cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MUTAGENESIS IN HUMAN LYMPHOID LINES

We are attempting to develop the human lymphocyte culture system for study of rates and mechanisms of chemically-induced mutation. Three loci are being examined: the hpt locus which specifies HGPRT synthesis; the as locus which specifies argininosuccinate synthetase (AS) synthesis; and the o locus which determines ouabain responsiveness. Mutation from hpt+→hpt−, using 6-thioguanine (6TG) selection, is being studied, as is mutation from as−→as+, using high citrulline-low arginine medium, and Os→Or, using 106M ouabain. The tester line UM-21-5, of citrullinemic (as−/as−) origin, has, via selection, produced a line triply mutant (hpt−, as−, and Or), as determined by growth in selective media and by HGPRT and AS specific activities. The Wi-L2 tester line, derived originally from a spherocytosis patient, has produced, by selection, an hpt− and as− derivative. Spontaneous mutation rates in Wi-L2 from 6TtS→6TGr(hpt+→hgt−), via fluctuation analyses, ranged from 0.1-0.3 × 10−7cell/generation. Using sister chromatid exchange (SCE) frequency as an indirect measure of mutagenicity, incubation of Wi-L2 in ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS), 50 μg/ml for 24 hours, resulted in a 3-fold increase in SCE's (mean in controls of 7.7 SCE's/taetaphase vs. 21.9 in EMS-exposed cells). The mutation rates at these 3 loci after EMS mutagenesis are now being determined, as a model for demonstrating the feasibility of monitoring for chemical mutagens using these lymphoid lines.
Preparation, solid state characterization, and single crystal structure analysis of N-(4-(6-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)pyrimidin-4-yloxy)benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)acetamide crystal forms

Fifteen cocrystals, four cocrystal polymorphs, one cocrystal hydrate, two free base solvates and one free base hydrate of N-(4-(6-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)pyrimidin-4-yloxy)benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)acetamide (FB) were successfully prepared by milling, solution or slurry crystallization techniques. Thirteen new crystal structures are reported. Powders were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, thermal gravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry where available. Analysis of the hydrogen bonding within the cocrystals revealed a common heterosynthon among most of the carboxylic acid cocrystals, which may be useful in future cocrystal design. Two main conformational types were observed in the crystal structures, the free base/cocrystal type and the solvate type. Calculation of the relative energies showed that there was significant overlap between both conformational types indicating that the conformational energies of either class could be easily accommodated in a crystal lattice.
Role of detoxication pathways in acute toxicity levels of phosphorothionate insecticides in the rat

Phosphorothionate insecticides and their active oxon metabolites can be detoxified by a variety of hepatic mechanisms. Cytochrome P450-mediated dearylation activity was higher in males than in females. While dearylation was induced by phenobarbital in both sexes, it was induced by β-naphthoflavone in females only. Detoxication of oxons in the presence of EDTA was inducible by phenobarbital, was higher in males than in females, and paralleled aliesterase activity. Invitro Ca++-dependent A- esterase-mediated hydrolysis of chlorpyrifos-oxon but not of paraoxon occurred at biologically relevant nM concentrations. This hydrolysis was also inducible by phenobarbital. Glutathione-mediated conjugation did not appear to be relevant to the disposition of the phosphorothionates studied here. Hepatic detoxication via dearylation, aliesterase phosphorylation and A-esterase-mediated hydrolysis (for some organophosphates) all appear to be relevant reactions in the attenuation of acute toxicity.
Assessing Sustainability Transition in the US Electrical Power System

This paper examines sustainability transition dynamics in the US electricity system, drawing on the socio-technical systems approach. We view system change as unfolding along several critical dimensions and geographical scales, including dynamics in the environment, science, civil society, discourse, and state regulatory institutions, as well as in capital and technology formations. A particular emphasis is given to the interaction of discourses, policy networks, and institutions. We trace four distinct regimes which have characterized the evolution of this discourse-network-institutional nexus over the last century. The research examines dynamics that present a challenge to the incumbent energy regime based on fossil fuels, nuclear and hydropower, and demonstrates how the actor-network supporting renewables and energy efficiency has grown stronger and more capable of moving toward a sustainability transition than at any time since the sustainable energy movement began a generation ago.
A simple instrument to characterize convective and diffusive transport of single hollow fibers of short length

Abstract The use hollow fiber membranes for cell encapsulation is being developed as an experimental transplantation technology in which a permselective membrane physically isolates grafted cells from directly interacting with host cells or tissue. Although laboratory characterization of commercial ultrafiltration and dialysis membranes using multi-fiber test modules is well established, a simple apparatus for characterizing the transport properties of small individual segments of hollow fiber membrane has not been described. In the current study, we describe an instrument for evaluating the diffusive and convective transport characteristics of individual cell encapsulation membranes at size scales typically used in animal and human clinical studies. The performance capabilities of the instrument are described, as well as methods for determining hydropermeability, diffusive permeability, and solute rejection.
A mathematical model of infectious diseases

In the formulation of models for the spread of communicable diseases which include removal and population dynamics, it is necessary to distinguish between removal through recovery with immunity and removal by death due to disease. This distinction must be made because of the difference in the effect on the population dynamics of the different kinds of removal and because there are significant differences in the behavior of the models.
Effective Understanding of the Human Body Organs: A Role-Playing Activity for Deep Learning

ABSTRACT In this activity, groups of students assume the roles of human body organs. They work together to acquire the knowledge needed to develop a skit to “act out” the argument that their selected organ is the most important one in the body. The students learn and reinforce their understanding of the composition and functions of organs and organ systems and how they interrelate to allow for the survival of the body as a whole while maintaining homeostasis throughout life.
Adaptive coordination control of bilateral teleoperators with time delay

Bilateral teleoperators, designed within the passivity framework using concepts of scattering and two-port network theory, provide robust stability against constant delay in the network and velocity tracking, but cannot guarantee position tracking in general. In this paper we fundamentally extend the passivity based traditional architecture to guarantee position and force tracking in the face of offset of initial conditions, environmental contacts and packet losses in the network. We propose a novel coordination architecture which uses state feedback to define a new passive output for the master and slave robots containing both position and velocity information. A passive coordination control is also developed, which uses the new outputs to kinematically lock the master and slave robots. For effective extension to practical applications, an adaptive version of the scheme is also developed. Simulation results are presented which demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed architecture.
Time-domain simulation of variational interconnect models

Interconnect parameter variations are more significant in the nanometer regime due to the increase in relative tolerances for upcoming integration technologies. As several variability studies indicate the significant role of the interconnect on system performance, the analysis of linear models is extremely crucial. Contrary to devices, the extreme case scenarios do not apply for context-dependent interconnect, necessitating a statistical analysis framework. A previously proposed approach to represent interconnect models in terms of global interconnect parameters is necessary in such frameworks. In this paper we present efficient ways of simulating these variational interconnect models in the presence of nonlinear devices. We demonstrate our methodology by incorporating variational interconnect models into transistor-level simulation with accurate nonlinear device models.
Pigeons' choices between fixed-interval and random-interval schedules: utility of variability?

Pigeons' choosing between fixed-interval and random-interval schedules of reinforcement was investigated in three experiments using a discrete-trial procedure. In all three experiments, the random-interval schedule was generated by sampling a probability distribution at an interval (and in multiples of the interval) equal to that of the fixed-interval schedule. Thus the programmed delays to reinforcement on the random alternative were never shorter and were often longer than the fixed interval. Despite this feature, the fixed schedule was not strongly preferred. Increases in the probability used to generate the random interval resulted in decreased preferences for the fixed schedule. In addition, the number of consecutive choices on the preferred alternative varied directly with preference, whereas the consecutive number of choices on the nonpreferred alternative was fairly constant. The probability of choosing the random alternative was unaffected by the immediately prior interval encountered on that schedule, even when it was very long relative to the average value. The results loosely support conceptions of a “preference for variability” from foraging theory and the “utility of behavioral variability” from human decision-making literatures.
Extensions of high-definition imaging

High-definition imaging (HDI) is a model-based approach to SAR image generation derived from modern spectral-estimation (superresolution) techniques. It provides improved resolution and substantial reduction in sidelobes and clutter by exploiting distinguishing characteristcs of target responses, such as waveform and polarization, as well as their spatial separation, as was demonstrated in a paper presented at SPIE last year. This paper presents additional results of the application of HDI to SAR data. It is shown that the improved resolution, clutter, and sidelobe reduction previosly demonstrated with UHF data can also be obtained at Ka-band, even in the presence of foliage. The broadside flash characteristic of ground vehicles is exploited to obtain information about their length and orientation. Finally, polarimetric signatures are exploited to classify the scattering centers on a vehicle.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Simultaneous in situ measurement of sorption and swelling of polymers in gases and supercritical fluids

In this work, a novel method to simultaneously measure in situ swelling and sorption of gases and supercritical fluids in polymers in a commercially available apparatus is proposed. A gravimetric approach reported recently is applied to measure sorption whereas swelling is determined in situ by direct visualization. The proposed method has been used to study the sorption and swelling of carbon dioxide in poly (methyl methacrylate) and the obtained results are compared to previously published literature data. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2011
Ketoconazole in griseofulvin-resistant dermatophytosis

The efficacy of ketoconazole was evaluated in twenty patients with chronic dermatophyte infections who had failed to clear with griseofulvin therapy. Trichophyton rubrum was the causative organism in nineteen of the patients, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes in one patient. Three of twelve organisms tested showed in vitro resistance to griseofulvin. Duration of infection ranged from 2 to 28 years. Patients received 200 to 400 mg of ketoconazole daily for periods up to 8 months. In addition, patients were followed for 5 months post-therapy to monitor recurrences. Clearing was seen clinically as early as 2 weeks, and by 18 weeks all patients showed marked improvement or clinical clearing, though only six achieved complete mycologic cure. Improvement followed a predictable sequence of sites, with lesions of the trunk healing first, followed by hands, feet, and finally, nails. After 8 months, though all patients showed proximal nail clearing, onychomycosis persisted in thirteen of twenty affected sites. By 5 months post-therapy, four of six patients who had achieved clearing of skin and nails showed recurrences. No significant side effects were observed during therapy, though rare, apparently idiosyncratic cases of hepatotoxicity have been reported. Ketoconazole is an effective therapeutic agent for griseofulvin-resistant dermatophytosis. Apparent cures may subsequently recur after discontinuation of therapy.
Effect of Coalescence on the Performance of a Continuous Foam Fractionation Column

Abstract A model for the hydrodynamics of coalescing foam bed is proposed which accounts for liquid drainage through thin films and plateau borders, bubble coalescence, and mixing of liquid between thin films and plateau borders. Foam bed is assumed to consist of equal sized dodecahedral bubbles at any cross section, and the variation of bubble size with foam height due to coalescence is described through phenomenological models. This model is employed to investigate the effect of coalescence on enrichment and recovery for the nonanol-water system in a continuous foam fractionation column for different inlet bubble sizes, superficial gas velocities, and inlet concentrations. Coalescence is found to yield higher enrichments and lower recoveries, possibly because of the predominant effect of increased liquid drainage due to larger bubble sizes resulting in a significant decrease in liquid holdup with foam height. Larger bubble sizes and lower superficial gas velocities were found to result in higher enrichm...
Mozambique child soldier life outcome study: Lessons learned in rehabilitation and reintegration efforts

As the use of child soldiers continues to proliferate throughout the world, effective psychosocial interventions must be developed and evaluated. Our research shows that former child soldiers who are provided rehabilitative services and accepted back into their families and communities are able to become productive, responsible and caring adults. In 1988, 39 captured or escaped child soldiers were brought by the Mozambican government to the Lhanguene Rehabilitation Center in Maputo, Mozambique's capital city. Interventions that focused on rehabilitating the children both psychologically and physically were initiated during their 6-month stay at the Lhanguene centre, and reintegration assistance was provided for 2 years thereafter to support their return to families and communities. Our research continued to follow these former child soldiers for 16 years, and focused on their psychological, social and economic functioning. The study included qualitative and quantitative data collection methods to obtain adult well-being outcomes and was also designed to identify interventions that enabled these child soldiers to re-enter civilian life and lead relatively productive lives. Efficacious rehabilitation activities included those that strengthened individuals' coping skills for anticipated trauma and grief, instilled a sense of social responsibility and promoted self-regulation and security (versus survival) seeking behaviour. Activities that supported long term reintegration and self-sufficiency included community acceptance and forgiveness, traditional cleansing and healing rituals, livelihoods and apprenticeships.
Russia's factory children: state, society, and law, 1800–1917

Russia's factory children: state, society, and law, 1800–1917, by Boris B. Gorshkov, Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Press, 2009, xi + 216 pp., illus., appendix, $60.00 (hardback), ISBN-13: 97...
Differential regulation of steroid hormone biosynthesis in R2C and MA-10 Leydig tumor cells: Role of SR-B1-mediated selective cholesteryl ester transport

The rat R2C Leydig tumor cell line is constitutively steroidogenic in nature, while the mouse MA-10 Leydig tumor cell line synthesizes large amounts of steroids only in response to hormonal stimulation. Earlier studies showed abundant cAMP-independent steroid production and constitutive expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein in R2C cells. The objective of the current study was to identify possible genetic alterations in the R2C cell line responsible for rendering it a constitutively steroidogenic cell line, especially those that might have altered its cholesterol homeostatic mechanisms. Measurement of the levels of cholesterol esters and free cholesterol, precursors for steroidogenesis, indicated that R2C mitochondria were fourfold enriched in free cholesterol content compared with MA-10 mitochondria. In addition to the previously demonstrated increased expression of StAR protein, we show that R2C cells possess marginally enhanced protein kinase A activity, exhibit higher capacity to take up extracellular cholesterol esters, and express much higher levels of scavenger receptor-type B class 1 (SR-B1) and hormone sensitive lipase (HSL). These observations suggest that the high level of steroid biosynthesis in R2C cells is a result of the constitutive expression of the components involved in the uptake of cholesterol esters (SR-B1), their conversion to free cholesterol (HSL), and its mobilization to the inner mitochondrial membrane (StAR).
The vestibular effects of meclizine hydrochloride-niacin combination (Antivert)

Objective, electronystagmography monitored positional, caloric, rotational or linear acceleration vestibular tests were carried out on 30 normal subjects and 30 subjects with vestibular disease before and after administration with meclizine hydrochloride-niacin combination or placebo. The authors found the otolithic and semicircular canal functions to be most effected. Side effects were few and minor. This drug seems very useful for treatment of ambulatory patients with vestibular disease. The effect on vestibular function of normal individuals was noted only during linear acceleration.
Effect of Tannin Content and Dry Matter Digestion on Energy Utilization and Average Amino Acid Availability of Hybrid Sorghum Grains

Abstract An experiment was conducted in which hybrid sorghum grains were fed to chicks to study the effect of tannin content and dry matter digestion on the energy utilization and biological availability of amino acids. The sorghum grains were each fed to five mixed sex four-week-old chicks as the only feed for 4 hours and total fecal excretion was collected for each chick. The amino acid content and gross energy (G.E.) of the sorghum grains and feces were determined. Correlation coefficients for dry matter digestion to amino acid availability (0.94), kcal. metabolizable energy (M.E.)/g. (0.98) and percentage of G.E. utilized (0.99) were highly significant (P
Far-field radar NDT technique for detecting GFRP debonding from concrete

Abstract A radar nondestructive testing (NDT) technique using an airborne horn antenna operating in the far-field condition is developed for detecting damages such as debonding and concrete cracking in glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP)-wrapped concrete columns. The far-field airborne radar (FAR) NDT technique is advantageous for distant measurement in practical applications where contact/near-contact measurement becomes an issue. In this technique the radar antenna operates in inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) mode. Laboratory measurements at the frequency range 8–18 GHz are made on artificially damaged GFRP–concrete specimens for a preliminary validation of this technique. Collected frequency–angle measurements are further processed by the fast backprojection algorithm to render range–cross-range imagery for damage detection. From the reported measurements and imaging results the proposed FAR NDT technique is conceptually validated; the potential of this technique is shown in identifying defects and debonding in the GFRP–concrete interface regions of the concrete columns wrapped with these composite materials.
The evolution of tooling, techniques, and quality control for accelerator dipole magnet cables

The author summarize the results of the Superconducting Super Collider (SSC) R&D program from 1984 to 1990. The SSC R&D program has led to a significant improvement in critical current, piece lengths, and overall manufacturing capability for multifilamentary NbTi superconductors. The requirements for current density, filament size, dimensional control, long lengths, and low current degradation are much more stringent for the present accelerators compared with the earlier Tevatron and HERA accelerators. Also, to achieve higher field strengths with efficient use of the superconductor, the new designs require wider cables with more strands. These requirements have stimulated an active research effort which has led to significant improvements in critical current density and conductor manufacturing. In addition, they have stimulated the development of new cabling techniques, improved tooling, and better measurement techniques. The need to produce over 20 million meters of cable has led to the development of high speed cabling machines and online quality assurance measurements. These new developments are discussed, and areas still requiring improvement are identified. >
Techno-economic, uncertainty, and optimization analysis of commodity product production from biomass fast pyrolysis and bio-oil upgrading

vi CHAPTER 1. GENERAL INTRODUCTION 1 References 7 CHAPTER 2. COMPARATIVE TECHNO-ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF ADVANCED BIOFUELS, BIOCHEMICALS, AND HYDROCARBON CHEMICALS PRODUCTION VIA THE PYROLYSIS PLATFORM 12 Abstract 12 Introduction 13 Methodology 15 Bio-oil production and collection 16 Bio-oil upgrading 19 Bio-refinery economic analysis 23 Results and discussion 25 Conclusion 31 Acknowledgments 32 Conflict of interest 32 References 33 12 Introduction 13 Methodology 15 Bio-oil production and collection 16 Bio-oil upgrading 19 Bio-refinery economic analysis 23 Results and discussion 25 Conclusion 31 Acknowledgments 32 Conflict of interest 32 References 33
The Use of Surface Tension for the Design of MEMS Actuators

This paper attempts to shine light to a fundamental shift of mechanics as the scale of mechanical elements goes down far below millimeters. While the usual dynamics of motion, the knowledge essential to design any moving elements, most typically deals with the balance between forces and inertial and frictional resistances, the role of inertia becomes negligible in nanometer scale by all practical means. Instead, surface forces come under the limelight when analyzing and, more importantly, designing nano- and micro-mechanical elements for MEMS or microsystems.
iPSC-Derived Products: Current Regulations

Developing clinical grade PSC-based cells for use in patients requires not only careful attention to cGMPs (current good manufacturing practices) but also careful consideration of a variety of issues that include accessing tissue in an ethically appropriate fashion and adhering to the current rules and regulations for specific local, national, and international jurisdictions, which, if not harmonized, will likely hinder progress. Countries have developed different ways to accelerate translation, and in this article, we discuss the issues specific to iPSC-based manufacture and how these issues are being resolved.
Efficient collision checking in sampling-based motion planning via safety certificates

Collision checking is considered to be the most expensive computational bottleneck in sampling-based motion planning algorithms. We introduce a simple procedure that theoretically eliminates this bottleneck and significantly reduces collision-checking time in practice in several test scenarios. Whenever a point is collision checked in the normal expensive way, we store a lower bound on that point's distance to the nearest obstacle. The latter is called a źsafety certificateź and defines a region of the search space that is guaranteed to be collision-free. New points may forgo collision checking whenever they are located within a safety certificate of an old point. Testing the latter condition is accomplished during the nearest-neighbor search that is already part of most sampling-based motion planning algorithms. As more and more points are sampled, safety certificates asymptotically cover the search space and the amortized complexity of normal, expensive collision checking becomes negligible with respect to the overall runtime of sampling-based motion planning algorithms. Indeed, the expected fraction of points requiring a normal collision check approaches zero, in the limit, as the total number of points approaches infinity. A number of extensions to the basic idea are presented. Experiments with a number of proof-of-concept implementations demonstrate that using safety certificates can improve the performance of sampling-based motion planning algorithms in practice.
Cisapride for The Treatment of Chronic Idiopathic Constipation

Cisapride appears to be useful as therapy for chronic constipation that is not associated with underlying organic abnormalities or pregnancy and that is refractory to other treatments, such as increased dietary fiber intake or bulk laxatives. Dosages of cisapride that have demonstrated efficacy in chronic constipation range from 5 mg po tid to 20 mg po bid. Treatment for 8-12 weeks may be necessary for an optimal effect to occur. Further studies are needed to evaluate the most effective dosage regimen for the treatment of constipation and to compare the efficacy and cost-efficiency of cisapride with those of conventional therapy. Until these studies are completed, cisapride should not be recommended routinely for patients with constipation. However, it may be a viable option for patients with chronic idiopathic constipation that is refractory to conventional therapy.
Multidrug Resistance Reversal Utilizing Mitoxantrone, Etoposide and Continuous Infusion Cyclosporine in Pediatric ANLL

Relapse or refractory disease occurs in over one-half of the cases of acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (ANLL). Hematologic remissions can be obtained in fewer than one-half of those who fail treatment by using new agents and intensive regimens. Re-use of the initial induction regimen is often effective in those patients who relapse over 3 months after therapy has been completed. The duration of a remission in such patients with prior treatment failure is usually short, with a median remission duration of three months. Such dismal results speak to the need to develop new approaches to improve remission rates and prolong relapse-free survival.
Economics of potato storage

The economic history of potato storage was analyzed to discover the two common threads of value and ingenuity. Historical examples include the Inca Empire, the pioneer period of the American West and the development of U.S. storage technology since 1916.
Prospective Pilot Study of the Mastering Each New Direction Psychosocial Family Systems Program for Pediatric Chronic Illness.

Psychosocial interventions for pediatric chronic illness (CI) have been shown to support health management. Interventions that include a family systems approach offer potentially stronger and more sustainable improvements. This study explores the biopsychosocial benefits of a novel family systems psychosocial intervention (MEND: Mastering Each New Direction). Forty-five families participated in a 21-session intensive outpatient family systems-based program for pediatric CI. Within this single arm design, families were measured on five domains of Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQL) self-report measures; Stress, Cognitive Functioning, Mental Health, Child HRQL, Family Functioning. Both survey and biological measures (stress: catecholamine) were used in the study. Results from multivariate general linear models showed positive pre-, post-, and 3-month posteffects in all five domains. The program effects ranged from small to moderate (η2 = .07-.64). The largest program effects were seen in the domains of cognitive functioning (η2 = .64) and stress (η2 = .27). Also, between disease groups, differences are noted and future implications for research and clinical practice are discussed. Conclusions suggest that the MEND program may be useful in helping families manage pediatric chronic illnesses. Study results also add to the growing body of literature suggesting that psychosocial interventions for pediatric chronic illness benefit from a family systems level of intervention.
Association of comorbid disease burden at diagnosis with higher tumor grade in men with non-metastatic prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND While older age is associated with higher tumor grade, it is unknown whether comorbid disease burden has a similar, independent association. We sought to evaluate the impact of comorbid disease burden on tumor grade at diagnosis as indicated by biopsy Gleason score. METHODS We conducted an observational cohort study of 1260 men newly diagnosed with non-metastatic prostate cancer from 1998 to 2004 at two Veterans Affairs Medical Centers. Multivariable ordinal and multinomial logistic regression were used to evaluate the association between Charlson Comorbidity Index score and biopsy Gleason score. RESULTS Men with Charlson scores of 2 (odds ratio (OR) 1.8, P<0.001) and 3+ (OR 1.8, P<0.001) had significantly greater odds of higher Gleason scores, compared with men with Charlson scores of 0. In a multinomial logistic regression model predicting Gleason 7 vs ⩾6, only men with Charlson scores of 2 (OR 1.6, P=0.01) had greater odds of having a Gleason 7 tumor, compared with those with Charlson scores of 0. In a multinomial logistic regression model predicting Gleason 8-10 vs ⩽6, those with Charlson scores of 1 (OR 1.6, P=0.047), 2 (OR 2.8, P=0.01) and 3+ (OR 2.9, P=0.001) had higher odds of having a Gleason 8-10 tumor. CONCLUSIONS Moderate-to-heavy comorbid disease burden at diagnosis may be associated with high tumor grade, independent of age, and is a stronger predictor of Gleason 8-10 than Gleason 7 disease.
Bone mineral density testing, and bisphosphonate and oestrogen prescribing associated with depot medroxyprogesterone acetate utilization-The impact of the boxed warning.

SummaryWhat is known and objective Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) prevents follicular maturation and ovulation, resulting in oestrogen deficiency. Oestrogen deficiency is particularly concerning as it is associated with decreases in bone mineral density (BMD) or bone mass. Widespread use of concurrent oestrogen or bisphosphonates with DMPA has been observed in a previous single-centre US study. The authors also reported that more than half of obstetrician-gynaecologists ordered BMD testing solely due to DMPA. The small sample size of the survey, potential for volunteer bias and recall bias limit the utility of this study. Given the study limitations, we sought to examine the trends of concurrent bone mineral density (BMD) testing, and bisphosphonate (BPA) and oral oestrogen-only (EST) prescribing during depot medroxyprogesterone (DMPA) use in a large administrative database. Methods From IMS Health LifeLink™ database (2001-2013), we identified DMPA and combined hormonal contraceptive (CHC) users as women with no contraceptive claim 6 months before and after the defined episode. We examined concurrent use as the proportion of BPA or EST claims and concurrent therapy days during contraception use. We also determined the proportion of users who had a concurrent BMD test by calendar year. Results We identified 203 477 DMPA episodes associated with 600 BPA and 7060 EST claims and 1 297 806 CHC episodes associated with 2792 BPA and 145 600 EST claims. Most concurrent BPA use overlapped with 10% or less of the DMPA episode, whereas most concurrent BPA use overlapped with >90%-100% of CHC episode. No difference was noted with concurrent EST use. Concurrent BMD testing was higher among DMPA users (0.68%) compared to CHC users (0.11%). Across calendar year, BMD testing peaked in 2004 and declined steadily to the baseline. Most DMPA concurrent BPA (69.3%) users had a BMD test. Conclusion Our findings indicate the absence of BST or EST use solely due to DMPA initiation and present alternative explanations. Published research and publicity leading to the final implementation of the boxed warning in 2004 may explain observed trends for BMD testing. The majority of patients who had a BMD test ordered were also receiving bisphosphonates, suggesting high-risk fracture status or appropriate monitoring.
Gastric Carcinomas With Lymphoid Stroma: Categorization and Comparison With Solid-Type Colonic Carcinomas.

Objectives To determine whether histologic features could help identify gastric carcinomas with lymphoid stroma associated with microsatellite instability (MSI) (ie, "medullary carcinomas"), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection (termed lymphoepithelioma-like carcinomas in other organ systems), or neither. Methods We identified 17 solid-type gastric carcinomas with lymphoid stroma, assessed EBV and MSI status, and compared features across groups. We also compared them with 51 solid-type colorectal adenocarcinomas. Results In the stomach, EBV-associated carcinomas (n = 8) contained intratumoral germinal centers (P = .024) and eosinophils (P = .030) and lacked necrosis (P = .019) compared with MSI-associated carcinomas (n = 5) and non-EBV, non-MSI carcinomas (n = 4). In the colon, MSI-driven carcinomas (n = 40) more frequently contained intratumoral lymphocytes (P = .017) and neutrophils (P = .0050) and less often metastasized to distant sites (P = .0040) than poorly differentiated carcinomas lacking MSI (n = 11). Conclusions Morphology may help classify gastric carcinomas with lymphoid stroma, although ancillary testing appears more reliable. Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma and medullary carcinoma should not be used interchangeably.
Four release tests exhibit variable silver stability from nanoparticle-modified reverse osmosis membranes.

Abstract Modification of polyamide reverse osmosis (RO) membranes with silver nanoparticles (AgNP) may effectively control biofouling. While silver leaching tests are usually performed during membrane development, the lack of common testing protocols limits cross-comparison among different labs. We compare four release tests to quantify the release of dissolved and nanoparticulate silver from polyamide RO membranes prepared through in situ surface functionalization: (1) batch immersion, (2) dead-end filtration, (3) cross-flow filtration, and (4) low-pressure water jetting. For the first time, we demonstrated the possibility of AgNP release to membrane-treated water through direct AgNP detachment. When using Nanopure water as an extraction solution, water jetting resulted in the fastest silver mass release, while dead-end filtration caused the slowest release based on the initial release kinetic data. Dead-end filtration exhibited silver mass release an order of magnitude lower than the other three tests. Although cross-flow filtration may best represent the RO membrane operation, quantifying silver release suffers from poor mass balance due to the adsorption of dissolved silver by various reactor components and large volumes of water usage. A commonly applied batch immersion method was low cost and easily performed, but may not induce hydraulic shear sufficient for AgNP detachment from a RO membrane. The information on silver release behavior may depend on the specific test, which is important for assessing antimicrobial efficacy and service life of the nanoparticle-functionalized membranes.
Probing and Controlling Autoionization Dynamics of Atoms with Attosecond Light Pulses

The time evolution of an autoionizing atomic system is studied theoretically in the presence of a moderately intense dressing laser pulse. We first examine how an autoionizing wave packet evolves in time in the absence of an external field, and take the single 2pns(1 P) resonances in beryllium as examples. Alternatively, we study the electron dynamics where an attosecond extreme ultraviolet (XUV) pulse excites two autoionizing states in the presence of a strong time-delayed coupling infrared (IR) laser pulse. The IR can be viewed as a probe to extract or a control to modify the autoionization dynamics. The photoelectron and photoabsorption spectra are calculated for various time delays between the XUV and the IR pulses, and the results are compared with the available experiments. Finally, simulation of the coupled 2s2p(1 P) and 2s 2(1 S) resonances in helium shows substantial spectral modifications by the dressing field parameters. Its analogy to electromagnetically induced transparency in the time domain is discussed.
Intermolecular Allylic C-H Etherification of Internal Olefins

Herein we report on the development of an oxidative allylic C-H etherification reaction, utilizing internal olefins and alcohols as simple precursors. Key advances include the use of RhCp* complexes to promote the allylic C-H functionalization of internal olefins and the compatibility of the oxidative conditions with oxidatively sensitive alcohols, enabling the direct etherification reaction. Preliminary mechanistic studies, consistent with C-H functionalization as the rate determining step, are presented.
IMAGE RESTORATION USING EXTENDED KALMAN FILTERS1

Blurred and noisy images can often be represented as nonstationary two-dimensional (2-D) stochastic processes that can be modeled by a set of linear state equations with space-varying coefficients. This paper presents an algorithms based on the Extended Kalman Filter, (EKF) for on line identification of nonhomogeneous image model parameters, spatialy varying blur models and nonlinear degradation models. Results show that although the EKF is effective for tracking the image and the so-called density to intensity transformation parameters, its utility for estimating blur model parameters is limited because the presence of only a stochastic forcing function prevents the incorporation of linearity assumptions.
The Relationship between Visual Impairment and Gestures.

This study found that the gestural activity of persons who are visually impaired differs from that of persons who are sighted. Specifically, the subjects who were visually impaired used more adapto...
Pediatric Presurgical Functional MRI

Functional MRI is a reliable, noninvasive technique which allows spatial mapping of the various functions like sensorimotor, language and vision in the brain. This is of immense help to the neurosurgeon in presurgical planning and intraoperative navigation in order to identify and preserve eloquent areas of the brain and minimize post-surgical neurological deficits. Using this technique in children pose unique challenges. This article discusses some of these challenges and how they can be overcome in successful application of this technique in pediatric patients.
Metaphors: A Critical Culture Tool

How do people involved in the process of creating new culture communicate with each other to explain difficult, abstract, and sometimes still emerging concepts and thoughts? Often, they use metaphors to accomplish these tasks. In this chapter, I present definitions and the structures of the conceptual systems from which metaphors arise. We examine some of the cognitive science related to the role of the sensorimotor-system and metaphorical thought in creating conceptual knowledge and language. Generative metaphor and its particular role in culture are also examined and we explore techniques consultants can employ for working with metaphors and groups to support the construction of culture.
Introduction to Application of Biomedical Engineering in Dentistry

“Good fences make good neighbors” …“Why do they make good neighbors?”… “Something there is that doesn’t love a wall”….“He says again, Good fences make good neighbors” [1].
The ‘Colombianisation’ of Central America: Misconceptions, Mischaracterisations and the Military-Agroindustrial Complex

Observers have increasingly described the drug-related violence and corruption affecting Central America as the region's ‘Colombianisation’. This narrative is not just confused and misleading; it is dangerous. The Colombianisation discourse perpetuates ineffective and destructive anti-drug policies. It also obscures the circulations and connections that make the drug trade, the drug war and their associated economies of violence possible. We do, however, recognise one form of Colombianisation that actually is under way, but it is not the one imagined by security pundits. The real Colombianisation is a convergence of geopolitical and economic interests that have seized upon the geographical realignments of the drug trade to expand the same agroindustrial-military nexus in Central America that proved so ‘successful’ in Colombia.
Maladaptive personality traits and the course of suicidal ideation in young adults with bipolar disorder: Cross‐sectional and prospective approaches

Background Childhood-onset bipolar disorder (BD) has considerable morbidity and mortality, including suicide. Many risk factors have been identified for suicidality, but the potential role of personality traits as assessed by a computer-assisted self-report measure remains unclear. Aims To address this gap in knowledge, we tested relations between pathological-range personality traits and suicidal ideation among young adults whose childhood-onset BD was prospectively confirmed by enrollment in the Course and Outcome of Bipolar Youth study (COBY) as children (n = 45) and a newly enrolled group of typically developing controls (TDCs; n = 52) both cross-sectionally and longitudinally after 1.5 years of follow up. Materials & methods Personality traits were assessed with the computerized Schedule for Nonadaptive and Adaptive Personality-2 (SNAP-2). Results Cross-sectionally, we found that participants with BD had elevated Suicide Proneness and Low Self-esteem versus TDCs at baseline. Furthermore, longitudinal analyses in the BD participants for whom we had 1.5 years of prospectively collected illness-course data showed that greater Suicide Proneness and Low Self-esteem prospectively predicted greater levels, shorter time until occurrence, and greater frequency of suicidal ideation during the follow-up. Conclusion Our findings suggest the role of specific personality-related vulnerabilities in the course of BD that, pending replication, could contribute to development of interventions focused on personality traits among individuals with BD.
Chronic neural activity recorded within breast tumors

Nerve fibers are known to reside within malignant tumors and the greater the neuronal density the worse prognosis for the patient. Recent discoveries using tumor bearing animal models have eluded to the autonomic nervous system having a direct effect on tumor growth and metastasis. We report the first direct and chronic in vivo measurements of neural activity within tumors. Using a triple-negative mammary cancer mouse model and chronic neural interface techniques, we have recorded neural activity directly within the tumor mass while the tumor grows and metastasizes. The results indicate that there is a strong connection between the autonomic nervous system and the tumor and could help uncover the mechanisms of tumor growth and metastasis.
The S(E)IR(D) Models of the COVID-19 Epidemic in Korea

Summary: Kermack and McKendrick’s SIR compartment model (1927) has been widely used to analyze various epidemic phenomena including the current COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, this model is of limited use if the duration of the epidemic prolongs. This paper uses a slightly modified compartment model, the SEIR(D) model, to analyze the time-varying transmission dynamics of the COVID-19 epidemic in Korea in multiple stages of its development. This multi-stage estimation of the model parameters offers a better model fit and shows how the COVID-19’s transmission dynamics change over time, primarily depending on, the effectiveness of the public health authority’s non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs). Method: This paper uses the SEIR(D) compartment model to simulate and estimate the parameters for three distinctive stages of the COVID-19 epidemic in Korea, using a compiled COVID-19 dataset from Feb. 18, 2020 to Feb. 08, 2021. The paper identifies three distinct stages of the COVID-19 epidemic in Korea, conduct multi-stage estimations of model parameters, and carefully infer context-dependent meaning of the estimation results to better understand the unique characteristics of the transmission dynamics of the COVID-19 in each stage. Findings: The original SIR compartment model may produce a poor and even misleading result if it is used to cover the entire period of the epidemic, because underlying assumptions behind this model - i.e., homogeneity of the susceptible population and invariant parameters - are easily defied by the real-world complexity. However, if we use a carefully calibrated model in distinctive stages of the COVID-19 epidemic, we can find useful insights that we can use to evaluate the effectiveness of the government’s non-pharmaceutical interventions over time.
When Is Patient Behavior Indicative of Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) Vs Reasonable Response to Digestive Disease

Background & Aims Dietary modification is common in patients with digestive diseases to improve symptoms; however, food avoidance can become problematic. Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is characterized as failure to meet one’s nutritional needs owing to sensory hypersensitivity, lack of interest in eating, or fear of aversive consequences from eating, and is associated with negative medical and psychosocial outcomes. This study characterizes ARFID behaviors in adults with achalasia, celiac sprue, eosinophilic esophagitis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 289 adults aged 18 and older completed self-report measures evaluating use of dietary treatment, ARFID symptoms, and psychosocial outcomes. Primary analyses investigated the occurrence of ARFID in patients with achalasia, celiac, eosinophilic esophagitis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Secondary analyses explored the associations between ARFID symptoms and clinical and psychosocial outcomes. Results More than half (53.7%) of the total sample met the diagnostic criteria for ARFID based on the Nine-Item ARFID Screen (NIAS), with 78.4% of patients with achalasia meeting criteria. Patients on a physician-directed diet showed greater fear of gastrointestinal symptoms (P = .025), less interest in food (P = .046), and a higher total NIAS score (P = .045). For patients using dietary therapy, those who had met with a dietitian reported higher NIAS scores (P = .039). Food avoidance/restriction was associated with increased anxiety and depression, and diminished health-related quality of life. Conclusions It is likely that ARFID rates, as measured by the NIAS, are inflated in these 4 patient groups. These findings highlight the need for updated assessments of ARFID in patients with complex digestive diseases.