cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Modified Transurethral Sphincterotomy on Autonomic Dysreflexia

Abstract Autonomic dysreflexia continues to be a major problem in spinal cord injury patients. In our report 16 patients with spinal cord lesions above the T6 level and a history of autonomic dysreflexia also had detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia. Of these patients 12 (75 per cent) had evidence of dysreflexia during cystometry. In addition, the dysreflexic response in blood pressure was shown to correlate with the high intravesical and urethral pressures measured during cystometry. Modified transurethral sphincterotomies subsequently were performed on all patients as recommended therapy for detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia. Repeat cystometry revealed significant decreases in intravesical and urethral pressures compared to before sphincterotomy (p less than 0.001) along with an associated significant decrease in blood pressure (p less than 0.01). Other dysreflexic responses also were markedly attenuated. These results suggest an association among detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia, high intravesical and urethral pressures, and autonomic dysreflexia. Our data indicate further that the frequency and magnitude of autonomic dysreflexia can be diminished significantly by modified external sphincterotomy.
Big and Bigger Agribusiness: Farm to Table

The super-rich in agribusiness benefit from direct subsidies to corporate farms, protection for the sugar industry, and subsidies for the giant seed company, Monsanto. Monsanto has used its market power for decades to carve out a near monopoly in certain seed sectors, while benefiting directly from the revolving door syndrome between government and industry. The net effect has been a gigantic welfare scheme favoring Monsanto. It has bought rival seed companies, won the right to patent “life” by convincing lawmakers that anything concocted in a laboratory should be patentable, and has even won legal battles to prevent labeling of food products containing genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Carbon nanotubes and crystalline silica stimulate robust ROS production, inflammasome activation, and IL-1β secretion in macrophages to induce myofibroblast transformation

Pulmonary exposure to inhaled particulates elicits complex inflammatory and fibrotic responses that may progress to chronic fibrosis. The fibrogenic potentials of respirable particulates are influenced by their physicochemical properties and their interactions with major pathways to drive fibrotic development in the lung. Macrophages were exposed to six carbon nanotubes (CNTs) of varying dimensions, crystalline silica, or carbon black (CB), with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 as positive controls. Macrophage-conditioned media was collected and applied to cultures of human pulmonary fibroblast line WI38-VA13 to induce myofibroblast transformation. Multi-walled and single-walled CNTs (MWCNTs and SWCNTs, respectively) and silica, but not CB, stimulated robust myofibroblast transformation through macrophage-conditioned media. On an equal weight basis, MWCNTs induced higher induction than SWCNTs. High induction was observed for MWCNTs with a long and slender or a short and rigid shape, and silica, at levels comparable to those by LPS and TGF-β1. Fibrogenic particulates induced high levels of IL-1β mRNA expression and protein secretion that are required for macrophage-guided myofibroblast transformation. Induction of IL-1β is dependent on the activation of the NLRP3 (NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3) inflammasome and ROS (reactive oxygen species) production in macrophages, as inhibition of NLRP3 by MCC950 and reduction of ROS production by N-acetylcysteine blocked NLRP3 activation, IL-1β induction, and fibroblast activation and differentiation. Therefore, fibrogenic CNTs and silica, but not CB, elicit robust macrophage-guided myofibroblast transformation, which depends on the induction of IL-1β through the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway and the increased production of ROS in macrophages.
Halo Meteors

The stellar halo contains some of the oldest stars in the Milky Way galaxy and in the universe. The detections of `Oumuamua, CNEOS 2014-01-08, and interstellar dust serve to calibrate the production rate of interstellar objects. We study the feasibility of a search for interstellar meteors with origins in the stellar halo. We find the mean heliocentric impact speed for halo meteors to be $\sim 270 \mathrm{\;km\;s^{-1}}$, and the standard deviation is $\sim 90 \mathrm{\;km\;s^{-1}}$, making the population kinematically distinct from all other meteors, which are an order-of-magnitude slower. We explore the expected abundance of halo meteors, finding that a network of all-sky cameras covering all land on Earth can take spectra and determine the orbits of a few hundred halo meteors larger than a few mm per year. The compositions of halo meteors would provide information on the characteristics of planetary system formation for the oldest stars. In addition, one could place tight constraints on baryonic dark matter objects of low masses.
Assessing safety in hormonal male contraception: a critical appraisal of adverse events reported in a male contraceptive trial.

Introduction There is unmet need for male contraceptive options, but a recent injectable combination male contraceptive trial was terminated early due to adverse events (AEs). Methods We examined the frequency of reported AEs by male research participants compared with AEs reported in prescribing information of approved female hormonal contraceptive methods. Published data from trials of the top five most-used female hormonal contraceptives, supplemented by contemporary contraceptive research, were compared with the frequency of AEs reported in a male injectable hormonal contraceptive trial. Results We observed similar frequencies of AEs reported by users of male contraceptives compared with those reported by female users. Among quantitatively comparable AEs, compared with men, women reported experiencing higher frequencies of headaches, pelvic pain, and weight gain and similar frequencies of decreased libido. Compared with women, men reported experiencing higher frequencies of acne and mood changes. Men discontinued participation due to AEs at a lower frequency than women. Conclusions Female hormonal methods generally have similar frequencies of AEs to those reported in a recent male hormonal contraceptive trial, and male users had lower rates of discontinuation due to AEs. There were fewer serious AEs of the male contraceptive than reported in contemporary female trials which resulted in FDA licensure. This suggests there may be implicit bias in the scientific community regarding the level of acceptable risk for users of male contraceptive methods.
On the efficient location of hospitals

An efficient hospital location minimizes the sum of treatment costs and patient travel costs. This paper presents a model of a circular hospital market area and estimates the parameters of that model for 125 hospitals in New York State outside of New York City. On average, an efficient location involves a patient vehicle journey of 16 min, but the actual average is 42 min. Thus patients are required to travel too far, given the existing size and service mix of hospitals. Free entry is unlikely to remedy the situation since the number of hospitals has steadily declined due to continuing closures and mergers, and State policy essentially prohibits for-profit hospitals, which might otherwise seek to fill gaps in the market.
APPROXIMATING PURCHASE PROPENSITIES AND RESERVATION PRICES FROM BROAD CONSUMER TRACKING

A consumer's web‐browsing history, now readily available, may be much more useful than demographics for both targeting advertisements and personalizing prices. Using a method that combines economic modeling and machine learning methods, I find a striking difference. Personalizing prices based on web‐browsing histories increases profits by 12.99%. Using demographics alone to personalize prices raises profits by only 0.25%, suggesting the percent profit gain from personalized pricing has increased 50‐fold. I then investigate whether regulations intended to prevent price gouging increase aggregate consumer surplus. Two feasible regulations considered offer at best modest improvements.
Valuations: From orthogonal additivity to orthosymmetry

Abstract We prove that polynomial valuations on vector lattices correspond to orthosymmetric multilinear maps. As a consequence we obtain a concise proof of the correspondence between orthosymmetry and orthogonal additivity.
Psched: A Priority-Based Service Scheduling Scheme for the Internet of Drones

With the continuous miniaturization of sensors and processors and ubiquitous wireless connectivity, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), also referred to as drones, are finding many new uses in enhancing our life and paving the way to the realization of Internet of Drones (IoD). In the IoD, a myriad of multisized and heterogeneous drones seamlessly interact with Zone Service Providers (ZSPs) to achieve the goal of assisting drones in accessing controlled airspace and providing navigation services. However, due to the high mobility of drones and the limited communication bandwidth between drones and ZSP, service scheduling becomes a critical issue when a set of drones wants to upload/download data to/from ZSP. In this article, we propose a priority-based service scheduling scheme, also named $Psched$ , to provide efficient data upload/download service at ZSP in the IoD. The basic idea is that the $Psched$ objectively and equitably assigns a weight to multiple service scheduling parameters based on multiattribute decision making theory, calculates the serving priority of each service request group, and then serves the service request groups based on the calculated serving priority accordingly. In addition, the $Psched$ takes into account of bandwidth competition between upload and download service requests, and provides a service request balancing to achieve the maximum benefits of service scheduling scheme. In the experimental study, we choose request deadline, data size, and data popularity as service scheduling parameters, and conduct extensive simulation experiments using OMNeT++ for performance evaluation and comparison. The simulation results show that the proposed priority-based service scheduling scheme can not only increase service ratio but also can improve fresh data service ratio and average request serving latency, indicating a viable and efficient approach for satisfying service requests at ZSP in the IoD.
Exploring Social Media Recruitment Strategies and Preliminary Acceptability of an mHealth Tool for Teens with Eating Disorders

(1) Background: The current study leveraged social media to connect with teens with EDs to identify population specific characteristics and to gather feedback on an mHealth intervention. (2) Methods: We recruited teens with EDs from social media in two phases: (1) Discovery Group, (2) Testing Group. The Discovery Group (n = 14) participants were recruited from Facebook/Instagram and were asked to review the app for up to one week and provide qualitative feedback. After incorporating feedback from the Discovery Group, we refined our social media outreach methods to connect with 30 teens with EDs to pilot this mobile app. Recruitment from a variety of platforms on social media was successful, with the majority of enrolled participants in the Testing Group coming from Snapchat (60%) and a large percentage of participants belonging to gender and sexual minority groups (63%). (3) Results: Participants from both groups experienced extremely high rates of depression (100% Discovery, 90% Testing) and/or anxiety symptoms (100% Discovery, 93% Testing) in addition to ED symptoms, and noted this as a possible barrier to app engagement. (4) Conclusion: Use of social media for recruitment of teens with EDs is feasible and may connect with groups who may be more difficult to reach using traditional recruitment methods. Among the Discovery Group there was high acceptability of and interest in an app to support ED recovery, and characteristics of both groups demonstrated need for support in other mental health domains. Future studies should evaluate the preliminary efficacy of such tools among teens to determine the effects of such interventions on ED symptoms and other mental health outcomes.
GC-MS SCREENING, ACUTE TOXICITY AND IN VIVO ANTIDIABETIC ACTIVITY OF THE METHANOL WHOLE PLANT EXTRACT OF Plantago rugelii (Plantaginaceae)

A metabolic disorder like Diabetes Mellitus requires serious attention to prevent its associated long-term complications. Plantago rugelii is an important medicinal plant used in South-South Nigeria for the management and treatment of diabetes mellitus amongst others. The present investigation focuses on the GC-MS profile, oral acute toxicity and the antidiabetic potential of the methanol whole plant extract of the plant. The fresh whole plant was obtained,air-dried, pulverized, cold macerated using absolute methanol and concentrated to dryness. Acute oral toxicity was conducted using standard procedure. The oral antidiabetic effect was evaluated in vivo on six groups of rats with five rats per group. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan monohydrate (160 mg/kg) in ice-cold 0.9% v/v normal saline. The extracts at 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight reduced glycaemia by 30.43%, 43.78% and 59.54% respectively as against the glibenclamide treated rats, which has an 82.77% reduction. There was no mortality at 4 g/kg p.o. after 24 hours and no sign of delayed toxicity or mortality after 14 days of observation. The GC-MS spectra revealed twenty-one (21) phytoconstituents of which some have established antidiabetic effects. The antidiabetic effect of the plant could be attributed to the presence of the established biological phytochemicals however; bioassay-guided isolation and characterization of the phytocompound(s) should be carried out to identify the lead compound(s).
Wheat Genotype-Specific Recruitment of Rhizosphere Bacterial Microbiota Under Controlled Environments

Plants recruit beneficial microbial communities in the rhizosphere that are involved in a myriad of ecological services such as improved soil quality, nutrient uptake, abiotic stress tolerance, and soil-borne disease suppression. Disease suppression caused by rhizosphere microbiomes has been important in managing soil-borne diseases in wheat. The low heritability of resistance in wheat to soil-borne diseases like Rhizoctonia root-rot have made management of these diseases challenging, particularly in direct-seeded systems. Identification of wheat genotypes that recruit rhizosphere microbiomes that promote improved plant fitness and suppression of the pathogen could be an alternative approach to disease management. Several growth-chamber cycling experiments were conducted using six winter wheat genotypes (PI561725, PI561727, Eltan, Lewjain, Hill81, Madsen) to determine wheat genotypes that recruit suppressive microbiomes. At the end of the third cycle, suppression assays were done by inoculating R. solani into soils previously cultivated with specific wheat genotypes to test suppression of the pathogen by the microbiome. Microbiome composition was characterized by sequencing of 16S rDNA (V1-V3 region). Among the growth cycling lengths, 160-day growth cycles exhibited the most distinct rhizosphere microbiomes among the wheat genotypes. Suppression assays showed that rhizosphere microbiomes of different wheat genotypes resulted in significant differences in shoot length (p-value = 0.018) and had an impact on the pathogenicity of R. solani, as observed in the reduced root disease scores. Furthermore, soils previously cultivated with the ALMT1 isogenic lines PI561725 and PI561727, exhibited better seedling vigor and reduced root disease. Microbiome analysis showed that Burkholderiales taxa, specifically Janthinobacterium, are differentially abundant in PI561727 and PI561725 cultivated soils, and are associated with reduced root disease and better growth. This study demonstrates that specific wheat genotypes to recruit different microbiomes in growth chamber conditions but the microbial community alterations were quite different from those previously observed in field plots, even though the same soils were used. Genotype selection or development appears to be a viable approach to controlling soilborne diseases in a sustainable manner and controlled environment assays can be used to see genetic differences but further work is needed to explain differences seen between growth chamber and field conditions.
An integrative view of phylogenetic comparative methods: connections to population genetics, community ecology, and paleobiology

Recent innovations in phylogenetic comparative methods (PCMs) have spurred a renaissance of research into the causes and consequences of large-scale patterns of biodiversity. In this paper, we review these advances. We also highlight the potential of comparative methods to integrate across fields and focus on three examples where such integration might be particularly valuable: quantitative genetics, community ecology, and paleobiology. We argue that PCMs will continue to be a key set of tools in evolutionary biology, shedding new light on how evolutionary processes have shaped patterns of biodiversity through deep time.
Neuroidentification of system parameters for the shunt & series branch control of UPFC

The crucial factor affecting the modern power systems today is load flow control. The unified power flow controller (UPFC) forms an affective means for controlling the power flow. The UPFC consists of shunt and series inverters which are conventionally controlled using linear controllers. This paper presents the design of neuroidentifiers that identify the system parameters that determine the UPFC controller outputs one-time step ahead thus, making the pathway for the design of adaptive neurocontrollers. Two neuroidentifiers are used for identifying the nonlinear dynamics of power system and UPFC, one neuroidentifier for the shunt inverter and the other for the series inverter. Simulation results carried out in the PSCAD/EMTDC environment are presented to show the successful neuroidentification of system parameters are possible.
Subjectivity, Context, and Perceptions of Quality in Empirical Research

This paper examines the role played by context and subjectivity in the epistemology of information systems research. Different assumptional frameworks underlying the opposing worldviews of positivism and interpretivism explain the differing treatments of context and subjectivity within these two frames of reference and thus the different criteria for quality that can be applied to each. The discussion examines how embedded assumptions concerning appropriate process and the ways in which we account for the research process affect the value-judgments applied to various research studies. It is argued that subjectivity has an important role to play in both positivist and interpretive research, but that this role is significant at different stages of the research life-cycle. Interpretive research is only indefensible if it is presented in the discourse of the positivist tradition. It is suggested that alternative notions of rigor and generalizability replace these traditions to legitimize interpretivism. This conclusion has significant implications for how we conduct and generalize from research in the information systems field.
Démocratie versus liberté Les leçons tirées de la Constitution américaine (Democracy versus Liberty: Lessons learned from the American Constitution)

Le professeur et Mme Hanke fournissent une analyse perspicace des Peres fondateurs et de leurs ecrits. Au lieu de les considerer avec nos visions, biais et prejuges actuels, ils se concentrent sur leur signification essentielle et originelle. Beaucoup seront surpris d’apprendre que le mot « democratie » n’a ete utilise ni dans la declaration d’Independance, ni dans la Constitution. En effet, les Peres fondateurs redoutaient toute forme de tyrannie, y compris la tyrannie de la majorite. Cet essai doit etre lu et medite par tous ceux qui pensent qu’ils ont le droit d’influencer la societe.Professor and Mrs. Hanke provide an incisive perspective on the founding fathers and their writings. Instead of considering them with our current views, bias and prejudice, they concentrate on their own original and essential meaning. Many are surprised to learn that the word "democracy" is used neither in the declaration of independence, nor in the constitution. In fact, the founding fathers feared every form of tyranny, including the tyranny of the majority. This essay must be read and considered by all those who think that they have the right to influence society.
Genetically engineered Bifidobacterium longum expressing cytosine deaminase for tumor-targeting enzyme-prodrug therapy

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 47, 2006 4023 Cancer gene therapy approaches to solid tumor treatment have been limited by the delivering ability to achieve specific high-level expression of the gene product within tumor cells or the tissues following the systemic vector administration. Since hypoxia is characteristic of most solid tumors, gene therapies targeting to hypoxic tumor cells having been investigated. We previously reported that a strain of domestic nonpathogenic and anaerobic bacteria, Bifidobacterium longum ( B. longum ), selectively localized and proliferated within solid tumors after the systemic administration. Here, we propose a novel approach to cancer therapy in which anaerobic bacteria of the genus B. longum are used to achieve tumor-specific delivery of a desired agent and enzyme-prodrug therapy. We constructed an expression vector, pBLES100-S-eCD, of E. coli cytosine deaminase gene ( eCD ), transfecting it into B. longum by electroporation. We confirmed that the transformed B. longum ( B. longum /S-eCD) localized and grew specifically in solid tumors and that the cytosine deaminase (CD) was produced in the B. longum/ S-eCD detected in the tumors by Gram’s stain and immunostaining for CD. Such cytosine deaminase (CD) production in hypoxic tumors resulted in the tumor site-specific conversion of 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC) to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Furthermore, we observed growth suppression of autochthonous mammary tumors chemically-induced in rats by both direct and intravenous administration of B. longum /S-eCD. This method was thus confirmed to be effective irrespective of the systemic administration or the intra-tumoral injection. To further estimate the safety of the non-pathogenic B. longum /S-eCD, the immunogenicity was examined through Active Systemic Anaphylaxis (ASA) reaction and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) reaction in guinea pigs. In ASA reaction, no anaphylaxis symptom was observed in any immunized guinea-pigs injected with B.longum /S-eCD. In PCA reaction, no anti- Blongum /S-eCD antibody was detected, either. These results surprised us and also made us convinced that Blongum /S-eCD was safely used for a tumor-specific delivery system. The clinical effectiveness of 5-FU in conventional therapy has been limited by its high degree of the systemic toxicity, particularly toward the bone marrow. However, the enzyme-prodrug therapeutic strategy using B. longum /S-eCD and 5-FC shown here appeared to be safer and more effective, because of the specific generation of 5-FU at the tumor site but not at other normal tissues, than conventional chemotherapies with 5-FU. Taken these findings together, we believe that obligate anaerobic bacteria, such as the genus B. longum , are safe and attractive tools to specifically produce desired anti-tumor agents in enzyme-prodrug therapy of solid tumors.
Practical considerations regarding the use of total nutrient admixtures

The biological concerns, proper storage and administration, and advantages of using total nutrient admixtures (TNAs) for nutritional support are reviewed. In 1983, FDA approved lipid emulsions for administration with dextrose and selected crystalline amino acid preparations (known as three-in-one or total nutrient admixtures). The stability of TNAs is affected by pH, order of mixing, and temperature. Conflicting results have been reported on the issue of microbial growth potential in TNAs. At room temperature, the delivery of the TNA infusate should not exceed 24 hours. Plastic containers that do not contain diethylhexyl phthalate, in sizes up to 3 L, are practical and safe for administration of TNAs. The efficiency of an institution's volumetric pumps should be evaluated before converting to a TNA system because the low final concentrations of lipid emulsion present in the admixtures may render certain pumps inoperable. The practical, nutritional, and potential economic benefits of a TNA delivery system support its use. Further research is needed to determine microbial growth potential, electrolyte and drug compatibilities, and stability under prolonged storage of these admixtures.
Automatic target recognition using kinematic priors

Traditional automatic target recognition (ATR) systems discriminate based upon target size, target shape, or both. In this paper, an ATR algorithm is proposed that exploits aircraft-class specific kinematics to assess the tracked target's likelihood. Prior information on kinematics includes the physical parameters of the aircraft, allowable input forces to a pilot, and pilot behavior in the aircraft. It is shown that the computation of the likelihood of observed events is intractable. A suboptimal approximation to the likelihood can be computed using a hypothesis reduction method based on the generalized pseudo-Bayesian (GPB) class of algorithms. A bound on the L/sub 1/ distance of a suboptimal approximate density from the true density is derived. >
A multicenter study of 30 days complications after deceased donor liver transplantation in the model for end-stage liver disease score Era

Knowledge of risk factors for posttransplant complications is likely to improve patient outcomes. Few large studies of all early postoperative complications after deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT) exist. Therefore, we conducted a retrospective, cohort study of 30-day complications, their risk factors, and the impact on outcomes after DDLT. Three centers contributed data for 450 DDLTs performed from January 2005 through December 2009. Data included donor, recipient, transplant, and outcome variables. All 30-day postoperative complications were graded by the Clavien-Dindo system. Complications per patient and severe (≥ grade III) complications were primary outcomes. Death within 30 days, complication occurrence, length of stay (LOS), and graft and patient survival were secondary outcomes. Multivariate associations of risk factors with complications and complications with LOS, graft survival, and patient survival were examined. Mean number of complications/patient was 3.3 ± 3.9. At least 1 complication occurred in 79.3%, and severe complications occurred in 62.8% of recipients. Mean LOS was 16.2 ± 22.9 days. Graft and patient survival rates were 84% and 86%, respectively, at 1 year and 74% and 76%, respectively, at 3 years. Hospitalization, critical care, ventilatory support, and renal replacement therapy before transplant and transfusions during transplant were the significant predictors of complications (not the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score). Both number and severity of complications had a significant impact on LOS and graft and patient survival. Structured reporting of risk-adjusted complications rates after DDLT is likely to improve patient care and transplant center benchmarking. Despite the accomplished reductions in transfusions during DDLT, opportunities exist for further reductions. With increasing transplantation of sicker patients, reduction in complications would require multidisciplinary efforts and institutional commitment. Pretransplant risk characteristics for complications must factor in during payer contracting.
Importance and Impact of Antimicrobial Stewardship

The landscape of health care is rapidly changing. With health care reform on the horizon, institutions are examining many practices to determine the best way to provide optimal care while minimizing economic burden. Antimicrobial stewardship is one method many institutions are implementing to achieve this balance. Antimicrobial stewardship encompasses a wide range of services aimed at improving patient outcomes and minimizing the untoward effects of antimicrobial agents including side effects as well as induction of resistance. These programs have been shown to decrease both the development of resistance as well as expenditures on antimicrobial agents. Recently, computerized decision support software has been implemented at many institutions. This technology has greatly improved the productivity of antimicrobial stewardship programs. Combining available technology with expert knowledge in infectious diseases is necessary to ensure the continued efficacy of current antimicrobial agents.
A discriminant analysis of amino acid frequency in collagen-like proteins.

Abstract The amino acid composition of collagen-like proteins from seven vertebrate and invertebrate animal phyla was used to construct a set of multiple discriminant classification functions. A stepwise procedure based on conditional F ratios was employed to identify those amino acids whose frequencies varied most consistently among the phyla. Out of 19 possible amino acids, proline, aspartate, lysine, alanine, phenylalanine, threonine, tyrosine, serine and hydroxyproline were selected to become independent variables of the discriminant functions. The reduction in the number of independent variables from 19 to nine is one of the advantages of this method. Variation among phylum centroids on the derived set of five discriminant functions (axes) was statistically highly significant and these five axes accounted for 98·11% of the total variance. All of the possible pairwise comparisons of phylum centroids on these five axes revealed differences which would occur by chance less than 1% of the time. By these criteria, the seven phyla studied were successfully distinguished one from the other on the basis of the amino acid composition of their collagen. Using the classification functions, the most probable phylum affinities for 46 species were calculated and all of these species were identified with their correct phylum. This offers the possibility that this method might be useful in defining membership in more refined taxa.
Ambulation of Hospitalized Gynecologic Surgical Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE:To estimate whether specific ambulation goals affect the adequacy or perceived barriers to ambulation in hospitalized surgical patients after major gynecologic surgery.METHODS:One hundred forty-six surgical inpatients were randomized to specific ambulation goals or routine care. We assesse
Molecular factors governing inhibition of arylimidamides against Leishmania: conservative computational modeling to improve chemotherapies.

Abstract A dataset of 55 compounds with inhibitory activity against Leishmania donovani axenic amastigotes and Leishmania amazonensis intracellular parasites was examined through three-dimensional quantitative structure–activity relationship modeling employing molecular descriptors from both rigid and flexible compound alignments. For training and testing purposes, the compounds were divided into two datasets of 45 and 10 compounds, respectively. Statistically significant models were constructed and validated via the internal and external predictions. For all models employing steric, electrostatic, hydrophobic, H-donor and H-acceptor molecular descriptors, the R 2 values were greater than 0.90 and the SEE values were less than 0.22. The models obtained from rigid and flexible compounds were employed together to obtain a conservative method for predictions. This method minimized under predictions. Molecular descriptors from the models were then extrapolated, for the overall predictive devices and the individual compounds, and examined with regard to inhibitory activity. Information gained from the molecular descriptors is useful in the design of novel compounds. The models obtained can be employed to predict activities of the compounds designed and/or form predictions for compounds that exist and have not yet been examined with biological inhibitory assays.
A study of the dynamics of foam growth: Analysis of the growth of closely spaced spherical bubbles

A mathematical analysis of bubble growth in an expanding foam is presented. The analysis is based on a cell model whereby the foam is divided into spherical microscopic unit cells of equal and constant mass, each consisting of a liquid envelope (or shell) and a concentric spherical gas bubble. Expansion occurs by diffusion of a dissolved gas from the supersaturated envelope into the bubble. This cell model is capable of describing important qualitative features of a real system of numerous bubbles growing in close proximity to one another, and is intended as the building block of a global analysis of macroscopic foam expansion. The coupled algebraic and differential equations governing the growth of a cell are derived and solved numerically. Five dimensionless parameters are identified for the case of constant temperature and pressure outside the cell, and their effects are demonstrated through computer simulations of the system. Of these parameters, surface tension and initial radius prove to be of relatively little importance in the practical cases considered. The other parameters are the thermodynamic driving force, the cell mass (inversely proportional to the number density of bubbles), and the ratio of characteristic times for mass and momentum transport.
Unified basis for tectonic theory

Abstract Five important principles are adopted as guides in developing a tectonic theory. These are: 1. (1) strike-slip motion is more important than any other kind. 2. (2) the crust is essentially a passive layer, riding on top of an active deeper zone. 3. (3) the degree of crustal deformation is, commonly, a greatly diminished measure of actual displacement at depth. 4. (4) the orientation of structural features such as faults and fold axes is more important than their relative sizes. 5. (5) present deformational patterns are typical, rather than unique, and therefore can be used as a key to tectonic history. These five principles are combined to produce a zonal rotation hypothesis for earth deformation. According to this hypothesis, the hierarchy of deformational units is as follows: 1. I. Equatorial belt, consisting of a variety of features, but specifically including a number of axisymmetric systems such as the Caribbean system which extends (north-south) from Cuba into Venezuela. The motion in each system is west-east, hence the entire belt is assumed to have a west-east acceleration. 2. II. The north Pacific plate, rotating in counter-clockwise fashion, as a result of being driven from the south by the equatorial belt. 3. III. Individual continents or fragments of continents, such as North America, which is circling the north Pacific plate — also in a counterclockwise direction, but at a retarded rate — as a result of drag along the Alaska-California coast. 4. IV. Smaller features, such as the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas and Oklahoma, and the Alps. The two truly unique parts of the surface of the planet are the two junctions of the equatorial belt and the Pacific rim: 1. (1) a convergence zone, in the vicinity of the up-thrust Himalayan plateau. 2. (2) a divergence zone, in the vicinity of the subsiding, primarily tensional, Gulf of Mexico. The rate of displacement, through much of this four-level system, is on the order of 1 cm/year. Mountain systems of North America can be analyzed in terms of the theory. West Coast ranges are permanently active right-lateral structures, although perhaps they have experienced crescendoes at intermittent intervals. The Appalachians were more-or-less continuously active left-lateral structures only during late Precambrian and Paleozoic time, when they were the northern limb of an axisymmetric system in the equatorial belt. The Gulf Coast “geosyncline” has a long depositional history still ahead of it. The theory also predicts that the Pleistocene, if extended into the future to cover all immediately succeeding glaciations, has only begun. The force problem remains unsolved, but past attempts to resolve this difficulty have ignored several important facets of the problem. Regardless of the order of the forces involved, however, the present theory is no more handicapped than any other.
Theory of the second-order reflection grating

The characteristics of the second-order reflection grating are investigated for the transverse electric mode with particular reference to such applications as frequency-selective filter and the output, input, and conjugate couplers. Three canonical equations that are valid for a distributed coupler with two guided waves, an incident wave, and a radiated wave are derived systematically. General relations among the coupling coefficients are deduced, and these lead to the principle of power conservation and reciprocity. The analyses of the devices, based on the solution of the canonical equations, lead to the determination of the various design parameters, such as the optimum operating frequencies and the optimum grating length. The reflection grating with the corrugation on the film-cover interface is compared with the grating having the corrugation on the conducting surface. An illustrative numerical example is included.
Coculture modulates laminin synthesis and mRNA levels in epidermal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts.

To investigate the role of cell-cell interactions between keratinocytes and fibroblasts at the dermal-epidermal junction in the regulation of extracellular matrix protein expression, we have developed a cell coculture model that allows both cell types to internet on a reciprocal basis and yet be isolated as pure populations for quantitative analysis. Using porous membrane inserts as a substrate for keratinocytes grown in coculture over fibroblast monolayers, we report that coculture stimulates cell growth and total protein synthesis in both cell types when compared to monocultured controls. Both keratinocytes and fibroblasts synthesize laminin B1 and B2 chains with an additional subunit comigrating with laminin M chain detected in keratinocytes but only faintly visible in fibroblasts. Laminin A chain synthesis could not be detected. Although laminin subunit composition did not change in either cell type, fractional laminin synthesis increases by 41.0 ± 2.3% in cocultured keratinocytes and decreases by 73.8 ± 8.1% in cocultured fibroblasts when compared to monocultured controls. In cocultured keratinocytes, steady-state mRNA levels for laminin B1, B2, and M chains increased by 69.4, 63.5, and 136.8%, respectively, when compared to monocultured controls. However, in cocultured fibroblasts, laminin B1 and B2 chain mRNA decreased by 74.2 and 72.7%, respectively. Laminin M chain mRNA could not be detected in fibroblasts. These results suggest that synthesis and expression of laminin is regulated through reciprocal cell-cell interactions in fibroblasts and keratinocytes grown in coculture.
Alcoholics Anonymous Benefit and Social Attachment

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is helpful to many problem drinkers, and AA referral by treatment providers is common. Surprisingly little is known, however, about why the practice of the AA program leads to abstinence. This study conducted a cross-sectional survey (N = 158) that asked people attending AA about their current and pre-AA interpersonal attachment styles. As predicted, AA participation was associated with increased secure attachments and significant reductions in avoidant and anxious attachment styles. Findings are interpreted within the context of AA's emphasis on the development of relationships to achieve sobriety, both with other AA members and a Higher Power.
Effect of equal and random amounts of varied practice on transfer task performance.

Studies of contextual interference compare the effect of random and block practice on retention and the performance of novel transfer task(s) with all subjects receiving an equal number of trials (Schmidt, 1991). Since only the manner of practice is being varied, contextual interference is simply a fashionable label for order of practice first considered by Dunham (1969). While balanced testing procedures provide a useful experimental design, practice in the real world seldom occurs in this manner. Typically, parameters of practice are controlled by external conditions rather than explicitly designed procedures. Basketball players practice shooting from near where they retrieve the ball, while batters must hit balls that are spatially and temporally varied on arrival. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of equal and random amounts of varied practice on the performance of tasks inside and outside the range of practice. Forty right-handed undergraduates from physical activity classes at the university volunteered as subjects. The apparatus was a Lafayette 30014 photoelectric pursuit rotor. Time on target was recorded and trials determined using a Lafayette Model 54019 stop clock. Subjects were assigned to one of four practice methods, blocked knowledge of results, blocked no knowledge of results, random knowledge of results, and random no knowledge of results. Each subject was given three sets of 20 rotor trials of 20 sec., with 20-sec. intertrial rests. Subjects assigned to blocked practice had five trials at one of four speeds (20, 30, 40, and 50 rpm) followed by blocks of five trials at the other three speeds in random order. Individuals assigned to random practice had three sets of 20 trials at speeds of 20, 30, 40, and 50 rpm with the order and frequency of each speed determined randomly. Forty-eight hours after completing their practice, subjects were given five transfer trials on a task inside the practice range (35 rpm) followed by five transfer trials on a task outside the practice range (60 rpm). Mean time on target and SDs for the varied groups at each speed are
Developmental modification of the Drosophila cell cycle

The cell cycle is subject to extrinsic regulation that coordinates cell division with developmental events. This important area at the interface of developmental biology and research into the cell cycle has yielded recent exciting advances. Developmental modification of the cell cycle is exemplified during Drosophila embryogenesis. Early in embryogenesis, regulation of the cell cycle becomes progressively more complex as a simple S-M cycle is altered to include gap phases. Later in embryogenesis, the cycle alters again, to include only an S and a gap phase. These developmental alterations are partly effected by regulating the expression of genes that control key transitions in the cell cycle. Certain controls that are unique to the variant cell cycles have also been defined. The field is now poised for the identification of the intervening steps between the developmental signals and their ultimate effects on known cell cycle regulators.
A Feather Abnormality in Chicks Fed Diets Deficient in Certain Amino Acids

Abstract A feather abnormality was observed in chicks during bio-assay investigations with eleven essential amino acids. As dietary valine, leucine, isoleucine, glycine or phenylalanine and tyrosine levels decreased, a similar progressive feather abnormality became apparent. The outstanding feature of the feather abnormality was the concave structure of the feathers as they bent upward from the body. This structure gave the feathers a ragged appearance. The feather abnormality is described and illustrated. The percentage of dietary amino acids used were: valine, 0.40, 0.50, 0.60, and 0.70; leucine, 0.60, 0.68, 0.76, and 0.82; isoleucine, 0.32, 0.38, 0.44, and 0.50; glycine, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, and 0.45; or phenylalanine and tyrosine, 0.65, 0.70, 0.75, and 0.80. Chicks fed the highest level of valine (0.70%), and lowest levels of threonine (0.36%), lysine (0.45%), tryptophan (0.05%), arginine (0.50%), histidine (0.15%) or methionine to cystine ratio of 1:1 (0.30%) had normal feathers. In contrast, chicks fed the highest levels of either leucine, isoleucine, glycine or phenylalanine and tryosine had abnormal feathers.
Writing history and making policy : the Cold War, Vietnam, and revisionism

A study of theories of the Cold War which represents a decade of serious research and study. The author proceeds step by step to understand and analyze the differing approaches of leading individual thinkers and schools of thought, making this the most comprehensive view of the Cold War ever published. Co-published with the Miller Center of Public Affairs.
Content analysis of the world wide web: opportunities and challenges

This article examines methodological issues for content analytic research of the World Wide Web. The outline of content analysis as a systematic and quantitative scientific method for measuring the...
Von Willebrand factor and the right ventricle (the MESA-Right Ventricle Study).

Elevation in plasma activity of von Willebrand factor (vWF) reflects endothelial dysfunction and predicts death in pulmonary arterial hypertension. Higher vWF activity is also associated with a lower right ventricular (RV) ejection fraction in pulmonary arterial hypertension. Little is known about the relation between vWF and RV structure and function in adults without cardiovascular disease. The present investigation included 1,976 participants with magnetic resonance imaging assessment of RV structure and function and measurement of vWF activity from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. Multivariable linear regression was used to estimate the associations between vWF activity and measures of RV structure and function after adjusting for demographics, anthropometrics, smoking, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and the corresponding left ventricular parameter. The average vWF activity was 140.7 ± 57.2%. Elevated vWF activity was independently associated with lower RV mass, RV end-diastolic volume, and RV stroke volume in models with and without adjustment for the corresponding left ventricular parameter (all p values
Utility of azetidinium methanesulfonates for radiosynthesis of 3‐[18F]fluoropropyl amines

3-Methanesulfonyloxypropyl tertiary amines were observed to cyclize to form azetidinium methanesulfonate moieties. Heat-induced cyclization of 3-methanesulfonyloxypropyl amines was utilized for preparation of azetidinium methanesulfonates. The azetidinium methanesulfonates were found to incorporate radioactive [18F]fluoride (decay-corrected yields >60%) efficiently, resulting in an efficient synthesis of 3-[18F]fluoropropyl tertiary amines. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydrography of the central Atlantic—III. The North Atlantic deep-water complex

Abstract Results of the GEOSECS (Geochemical Ocean Sections) program show that the compositional trends within the NADW complex can be ascribed mainly to geographic variations in the relative proportions of northern (i.e., deep waters originating in the Norwegian and Labrador seas) and southern components (i.e., of Antarctic Bottom Water). At any given station the fraction of southern component increases with depth within the mass, and at any given depth it increases from north to south. Oxygen, silica, alkalinity, barium, and radium all show anomalies that relate to the decomposition of particulate debris within the deep eastern basin. For oxygen this leads to a pronounced anomaly in the western basin water column at a depth corresponding to the hydrographic sill for the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The downward mixing of Mediterranean Water produces compositional anomalies in the upper NADW in the latitudes range 17 to 33°N. A large thermal anomaly is observed within the NADW complex from 4 to 18°S in the western basin. As this anomaly is centered high on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge there is a chance that it may reflect an unusually large recent heat release in this region.