cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Serum augments the generation of monocyte procoagulant stimulated by bacterial lipopolysaccharide or chemotactic fragments of C5

Abstract Human serum augments the ability of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (endotoxin) or partially-purified C5-derived chemotactic fragments (C5-fr) to induce the monocyte procoagulant activity (PCA) in vitro . Both autologous and pooled sera induced PCA in the target cell population. Dose response curves revealed a detectable response in PCA with as little as 0.1% serum (v:v) in cell suspensions incubated for 4–6 hours before assay of PCA. Heat-inactivation experiments showed that enhancing activity of serum for both endotoxin and C5-fr induced-PCA could be destroyed by heating at 56°C, with the greater part of the activity lost during the first 30 minutes of heating. The enhancing serums studied contained no endotoxin as measured by the Limulus amebocyte lysate assay and these serums failed to induce aggregation of neutrophils, a sensitive measure for the presence of complement-derived chemotactic fragments such as C5a. Serum without endotoxin or C5-fr also induced a variable increase in PCA and this inducing activity could also be abolished by heating, whereas the ability of endotoxin alone (10 μg/ml) to induce PCA was unaffected by similar heat-treatment. The procoagulant appeared to function as tissue factor in one-stage clotting assays using deficient substrate plasmas. Lymphocytes stimulated by serum and later washed failed to amplify monocyte tissue factor whereas lymphocytes exposed to endotoxin retained the ability to amplify monocyte tissue factor. These results suggest a role for serum in the modulation in vitro of monocyte procoagulant.
Estrogen-dependent growth and estrogen receptor (ER)-α concentration in T47D breast cancer cells are inhibited by VACM-1, a cul 5 gene

Vasopressin-activated calcium mobilizing receptor (VACM-1)/cullin 5 (cul 5) inhibits growth when expressed in T47D breast cancer cells by a mechanism that involves a decrease in MAPK phosphorylation and a decrease in the early growth response element (egr-1) concentration in the nucleus. Since both MAPK and egr-1 pathways can be regulated by 17β-estradiol, we next examined the effects of VACM-1 cDNA expression on estrogen-dependent growth in T47D cells and on estrogen receptor (ER) concentrations. Our results demonstrate that in T47D cells, both basal and 17β-estradiol-dependent increase in cell growth and MAPK phosphorylation were inhibited in cells transfected with VACM-1 cDNA. Further, Western blot and immunocytochemistry data analyses indicate that ER concentrations and its nuclear localization are significantly lower in cells transfected with VACM-1 cDNA when compared to controls. These data indicate that in the T47D cancer cell line VACM-1 inhibits growth by attenuating estrogen-dependent signaling responses. These findings may have implications in the development of cancer treatments.
Effect of surface cationization on the conformal deposition of polyelectrolytes over cotton fibers

The effect of surface cationization on the conformal deposition of alternating nanolayers of poly(sodium styrene sulfonate) (PSS) [Kleinfeld E, Ferguson G (1996) Chem Mater 8:1575–1578] and poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) over cotton fibers is reported. Three different levels of cotton cationization were evaluated. Variations in the cationization degree were achieved by manipulating the ratio of 3-chloro-2-hydroxy propyl trimethyl ammonium to NaOH. Experimental results obtained via Carbon–Hydrogen–Nitrogen–Sulfur (CHNS) elemental analysis and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) indicated that the deposition process was not significantly influenced by the degree of cotton cationization. The build up of further polyelectrolyte layers was found to be less sensitive to variations in the cationic character of the substrates once a critical number of alternating layers was deposited.
Nontoxigenic protein A vaccine for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections in mice

The current epidemic of hospital- and community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections has caused significant human morbidity, but a protective vaccine is not yet available. Prior infection with S. aureus is not associated with protective immunity. This phenomenon involves staphylococcal protein A (SpA), an S. aureus surface molecule that binds to Fcγ of immunoglobulin (Ig) and to the Fab portion of VH3-type B cell receptors, thereby interfering with opsonophagocytic clearance of the pathogen and ablating adaptive immune responses. We show that mutation of each of the five Ig-binding domains of SpA with amino acid substitutions abolished the ability of the resulting variant SpAKKAA to bind Fcγ or Fab VH3 and promote B cell apoptosis. Immunization of mice with SpAKKAA raised antibodies that blocked the virulence of staphylococci, promoted opsonophagocytic clearance, and protected mice against challenge with highly virulent MRSA strains. Furthermore, SpAKKAA immunization enabled MRSA-challenged mice to mount antibody responses to many different staphylococcal antigens.
Carbon Cycle in the Past 300 Years and Future Projections

Four major perturbations owing to human activities on land and global temperature change have affected the global carbon cycle since the year 1700. The process-driven model of the coupled biogeochemical cycles of C-N-P-S (TOTEM) analyzes the cycles of these elements as forced by global emissions from fossil-fuel burning, land-use change, agricultural fertilization of croplands, organic sewage discharges, and a slight temperature rise. The model results for atmospheric CO2 change in the past 300 years agree well with the observed increase. The model estimates the increases in the delivery of land-derived carbon and its transformations in the coastal ocean, changes in the trophic status (net heterotrophy or autotrophy) of the coastal ocean, and consequences of possible changes in the oceanic thermohaline circulation. The model also estimates the atmospheric concentration and storage and transport of carbon for future decades to the middle of the 21st century, based on different scenarios of environmental perturbations.
Listening to music while eating is related to increases in people's food intake and meal duration

The relationship of listening to music while eating with food consumption in the natural environment was assessed in 78 college students. They recorded their food intake along with environmental factors such as meal duration, music, including speed and volume, location, number of people present and the time of day in a detailed diet diary for 7 consecutive days. The data show that the presence of music is associated with higher food intake. Within subject comparisons revealed higher food and fluid intake and longer meal duration while listening to music but no significant differences in music speed or volume. The likelihood of listening to music appeared to be associated with the environmental variables of the number of people present and the time of day. The presence of music appears to be one of a set of environmental factors that influences food and fluid intake in the natural world.
Interfacial debonding strength between the edge surfaces of pyrolytic graphite and epoxy resins

The edge surfaces of pyrolytic graphite have been treated by anodic oxidation and the interfacial debonding strength (IFDS) between the oxidized edge surfaces and epoxy resin measured. The unoxidized and oxidized edge surfaces were examined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The edge and epoxy resin surfaces after debonding test were examined by a field-emission scanning electron microscope. Carboxyl groups were expected to be added in great quantities by breaking the carbon-carbon bonds at the edge surface. On the other hand, hydroxyl groups could be added to edge carbon atoms at the edge surface without breaking the carbon-carbon bonds. The rise in IFDS with anodic oxidation does not correspond directly to the O/C ratios or the amount of carboxyl groups present on the edge surface. Hydroxyl groups added to the edge surface are considered to play an important role in improving the adhesion between the edge surface and epoxy resin through covalent bonds between hydroxyl and epoxy groups. In the case of epoxy resin used in this study, IFDS initially increased to 9 MPa with increasing -OH/C ratio up to about 0.02; thereafter it remains constant at this value. This strength is lower than those of PG and epoxy resin.
Climate-related variability in abundance and reproduction of euphausiids in the northern Gulf of Alaska in 1998 2003

Abstract Interannual variability in abundance of the dominant euphausiids Thysanoessa inermis, Thysanoessa spinifera and Euphausia pacifica was studied in the northern Gulf of Alaska during the production season from 1998 to 2003. T. inermis abundance increased significantly over the shelf from 1998 to 2002, the abundance of T. spinifera (which also inhabits the shelf) did not change, while the abundance of E. pacifica (usually common on the outer shelf) declined in 2001. Based on the incidence of spermatophores on the females, reproduction of T. inermis occurred during April in all years, and was extended through May in 2000–2002. The major spawning of T. spinifera and E. pacifica occurred from April through July, and from late May through August, respectively. The spawning of T. inermis and T. spinifera appeared to be closely related to the spring diatom bloom on the inner shelf, while the spawning of E. pacifica occurred later in season, when the temperature of the mixed layer increased. A strong increase in abundance of T. inermis, associated with the extended colder phase in the North Pacific, indicates that progressive cooling in 1999–2002 may have resulted in greater reproductive success of the early spawning T. inermis on the inner shelf.
The Painlevé property and a partial differential equation with an essential singularity

Abstract It is shown that the equation u 2 t = 2 uu 2 x - (1 + u 2 ) u xx possesses the Painleve property for partial differential equations as defined by Weiss, Tabor and Carnevale, yet does not satisfy the necessary conditions of the Painleve conjecture to be completely integrable since it is reducible, via a similarity reduction, to an ordinary differential equation which has a movable essential singularity. It is further shown that in a more general sense, the equation does not possess the Painleve property for partial differential equations.
An implantable antenna for communication with implantable medical devices

Numerous medical devices are implanted in the body for medical use. These include pacemakers and defibrillators, hormone pumps, nerve stimulators, and more. With the advancement and miniaturization of bio-electronics it is likely that the array of implantable medical devices will continue to expand in the years to come. Medical implants are intended to stay in the body for many years or decades, and it is often necessary to communicate with the device to download data about the health of the device or its batteries or the health of the patient, or to upload changes in settings or new procedures specified by the doctor. The design of antennas that can communicate with implantable devices is an interesting and challenging problem. The antenna must be small and long-term biocompatible, preferably able to be mounted on existing implant hardware or to utilize part of the hardware itself. The antenna must be electrically insulated from the body so as not to short out and be ineffective, and it must be efficient so as not to excessively drain the batteries. This paper describes the design and optimization of a spiral-shaped microstrip antenna attached to the 2x2x1/2" titanium battery pack of an implantable device imbedded in the body. The battery pack acts as the ground plane for the microstrip antenna and is in direct contact with the body. Two methods were used to optimize this antenna. The first was to simply try several designs in order to find the one that provided the best performance. This resulted in the antenna. The second method was to interface the XFDTD software (from Remcom, Inc.) which was used to simulate the antenna performance with iSIGHT (from Engineous, Inc.), an integration and optimization design program. Both antennas were prototyped and tested. The performance of both antennas is virtually identical. The use of optimization software saved significant man-hours in the optimization of this design.
Individual sense of fairness: an experimental study

Many prior studies have identified that subjects in experiments demonstrate preferences for fair allocations. We present an experimental study designed to test whether a similar concern for fairness manifests itself when the decision maker is choosing among differing probabilistic allocation mechanisms that will all generate an ex post unfair allocation by assigning an indivisible prize to one individual. This investigation is inspired by Karni and Safra (Econometrica, 70, 263–284, 2002 ) in which a structure for preferences for fairness in such an environment was developed. Here we use this model to design experiments that allow us to test for the presence of concern for fairness in individual choice behavior and examine some factors that may affect the intensity of the concern for fairness.
Three Cavity Tunable MEMS Fabry Perot Interferometer

In this paper a four-mirror tunable micro electro-mechanical systems (MEMS)Fabry Perot Interferometer (FPI) concept is proposed with the mathematical model. Thespectral range of the proposed FPI lies in the infrared spectrum ranging from 2400 to 4018(nm). FPI can be finely tuned by deflecting the two middle mirrors (or by changing the threecavity lengths). Two different cases were separately considered for the tuning. In case one,tuning was achieved by deflecting mirror 2 only and in case two, both mirrors 2 and 3 weredeflected for the tuning of the FPI.
Polycrystalline Thin-Film Photovoltaics: From the Laboratory to Solar Fields

We review the status of commercial polycrystalline thin-film solar cells and photovoltaic (PV) modules, including current and projected commercialization activities.
Replication of N2,3-ethenoguanine by DNA polymerases.

DNA is prone to attack by physical and chemical agents generated endogenously and exogenously, producing modified DNA bases (i.e. DNA adducts/lesions), abasic sites, and inter- and intrastrand DNA crosslinks. DNA adducts, if not properly repaired, can lead to blocked replication, misincorporation, and mutation, potentially causing gene deregulation and cancer. Etheno (e) DNA adducts are exocyclic adducts that, in addition to their use as fluorescent nucleotidfe derivatives,[1] were first recognized as reaction products of DNA with reactive metabolites of the occupational carcinogen vinyl chloride (VC).[2] Endogenous etheno-DNA adducts, arising from lipid peroxidation-derived DNA damage, were also detected in rats[3] and humans[4] without VC exposure. VC is a known carcinogen that induces hepatic angiosarcomas.[5] The major DNA adduct formed by VC, N7-(2-oxoethyl)guanine,[3, 6] is generally not considered to be mutagenic, because in vitro experiments showed that it did not cause detectable miscoding in an assay with modified poly(GC).[7] However, etheno adducts formed by VC (e.g. 1,N6-ethenoadenine, 3,N4-ethenocytosine, N2,3-ethenoguanine (N2,3-eG), and 1,N2-ethenoguanine (1,N2-eG)) have all been shown to be mutagenic in vitro and in bacteria (see N2,3-eG and 1,N2-eG structures in Figure 1a).[8] N2,3-eG is the most abundant endogenous etheno adduct, with levels estimated to be approximately 36 N2,3-eG lesions/cell in livers of untreated rats or humans.[9] A common assumption is that N2,3-eG is highly mutagenic; N2,3-eG is considered to contribute to the carcinogenesis of VC and inflammation-driven malignancies.[10] The dominance of a GC to AT transition in five of six K-ras (oncogene) tumors from VC workers[9] suggests the importance of a G adduct, but the misincorporation characteristics of 1,N2-eG are not consistent with this transition.[8a,f] Little repair of N2,3-eG occurs in VC-exposed rats, since the half-life of this lesion in rat liver and lung (150 days) and in rat kidney (75 days) is quite long.[11] The lability of the glycosidic bond of N2,3-e-deoxyguanosine (N2,3-e-dG) makes it difficult to adequately discern its mutagenic potential.[12] Both C and T were incorporated opposite N2,3-eG in a polyribo(G/N2,3-eG) template by avian myeloblastosis virus (AMV) reverse transcriptase.[13] N2,3-e-Deoxyguanosine triphosphate is inserted opposite T by several polymerases (pols).[8d]
Robust Surveillance on Compressed Video: Uniform Performance from High to Low Bitrates

In this paper, we discuss methods to enable robust surveillance on compressed video. We show that if the particular surveillance algorithm that is likely to be run on the compressed video is known apriori, then steps can be taken during the encoding process to facilitate the performance of the algorithm. We show that by performing signal processing on the input video signal before it is encoded, or by adaptively changing the parameters of the encoding process, we can make the resulting signal more robust to degradations in the encoding process. The result is better and more consistent tracking on the compressed video from high to low bitrates, but with some loss in PSNR. We demonstrate the validity of this approach for Mean Shift tracking running on MPEG-4 coded video.
Were Our Estimates of Overdiagnosis With Mammography Screening in the United States “Based on Faulty Science”?

The author responds to criticisms that his and his coauthor’s estimates of overdiagnoses with mammography screening are “based on faulty science” by reviewing the statistical analyses and comparing global data with those of Connecticut.
Thermal Decomposition of Energetic Materials XVIII. Bis (cyanomethyl)nitramine and Bis(cyanoethyl)nitramine

The crystal structures of two potentially useful cyanonitramines are reported. Bis(cyanomethyl)nitramine (BCMN), (NCCH2)2NNO2: monoclinic, C2, a = 10.247(1), b = 7.771(1), c = 12.230(2) [A], β = 107.45 (2)°, Z = 6, Dcalc = 1.502 g.cm−3, RF = 2.8%, RwF = 3.1%. A syn (C2) and anti (Cs) isomers of BCMN crystallize together in a 2:1 ratio in the unit cell. Bis(cyanoethyl)nitramine (BCEN), (NCCH2CH2)NNO2: monoclinic, P21/c, a = 7.512(2), b = 10.840(3), c = 10.181(3) [A], β = 97.39(2)°, Z = 4, Dcale = 1.357 g.cm−3, RF = 4.6%, RwF = 4.7%. Only one conformation of the BCEN molecule having no symmetry is present in the unit cell. The IR spectrum shows that BCEN forms an amorphous phase when the melt is cooled or when an acetone or acetonitrile solution is rapidly evaporated. The amorphous phase slowly crystallizes at room temperature. High-rate thermolysis of BCMN liberates NO2 as the predominant initial product. This difference is qualitatively predictable on the basis of the variation in the N-N bond distance in these two compounds.
Progress and Problems in the Study of Enteric Infections

Summary Progress in the study of amebic and non-amebic enteric infections can be reported. But with many of the forward steps, broad areas of the unknown have been brought into clearer view. Basic problems in the etiology, epidemiology, treatment and prevention of these infections remain unsolved. Knowledge of pathogenesis is particularly inadequate. To date a major part of the work of the Commission on Enteric Infections has been performed in the laboratory. The study of enteric infections, as of other diseases, calls for an active participation of clinicians as well as laboratory workers.
X—Plato's Appearance-Assent Account of Belief

Stoics and Sceptics distinguish belief (doxa) from a representationally and functionally similar but sub-doxastic state: passive yielding to appearance. Belief requires active assent to appearances, that is, affirmation of the appearances as true. I trace the roots of this view to Plato's accounts of doxa in the Republic and Theaetetus. In the Republic, eikasia and pistis (imaging and conviction) are distinguished by their objects, appearances versus ordinary objects; in the Theaetetus, perception and doxa are distinguished by their objects, proper perceptibles versus �commons�, including being. But underlying these ontological distinctions is a psychological one: the lower mental states are confined to their lower objects because they are passive; the higher mental states have access to higher objects because they result from questioning appearances and making active affirmations about how things are. This doctrine of doxa anticipates both the Hellenistic one and modern accounts of belief as �aiming at truth�; it also shows Plato's views of doxa to have more in their favour philosophically and to cohere better with one another than generally thought.
Asynchronous problems on SIMD parallel computers

One of the essential problems in parallel computing is: Can SIMD machines handle asynchronous problems? This is a difficult, unsolved problem because of the mismatch between asynchronous problems and SIMD architectures. We propose a solution to let SIMD machines handle general asynchronous problems. Our approach is to implement a runtime support system which can run MIMD-like software on SIMD hardware. The runtime support system, named P kernel, is thread-based. There are two major advantages of the thread-based model. First, for application problems with irregular and/or unpredictable features, automatic scheduling can move some threads from overloaded processors to underloaded processors. Second, and more importantly, the granularity of threads can be controlled to reduce system overhead. The P kernel is also able to handle bookkeeping and message management, as well as to make these low-level tasks transparent to users. Substantial performance has been obtained on Maspar MP-1. >
Exploring Causes of the Self-serving Bias

The self-serving bias refers to a tendency for people to take personal responsibility for their desirable outcomes yet externalize responsibility for their undesirable outcomes. We review a variety of explanations for this attribution bias. Although researchers have historically pitted cognitive and motivational explanations for the self-serving bias against one another, cognitive and motivation processes often work in tandem to lead people to conclude that they are responsible for the desirable but not the undesirable outcomes.
Work In Progress: College Faculty Development - Systems Engineering and the West Point Way

Over half of the instructors at the United States Military Academy are rotating military faculty members who are officers in the U.S. Army. Most have obtained advanced degrees from some of the most prestigious universities in the nation and are obligated to teach three years at West Point. By virtue of their leadership experiences and educational qualifications, these officers constitute a valuable resource. They not only teach a majority of the cadets at West Point, but they also serve as exemplary role models for the cadets. However, exceptional military service and impeccable academic credentialing do not necessarily confirm that these officers will be knowledgeable and proficient undergraduate instructors. Therefore, prior to the start of each academic year the Department of Systems Engineering conducts a faculty development workshop aimed at ensuring rotating faculty members enter their first classroom assignments as capable, competent, and confident instructors.
A Specific Curriculum in Facial Plastic Surgery: Effect on Residency Training

• There has been a dramatic change in the degree of exposure to facial plastic surgery by the otolaryngology resident in the past decade. The amount of this exposure and the method of presentation of aesthetic concepts and procedures varies. We favor a specific curriculum in facial plastic surgery for the residency training program. The effect of this curriculum is measured by statistical analysis of resident-generated aesthetic surgery cases in one year following the introduction of this curriculum into the teaching program. These data are compared with the same period one year prior to the initiation of the program. Tympanoplasty, mastoidectomy, and tonsillectomy case numbers served as controls for statistical comparison over the same time period. These data serve as a guide to residency programs in determining the most effective means of providing optimum facial plastic surgery exposure to their trainees. ( Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1986;112:70-72)
Use of Pressure-Sensitive Film to Quantify Sources of Injury to Fish

Abstract We examined the use of pressure-sensitive film (PSF) to estimate pressures experienced by fish exposed to potentially damaging mechanical and fluid structures during downstream passage at hydroelectric dams. The films responded well to a wide range of applied pressures (0.5–50 MPa), providing reliable estimates of pressures even when contained within waterproof plastic packaging, stacked under other films, and exposed at low water temperatures or low and high relative humidities. Waterproof packages of PSF were field-tested by wrapping them around polycarbonate plastic cylinders and passing them down the spillways of hydroelectric dams. Most of the spillway-passed PSF samples had marks indicating impacts. Many of the marks revealed high values of pressure (e.g., >40 MPa) that are likely to injure fish.
Colloquium: An introduction to consistent quantum theory

This paper presents an elementary introduction to consistent quantum theory, as developed by Griffiths and others over the past $25\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\text{years}$. The theory is a version of orthodox (Copenhagen) quantum mechanics based on the notion that the unique and mysterious feature of quantum, as opposed to classical systems, is the simultaneous existence of multiple incompatible representations of reality, referred to as ``frameworks.'' A framework is a maximal set of properties of a system for which probabilities can be consistently defined. This notion is expressed by stating that a framework provides an exhaustive set of exclusive alternatives, but no single framework suffices to fully characterize a quantum system. Any prediction of the theory must be confined to a single framework and combining elements from different frameworks leads to quantum mechanically meaningless statements. This ``single-framework rule'' is the precise mathematical statement of Bohr's complementarity. It is shown that if the microscopic description is assumed to incorporate these elements in a local setting, then distant entanglements, macroscopic measurements, wave-function collapse, and other features of quantum behavior follow in a logical manner. The essential elements of the theory are first explained using the simplest quantum system, a single spin-$\frac{1}{2}$ degree of freedom at one time.
Inhibition of Carotenoid Hydroxylation in Staphylococcus aureus by Mixed-Function Oxidase Inhibitors

Compounds known to be inhibitors of mixed-function oxidase systems inhibited the aerobic synthesis of hydroxylated carotenoids in Staphylococcus aureus U-71. Growth of the cells in the presence of 2-diethylaminoethyl-2,2-diphenyl valerate, 2,4-dichloro-6-phenylphenoxyethylamine, 2,4-dichloro-6-phenylphenoxyethyldiethylamine, and piperonyl butoxide reduced the levels of the rubixanthins found in stationary-phase cells by 75 to 97%. In cells grown with mevalonate-2-14C, the turnover rate of phytoene was reduced and the turnover rate of phytofluenol was increased in the presence of these inhibitors. The ζ- and δ-carotenes, which turn over in the absence of the inhibitors, accumulated 14C in the presence of the inhibitors. This suggested that a mixed-function oxidase was responsible for the aerobic hydroxylation of δ-carotene in S. aureus U-71.
Cognitive Impairment and Community Integration Outcomes in Individuals Living With Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract Objectives To determine the association between unique domains of cognitive impairment and community integration in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS), and to determine the contributions of cognitive impairment to community integration beyond the influence of demographic and clinical variables. Design Cross-sectional analysis of objective neuropsychological assessment and self-report data. Data were collected during baseline assessment of a randomized, multisite controlled trial of ginkgo biloba for cognitive impairment in MS. Hierarchical regression analyses examined the association between subjective and objective measures of cognitive impairment and 3 domains of community integration, adjusting for relevant covariates. Setting Two Veterans Affairs medical center MS clinics. Participants Adults (N=121; ages 24–65y) with a confirmed MS diagnosis. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Primary outcomes were scores on the Home Integration (CIQ-H), Social Integration (CIQ-S), and Productivity (CIQ-P) domains of the Community Integration Questionnaire (CIQ). Results Cognitive impairment was associated with lower scores on the CIQ-H and CIQ-S, but not the CIQ-P. Greater levels of subjective cognitive impairment were associated with lower scores on the CIQ-H and CIQ-S. Greater levels of objective cognitive impairment, specifically slower processing speed and poorer inhibitory control, were related to lower CIQ-S scores. Subjective and objective measures of cognitive impairment were significantly and independently associated with CIQ-S. Conclusions Objective cognitive impairment may interfere with participation in social activities. Subjective cognitive impairment is also important to assess, because individuals who perceive themselves to be cognitively impaired may be less likely to participate in both home and social activities. Clinical interventions to enhance community integration in individuals with MS may benefit from addressing objective and subjective cognitive impairment by integrating cognitive rehabilitation approaches with self-efficacy–enhancing strategies.
Murine ciliotoxicity and rabbit sinus mucosal healing by polyhydrated ionogen.

Objectives. Determine the toxicity and efficacy of a novel antiprotease topical irrigation, polyhydrated ionogen (PHI) ± MgBr2, in improving sinonasal remucosalization following surgery.Study Design Blinded, randomized controlled study.Setting. Academic.Subjects and Methods. Ciliary beat frequency (CBF) of murine nasal septal explants was continuously recorded before and after addition of PHI solution to asses for ciliotoxicity. To evaluate for efficacy in remucosalization, 9 New Zealand white rabbits underwent bilateral medial-wall maxillary mucosal stripping followed by placement of an indwelling irrigation catheter. In a randomized fashion one side received 3 mL of normal saline (NS) daily, whereas the contralateral side received PHI ± MgBr2. Following a 14-day therapeutic trial, remucosalization was assessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemistry for β-tubulin, a marker of cilia. A semiquantitative grading of ciliated remucosalization was applied with a chi-square test to compare t...
Patterns of tree replacement: canopy effects on understory pattern in hemlock - northern hardwood forests*

The effect of canopy trees on understory seedling and sapling distribution is examined in near-climax hemlock-northern hardwood forests in order to predict tree replacement patterns and assess compositional stability.
Donor gluconate rescues livers from uncontrolled donation after cardiac death.

Background Ischemia from organ preservation or donation causes cells and tissues to swell owing to loss of energy-dependent mechanisms of control of cell volume. These volume changes cause substantial preservation injury, because preventing these changes by adding cell impermeants to preservation solutions decreases preservation injury. The objective of this study was to assess if this effect could be realized early in uncontrolled donation after cardiac death (DCD) livers by systemically loading donors with gluconate immediately after death to prevent accelerated swelling injury during the warm ischemia period before liver retrieval. Methods Uncontrolled DCD rat livers were cold-stored in University of Wisconsin solution for 24 hours and reperfused on an isolated perfused liver (IPL) device for 2 hours or transplanted into a rat as an allograft for 7 days. Donors were pretreated with a solution of the impermeant gluconate or a saline control immediately after cardiac death. Livers were retrieved after 30 minutes. Results In vivo, gluconate infusion in donors immediately before or after cardiac death prevented DCD-induced increases in total tissue water, decreased vascular resistance, increased oxygen consumption and synthesis of adenosine triphosphate, increased bile production, decreased lactate dehydrogenase release, and decreased histology injury scores after reperfusion on the IPL relative to saline-treated DCD controls. In the transplant model, donor gluconate pretreatment significantly decreased both alanine aminotransferase the first day after transplantation and total bilirubin the seventh day after transplantation. Conclusion Cell and tissue swelling plays a key role in preservation injury of uncontrolled DCD livers, which can be mitigated by early administration of gluconate solutions to the donor immediately after death.
Mechanisms of Urinary Excretion of Methylmercury (MM)

A two-fold difference in elimination rates of methylmercury (MM) between two genetic variant strains of mice was due to a five-fold greater rate of urinary excretion in the fast-excreting strain. Further investigation indicated that the difference could not be accounted for by biotransformation of MM to the inorganic form. However, several factors that could conceivably influence MM renal excretion were altered, including an increased plasma total glutathione (GS) concentration, and an increased rate of output of GS in the urine. To assess the role that GS may play in the elimination of methylmercury in the urine, the γ-GTP inhibitor, L-[αs,5s]-α-Amino-3-chloro-4,5-Dihydro-5-Isoxazoleacetic Acid (AT-125), was administered to CBA/J mice previously treated with 203Hg-MM to determine whether increasing urinary GS could result in a simultaneous increase in urinary excretion of MM. Increasing doses of AT-125 resulted in a dose-dependent increase in urinary GS. MM excretion, however, did not increase in a direct proportion to increasing concentrations of GS.
Calming the Waves of Tension: An Assessment and Suggestion to Dynamic Displays Case Study

Conflict is a common theme that occurs on a constant basis in all aspects of life and can have negative and positive implications based on the situation. Organizational conflict has been studied throughout the past century and has rendered insight and models to help foster environments to help shift behaviors towards positive outcomes. The following paper examines the case of Dynamic Displays, where the difference of perspective impacted the misuse of power to create an unstable work environment. Additionally, the paper provides suggestion for change through the use of power mechanics to foster more effective interactions.
THE UNEASY RELATION BETWEEN POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC REFORM IN SOUTH AFRICA: THE CASE OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

SOUTH AFRICA HAS been engaged in momentous and difficult political change since February 1990, the date the white minority government decreed the official end of apartheid. The African National Congress and other previously banned organizations have been legalized, and all political actors have plunged into an arduous, sometimes violent struggle to reconfigure political ground rules and structures. Following the collapse of the first round of talks at the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (Codesa), the majorplayers agreed upon a general constitutional framework and a date for a general election in which the black majority would participate for the first time. Less noticed than these highly visible political changes is an important transformation of South Africa's political economy. Long a highly interventionist state, characterized by extensive involvement in the economy, the South African state has been dramatically scaling back its economic activity since the mid1 980s. Historically, of course, the principal focus of the state's intervention in the economy was to control labour markets under the apartheid system. Apartheid secured a continuous flow of phenomenally cheap black labour to white farms, mines, and factories. But state intervention in South Africa also entailed the operation of monopolistic public corporations in many areas of economic life, corporations known generally as 'parastatals'. The area of the economy most subject to state intervention was the infrastructurecommunications, energy, transportation those industries and services that undergird commerce and provide the necessary preconditions for any and all complex economic activities. In the past few years, the South African government has been engaging in a withdrawal from its extensive involvement in the parastatals. Telecommunication is one of several sectors, including transportation, oil, iron and steel production, where the state monopoly enterprise has either been privatized or cut loose from direct ministerial control, and into which various degrees of competition have been introduced.
Structure and Electronic Properties of Diamond-Like Amorphous Carbon

Amorphous carbon networks generated by quenching high-density liquid from hightemperature using a tight-binding molecular dynamics method are found to be dominated by tetrahedral bonding sites. The overall structural and electronic properties of these networks resemble those observed in experimental diamond-like amorphous carbon films produced by the mass-selected ion beam deposition technique. Our study shows that bonding and antibonding of π states associated with pairs and quartets of threefold “defected-atoms” embedded in the fourfold matrix yield a band gap of about 2 eV.
Eye Morphometrics of Cave and Spring Populations of Gammarus Minus (Amphipoda: Gammaridae)

ABSTRACT Number of ommatidia, total eye area, and head length were measured for samples from 4 spring and 4 cave populations of the amphipod Gammarus minus Say, 1818, from four karst drainages in southern West Virginia. Data were analyzed using the allometric equation y = axb. For spring populations, eye area showed positive allometry for all populations (b = 1.55), while numbers of ommatidia showed a variety of patterns, ranging from negative allometry to positive allometry. Compared to spring populations from the same basin, cave populations showed reduced eye area and numbers of ommatidia (both small and large individuals). There were no consistent differences in allometric coefficients (b) between cave and spring populations. Cave populations also differed among themselves, both in eye area and numbers of ommatidia. In one population (Organ Cave), the numbers of ommatidia showed a statistically significant decrease with increasing size of the animal. Some populations showed unimodal and other populations showed bimodal distributions of numbers of ommatidia.
Experimental Study on Toxicity of the Compound Silver-containing air DiSinfectant

0bjective To observe the safety for use of the compound silver-containing air disinfectant.MethodS:The acute oral toxicity,acute inhaling toxicity and Bone marrow cell micronucleus to mice were tested,acute eye irritation to rabbits was conducted.Results: The acute oral LD_(50) of the compound silver-containing air disinfectant for mice was5 000mg/kg,which belongs to actually non-toxic grade,its acute inhalation LC_(50) was10 000mg/m~3,Which belongs to actually non-toxic grade,the mice bone marrow cell micronucleus test was negative,the eye irritation index to rabbits was zero which belongs to non-irritation.Conclusion: The compound silver-containing air disinfectant is safe in presise applied concentration.
Urologic Implications of the Vater Association

Among 23 children with the VATER association 21 had significant genitourinary involvement. The extent of these genitourinary anomalies is not generally appreciated. The principal renal anomalies were renal agenesis (7 cases), ureteropelvic junction obstruction (5 cases), crossed fused ectopia (5 cases) and severe reflux (9 cases). Since corrective urologic surgery is commonly beneficial for children with the VATER association, an early and appropriate urologic evaluation is indicated.
The Psychodynamics of Consensual Sadomasochistic and Dominant-Submissive Sexual Games

The author examines a case from a qualitative research study exploring repetition-compulsion and repair in consensual sadomasochistic/dominant-submissive (SMDS) sexual play. The study attempts to bridge the epistemological divide between clinically derived psychoanalytic theories about perversion and nonclinical research on consensual SMDS subcultures. The case addresses research questions about the presence of, and possibilities for, working through childhood developmental conflicts in consensual SMDS (as theoretically differentiated from its nonconsensual counterparts). This study, along with those theories that uproot classical notions of sexuality and the “oedipal divide,” lends support for the view that the diversity of lived and practiced sexualities defies facile categorization and that, if categorization is to be attempted, it must take into account individual meanings and relational/larger social contexts.
One-Way Analysis of Variance

Abstract When comparing more than two groups it is necessary to use a statistical technique called analysis of variance (ANOVA). This statistic does not evaluate differences between two groups but rather assesses how much one might expect the different group means to spread out if they all came from the same population. This chapter simplifies what is meant by an F score and takes the mystery out of the term homogeneity of variance. One of the more complicated tasks following an ANOVA is deciding on which statistic to use to actually compare possible differences between group means. Because there are more than two groups when using an ANOVA, there are many more different comparisons that can be made. The different multiple comparison procedures (post hoc tests) are described in detail and compared with each other. There is also a discussion of repeated measure analysis and the concept of sphericity.
Closer to Learning: Social Networks, Trust, and Professional Communities.

researchers, educators, and policymakers suggest the use of professional learning communities as one important approach to the improvement of teaching and learning. However, relatively little resea...
Is Hyaluronic Acid or Corticosteroid Superior to Lactated Ringer Solution in the Short-Term Reduction of Temporomandibular Joint Pain After Arthrocentesis? Part 1.

Purpose Arthrocentesis has been used for the management of patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, with good success. The additional use of hyaluronic acid (HA) or corticosteroid (CS) remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to compare HA, CS, and lactated Ringer solution (LR; placebo) after arthrocentesis. Materials and Methods This was a prospective multicenter double-blinded randomized clinical trial. Consecutive patients presenting to the oral and maxillofacial departments at Emory University, the University of Pennsylvania, the University of California–Los Angeles, the University of Cincinnati, and the Oregon Health Sciences University were enrolled in the study. Patients were randomized to HA, CS, or LR. All patients underwent arthrocentesis and then the instillation of HA, CS, or LR. Patients were evaluated clinically at 1 and 3 months. The primary outcome variable was pain at 1 month (by visual analog scale). Secondary outcome variables were pain at 3 months and analgesic consumption. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate statistics were computed, with a P value less than .05 considered significant. Results One hundred two patients were enrolled in the study. Four were lost to follow-up, leaving 98 patients for the final analysis. The mean age of patients in the HA, CS, and LR groups was 39.6, 44.3, and 51.8 years, respectively (P = .02). There was no difference among groups in time to follow-up at 1 month (P = .11). The mean decrease in pain in the CS group was 19% for right-side procedures (P = .12) and 36% for left-side procedures (P = .02). The mean decrease in pain in the HA group was 31% for right-side procedures (P = .01) and 34% for left-side procedures (P = .01). The mean decrease in pain in the LR group was 43% for right-side procedures (P Conclusion Arthrocentesis alone is as efficacious as arthrocentesis with HA or CS in decreasing TMJ pain.
The Need for Integrated Approaches in Metabolic Engineering

This review highlights state-of-the-art procedures for heterologous small-molecule biosynthesis, the associated bottlenecks, and new strategies that have the potential to accelerate future accomplishments in metabolic engineering. We emphasize that a combination of different approaches over multiple time and size scales must be considered for successful pathway engineering in a heterologous host. We have classified these optimization procedures based on the "system" that is being manipulated: transcriptome, translatome, proteome, or reactome. By bridging multiple disciplines, including molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, and computational sciences, we can create an integral framework for the discovery and implementation of novel biosynthetic production routes.
Metastatic pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma in a younger male with marked AFP production: A potential pitfall on fine needle aspiration biopsy.

A 30-year-old male presented to his doctor with complaints of abdominal pain and was found to have retroperitoneal as well as multiple hepatic masses. A serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level was significantly elevated (17,373 ng mL−1), raising suspicions for a metastatic germ cell tumor. Fine needle aspiration biopsy of the pancreatic lesion revealed atypical epithelioid cells with round nuclei, large prominent nucleoli, and granular cytoplasm. The morphologic differential diagnosis included pancreatic neoplasm, metastatic germ cell tumor, other metastatic carcinoma, and melanoma. An extensive panel of immunohistochemical stains confirmed the diagnosis of acinar cell carcinoma. The diagnosis of acinar cell carcinoma could be confounded by the markedly increased AFP level, particularly in the setting of a retroperitoneal mass in a younger male. The increased AFP level in the setting of an acinar cell tumor is a potential pitfall to correct diagnosis by cytology. As the treatment for these two entities differs considerably, acute awareness of the phenomenon is important. We present a case of pancreatic ACC with an increased AFP level diagnosed on a cytology specimen. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2017;45:133–136. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Abstract 16522: Structural Insights Into Destabilizing HERG PAS Domain Mutations Linked to Long Qt Syndrome

Introduction: Hundreds of HERG potassium channel mutations are linked to type 2 Long QT Syndrome (LQT2). Most mutations are trafficking defective but correctable by culturing cells at reduced temperature (27 C) or with the pore blocker E4031. For a few intracellular Per-ARNT-Sim (PAS) domain mutations, trafficking phenotypes have been shown to correlate with PAS domain stability. Since HERG intracellular domains are mutational hotspots containing 1/3 (>100) of all LQT2 mutations, domain destabilization may be a major mechanism underlying LQT2. However, most mutations have not been studied and structural insights are lacking. Results: Using a recombinant PAS domain solubility assay as a proxy for stability, we tested 57 mutations and found a strong correlation between domain solubility and trafficking phenotype (trafficking defective and uncorrectable Conclusions: This study identifies HERG PAS domain destabilization as a major mechanism underlying LQT2 and demonstrates a novel bioinformatics and structure-based method for analyzing disease-associated HERG mutations. These results are also a proof of concept that strategies to improve HERG domain stability could be a viable therapeutic approach.