cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Does Implant Removal Across the Sacroiliac Joint Improve Pain and Outcomes

Objectives To determine if removal of previously inserted iliosacral screws improved posterior pelvic pain and Short Musculoskeletal Form Assessment (SMFA) scores. Design Retrospective database review. Setting Level-1 trauma center. Patients/intervention Twenty-five patients who underwent iliosacral screw removal. Main outcome measure SMFA score. Results Eighty-eight percent of patients stated that they were satisfied with the procedure and would undergo screw removal again. SMFA functional and bothersome scores decreased (improved) after the screw removal procedure, both at 3 months and at the final follow-up. Two-eight percent of the patients required narcotics before surgery compared with 8% after screw removal. No surgical complications occurred during screw removal. Conclusion A select group of patients who have symptomatic screws across the sacroiliac joint may benefit from elective screw removal. Level of evidence Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Treatment of Chronic Subdural Hematomas Utilizing Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization

Abstract Chronic subdural hematomas (cSDH) are a common condition encountered by neurosurgeons with the potential for a high morbidity or mortality. A standard treatment regimen still remains highly discussed and controversial. Current treatments include surgical evacuation as well as medical therapies including statins, steroids, and tranexamic acid with ongoing studies to investigate their efficacy. Middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization is a technique first described in the year 2000, which has shown promising results for cSDH treatment. The procedure is performed in the angiography suite under minimal sedation using embolization materials to block the MMA. This is thought to disrupt the primary blood supply to the cSDH allowing for resolution. Embolization can be utilized as the primary treatment or in addition to surgical evacuation. Current literature suggests that surgically evacuated cSDH can have a recurrence rate from 2% to 37% where the rate after MMA embolization is reported from 2.1% to 4.1%. When used as the primary treatment, MMA embolization can also potentially reduce the morbidity of a surgical procedure under general anesthesia to an elderly patient. Here we present a case of MMA embolization utilized after a postoperative cSDH recurrence with good results.
Synthesis and characterization of imidazolium-mediated Tröger's base containing poly(amide)-ionenes and composites with ionic liquids for CO2 separation membranes

Considerable attention has been given to polymeric membranes either containing, or built from, ionic liquids (ILs) in gas separation processes due to their selective separation of CO2 molecules. Achieving high-performance CO2 separation membranes with enhanced permeability and selectivity relies mainly on rationally designing the molecular substructure and molecular composition of the polymer matrix. In this work, we have exclusively explored a facile synthetic route to incorporate aromatic amide linkages onto an ionene backbone derived from imidazolium-mediated Troger's base moieties, yielding a novel rigid polyamide-ionene material (“Im-TB-PA ionene”). We have optimized two novel Im-TB-PA ionene polymers via Menshutkin reactions between N,N′-(1,4-phenylene)bis(4-(chloromethyl)benzamide) and equimolar amounts of two isomeric diimidazole-functionalized Troger's base monomers with ‘ortho’ or ‘para’ regiochemistry. The two resulting Im-TB(o&p)-PA ionenes exhibited high molecular weights and excellent solubilities in polar organic solvents, serving homogeneous and mechanically stable blend membranes with “free” ILs. The structural and physical properties, as well as the gas separation behaviors of both the Im-TB(o&p)-PA ionenes and their IL composite counterparts ([Im-TB(o&p)-PA] + [IL]), were further extensively investigated. The membrane with an optimal composition and polymer architecture ([Im-TB(o)-PA] + [IL]) exhibited outstanding permselectivites for CO2/CH4 (46.73), CO2/N2 (51.74), and CO2/H2 (4.38) gas pairs together with the best CO2 permeability of 47.2 barrer. Overall, this study provides a promising strategy to explore the benefits of Im-TB-PA ionenes to separate CO2 from flue gas, natural gas, and syngas streams, while opening new possibilities in polymer design with strong candidate materials for other practical applications.
Age-related impairment of autophagy in cervical motor neurons.

Abstract Neuromuscular dysfunction is common in old age. Damaged cytoplasmic structures aggregate with aging, especially in post-mitotic cells like motor neurons. Autophagy is a ubiquitous cell process that aids in the clearance of damaged aggregates. Accordingly, we hypothesized that autophagy is impaired in old age, contributing to neuromuscular dysfunction via an effect in motor neurons. Autophagy flux may be impaired as a result of deficits in the initiation, elongation or degradation phases. Changes in the expression levels of core proteins necessary for each of the autophagy phases were evaluated by Western blotting in the cervical spinal cord (segments C2-C6 corresponding to the phrenic motor pool) of adult male and female mice at 6-, 18-, and 24-months of age (reflecting 100%, 90% and 75% survival, respectively). There was no evidence of an effect of age on the expression of the autophagy markers Beclin-1 (Becn-1; initiation), ATG7 and ATG5/12 complex (elongation) or LC3 (elongation/degradation). Reduced p62 expression (a marker of degradation) was evident in the cervical spinal cord of adult mice at 18-months compared to 24-months. Accordingly, expression of LC3 and p62 in motor neurons was analyzed using immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy in separate animals. LC3 and p62 immunoreactivity was evident in the gray matter with minimal expression in the white matter across all age groups. A mixed linear model with animal as a random effect was used to compare relative LC3 and p62 expression in motor neurons to gray matter across age groups. Expression of both LC3 and p62 was higher in choline acetyl transferase (ChAT)-positive motor neurons (~2–3 fold vs. gray matter). Across age groups, there were differences in the relative expression of LC3 (F2,12 = 7.59, p
Trace metals and metalloids in peri-urban soil and foliage across geologic materials, ecosystems, and development intensities in Southern California

Southern California is a mega-metropolitan area with abundant air pollution, complex geology, and diverse Mediterranean ecosystems. The objective of this study was to evaluate trace metal and metalloids (TMMs) (As, Cd, Co, Cr Cu, Ni, Pb, U, V, Zn) in soils and foliage of peri-urban areas and explore potential effects from human-development, ecosystems, and geologic material. Foliage of dominant native vegetation, soil samples (0–20 cm), saprolite, and unweathered rock samples were collected across fifty-four sampling sites in foothills spanning coastal Los Angeles and Orange counties to inland San Bernardino and Riverside counties. Soil As, Cd, Cu, and Pb concentrations were regionally elevated, but not as elevated as point-source polluted sites elsewhere. Soil Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn concentrations were above EPA Ecological Soil Screening Levels. Further, enrichment factors (EF) normalized to Ti concentrations in bedrock suggest minor to moderate As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and V accumulation in soils. Our foliar TMM concentrations and bioaccumulation factors (BAF) (foliar and soil ratio) indicate no bioaccumulation and limited effects across geologic, development intensity, and ecosystems groups. Sedimentary-derived soils affected soil TMMs, but likely not through inheritance of TMMs but by promoting clay and organic matter availability. Proximity to higher development intensity resulted in As, Cd, Cr, Cu, and Pb accumulation in peri-urban soils. Foliar TMM concentrations and BAFs suggest geologic materials, human development, and ecosystem properties were not important factors and TMMs were likely controlled by plant uptake or ecophysiology.
Robert Paul Churchill, Women in the Crossfire: Understanding and Ending Honor Killing (New York: Oxford University Press, 2018), ISBN 978–0–190–46856–9, 334 pages.

Women in the Crossfire, a book by philosopher Paul Churchill, is a significant contribution to efforts to understand honor killing. Too many works speak generally about gender-based violence. By focusing just on one type of gender-based violence, Professor Churchill is able to give us a number of insights into the crime than would otherwise be possible. True to his philosopher roots, he spends significant time in defining honor killings and distinguishing them from other crimes, such as crimes of passion, domestic violence, and politically-motivated violence. Defining honor killings allows him to better investigate its history, scope, causes, and solutions. The author explores honor killing from an empirical, cultural, psychological, and historical perspective.
Reduction of False-positive Blood Culture Rates Using a Passive Blood Diversion Device in an Urban Academic Pediatric Emergency Department

Background Blood cultures contaminated with common commensals during collection contribute to antibiotics overuse, return visits to the Emergency Department (ED), and increased overall medical costs. There are published quality improvement projects aimed at implementing best practices to reduce false positive blood culture (FPBC) rates in adults, but literature is lacking in pediatrics, and few studies include the use of passive diversion devices designed to remove an aliquot of blood likely to contain skin flora. FPBC rates in our pediatric ED range from 0.45% to 5.63%. Our FPBC institutional goal is Methods In an urban, academic, freestanding pediatric hospital, the ED has 35,000 patient encounters and obtains 2800 blood cultures annually. In each study period, passive blood diversion devices were bundled with collection supplies. Education with best practices for technique, use of the device, and instructions to record device non-use were provided. Positive blood culture results were reviewed by the Infection Preventionist to determine true infection versus FPBC. Results In the first study period, 341 blood cultures were drawnwith an overall FPBC rate of 1.5%. The rate of FPBC when the device not used was 10.5% (4 of 38). In the second study period, 905 blood cultures were drawn with an overall FPBC rate of 0.22%. The rate of FPBC when the device not used was 6.06% (2 of 33). Zero FPBCs occurred with device use in each study period (0 of 303) and (0 of 874). Conclusions This significant reduction (by Fisher's exact test p = 0.0001) suggests that employing a passive blood diversion device in addition to targeted education may decrease FPBCs; antibiotics overuse, costs, and return visits in the pediatric ED setting.
Introducing the 2021 Survey of American Catholic Priests: Overview and Selected Findings

This manuscript introduces the 2021 Survey of American Catholic Priests (SACP), a data- gathering initiative which resulted in a new dataset containing responses to 54 survey questions from 1,036 Catholic priests in the United States. Replicating questions from a 2002 poll of Catholic priests from the Los Angeles Times allowed us to assess changes over time. Here, we present selected findings in eight areas: summary comparisons, morale, moral assessments, relationships to and evaluations of bishops, salvation exclusivism, perceptions of the conservatism or liberalism of younger priests, approval of Pope Francis, and the state of the Catholic Church in America. We find strong empirical confirmation of the nearly ubiquitous perception that younger priests are more orthodox in their beliefs than older priests. Additionally, we find a significant turn toward pessimism regarding the current state and trajectory of the Church. Other patterns and opportunities for further analyses are discussed.
A Modular Hierarchical Behavior-Based Architecture

This paper describes a highly modular hierarchical behavior-based control system for robots. Key features of the architecture include: easy addition/removal of behaviors, easy addition of specialized behaviors, easy to program hierarchical structure, and ability to execute nonconflicting behaviors in parallel. The architecture uses a unique reward based combinator to arbitrate amongst competing behaviors such as to maximize reward. This behavior system was successfully used in our Sony Legged League entry in RoboCup 2000 where we came in third losing only a single game.
Thermomechanical behavior of plasma-sprayed zirconia thermal barrier coatings.

The effect of coating porosity and thickness on the resistance to damage of yttria stabilized zirconia thermal barrier coatings in an oxidizing environment by thermal cycling was evaluated. Hardness and elastic modulus of an as-processed porous coating were lower than those of a dense coating and the porous coating failed after fewer thermal cycles. Similarly, specimen with a thicker coating failed after fewer thermal cycles than specimen with a thinner coating. The earlier failure of the porous coating is due to lower fracture toughness and enhanced oxidation of the coating/substrate interface, whereas, the earlier failure of the thick coating is due to higher thermal transient stresses that developed in the coating during thermal cycling. Generally, an increase in coating density led to initial increase in both hardness and elastic modulus with increasing thermal cycles. However, hardness and density gradually decreased as the number of thermal cycles increase because of microcracks formation and growth. Microscopic observations indicated that the formation of multiple microcracks and their subsequent growth and coalescence led to final coating failure.
An Investigation of How Culture Shapes Curriculum in Early Care and Education Programs on a Native American Indian Reservation

This article investigates how culture shapes instruction in three early care and education programs on the Flathead Indian Reservation. Interviews with eight early childhood teachers as well as classroom observations were conducted. The investigation is framed by the following research question: How does the culture of the family and community shape curriculum? Data analysis suggested that ongoing communication with parents and community about teaching within a culturally relevant context, building a sense of belongingness and community through ritual, and respecting children, families, and community were essential to defining the Native American Indian culture within these early learning programs.
Framework-Based Applications: From Incremental Development to Incremental Reasoning

Object-oriented frameworks provide a powerful technique for developing groups of related applications. The framework includes one or more template methods that at appropriate points call various hook methods. Each application built on a framework reuses the template methods provided by the framework; the application developer provides definitions, tailored to the needs of the particular application, for only the hook methods. Our goal is to develop a technique for reasoning in which we reason about the framework behavior just once; whenever a new application A is developed, we arrive at its behavior by composing the behavior of hook methods defined in A with the behavior of the framework. Just as the template methods allow the application developers to reuse the code of the framework, our technique allows them to reuse the effort involved in reasoning about the framework in understanding each application built on the framework.
A model for the function of sperm DNA degradation

In this review, we present our recent evidence suggesting, but not yet proving, that mammalian spermatozoa contain a mechanism by which they can digest their own DNA when exposed to a stressful environment. We discuss our recent data that demonstrate that when mammalian spermatozoa are treated in a variety of ways, the paternal chromosomes in the zygote, or the sperm DNA itself, are degraded into large, chromosome-sized fragments. These published data support the existence of nuclease activity in spermatozoa. We suggest that this nuclease activity is part of a mechanism the spermatozoon uses when it encounters a stressful environment to prevent fertilisation and to avoid the transmission of potentially damaged DNA to the embryo. We propose a model based on sperm chromatin structure by which this nuclease can digest the highly condensed sperm chromatin.
Using decision-theoretic experience sampling to build personalized mobile phone interruption models

We contribute a method for approximating users' interruptibility costs to use for experience sampling and validate the method in an application that learns when to automatically turn off and on the phone volume to avoid embarrassing phone interruptions. We demonstrate that users have varying costs associated with interruptions which indicates the need for personalized cost approximations. We compare different experience sampling techniques to learn users' volume preferences and show those that ask when our cost approximation is low reduce the number of embarrassing interruptions and result in more accurate volume classifiers when deployed for long-term use.
Network traffic characterization of distributed database applications

The authors' efforts in characterizing the traffic of distributed database systems are described. This is an important class of applications considering that database or transaction processing systems form the core of several key commercial applications. Specific traffic source models for this application class have not been developed which is imperative for their successful deployment in emerging networks. The main contribution of the paper is to present the relationship between a distributed database application scenario and the corresponding network traffic characteristics, thus providing guidelines to these applications to compute their traffic descriptors accurately.
GANNET'S GAZE STAYS FOCUSED UNDERWATER

![][1] Plunging birds' eyes are keen enough to detect fishy prey, even through the erratic shimmer of the ocean's surface, before the birds dive rapidly into the water. For some of these birds, however, merely seeing prey from the sky is insufficient for catching a meal. They must
Optimal Determination of Respiratory Airflow Patterns Using a Nonlinear Multicompartment Model for a Lung Mechanics System

We develop optimal respiratory airflow patterns using a nonlinear multicompartment model for a lung mechanics system. Specifically, we use classical calculus of variations minimization techniques to derive an optimal airflow pattern for inspiratory and expiratory breathing cycles. The physiological interpretation of the optimality criteria used involves the minimization of work of breathing and lung volume acceleration for the inspiratory phase, and the minimization of the elastic potential energy and rapid airflow rate changes for the expiratory phase. Finally, we numerically integrate the resulting nonlinear two-point boundary value problems to determine the optimal airflow patterns over the inspiratory and expiratory breathing cycles.
Pressure-centrifuge studies on the mast cells of peritoneal fluid in rats of various ages☆

Abstract The cytoplasmic gel strength of peritoneal mast cells of the rat has been determined by the use of pressure-centrifuge techniques. Results obtained indicate that this mammalian cell conforms qualitatively, and in certain respects quantitatively, closely to the behavior of previously studied, non-mammalian cells. Differences in gel strength are demonstrable as a function of age; the significance of such changes has been discussed. Reversibility of morphological alterations induced by pressure-centrifuge methods has been demonstrated and related to the normal occurrence of nonspherical peritoneal mast cells in older animals.
Absence of Arcuate Fasciculus in Children with Global Developmental Delay of Unknown Etiology: A Diffusion Tensor Imaging Study

Objective To investigate cortical association tracts using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in children with global developmental delay of unknown etiology. Study design We performed DTI in 20 patients (age range: 18-83 months, mean: 45 ± 16 months, 12 males) with a history of global developmental delay and 10 typically developing children (age range: 26-99 months, mean: 54 ± 24 months, 5 males). DTI tractography was performed to isolate major cortical association tracts. Results In 9 out of 20 patients, arcuate fasciculus (AF) was absent bilaterally and in another 2 patients, it was absent in left hemisphere. In contrast, AF was present bilaterally in all typically developing children. Fractional Anisotropy (FA) of inferior longitudinal fasciculus (ILF) was asymmetric in the control group but not in the developmental delay group ( P = .04). FA was significantly reduced in right ILF in developmentally delayed children compared with controls ( P = .03). FA of other association tracts was not different between patients and controls ( P = NS). The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) showed no asymmetry for these tracts in controls or developmentally delayed children ( P = NS). Conclusions DTI can be used to identify absence of AF and inadequate maturation of ILF in children with global developmental delay of unknown etiology.
Clathrate structures in water-methanol mixed clusters

Abstract Mixed water—methanol clusters are investigated utilizing a laser based reflectron time-of-flight mass spectrometer. The intensity distributions of (H 2 O) n (CH 3 OH) m H + show magic numbers at n + m =21, 0⩽ m ⩽8 due to the enhanced stabilities of the dodecahedral cage structures in the mixed clusters. Studies of the metastable dissociations of (H 2 O) n (CH 3 OH) m H + ( n + m
In-Course Instructor-Guided Service Learning in a Community College General Psychology Class

Students enrolled in two general psychology classes at El Centro College (ECC) of the Dallas County Community College District (DCCCD) were offered the opportunity to earn extra credit by performing up to 20 hours of service learning. Benefits of service learning were observed in student development, including exploration of career possibilities, increased awareness of community needs, and improved ability to relate to others. The researchers specifically focused on students who did not participate in the optional service learning component. These students also reported benefits by being integrated into to three in-course instructor-guided service learning sessions.
AP-2α suppresses skeletal myoblast proliferation and represses fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 promoter activity

Abstract Skeletal muscle development is partly characterized by myoblast proliferation and subsequent differentiation into postmitotic muscle fibers. Developmental regulation of expression of the fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) gene is required for normal myoblast proliferation and muscle formation. As a result, FGFR1 promoter activity is controlled by multiple transcriptional regulatory proteins during both proliferation and differentiation of myogenic cells. The transcription factor AP-2α is present in nuclei of skeletal muscle cells and suppresses myoblast proliferation in vitro. Since FGFR1 gene expression is tightly linked to myoblast proliferation versus differentiation, the FGFR1 promoter was examined for candidate AP-2α binding sites. Mutagenesis studies indicated that a candidate binding site located at - 1035 bp functioned as a repressor cis -regulatory element. Furthermore, mutation of this site alleviated AP-2α-mediated repression of FGFR1 promoter activity. Chromatin immunoprecipitation studies demonstrated that AP-2α interacted with the FGFR1 promoter in both proliferating myoblasts and differentiated myotubes. In total, these results indicate that AP-2α is a transcriptional repressor of FGFR1 gene expression during skeletal myogenesis.
Electric and Magnetic Properties of the Hydrogen Molecule

The hydrogen molecule ground state has been studied for a long time by valence theorists. Comparison with experiment was limited to the energy, bond distance, vibration frequency, and the electric and magnetic polarizabilities. Recent radio-frequency experiments on hydrogen yielded new quantities, the nuclear magnetic shielding constant, the spin-spin coupling constant, and the electric field gradient at the nucleus. Variation methods are described for the calculation of the new types of polarizability. These methods can be applied to more complex molecules and appear to open new possibilities for the semiquantitative interpretation of the results of highresolution nuclear magnetic resonance. An extensive comparison is made between the experimental quantities and theoretical values using various wave iunctions. The most important factor affecting the accuracy of the charge density is the use of an effective nuclear charge. (auth)
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcal Infections in an Outpatient Peritoneal Dialysis Program

In view of the increasing concern about hospital-acquired methicillin resistance, we examined the sensitivities and outcome of staphylococcal infections related to outpatient peritoneal dialysis over a 5-year period. Data on all episodes of peritonitis (n = 360) and catheter infections (n = 507) were gathered prospectively from January 1984 to December 1988. The numbers of patients on peritoneal dialysis each year ranged from 136 in 1984 to 109 in 1987. Fifteen methicillin-resistant staphylococcal infections (MRSI) related to outpatient peritoneal dialysis occurred. Three were due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcu S aureus found in infected exit sites (2.3% of all S aureus catheter infections). Two of these infections occurred in a continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patient who carried methicillin-resistant S aureus in his nares. The other 12 methicillin-resistant organisms were coagulase-negative staphylococci that caused peritonitis. There was a significant increase in the percentage of episodes of coagulase-negative staphylococci peritonitis caused by methicillin-resistant organisms; from 5% (3157) in 1984 through 1986 to 28% (9132) in 1987 through 1988 ( P
Integrating the issues of folate bioavailability, intake and metabolism in the era of fortification

The addition of folic acid to foods in the United States, Canada and several other countries has yielded improved folate nutritional status and reduced the incidence of neural tube defects. In spite of this success, a number of questions remain regarding the bioavailability of natural and added folates and the level of folate intake from dietary sources needed to meet nutritional requirements. Many aspects of current folate requirements are being expressed in terms of dietary folate equivalents, in which an adjustment is employed to account for differences in mean bioavailability of natural and added forms of folate. In this review, we discuss the scientific rationale behind such assumptions and research needs in the broad area of folate bioavailability. We also consider the merits of fortification strategies, including the biofortification of foods.
Teaching abstracting and indexing

Preparing decision makers for the future is discussed in terms of a three pronged approach to the teaching of document surrogation: knowledge about, skills in, and management of. The management prong should include the habit of using the data from the present situation to make decisions about future change.
Smoke-free bar policies and smokers’ alcohol consumption: Findings from the International Tobacco Control Four Country Survey

Background Cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption are positively correlated, and the concurrent use of tobacco and alcohol exacerbates the health risks associated with the singular use of either product. Indoor smoke-free policies have been effective in reducing smoking, but little is known about any impact of these policies on drinking behavior. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential association between the implementation of smoke-free bar policies and smokers’ alcohol consumption.
A rare anterior spinal epidural cyst mimicking Hirayama disease.

Introduction: Hirayama disease is a rare focal motor neuron disorder that manifests as slowly progressive unilateral or bilateral hand weakness and atrophy. Methods: The case report of a young man who presented with the phenotype of Hirayama disease indicated an extensive anterior cervical epidural arachnoid cyst. Results: A 34-year-old man presented with a 5-year history of slowly progressive hand and forearm weakness and atrophy. Nerve conduction studies demonstrated low median and ulnar motor amplitudes, and EMG demonstrated fibrillation potentials and long-duration, high-amplitude motor unit potentials in C6–T4-innervated muscles. MRI demonstrated a longitudinally extensive anterior spinal epidural cyst extending from C2 to L1. The patient had improved hand strength after surgery. Conclusions: Anterior cervical epidural spinal cysts should be considered in the differential diagnosis in patients who present with slowly progressive hand weakness. Muscle Nerve, 2012
Obesity, asthma, and oxidative stress

Obesity is associated with increased systemic and airway oxidative stress, which may result from a combination of adipokine imbalance, comorbidities, and reduced antioxidant defenses. While obesity-mediated increased oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of vascular disease and nonalcoholic hepatic steatosis, little is known of how it may affect the lung. Contrary to what has previously been thought, the combination of obesity and asthma, both chronic inflammatory diseases, does not necessarily result in a synergistic effect, leading to even greater oxidative stress. However, most available studies have compared the levels of oxidative stress biomarkers on stable asthma patients, and it is possible that the interaction of oxidative stress between obesity and asthma is not readily detectable under basal conditions. We propose that obesity-mediated oxidative stress, which may affect the lung function of asthmatic subjects by increasing airway inflammation and reducing the effectiveness of inhaled corticosteroids, may become evident during exposure to an aggravating factor or during periods of asthma exacerbation. Understanding whether obesity-mediated oxidative stress has a mechanistic role in the association between obesity and asthma will help in the formation of public health policies and increase our capacity to develop therapeutic interventions that improve the life of obese asthmatic subjects.
AFM-based voltage assisted nanoelectrospinning

This paper describes an atomic force microscope (AFM) based voltage-assisted electrospinning technique. Single nanofibers on substrates are prepared via simultaneous preparation and deposition. In this work, an AFM-based electrospinning process is developed to generate polyethylene oxide (PEO) polymeric single fibers with nanometer scale diameters. The results demonstrate the feasibility of this developed approach for assembling nanofibers at predetermined positions. This work represents a promising advancement in nanomanufacturing of one-dimensional nanostructured materials for micro- and nanoscale devices.
mRNA Transcription linked to the Morphological and Plasma Membrane Changes induced by Cyclic AMP in Tumour Cells

Studies on a rat sarcoma link plasma membrane alterations to the activity of DNA-directed RNA polymerase II.
Co-Crystal Structures of PKG Iβ (92–227) with cGMP and cAMP Reveal the Molecular Details of Cyclic-Nucleotide Binding

Background Cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinases (PKGs) are central mediators of the NO-cGMP signaling pathway and phosphorylate downstream substrates that are crucial for regulating smooth muscle tone, platelet activation, nociception and memory formation. As one of the main receptors for cGMP, PKGs mediate most of the effects of cGMP elevating drugs, such as nitric oxide-releasing agents and phosphodiesterase inhibitors which are used for the treatment of angina pectoris and erectile dysfunction, respectively. Methodology/Principal Findings We have investigated the mechanism of cyclic nucleotide binding to PKG by determining crystal structures of the amino-terminal cyclic nucleotide-binding domain (CNBD-A) of human PKG I bound to either cGMP or cAMP. We also determined the structure of CNBD-A in the absence of bound nucleotide. The crystal structures of CNBD-A with bound cAMP or cGMP reveal that cAMP binds in either syn or anti configurations whereas cGMP binds only in a syn configuration, with a conserved threonine residue anchoring both cyclic phosphate and guanine moieties. The structure of CNBD-A in the absence of bound cyclic nucleotide was similar to that of the cyclic nucleotide bound structures. Surprisingly, isothermal titration calorimetry experiments demonstrated that CNBD-A binds both cGMP and cAMP with a relatively high affinity, showing an approximately two-fold preference for cGMP. Conclusions/Significance Our findings suggest that CNBD-A binds cGMP in the syn conformation through its interaction with Thr193 and an unusual cis-peptide forming residues Leu172 and Cys173. Although these studies provide the first structural insights into cyclic nucleotide binding to PKG, our ITC results show only a two-fold preference for cGMP, indicating that other domains are required for the previously reported cyclic nucleotide selectivity.
Tumorigenicity of Vero cells

One of the current criteria for evaluating the acceptability of cell lines for use in vaccine production is lack of tumorigenicity. Vero cells represent an example of a class of cells known as continuous cell lines. They were derived from African green monkey kidney, and their growth properties and culture characteristics have many advantages over other cell substrates for use in vaccine production. We have tested Vero cells for tumorigenicity in nude mice and in a human muscle organ culture system, and found a significant increase in their tumorigenic potential with increasing passage numbers. Cells at passage 232 and higher produced nodules in all nude mice inoculated. Histologically the nodules were well defined, anaplastic tumors, which exhibited some of the characteristics of renal adenocarcinomas. In about 6 to 8 days all of the nodules began to regress. Data were obtained that suggested an immune mechanism was the basis for the regression phenomenon.
Setting Parameters in the 3by5 Program

At the OCLC User Contact Desk, we keep a file of forms containing information on setting up printers to work with the M300 Workstation. We keep these forms in a notebook arranged by manufacturer name and model number and they can be difficult to locate if the manufacturer's name is not apparent and the manual for the printer is not available. Because we keep a copy of OCLC Micro handy to be able to answer callers' questions, we also have the software supplied with some issues. When we discovered the keyword searching and Boolean and and or capabilities of the 3by5 program, we decided to try using it for the information from the forms so that we could have additional access points (model name, type of printer, institution name, and/or network affiliation) to the information.
The effect of education on democratisation: a review of past literature and suggestions for a globalised context

Democratisation is an important component of current globalisation trends, and education is commonly thought to lead to greater democratisation. Thus, education holds a prestigious place in political development discourses. Are policies that promote this belief grounded in research‐based evidence, or simply the propagation of institutionalized myths? This study reviews the literature concerning education’s effect on democratisation. Ultimately, the evidence is inconclusive, and cannot justifiably be used to support an education‐democratisation link at the national level. Therefore, this review concludes with a call for a revitalized research effort concerning education and democratisation that uses new approaches to account for a newly globalised context.
Congenital heart disease: The impact of delivery in a tertiary care center on SNAP scores (scores for neonatal acute physiology)

Abstract Objective: It has been hypothesized that delivery in a tertiary care center might improve the clinical condition and outcome of infants born with congenital heart disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of delivery in a tertiary care center on SNAP scores (scores for neonatal acute physiology) of infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit with major structural cardiac defects. Study Design: This retrospective cohort study included 195 infants with major congenital heart disease admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit at the New England Medical Center between July 1, 1992, and June 30, 1998. SNAP scores were abstracted from the medical record. The values of 97 neonates with major cardiac defects born at the New England Medical Center were compared with those of 98 neonates transferred to our center after delivery in a community setting. A 2-tailed Student t test for independent samples was used to compare the mean SNAP scores between the 2 cohorts. Results: The SNAP scores for infants with major cardiac defects who were born at the New England Medical Center ranged from 0 to 41, with a mean of 10.6 ± 8.8. The values for infants with congenital heart disease who were transferred to our center after birth in community-based hospitals ranged from 0 to 34, with a mean of 11.1 ± 7.0. There was no significant difference between the 2 populations ( P = .646). A comparison of the mean SNAP scores of infants with prenatally diagnosed disease who were delivered at our center versus infants with postnatally diagnosed disease who were delivered in community hospitals was also statistically not significant ( P = .824). Conclusion: Delivery in a tertiary care center does not improve SNAP scores of infants with major structural cardiac defects. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2000;182:184-91.)
OBJECTIVE DIAGNOSIS OF OTITIS MEDIA (OM) IN EARLY INFANCY

Young infants with OM are at high risk for the development of prolonged middle ear effusion (MEE) and recurrent OM. Objective, non-invasive diagnostic methods are needed for this age group. We determined the diagnostic efficacy of ipsilateral acoustic reflexes (IAR) detected with a 1000Hz stimulus and susceptance (B) tympanograms (660Hz)(NEJM 296:412,1977). Seventy-two infants < 4m. of age who presented at well child and illness visits were studied prospectively. Quantitative measures examined were: 1) peak B, 2)mean B between +300 and -400 mm H2) and 3)IAR threshold in decibels (dbHL). These measures were compared to independent pneumatic otoscopic findings. Substantial agreement was achieved between independent otoscopists (Kappa =.73). Diagnoses were confirmed by tympanocentesis when clinically indicated.
The 18O(18O, 16O)20O reaction at 52 MeV☆

Abstract The structure of the 20 O nucleus was studied by the 18 O( 18 O, 16 O) 20 O reaction at E 1ab = 52 MeV. Angular distributions for the transitions to the lowest four states in 20 O were obtained and analyzed with finite-range DWBA calculations. Optical potential sets were used which fit the experimental elastic scattering differential cross sections over almost the whole angular range. The two L = 0 transitions to the ground state and the 4.45 MeV state of 20 O populated by the 18 O( 18 O, 16 O) reaction were analyzed with exact finite-range DWBA calculations using microscopic form factors. These calculations underestimate the absolute cross sections by a factor of 11. The relative strength of the two L = 0 transitions is well reproduced in the 18 O( 18 O, 16 O) reaction. However, DWBA calculations for the 18 O(t, p) 20 O reaction overestimated the relative cross sections for the excited 0 + state by a factor of 6. Several model wave functions were tested for the ground-state transition. It was found that the absolute cross sections of the ( 18 O, 16 O) reaction are very sensitive to the mixing of shell-model configurations. The angular distribution shapes are also slightly dependent on the mixing.
Lipschitz constants for some approximation operators of a Lipschitz continuous function

Si une fonction continue sur un intervalle admet une certaine constante de Lipschitz alors cette constante est conservee par les polynomes de Bernstein associes a f. Ce resultat connu est generalise au cas d'une classe d'operateurs d'approximation multivariables. Cette classe comprend certains operateurs bien connus, en particulier l'operateur de Feller multivariable. On se sert ici, de facon decisive, de proprietes de separation de lois de probabilite en rapports avec ces operateurs d'approximation
Stability and function of glycosaminoglycans in porcine bioprosthetic heart valves

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are important structural and functional components in native aortic heart valves and in glutaraldehyde (Glut)-fixed bioprosthetic heart valves (BHVs). However, very little is known about the fate of GAGs within the extracellular matrix of BHVs and their contribution to BHV longevity. BHVs used in heart valve replacement surgery have limited durability due to mechanical failure and pathologic calcification. In the present study we bring evidence for the dramatic loss of GAGs from within the BHV cusp structure during storage in saline and both short- and long-term Glut fixation. In order to gain insight into role of GAGs, we compared properties of fresh and Glut-fixed porcine heart valve cusps before and after complete GAG removal. GAG removal resulted in significant morphological and functional tissue alterations, including decreases in cuspal thickness, reduction of water content and diminution of rehydration capacity. By virtue of this diminished hydration, loss of GAGs also greatly increased the "with-curvature" flexural rigidity of cuspal tissue. However, removal of GAGs did not alter calcification potential of BHV cups when implanted in the rat subdermal model. Controlling the extent of pre-implantation GAG degradation in BHVs and development of improved GAG crosslinking techniques are expected to improve the mechanical durability of future cardiovascular bioprostheses.
Binary trees of modified hypercubes: a family of networks for hypercube-like parallel computers

Abstract The hypercube is one of the most widely used topologies for interconnecting resources in parallel computing systems. However, systems comprising the standard hypercube cannot be expanded in practice. In contrast, modified hypercubes (MHs) have been proposed as the building blocks of hypercube-based parallel systems that support incremental growth techniques. This project proposes the family of binary trees of modified hypercube networks that employ MHs as their basic building blocks. These networks provide ample room for the expansion of hypercube systems. The proposed networks are characterized by small diameters and a superior performance. Their performance is evaluated analytically.
Pulsed laser flash photolysis with IR diode laser detection: the reaction of photogenerated trans-[(n-C7H16)(P(OPri)3)W(CO)4] with piperidine

Abstract Pulsed laser flash photolysis with IR detection apparatus in which the analyzing source is an IR diode laser has been used to study ligand-exchange reactions of metal carbonyl transients in solution. The apparatus is described and the advantages of the IR diode laser analyzing source over the ‘globar’ and line-tuneable CO laser sources previously employed in such studies are discussed. It has been employed to monitor the thermal reaction with pip of trans -[(n-C 7 H 16 )(L)W(CO) 4 ], (L = tri(isopropyl) phosphite) produced via pulsed laser flash photolysis of cis -(pip)(L)W(CO) 4 in n-heptane. This reaction obeys a mixed order rate law interpreted in terms of bimolecular ‘trapping’ of the photogenerated intermediate with pip to afford trans -(pip)(L)W(CO) 4 and a competing unimolecular pathway tentatively ascribed to slow isomerization of trans -[(L)W(CO) 4 ] to its cis analogue. This isomer then is rapidly trapped by pip to afford the cis -(pip)(L)W(CO) 4 photolysis precursor.
Jewish Immigrant Entrepreneurship in New York and London, 1880–1914: Enterprise and Culture. By Andrew Godley. Basingstoke, England, and New York: Palgrave, 2001. Pp. xii, 187. $60.00.

In this imaginative and readable book, Andrew Godley argues that culture matters in economics, and that some cultural traits encourage entrepreneurship, and therefore material prosperity, more than others. More specifically, he joins debates among British historians over the causes for Britain's relative economic decline around the turn of the twentieth century. He argues that British culture was in fact anti-entrepreneurial and concludes that this was likely to have had a negative impact on the country's economic fortunes. This is, therefore, really a book about Britain and its economic culture. Though it certainly has interesting insights into Jewish history as well; the author uses the Jews primarily as a “control group” in his historical “experiment.”
STOMATAL RESPONSE TO CHANGING LIGHT BY FOUR TREE SPECIES OF VARYING SHADE TOLERANCE

Summary Stomatal opening and closing was followed with a diffusion porometer in beech (Fagus grandi-folia Ehrh.), maple (Acer rubrum L.), oak (Quercus rubra L.) and yellow poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera L.) in a situation where illuminance could be changed by placing shades over the trees. In all four species the stomata opened quicker than they closed. The time to reach an equilibrium stomatal resistance was constant for a species but varied between species, for all changes in illuminance greater than 3000 ft-candles. To open to a constant leaf resistance took from 3 minutes in beech to 20 minutes in yellow poplar; oak and maple were intermediate at 12 minutes. Beech required 12 minutes to close to a constant leaf resistance, maple 18, oak 20, and yellow poplar 36 minutes. When the change in illuminance was less than 3000 ft-candles, the stomata took longer to reach a new equilibrium in all species except yellow poplar. Also beech stomata opened and closed in dimmer light than yellow poplar. The rates of stomatal opening and closing correlated well with the known shade tolerance of the species.
True grit: Toward a culture of psychological preparedness in engineering education

The rigors of engineering education present each student with a unique set of academic and psychological challenges. Established interventional strategies are typically focused on enhancing academic - rather than psychological - preparedness, potentially leaving many students vulnerable to various demotivating factors. Participants in this special session will collaborate to develop a nucleus of ideas to inform the future development of psychological preparedness strategies - interventions specifically designed to facilitate productive processes such as self-efficacy, self-discipline, resilience, and motivation.
Alternative mRNA Editing in Trypanosomes Is Extensive and May Contribute to Mitochondrial Protein Diversity

The editing of trypanosome mitochondrial mRNAs produces transcripts necessary for mitochondrial functions including electron transport and oxidative phosphorylation. Precursor-mRNAs are often extensively edited by specific uridine insertion or deletion that is directed by small guide RNAs (gRNAs). Recently, it has been shown that cytochrome c oxidase subunit III (COXIII) mRNAs can be alternatively edited to encode a novel mitochondrial membrane protein composed of a unique hydrophilic N-terminal sequence of unknown function and the C-terminal hydrophobic segment of COXIII. To extend the analysis of alternative editing in Trypanosoma brucei we have constructed libraries with over 1100 full-length mitochondrial cDNAs and the sequences of over 1200 gRNA genes. Using this data, we show that alternative editing of COXIII, ATPase subunit 6 (A6), and NADH dehydrogenase subunits 7, 8 and 9 (ND7, 8, 9) mRNAs can produce novel open reading frames (ORFs). Several gRNAs potentially responsible for the alternative editing of these mRNAs were also identified. These findings show that alternative editing of mitochondrial mRNAs is common in T. brucei and expands the diversity of mitochondrial proteins in these organisms.