cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and energy gap studies of a series of sulfone-substituted polyphenylenevinylenes (SF-PPVs)

Abstract A new polyphenylenevinylene (PPV) with alkoxy and sulfone substitutions on every phenylene unit has been synthesized and characterized. This polymer completes a series of sulfone (SF) containing PPVs (SF-PPVs) that are characterized by an increasing content of sulfone-substituted phenylene and allow one to observe the effect of electron withdrawing as well as intra-ring donor–acceptor strong coupling between RO and sulfone, both affect the frontier orbital energy levels and energy gaps of the polymer. The SF-PPVs show a consistent increase in energy gap with increase in the content of the RO- and sulfone-substituted phenylene unit, a phenomenon rarely observed among synthesized conjugated polymers in the literature. Calculation of model compounds (dimers) confirmed that the charge-transfer interactions between RO and sulfone leads to certain degree of intra-ring transformation from benzoid to quinoid form, which reduces electron delocalization along the π-conjugation in backbone and causes an increase in the polymer energy gap.
Identification and characterization of deamidation sites in the conserved regions of human immunoglobulin Gamma antibodies

Deamidation of asparagine residues of biological pharmaceuticals is a major cause of chemical degradation if the compounds are not formulated and stored appropriately. The mechanism of this nonenzymatic chemical reaction has been studied in great detail; however, the identification of deamidation sites in a given protein remains a challenge. In this study, we identified and characterized all deamidation sites in the conserved region of a recombinant monoclonal antibody. The conserved region of this antibody is shared by all human IgGs with the exception of minor differences in the hinge region. Our high-performance liquid chromatography method could separate the succinimide, isoaspartic, and aspartic acid isoforms of peptide fragments generated using trypsin. Each of the isoforms was unambiguously identified using tandem mass spectrometry. Deamidation at the identified four sites was slow for the intact, folded antibody at accelerated degradation conditions (pH 7.5 and 37 °C). Deamidation was enhanced aft...
Children's rights to adequate nutritious foods in the two Americas

Abstract While concern about food insecurity and hunger among children usually focuses on developing countries, there is evidence that these debilitating conditions are widespread within the United States, one of the world's wealthiest nations. We argue that there are two Americas within the United States, one in which nutritious food is plentiful, and a second that resembles a developing country where millions of children live in poverty and hunger. The basic right of all children to adequate nutritious food is established in the United Nations' Convention on the Rights of the Child. Yet the United States is one of a few industrialized countries that has not ratified the Convention. Contemporary philosophy provides compelling ethical bases for considering adequate nutritious food a basic right which must be socially guaranteed to children who are unable to guarantee its enjoyment on their own. However the US is failing to socially guarantee this basic right to millions of its children and is about to enact legislation that will dramatically reduce funding for child nutrition programs, eliminate national nutrition standards for poor children, and deprive millions more children of enjoyment of the substance of this basic human right.
Functional Properties and Composition of Liquid Whole Egg Proteins as Influenced by Pasteurization and Frozen Storage

Abstract Effects of pasteurization temperature and frozen storage on the functionality and soluble protein composition of liquid whole egg (LWE) were studied. Homogenized LWE control and LWE heated at 60, 64, or 68 C for 3.5 min were evaluated during 80 days of storage at −24 C. Protein solubility decreased by 11% when LWE was heated to 68 C. Protein solubility decreased 17 and 11% in LWE control and LWE heated to 68 C, respectively, during frozen storage. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was used to monitor changes in soluble protein composition. Percentages of soluble ovotransferrin and globulin proteins decreased during pasteurization and frozen storage. Quality attributes of a pie filling were influenced by pasteurization and frozen storage of LWE.
Web Application Attack Prevention for Tiered Internet Services

Because most Web application attacks exploit vulnerabilities that result from lack of input validation, a promising approach to thwarting these attacks is to apply validation checks on tainted portions of the operands used in security-sensitive operations, where a byte is tainted if it is data/control dependent on some network packet(s). This paper presents the design, implementation and evaluation of a dynamic checking compiler called WASC, which automatically adds checks into Web applications used in three-tier Internet services to protect them from the most common two types of Web application attacks: SQL- and script-injection attack. In addition to including a taint analysis infrastructure for multi-process and multi-language applications, WASC features the use of SQL and HTML parsers to defeat evasion techniques that exploit interpretation differences between attack detection engines and target applications. Experiments with a fully operational WASC prototype show that it can indeed stop all SQL/script injection attacks that we have tested. Moreover, the end-to-end latency penalty associated with the checks inserted by WASC is less than 30% for the test Web applications used in our performance study.
A Temperature-Compensated ZnO-on-Diamond Resonant Mass Sensor

This paper reports on the fabrication and measurement of ZnO-on-diamond length-extensional resonant mass sensors. Improved mass sensitivity due to the higher frequency of operation as well as lower motional impedance compared to capacitively-transduced sensors of the same type is demonstrated. Measured mass sensitivity of ~1 kHz/pg is shown at ~39 MHz operation frequency. Moreover, a small temperature coefficient of frequency (TCF) of -6 ppm/degC is achieved by incorporating a layer of silicon dioxide in the resonator structure.
Building informed consent for cholinesterase monitoring among pesticide handlers in Washington State

Background Pesticide handlers in Washington State are predominantly Mexican and, therefore, require a culturally appropriate process of informed consent. In addition, members of this occupational group are vulnerable to coercion because of poverty, lack of insurance, inability to read, and employment status Methods To create a process of culturally competent informed consent for Washington State's cholinesterase monitoring program, we used focus groups to collect data about cultural beliefs, attitudes, knowledge, language, and traditions of Mexican-American pesticide handlers. With this information, we developed a final consent form and evaluated it using a 10-item test-retest questionnaire in a sample of 103 handlers. Results Using qualitative methods, we created English and Spanish consent forms that incorporated culturally defined risk information. Both the written and audiotape formats significantly improved comprehension; but, for subjects with less than 7 years of schooling, audiotapes in Spanish yielded significantly higher scores (mean comprehension score 7.0 vs. 6.1, t = − 2.2, P = 0.03). Conclusions Culturally competent informed consent for particularly vulnerable populations of non-native speakers of English is possible. It requires both knowledge of specific cultural elements and the application of appropriate technology. Am. J. Ind. Med. 48:175–181, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Mapping out the conduction band under CTTS transitions: the photodetachment quantum yield of sodide (Na ) in tetrahydrofuran

Upon photoexcitation of the charge-transfer-to-solvent absorption band of Nain tetrahydrofuran (THF), electrons detach into immediate contact pairs, solvent-separated contact pairs, or as free electrons.In this Letter, we analyze the recombination dynamics of Naat multiple excitation wavelengths to determine the action spectrum for production of each type of electron.The action spectra match well with the four Gaussian sub-bands (corresponding to three p-like CTTS states and the continuum) needed to describe the polarized bleach recovery.We also find that the Nafree- electron action spectrum is linearly related to the Rb � /THF photocurrent action spectrum measured by Levanon and co-workers.
What's behind the numbers? Definitional issues in counting the homeless

Abstract Any estimate of the number of homeless persons involves several definitional issues, including the underlying conceptual definition of “homelessness,” the intended use of and rationale for the count, how the conceptual definition is translated into operational procedures, and methodological choices. These issues are at least partially responsible for the variation in existing estimates of homeless individuals. To best serve multiple constituencies and demands for information, the adoption of a broad definition is recommended. Furthermore, it is necessary to develop and report estimates for specific policy‐relevant subgroups of homeless persons, as well as to develop a family of research studies that can yield an understanding of the conditions facing the homeless and identify “markers” for those who are at risk of becoming homeless.
Promethazine Treatment of Steroid-Induced Psychosis in a Child

OBJECTIVE:To report a case of steroid-induced psychosis in a child that resolved with the treatment of promethazine, a phenothiazine derivative.CASE SUMMARY:A 2-year-old white boy with a history of relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia underwent a bone marrow transplant and developed graft-versus-host disease, which was treated with methylprednisolone. Within 24 hours of initiation of the methylprednisolone, the patient developed symptoms associated with steroid-induced psychosis including mania, head-banging, and excessive crying. Because the corticosteroid could not be discontinued, promethazine, a phenothiazine derivative, was used to treat the psychotic symptoms. Symptoms resolved with use of promethazine.DISCUSSION:A number of published reports describe the appearance of psychological symptoms with corticosteroid use. While the mechanism is unclear, the reaction is usually reversible with dose reduction or discontinuation of the corticosteroid. In cases where this cannot be done, typical treatment in...
The calcium channel α2/δ1 subunit interacts with ATP5b in the plasma membrane of developing muscle cells.

The α2/δ1 and α11.1 subunits are present at a 1:1 ratio in the dihydropyridine receptor (DHPR) from adult skeletal muscle. In contrast, during early myotube development α2/δ1 is present at higher l...
Tumor‐inhibitory agent from Zaluzania robinsonii (compositae)

The chloroform extract of Zaluzania robinsonii Sharp has shown activity against the P-388 lymphocytic leukemia test system. The constituent responsible for this activity was a guaianolide, identified as zaluzanin C (15H18O3). The identity was proven by melting point, mixed melting point, elemental analysis, IR, PMR, mass spectroscopy, and preparation of derivatives.
Human δ-Aminolevulinate Dehydratase (ALAD) Gene: Structure and Alternative Splicing of the Erythroid and Housekeeping mRNAs

Abstract Generate clones containing human δ-aminolevuliuate dehydratase (ALAD), the second enzyme in the heme pathway, were isolated, and the entire sequence was determined in both orientations (15,913 bp; GenBank Accession No. X64467). The gene contained two alternative noncoding exons, 1A and 1B, and 11 coding exons, 2-12. Ten Alu-repetitive elements were within the gene, including an inverted repeat that may have resulted from gene conversion. The housekeeping transcript, which included exon 1A and not 1B, was identified in a human adult liver cDNA library, while an erythroid-specific transcript, which contained exon 1B and not 1A, was detected in a human K562 erythroleukemia cDNA library. The promoter region upstream of housekeeping exon 1A was GC-rich and contained three potential Sp1 elements and a CCAAT box. Further upstream, there were three potential GATA-1 binding sites and an AP1 site. The promoter region upstream of erythroid-specific exon 1B had several CACCC boxes and two potential GATA-1 binding sites. To assess the tissue-specific expression of exerts 1A and 1B, HeLa and K562 cells were transduced with CAT constructs containing either exon 1A or 1B and their respective upstream promoter region. Two housekeeping CAT constructs, with 450 and 1400 bp upstream of exon 1A, wereexpressed at similar levels in HeLa cells, whereas the erythroid-specific construct, containing the entire 450-bp promoter region upstream of exon 1B, was not. In contrast, the housekeeping and erythroid constructs were both expressed in K562 cells. These findings demonstrate that the human ALAD gene contains two promoter regions that generate housekeeping and erythroid-specific transcripts by alternative splicing, analogous to the expression of the human hydroxymethylbilane synthase gene, which encodes the third enzyme of the heine biosynthetic pathway. The novel expression of housekeeping and erythroid-specific transcripts apparently evolved to ensure sufficient heine biosynthesis for the high-level tissue-specific production of hemoglobin required for life.
Experiments on Ekman layer instability.

Laboratory measurements were made of the instabilities of the Ekman layer using hot wire anemometers. The apparatus consisted of two parallel circular rotating plates forming a spool; the air was admitted through screens at the outer edge and removed through a screen cage at the hub. In the Ekman layers formed on the inner surfaces of the plates, measurements were made of the mean velocities as functions of r and a; the velocity fluctuations were also measured.It appears that the instability labelled type II by Faller always occurs first, and at zero Rossby number the critical Reynolds number is 56 ± 2. This instability originates in the boundary layer, but at slightly higher Reynolds number the fluctuations persist far into the geostrophic region, probably as inertial waves excited by the boundary-layer fluctuations.At higher Reynolds number another instability appears of shorter wavelength and slower speed. This instability is confined to the boundary layer and is apparently the type I reported by Faller.The phase speeds, frequencies, and wave-front orientations of both type instabilities have been measured.
The role of the vomeronasal organ of crotalines (Reptilia: Serpentes: Viperidae) in predator detection

Most reptiles and mammals, with the exceptions of crocodilians, aquatic mammals and some primates, have a functional vomeronasal organ that detects and perceives semi-volatile chemicals in the environment. This organ is used in detection of prey and is also important for recognition of conspecifics and potential predators. We tested eight species of North American pit vipers for behavioural responses to an ophiophagous (snake-eating) predator, the common kingsnake, Lampropeltis getula. Kingsnakes have a substance in their skin that is recognized by crotalines, which react with a series of defensive responses including, but not limited to, avoidance, fleeing, body bridging and head hiding. The vomeronasal duct of the pit vipers was sutured closed to determine the role of this organ in detection of kingsnakes. Pit vipers with intact and sutured vomeronasal ducts were tested in a neutral cage with a kingsnake and monitored for behavioural responses. Results demonstrated that the vomeronasal organ is important in the recognition of kingsnakes by pit vipers and raises doubts that any other sense plays a major role in this behaviour. © 1999 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour
A Transporter Specific for Retinol in the Brush Border of Rat Small Intestine

The rates of uptake of all -trans, 9- and 13-cis-and 3-dehydroretinol and retinal into gut sheets from rat small intestine were determined. The experiments revealed a specific transporter in the intestinal brush border for all -trans- and 3-dehydroretinol, constituting a process of carrier-facilitated diffusion. The remaining retinoids were taken up by passive diffusion at a slower rate.
Discrete-Time Robust Estimation

In this chapter we derive estimators for discrete-time linear systems that are robust to plant and noise model uncertainties. The approach used is based on a game theoretic formulation in which the disturbances and the modeling errors act as opponents of the state estimator. Specifically, it is assumed that an adversarial player is attempting to manipulate, within specified constraints, the initial condition, the disturbances, and the plant so as to maximize the 2-norm of the state estimation error, which we are trying to minimize. The goal of the estimator is therefore to find the best state estimate — in the least squares sense — for the worst possible combination of initial condition, disturbances and modeling errors.
COMPARATIVE ORAL THYROXINE-LIKE ACTIVITY OF NATURAL AND SYNTHETIC THYROPROTEINS AND OF DL-THYROXINE STUDIED WITH THE GOITER PREVENTION METHOD

introduction In a previous report (Frieden and Winzler, 1948) it was concluded that parenterally administered natural thyroid proteins exert greater thyroxine-like activity than could be attributed to their L-thyroxine content. Synthetic thyroproteins, on the other hand, showed only onehalf the parenteral activity expected from their L-thyroxine analysis. The convenience, precision (see Hutchson, 1948) and sensitivity of the goiter prevention method in the physiological range of thyroxine dosage suggested its application to the determination of the relative oral thyroxine-like activity of natural and synthetic thyroproteins and of DL-thyroxine. This is a factor of some importance in research and in thyroid therapy. methods and materials The procedure for the biological assay for thyroxine-like activity was essentially the same as that described earlier. The thyroid glands were weighed on removal from the test animal after 15 days en a stock diet containing 0.3–0.5% thiouracil incorporated into a stock die...
Differential effects of leptin on cancer in vitro

Introduction. Leptin, a protein produced by adipocytes, is an important signaling molecule in energy regulation and food intake. Many obese patients have leptin resistance associated with increased circulating leptin. Leptin receptor activation downregulates many regulatory genes, including STAT-3 and PAP 1. Certain cancers are associated with obesity, including breast, prostate, and colon. Recent studies have shown that leptin stimulates proliferation of human colon cancer in vitro. We hypothesized that leptin would have stimulatory effects on other human cancers. Materials amd methods. Human cancer cell lines from esophagus (KYSE410 and 150), breast (ZR75-1 and MCF-7), prostate (DU145 and PC-3), and pancreas (PANC-1, Mia-PaCa) were cultured using standard techniques. Leptin (0.4 ng/ml and 4.0 ng/ml) was added for 24 h and 48 h. Cell growth was determined by MTT assay. Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance. Results. Cancer cell lines demonstrated dose- and time-related responses to treatment. Leptin caused growth potentiation in breast, esophagus, and prostate cancer (P < 0.05). However, in both Mia-PaCa and PANC-1 pancreatic cancer cells, leptin inhibited growth (P < 0.05). This inhibitory effect peaked in PANC-1 at 48 h (78%). Conclusions. We have shown for the first time that human cancer cells exhibit differential responses to treatment with leptin, depending upon organ of derivation. Both leptin and leptin antagonism have potential efficacy in cancer therapy, based on cellular origin. Further studies are warranted and ongoing.
An Evaluation of Traditional Therapy for Barrenness

Traditional medicine has been recommended as an adjunct to cosmopolitan medicine, although for a variety of reasons its efficacy is difficult to evaluate. Kenyan traditional medical practitioners consider the treatment of barrenness to be a field in which they have special expertise, a belief shared by their clients. Data collected while observing 48 healers indicate that, regardless of technique and despite a high incidence of physical impediments to conception, they are successful in treating approximately one-third of their patients. This is similar to rates reported in other countries without biomedical therapy but under conditions of stress reduction. Recent studies are beginning to confirm the effects of stress on human physiology and to suggest that culturally appropriate traditional therapeutic modalities may serve to reduce it.
Perceptual neural organization: some approaches based on network models and information theory.

Article de synthese a propos de la modelisation de l'information et de l'expression des lois regissant les interactions entre les neurones sous formes d'algorithmes afin de comprendre l'organisation nerveuse depuis le niveau subcellulaire jusqu'au niveau systemique
A Distributed Systems Approach to Patient Monitoring and Medical Data Management

Computer-based patient monitoring and medical data management systems are expanding at a rapid rate. Advances in hardware capabilities, coupled with tumbling price structures, have facilitated the introduction of computer systems in clinical areas of the hospital including intensive care units, the clinical laboratory and the pharmacy (1,2). To a lesser extent these systems have been used for hospital- wide data retrieval and medical data management. Existing systems have been described on hardware ranging from mainframe to microprocessor in size (3,4). Software has varied from purchased “turnkey” software to entirely user written code. Relatively little effort has been expended on building networks of computer systems for monitoring and medical data management. We have developed a comprehensive hospital-wide network of distributed mini-computers for clinical data entry and retrieval, using commercially available systems and applications software whenever possible.
The impact of pulsed light on decontamination, quality, and bacterial attachment of fresh raspberries.

Raspberries have served as vehicles for transmission of foodborne pathogens through fecal-oral route and have resulted in 11 outbreaks in the United States from 1983 through 2013. However, because of its dedicated structures and perishability, water based sanitizer washing cannot be used for raspberry decontamination. As a non-thermal technique, pulsed light (PL) may have the potential to maintain both safety and quality of fresh raspberries. The first objective of our study was to investigate Salmonella and Escherichia coli O157:H7 inactivation efficacy of pulsed light (PL) on fresh raspberries during 10 days storage at 4 °C. The qualities of raspberries after PL treatment, including color, texture, total phenolic content (TPC), total anthocyanin content (TAC), total bacteria count (TBC) as well as total yeast and mold count (TYMC), have also been evaluated during the 10 days storage. Compared with the untreated control, all the PL treatments (5 s, 15 s and 30 s) maintained lower pathogen survival population during 10 days refrigerated storage. At day 10, all PL treated raspberries maintained significantly lower TBC and TYMC than the control. Although PL treatment for 30 s (with fluence of 28.2 J/cm(2)) reduced most Salmonella and E. coli O157:H7 right after treatment, by 4.5 and 3.9 log 10 CFU/g respectively, it failed to maintain its advantage during storage. In addition, color and texture of these raspberries changed negatively after 10 days storage. PL 30 s provided the lowest TBC and TYMC at day 0, but failed to maintain its advantage during storage. To consider both safety and quality of fresh raspberries as well as the treatment feasibility, 5 s PL treatment with fluence of 5.0 J/cm(2) was recommended for decontamination. The second objective was to study attachment of bacteria as well as decontamination effect of PL on raspberries. Under the scanning electron microscopy (SEM), PL showed severe damage to the cell membrane on smooth surface. Surface structure of raspberries affected the attachment of bacterial cells and the surface roughness provided protection for pathogenic bacteria. Our research demonstrated for the first time that successful PL processing of raspberries should be evaluated for its impacts on both produce safety and quality during the storage. PL with fluence of 5.0 J/cm(2) maintained both safety and quality of fresh raspberries during the refrigerated storage.
Ability of Musca autumnalis (Diptera: Muscidae) to acquire and transmit bovine herpesvirus-1.

Bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1) was detected in Musca autumnalis De Geer after feeding on virus suspensions in bovine albumin or sucrose. Virus was detected for 48 h in flies fed an albumin suspension, with the highest titers recovered in crops (1.0 x 10(4) TCID50/ml) and whole-body (5 x 10(4) TCID50/ml/fly) specimens immediately after feeding; the level of virus declined rapidly thereafter. Virus titers in flies fed sucrose suspensions were 5 x 10(4) TCID50/ml in excised crops and 5 x 10(5) TCID50/ml in whole-body specimens; virus was not detected in flies 72 h after feeding. Four Hereford calves exposed for 4 h to BHV-1 fed flies did not develop any clinical symptoms related to BHV-1 transmission (i.e., elevated temperatures, ocular/nasal discharges, and labored breathing). Serum neutralization and plaque reduction tests did not show antibody production in calves exposed to BHV-1 infected flies. While we demonstrated that face flies retained BHV-1 for a short period of time, it does not appear that M. autumnalis is involved in either the mechanical or biological transmission of BHV-1.
Tuning drug release profile from nanoporous gold thin films

Nanoporous gold (np-Au) with its high surface area to volume ratio, tunable pore morphology, ease of surface modification with well-studied thiol chemistry, as well as integration with conventional microfabrication techniques is a promising candidate for controlled drug delivery studies. While it has been demonstrated that np-Au can retain and release drugs, release mechanisms and governing parameters are unclear. This paper reports on the effect of film thickness and morphology on the molecular release from np-Au films.
Hand-washing frequency and factors that influence it in a family practice clinic.

Ignaz Semmelweis first linked hand washing before examining women in labor with favorable outcomes in 1847.1 Although initially ignored, hand washing has become a mainstay in reducing the spread of infections in all patient encounters. Multiple studies have confirmed that health care workers are the major cause of spreading nosocomial infections from patient to patient in the hospital setting.2 These infections cost an estimated $5 billion to $10 billion annually.3 Despite general acceptance of the importance of hand washing and the staggering economic impact of nosocomial infections, compliance in all health care settings studied is suboptimal. Hand-washing rates between patient encounters in intensive care units range from 17 to 75 percent, on pediatric wards the rate is 57 percent, and in the emergency department 32 percent. The purpose of . our study was to evaluate compliance with hand washing in a family practice residency clinic and its relation to clinical setting, level of training, and direct observation by a medical student.
Concerns of nursing students beginning clinical courses: A descriptive study.

Abstract Background Students harbor fears related to the clinical environment that influence their participation and learning. Some studies have addressed general anxieties in undergraduate nursing students, but few have asked students to report their fears and concerns prior to entering the clinical environment. Therefore, this study examined the fears and concerns of undergraduate nursing students beginning clinical courses as well as their continued concerns upon completion of the first year of instruction. The study also assessed their confidence in physical assessment skills. Methods Ninety-six junior nursing students enrolled in a generic baccalaureate nursing program completed a survey, two items of which asked about their fears and concerns related to beginning clinical experiences and their confidence in physical assessment. A follow up survey was completed at the end of the junior year by 72 students. Results Making a mistake, lack of course success, and not knowing how to do something were students' major concerns prior to the start of clinical experiences. Bad experiences with a nurse or instructor, freezing up, and uncomfortable patient/family experiences were also concerns. Not knowing how to do something persisted as a concern at the completion of the first year. Fears about being/feeling left alone in a clinical setting as well as concern about the senior year also emerged on the post survey. Confidence in physical assessment was a mean of 60.46 on a scale of 0–100 at the beginning of clinical instruction and 71.28 at the end of the junior year. Conclusions Faculty should structure learning activities that decrease anxiety and enhance students' confidence prior to initial clinical experiences. Opportunities might include in-depth orientation to clinical settings and various simulations that allow practice of skills and communication. Awareness of predominant student fears and concerns can also guide staff nurses to provide a welcoming environment and enhance learning.
Expression of the cut locus in the Drosophila wing margin is required for cell type specification and is regulated by a distant enhancer

The cut locus is a complex gene whose function is necessary for specification of a number of cell types, including the external sensory organs. The cut wing class of mutations of the cut locus are homozygous viable and lack tissue from the wing margin, which is normally composed of external sensory organs and noninnervated bristles. Expression of cut was examined in the developing wings of wild-type and mutant pupae using an antiserum against Cut protein. Cut is expressed in all of the external sensory organs of the wing and the noninnervated bristles of the posterior margin. The cut wing class of mutations prevents Cut expression specifically in the wing margin mechanoreceptors and noninnervated bristles, apparently preventing neural differentiation. The transformed cells die soon after differentiation would have occurred. We identify an enhancer, located about 80 kb upstream of the cut gene promoter, that confers expression in the cells of the mechanoreceptors and noninnervated bristles from a heterologous promoter. The 27 gypsy retrotransposon insertions that prevent expression in these margin cells, all occur between this enhancer and the promoter. These gypsy insertions probably interfere with the interaction between the enhancer and the cut gene promoter.
The effect of middle turbinate resection on topical drug distribution into the paranasal sinuses

Background During sinus surgery, partial or complete resection of the middle turbinate (MT) is sometimes necessary because of polypoid changes or demineralization. Topical drug delivery to the paranasal sinuses is an integral component in managing chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with and without nasal polyposis. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of the MT and MT resection in topical drug distribution into the sinuses via nebulization. We report on a novel technique of quantitatively evaluating the delivery of nebulized dye in cadavers. Methods Endoscopic sinus surgery was performed on 5 fresh cadavers. Complementary colored dyes mixed with saline were successively nebulized using the following protocol: (1) fluorescein prior to MT resection; (2) brilliant green following partial MT resection; and (3) methylene blue following total MT resection. Photodocumentation of the sinuses was performed following each nebulization and standardized photoanalysis was performed. Results Successive nebulizations with fluorescein, brilliant green, and methylene blue produced a complementary staining pattern that provided an easy side-by-side analysis of the extent of mucosal staining. Dye delivery to the frontal and sphenoid sinuses significantly increased following partial resection of the MT (p = 0.013 and p = 0.0027, respectively) and complete resection of the MT (p = 0.027 and p = 0.027, respectively). Following complete MTR, dye delivery to the maxillary sinus significantly increased compared to baseline (MT intact) (p = 0.0027). Conclusion Resection of the MT appears to have a significant effect on nebulized drug delivery into the frontal, maxillary, and sphenoid sinuses. Future prospective studies will help delineate the clinical relevance of this effect.
Millennials, teaching and learning, and the elephant in the college classroom

The six essays that comprise Communication Education’s Forum on Instructional Communication and Millennial Students provide excellent summaries of existing research on this new generational cohort ...
Effect of Apomorphine on Penile Tumescence in Men with Psychogenic Impotence

In a double-blind study using physiological recording of penile tumescence, brachial subcutaneous apomorphine hydrochloride injections elicited penile erections in men with psychogenic impotence. This observation is compatible with the hypothesis of central dopaminergic involvement in human penile erection. Since apomorphine is believed to induce erections by its effect on brain monoamine pathways, apomorphine response may have diagnostic use in evaluating the etiology of erectile failure.
Cytomorphology of combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma in fine needle aspirates of the liver : a report of two cases

Combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (HCC-CC) is rare, constituting much less than 5% of all primary liver cancers. Its dual histologic and cytologic differentiation may be a major problem in the differential diagnosis of fine needle aspiration biopsies (FNABs) of the liver. We describe two cases of combined HCC-CC, both examined initially by FNAB. Cytologic smears were markedly cellular, with a population of slightly to moderately pleomorphic neoplastic cells, often arranged in cohesive cords and columns resembling anastomosing hepatic plates. Many of these cells had centrally placed nuclei and a moderate amount of granular, eosinophilic cytoplasm. Other cellular groups were arranged in acinar formations, with eccentric nuclei and intraluminal and cytoplasmic mucin production. Both types of cells were positive for cytokeratin and carcinoembryonic antigen; in one case the carcinoma cells were also focally positive for alpha-fetoprotein. Although these neoplasms may pose diagnostic challenges, our experience suggests that HCC-CC may be suspected or even diagnosed by FNAB.
Pediatric hospitalizations for inflammatory bowel disease based on annual case volume: results from the Kids’ Inpatient Database 2012

To study differences related to pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) care among hospitals that were stratified based on annual case volume. This is a cross-sectional study using data from the United States Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Kids’ Inpatient Database (KID). IBD-related hospitalizations were identified using International Classification of Diseases-9-Clinical Modification codes. Hospital volume was divided into low or high by assigning cut-off values of 1–20 and >20 annual IBD hospitalizations. We assessed a total of 8647 pediatric IBD discharges during 2012 from 660 hospitals in the USA. 107 of these hospitals were classified as high-volume centers (HVCs) for pediatric IBD care and 553 low-volume centers (LVCs). HVCs were more likely to be associated with an academic teaching status compared to LVCs (97.1% vs 67.6%, p
Epigenetic stability of exhausted T cells limits durability of reinvigoration by PD-1 blockade

Blocking Programmed Death–1 (PD-1) can reinvigorate exhausted CD8 T cells (T EX ) and improve control of chronic infections and cancer. However, whether blocking PD-1 can reprogram T EX into durable memory T cells (T MEM ) is unclear. We found that reinvigoration of T EX in mice by PD-L1 blockade caused minimal memory development. After blockade, reinvigorated T EX became reexhausted if antigen concentration remained high and failed to become T MEM upon antigen clearance. T EX acquired an epigenetic profile distinct from that of effector T cells (T EFF ) and T MEM cells that was minimally remodeled after PD-L1 blockade. This finding suggests that T EX are a distinct lineage of CD8 T cells. Nevertheless, PD-1 pathway blockade resulted in transcriptional rewiring and reengagement of effector circuitry in the T EX epigenetic landscape. These data indicate that epigenetic fate inflexibility may limit current immunotherapies.
Effects of using two- versus three-dimensional computational modeling of fluidized beds: Part I, hydrodynamics

Abstract Simulations of fluidized beds are performed to study and determine the effect on the use of coordinate systems and geometrical configurations to model fluidized bed reactors. Computational fluid dynamics is employed for an Eulerian–Eulerian model, which represents each phase as an interspersed continuum. The transport equation for granular temperature is solved and a hyperbolic tangent function is used to provide a smooth transition between the plastic and viscous regimes for the solid phase. The aim of the present work is to show the range of validity for employing simulations based on a 2D Cartesian coordinate system to approximate both cylindrical and rectangular fluidized beds. Three different fluidization regimes, bubbling, slugging and turbulent regimes, are investigated and the results of 2D and 3D simulations are presented for both cylindrical and rectangular domains. The results demonstrate that a 2D Cartesian system can be used to successfully simulate and predict a bubbling regime. However, caution must be exercised when using 2D Cartesian coordinates for other fluidized regimes. A budget analysis that explains all the differences in detail is presented in Part II [N. Xie, F. Battaglia, S. Pannala, Effects of Using Two-Versus Three-Dimensional Computational Modeling of Fluidized Beds: Part II, budget analysis, 182 (1) (2007) 14] to complement the hydrodynamic theory of this paper.
Communicating for Results

Previous articles in the “Managing for Results” series have addressed setting goals, achieving results, and managing time. This concluding article will attempt to put these ideas into an operational framework from the viewpoint of communicating for results. For managers, the two most highly sought skills are effective speaking and writing; there is no single aspect of supervision or management that does not require these tools. Listening is equally important because communication is a two-way process. Nuclear medicine managers, along with all others in the health professions, must master these skills for personal and professional growth and goal accomplishment. A worksheet is included to direct your thinking about the key ideas addressed below. Those wishing to earn CEU(VOICE) credit for these continuing education articles must return a completed worksheet for each article in the series.
Clinical training and trainee follow-up systems to improve access to long-acting reversible contraception in conflict settings

Abstract Background Long-acting contraceptive methods (LARC)—intra-uterine device (IUDs) and contraceptive implants—are highly effective in the prevention of unintended pregnancy. However, access to LARC is limited, especially in developing countries where access is dependent on availability of medical doctors and midwives. Pre-service training for nurses does not usually include counselling about LARC methods, or insertion and removal of IUDs and implants. We aimed to improve access and availability of LARC in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, by implementing a clinical training programme for nurses who had clinical experience in the public health system. The programme was implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Health. The purpose of the programme was to increase access to all modern contraceptive methods, including LARC, at health centre level and to improve nurses' clinical skills in family planning counselling and insertion and removal of IUDs and implants. Methods From July, 2011, we delivered contraceptive commodities, installed data collection systems, and obtained approval to train nurses and midwives (mid-level health-care providers). Seventy-one nurses and midwives received competency-based clinical training for 3 weeks at a district hospital in Goma. The training curricula included counselling, practicum on anatomical models, and, finally, service provision to clients under observation and supervision by facilitators. Facilitators were mostly Congolese medical doctors who had received the 3-week clinical training and a certification on how to facilitate clinical trainings (trainers of training) at a centre managed by Marie Stopes Society in Kenya. Each health-care provider received trainee follow up, mentoring, and frequent supportive supervision by clinical supervisors throughout the implementation period. The programme was monitored via a monthly review of client data, supportive supervision reports, client exit interviews, and provider log books. Findings From January, 2012, to December, 2013, the number of clients seeking modern contraceptive methods increased by 54% (from 8301 in 2012 to 12 830 in 2013). The percent change of clients seeking IUDs was 127% (from 440 to 999) and the number of clients who had contraceptive implants increased by 46% (from 5124 to 7499). Client exit interviews of 415 women at 23 clinics showed a satisfaction rate of 80–90%. Interpretation Competency-based clinical training is feasible in a conflict setting such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and can be effective in improving provider skills and availability and use of LARC. Attention to the partnership with the Ministry of Health and establishment of clinical training centres at the start of the programme were crucial for success. Funding Donation from an anonymous private foundation that does not have commercial interests in the study topic. The donor did not participate in the design of the study, data analysis, or the interpretation of findings.
School, Family, and Work: Factors Associated with Child Care Providers' Persistence in College Course Work

There is a relationship between child care providers' educational level and child care program quality. Hence, many quality enhancement initiatives include support for child care providers to take college courses. In order for these programs to be successful, factors that may promote college persistence must be examined. This study examined school, family, and work factors as they affect college persistence for a sample of child care providers enrolled in community college course work. One hundred and twenty-nine child care providers completed surveys measuring college integration as well as general support from work and family members. Results suggest that college integration and family support are associated with both commitment to earning a degree and re-enrollment in courses.
Testing lichen transplant methods for conservation applications in the southern Appalachian Mountains, North Carolina, U.S.A.

Three experiments were conducted to test new and established methods for lichen transplantation in the southern Appalachian Mountains. First, small fragments of Graphis sterlingiana, Hypotrachyna virginica and Lepraria lanata were placed on medical gauze attached to the most common substrate of each species to test the feasibility of transplanting narrowly endemic species with this established method. The medical gauze did not withstand the weather conditions at the transplant site, so a second experiment was conducted to test more resilient materials. Burlap, cheesecloth, medical gauze and a plastic air filter were directly compared for their use as artificial transplant substrates with Lepraria finkii as the test lichen. Third, transplants of Usnea angulata were established to test its amenability to transplantation by hanging fragments on monofilament. The first two experiments were established on Roan Mountain, North Carolina, and the third experiment at Highlands Biological Station, North Carolina. In the first two experiments medical gauze did not withstand local weather conditions and nearly all gauze fell from the trees within 6 months. The plastic air filter and burlap performed best as artificial substrates for transplants, with a 60% and 80% success rate, respectively. Cheesecloth remained attached to the trees, but only 20% of lichen fragments remained attached to the substrate after one year. In the third experiment U. angulata grew 3.5 ± 1.4 cm in the first five months and 1.8 ± 1.5 cm in the next four months, exceeding previously reported growth rates for this species. These results advance methods for conservation-focused lichen transplants, and expand established methods to a new region and new species.
Toward Eco-friendly and Stable Perovskite Materials for Photovoltaics

Summary The discovery and development of new Pb-free perovskite light-absorber materials that are eco-friendly and stable has become an active research area in the field of photovoltaics (PVs). These perovskites are being considered for possibly replacing the Pb-based organic-inorganic halide perovskites in state-of-the-art perovskite solar cells. While the recent effort in this area has led to certain progress, some scientific and technological issues still remain unresolved. Here we provide perspectives on the comprehensive understanding of perovskite toxicity/instability, followed by design strategies for new nontoxic, stable perovskites. We also envision unprecedented challenges in the processing of the promising candidate perovskites that bridges materials design and actual devices. Future research in these directions will open up new possibilities in realizing eco-friendly and stable perovskite PVs for real-world applications.
Screening Women Aged 50-59 for CRC Using Fecal Occult Blood Test Produces Outcomes Similar to Men Undergoing Screening Colonoscopy.

Average-risk women aged 50–59 years have a lower incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer relative to age-matched men, calling into question the benefit of screening colonoscopy in this age group. We aimed to determine whether FOBT is an effective initial screening test in 50–59-year-old women. We conducted a cross-sectional study using a computerized endoscopic report generator. We identified 320,906 individuals who had average-risk screening colonoscopy and 32,369 who had colonoscopy for positive FOBT. The primary outcome was the positive predictive value (PPV) of FOBT for large polyp(s) greater than 9 mm, as a surrogate for advanced neoplasia. Among patients aged 50–59 years undergoing screening colonoscopy, men were more likely than women to have large polyps (6.3 vs 4.2%, p < 0.0001). Black women undergoing screening colonoscopy had higher rates of large polyps compared to non-Black women. The PPV in FOBT-positive men aged 50–54 (11.5%) and 55–59 (14.4%) was higher than in women aged 50–54 (6.1%) and 55–59 (5.4%). Despite this lower PPV, women aged 50–54 with a positive FOBT had a similar rate of large polyps as 50–54-year-old men undergoing screening colonoscopy (6.1 vs 6.3%, p = 0.626). CRC screening with FOBT identifies 50–59-year-old men and women with a higher risk of large polyps. Since younger women have a lower risk of large polyps than men, screening with FOBT in 50–59-year-old non-Black women could be an effective screening strategy, with outcomes similar to the use of screening colonoscopy in 50–59-year-old men.