear to maintain codon-anticodon base pairing, are typically aminoacylated by their cognate tRNA synthetases, and enable processive translation of adjacent quadruplet codons. Using these components, we showcase the multiplexed decoding of up to four unique quadruplet codons by their corresponding qtRNAs in a single reporter. Cumulatively, our findings highlight how E. coli tRNAs can be engineered, evolved, and combined to decode quadruplet codons, portending future developments towards an exclusively quadruplet codon translation system. Genetic code expansion strategies are limited to specific codons that can be reassigned to new amino acids. Here the authors show that quadruplet-decoding tRNAs (qtRNAs) can be rapidly discovered and evolved to decode new quadruplet codons, enabling four independent decoding events in a single protein in living cells.
A Non-Linear QFT Design with Pipelined Inverse

An alternative method of designing controllers for nonlinear systems based on the Quantitative Feedback Theory is proposed. The controller includes a pipelined inverse to cancel the nonlinearities of the given system. An example is given to compare with previous results.
Method for Generating and Realizing Replicates of Randomly Roughened Surfaces, Tested on Poly Methyl (Methacrylate)

In experimental studies the need of having replicates of specimens is crucial. This requirement becomes even more critical when performing statistical analysis in combination with destructive tests. We report a novel technique to generate and realize random rough surfaces at different stages of degradation based on the central limit theorem, with either linear or nonlinear growth. To materialize the technique, the realization of surfaces is carried out using poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) as substrate, a CO2 laser system as etcher, and degradation is assumed to be linear. To substantiate this method, profiling, imaging analysis, and nanoindentation characterizations techniques are utilized. Though the depths of surfaces developed here grow to Gaussian, the present method can be adapted to any other topology, as long as the surface is mathematically or digitally represented. A successful application of this method using PMMA has been previously reported. The extension to other polymeric materials is dependent solely on the etching process to be used. This method finds direct applications in the forensic sciences, where the safeguarding of evidence material is crucial, allowing for replicate surrogates for destructive testing purposes. Other applications include tribology, in vitro testing of sun protecting factor, and coatings studies.
Viruses and renal carcinoma of Rana pipiens: VII. Propagation of a herpes-type frog virus

Abstract A frog virus (FV 4) originally isolated by Rafferty (1965) from the urine of a frog bearing a Lucke renal adenocarcinoma has been cultivated and partially characterized. The virus multiplies at 25° with cytopathology in a Rana pipiens embryo cell line and can be plaque-assayed in these cells. Virus multiplication is relatively slow, and late in the growth cycle equivalent amounts of cell-associated and released virus are found. Infectivity is lost by exposure of virus to ether or to pH 3.0. Electron microscopic examination of infected cells reveals a nuclear site of virus synthesis. The virus size (95–100 mμ), morphology (icosahedral), and ultrastructure (162 capsomeres) are indistinguishable from those of the herpes-type virus seen in Lucke tumor cells and are similar to known herpesviruses.
Evaluation of long-term survival after successful percutaneous coronary intervention among patients with chronic renal failure

We studied the long-term outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention in dialysis patients and in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) (serum creatinine > or = 3.0 mg/dl). All-cause mortality at 1 year was 2.9% for the control group, 16.2% for the group with CRF, and 14.1% for dialysis patients. Cardiac mortality at 1 year was 1.9% for ther control group, 15.2% for the group with CRF, and 10.0% for dialysis patients.
Fuzzy vault for fingerprints

Biometrics-based user authentication has several advantages over traditional password-based systems for standalone authentication applications, such as secure cellular phone access. This is also true for new authentication architectures known as crypto-biometric systems, where cryptography and biometrics are merged to achieve high security and user convenience at the same time. In this paper, we explore the realization of a previously proposed cryptographic construct, called fuzzy vault, with the fingerprint minutiae data. This construct aims to secure critical data (e.g., secret encryption key) with the fingerprint data in a way that only the authorized user can access the secret by providing the valid fingerprint. The results show that 128-bit AES keys can be secured with fingerprint minutiae data using the proposed system.
Social Studies Reform and Global Education: California, New York, and the Report of the National Commission on Social Studies.

There has been a movement in social studies education in recent years to provide greater emphasis on global education. This paper evaluates efforts undertaken in this regard by the states of California and New York and by the National Commission on Sociaa Studies in the Schools. California adopted a History-Social Science Framework for their public schools in July, 1987. The study of history is the linchpin of this K-12 curriculum. A significant amount of time is devoted to world history, with courses taught in grades 6, 7, and 10. In two places, grades 10 and 12, the curriculum focuses on problems and issues of the world today in am open-ended approach. The State of New York's revised social studies curriculum was implemented in stages over the course of the 1980s. While not as far-reaching in its emphasis on global education as California's curriculum, New York's program devotes significant time to developing a global perspective. The main global education thrust of the curriculum is found in grades 9 and 10 under the title of "global studies." The New York program seems to have more of a "citizenship" building and contemporary flavor to it than does Califnrnia. The National Commission on the Social Studies in the Schools Report, "Charting a Course: Social Studies for the 21st Century," was issued in November 1989. The cornerstone of the report is the 3-year (grades 9-11) world and U.S. history and geography sequence. The goal is to integrate national and historical change to allow students to connect the national past with its larger international setting. However, the report fails to give adequate attention to the contemporary world. (DB) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. **************:******************************************************** Social Studies Reform and Global Education: California, New York and the Report of the National Commission on Social Studies Dan B. Fleming, Professor, Social Studies Education Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Blacksburg, VA 24061-0313 A Paper Presented at the Annual Meeting of the Social Science Education Consortium June, 1990 U DEPARTMENT Or IEDUCAT1OPI Otaca ol Educational Research and improvement EDUCAllONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER IER/C) This document has been reproduced as eyed ?rem the perien or omerneetton igmono 4 Miner ceempee have teen made to impure, reofoducuon duality Pool% of wiew or oomtons stated in this documill do net necessarily moresent &heel 0E0.1 position or pol.cv "PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE THIS MATERIAL HAS BE NTED BY 13414 t-CCAYNN NN (.0 TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC)" Office Telephone: 703-231-5537 Home Telephone: 703-951-1525 2 BEST COPY AVAWLE wan*
On the muon mass

Some recent mass formulae by the author yield a value for the muon mass of about 105.652 MeV, or about 70 p.p.m. lower than the present value obtained by the magnetic moment plusg-factor method. An examination is given of energy transition data such as the pionmuon mass difference and X-ray transitions in muonic atoms, and the results favor the lower value indicated by the mass formulae but with a large uncertainty.
Dehydrogenases involved in the conversion of succinate to 4-hydroxybutanoate by Clostridium kluyveri.

Abstract A pathway of succinate fermentation to acetate and butanoate (butyrate) in Clostridium kluyveri has been supported by the results of 13C nuclear magnetic resonance studies of the metabolic end products of growth and the detection of dehydrogenase activities involved in the conversion of succinate to 4-hydroxybutanoate (succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase and 4-hydroxybutanoate dehydrogenase). C. kluyveri fermented [1,4-13C]succinate primarily to [1-13C]acetate, [2-13C]acetate, and [1,4-13C]butanoate. Any pathway proposed for this metabolism must account for the reduction of a carboxyl group to a methyl group. Succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase activity was demonstrated after separation of the crude extracts of cells grown on succinate and ethanol (succinate cells) by anaerobic nondenaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. 4-Hydroxybutanoate dehydrogenase activity in crude extracts of succinate cells was detected and characterized. Neither activity was found in cells grown on acetate and ethanol (acetate cells). Analysis of cell extracts from acetate cells and succinate cells by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoreses showed that several proteins were present in succinate cell extracts that were not present in acetate cell extracts. In addition to these changes in protein composition, less ethanol dehydrogenase and hydrogenase activity was present in the crude extracts from succinate cells than in the crude extracts from acetate cells. These data support the hypothesis that C. kluyveri uses succinate as an electron acceptor for the reducing equivalents generated from the ATP-producing oxidation of ethanol.
Changes in resting energy expenditure among children undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation

BACKGROUND Because of the effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, patients undergoing stem cell transplantation (SCT) are commonly provided nutritional support with parenteral nutrition. The energy and nutrient needs of these patients have not been well studied. OBJECTIVE The objective was to measure resting energy expenditure (REE), dietary intake, and biochemical and anthropometric changes in children before and after allogeneic SCT. DESIGN This was a prospective cohort study of 37 children aged 9.1 +/- 6.4 y ( +/- SD) undergoing SCT who were enrolled in an open-label trial of a unique supportive care intervention that included the routine use of oral leucovorin, vitamin E, and ursodeoxycholic acid. Parenteral nutrition was provided to match 100% of measured or estimated REE. REE was measured weekly via indirect calorimetry. RESULTS Baseline REE was 95% of the predicted age- and sex-matched norms and was significantly correlated with midarm muscle area (r = 0.82, P < 0.001). REE fell to a nadir of approximately 80% of the predicted levels by week 3 after SCT, with a gradual increase in weeks 4 and 5. Arm anthropometric measurements showed no change in triceps skinfold thickness but significant declines in midarm muscle area after SCT. Serum vitamin E remained in the normal range. CONCLUSIONS Children undergoing SCT show significant declines in REE after transplantation. These changes may be due to alterations in lean body mass. Standard nutritional regimens may lead to overfeeding.
Orthogonal time-varying filter banks and wavelets

The construction of time-varying orthogonal filter banks is considered. It is shown that implementing an orthogonal finite impulse response filter bank over a finite signal segment involves finding a set of orthogonal boundary filters, and that by carrying out a Gram-Schmidt orthogonalization procedure boundary filters are generated that necessarily remain localized in the region of the boundary. A complete constructive characterization of such boundaries is given for two-channel finite impulse response filter banks. These boundary constructions allow changing the topology of orthogonal subband trees at will, by growing or pruning branches at any time. The boundary filter case can be further generalized to give overlapping transition filters when changing between orthogonal structures. If the time-varying filter banks are used in an iterated scheme, they converge to continuous-time bases, much as in the non-time-varying case. >
Physicochemical properties of the fluoroquinolone antimicrobials. II. Acid ionization constants and their relationship to structure

Abstract The quinolone antimicrobials contain one acidic and one basic functional group and at physiological pH they exist as a mixture of the neutral and zwitterionic forms. The ratio of the neutral to zwitterionic species for a given compound is important because it is likely to determine the distribution properties of the drug in vivo. The present study was conducted to determine the relationship between the dissociation constants of the quinolones and their chemical structures. Regression analyses indicated that the apparent pKa value associated with the carboxylic acid function was influenced by the number of fluorines in the molecule, while the pKa value associated with the piperazinyl nitrogen was influenced mainly by the presence of an N-methyl substituent.
Evaluating the Bioaccessibility of Flame Retardants in House Dust Using an In Vitro Tenax Bead-Assisted Sorptive Physiologically Based Method

Exposure to house dust is a significant source of exposure to flame retardant chemicals (FRs), particularly in the US. Given the high exposure there is a need to understand the bioaccessibility of FRs from dust. In this study, Tenax beads (TA) encapsulated within a stainless steel insert were used as an adsorption sink to estimate the dynamic absorption of a suite of FRs commonly detected in indoor dust samples (n = 17), and from a few polyurethane foam samples for comparison. Organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) had the highest estimated bioaccessibility (∼80%) compared to brominated compounds (e.g., PBDEs), and values generally decreased with increasing Log Kow, with 6) in foam was much less than that in house dust, and increasing bioaccessibility was observe...
The secret history of natural disaster

(2001). The secret history of natural disaster. Global Environmental Change Part B: Environmental Hazards: Vol. 3, No. 1, pp. 29-29.
Gerardo Budowski: A Beacon to Conservation of Tropical Mountains

In Latin America the name Gerardo Budowski is associated with most conservation initiatives. Don Gerardo, as peers and students know him, has been a driving force in establishing a collective consciousness about nature conservation to promote sustainable development. Focusing on the mountains of tropical America, he has helped to define priorities for mountain studies and the application of conservation science to tropical mountain ecosystems. Gerardo Budowski’s professional career is the epic of a montologist at a time when mountain studies were characterized by the merging of physical geography and geology with the more conventional fields of natural history and cultural studies. It was a time when an integrated model was needed. Some say it was a time for a new geoecological discourse in Latin America and for a breakdown of paradigms. In his office at the University of the United Nations for Peace, UPaz, tucked away in the rolling hills of Ciudad Colon, Costa Rica, Don Gerardo seems pleased by a visit but a bit uncomfortable. He would have liked to reserve more time to talk, but his duties as Vice Rector of the University and his several academic tasks keep him constantly busy. At times he is interrupted by the telephone, at other times by his assistants, and sometimes by fellow teachers at UPaz. All come to him for the same reason I made the trip: Don Gerardo’s advice has always been highly valued, by world organizations, regional and multilateral environmental agencies, local community groups, and students.
Properties of a Native Cation Channel Activated by Ca2+ Store Depletion in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Depletion of intracellular Ca(2+) stores activates capacitative Ca(2+) influx in smooth muscle cells, but the native store-operated channels that mediate such influx remain unidentified. Recently we demonstrated that calcium influx factor produced by yeast and human platelets with depleted Ca(2+) stores activates small conductance cation channels in excised membrane patches from vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC). Here we characterize these channels in intact cells and present evidence that they belong to the class of store-operated channels, which are activated upon passive depletion of Ca(2+) stores. Application of thapsigargin (TG), an inhibitor of sarco-endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) ATPase, to individual SMC activated single 3-pS cation channels in cell-attached membrane patches. Channels remained active when inside-out membrane patches were excised from the cells. Excision of membrane patches from resting SMC did not by itself activate the channels. Loading SMC with BAPTA (1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid), which slowly depletes Ca(2+) stores without a rise in intracellular Ca(2+), activated the same 3-pS channels in cell-attached membrane patches as well as whole cell nonselective cation currents in SMC. TG- and BAPTA-activated 3-pS channels were cation-selective but poorly discriminated among Ca(2+), Sr(2+), Ba(2+), Na(+), K(+), and Cs(+). Open channel probability did not change at negative membrane potentials but increased significantly at high positive potentials. Activation of 3-pS channels did not depend on intracellular Ca(2+) concentration. Neither TG nor a variety of second messengers (including Ca(2+), InsP3, InsP4, GTPgammaS, cyclic AMP, cyclic GMP, ATP, and ADP) activated 3-pS channels in inside-out membrane patches. Thus, 3-pS nonselective cation channels are present and activated by TG or BAPTA-induced depletion of intracellular Ca(2+) stores in intact SMC. These native store-operated cation channels can account for capacitative Ca(2+) influx in SMC and can play an important role in regulation of vascular tone.
Planetary systems and extraterrestrial life.

The paper reviews the present status of the problem of the existence of other planetary systems in the Galaxy. Observational data and theoretical results are presented to show that the occurrence of planetary systems is, most probably, not a universal phenomenon. Study of the stability of planetary orbits in the vicinity of double stars indicates that, in general, planetary systems can not survive around them over long periods. Therefore, we should rule out the possibility of the existence of planetary systems similar to our own in the neighborhood of double stars. In the solar neighborhood, at least 60% of the stars are known to be members of double systems. The nature of the ‘dark’ companions is discussed and it is concluded that they are stellar objects and not planets. Recent work on the absence of a perturbation in the motion of Barnard’s star is discussed. Comments are made on the existence of extraterrestrial life in the solar system and around other stars in the Galaxy.
A death education curriculum for emergency physicians, paramedics, and other emergency personnel

Although death education is a standard component in most medical schools and nursing programs, few include instruction on dealing with sudden death. Typically, death education courses overlook instruction in areas germane to emergency medicine, e.g., making death notifications, interacting with survivors during the immediate grief period, and reducing professional stress innate to working with newly bereaved persons. This curriculum was developed to address the paucity of existing death education materials for emergency professionals. Topics include death perspectives and awareness, death typology, cultural and religious considerations, communicating with bereaved persons, making death notifications, and dealing with initial grief reactions. Units of instruction are outlined, including educational goals, descriptions of units, teaching strategies, and supplemental readings.
Polyaniline : allowed oxidation states

Abstract The interconversion of different oxidation states of polyanilines has been studied. It is concluded that the polyaniline bases (NMP solution) exist only in three discrete oxidation states at the molecular level.
Gastric myoelectrical activity in patients with cervical spinal cord injury

Abstract Objective: Dyspeptic symptoms are common in patients with cervical spinal cord injury (SCI). The supraspinal control of sympathetic innervation to the stomach is interrupted in these patients. Gastric emptying has been reported to be delayed in some patients with cervical SCI. Gastric myoelectrical activity is known to regulate gastric motility and is correlated with gastric emptying. The change in gastric myoelectrical activity after cervical SCI is unknown; our aim was to investigate it. Methods: The study was performed in 12 cervical SCI patients and 14 healthy controls. Gastric myoelectrical activity was recorded using surface electrogastrography for 30 min in the fasting state and 1 h after a standard test meal. Spectral analysis was performed to compute the following parameters from the electrogastrogram; investigated were the percentage of 2–4 cycles/min (cpm) slow waves, the instability coefficient (IC) of the dominant frequency, the postprandial increment of dominant frequency (δF), and its power (δP). Results: In both fasting and fed states, regular and stable gastric slow waves were observed in both the control group and patients with cervical SCI. The percentage of normal 2–4 cpm slow waves (preprandial, 80.7 ± 3.6% vs 91.5 ± 3.7%, p > 0.05; postprandial, 82.0 ± 4.4% vs 87.2 ± 4.2%, p > 0.05) and IC (preprandial, 0.19 ± 0.04% vs 0.28 ± 0.05%; postprandial, 0.24 ± 0.04% vs 0.27 ± 0.02%, p > 0.05) were not significantly different between the two groups. The dominant frequency and its power were also similar between the two groups, no matter whether in the fast (frequency, 2.92 ± 0.3 vs 2.93 ± 0.06 cpm; power, 30.05 ± 1.29 vs 29.08 ± 1.23 dB, p > 0.05) or fed (frequency, 3.17 ± 0.07 vs 3.02 ± 0.06 cpm; power, 32.55 ± 0.90 vs 32.07 ± 1.18 dB, p > 0.05) state. The postprandial response measured by δF (0.25 ± 0.09 vs 0.09 ± 0.07 cpm, p > 0.05) and δP (2.52 ± 1.10 vs 2.24 ± 1.20 dB, p > 0.05) were also similar between the two groups. Conclusion: Gastric myoelectrical activity was not altered after cervical SCI.
Association analysis between polymorphisms in the conserved dopamine neurotrophic factor (CDNF) gene and cocaine dependence.

Abstract Cocaine-induced neuroplasticity changes in the mesocorticolimbic dopamine systems are thought to be involved in the pathophysiology of cocaine dependence. Since neurotrophic factors have been observed to prevent/reverse and mimic cocaine-induced neurobiological changes in the brain, related genes are plausible candidates for susceptibility to cocaine dependence. The novel conserved dopamine neurotrophic factor protein (CDNF) promotes the survival, growth, and function of dopamine-specific neurons and is expressed in brain regions that undergo cocaine-induced neuroplasticity. In this study, we hypothesize that polymorphisms in the CDNF gene ( CDNF / ARMETL1 ) contribute to increased risk for cocaine dependence. Cocaine dependent individuals ( n = 351) and unaffected controls ( n = 257) of African descent were genotyped for four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the CDNF gene (rs11259365, rs7094179, rs7900873, rs2278871). We observed no significant differences in allele, genotype, or haplotype frequencies between cases and controls for any of the tested SNPs. Our study suggests that there is no association between variants in the CDNF gene and cocaine dependence. However, additional studies using larger sample sizes, comprehensive SNP coverage, and clinically homogenous populations are necessary before confidently excluding CDNF as a significant genetic risk factor for cocaine dependence.
Perfect Sunlight Absorption in Iron Oxide Photoanode

We design a novel core-shell nanocone structure that allows full absorption of sunlight in an iron oxide photoanode. The photocurrent approaches 12.5mA/cm2 within an iron oxide thickness of 20nm, verified by full-field electromagnetic simulation.
Quality of life after cystectomy and urinary diversion: an evidence based analysis.

Purpose: We critically examined the evidence supporting the widely accepted notion that patients undergoing continent urinary tract reconstruction after cystectomy experience superior quality of life outcomes than patients receiving a conduit. Materials and Methods: Based on a comprehensive MEDLINE literature search we retrieved and evaluated all full-length articles published in the English, French, German, Italian and Spanish languages comparing conduit diversion with continent cutaneous diversion and/or orthotopic bladder substitution with respect to quality of life or similar concepts. All studies were rated according to the International Consultation on Urological Diseases modification of Oxford Center for Evidence-Based Medicine levels of evidence. Results: The literature on quality of life after radical cystectomy for bladder cancer was rather extensive but generally of questionable quality. The main problems were flaws in the patient materials and methodologies used. To our knowledge not a single randomized, controlled study exists in the field. Because only few articles achieved a level of evidence better than III, the International Consultation on Urological Diseases rating system does not allow further differentiation among studies. Most studies showed that overall quality of life after cystectomy remained good in most patients irrespective of urinary diversion type. Conclusions: Existing studies are unable to prove that continent reconstruction after radical cystectomy is superior to conduit diversion. This review emphasizes the importance of performing well designed studies in the future.
Cloning of the human phenol sulfotransferase gene family: three genes implicated in the metabolism of catecholamines, thyroid hormones and drugs.

Abstract Phenol sulfotransferases (PST) catalyze the sulfonation of catecholamines, thyroid hormones and phenolic drugs. At least two major forms of human PST enzyme have been characterized biochemically from liver, platelets and other tissues, the phenol-preferring PST (P-PST) and the monoamine neurotransmitter-preferring PST (M-PST). Molecular cloning efforts worldwide over the past 7 years have resulted in the identification of numerous PST cDNA isolates representing alleles of three human PST gene loci termed as STP1, STP2 and STM. All three genes have been mapped precisely to a small region on human chromosome 16p12.1–p11.2 (homologous to mouse chromosome 7), using somatic cell hybrids and cosmid clones. The two most closely related genes, STP1 and STP2, encoding P-PST isozymes have been mapped to a single cosmid clone and are, therefore, in close proximity to one another. STP1 and STP2 are approximately 96% identical at the amino acid sequence level, whereas, the STM gene (encoding M-PST) exhibits a lower level of identity (approximately 93–90.5%) relative to STP1 and STP2. STM is located at a distance of ca. 100 Kb from the STP1 and STP2 doublet. One may speculate that the three genes arose by gene duplication and/or gene conversion in humans. Genomic clones have been sequenced to determine the genomic organization for each of the three highly-related genes. All contain seven coding exons, with conserved intron–exon boundaries. Sequencing of individual cDNA isolates of STP1 and STM from various tissues has revealed significant heterogeneity in the 5′ nontranslated region, likely due to alternative splicing and/or tissue-specific promoter utilization. DNA polymorphisms have been detected in these genes in the human population and may be useful for molecular genetic studies of the metabolism of endogenous and xenobiotic phenolic molecules. Recent advances in the molecular biology of the human PST gene family are summarized.
Beam Dump/Diagnostics Assembly for a 10-kA, 50-MeV, 50-ns Electron Beam

We have developed a dump for the ATA beam that consists of a series of carbon plates whose collective thickness totals approximately 1.5 ranges at 50 MeV. The energy dissipated in the plates is radiated to a water cooled wall. The dump is designed to dissipate up to 175 kW of average power. A small hole along the axis of the plates forms a beamlet that passes through an energy analyzer. The analyzer consists of a 60° bending magnet and two high sensitivity beam current/positon monitors. The ratio of the beamlet current to full current is used to estimate the beam emittance.
Antimicrobial behavior of polyelectrolyte-surfactant thin film assemblies.

Layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly, a technique that alternately deposites cationic and anionic materials, has proven to be a powerful technique for assembling thin films with a variety of properties and applications. The present work incorporates the antimicrobial agent cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) in the cationic layer and uses poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) as the anionic layer. When the films are exposed to a humid environment, these agents diffuse out of the film, inhibiting bacterial growth in neighboring regions. Film growth, microstructure, and antimicrobial efficacy are studied here, with 10-bilayer films yielding thicknesses on the order of 2 μm. Various factors are shown to influence the antimicrobial efficacy including time, temperature, secondary ingredients, and number of bilayers. As more layers are deposited, antimicrobial efficacy is increased because more CTAB is able to diffuse throughout the film, and higher amounts of antimicrobials are released. Additionally, inclusion of the cationic ...
Latinas’ Perceptions of Law Enforcement Fear of Deportation, Crime Reporting, and Trust in the System

Latinas may be unlikely to report violent crime, particularly when undocumented. This research examines the impact of fear of deportation and trust in the procedural fairness of the justice system ...
Venous Thromboembolism After Spine Surgery.

Study design Retrospective cohort study. Objective To measure the rate of postoperative venous thromboembolic events (VTE) after spine decompression and fusion procedures. Summary of background data VTE after spine surgery is a serious complication, but chemoprophylaxis is not without significant risk due to the concern of epidural hematoma. Current literature report widely variable rates of VTE, and have weaknesses in sample size, specificity of diagnosis, and methodological problems with adequate patient follow-up. Methods State-level inpatient, ambulatory surgery, and emergency department administrative databases were used to track patients for clinically significant VTE within 90 days of discharge after a spine procedure. Results Of 357,926 patients enrolled, one-third underwent spine decompression alone, whereas two-thirds received a spine fusion. The overall rate of VTE was 1.37% (95% CI: 1.33-1.41), but varied widely depending on diagnosis, 1.03% for structural degenerative diagnoses to 10.7% for spine infection. Posterior cervical fusion had a higher rate of VTE than anterior cervical fusion, whereas anterior thoracolumbar and lumbosacral fusions had higher rates than the respective posterior approaches. Additional risk factors included patients receiving long spine fusions and having multiple procedures during the hospitalization. Forty percent of VTEs discovered after discharge were diagnosed at a different hospital. Conclusion The rate of spine VTE varies widely depending on diagnosis and procedure. It is important to risk-stratify patients who present for spine surgery to identify patients at increased risk who should be monitored for the development of VTE. It is important to know that nearly half of VTEs that occur after discharge are diagnosed at different hospitals, and thus the primary surgeon may be initially unaware of the complication. These results from a large selection of historical patients may provide a tool for estimating patient risk depending on diagnosis and type of procedure. Level of evidence 2.
Kinetics of oxygen reduction on Pt(hkl) electrodes : Implications for the crystallite size effect with supported Pt electrocatalysts

The kinetics of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) on Pt(hkl) surfaces is found to vary with crystal face in a different manner depending on the electrolyte. In perchloric acid, the variation in activity at 0.8 to 0.9 V is relatively small between the three low index faces, with activity increasing in the order (100) < (110) ≈ (111). A similar structure sensitivity was observed in KOH, increasing in the order (100) < (110) < (111), but with larger differences. In sulfuric acid, the variations in activity with crystal face were much larger, with the difference between the most active and the least active being about two orders of magnitude, and increased in the opposite order (111) << (100) < (110). The variations in activity with crystal face in perchloric acid and KOH arise from the structure sensitive inhibiting effect of , i.e., a strongly inhibiting effect on (100) and smaller effects on (110) and (111). The variations in activity with crystal face in sulfuric acid arise from highly structure specific adsorption of sulfate/bisulfate anions in this electrolyte, which has a strongly inhibiting effect on the (111) surface. The crystallite size effect for the ORR reported for supported Pt catalysts in sulfuric acid at ambient temperature is fully explained by applying our single crystal results to classical models of the variation in particle shape with size.
Magnetic suspension balance study of carbon dioxide solubility in ammonium-based polymerized ionic liquids : Poly(p-vinylbenzyltrimethyl ammonium tetrafluoroborate) and poly ([2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl] trimethyl ammonium tetrafluoroborate)

Abstract The CO 2 solubility in two ammonium-based polymerized ionic liquids, poly( p -vinylbenzyltrimethyl ammonium tetrafluoroborate), P[VBTMA][BF 4 ], and poly([2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl] trimethyl ammonium tetrafluoroborate), P[MATMA][BF 4 ], up to 75 °C and 15 bar, is found to be higher than that in bisphenol-A polysulfone. The CO 2 solubility in P[VBTMA][BF 4 ] is found to be higher than that in P[MATMA][BF 4 ] at the same temperature and pressure.
A "hole in a rib" as a sign of child abuse.

Cyst-like radiolucencies (“holes”) in ribs can be a manifestation of many different abnormalities. Two cases of child-abuse are presented in which the initial clue leading to the diagnosis of a battered-child was a cyst-like lytic lesion in the posterior rib cage.
Population genetics and phylogeography of sea turtles.

The seven species of sea turtles occupy a diversity of niches, and have a history tracing back over 100 million years, yet all share basic life-history features, including exceptional navigation skills and periodic migrations from feeding to breeding habitats. Here, we review the biogeographic, behavioural, and ecological factors that shape the distribution of genetic diversity in sea turtles. Natal homing, wherein turtles return to their region of origin for mating and nesting, has been demonstrated with mtDNA sequences. These maternally inherited markers show strong population structure among nesting colonies while nuclear loci reveal a contrasting pattern of male-mediated gene flow, a phenomenon termed ‘complex population structure’. Mixed-stock analyses indicate that multiple nesting colonies can contribute to feeding aggregates, such that exploitation of turtles in these habitats can reduce breeding populations across the region. The mtDNA data also demonstrate migrations across entire ocean basins, some of the longest movements of marine vertebrates. Multiple paternity occurs at reported rates of 0–100%, and can vary by as much as 9–100% within species. Hybridization in almost every combination among members of the Cheloniidae has been documented but the frequency and ultimate ramifications of hybridization are not clear. The global phylogeography of sea turtles reveals a gradient based on habitat preference and thermal regime. The cold-tolerant leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) shows no evolutionary partitions between Indo-Pacific and Atlantic populations, while the tropical green (Chelonia mydas), hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), and ridleys (Lepidochelys olivacea vs. L. kempi) have ancient separations between oceans. Ridleys and loggerhead (Caretta caretta) also show more recent colonization between ocean basins, probably mediated by warm-water gyres that occasionally traverse the frigid upwelling zone in southern Africa. These rare events may be sufficient to prevent allopatric speciation under contemporary geographic and climatic conditions. Genetic studies have advanced our understanding of marine turtle biology and evolution, but significant gaps persist and provide challenges for the next generation of sea turtle geneticists.
Efficacy and safety of rifampin containing regimen for staphylococcal prosthetic joint infections treated with debridement and retention

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of rifampin for Staphylococcus aureus (SA) or coagulase negative staphylococci (CNS) prosthetic joint infection (PJI) treated with debridement and retention (D/R). We calculated the treatment failure cumulative incidence (TF) of a cohort of 101 patients with SA or CNS PJI treated with D/R and antimicrobial therapy. The effect of the use of a rifampin-based regimen was evaluated. Cox proportional hazards regression evaluated the association between treatment and time-to-TF controlling for the propensity to treat with rifampin and temporal confounders. Seven percent (1/14) of the prospective rifampin-treated patients, 32% (10/31) of the historical rifampin-treated patients and 38% (21/56) of the historical non-rifampin treated patients developed TF. After controlling for the propensity to treat with rifampin and American Society of Anesthesia scores, patients in the prospective cohort had a lower risk of TF compared to patients in the historical cohort not treated with rifampin (HR 0.11; 95%CI 0.01-0.84). None (0/14) of the patients in the prospective study developed hepatotoxicity. The outcome of staphylococcal PJI treated with D/R and rifampin-based regimens was better when compared with a historical cohort treated without rifampin.
Control of individual microsprinklers and fault detection strategies

Based on yield variability in orchards, it is evident that many trees receive too much or too little water and fertilizer under uniform management. Optimizing water and nutrient management based on the demand of individual trees could result in improved yield and environmental quality. A microsprinkler sensor and control system was developed to provide spatially variable delivery of water and fertilizer, and a prototype was installed in a nectarine orchard. Fifty individually addressable microsprinkler nodes, one located at every tree, each contained control circuitry and a valve. A drip line controller stored the irrigation schedule and issued commands to each node. Pressure sensors connected to some of the nodes provided lateral line pressure feedback. The system was programmed to irrigate individual trees for specific durations or to apply a specific volume of water at each tree. Time scheduled irrigation demonstrated the ability to provide microsprinkler control at individual trees, but also showed variation in discharge because of pressure differences between laterals. Volume scheduled irrigation used water pressure feedback to control the volume applied by individual microsprinklers more precisely, and the average error in application volume was 3.7%. Fault detection was used to check for damaged drip lines and clogged or damaged emitters. A pressure monitoring routine automatically logged errors and turned off the microsprinklers when drip line breaks and perforations caused pressure loss. Emitter diagnosis routines correctly identified clogged and damaged microsprinkler emitters in 359 of 366 observations. Irrigation control at the individual tree level has many useful features and should be explored further to characterize fully the benefits or disadvantages for orchard management.
Saccharin's aversive taste in rats: evidence and implications.

In most biobehavioral research using rats as subjects, saccharin is viewed as a “sugar substitute”-sweet, palatable, and conveniently lacking in calories. This characterization has merit: Saccharin seems to share some sensory, affective, and motivating properties with sugars. This paper focuses on saccharin's lesser known, aversive properties. Evidence of saccharin's distinctive taste in rats is reviewed, followed by discussion of several modulating variables. Procedures that influence rats' responses to saccharin and their measurement are summarized, and the argument is advanced that saccharin can be used to study the relationship of taste and ingestion to learning, stress, and emotional processes in rats and humans.
Genetic analysis of UV mutagenesis of the Escherichia coli glyU gene.

By genetic analysis we examined UV mutagenesis of the Escherichia coli glyU gene. When carried by M13 phage mp9, glyU is subject to induced UV mutagenesis which is dependent on the umuC+ and recF+ genes. When carried by M13 phage mp8, glyU is not subject to induced UV mutagenesis. This difference is correlated with the nature of the target nucleotides: CTC in the mp9 derivative and GAG in the mp8 derivative. Thus, we conclude that the induced (unuC and recF dependent) mutagenesis is locally targeted on pyrimidine cyclobutane or 6-4 dimers. glyU carried by M13 is equally subject to uninduced UV mutagenesis whether carried by mp8 or mp9. This uninduced mutagenesis is independent of the umuC+, recF+ and recA+ genes and we hypothesize that it is regionally targeted on pyrimidine cyclobutane or 6-4 dimers in the vicinity of the target CTC and GAG nucleotides. The role of recF in UV mutagenesis was tested in two ways. First, mutagenesis of glyU carried by M13 mp9 in a recA730 genetic background was found to be recF dependent. Because recA730 renders induced UV mutagenesis partially constitutive, we conclude that the RecF product plays a direct role in UV mutagenesis rather than, or in addition to, any indirect regulatory role it may play. Second, UV mutagenesis of E. coli chromosomal glyU was found to be recF independent while UV mutagenesis of M13-bourne glyU was recF dependent. We conclude that the mechanism of induced UV mutagenesis of the E. coli chromosome is at least partly different from that of M13 phage and we discuss the biochemical basis for such a difference.
Simplifying the configuration of multifunctional protection relays

The paper analyzes the functionality of state-of-the-art protection relays and presents solutions that simplify their configuration. Visibility control and graphical user interface are some of the tools that can help reduce engineering time and probability for costly errors. Some features that automatically calculate relay settings are also described in the paper. IEC 61850 related configuration settings are also discussed.
Workplace Flexibilities in the Producer Services

The concept of flexibility is now widely used in describing contemporary production systems in manufacturing, but has yet to be extensively measured in the producer services. In this article we explore several aspects of flexibility in a sample of producer service businesses. We document the structure of the labour force in these businesses, and how this labour force structure is changing over time. We also focus on the degree of flexibility in the organisation of the production process, and on the dynamic nature of the service being produced. In addition to exploring why firms are changing their offerings of services over time, we also present information on their utilisation of outside specialists, and on the prevalence of collaboration with other businesses.