cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The mechanism of RNA duplex recognition and unwinding by DEAD-box helicase DDX3X.

DEAD-box helicases (DDXs) regulate RNA processing and metabolism by unwinding short double-stranded (ds) RNAs. Sharing a helicase core composed of two RecA-like domains (D1D2), DDXs function in an ATP-dependent, non-processive manner. As an attractive target for cancer and AIDS treatment, DDX3X and its orthologs are extensively studied, yielding a wealth of biochemical and biophysical data, including structures of apo-D1D2 and post-unwound D1D2:single-stranded RNA complex, and the structure of a D2:dsRNA complex that is thought to represent a pre-unwound state. However, the structure of a pre-unwound D1D2:dsRNA complex remains elusive, and thus, the mechanism of DDX action is not fully understood. Here, we describe the structure of a D1D2 core in complex with a 23-base pair dsRNA at pre-unwound state, revealing that two DDXs recognize a 2-turn dsRNA, each DDX mainly recognizes a single RNA strand, and conformational changes induced by ATP binding unwinds the RNA duplex in a cooperative manner. DEAD-box helicases (DDXs) function in an ATP-dependent, non-processive manner and the conserved helicase core is composed of two RecA-like domains D1 and D2. Here the authors present the crystal structure of the D1D2 core from human DDX3X bound to a 23-base pair dsRNA in the pre-unwound state and discuss the implications for helicase mechanism.
Signal detection limit of a portable Raman spectrometer for the SERS detection of gunshot residue

Signal detection limit (SDL), limit of detection (LOD), and limit of quantitation of a portable Raman spectrometer were measured for smokeless gunpowder stabilizers, diphenylamine (DPA) and ethyl centralite (EC), in acetone, acetonitrile, ethanol, and methanol. Acetone yielded the lowest LOD for three of four DPA peaks, and acetonitrile yielded the lowest LOD for two of three EC peaks and the remaining DPA peak. When gold nanoparticles were added to the DPA solutions in acetone and acetonitrile, statistically significant changes were observed (DPA peak position, full width at half maximum, and/or total area) and SDL was improved for the majority of all peaks in both solvents.
Growth competition during columnar solidification of seaweed microstructures : Insights from 3-D phase-field simulations.

The mechanisms by which interfacial instabilities instigate the growth of solidification patterns is a topic of longstanding interest. In columnar solidification of metallic melts, where the solid-liquid interfacial energy is anisotropic, evolving dendritic patterns compete depending on their relative misorientation. By contrast, organic “plastic crystals”, such as alloys based on succinonitrile, where the anisotropy in their solid-liquid interfacial energy is extremely weak, solidify forming seaweed patterns that typically exhibit little, if any, growth competition. We explore in this study mechanisms by which columnar solidification microstructures of binary alloys with low crystalline anisotropy compete. We adopt toward this end a validated Navier-Stokes multiphase-field approach to characterize the influence of grain misorientation, seed morphology, and melt advection on the growth competition. Simulated seaweed patterns indicate profound influences of all three factors, although characteristic solidification morphologies are observed to evolve depending on the melt flow intensity.
Ocean Dynamics: Dynamo

Abstract : The long-term goal is to gain a more complete understanding of ocean dynamical processes, particularly at fine-scale, through comparison of high, mid- and low-latitude observations, near the sea surface, in the main thermocline, and near the sea floor. The objective is to identify the phenomena involved in the cascade of energy from meso-scales to turbulent scales. In particular, we wish to quantify the relationship between fine-scale background conditions and the occurrence of microscale breaking. Progress is achieved through a steady-state cycle of instrument development, field observation and data analysis. The primary instruments employed include Doppler sonar and rapidly-profiling CTD's. Our instruments produce information that is quasi-continuous in space and time, typically spanning two decades in the wavenumber domain. This broad band space-time coverage enables the investigation of multi-scale interactions. Our major accomplishment has been the execution of the Dynamo Leg IV Experiment in December 2011. Our objective was to document the development of the diurnal surface layer and its relationship to the deeper salinity barrier layer and the internal wavefield on the thermocline below. The approach was to deploy a 3.5 km horizontal Snake array (Fig.1), consisting of 5 Macro Wirewalker profiling floats (Fig 2) that cycled to 200 m, and 5 mini Wirewalkers that profiled to 20 m.
Quelling the Boredom with Alternative Instruction: Augmented Reality, Escape Kits, and Scavenger Hunts.

From 2016-2019, Jacksonville State University (JSU) librarians embraced the call to incorporate increased active learning into traditional library information instruction. Librarians began this process by integrating the use of a scavenger hunt into the Houston Cole Library’s new orientation tailgate event. Breakout EDU Escape Room kits with a custom-built storyline were added to teach basic research skills and help lessen library anxiety in First Year Freshman Experience courses. Augmented reality (AR) was incorporated into Business Orientation classes to increase student understanding of specialized business information resources. These activities helped librarians fulfill Houston Cole Library’s mission of creating a student-driven learning environment focusing on the Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL) information literacy framework. The research, planning, and implementation processes involved in the initiation of scavenger hunts, escape activities, and AR interactive stories at JSU have numerous applications across all educational levels and disciplinary focuses.
World TB day: a new opportunity to reimagine workplace health.

### Summary box The COVID-19 crisis has led to rapidly changing working patterns for many people, including new forms of remote working, flexible working, social distancing at work and shift work. Unfortunately, COVID-19 has also exposed profound inequities in workplace health risks; those working lower paid jobs carrying the greatest risk. In particular, this pandemic has also shone a light on the problem of presenteeism, that is, the phenomenon of people working when they are sick.1 Here, we outline why presenteeism is such an important global …
Adherence to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis in Adolescents and Young Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Abstract This meta-analysis synthesized the proportion of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) who are adherent to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and factors moderating adherence. A systematic search was conducted of studies published through May 2020 using PubMed, PsycInfo, Cochrane, EMBASE, and CINAHL. Included studies reported the proportion of AYAs (mean age ≤ 29 years) who were PrEP adherent. PrEP adherence was meta-analyzed using random-effects models. Secondary analyses evaluated potential moderating variables. A total of 41 individual samples, from 29 studies, of 8,679 AYA (weighted average age = 23.8 years) were synthesized. The proportion of AYA who met study-defined thresholds for PrEP adherence was .64 (95% confidence interval .57–.71) across studies. Subgroup analyses revealed that adherence was lower in young cisgender women (.46) than young men who have sex with men (.65) and serodiscordant heterosexual couples (.98). Adherence was higher in studies initiated after 2012 (.70) than earlier studies (.47). No differences based on participant age, country, or strategies to promote adherence were found. Across published studies to date, 64% of AYA demonstrate adequate PrEP adherence. Findings can be used to guide PrEP adherence interventions and also provide directions for future research on PrEP among AYA.
Disparities among infertility patients regarding genetic carrier screening, sex selection, and gene editing.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the perspectives of infertility patients regarding genetic carrier screening, embryo sex selection, embryo research, and gene editing. An anonymous 32-question survey was distributed electronically to all patients who seen at a single academic fertility center for at least one visit between June 2018 and September 2019. Survey questions evaluated patient perspectives on genetic carrier screening, embryo sex selection, embryo research, and gene editing. There were 1460 survey responses (32.0% response rate). There were significant differences in the proportion of respondents receiving genetic carrier screening between racial groups, 73.1% of White, 45.5% of Black, 49.4% of Hispanic, and 62.8% of Asian respondents. The likelihood of having genetic carrier screening was also significantly influenced by respondent income, insurance status, and religion. Religion significantly influenced the acceptance of embryonic research and embryonic sex selection. While only 8.9% felt that genetically modifying embryos for physical traits should be allowed, 74.1% felt that genetic modification to correct disease should be allowed. Racial, religious, and socioeconomic factors significantly impacted respondents’ likelihood to have genetic carrier screening and views on embryo sex selection, embryo research, and gene editing. These findings highlight the importance of tailoring genetic counseling to the individual, acknowledging individual and cultural differences in agreement with genetic testing and emerging genetic therapies.
SWAP Test for an Arbitrary Number of Quantum States.

We develop a recursive algorithm to generalize the quantum SWAP test for an arbitrary number $m$ of quantum states requiring $O(m)$ controlled-swap (CSWAP) gates and $O(\log m)$ ancillary qubits. We construct a quantum circuit able to simultaneously measure overlaps of $m$ arbitrary pure states. Our construction relies on a pairing unitary that generates a superposition state where every pair of input states is labelled by a basis state formed by the ancillaries.
Organ Protection with ATP-Magnesium Chloride

The heart and other organs are dependent on aerobic metabolism. When the arterial blood flow is reduced to the point that insufficient oxygen is available for oxidative phosphorylation, the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is decreased. This reduction in ATP occurs at a time when more energy is needed to protect the cell against injury. Thus, since ATP plays an essential role in numerous cellular functions, it is not surprising that ischemia and hypovolemic shock produce alterations in cellular and subcellular function in the heart and other organs (1,2). Indeed, the resynthesis of ATP is a major rate-limiting factor following hypovolemic shock and ischemia (3,4). Very low levels of ATP are invariably associated with the irreversible state following myocardial ischemia (5,6). Thus, despite attempts to restore adequate tissue perfusion, including oxygen and substrates, there is a failure to replenish and regenerate ATP during such conditions. This results in persistent and progressive cellular injury that can progress to organ failure. Therefore, replenishing cellular energy following ischemia and hypovolemic shock has been one of a variety of different strategies that have been investigated to prevent or minimize cell injury. Moreover, the most direct approach for raising ATP levels under these conditions appears to be the infusion of ATP rather than the administration of substrates and/or agents that would synthesize it.
Detecting open surfaces in three dimensions

We present a novel level-set method for representing and detecting open surfaces embedded in three-dimensional image volumes. Open surfaces are two-dimensional manifolds with a one-dimensional boundary lying within a three-dimensional volume. Distinct portions of a closed surface can be modeled as open surfaces, as can very thin volumes with negligible thickness. To detect open surfaces, we propose an interface likelihood model that captures the image appearance along a profile normal to the open surface. This allows statistical modeling of more complex surface-appearance characteristics than just voxel intensities or gradients. Appearance models of the surface are used in the level-set framework in two ways: firstly, to evolve the open surface in the normal direction for the purpose of detecting the location and shape of the surface, and secondly, to evolve the boundary of the open surface in a direction tangential to the surface in order to delineate the extent of the surface. We show that our models are well suited to detecting structures of interest in three-dimensional medical and geological images, and demonstrate their utility on challenging structural magnetic resonance (MR) datasets and seismic-reflection volumes. (Copies available exclusively from MIT Libraries, Rm. 14-0551, Cambridge, MA 02139-4307. Ph. 617-253-5668; Fax 617-253-1690.)
Speaking Out: Storytelling and Creative Drama for Children

Reviewed Medium: book Authors: Jack Zipes Year: 2004 Pages: 296 Publisher: Routledge ISBN: 0415966612 Prices: $85.00 US(hard cover).
Regulation of the human papillomavirus type 11 E6 promoter by viral and host transcription factors in primary human keratinocytes

Human papillomavirus (HPV) type 11 is strictly trophic for epithelial cells and induces benign condylomata of the external genitalia and also causes laryngeal papillomas. Primary keratinocytes are the appropriate hosts for studies of HPV gene regulation, but they are not frequently used, owing to difficulties in culturing and low transfection efficiencies. By modifying a Polybrene transfection procedure, we achieved consistently high transfection efficiencies in primary human foreskin keratinocytes and characterized the HPV type 11 enhancer in the context of the homologous E6 promoter. Contrary to previous studies with immortalized human cervical carcinoma C-33A cells, constitutive enhancer element II in the upstream regulatory region conferred no enhancer activity and did not abrogate repression by the homologous E2 protein. Rather, repression was strong, ranging from 5.6- to 20-fold for the various enhancer deletion mutations. By deletion analysis, a strong enhancer that included three nuclear factor 1 sites and one nuclear factor 1-associated factor-binding site was localized to a 45-bp region within constitutive enhancer element I, and it showed some degree of tissue specificity.
SCIENCE-DEPENDENT PROSECUTION AND THE PROBLEM OF EPISTEMIC CONTINGENCY: A STUDY OF SHAKEN BABY SYNDROME

The path of scientific change is unforeseeable and may be marked by abrupt shifts in course. When these shifts occur, our criminal justice system is ill-equipped to respond expeditiously; it thus lags behind scientific frontiers. In an age where science-dependent prosecutions are proliferating, this failure is of particular concern. Because it is fully constructed by and dependent on medical expertise, Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) raises in stark form the problems that arise when science outpaces law—most troublingly, the prospect that we are imprisoning people who have committed no crime. The trajectory of SBS in the criminal courts reveals fundamental limitations of our system’s ability to absorb forensic advances in a manner consistent with the administration of justice. The law may ultimately align itself with the latest scientific thinking, but it is doing so slowly, arbitrarily, and in a wholly unreasoned (and unstudied) fashion. In the interim, we are witnessing patterned injustice. This Article constructs a conceptual framework that describes and critiques how criminal justice evolves in the wake of scientific change. It thus begins the process of reforming institutions, laws, and practices to better account for the tentative nature of scientific orthodoxy. By priming the system to deal more effectively with epistemic contingency, we affirm our commitment to protecting the innocent.
Antiplasmodial and Cytotoxic Activity of Natural Bisbenzylisoquinoline Alkaloids

As part of an ongoing collaborative effort to discover new antimalarial agents from natural sources, we have tested 53 bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids for cytotoxicity against cultured mammalian cells and for antiplasmodial activity against chloroquine-sensitive and chloroquine-resistant clones of Plasmodium falciparum. The isolates from Cyclea barbata, Stephania pierrei, Stephania erecta, Pachygone dasycarpa, Cyclea atjehensis, Hernandia peltata, Curare candicans, Albertisia papuana, and Berberis valdiviana exhibited a wide range of biological potencies in antiplasmodial assays, and the majority exhibited some degree of cytotoxicity against human KB cells. More than half of the compounds tested, however, showed selective antiplasmodial activity, with >100-fold greater toxicity toward one or both of the P. falciparum clones, relative to cultured mammalian cells. The most selective alkaloids were (-)-cycleanine (40), (+)-cycleatjehine (50), (+)-cycleatjehenine (49), (+)-malekulatine (3), (-)-repandine (13), and (+)-temuconine (2). As a result of these studies, relationships between the structures, the stereochemistry, and the substitution patterns of these alkaloids and their in vitro antiplasmodial and cytotoxic activities are beginning to emerge.
Epitaxial metal-semiconductor interfaces

Abstract The present understanding of the relationship between the interface structure and Schottky barrier height of epitaxial metal-semiconductor contacts is reviewed. The shortcomings of the surface science approach for studying Schottky barriers will be demonstrated and it is argued that a detailed knowledge of the structural properties of buried interfaces is a prerequisite for a full understanding of the Schottky barrier problem. Finally, it will be shown how molecular beam epitaxy can be used to fabricate a new class of epitaxial metal-semiconductor interfaces.
Characterizing electrocatalytic surfaces: Electrochemical and NMR studies of methanol and carbon monoxide on Pt/C

We use cyclic voltammetry (CV) on fuel cell electrodes to elucidate the important differences between adsorbates resulting from carbon monoxide adsorption and methanol adsorption onto commercial Pt/C electrocatalysts in a sulfuric acid electrolyte. Under open circuit conditions, methanol was found to adsorb preferentially onto the Pt sites associated with "strongly bound" hydrogen. The sites associated with "weakly bound" hydrogen adsorbed methanol more slowly. In the case of CO adsorption, which requires no adsorbate dehydrogenation, all adsorption sites showed similar affinity towards the adsorbate. Electrochemical oxidation of the adsorbates derived from both methanol and CO exposure exhibit slower oxidation when the adsorbate is associated with cubic-packed-like sites than from close-packed-steps and other sites. NMR of a 13 CO-adlayer prepared by electrochemical adsorption from low concentration 13 CH 3 O H shows a lower NMR shift and smaller linewidth than the previously reported values for electrochemically adsorbed 13 CO gas. These results are interpreted in terms of adsorbate motion on the electrocatalyst surface.
Motif discovery in spatial trajectories using grammar inference

Spatial trajectory analysis is crucial to uncovering insights into the motives and nature of human behavior. In this work, we study the problem of discovering motifs in trajectories based on symbolically transformed representations and context free grammars. We propose a fast and robust grammar induction algorithm called mSEQUITUR to infer a grammar rule set from a trajectory for motif generation. Second, we designed the Symbolic Trajectory Analysis and VIsualization System (STAVIS), the first of its kind trajectory analytical system that applies grammar inference to derive trajectory signatures and enable mining tasks on the signatures. Third, an empirical evaluation is performed to demonstrate the efficiency and effectiveness of mSEQUITUR for generating trajectory signatures and discovering motifs.
Active Stabilization, Quantum Computation, and Quantum State Synthesis

Active stabilization of a quantum system is the active suppression of noise (such as decoherence) in the system, without disrupting its unitary evolution. Quantum error correction suggests the possibility of achieving this, but only if the recovery network can suppress more noise than it introduces. A general method of constructing such networks is proposed, which gives a substantial improvement over previous fault tolerant designs. The construction permits quantum error correction to be understood as essentially quantum state synthesis. An approximate analysis implies that algorithms involving very many computational steps on a quantum computer can thus be made possible.
On Ranges of Lyapunov Transformations.

Abstract A Lyapunov transformation is a linear transformation on the set H n of hermitian matrices H ϵ C n,n of the form L A(H) = A∗H + HA, where A ϵ C n,n. Given a positive stable A ϵ C n,n, the Stein-Pfeffer Theorem characterizes those K ϵ H n for which K = L B(H), where B is similar to A and H is positive definite. We give a new proof of this result, and extend it in several directions. The proofs involve the idea of a controllability subspace, employed previously in this context by Snyders and Zakai.
Adolescent Males' Ratings of Being Understood by Fathers, Best Friends and Significant others

An adolescent male's relationship with his father and his best friend is investigated. 413 male college students filled out a rating scale in which each reported how much he felt understood by his father, mother, by best male friend, best female friend, by favorite teacher, and by any additional person he wished to designate. The ratings were on a 7-point scale, ranging from “virtually a total stranger” to “complete understanding.” The mean ratings for a son's feeling of being understood by significant others was analyzed by a procedure for the multiple comparison of means described by Games (1971). The sons felt relatively more understood by their best friends than they did by their fathers. Implications of the findings for a theory of friendship and for psychotherapy with adolescent males are discussed.
Linear dielectric-breakdown electrostatics.

The dielectric breakdown of solids is a problem of great practical and theoretical interest. It is the electrical analog of the fracture of solids under applied loads. In the case of fracture, the reigning theory for linear elastic materials is linear elastic fracture mechanics. This paper develops the analogous theory, linear dielectric-breakdown electrostatics, based on a Griffith-like energy-balance calculation applied to a single conducting crack in an isotropic dielectric medium. Results include the development of the critical field-intensity factor, ${K}_{c}^{e}$, and the introduction of a contour-independent line integral, ${J}^{e}$, which is analogous to the J integral of linear and nonlinear elastic fracture mechanics. Some discussion of the relation between these results and recent lattice models of dielectric breakdown is given.
The effect of gamma ray penetration on angle-dependent sensitivity for pinhole collimation in nuclear medicine

The sensitivity of a pinhole collimator for gamma ray imaging in nuclear medicine is dependent on the angle of incidence of the gamma rays. The effect of penetration near the pinhole aperture on angle-dependent sensitivity was investigated using experimental measurements and numerical modeling. Projection data measurements were acquired with Tc-99m and I-131 point sources using tungsten pinhole inserts with 1.0 to 4.0 mm diameter apertures. Curves of the form sinx theta, where theta is the angle of the incident ray with the surface of the detector crystal, were fit to sensitivity measurements from the projection data. Experimentally measured x values were between 3.3 and 4.1 for Tc-99m and between 5.1 and 7.2 for I-131. Penetration near the pinhole aperture was modeled using (1) an expression for effective pinhole diameter that is a generalization of Anger's formula for normally incident photons and (2) a photon transport simulation code. Experimentally measured sensitivity exponents x from new and previously reported experimental observations were modeled within 15% by the numerical simulations. For modeling using the generalized expression for effective diameter the average error was 1.4% and the standard deviation was 7.7%. For the photon transport simulation code the average error was 1.5% and the standard deviation also was 7.7%. The effect of pinhole aperture design parameters on angle-dependent sensitivity for high resolution pinhole apertures was modeled using a photon transport simulation code. The sensitivity exponents x were greater for 364 keV photons than for 140 keV photons and were greater for small aperture diameters, small acceptance angles, and large aperture channel heights. These results provide theoretical justification for incorporating sinx theta sensitivity corrections, with x greater than the value of 3 for an impenetrable pinhole, in filtered back projection and iterative reconstruction algorithms for single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) pinhole imaging. Simulated I-131 SPECT studies for uniformly active cylinders showed that activity concentrations were underestimated toward the outside of the cylinders when a sin3 theta rather than the correct sinx theta sensitivity correction was applied in image reconstruction.
The Unique Nature of Textile and Craft Home-Based Workers: A Comparison

Using data collected by a nine-state regional research project, textile and craft home-based workers are compared with the rest of the home-based workers in the sample on several selected variables: home-based work and worker characteristics, income, adaptive behaviors to hectic work times, and advantages and disadvantages of home-based work. Significantly more females than males are engaged in textile and craft home-based work. The findings are related to gender; compared with other workers, textile and craft workers spend fewer hours on home-based work, have lower gross business incomes but greater gross family incomes, have more spouses employed outside the home, and are more likely to use personal time than to hire help during hectic work times. Additional research should investigate gender effects and their relationship to the choice and context of home-based work as well as their impact on the household.
Lower Extremity Muscle Activity Patterns During Lateral (Frontal) Side Stepping Task Modulation From Different Heights

Different muscle groups function in a synchronized and coordinated manner to perform a given task, wherein the activity of one muscle group affects that of another (1, 3). Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common, chronic joint disease characterized by pain, disability and progressive loss of function. It is the most common musculoskeletal complaint worldwide and is associated with significant health and welfare costs (2, 7). The knee is the most frequently affected joint of the lower limb and prevalence of knee OA increases with age (6). Several studies have shown that muscle recruitment patterns and neuromuscular efficiency are different for patients with OA compared to normal controls during simple closed chain activities (4). However, no studies have investigated frontal plane control or the modulation of control due to, for example, a change in time or distance in OA (5).Copyright © 2012 by ASME
The Paratext to Chrétien de Troyes's Cligés: A Reappraisal of the Question of Authorship and Readership in the Prologue

Starting with the premise that medieval manuscripts exhibit paratextual vestiges of their auctores , redactors, copyists, and readers, this article re-examines the question of authorship and readership in Chretien de Troyes's prologue to Cliges ( c. 1176-80) through the lens of paratextual references to the implied author's signature, allusions to possible titles of his previous works, marginal annotations of interpretative readings, and cases of significant manuscript variance. Firmly grounded in the manuscript, editorial, and critical tradition of Cliges , this reading re-evaluates the tripartite thematic structure of the prologue, hypothesizing the paratextual effect that the opening list of literary tides, the suspenseful presentation of the hero, and the authoritative claim for the location of chevalerie (chivalry) and clergie (culture) in France might have had on medieval audiences and may have on modern readers. Exploring the significantly different versions in which two families of manuscripts transmit the same ideas, this reading finally shows how the prologue equivocates and subverts any one definite interpretation and engenders a sense of irony and alterity that captivates the reader and opens the threshold to new interpretations.
Laparoscopy for nonpalpable testes.

Abstract Purpose Laparoscopy is now considered integral to the management of nonpalpable testes, although its benefits are not clearly documented. The authors prospectively determined the value of laparoscopy in patients with nonpalpable testes. Methods Between December 1997 and October 2001, 37 patients with 40 nonpalpable testes were scheduled for laparoscopy followed by definitive treatment. Laparoscopy was cancelled in 4 patients (5 testes) because their testes became palpable under anesthesia. In the remaining 33 patients (35 testes), it was determined at the time of surgery whether, as a consequence of laparoscopy: (1) retroperitoneal exploration was avoided (2) definitive treatment was facilitated. Results Laparoscopy did not alter the management of 27 testes (77%) that were treated through an inguinal incision with orchiopexy for 17 testes (6 intraabdominal and 9 at the deep ring) and removal of 10 atrophic nubbins. It was only useful in avoiding retroperitoneal dissection for 5 (14%) vanishing testes, and it may have been of benefit for 3 testes treated with a 2-stage Fowler-Stephens orchiopexy. Conclusions The majority of our patients with nonpalpable testes could have been treated through an inguinal incision with laparoscopy being reserved for situations in which the testis was not identified on inguinal exploration.
Raising multiples: mental health of mothers and fathers in early parenthood

The rate of twin and higher-order gestation births has risen dramatically in recent decades in the United States as well as other Western countries. Although the obstetrical and neonatal risks of multiple gestation pregnancies are well-documented, much less is known regarding the mental health impact on parents of multiples during the perinatal and early parenthood period. Given that parents of multiples face greater functional demands, as well as other pressures (financial, medical) this population may be at risk for heightened distress. We conducted a systematic review of quantitative, English language studies that assessed mental health outcomes of parents of multiples during pregnancy, in the first postpartum year, and in the period of early parenthood, including depression, anxiety, stress, and related constructs. Twenty-seven articles published between 1989 and 2014 met selection criteria and were included in the review. Studies utilized a wide range of methods and outcome constructs, often making comparisons difficult. Although some studies found no differences, most investigations that compared mental health outcomes in parents of multiples versus parents of singletons found that parents of multiples experience heightened symptoms of depression, anxiety, and parenting stress. We discuss gaps in the existing body of literature on parental mental health related to multiple gestation birth and conclude by discussing the need for novel intervention strategies to meet the needs of this growing population. Parents of multiples may experience worse mental health outcomes than parents of singletons. More research is needed, and future work should explore potential treatment and support options.
The Psychological and Vocational Interest Patterns of Donald Super and John Holland

The theories of Donald Super and John Holland are the primary career development and choice approaches in use today. To the extent that the personality characteristics of a theorist have a direct bearing on the theory that he or she has constructed, a fuller understanding of the theorist is important. Although the profession knows much about the 2 approaches, less is known about the personalities of the theorists. The purpose of this article is to provide comparative data about each theorist's interests, values, and personalities on the basis of the results of 4 paper-and-pencil psychometric instruments that each completed. This study provides a rare glimpse into the psychological make-up of 2 prominent theorists.
Sex steroids and schizophrenia

The peak in incidence for schizophrenia is during late adolescence for both sexes, but within this time frame the peak is both earlier and steeper for males. Additionally, women have a second peak in incidence following menopause. Two meta-analyses have reported that men have an overall ∼40% greater chance of developing schizophrenia than do women (Aleman et al., 2003; McGrath et al., 2004). These and other findings have led to the suggestion that ovarian hormones may be protective against schizophrenia. Less explored is the potential role of testosterone in schizophrenia, although disruptions in steroid levels have also been reported in men with the illness. The relationship between increased gonadal hormone release per se and peri-adolescent vulnerability for psychiatric illness is difficult to tease apart from other potentially contributory factors in clinical studies, as adolescence is a turbulent period characterized by many social and biological changes. Despite the obvious opportunity provided by animal research, surprisingly little basic science effort has been devoted to this important issue. On the other hand, the animal work offers an understanding of the many ways in which gonadal steroids exert a powerful impact on the brain, both shaping its development and modifying its function during adulthood. Recently, investigators using preclinical models have described a greater male vulnerability to neurodevelopmental insults that are associated with schizophrenia; such studies may provide clinically relevant insights into the role of gonadal steroids in psychiatric illness.
Perivascular Responses after Angioplasty Which May Contribute to Postangioplasty Restenosis

These studies suggest that the adventitia may play a role in vascular lesion formation after balloon overstretch injury of pig coronary arteries by contributing to the cellular mass of the neointima and the synthesis of growth factors. In addition, the adventitia may contribute to vascular remodeling and constriction of the external elastic lamina through accumulation of myofibroblasts containing alpha smooth muscle actin in the adventitia surrounding the injury site. Inhibition of myofibroblast proliferation and/or recruitment by intravascular brachytherapy positively affects vascular remodeling through its action on adventitial cells. Inflammation is a major event associated with balloon angioplasty, resulting in the sequential recruitment of neutrophils (2-24 hours) and monocyte/macrophages (24-72 hours) predominantly into the adventitia surrounding the injury site. It is hypothesized that inflammatory cells release cytokines and/or increase the production of superoxides which stimulate the proliferation and recruitment of adventitial myofibroblasts. Inflammatory and proliferative responses were not confined to the local adventitia but were found extending as far as 1-3 mm away from the injured vessel in the distal perivascular tissues. Studies were performed to examine the expression of genes associated with cell migration at early times after injury in an attempt to determine the source of the adventitial myofibroblasts. Expression of genes involved in cell migration including MMP-2, MMP-9, and tenascin was found as early as 2 hours following angioplasty in the intramyocardial, pericardial, and adipose tissue fibroblasts. While these studies suggest that local tissue was the source of the myofibroblasts recruited to the injury site, we have been unable to confirm this finding by direct fluorescent labeling of adventitial cells. Recent work from our laboratory suggests that myofibroblast precursors may be isolated from buffy coat preparations from peripheral blood. These results lead us to hypothesize that stem cells that differentiate into myofibroblasts may be recruited in early inflammatory infiltrates in the adventitia. Clearly, additional work will have to be directed at a more detailed examination of the response of adventitial and other perivascular cells and tissues to balloon injury to determine their sources and their role in regulating vascular lesion development.
Effects of the Hood River Conservation Project on electricity use

Abstract This paper summarizes the methods and results related to actual electricity use and savings produced by the Hood River Conservation Project (HRCP). Our approach analyzes monthly billing data to estimate weather-adjusted (normalized) annual electricity use. These normalized estimates are then used in pooled time-series/cross-section models to examine the effects of demographic, structure, and economic factors on household electricity use. Electricity use was cut by an average of 2600 kWh/year (14% of pre-HRCP consumption) between 1982/83 (pre-HRCP) and 1985/86 (post-HRCP) for the homes retrofit by the Project. These savings — which varied substantially across house type, house age, and household use of wood for heating — were less than half the savings estimated during the initial energy audits. Roughly one-fifth of the electricity savings associated with the HRCP measures were lost through the “takeback” effect associated with higher indoor temperatures and reduced use of wood for heating. The primary reason for small electricity savings was the low levels of pre-HRCP electricity used. Even before the Project began, households had adopted many conservation actions (especially use of wood for space heating), stimulated by the 40% increase in real electricity prices between 1980 and 1982. The combination of low pre-HRCP electricity use and modest savings led to post-HRCP levels of space-heating electricity use that were very low: below the levels in typical new homes constructed during the early 1980s and those achieved in other retrofit programs throughout the U.S.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in crude oil-contaminated soil: A two-step method for the isolation and characterization of PAHs.

A two-step analytical method is developed for the isolation and characterization of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in crude oil contaminated soil. In the first step, those crude oil components were isolated which are easily mobilized with water from the contaminated soil (determination of groundwater pollution potential). In the second step, the fraction containing the remaining crude oil compounds was extracted using toluene. After the cleanup of the fractions, both fractions were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
Polyacrylic desalination membranes. I. Synthesis and characterization

A new class of desalination membranes has been developed. The membranes were prepared by polymerizing mixtures of two hydrophilic monomers (N-methyloacrylamide and acrylic acid), a hydrophobic monomer (ethyl acrylate) and a hydrophobic crosslinking monomer (trimethylol propane trimethacrylate) followed by heat treatment. The membranes were homogeneous, averaging about 6 mils in thickness. They were characterized by measuring water contents and salt distribution coefficients using an immersion technique. The fractional water contents in the membranes varied between 0.16 and 0.44 as the molal salt distribution coefficients increased from ca. 0.22 to 0.43. Increasing contents of the hydrophobic monomer and/or crosslinking monomer led to decreased water and salt contents, as expected. A model is postulated in which the water is assumed to be distributed within the polymer in two forms: (1) as primary water, hydrogen-bonded with hydrophilic polymer groups, and (2) secondary water, imbibed with salt from the external solution into hydrophilic regions or defects within the polymer matrix. It was found that primary water content was approximately constant for all compositions and varied between ca. 2–3 moles of primary water/mole of hydrophilic monomer in the membrane.
Obesity and the Heart

Obesity can result in alterations in cardiac structure and function even in the absence of systemic hypertension and underlying organic heart disease. Increased total blood volume creates a high cardiac output state that may cause ventricular dilatation and ultimately eccentric hypertrophy of the left (and possibly the right) ventricle. Eccentric left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy produces diastolic dysfunction. Systolic dysfunction may ensue due to excessive wall stress if wall thickening fails to keep pace with dilatation. This disorder is referred to as obesity cardiomyopathy. The presence of systemic hypertension in obese individuals facilitates development of LV dilatation and hypertrophy. Congestive heart failure may occur in such individuals, and may be attributable to LV diastolic dysfunction or to combined LV diastolic and systolic dysfunction. The sleep apnea/obesity hypoventilation syndrome occurs in 5% of morbidly obese individuals and is potentially life-threatening. Treatment of obesity cardiomyopathy consists of weight loss, salt restriction, and diuretics. Digitalis and vasodilators may be useful in selected cases. Central obesity is probably a risk factor for the development of coronary heart disease. Alterations in lipid and insulin metabolism may facilitate development of coronary heart disease in obese patients.
Human tissue transglutaminase is inhibited by pharmacologic and chemical acetylation

Human tissue transglutaminase (TGM2) is implicated in the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and expanded polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases. TGM2 promotes formation of soluble and insoluble high molecular weight aggregates by catalyzing a covalent linkage between peptide-bound Q residues in polyQ proteins and a peptide-bound Lys residue. Therapeutic approaches to modulate the activity of TGM2 are needed to proceed with studies to test the efficacy of TGM2 inhibition in disease processes. We investigated whether acetylation of Lys-residues by sulfosuccinimidyl acetate (SNA) or aspirin (ASA) would alter the crosslinking activity of TGM2. Acetylation by either SNA and/or ASA resulted in a loss of >90% of crosslinking activity. The Lys residues that were critical for inhibition were identified by mass spectrometry as Lys444, Lys468, and Lys663. Hence, acetylation of Lys-residues may modulate the enzymatic function of TGM2 in vivo and offer a novel approach to treatment of TGM2 mediated disorders.
Synthetic studies of the detoxin complex. I. total synthesis of (-) detoxinine

A total synthesis of (-) detoxinine (1), the parent amino acid of the detoxin complex is reported. Two different routes to key intermediate 8a were developed: one from an acyclic precursor and the other from L-proline. The elaboration of 8a to 1 employed a stereoselective aldol condensation.
The Terrestrial Planet Finder Coronagraph dynamics error budget

The Terrestrial Planet Finder Coronagraph (TPF-C) demands extreme wave front control and stability to achieve its goal of detecting earth-like planets around nearby stars. We describe the performance models and error budget used to evaluate image plane contrast and derive engineering requirements for this challenging optical system.
VIBRATION CONTROL IN THE ASSEMBLY OF LARGE FLEXIBLE STRUCTURES BY TEAMS OF SPACE ROBOTS

Abstract For in-orbit assembly of future large space structures, teams of robots will be needed to manipulate large flexible structural modules while mounted on a large flexible structure. Here, the problem of planning and controlling the vibration induced in the space structures during this assembly operation is addressed. In the planning and control architecture developed, robots use force sensors at their end-effectors to control the forces that they apply to the structures. The effectiveness of the architecture is shown through simulation results.
Prosthetic heart valves: A review

There are a number of difficulties inherent in the analysis of such a large and diverse quantity of data. In a substantial number of clinical trials, there is no significant effort made to evaluate prosthetic performance as a function of preoperative cardiac anatomy. Hemodynamics have not been systematically studied in relation to preexisting left ventricular size, shape, or configuration, mitral annular orientation, or left atrial size. Postoperative anticoagulation protocols vary from one institution to another and occasionally within study groups themselves. Less tangible variables such as alteration in surgical technique over time and differential familiarity of cardiovascular surgeons with the prostheses employed are chronic problems in any study of this sort. Perhaps the greatest variable in evaluating the postoperative performance of valvular prostheses over the past 20 yr is the radical improvement in techniques of intraoperative myocardial preservation. Notwithstanding, comparisons are possible within the confines of certain criteria. The caged ball value remains in use after 20 years of clinical experience. It has sustained the greatest number of modifications, probably because it has been the most extensively studied. Hemodynamics are adequate although its centrally obstructed design is responsible for increased turbulence, hemolysis, and neointimal proliferation, particularly in the aortic position. The device has been shown to be durable with virtually no reports of ball variance since the alteration of the silicone curing procedure in 1965. Thromboembolic rates are acceptable in the anticoagulated patient while prosthetic thrombosis is not a grave threat in the non-close clearance device. Incidence of endocarditis is not particularly different from that associated with all nonbioprosthetic valves, although there is a much greater published volume of clinical experience concerning recognition and treatment of late prosthetic valve endocarditis in patients with caged ball valves than there is for any other replacement device. Perhaps the most serious disadvantage to caged ball design is its size. Its large spatial requirements have led to anatomic complications in patients with small aortic roots, isolated mitral stenosis, left ventricular hypertrophy, and double valve replacement, among others. Nevertheless, this is still the valve of choice in some centers.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)