cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
User acceptance of location-tracking technologies in health research: Implications for study design and data quality

Research regarding place and health has undergone a revolution due to the availability of consumer-focused location-tracking devices that reveal fine-grained details of human mobility. Such research requires that participants accept such devices enough to use them in their daily lives. There is a need for a theoretically grounded understanding of acceptance of different location-tracking technology options, and its research implications. Guided by an extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), we conducted a 28-day field study comparing 21 chronically ill people's acceptance of two leading, consumer-focused location-tracking technologies deployed for research purposes: (1) a location-enabled smartphone, and (2) a GPS watch/activity tracker. Participants used both, and completed two surveys and qualitative interviews. Findings revealed that all participants exerted effort to facilitate data capture, such as by incorporating devices into daily routines and developing workarounds to keep devices functioning. Nevertheless, the smartphone was perceived to be significantly easier and posed fewer usability challenges for participants than the watch. Older participants found the watch significantly more difficult to use. For both devices, effort expectancy was significantly associated with future willingness to participate in research although prosocial motivations overcame some concerns. Social influence, performance expectancy and use behavior were significantly associated with intentions to use the devices in participants' personal lives. Data gathered via the smartphone was significantly more complete than data gathered via the watch, primarily due to usability challenges. To make longer-term participation in location tracking research a reality, and to achieve complete data capture, researchers must minimize the effort involved in participation; this requires usable devices. For long-term location-tracking studies using similar devices, findings indicate that only smartphone-based tracking is up to the challenge.
101 – Sex Hormone Metabolism, Immune Function, and the Effect of Sex Hormones on Various Rheumatic Diseases

This chapter describes the sex hormone metabolism changes found in a variety of autoimmune diseases. The full importance of these changes, where they occur, and their effects on the immune system are not fully known. Androgens have many effects on immune function. They are considered immunosuppressive hormones because of in vitro observations on their effects in normal lymphocytes and because of their effects on the disease manifestations of inbred autoimmune mice. Estrogens, depending on dose and condition, are immunosuppressors as well as immunostimulants. Progesterone is an immunosuppressive agent and levels of this substance increase during pregnancy when the placenta assumes an active role in its synthesis and secretion. In certain rheumatic diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) these sex hormone pathways are important because they appear to change with the disease. Moreover, their subtle effects are of some importance to the overall well being of the female with autoimmune disease. Sex steroids affect the severity of SLE. Rheumatoid arthritis is also associated with hormone changes. In many cases of rheumatoid arthritis, low androgen levels have been described. In many cases, the signs and symptoms of disease coincide with the menstrual cycle. There are data from Sjogren's syndrome to show that the levels of androgens in the tears of patients with the disease are low.
Limitations on Canada Goose Production at Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge

At Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge, only 18 to 34 Canada Goose goslings were fledged per year from 1989 to 1993. In addition to the number of breeding pairs, a wide variety of variables can influence goose production, including clutch size, and nest, egg, and fledging success. We examined these variables at Fish Springs in 1996 and 1997 by finding and monitoring nests, and then following broods. We found that despite a limited number of breeding pairs on the refuge, production was further limited by poor ground nest success and low fledging success. Only 51.2% ( n = 22) of ground nests produced hatchlings vs. 86.4% ( n = 19) of platform nests. Of all eggs that hatched, 36.8% ( n = 57) fledged successfully. Predation and human disturbance are discussed as major factors contributing to mortality.
Rare Event Detection Using Error-corrected DNA and RNA Sequencing.

Conventional next-generation sequencing techniques (NGS) have allowed for immense genomic characterization for over a decade. Specifically, NGS has been used to analyze the spectrum of clonal mutations in malignancy. Though far more efficient than traditional Sanger methods, NGS struggles with identifying rare clonal and subclonal mutations due to its high error rate of ~0.5–2.0%. Thus, standard NGS has a limit of detection for mutations that are >0.02 variant allele fraction (VAF). While the clinical significance for mutations this rare in patients without known disease remains unclear, patients treated for leukemia have significantly improved outcomes when residual disease is <0.0001 by flow cytometry. In order to mitigate this artefactual background of NGS, numerous methods have been developed. Here we describe a method for Error-corrected DNA and RNA Sequencing (ECS), which involves tagging individual molecules with both a 16 bp random index for error-correction and an 8 bp patient-specific index for multiplexing. Our method can detect and track clonal mutations at variant allele fractions (VAFs) two orders of magnitude lower than the detection limit of NGS and as rare as 0.0001 VAF.
Choosing Cures for Mental Ills: Psychiatry and Chinese Medicine in Early Twentieth-Century China

In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Western physicians and missionaries opened several psychopathic hospitals in urban China, including the John Kerr Refuge for the Insane in Guangzhou and the Beijing Psychopathic Hospital. Although local families relied on the charitable services offered by these facilities, they generally remained ambivalent about, if not outright resistant to, neuropsychiatric theories and practices. This article examines how and why ordinary families made medical decisions when faced with the problem of mental illness. In contrast to previous research on biomedicine in the Republican period (1911–1949), which has tended to emphasize issues relating to ideology and cultural nationalism, this paper argues that support of (and resistance to) neuropsychiatry was less often framed in terms of identity politics than in terms of far more practical concerns, such as access, intelligibility, and effectiveness. Disparities in how “mental” disorders were conceptualized in Chinese and Western medicine, problems pertaining to translation and communication, and the very ineffectiveness of psychiatric treatment itself help to explain why families may have patronized psychopathic hospitals but remained unconvinced by the epistemic foundations of neuropsychiatric medicine.
Thermal and oxidative stability of curcumin encapsulated in yeast microcarriers.

Abstract This study evaluated the effects of the intracellular constituents of yeast microcarriers on the thermal and oxidative stability of encapsulated curcumin. Intact yeast cells and plasmolyzed yeast, i.e. yeast cell wall particles (YCWPs), of Saccharomyces cerevisiae were compared to Pickering emulsions in this study. Peroxyl radicals were generated with 2,2′-azobis(2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (AAPH) and thermal pasteurization was carried out at 70 °C and 90 °C. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and kinetic modeling were also employed. YWCPs provided significantly higher thermal stability to curcumin (91.8 ± 1.0% and 99.7 ± 3.1% at 70 °C and 90 °C respectively) compared to intact cells and Pickering emulsions; these results in YCWPs were attributed to the lack of native subcellular structures which are prone to denaturation and subsequently release curcumin. Native yeast, however, provided significantly higher oxidative stability to encapsulated curcumin. This oxidative stability in intact cells was ascribed to endogenous, cytoplasmic antioxidants and confirmed with ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays.
The three faces of interests: An integrative review of interest research in vocational, organizational, and educational psychology

Abstract The current review presents a theoretical integration of interest research across the fields of vocational, organizational, and educational psychology and provides empirical evidence that supports this integration. Guided by the framework of Trait-State Interest Dynamics (TSID; Su, Stoll, & Rounds, 2018), I discuss three research themes that cut across and link the currently segregated disciplines: (1) the motivational functions of interests (direction, vigor, persistence), (2) the behavioral outcomes of interests (selection into academic and work environments, performance in academic and work settings, educational and career success), and (3) the affective and cognitive experience of interest and interventions for increasing interest. The review leverages advancement in interest research over the last two decades (1999–2018) since the publication of Savickas and Spokane's (1999) edited book Vocational Interests: Meaning, Measurement, and Counseling Use, with a particular focus on new meta-analytic findings across the fields. I discuss updated evidence that counters previous beliefs about interests, areas where current research is lacking or needs further synthesis, and future directions for the development of interest theory, assessment, and application. In closing, I highlight the need to understand interest and interest fit as dynamic phenomena in individuals' work life.
Long-term Effects of Preschool on School Performance, Earnings and Social Mobility:

Children from disadvantaged families perform very poorly in school and labour market because they acquire low level of social, motivational and cognitive skills during their early childhood develop...
Attachment Styles and Brand Relationships: An Abstract

Brand relationships can take the similar characteristics and dynamics as interpersonal relationships. Previous research showed that individuals form different types of relationships with brands that are similar to interpersonal relationships: committed partnerships, marriages of convenience and best friendships, or short-term relationships such as flings or negative relationships such as enslavements (Fournier 1998).
Multifocal Epidural Neurosarcoidosis Causing Spinal Cord Compression: A Case Report

We describe a rare case of multifocal extramedullary epidural neurosarcoidosis that presented with myelopathy without motor deficits and perform a literature review for previous cases of epidural neurosarcoidosis. A 46-year-old woman presented with lower back pain, urinary incontinence, gait disturbance, and sensory loss without motor deficits. Spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed multiple epidural lesions, the largest causing spinal cord compression at the T5 level. A computed tomography (CT)-guided biopsy of the dominant lesion showed noncaseating granulomas consistent with neurosarcoidosis. She was treated with a course of dexamethasone and discharged home after a 10-day hospital course. She was discharged home on oral prednisone taper over a four-month period. At her latest follow-up, she is neurologically intact and gainfully employed. This case demonstrates that certain cases of epidural neurosarcoidosis causing spinal cord compression may be treated with medical therapy alone in the absence of severe neurological deficits.
Off-label studies on tofacitinib in dermatology: a review.

Purpose: Tofacitinib citrate is an oral Janus kinase 1/3 inhibitor approved for rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and active psoriatic arthritis. Tofacitinib is being increasingly used off-label for dermatological conditions, with varying efficacy across recent studies. A review of these studies will be a helpful resource for dermatologists considering the use of tofacitinib for conditions refractory to first-line therapies. Materials and methods: MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL Plus, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, Clinicaltrials.gov, and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform were all searched for articles and trials mentioning the term 'tofacitinib', then manually reviewed to identify published data on off-label uses of tofacitinib. The article was structured according to the quality of the evidence available. Results: Tofacitinib appears to show strong efficacy for numerous dermatologic conditions. Randomized controlled trial data is available for atopic dermatitis, alopecia areata, and plaque psoriasis. Case report and case series data is available for numerous other dermatologic conditions. Conclusion: While tofacitinib has a wide array of immunoregulatory properties, making it a possible candidate for treating many dermatologic conditions refractory to other treatments, further testing is needed to better characterize its efficacy and utility moving forward, as well as its safety and adverse effect profile.
Contemporary Patterns of Third-line Treatments for Privately Insured Individuals With Overactive Bladder in the United States.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate utilization of third-line overactive bladder (OAB) treatments including percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS), sacral nerve stimulation (SNS), and intradetrusor botulinum toxin A (BTX) among privately insured patients and examine factors associated with their use. MATERIALS AND METHODS Using MarketScan claims (2015-2017), we identified patients who underwent third-line OAB treatments based on procedure codes. Factors of interest included location, age, health plan, among others. We fit multivariable logistic regression models to estimate associations between pertinent factors with receipt of PTNS and SNS relative to BTX and associations between provider type and practice location with each treatment modality. RESULTS We identified 7383 patients (mean age 50.9) in our cohort. SNS was used most frequently (n = 3602, 48.8%), while PTNS was used least frequently (n = 955, 12.9%). PTNS patients were more likely to reside in metropolitan areas (vs BTX: OR 1.6, 95%CI 1.3-2.1; vs SNS: OR 2.2, 95%CI 1.7-2.8), be aged 55 years or older (vs BTX: 54% vs 47%, OR 1.6, 95%CI 1.2-2.1; vs SNS: 54% vs 45%, OR 1.6, 95%CI 1.2-2.0), and be covered under a health maintenance organization (vs BTX: 17% vs 10%; vs SNS: 17% vs 10%, P <.01). Urologists were most likely to perform SNS, and gynecologists were most likely to perform BTX. 91% of PTNS procedures were performed in office settings. CONCLUSION Among patients receiving third-line OAB treatment, PTNS was used infrequently. PTNS utilization was concentrated within urban areas, and among older patients and those covered by cost-conscious health maintenance organizations.
Using a WRF-ADCIRC Ensemble and Track Clustering to Investigate Storm Surge Hazards and Inundation Scenarios Associated with Hurricane Irma

AbstractThis article investigates combining a WRF-ADCIRC ensemble with track clustering to evaluate how uncertainties in tropical-cyclone-induced storm tide (surge + tide) predictions vary in space...
Yes, we camp for climate action. Die Klimacamps im Rheinland als Orte des Protests und transformative Möglichkeitsräume

Klimacamps sind Orte des Protests gegen klimaschadliche Industrien und unzureichende Politik sowie transformative Moglichkeitsraume, in denen alternative Praktiken im Sinne einer sozial-okologischen Transformation erprobt und erlernt werden konnen. Der Beitrag untersucht beispielhaft das Klimacamp im Rheinland (2017) und diskutiert, inwiefern die Praxis im Sinne prafigurativer Politik auf eine sozial-okologische Transformation hinweist. Die Forderung nach einer sozial-okologischen Transformation, nach einem grundlegenden Wandel gesellschaftlicher Verhaltnisse und des Naturverhaltnisses, wird hier als Antwort auf die mannigfaltigen Symptome einer multiplen Krise verstanden.
Method of Moments Analysis of Arbitrary Structures in Shielded Layered Media

Method of moments analysis of planar multilayer circuits typically assumes that conductors are infinitely thin and only surface currents need be modeled. Modern fabrication techniques, especially for high-frequency integrated circuits, can easily create structures that require modeling volume current. We present here a complete volume current -based method of moments analysis of arbitrary structures embedded in shielded multilayer media. The volume rooftop, uniform via, and tapered via basis functions that we present are key for such an analysis. The embedding layered media is not meshed as it is automatically included in the Green’s function. The required integrations (in six dimensions) of the Green’s function have been evaluated analytically with full results presented as a two-dimensional infinite summation that is rapidly evaluated to full precision using the FFT algorithm. Planar circuits using thick metal are typically analyzed to high accuracy one to three orders of magnitude faster due to reduced subsection count.
Identification of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Glioblastoma and Defining Their Pro-tumoral Effects

Despite their identification in some cancers, pro-tumoral cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) were presumed absent in glioblastoma given the lack of brain fibroblasts. Serial trypsinization of primary glioblastoma cultures yielded cells with CAF morphology, CAF transcriptomic profile, and mesenchymal lineage in single-cell RNA-seq. Glioblastoma CAFs were attracted to glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) and CAFs enriched GSCs. We created a resource of inferred crosstalk by mapping expression of receptors to their cognate ligands, identifying PDGF-{beta} and TGF-{beta} as mediators of GSC effects on CAFs, and osteopontin and hepatocyte growth factor as mediators of CAF-induced GSC enrichment. Glioblastoma CAFs also induced M2 macrophage polarization by producing the EDA fibronectin variant. Glioblastoma CAFs were enriched in the subventricular zone which houses neural stem cells that produce GSCs. Including CAFs in GSC-derived xenografts induced in vivo growth. These findings are among the first to identify glioblastoma CAFs and their GSC interactions, making them an intriguing target.
Fast 3D MR elastography of the whole brain using spiral staircase: Data acquisition, image reconstruction, and joint deblurring.

Purpose To address the need for a method to acquire 3D data for MR elastography (MRE) of the whole brain with substantially improved spatial resolution, high SNR, and reduced acquisition time compared with conventional methods. Methods We combined a novel 3D spiral staircase data-acquisition method with a spoiled gradient-echo pulse sequence and MRE motion-encoding gradients (MEGs). The spiral-out acquisition permitted use of longer-duration motion-encoding gradients (ie, over two full oscillatory cycles) to enhance displacement SNR, while still maintaining a reasonably short TE for good phase-SNR. Through-plane parallel imaging with low noise penalties was implemented to accelerate acquisition along the slice direction. Shared anatomical information was exploited in the deblurring procedure to further boost SNR for stiffness inversion. Results In vivo and phantom experiments demonstrated the feasibility of the proposed method in producing brain MRE results comparable to the spin-echo-based approaches, both qualitatively and quantitatively. High-resolution (2-mm isotropic) brain MRE data were acquired in 5 minutes using our method with good SNR. Joint deblurring with shared anatomical information produced SNR-enhanced images, leading to upward stiffness estimation. Conclusion A novel 3D gradient-echo-based approach has been designed and implemented, and shown to have promising potential for fast and high-resolution in vivo MRE of the whole brain.
Lateral Ligament Reconstruction With Hamstring Graft for Ankle Instability: Outcomes for Primary and Revision Cases.

Background:Optimal treatment for patients with severe ankle instability or failed previous ankle stabilization is not well defined, and newer techniques have limited presence in the literature.Purp...
Mapping Usability Heuristics to Medical Ethical Principles in Clinical Decision Support Design

Human factors professionals voice concerns about the slow and uneven adoption of human-centered design (HCD) principles in healthcare. With good intentions and best efforts, human factors work in h...
Control variate techniques for Monte Carlo simulation

In this paper we present an overview of classical results about the variance reduction technique of control variates. We emphasize aspects of the theory that are of importance to the practitioner, as well as presenting relevant applications.
The Epidemiology of Skin Cancer Worldwide

Skin cancer is rising at an alarming rate worldwide. The most common types of skin cancers, melanoma and non-melanoma are often seen in white population in the world. The geographical distribution for these cancers can be seen mainly in countries with this population. Among the non-melanoma skin cancers, basal cell carcinomas (BCC) have the highest incidence followed by squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). The incidence of melanoma is much lower than non-melanoma skin cancers but the mortality is high. Skin cancers cause a huge economic burden on the healthcare system so several countries employ public health measures for their prevention. In this chapter, we have discussed the global impact of melanoma and non-melanoma cancers along with other skin cancers. We have also discussed their etiology and strategies for prevention and treatment.
A review of The Political Classroom: Evidence and Ethics in Democratic Education

Abstract This book review is a thorough analysis of The Political Classroom: Evidence and Ethics in Democratic Education by Diana E. Hess and Paula McAvoy. These authors conducted a study that emphasizes the importance of deliberation of controversial political issues in the social studies classroom. This review analyzes the process of the study the authors conducted, what they discovered, and the implications of their findings for social studies educators and researchers. The authors shed light on how to implement empirical based strategies and practices that support and foster deliberation. They also explain which methods should be avoided and why. This work is a significant contribution to the field of social studies and is part of an ongoing work in which Diana E. Hess continues to illuminate the need for more deliberation in the social studies classroom.
A sensor positioning system for functional near-infrared neuroimaging

In cognitive studies using functional near-infrared (fNIR) techniques, the optical sensors are placed over the scalp of the subject. In order to document the actual sensor location, a system is needed that can measure the 3D position of an arbitrary point on the scalp with a high precision and repeatability and express sensor location in reference to the international 10-20 system for convenience. In addition, in cognitive studies using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), the source location is commonly expressed using Talairach system. In order to correlate the results from the fNIR study with that of the fMRI study, one needs to project the source location in Talairach coordinates onto a site on the scalp for the placement of the fNIR sensors. This paper reports a sensor positioning system that is designed to achieve the above goals. Some initial experimental data using this system are presented.
Adaptive multi-grid method for a periodic heterogeneous medium in 1-D

A multi-grid method for a periodic heterogeneous medium in 1 − D is presented. Based on the homogenization theory special intergrid connection operators have been developed to imitate a low frequency response of the differential equations with oscillatory coefficients. The proposed multi-grid method has been proved to have a fast rate of convergence governed by the ratio q / (4−q) where 0 > q ≤ 1 depends on the microstructure. This estimate reveals that the rate of convergence increases as q → 0, which corresponds to the increasing material heterogeneity.
Techniques to improve the scalability of collective checkpointing at large scale

Scientific and data-intensive computing have matured over the last couple of years in all fields of science and industry. Their rapid increase in complexity and scale has prompted ongoing efforts dedicated to reach exascale infrastructure capability by the end of the decade. However, advances in this context are not homogeneous: I/O capabilities in terms of networking and storage are lagging behind computational power and are often considered a major limitation that that persists even at petascale [1].
The influence of family stability on self-control and adjustment.

Objectives The aim of the present study was to replicate previous evidence for a model in which self-control mediates the relationship between family stability and internalizing symptoms, and to evaluate a similar model with regard to externalizing problems. Method Participants were 155 female and 134 male undergraduates—mean age of 19.03 years. Participants completed measures of stability in the family of origin (Stability of Activities in the Family Environment), self-control (Self-Control scale), current externalizing (Adult Self-Report), and internalizing problems (Beck Depression Inventory II and Beck Anxiety Inventory). Results Multiple regression analyses largely support the proposed model for both the externalizing and internalizing domains. Conclusions Family stability may foster the development of self-control and, in turn, lead to positive adjustment.
Modeling electromagnetic propagation over water from correlated environmental data and neural network models

Accurate computations of electromagnetic (EM) propagation in the lower atmosphere require sophisticated modeling techniques such as those employed in the JHU/APL-developed Tropospheric Electromagnetic Parabolic Equation Routine (TEMPER). Since environmental conditions affect the propagation behavior, they are an integral part of these models. However, running TEMPER or other propagation simulations may not be practically feasible when a database of long-term conditions is desired at one or more geographical locations using large amounts of environmental data. In this case, statistical models of propagation such as neural network models may prove as valuable time-savers.
Defining the type of surgeon volume that influences the outcomes for open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair

Objective Prior studies have reported improved clinical outcomes with higher surgeon volume, which is assumed to be a product of the surgeon's experience with the index operation. We hypothesized that composite surgeon volume is an important determinant of outcome. We tested this hypothesis by comparing the impact of operation-specific surgeon volume versus composite surgeon volume on surgical outcomes, using open abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair as the index operation. Methods The Nationwide Inpatient Sample was analyzed to identify patients undergoing open AAA repairs for 2000 to 2008. Surgeons were stratified into deciles based on annual volume of open AAA repairs ("operation-specific volume") and overall volume of open vascular operations ("composite volume"). Composite volume was defined by the sum of several open vascular operations: carotid endarterectomy, aortobifemoral bypass, femoral-popliteal bypass, and femoral-tibial bypass. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to examine the relationship between surgeon volume and in-hospital mortality for open AAA repair, adjusting for both patient and hospital characteristics. Results Between 2000 and 2008, an estimated 111,533 (95% confidence interval [CI], 102,296-121,232) elective open AAA repairs were performed nationwide by 6,857 surgeons. The crude in-hospital mortality rate over the study period was 6.1% (95% CI, 5.6%-6.5%). The mean number of open AAA repairs performed annually was 2.4 operations per surgeon. The mean composite volume was 5.3 operations annually. As expected, in-hospital mortality for open AAA repair decreased with increasing volume of open AAA repairs performed by a surgeon. Mortality rates for the lowest and highest deciles of surgeon volume were 10.2% and 4.5%, respectively ( P P P Conclusions The current study suggests that composite surgeon volume—not operation-specific volume—is a key determinant of in-hospital mortality for open AAA repair. This finding needs to be considered for future credentialing of surgeons.
Site-directed mutations within the core "alpha-crystallin" domain of the small heat-shock protein, human alphaB-crystallin, decrease molecular chaperone functions.

Site-directed mutagenesis was used to evaluate the effects on structure and function of selected substitutions within and N-terminal to the core "alpha-crystallin" domain of the small heat-shock protein (sHsp) and molecular chaperone, human alphaB-crystallin. Five alphaB-crystallin mutants containing single amino acid substitutions within the core alpha-crystallin domain displayed a modest decrease in chaperone activity in aggregation assays in vitro and in protecting cell viability of E. coli at 50 degrees C in vivo. In contrast, seven alphaB-crystallin mutants containing substitutions N-terminal to the core alpha-crystallin domain generally resembled wild-type alphaB-crystallin in chaperone activity in vitro and in vivo. Size-exclusion chromatography, ultraviolet circular dichroism spectroscopy and limited proteolysis were used to evaluate potential structural changes in the 12 alphaB-crystallin mutants. The secondary, tertiary and quaternary structures of mutants within and N-terminal to the core alpha-crystallin domain were similar to wild-type alphaB-crystallin. SDS-PAGE patterns of chymotryptic digestion were also similar in the mutant and wild-type proteins, indicating that the mutations did not introduce structural modifications that altered the exposure of proteolytic cleavage sites in alphaB-crystallin. On the basis of the similarities between the sequences of human alphaB-crystallin and the sHsp Mj HSP16.5, the only sHsp for which there exists high resolution structural information, a three-dimensional model for alphaB-crystallin was constructed. The mutations at sites within the core alpha-crystallin domain of alphaB-crystallin identify regions that may be important for the molecular chaperone functions of sHsps.
Gadamer's ethics of play: Hermeneutics and the other

Gadamer's ethics of play: Hermeneutics and the other, by Monica Vilhauer, Lanham, MD, Lexington Books, 2010, 166 pp., £37 (hardback), ISBN 978-0739139141 As a naive graduate student, I remember sig...
NMR Studies on Domain Diffusion and Alignment in Modular GB1 Repeats

Modular proteins contain individual domains that are often connected by flexible, unstructured linkers. Using a model system based on the GB1 domain, we constructed tandem repeat proteins and investigated the rotational diffusion and long-range angular ordering behavior of individual domains by measuring NMR relaxation parameters and residual dipolar couplings. Although they display almost identical protein-solvent interfaces, each domain exhibits distinct rotational diffusion and alignment properties. The diffusion tensor anisotropy of the N-terminal domain (NTD) is D‖/D⊥ = 1.5–1.6, similar to that of single-GB1 domains (D‖/D⊥ = 1.6–1.7), whereas the value for the C-terminal domain (CTD) is D‖/D⊥ = 2.0–2.2. In addition, the two domains have different rotational correlation times. These effects are observed for linkers of three to 24 residues, irrespective of linker length. The NTD and CTD also differ in their degree of magnetic alignment, even with a flexible linker of 18 residues, exhibiting Da values of 7.7 Hz and 9.7 Hz, respectively. Our results suggest that diffusion differences and long-range influences may persist in modular protein systems, even for systems that have highly flexible linkers and exhibit no domain-domain or domain-linker interactions.
Delayed Diagnosis of Thoracolumbar Fractures in Multiple‐trauma Patients

Objectives: To determine the frequency of delayed diagnosis of major thoracolumbar vertebral fractures (T-L Fxs) in ED multiple-trauma patients, and to determine the differences between cases of delayed and nondelayed diagnoses of T-L Fx. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted of 181 trauma patients with 310 major T-L Fxs (compression, burst, or chance Fxs or dislocations). Data collected included the time of the diagnosis of T-L Fx, the patient's clinical presentation in the ED, the mechanism of injury, and the outcome. Results: Of the 181 patients with major T-L Fxs, 138 were diagnosed in the ED (nondelayed group), and 43 were diagnosed after the patient left the ED (delayed group). Of these, 33 cases occurred in unstable patients requiring emergent medical imaging and/or operation, 7 occurred when emergency physicians failed to detect subtle compression Fxs on ED radiographs, and 3 occurred in stable patients who were not radiographed in the ED. The delayed group were more often critical, and hypotensive, and had lower Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores than did the nondelayed group. The delayed group patients also had more cervical spine injuries, multiple noncontiguous spinal Fxs, high-energy mechanisms of injury, and direct blunt assaults to the back than did the nondelayed group patients. There were 13 patients with T-L Fxs, GCS scores = 15, and normal back examinations. There were 43 patients who had neurologic deficits associated with their injuries; 11 patients with incomplete cord lesions progressed, including 3 in the delayed group. Conclusions: A delay in the diagnosis of T-L Fx in hospitalized trauma patients is frequently associated with an unstable patient condition that necessitates higher-priority procedures than ED T-L spine radiographs. Such patients should receive spinal precautions until more complete evaluation can be performed. The decision to selectively radiograph T-L spines in multiple-trauma patients should consider the mechanism of injury, the presence of possible confounders to physical examination, and clinical signs and symptoms of back injury.
An explicit formula for Lanczos polynomials

Abstract The Lanczos algorithm for tridiagonalizing a given matrix A generates a sequence of approximating matrices A p that can naturally be obtained as restrictions to subspaces. The eigenvalues of these approximating matrices are well known to be good approximations to the extreme eigenvalues of A . In this paper we produce explicit formulas for the characteristics polynomials of the A p in terms of the eigenvalues of A . These formulas can be used to explain heuristically why these approximations are often quite good. At present, we have no concrete analytic argument that explains the quality of the approximation. The main result draws on the formal relationship between the Lanczos algorithm and Pade approximations to the moment generating function of A . This result is one of the few analytic results available for the unsymmetric Lanczos algorithm.
Gendered Power in Cultural Contexts: Part I. Immigrant Couples

Immigration is a world-wide phenomenon and practitioners are increasingly called on to work with issues related to it. The authors examine the experience of couples who are immigrants to the United States in regard to gender and power issues. Although the study limited participation to one religious group in order to hold that aspect of culture and gender attitudes constant, the experiences of these couples help to make visible the link between microlevel couple interaction and larger social processes. The results show how the couples manage a delicate balance between the push for gender change and avoiding too much conflict as male power is challenged.
Is melatonin a microtubule inhibitor

Abstract The effect of melatonin (5-methoxy- N -acetyltryptamine) on microtubule assembly was assessed by means of viscometry, cell kinetics and [ 3 H]colchicine binding studies. Evidence presented shows that melatonin has no effect on the in vitro assembly of bovine brain microtubules. [ 3 H]Colchicine binding is not inhibited by melatonin in either crude or purified tubulin preparations. Furthermore, no increase in mitotic index is observed when Chinese hamster ovary cells are treated with melatonin; nor is neurite formation in neurobiastoma cells in culture affected by melatonin. It is concluded that melatonin does not interact with microtubules in a manner similar to colchicine and the Vinca alkaloids and it should not be classified as a colchicine-like mitotic inhibitor.
Collaborative Adaptations in Social Work Intervention Research in Real-World Settings: Lessons Learned from the Field

Social work research has identified the crucial role that service practitioners play in the implementation of evidence-based practices. This has led some researchers to suggest that intervention research needs to incorporate collaborative adaptation strategies in the design and implementation of studies focused on adapting evidence-based practices to real-world practice settings. This article describes a collaborative approach to service adaptations that was used in an intervention study that integrated evidence-based mental health and correctional services in a jail reentry program for people with serious mental illness. This description includes a discussion of the nature of the collaboration engaged in this study, the implementation strategies that were used to support this collaboration, and the lessons that the research team has learned about engaging a collaborative approach to implementing interventions in research projects being conducted in real-world social service delivery settings.
Epiphyseal replacement using developing tissue donors in a murine model: A combined histologic and radiographic study

Epiphyseal transplantation has long been a goal of orthopaedic surgeons. While microvascular surgery has raised hopes that this goal could be achieved, factors other than blood supply also appear capable of affecting the function of the epiphysis. Basic research into the biology of the epiphysis appears to be required. This would be facilitated with a model of epiphyseal transplantation using a small mammal. The purpose of this experiment was to develop such a model in the mouse. Developing CD1 mouse or Lewis rat limb tissue was used to replace knee tissue that had been resected from CD1 postnatal mouse hosts. Donor tissue ranged from 14-day embryonic mouse to 9-day postnatal mouse or 18- and 19-day fetal rat, which has a gestation similar to the mouse. The murine tissue is known to be avascular prior to the sixth postnatal day. The limbs were analyzed radiographically and histologically. The results show that epiphyseal replacement could be studied using developing tissue donors in a murine model. The results suggest that donor tissue prior to vascularization and tissue combinations with the least developmental time mismatch (the least heterochronicity) produced relatively the best, although still abnormal epiphyses.
Survey and analysis and nonprogramming approaches to design and development of graphical user interfaces

Abstract There is a growing body of literature that describes methodologies for user-interface design and construction without programming in the traditional spirit of third-generation languages such as C, Pascal, and Lisp. Some of these methodologies include example-based programming, graphical constraint specification, behaviour abstraction, diagrammatic systems, and high-level object environments. The paper identifies and describes these approaches and systems that implement them, analyses their strengths and weaknesses, and proposes possible directions for further research.
C‐13 magnetic resonance studies of some papaveraceae alkaloids

The natural abundance 13C magnetic resonance spectra of some Papaveraceae alkaloids have been determined at 22·628 MHz employing the pulse Fourier transform technique. Several techniques were employed to aid in spectral assignments and it has been possible to make self-consistent assignments for all the resonances for these alkaloids. Evidence is presented for trans-annular interaction between the amino group and the carbonyl group situated across the ten-membered ring.
Sex pheromone communication in brachionus plicatilis (rotifera)

Abstract 1. 1. Sex pheromone communication plays an important role in regulating mating behavior of aquatic invertebrates but is poorly understood. A mate recognition bioassay using the rotifer Brachionus plicatilis is described that permits investigation of the molecular nature of chemical communication between females and males. 2. 2. The female signal molecule is a glycoprotein that can be removed by washing females with 10 mM CHAPS or 100 mM EDTA. Washing females with 100 mM sodium phosphate pH 8.0, 2 M NaCl or 100 mM Tris-HCl pH 9.5 had no effect on their ability to elicit male mating responses. 3. 3. Females treated with the glycosidase N-glycanase for 5 min elicited significantly fewer male copulations than untreated females. Males treated with N-glycanase for 10 min attempted significantly fewer copulations with females. 4. 4. Lectins were used to probe the biochemical features of the oligosaccharide portion of the MRG. Females were exposed to nine lectins and evaluated for their ability to elicit male mating responses. Five lectins did not block mate recognition, but females treated with Concanavalin A, Lens culinaris, Pisum sativum and Vicia faba lectins elicited male mating with a lower probability than control females. Males treated with these same five lectins had lower rates of copulation with untreated females. 5. 5. Dose-response experiments revealed that females treated with 112 μg/ml of Con A and 15 μg/ml of Lens elicited only 50% as many male mating attempts as control females.
A national program director survey of the shift to competency-based education in ophthalmology.

Purpose To assess the resources, progress, and barriers for program director (PD) compliance with the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) mandate. Design Survey. Participants Ophthalmology PDs in the United States. Methods A survey instrument was sent to all ophthalmology PDs in the United States. Main Outcome Measures The survey instrument assessed PD tenure, funding, current efforts, evaluation modalities, barriers, and desired resources to meet the ACGME competency mandate. Results The survey was completed by 88 of 104 (85%) PDs. Significant disparities exist between PD financial compensation and actual time spent performing PD duties. This disparity and lack of understanding by faculty of the ACGME competencies were the most frequently cited barriers to success in complying with the ACGME mandate. The most commonly utilized assessment tools are the global or 360° evaluations and clinical evaluation exercises. Conclusions Program directors surveyed believe they are not receiving adequate resources to allow them to comply with the ACGME mandate. Although some tools have been implemented by PDs for assessing the competencies, additional national and centralized resources would be helpful.
Complexation of uranium(VI) by gluconate in acidic solutions: a thermodynamic study with structural analysis.

Within the pCH range of 2.5 to 4.2, gluconate forms three uranyl complexes UO2(GH4)+, UO2(GH3)(aq), and UO2(GH3)(GH4)−, through the following reactions: (1) UO22+ + GH4− = UO2(GH4)+, (2) UO22+ + GH4− = UO2(GH3)(aq) + H+, and (3) UO22+ + 2GH4− = UO2(GH3)(GH4)− + H+. Complexes were inferred from potentiometric, calorimetric, NMR, and EXAFS studies. Correspondingly, the stability constants and enthalpies were determined to be log β1 = 2.2 ± 0.3 and ΔH1 = 7.5 ± 1.3 kJ mol−1 for reaction (1), log β2 = −(0.38 ± 0.05) and ΔH2 = 15.4 ± 0.3 kJ mol−1 for reaction (2), and log β3 = 1.3 ± 0.2 and ΔH3 = 14.6 ± 0.3 kJ mol−1 for reaction (3), at I = 1.0 M NaClO4 and t = 25 °C. The UO2(GH4)+ complex forms through the bidentate carboxylate binding to U(VI). In the UO2(GH3)(aq) complex, hydroxyl-deprotonated gluconate (GH32−) coordinates to U(VI) through the five-membered ring chelation. For the UO2(GH3)(GH4)− complex, multiple coordination modes are suggested. These results are discussed in the context of trivalent and pe...
Cholecystokinin enhances GABAergic inhibitory transmission in basolateral amygdala.

Abstract The neuropeptide cholecystokinin (CCK) is anxiogenic in studies of human and animal behavior. As the amygdala formation has been implicated in generation of emotional states such as anxiety, we tested the effect of CCK on spontaneous synaptic events in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) using whole cell patch recordings in rat brain slice preparation. We found that CCK increased the frequency of spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (sIPSPs) and currents (sIPSCs). This effect was blocked by the fast sodium channel blocker tetrodotoxin (TTX), indicating that the CCK effect is likely mediated by direct excitation of GABAergic interneurons. The CCK B receptor subtype antagonist, CR2945, blocked the CCK effect, while CCK4, a specific CCK B agonist, increased sIPSC frequency. We hypothesize that these actions may underlie the anxiogenic effects of CCK observed in behavioral studies.
Radiofrequency Ablation: Modeling the Enhanced Temperature Response to Adjuvant NaCl Pretreatment

PURPOSE: To characterize the effects of volume and concentration of adjuvant NaCl pretreatment on radiofrequency (RF) ablation and to model these results to determine their applicability to in vivo systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Standardized 1-L 5% agar phantoms were constructed with central wells of varying volume that were filled with a protein-based polymer gel of varying NaCl concentration (0%–35%). RF ablation to the maximum system current output (2,000 mA) was applied to internally cooled 2-cm electrodes placed in the center of the gel wells. Remote thermometry was performed 20 mm from the electrode. Temperatures generated within the phantom were then used to model the response surface by using regression analysis. The generated model was then applied to previously published in vivo data to determine its applicability to a porcine liver tissue model. Statistical analyses included one-way analysis of variance to compare the temperatures reached with different NaCl concentrations and volumes with tho...
Cryptosporidium Infection of Human Intestinal Epithelial Cells Increases Expression of Osteoprotegerin: A Novel Mechanism for Evasion of Host Defenses

Cryptosporidium parasites are pathogens of human intestinal epithelial cells. To determine which genes are regulated during early infection, human ileal mucosa cultured as explants was infected with C. parvum or C. hominis, and gene expression was analyzed by microarray. The gene for osteoprotegerin (OPG) was up-regulated by both parasites. OPG mRNA was also significantly increased in biopsy specimens obtained from a volunteer experimentally infected with C. meleagridis, compared with levels in a prechallenge biopsy specimen. After in vitro infection of HCT-8 cells, there was an early peak in production of OPG mRNA protein. Treatment of infected cells with the OPG ligand tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) induced epithelial cell apoptosis and reduced parasite numbers, and recombinant OPG blocked these effects. These results suggest a novel TRAIL-mediated pathway for elimination of Cryptosporidium infection and a role for OPG in modulating this host response.