cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Utilization and Impact of Aromatase Inhibitor Therapy in Men With Elevated Estradiol Levels on Testosterone Therapy.

INTRODUCTION Testosterone therapy (TTH) for testosterone deficiency (TD) may lead to elevated estradiol (E2) levels requiring management to avoid unnecessary adverse effects. AIM To examine the impact of aromatase inhibitors, specifically anastrozole (AZ), in men with elevated E2 on TTH. METHODS All patients on TTH at a high volume sexual medicine practice between 2005 and 2019 were reviewed. Men with E2 levels >60 pg/mL regardless of symptoms or 40-60 pg/mL with subjective symptoms were started on AZ 0.5 mg 3x/week. Routine hormone profile and symptom assessment were completed to ensure symptom resolution, reduction of E2 levels and maintenance of testosterone levels. Multivariable logistic regression was completed to determine predictors of men more likely to respond to therapy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Demographic and hormonal profiles of men on AZ and predictors of response to therapy. RESULTS 1708 men with TD were placed on TTH. Of these, 51 (3%) were treated with AZ (AZ+). After exclusions, 44 (2.6%) had elevated estradiol levels >60 pg/mL or >40 pg/mL with symptoms. Demographics were similar between groups. TTH distribution between groups was different with greater rates of topical TTH in the AZ- groups (AZ+:34.1% vs AZ-:53.5%) and greater rates of intramuscular TTH in the AZ+ group (AZ+:38.6% vs AZ-:18.5%) (P = .017 overall). Of the 44 men treated with AZ, 68.0% had pre-AZ E2 levels ≥60 pg/mL and 32.0% had levels between 40 and 60 pg/mL. Median pre-AZ E2 levels were 65 (interquartile range [IQR], 55-94) pg/mL in comparison to 22 (IQR 15-38) pg/mL post-AZ E2 levels (P < .001). Total testosterone levels were similar before and after AZ use (616 (IQR 548-846) ng/dL and 596 (IQR 419-798) ng/dL, respectively, P = .926). No statistically significant predictive factors of E2 reduction using AZ were found. CONCLUSION While no statistically significant predictors for E2 recovery in men on AZ were found, AZ remains a reasonable option for E2 reduction in men with elevated levels on TTH. Punjani N, Bernie H, Salter C, et al. The Utilization and Impact of Aromatase Inhibitor Therapy in Men With Elevated Estradiol Levels on Testosterone Therapy. Sex Med 2021;9:100378.
Topology Optimization of Spatial Distribution of Dielectric Properties in Functionally Graded Cable Joint Insulation

Application of functionally graded material (FGM) has become a promising approach for the electric field optimization in power cable accessories. In this study, we assumed that the silicone rubber sheath of an 110kV cable joint is FGM material with non-uniform permittivity or conductivity. And then we employed topology optimization to design the spatial distribution of dielectric properties in the FGM sheath. The configuration of optimization problem, the modeling method of material distribution, and the principle of the calculation algorithm called method of moving asymptotes (MMA) were described. Simulation results verified that compared to uniform sheath, the FGM sheath in the 110 kV cable joint has much better performance on the inhibition of E-field distortion. Moreover, a larger variation range of dielectric properties induces more uniform E-field distribution, and the spatial distribution of dielectric properties in permittivity FGM (under AC voltage) and conductivity FGM (under DC voltage) shows some similarities to each other. The results indicate that proposed topology optimization method can be successfully applied in the optimization of FGM cable joints, which can promote the design and application of FGM materials in power cable insulations
Caregiving Burden among Caregivers of People with Dementia through the Lens of Intersectionality.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Caregivers may be at different risks of various types of burdens by virtue of their gender and racial/ethnic status. This paper explores the differences in caregiving burdens across the intersectionality of race and gender. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Using Round 5 (conducted in 2015) and Round 7 (conducted in 2017) of National Study of Caregiving and National Health and Aging Trends Study data, the study examined differences in caregiver burdens across and within different gender and racial/ethnic groups, within the realms of financial, emotional, and physical burdens. The sample consisted of 1,206 caregivers who provided services to Medicare beneficiaries. Logistic regressions were performed to assess the three types of burdens each subgroup was experiencing. RESULTS Results indicated that within the intersectionality framework, compared to White female caregivers, Black male caregivers were 3.3 times (95% CI 1.77-6.22) more likely to experience financial burden, and Black female caregivers were 54% less likely to experience physical burden. Surprisingly, compared to White female caregivers, all the other groups were 37% (95% CI 0.41-0.95) to 71% (95% CI 0.15-0.56) less likely to have emotional burden. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS The findings highlighted that Black male caregivers are experiencing financial burden and White female caregivers are experiencing emotional burden disproportionately. To develop effective interventions and programs for dementia caregivers, a special focus should be put on monitoring the differences in the types of burdens that the above-mentioned population subgroups experience.
Utilization of Telehealth Solutions for Patients with Opioid Use Disorder Using Buprenorphine: A Scoping Review

Background: A scoping review was conducted to examine the breadth of evidence related to telehealth innovations being utilized in the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) with buprenorphine and its effect on patient outcomes and health care delivery. Materials and Methods: The authors systematically searched seven databases and websites for peer-reviewed and gray literature related to telehealth solutions for buprenorphine treatment published between 2008 and March 18, 2021. Two reviewers screened titles and abstracts for articles that met the inclusion criteria, according to the scoping review study protocol. The authors included studies if they specifically examined telehealth interventions aimed at improving access to and usage of buprenorphine for OUD. Results: After screening 371 records, the authors selected 69 for full review. These studies examined the effect of telehealth on patient satisfaction, treatment retention rates, and buprenorphine accessibility and adherence. Conclusion: According to the reviewed literature, incorporation of telehealth technology with medication-assisted treatment for OUD is associated with higher patient satisfaction, comparable rates of retention, an overall reduction in health care costs, and an increase in both access to and usage of buprenorphine. This has been made possible through the expansion of telehealth technologies and a substantial push toward relaxed federal guidelines, both of which were quickly escalated in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Future research is needed to fully quantify the effect of these factors; however, the results appear promising thus far and should urge policymakers to consider making these temporary policy changes permanent.
Teaching about Sexual Orientation in an Educational Leadership Preparation Program

Issues of diversity and social justice are slowly making their way into educational leadership programs, though scholars have argued that social justice is a responsibility of aspiring school leaders and educators. However, issues directly related to sexual orientation have been treated lightly and we question why this is the case. Given the changing social climate and attitudes towards the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) community, aspiring educational leaders should be prepared to address the issues in their schools. In this article, we provide an overview of some topics that may be addressed in an educational leadership preparation program and provide an example of what some of the reactions to these topics may look like. Here, we analyze reflections from 15 graduate students enrolled in a course focused on social justice during the final year of a principal preparation program. Three common themes emerged from the reflections: 1) limited experiences with LGBTQ people shapes or limits one’s beliefs and perceptions about LGBTQ people, 2) principal preparation students were able to accurately identify how expected (masculine) gender norms and heteronormative assumptions drive bullying and name-calling of students who fall outside these gender roles, and 3) a large number of principal preparation students expressed the belief that being gay is a choice and that this belief was related to their stance on LGBTQ issues. Discussion centers on the implications of these findings for addressing LGBTQ issues in educational leadership programs and how reflections are useful in understanding the student’s developmental stage in order to approach this topic most effectively
Cost and Capital Punishment: A New Consideration Transforms an Old Debate

American capital practice has changed markedly over the past four decades. Constitutional regulation of state death penalty practices has transformed the size and scope of capital trials; federal and state court review of capital verdicts has become more intricate and time-consuming; and state death rows remain quite large despite significant declines in capital sentencing. These changes have altered the cost of capital punishment and, perhaps more importantly, public perceptions about the cost of capital punishment. Government officials, death penalty opponents and supporters, and the broader public have slowly but now almost unanimously concluded that the costs of capital punishment outweigh the costs of lifetime noncapital incarceration. This article documents the emergence of the cost argument against the death penalty and discusses the rhetorical and strategic functions of such an argument in the modern era, including the possible role of cost in bringing an end to the American death penalty.
Bacterial lipopolysaccharide regulates the phosphorylation of the 68K protein kinase C substrate in macrophages

Abstract Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) potentiates protein kinase C (PKC)-dependent responses such as the activation of arachidonic acid metabolism in macrophages (Aderem, A. A., Cohen, D. S., Wright, S. D., and Cohn, Z. A. (1986) J. Exp. Med. 164, 165-179). Concomitantly, LPS promotes the myristoylation of a 68K PKC substrate, shown to be equivalent to the 80/87K PKC substrate found in brain and fibroblasts (Aderem, A. A., Albert, K. A., Keum, M. M., Wang, J. K., Greengard, P., and Cohn, Z. A. (1988) Nature 332, 362-364). We have now examined the effect of LPS on the phosphorylation of this 68K PKC substrate. We report here that LPS modifies the kinetics and extent of phosphorylation of the 68K protein. While treatment with LPS alone induces low level phosphorylation of the 68K protein, it markedly increases the rate of subsequent phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-dependent phosphorylation of this protein. Phosphorylation in LPS-treated macrophages was maximal 1-2 min after administration of PMA, while maximal phosphorylation in macrophages not exposed to LPS was only achieved 6 min after addition of PMA. In addition to increasing the rate of PMA-dependent phosphorylation of the 68K protein in macrophages, LPS also promoted the phosphorylation of a novel peptide on the 68K protein. Thus while PMA stimulated the phosphorylation of two thermolytic phosphopeptides (phosphopeptides 1 and 2), the low level of phosphorylation observed with LPS alone was found to occur on phosphopeptides 1 and 2 as well as on a novel phosphopeptide (phosphopeptide 3). Furthermore, LPS treatment of macrophages potentiated phosphorylation of all three phosphopeptides when the cells were subsequently stimulated with PMA. While phosphorylation stimulated by LPS and PMA was slightly more than additive for phosphopeptides 1 and 2, it was markedly synergistic (increased 14.5-fold) for phosphopeptide 3. Phosphorylation of all three phosphopeptides occurred exclusively on serine. It is possible that LPS-induced myristoylation of the 68K protein directs it to the membrane where its phosphorylation is enhanced by its close association with PKC.
Numerical modeling of carbon dioxide in unsaturated soils due to deep subsurface leakage

[1] A two-dimensional numerical model was utilized to explore the flux mechanisms governing CO2 transport in the vadose zone. The simulations were set up to approximately correspond to a site of natural CO2 leakage at Mammoth Mountain, California. The mass fraction gradient driving force, responsible for diffusive and slip fluxes, was determined to lead to less plume spreading than advection alone. Density-driven flow of CO2 led to significantly greater spreading of the plume and greater storage of CO2 within the vadose zone than if density contrasts were not accounted for. Exposure assessment simulations indicate that for the conditions of interest there may be no physically realistic domain that would lead to CO2 levels below the criteria for human health impacts (sub 10%) in surface soils for the leakage rate present at Mammoth Mountain.
A 640/spl times/512 CMOS image sensor with ultra wide dynamic range floating-point pixel-level ADC

Analysis results demonstrate that multiple sampling can achieve consistently higher signal-to-noise ratio at equal or higher dynamic range than using other image sensor dynamic range enhancement schemes such as well capacity adjusting. Implementing multiple sampling, however, requires much higher readout speeds than can be achieved using typical CMOS active pixel sensor (APS). This paper demonstrates, using a 640/spl times/512 CMOS image sensor with 8-b bit-serial Nyquist rate analog-to-digital converter (ADC) per 4 pixels, that pixel-level ADC enables a highly flexible and efficient implementation of multiple sampling to enhance dynamic range. Since pixel values are available to the ADC's at all times, the number and timing of the samples as well as the number of bits obtained from each sample can be freely selected and read out at fast SRAM speeds. By sampling at exponentially increasing exposure times, pixel values with binary floating-point resolution can be obtained. The 640/spl times/512 sensor is implemented in 0.35-/spl mu/m CMOS technology and achieves 10.5/spl times/10.5 /spl mu/m pixel size at 29% fill factor. Characterization techniques and measured quantum efficiency, sensitivity, ADC transfer curve, and fixed pattern noise are presented. A scene with measured dynamic range exceeding 10000:1 is sampled nine times to obtain an image with dynamic range of 65536:1. Limits on achievable dynamic range using multiple sampling are presented.
Anisotropic thermal-lens effect in ferroelectric Ba 2 NaNb 5 O 15 at T c

We have discovered a novel effect in barium sodium niobate at its Curie temperature ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$=853 K, in which the large positive temperature derivative of the c-axis index of refraction associated with the ferroelectric phase transition, ${\mathit{dn}}_{\mathit{c}}$/dT=+1.4\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}3}$ ${\mathrm{K}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$, produces a convex (positive) thermal lens of typical focal length 3 cm. This is 30 times stronger than the isotropic thermal-lens effect found in fluids by Gordon et al., and of the opposite sign. This effect potentially provides an accurate way of measuring dn/dT very near phase-transition temperatures, which may be of interest in studies of critical phenomena associated with structural phase transitions in solids. We find 2\ensuremath{\beta}=0.58\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.05 in the present study. Temporal effects are found to be in accord with the thermal-focusing theories for fluids and yield the thermal diffusivity at ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$ accurately as well.
Measuring the Real Fracture Toughness of Ceramics: ASTM C 1421

ASTM C 1421 “Standard Test Methods for Determination of Fracture Toughness of Advanced Ceramics at Ambient Temperature” is a high-quality, technicallyrigorous, full-consensus standard that may have finally answered the question, “What is the ‘real’ fracture toughness of ceramics?” This document was eight years in the actual standardization process (although an estimated two decades of preparation work may have preceded the actual standardization process). Three different types of notch/crack geometries are employed in flexure beams: single edge precracked beam (SEPB); chevron-notched beam (CNB), and surface crack in flexure (SCF). Extensive experimental, analytical, and numerical evaluations were conducted in order to mitigate interferences that frequently lower the accuracy of fracture toughness test results. Several round robins (e.g. Versailles Advanced Materials and Standards {VAMAS}) verified and validated the choice of dimensions and test parameters included in the standard. In addition, the standard reference material NIST SRM 2100 was developed and can be used in concert with ASTM C 1421 to validate a fracture toughness test setup or test protocol.
Automatic disfluency identification in conversational speech using multiple knowledge sources.

Disfluencies occur frequently in spontaneous speech. Detection and correction of disfluencies can make automatic speech recognition transcripts more readable for human readers, and can aid downstream processing by machine. This work investigates a number of knowledge sources for disfluency detection, including acoustic-prosodic features, a language model (LM) to account for repetition patterns, a part-of-speech (POS) based LM, and rule-based knowledge. Different components are designed for different purposes in the system. Results show that detection of disfluency interruption points is best achieved by a combination of prosodic cues, word-based cues, and POS-based cues. The onset of a disfluency to be removed, in contrast, is best found using knowledge-based rules. Finally, specific disfluency types can be aided by the modeling of word patterns.
Stress-Corrosion-Cracking Characterization Procedures and Interpretations to Failure—Safe Use of Titanium Alloys

Abstract : Ratio Analysis Diagram (RAD) interpretive procedures have been evolved recently to provide generalized engineering solutions for fracture toughness assessments of structural titanium alloys. Failure-safe design also requires consideration of possible subcritical crack propagation (slow fracture) due to stress-corrosion cracking (SCC). Procedures for the incorporation of SCC characterizations into the RAD system have now been developed. These procedures serve the dual purpose of providing simplified interpretations of critical flaw size-stress instability conditions by the consideration of the resistance of the material to both fast fracture and SCC. (Author)
Investigations of the weak trigonal Gd 3 + ESR center in alkaline-earth-fluoride crystals

Detailed electron-spin-resonance investigations have been made of the weak trigonal ${\mathrm{Gd}}^{3+}$ center in alkaline-earth fluorides (${\mathrm{CaF}}_{2}$, ${\mathrm{SrF}}_{2}$, and ${\mathrm{BaF}}_{2}$). We have been successful in detecting partially resolved fluorine superhyperfine structures of the weak trigonal ${\mathrm{Gd}}^{3+}$ center in ${\mathrm{SrF}}_{2}$ and ${\mathrm{BaF}}_{2}$. Based on the results of analyses of the observed superhyperfine structures, it is concluded that the weak trigonal center is involved with all the eight first-shell (nearest-neighbor) fluorines with the charge compensator, believed to be a ${\mathrm{F}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ ion, situated at the interstitial body center of the fluorine cube adjacent to the ${\mathrm{Gd}}^{3+}$ ion along the [111] direction. A complete set of the crystal-field fine-structure splitting constants of the ${\mathrm{Gd}}^{3+}$ center has been determined for the first time in ${\mathrm{SrF}}_{2}$. Despite extensive searching, the weak trigonal center has not been observed in ${\mathrm{CaF}}_{2}$.
Tamoxifen treatment of ovariectomized mice alters dopamine release from striatal tissue fragments superfused in vitro.

Abstract In this report we examined the effect of tamoxifen upon the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system. Ovariectomized mice were subjected to one of the following treatments: two subcutaneous injections administered on successive days of the sesame oil vehicle (control), estradiol benzoate (EB-10 μg), tamoxifen citrate (TMX 125 μg) or a combination of EB + TMX. At 24 h after the second injection, the caudate nucleus was superfused in vitro to evaluate the effects of these treatments upon basal as well as potassium stimulated (30 mM) dopamine release rates. In addition, uteri were weighed from each animal. Basal and total fractional dopamine release rates from the caudate nucleus of control mice were significantly lower than those of the other three treatments, which failed to differ among each other. Potassium minus (−) basal stimulated dopamine release rates failed to differ significantly among the four treatment conditions. Uterine weights of the TMX treated mice were significantly greater than controls, but significantly lower than EB and EB + TMX animals. These data show that TMX can significantly increase caudate nucleus dopamine release to levels observed in EB treated mice. These agonistic effects of TMX upon nigrostriatal dopaminergic function can be contrasted with its relatively weak estrogenic effects upon uterine weights and indicate the discriminatory, system specific effects that can be exerted by this anti-estrogen. This demonstration of TMX's ability to modulate central nervous system function is of particular relevance in light of pending clinical trials for the prophylactic use of TMX in the treatment of women for breast cancer.
A comparison of patients' communication-related responses during intubation and after extubation.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this exploratory pilot study was to examine patients' communication-related responses during intubation and after extubation, and to determine whether differences in patients' report of responses at these two points in time, if present, were associated with demographic and situational variables. DESIGN: Descriptive comparative. SETTING: Four intensive care units in a midwestern, university-affiliated medical center. PATIENTS: Convenience sample of 29 patients intubated for 24 or more hours, alert and oriented to person, place, and setting during intubation and after extubation. OUTCOME MEASURES: Emotional responses (anger and worry/fear) to being unable to speak, perceived difficulty with communication. RESULTS: Paired t tests showed no significant differences over time in the mean scores of the Emotion subscales and Ease of Communication scale. However, more than 30% of subjects reported postextubation responses that were different from their earlier responses by 20% or more. Significant differences in subjects' worry/fear at being unable to speak and difficulty with communication were found in relation to history of prior intubation and total number of days intubated. Subjects varied in the number of days that they were intubated, and the number of days intubated when they first participated in the study. CONCLUSIONS: Results provide direction for larger longitudinal prospective and retrospective studies with larger samples that examine patients' recall of their responses during intubation, especially related to communication.
Calcium salts of polyunsaturated fatty acids deliver more essential fatty acids to the lactating dairy cow

Recent research has focused on the importance of supplying essential fatty acids to the lactating dairy cow. The addition of essential fatty acids, specifically linoleic and linolenic acid, to dairy cow diets has been investigated as a method to increase reproductive efficiency. Rumen bacteria, however, biohydrogenate polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) to saturated fatty acids. This is an important issue because it can also lead to milk fat depression when unsaturated fatty acids are fed. The formation of Ca salts has previously been shown to partially protect unsaturated fatty acids from rumen biohydrogenation. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate feed intake, milk production, and milk composition of cows fed Ca salts of palm fatty acids (CS) compared with those fed Ca salts of palm fatty acids with an increased content of PUFA (CS+PUFA). Nineteen lactating Holstein cows were used in a switchback experiment to determine any differences between CS and CS+PUFA on milk production and composition. This experiment consisted of 3 consecutive periods of 14 d. Treatments were formulated to provide 450 g/d (dry matter basis) of the Ca salt supplement and were mixed with the same basal ration. Milk weights and feed intakes were recorded daily for each cow. Milk samples were collected the last 2 d of each period and analyzed for milk composition and fatty acids. Dry matter intake [28.0 vs. 27.0 kg/d; standard error of the mean (SEM) = 0.4] and milk production (44.4 vs. 44.0 kg/d; SEM = 0.7) were not different between treatments for CS and CS+PUFA, respectively. Milk fat percentage (3.34 vs. 3.22%; SEM = 0.07) and milk protein percentage (2.78 vs. 2.80%; SEM = 0.01) were not different for CS- and CS+PUFA-fed cows. Feeding CS+PUFA reduced the concentration of palmitic acid in milk fat (28.3 vs. 26.8 wt%; SEM = 0.3). Supplementation of CS+PUFA increased the linoleic acid concentration (3.96 vs. 4.61 wt%; SEM = 0.1) of milk fat, indicating that linoleic acid was partially protected from rumen biohydrogenation. Concentrations of conjugated linoleic acid were also increased (0.44 vs. 0.52 wt%; SEM = 0.02) when cows consumed CS+PUFA, indicating that some biohydrogenation did occur. Supplementing CS+PUFA did not alter milk production, milk fat percentage, or dry matter intake when compared with CS. The CS+PUFA supplement supplied more linoleic acid to the small intestine for milk fat synthesis.
Input current ripple reduction through interleaving in single-supply multiple-output dc-dc converters

Multiphase dc-dc converters are widely used in power electronics. In the case of generating multiple output voltages from a common input voltage, converters have to operate at non-uniform duty cycles. This is challenging in regard to input current ripple minimization, as control techniques for interleaved operation of asymmetric converters are not well understood. In this paper, analytic formulas are derived to obtain uneven phase-shift angles for optimal ripple minimization. Simulations verify the performance of the proposed technique and compare it to conventional methods.
Tolerance to the effects of diazepam, clonazepam and bretazenil on GABA-stimulated Cl− influx in flurazepam tolerant rats

The effect of chronic flurazepam treatment on the GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) receptor/chloride channel complex was studied using GABA-stimulated 36Cl- influx into brain microsacs, and its potentiation by diazepam, clonazepam and bretazenil. Rats were given flurazepam for 1 week, then microsacs were prepared from cerebral cortices of rats that were still receiving flurazepam, and from those that had stopped treatment 48 h earlier. Diazepam and clonazepam produced concentration-dependent increases in GABA-stimulated 36Cl- influx while bretazenil produced a much smaller effect, which did not reach statistical significance in the tissue from control rats. There was no significant change in the basal or 10 microM GABA-stimulated 36Cl- influx between control and treated groups. Tolerance was shown by a significantly reduced effect of diazepam and clonazepam to enhance GABA-stimulated 36Cl- influx in the tissue prepared from non-withdrawn rats. However, for both diazepam and clonazepam, there was no tolerance 48 h after chronic treatment. The results suggest that changes in the GABA receptor/Cl- channel complex on cerebral cortical neurons contribute to cross-tolerance from flurazepam to other benzodiazepines.
Structural transformations of the sciences and the end of peer review.

THREE great structural transformations are now taking place in the sciences. The structures are the conditions, the building plan, the institutional relationships that underlie and shape the way sciences are done today. Transformations affect the structures radically yet systematically—in ways that preserve many of the original elements while creating a set of relationships fundamentally different. Structural transformations are probably impossible to resist. Their consequences are hard to predict. The first and most familiar of the transformations we can think of as internal to research and publishing: it comprises the declining standards and the growing, built-in tendency toward corruption of the peer-review and refereeing processes. The other two transformations we can describe as external to peer review sensu stricto : they are the transition from exponential growth of the sciences to a steady state, and the appearance and development of electronic publishing and electronic collaboration more generally. The three overlap and interact.
Evolution of a method for quantitative supercritical fluid extraction of Ethanox 330 antioxidant from high-density polyethylene

Abstract Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) was employed prior to the HPLC assay of the additive Ethanox ® 330 from high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The effects of temperature, various modifiers and modifier concentration were investigated. The use of extraction temperatures above 95°C for the additive-containing polymer resulted in less than quantitative recovery and the appearance of a degradate peak in the extract chromatogram. A 70-min extraction was found to be optimum for HDPE when using greater than 10% methylene chloride- or methanol-modified CO 2 . After discovering the optimal extraction temperature, we found that rinsing the octadecylsilica solid-phase trap with methylene chloride rather than methanol improved the recovery efficiency. Recoveries of greater than 90% can be achieved in all cases when the primary antioxidant, Ethanox 330, appears in the presence of secondary antioxidants.
Acquired chemical camouflage in a tropical ant

Abstract The nestmate recognition system of Ectatomma ruidum , a common neotropical ant, is labile; recognition labels are readily transferred among ants from different colonies. Label transfer facilitates a system of extensive inter-colonial thievery, which results in high rates of food flow among E. ruidum colonies. A colony may rob several target colonies, but individual thief ants acquire the recognition labels for a specific target colony and apparently specialize on robbing only that colony. While chemical camouflage has previously been demonstrated in intraspecific guests or parasites in ant colonies, such deceptive methods by conspecifics provide special insight into the function of nestmate recognition systems.
The therapeutic value of cranberries in treating and preventing urinary tract infections.

(1) Studies bearing on the therapeutic value of cranberries in the prevention and/or treatment of urinary tract infections are reviewed. Research results are grouped to address the following questions: 1) Does cranberry juice ingestion acidify urine? 2) Does cranberry juice inhibit the adherence of bacteria to bladder cells? 3) What research evidence exists to support that cranberry juice is an effective intervention for urinary tract infections? And 4) Does cranberry ingestion enhance antibiotic effectiveness?
Tb3+ and Ca2+ binding to phosphatidylcholine. A study comparing data from optical, NMR, and infrared spectroscopies

The paramagnetic and luminescent lanthanides are unique probes of cation-phospholipid interactions. Their spectroscopic properties provide the means to characterize and monitor complexes formed with lipids in ways not possible with biochemically more interesting cations, such as Ca2+. In this work, Tb3+-phosphatidylcholine complexes are described using the luminescence properties of Tb3+, the effect of its paramagnetism on the 31P NMR and 13C NMR spectra of the lipid, and changes in the infrared spectrum of the lipid induced by the cation. There are two Tb3+-phosphatidylcholine complexes with very different coordination environments, as evidenced by changes in the optical excitation spectrum of the lanthanide. The NMR experiments indicate that the two complexes differ in the number of phosphate groups directly coordinating Tb3+. Tb3+ binding induces changes in the phosphodiester infrared bands that are most consistent with bidentate chelation of Tb3+ by each phosphate, whereas Ca2+-induced changes are more consistent with monodentate coordination. The significance of this discrepancy is discussed.
Cryptococcus infection of the hand.

A 67-year-old, insulin-dependent diabetic woman developed acute renal failure and hemolytic uremic syndrome. As treatment for the hemolytic uremic syndrome, she was managed initially with plasmapheresis and steroids. She subsequently went on to develop end-stage renal disease. She underwent hemodialysis after the placement of a synthetic arteriovenous fistula in the left forearm. Several months after fistula placement, she developed left hand edema and abscess formation that was unresponsive to multiple antibiotics. The lesions were drained and cultured at an outside institution. Bacterial cultures were negative, but fungal cultures revealed Cryptococcus neoformans. Human immunodeficiency virus test results were negative. She was started on fluconazole and later switched to amphotericin B. After transfer to our institution, serum cryptococcal antigen titer was 1: 256. New pustules developed while the patient was taking amphotericin-B, and 5-flucytosine was added to the regimen. Erythema and induration of the left hand were present (Fig. 1). Open drainage was performed on two occasions 2 months later, and thick. tenacious fluid was re-
Time and frequency resolved femtosecond solvent dynamics

An optimized heterodyne method which recovers the electric field of four-wave mixing signals as they exit the sample is used to probe femtosecond solvation dynamics in methanol. A cyanine dye (IR144) which has a dipole moment change upon electronic excitation is used as a probe of solvent fluctuations and reorganization. A single four-wave mixing field provides the spectrum and time resolved intensity of the signal, which reflect ensemble averaged solvent dynamics. The microscopic solvent dynamics can be revealed by double Fourier transformation of many four-wave mixing fields with respect to the experimentally controlled initial dipole oscillation period and the final dipole emission time.
Positioner and clothing artifact can affect one-third radius bone mineral density measurement.

Abstract This report identifies a radius dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) confounder and technical approach to avoid this inaccuracy. Initially, a precision study revealed substantial differences ( p 2 between 3 technologists that each performed assessments in 30 men and 30 women. Subsequently, visual examination of all 360 forearm DXA images, including bone, soft tissue, neutral, and air point-typing was performed. Errors in automated "soft tissue" identification were observed; compared with the manufacturer's ideal depiction, suboptimal soft tissue point-typing was present in 30/360 scans (8.3%) involving 27 individuals. These point-typing deviations appeared to result from inclusion of forearm positioner slots at the scan field edges or clothing covering the forearm. Twenty-four individuals had a paired scan appropriately point-typed, thus allowing evaluation of the effect on BMD measurement. In those with incorrect point-typing associated with positioner slots, the mean one-third radius BMD was ∼7% higher. In conclusion, positioner slots at the edges of the distal scan field can lead to automated soft tissue identification inaccuracies and consequent erroneous one-third radius BMD measurement. DXA technologists should avoid slot inclusion in forearm scans and evaluate point-typing as part of routine analysis.
Performance and nonperformance strategies for coping with acute pain: The role of perceived self-efficacy, expected outcomes, and attention

We compared several strategies for coping with acute induced pain, and examined self-efficacy perceptions, outcome expectations, and attention to pain as cognitive mediators of pain tolerance. The coping strategy of central interest was an overt performance task selected to be highly distracting. Sixty-four subjects were randomly assigned to either overt performance distraction, verbal—imaginal distraction, relaxation, or no strategy. Before and after strategy training, subjects completed measures of cold-pressor pain tolerance, subjective pain, perceived self-efficacy, anticipated painful outcomes, and attention to pain. The performance strategy enhanced pain tolerance much more than did the verbal—imaginal or relaxation strategies. Self-efficacy perceptions accurately predicted individual differences in tolerance even when anticipated pain, subjective pain, or attention to pain were held constant. With self-efficacy held constant, attention predicted tolerance but anticipated pain did not. The findings suggest that self-efficacy perceptions and attention deployment both influence individuals' pain-coping ability.
Volunteer search and rescue and the American Red Cross: a Katrina response experience.

Major disasters like Hurricane Katrina cause severe damage. Often the bulk of the attention and aid is given to larger urban areas. Rural areas with its mix of poor and wealthy are often given far less attention or help is slower to arrive. These rural areas—where less is present before the disaster—often have nothing left after the event. This article chronicles the experience of a volunteer search and rescue organization working through the American Red Cross in its attempt to provide much-needed aid to one rural area in southwestern Mississippi.
Design of peptide standards with the same composition and minimal sequence variation to monitor performance/selectivity of reversed-phase matrices.

Abstract The present manuscript extends our de novo peptide design approach to the synthesis and evaluation of a new generation of reversed-phase HPLC peptide standards with the same composition and minimal sequence variation (SCMSV). Thus, we have designed and synthesized four series of peptide standards with the sequences Gly-X-Leu-Gly-Leu-Ala-Leu-Gly-Gly-Leu-Lys-Lys-amide, where the N-terminal is either N α -acetylated (Series 1) or contains a free α-amino group (Series 3); and Gly-Gly-Leu-Gly-Gly-Ala-Leu-Gly-X-Leu-Lys-Lys-amide, where the N-terminal is either N α -acetylated (Series 2) or contains a free α-amino group (Series 4). In this initial study, the single substitution position, X, was substituted with alkyl side-chains (Ala 8 , C 18 , polar endcapped, polar embedded, ether-linked phenyl and Phenyl-Hexyl) under linear gradient conditions with acetonitrile or methanol as organic modifier. It was interesting to note that the addition of the hydroxyl group to the aromatic ring in a 12-residue Tyr SCMSV peptide pair had a dramatic effect on resolution compared to the Phe peptide pair. In addition, SCMSV peptide pairs with the β-branched Val and Ile side-chains at position X were the most difficult to separate compared to SCMSV peptides containing the aromatic side-chains Tyr and Phe. In this initial study, SCMSV peptide pairs proved to be a potent test of the selectivity of reversed-phase packing materials. In addition, mixtures of SCMSV peptide standards to assess overall capabilities of stationary phases to resolve complex peptide mixtures underlined the useful complementarity of combinations of different columns and elution conditions to maximize flexibility in peptide applications. Finally, our controlled, de novo designed peptide approach should spur the development of more quantitative selectivity parameters for peptide separations, such as those already available for small molecules, enhancing further the universal value of utilizing peptide standards to compare column performances in the separation of peptide mixtures.
Toward a Theory of Communicative Interactions in Culturally Diverse Workgroups

This article develops a set of predictions for interactions in culturally diverse workgroups. A typology of organizations and corresponding workgroups is detailed, adapted from Cox's (1991) model of monolithic, plural, and multicultural organizational types, followed by a discussion of how organization and workgroup conditions influence workgroup members to emphasize either categorization or specification in cognitive processing. Next, a series of positive and negative communicative interaction types is predicted based on type of processing. Finally, a discussion of the implications for further research and potential application is presented.
A ‘Picture-Perfect’ Banlieue Artist: Abd Al Malik or the Perils of a Conciliatory Rap Discourse:

This paper concentrates on the media representation of the young rapper Abd Al Malik, whose recent albums Gibraltar (2006) and Dante (2008) have been largely embraced by the Parisian elite. Along with the cultural legitimation that affords Malik’s articulate rap discourse access to a mainstream audience, questions regarding cooptation, authenticity and identity politics reveal strong divides in the French public sphere, as well as the general sense of a preordained space assigned to rap artists in the media. Malik’s artistic vision, successfully blending rap and the most aristocratic of chanson, while asserting a strong multicultural identity, comes across as gently subversive and echoes France’s struggle to reconcile its attachment to tradition and its need to adapt to a changing society.
The treatment of large extraskeletal chondrosarcoma of the leg: comparison of IMRT and conformal radiotherapy techniques.

Extraskeletal chondrosarcoma of the leg is a rare, malignant neoplasm with very few cases having been reported in the literature. In this study we investigate the possibility of using intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for this type of disease and demonstrate its advantages over conventional three-dimensional (3D) conformal treatment. A case was presented of a patient with extraskeletal chondrosarcoma of the lateral compartment of the leg in which the target volume was 50 cm in length and twisted around the surrounding bones. Both the 3D conformal plan and IMRT plan were designed using the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center planning system. The IMRT plan produced a superior dose distribution to the patient as compared to the 3D conformal plan both in terms of dose conformity and homogeneity in the target volumes, and reduction of the maximum dose to the bone. The planning time of the IMRT plan was about 35 times shorter than that of the 3D conformal plan. It was demonstrated that the IMRT technique can be used not just for small tumors, but also for large and spiral-shaped tumors close to critical organs. The IMRT method requires less planning time, and provides better target coverage with more sparing of critical structures. When planning patients with multiple target volumes receiving different prescribed doses, the IMRT technique can more easily meet this requirement. 2001 American College of Medical Physics.
Radical vaginal trachelectomy and laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy for early-stage cervical cancer in patients who desire to preserve fertility

0090-8258/$ see front matter © 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. doi:10.1016/j.ygyno.2006.10.035 The radical vaginal trachelectomy is begun by delineating an adequate vaginal margin (usually 1–2 cm). Six to eight Kocher clamps are placed circumferentially around the cervix on the vaginal mucosa. When traction is placed on these clamps, it produces a double fold of the vaginal wall. A dilute solution of vasopressin is used to liberally inject the vaginal mucosa between the Kocher clamps (Fig. 1). This step helps separate the planes of dissection. The assistants place 2 Brieski vaginal wall retractors at the 2 and 10 o'clock positions. A scalpel is then used to circumferentially incise the vaginal mucosa. The lateral incisions are shallow, and the anterior and posterior incisions are through the
Hydration in solution is critical for stable oxygen isotope fractionation between carbonate ion and water

Abstract Various isotope studies require accurate fractionation factors (α’s) between different chemical compounds in thermodynamic equilibrium. Although numerous isotope systems involve aqueous solutions, the conventional theory is formulated for the gas-phase and predicts incorrect α’s for many compounds dissolved in water. Here I show that quantum-chemistry calculations, which take into account solute–water interactions, accurately predict, for instance, oxygen isotope fractionation between dissolved CO 3 2 - and H2O (hereafter α ( CO 3 2 - – H 2 O ) ). Simple force field and quantum-chemistry calculations for the ‘gas-phase’ ion CO 3 2 - predict α ( CO 3 2 - – H 2 O ) ≃ 1.015 (15‰) at 25 °C. However, based on CO 3 2 - · ( H 2 O ) n -clusters with up to 22 H2O molecules, I calculate a value of 25‰, which agrees with the experimental value of 24.5 ± 0.5‰. Effects of geometry and anharmonicity on the calculated α were also examined. The calculations reveal the critical role of hydration in solution, which is ignored in the gas-phase theory. The approach presented provides an adequate framework for calculating fractionation factors involving dissolved compounds; it may also be used to predict α’s that cannot (or have not yet been) determined experimentally.
State of the Art Reviews: The Anti-Inflammatory Actions of Exercise Training

The list of diseases with a known inflammatory etiology is growing. Cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, geriatric cachexia, and Alzheimer's disease have all been shown to be linked to or exacerbated by aberrantly regulated inflammatory processes. Nevertheless, there is mounting evidence that those who are physically active, or who become physically active, have a reduction in biomarkers associated with chronic inflammation. There was strong early consensus that exercise-induced reductions in inflammation were explained by body mass index or body fatness, but recent studies provide support for the contention that exercise has body fat—independent anti-inflammatory effects. With few exceptions, the anti-inflammatory effects of exercise appear to occur regardless of age or the presence of chronic diseases. What remains unclear are the mechanisms by which exercise training induces these anti-inflammatory effects, but there are several intriguing possibilities, including release of endogenous produ...
Flow Cytometry: A Multipurpose Technology for a Wide Spectrum of Global Biosecurity Applications:

Flow cytometry, and its offspring-flow sorting, are extremely useful technologies for biosecurity and public health studies related to infectious disease. Applications range from environmental surveillance of pathogens to diagnosis and the development of vaccines and therapeutics for prevention and control of infectious diseases. Flow cytometers have been developed for laboratory analysis and field deployment. The current state of the art could enjoy more widespread use if instruments and data analysis were made simpler and had more automated functions, and if technology was modified to reduce biosafety concerns related to analysis and sorting of infectious organisms. The full spectrum of possible applications of flow cytometry technology to global biosecurity challenges has not yet been realized.