cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Two-dimensional FTIR spectroscopy studies on the thermal-oxidative degradation of epoxy and epoxy-bis(maleimide) networks

A recently developed technique, i.e., two-dimensional infrared (2D IR) correlation spectroscopy, has been used to investigate the thermal-oxidative degradation of two networks based on a tetrafunctional epoxy resin. The use of the 2D IR approach to analyze time-resolved transmission spectra collected in situ during the high-temperature degradation process effectively enhanced the spectral resolution and revealed details about the reaction mechanism which remain undetected in the one-dimensional, frequency spectra. In particular, the sites of initiation of the auto-oxidative sequence were identified for the case of the plain epoxy resin, as well as the main competitive pathways through which the degradation reaction proceeds. With respect to the network modified by a thermosetting bis(maleimide) comonomer, which displays an IPN-like molecular structure, it was found that the epoxy component undergoes thermal oxidation via the same mechanism as for the plain epoxy network. A limited degradation was detected...
The motion of a satellite in resonance with the second-degree sectorial harmonic

The solution to the motion of a satellite in an eccentric orbit and in resonance with the second-degree sectorial harmonic of the potential field is developed. The method of solution used parallels the well known von Zeipel method of general perturbations. The solution consists of expressions for the variations of the Delaunay variables. These expressions are composed of the perturbations developed by Brouwer in 1959 for the motion of an artificial satellite plus first-order perturbations due to the second-degree sectorial harmonic (in terms of the Legendre normal elliptic integrals of the first and second kind).
Vaccinia Virus Serpin-1 Deletion Mutant Exhibits a Host Range Defect Characterized by Low Levels of Intermediate and Late mRNAs

Abstract Orthopoxviruses encode three serpin homologs—SPI-1, SPI-2 and SPI-3—of which SPI-2 has been well characterized as an inhibitor of ICE-like proteases. A rabbitpox virus SPI-1 deletion mutant exhibited a host range restriction in human lung A549 and pig kidney 15 cell lines that was attributed to apoptosis. Here we report that replication of a vaccinia virus SPI-1 deletion mutant (ΔSPI-1) was restricted in primary human keratinocytes as well as A549 cells. Although chromatin condensation was detected in some A549 cells, other morphological or biochemical signs of apoptosis including DNA fragmentation, cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase or nuclear mitotic apparatus protein, or caspase 3 activation were not found. Moreover, ΔSPI-1 protected A549 cells from apoptosis induced by tumor necrosis factor, whereas the corresponding ΔSPI-2 mutant did not. Further studies indicated undiminished amounts of vaccinia virus early mRNA and replicated DNA in the absence of the SPI-1 product. However, there were reduced amounts of viral intermediate and late mRNAs, viral late proteins, cleaved core proteins, and virus particles. These data suggested that apoptosis is not the determining factor in the host range restriction of ΔSPI-1 and that the SPI-1 gene product is needed to allow efficient expression of intermediate and late genes in A549 cells.
Evaluation of sample preparation techniques for mass measurements of PCR products using ESI-FT-ICR mass spectrometry.

Elimination of PCR buffer components and alkali metal cations (i.e., Na+, K+) is of critical importance to allow for accurate mass measurements of PCR products for genotyping and sequencing applications. Ethanol precipitation followed by microdialysis has been repeatedly shown to efficiently desalt PCR products for analysis by mass spectrometry and is considered the gold standard. Alternative cleanup techniques that are compatible with automation are explored here with the intent of expanding the bottleneck that exists between the production of PCR products and analysis by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). Numerous combinations of approaches were evaluated that included PCR purification kits and alcohol precipitations. The data shown here support alternative approaches to an ethanol precipitation followed by microdialysis that have comparable desalting efficiency and can be utilized for cleanup of PCR products generated from single reactions.
Inland Flood Hazards: Human, Riparian, and Aquatic Communities

It is an immutable natural fact that floods happen. They have happened throughout Earth's history and, most likely, will continue in perpetuity. Floods and hydrological variability are fundamental natural processes that intimately affect many ecological phenomena. Floods and human society also share common ground—usually the floodplain—but their coexistence is often tenuous, uncertain, and disharmonious. Society's attempts to settle floodplain areas, control floods, and regulate stream flow often have adverse ecologic, aesthetic, and social consequences. These statements characterize the dominant thematic undercurrent that flows throughout Inland Flood Hazards: Human, Riparian, and Aquatic Communities. The book, which was edited by Ellen E. Wohl, is ambitiously comprehensive in scope and includes 19 chapters that focus on wide-ranging topics related to floods. Twenty-two authors contributed to the volume.
Surgical treatment for posterior ossifications of the glenoid in baseball players.

Seven baseball pitchers with symptomatic posterior glenoid osteophytes were operated on between 1982 and 1988 and were followed for an average of 5.2 years. Five and two patients had ossifications on the posteroinferior glenoid rim and on the infraglenoid tubercle, respectively. Ossifications on the posteroinferior glenoid rim were associated with posterior glenohumeral impingement, posterior glenoid labrum tears, and axillary neuropathy. Ossifications on the infraglenoid tubercle were associated with axillary nerve entrapment by the osteophytes and the thickened long head of the triceps muscle. Histologic study showed the coexistence of reactive new bone formation and bone necrosis. Preoperative and postoperative pain, sensory loss, muscle strength, and throwing distance were assessed. After surgical resection of the osteophytes and release of the axillary nerve entrapment, improvement in all parameters was observed in all patients.
Design of multi-stopband metamaterial plates for absorption of broadband elastic waves and vibration

This paper presents the modeling technique, working mechanism and design guidelines for acoustic multi-stopband metamaterial plates for broadband elastic wave absorption and vibration suppression. The metamaterial plate is designed by integrating two-DOF (degree of freedom) mass-spring subsystems with an isotropic plate to act as vibration absorbers. For an infinite metamaterial plate without damping, a unit cell is modeled using the extended Hamilton’s principle, and two stopbands are obtained by dispersion analysis on the averaged three-DOF model. For a finite metamaterial plate with boundary conditions and damping, shear-deformable conforming plate elements are used to model the whole plate, and stopbands and their dynamic effects are investigated by frequency response analysis and transient analysis by direct numerical integration. Influences of absorbers’ resonant frequencies and damping ratios, plate’s boundary conditions and dimensions, and working plate-absorber modes are thoroughly investigated. Results show that the metamaterial plate is essentially based on the concept of conventional vibration absorbers. The local resonance of the two-DOF subsystems generates two stopbands, and the inertial forces generated by the resonant vibrations of absorbers straighten the plate and attenuate/stop wave propagation. Each stopband’s bandwidth can be increased by increasing the absorber mass and/or reducing the isotropic plate’s unit cell mass. Moreover, a high damping ratio for the secondary absorber can combine the two stopbands into one wide stopband for vibration suppression, and a low damping ratio for the primary absorber warrants absorbers’ quick response to steady and/or transient excitations.
20-Year Experience With Iatrogenic Penile Injury

ABSTRACTPurpose: We review our experience with the management of iatrogenic penile injuries. Apart from circumcision, serious damage to the penis can occur following hypospadias repair, surgery for priapism or total loss of the penis following surgical repair of bladder exstrophy.Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients with iatrogenic penile amputation referred to us between 1980 and 2000 was undertaken. Causes of injury and choice of management were reviewed.Results: Of the 13 cases treated during the 20-year period mechanism of primary injury was circumcision in 4, hypospadias repair in 6, priapism in 1, bladder exstrophy repair in 1 and penile carcinoma in 1. A variety of techniques were used for phallic reconstruction. Penile degloving, division of suspensory ligament and rotational skin flaps achieved penile augmentation and enhancement. Reasonable cosmesis and penile length were achieved in all cases. In indicated cases microsurgical phalloplasty was technically feasible. However...
Two new species of shrews (Soricidae) from the western highlands of Guatemala

The broad-clawed shrews (Soricomorpha: Soricidae: Cryptotis) encompass a clade of 5 species—Cryptotis alticolus (Merriam), C. goldmani (Merriam), C. goodwini Jackson, C. griseoventris Jackson, and C. peregrinus (Merriam)—that is known collectively as the Cryptotis goldmani group and is characterized by broadened forefeet, elongated and broadened fore claws, and broadened humeri. These shrews are distributed in highland regions from central Mexico to Honduras. Two broad-clawed shrews, C. goodwini and C. griseoventris, occur in southern Mexico and Guatemala and are presumed sister species whose primary distinguishing feature is the larger size of C. goodwini. In an investigation of variation within and between these 2 species, I studied characteristics of the postcranial skeleton. Statistical analyses of a variety of character suites indicate that the forelimb morphology in this group exhibits less intraspecific variation and greater interspecific variation than cranio-mandibular morphology, although most skull characters support groupings based on forelimb characters. Together, these characters define 4 distinct groups among the specimens examined. C. griseoventris is restricted to the northern highlands of Chiapas, Mexico, and C. goodwini occurs in the southern highlands of Chiapas and Guatemala. Herein, I describe 2 new species of broad-clawed shrews from the Sierra de los Cuchumatanes, Guatemala.
Lysis of uninfected HIV-1 gp120-coated peripheral blood-derived T lymphocytes by monocyte-mediated antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity

Previous reports from our laboratory have demonstrated that peripheral blood monocytes (PBM) from HIV-1 infected individuals are de novo activated and are cytotoxic in vitro. Significant monocyte-antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) was obtained against HIV-1 inactivated CD4+ CEM target cells coated with HIV-1 in the presence of autologous seropositive serum. Based on these findings, we hypothesized that in HIV-seropositive individuals the monocytes may play an important role in vivo in the autodestruction of non-infected CD4+ T lymphocytes. The present study was designed to test this hypothesis. Monocytes from normal donors activated with M-CSF lysed CD4+ T cells (CEM) coated with gp120 sensitized by plasma from asymptomatic HIV-1+ individuals in a 8 h 51Cr release assay. ADCC cytotoxic activity varied from one individual to another and was a function of the dilution of the individual seropositive plasma used. We then used circulating CD3+ T lymphocytes as targets for ADCC following treatment with actinomycin D to facilitate the release of radioactive 51Cr. Like CEM, ADCC was obtained with CD3+ T cells coated with gp120 in the presence of HIV seropositive plasma and monocytes. Lysis was specific as T cells that were not coated with gp120 were not destroyed. These findings demonstrate that activated peripheral blood derived monocytes can destroy non-infected gp120-coated circulating T lymphocytes by an ADCC-mediated mechanism. Thus, these findings suggest that ADCC may be one mechanism operating in vivo for the destruction of non-infected CD4+ T lymphocytes.
Developmental Toxicity Study of Dimethylpiperidone

The potential maternal and developmental toxicity of dimethylpiperidone (DMPD) was assessed in rats. Groups of 25 mated female Crl:CD® (SD)IGS BR rats were exposed by inhalation (whole‐body exposures) for approximately six hours per day over days 7–21 of gestation (G); day 1G was the day of copulation plug detection. The exposure levels were 0, 52, 260, or 340 (vapor plus aerosol) mg/m3 DMPD. During the in‐life portion, body weights, food consumption, and clinical observation data were collected. On day 22G, the dams were euthanized and examined for gross external and internal alterations. The uterine contents were described and the fetuses were weighed and examined for external, visceral, and skeletal alterations. Maternal toxicity was seen at both 260 and 340 mg/m3. At 340 mg/m3, evidence of maternal toxicity included mortality, increased clinical observations, and decreased body weight and food consumption. At 260 mg/m3, maternal toxicity was limited to increased clinical observations and decreased foo...
Characterization of excited states of centrosymmetric and noncentrosymmetric squaraines by third-harmonic spectral dispersion

We measured the third-harmonic spectrum for each of four squaraine dyes in chloroform. By fitting the experimental dispersion of the third-order susceptibility, γ, to a four-level sum-over-states model, we determine the strength and the location of the lowest-lying two-photon-like transition. In each case, we find that the lowest two-photon-like state appears just above the dominant linear absorption peak in energy and that the transition moment to that state makes a significant contribution to the nonlinearity, as do transition moments to one or more higher-lying two-photon-like states in the ultraviolet. The spectra of two of these dyes contain additional features, evidencing a nonzero dipole moment difference between the ground and the first excited-state dipole moments that we attribute to asymmetry in their structures. From our measurements, we also predict the dispersion of the real and the imaginary optical Kerr susceptibilities in the near infrared for two of these dyes.
Robust Strategies for Automated AFM Force Curve Analysis—II: Adhesion-Influenced Indentation of Soft, Elastic Materials

In the first of this two-part discourse on the extraction of elastic properties from atomic force microscopy (AFM) data, a scheme for automating the analysis of force-distance curves was introduced and experimentally validated for the Hertzian (i.e., linearly elastic and noninteractive probe-sample pairs) indentation of soft, inhomogeneous materials. In the presence of probe-sample adhesive interactions, which are common especially during retraction of the rigid tip from soft materials, the Hertzian models are no longer adequate. A number of theories (e.g., Johnson-Kendall-Roberts and Derjaguin-Muller-Toporov), covering the full range of sample compliance relative to adhesive force and tip radius, are available for analysis of such data. We incorporated Pietrement and Troyon's approximation (2000, "General Equations Describing Elastic Indentation Depth and Normal Contact Stiffness Versus Load," J. Colloid Interface Sci., 226(1), pp. 166-171) of the Maugis-Dugdale model into the automated procedure. The scheme developed for the processing of Hertzian data was extended to allow for adhesive contact by applying the Pietrement-Troyon equation. Retraction force-displacement data from the indentation of polyvinyl alcohol gels were processed using the customized software. Many of the retraction curves exhibited strong adhesive interactions that were absent in extension. We compared the values of Young's modulus extracted from the retraction data to the values obtained from the extension data and from macroscopic uniaxial compression tests. Application of adhesive contact models and the automated scheme to the retraction curves yielded average values of Young's modulus close to those obtained with Hertzian models for the extension curves. The Pietrement-Troyon equation provided a good fit to the data as indicated by small values of the mean-square error. The Maugis-Dugdale theory is capable of accurately modeling adhesive contact between a rigid spherical indenter and a soft, elastic sample. Pietrement and Troyon's empirical equation greatly simplifies the theory and renders it compatible with the general automation strategies that we developed for Hertzian analysis. Our comprehensive algorithm for automated extraction of Young's moduli from AFM indentation data has been expanded to recognize the presence of either adhesive or Hertzian behavior and apply the appropriate contact model.
Accentuating the positive

You've got to accentuate the positive Eliminate the negative And latch on to the affirmative Don't mess with Mister In-Between Johnny Mercer Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive, 1944 Although he was probably not thinking about medical scientists, lyricist Johnny Mercer's words described what we may be observing in the medical literature. In F1000 Research , Senn1 raises doubt regarding the conclusions of observational studies that suggest major medical journals are not biased in favour of publishing positive studies. He points out that the observation of similar acceptance rates for manuscripts could even …
Beyond Bandwidth: Dimensions of Connection in Interpersonal Communication

Computer-mediated communication (CMC) is a keystone of computer-supported collaborative work. Current CMC theory utilizes an information channel metaphor in which media vary according to how well they afford the transfer of messages in the channel, i.e., bandwidth. This paper draws attention to a different aspect of communication argued to be equally important: a relation between people that defines a state of communicative readiness in which fruitful communication is likely. Drawing on research on instant messaging (Nardi et al., 2000) and face to face communication (Nardi et al., 2002; Nardi and Whittaker, 2003), as well as related literature, three dimensions of connection that activate readiness are proposed: affinity, commitment, and attention. These dimensions comprise a field of connection between dyads. A field of connection is conceptualized as a labile, multidimensional space in which the values of the dimensions vary according to the history of communicative activity. Affinity, commitment, and attention are constantly monitored, negotiated, and managed through social bonding, expression of commitment, and capture of attention. The management of fields of connection requires significant interactional work to sustain communication over time.
Reliability of SiGe HBTs for Power Amplifiers—Part I: Large-Signal RF Performance and Operating Limits

This paper examines the performance and reliability implications associated with aggressively biased cascode SiGe HBT power-amplifier cores under large-signal RF operating conditions. The role of high-power RF stress on device degradation and failure is examined in detail. General expressions for a large-signal RF safe-operating area, which account for the effect of load impedance on the dynamic output current and voltage characteristics, are presented. These show excellent agreement with experimental results. Useful operating guidelines for reliable large-signal operation are provided.
Jury selection in two countries: a psychological perspective

A comparative survey of jury selection practices in Britain and the United States indicates that the two countries differ along a number of dimensions, including the emphasis on the jury selection process in the trial, the amount and type of information available about prospective jurors, and the frequency with which trial lawyers alter the composition of the jury. The probable impact of these differences is analysed by considering the importance of jury composition in determining a jury’s verdict, the effectiveness of lawyers in exercising their challenges, and broader effects of jury selection procedures in the two countries.
Trends in Online Social Networking: Adolescent Use of MySpace over Time

MySpace has received a significant amount of negative attention from the media and many concerned adults, who point to several isolated incidents where predators have contacted, become involved with and even assaulted adolescents whom they met through the popular social networking web site. Furthermore, concerned parents have expressed discontent with the amount and type of personal and private information youth seem to reveal on their profile pages. In 2006, the authors performed an extensive content analysis of approximately 2423 randomly sampled adolescent MySpace profiles, and found that the vast majority of youth were making responsible choices with the information they shared online. In this follow-up study, the authors revisited the profiles one year later to examine the extent to which the content had changed. Though exceptions occur, youth are increasingly exercising discretion in posting personal information on MySpace and more youth are limiting access to their profile. Moreover, a significant ...
Descartes the doctor: rationalism and its therapies

During the Scientific Revolution one important gauge of the quality of reformed natural philosophical knowledge was its ability to produce a more effective medical practice. Indeed, it was sometimes thought that philosophers who pretended to possess new and more potent philosophical knowledge might display that possession in personal health and longevity. Rene Descartes repeatedly wrote that a better medical practice was a major aim of his philosophical enterprise. He said that he had made important strides towards achieving that aim, on that basis, he offered practical medical advice to others and advertised the expectation that, taking his own advice, he would live a very long time. This paper describes what Cartesian medicine looked like in practice and what that practice owed to the power of modernist Reason.
CW operation of monolithic arrays of surface-emitting AlGaAs diode lasers with dry-etched vertical facets and parabolic deflecting mirrors

A monolithic two-dimensional array of surface-emitting AlGaAs diode lasers with dry-etched vertical facets and parabolic deflecting mirrors was mounted junction-side up on a W/Cu microchannel heatsink and evaluated under continuous-wave (CW) operating conditions. Both the facets and parabolic deflecting mirrors were etched using chlorine ion-beam-assisted etching. Threshold current densities of different sections of the array were consistently around 240 A/cm/sup 2/, and measured CW differential quantum efficiencies were in the 46-48% range. CW power densities as high as 148 W/cm/sup 2/ were achieved with an average temperature rise of less than 25 degrees C in this junction-side-up configuration. >
Eisenmenger syndrome in ventricular septal defect patients

Abstract Although there have been recent advances in the understanding of the pathophysiology and management of the Eisenmenger syndrome, there is still no cure for this disease. The development of pulmonary vascular obstructive disease is an issue for a significant number of patients with connections between the left and right heart. A review of the natural history, pathophysiology and management strategies of Eisenmenger syndrome in patients with ventricular septal defects will give an overview which may be useful for physicians who care for such patients.
Analysis of efficiently packaged defective interfering RNAs of murine coronavirus: localization of a possible RNA-packaging signal.

Abstract We have previously shown that most of the defective interfering (DI) RNA of mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) are not packaged into virions. We have now identified, after 21 serial undiluted passages of MHV, a small DI RNA, DIssF, which is efficiently packaged into virions. The DIssF RNA replicated at a high efficiency on its transfection into the helper virus-infected cells. The virus released from the transfected cells interfered strongly with mRNA synthesis and growth of helper virus. cDNA cloning and sequence analysis of DIssF RNA revealed that it is 3.6 kb and consists of sequences derived from five discontinuous regions of the genome of the nondefective virus. The first four regions (domains I to IV) from the 5' end are derived from gene 1, which presumably encodes the RNA polymerase of the nondefective virus. The entire domain I (859 nucleotides) and the first 750 nucleotides of domain II are also present in a previously characterized DI RNA, DIssE, which is not efficiently packaged into virions. Furthermore, the junction between these two domains is identical between the two DI RNAs. The remaining 77 nucleotides at the 3' end of domain II and all of domains III (655 nucleotides) and IV (770 nucleotides) are not present in DIssE RNA. These four domains are derived from gene 1. In contrast, the 3'-most domain (domain V, 447 nucleotides) is derived from the 3' end of the genomic RNA and is also present in DIssE. The comparison of primary sequences and packaging properties between DIsse and DIssF RNAs suggested that domains III and IV and part of the 3' end of domain II contain the packaging signal for MHV RNA. This conclusion was confirmed by inserting these DIssF-unique sequences into a DIssE cDNA construct; the in vitro-transcribed RNA from this hybrid construct was efficiently packaged into virion particles. DIssF RNA also contains an open reading frame, which begins from domain I and ends at the 5'-end 20 bases of domain III. In vitro translation of DIssF RNA and metabolic labeling of the virus-infected cells showed that this open reading frame is indeed translated into a 75-kDa protein. The structures of both DIssE and DIssF RNAs suggest that a protein-encoding capability is a common characteristic of MHV DI RNA.
Welfare Sharing Within Households: Identification from Subjective Well-being Data and the Collective Model of Labor Supply

The paper proposed a novel approach to identifying intra-household allocations in households with two decision-makers. We addressed the issue by using the collective model of labor supply. Most empirical studies based on the collective approach were restricted to the identification of the sharing rule guiding individual allocations up to a constant. We suggested using individual welfare satisfaction data as an additional source of identification. An empirical example was given using the Russian Longitudinal Monitoring Survey. The sharing rule was found to be related to the spouses’ wage and age differences and number of children. Sharing varied with the level of household income: In low-income households, sharing was equal; in middle (high) income households men held a slight (strong) advantage.
Evaluating Enzymatic Synthesis of Small Molecule Drugs

There have been many achievements in applying biochemical synthetic routes to the synthesis of commodity chemicals. However, most of these endeavors have focused on optimizing and increasing the yields of naturally existing pathways. We sought to evaluate the potential for biosynthesis beyond the limits of known biochemistry towards the production of small molecule drugs that do not exist in nature. Because of the potential for improved yields compared to total synthesis, and therefore lower manufacturing costs, we focused on drugs for diseases endemic to many resource poor regions, like tuberculosis and HIV. Using generalized biochemical reaction rules, we were able to design biochemical pathways for the production of eight small molecule drugs or drug precursors and identify potential enzyme-substrate pairs for nearly every predicted reaction. All pathways begin from native metabolites, abrogating the need for specialized precursors. The simulated pathways showed several trends with the sequential ordering of reactions as well as the types of chemistries used. For some compounds, the main obstacles to finding feasible biochemical pathways were the lack of appropriate, natural starting compounds and a low diversity of biochemical coupling reactions necessary to synthesize molecules with larger molecular size.
Autonomy and Informed Consent in Biomedical Research

The common law and federal regulations create overlapping legal regimes that require researchers to obtain the informed consent of most human subjects of medical research. The fast growing field of biomedical research generally, and stem cell research in particular, raises a range of unresolved and contested legal issues concerning the extent and implementation of the informed consent requirement. This article identifies and assesses a series of these: Must researchers obtain the informed consent of participants in nontherapeutic research not covered by federal research regulations? As part of the process, must researchers disclose their financial interests in their projects? Must informed consent be obtained before researchers use tissues stored in tissue banks? Must informed consent be obtained from both gamete donors before research use may be made of a stored human embryo? The article argues that these questions can be best resolved by focusing the analysis on the core value of subject autonomy that underlies the principle of informed consent.
Assessing the sociology of sport: On social consciousness and social movements

On the 50th anniversary of the ISSA and IRSS, a foundational scholar in the formation and development of sociology of sport, George Sage, reflects on how the discipline has evolved and continues to be anchored in social consciousness and social movements. Sage traces the development of the field to the formation of the International Committee for the Sociology of Sport (which became the ISSA) and the first publication of the IRSS in the 1960s and notes how that era played a role in seating the sociology of sport in social movements and advancing change. Sage focuses on three social movement pathways that have shaped the discipline: (1) the movement challenging dominant social theories, (2) the feminist (women’s) movement, and (3) the African American rights movement. The focus on social movements has continued to influence the character of the sociology of sport as it has evolved into an identifiable field of study.
Trans-spinal direct current enhances corticospinal output and stimulation-evoked release of glutamate analog, D-2,3-3H-aspartic acid

Trans-spinal direct current (tsDC) stimulation is a modulator of spinal excitability and can influence cortically elicited muscle contraction in a polarity-dependent fashion. When combined with low...
A CASE OF A HEPATIC ABSCESS DUE TO PENETRATION BY A FISH BONE WHICH WAS ACCIDENTALLY FOUND DURING OPERATION FOR EARLY GASTRIC CANCER

症例は77歳,男性.主訴は発熱,腹痛. 2日前より心窩部痛, 39度の発熱が出現.前日に嘔吐を認めWBC, CRPの高値を示し当院紹介された.入院時CTで肝S2に内部不均一な7cmの腫瘤と胃前庭部に嚢胞性腫瘤を認めた.胃内視鏡にて前庭部小彎前壁に壁外性圧排像と白苔を伴う潰瘍性病変を認めた.絶飲食,抗生剤投与後, 4病日には壁外性圧排像は自然消失し,前庭部潰瘍は0-IIc胃癌であった. 28病日には肝腫瘤がほぼ消失した.肝膿瘍および胃嚢胞性腫瘤の原因は不明のまま, 40病日に胃癌に対し幽門側胃切除術を施行した.術中,幽門前庭部小彎が肝下縁に強固に癒着していたため肝部分合併切除した際,魚骨の胃前庭部小彎から肝臓への穿通を認めた.術前の肝膿瘍,胃嚢胞性腫瘤は魚骨によるものと推測された.術後19カ月現在,再発なく経過良好である.誤嚥魚骨による胃十二指腸からの肝内穿通に伴う肝膿瘍は本邦では自験例を含め17例と極めて少ない.
Is there a doctor in the house

The Washington Hospital Center initiated a geriatric medical and house call service for its local elderly population. Preliminary data shows that ER visits have been reduced by about 30 percent and admissions reduced by 10 percent, compared to the same patients in the year before enrollment. In most cases, the medical care is more effective, less costly, and more accessible for both the family and the health care system.
Outpatient Angiographic Evaluation of Living Renal Donors

A total of 71 potential living kidney donors was evaluated on an outpatient basis with either a modification of standard catheter angiography (30 patients) or intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography (41 patients). Both procedures provided accurate assessment of the main renal vasculature as proved at the time of donor nephrectomy. Neither technique was associated with any significant morbidity. We conclude that complete angiographic evaluation of potential kidney donors can be performed accurately and safely on an outpatient basis.
Structure-Based Ab Initio Prediction of Transcription Factor–Binding Sites

We present an all-atom molecular modeling method that can predict the binding specificity of a transcription factor based on its 3D structure, with no further information required. We use molecular dynamics and free energy calculations to compute the relative binding free energies for a transcription factor with multiple possible DNA sequences. These sequences are then used to construct a position weight matrix to represent the transcription factor-binding sites. Free energy differences are calculated by morphing one base pair into another using a multi-copy representation in which multiple base pairs are superimposed at a single DNA position. Water-mediated hydrogen bonds between transcription factor side chains and DNA bases are known to contribute to binding specificity for certain transcription factors. To account for this important effect, the simulation protocol includes an explicit molecular water solvent and counter-ions. For computational efficiency, we use a standard additive approximation for the contribution of each DNA base pair to the total binding free energy. The additive approximation is not strictly necessary, and more detailed computations could be used to investigate non-additive effects.
Rigid-Body Motion of Horizontally Curved Bridges Subjected to Earthquake-Induced Pounding

AbstractHorizontally curved bridges have been observed to suffer severe structural damage during past earthquakes. Unseating of the deck from abutments is one of the typical modes of failure of horizontal curved bridges. This type of failure is caused primarily because of excessive in-plane rigid-body motion of decks of these bridges, mainly due to the irregular geometry of the bridge itself and seismic pounding between the deck and abutments. This paper investigates the influence of seismic pounding on rigid-body motion of horizontally curved bridges during strong earthquakes using an analytical approach. For this purpose, a 3-degree-of-freedom nonlinear model has been developed to capture main dynamic parameters affecting seismic response of horizontally curved bridges. The accuracy of this model has been verified by finite-element modeling of a typical horizontal curved bridge. An extensive parametric analysis has been performed by varying key parameters, including the size of the gap between the deck ...
Mouse Models of Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disorder in arteries, and its complications cause major clinical problems such as acute myocardial infarction and stroke, leading to global health threats. Particularly, activated macrophages participate in multiple steps of atherogenesis from the initiation, to the lesion progression, to the onset of acute complications. To examine its molecular mechanisms and develop new therapies, experimental models of atherosclerosis play important roles. Due to the availability of various genetically altered strains, mouse models of atherosclerosis enormously contribute to testing specific biological hypotheses. Mouse models of atherosclerosis also help to evaluate and monitor the effects of new therapies. This chapter briefly discusses the history of the development of animal models of atherosclerosis and summarizes several mouse strains commonly used in atherosclerosis research. As do clinical trials, preclinical studies should employ multidisciplinary approaches to provide the unambiguous evidence that supports a biological hypothesis or examine the effects of a new therapy from various angles. We thus describe the experimental protocols of atherosclerosis research in mice that covers several disciplines, including ultrasonography, molecular imaging of macrophage activation, histological analyses, and biochemical assays.
Pro‐Choice Movement in the United States

The struggle for abortion rights in the United States is a complex history spanning more than one hundred years. That history encompasses early feminist anxieties in regard to what birth control would mean for the status of women in the United States at the turn of the twentieth century, efforts to expand abortion access in the 1960s through policy reform, feminist struggles for abortion on demand in the 1970s, morally centered prochoice rhetoric in the 1990s, and a mainstream cultural presence amid new communication technologies as well as growing attention to the reproductive experiences of marginalized women in the 2000s. Keywords: Abortion; Movements; Feminisms
Abstract B34: Inhibition of breast cancer cell metastasis with a non-cyclooxygenase inhibitory derivative of sulindac by suppressing TGFbeta/miR-21 signaling

Compelling efficacy on intervention of tumor occurrence and progression by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) has been intensively reported in numerous preclinical and clinical studies. However, the toxicities related to cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibition resulting in suppression of physiologically important prostaglandins limit their clinical use for human cancer chemoprevention. A novel derivative of the NSAID, sulindac sulfide (SS), referred as sulindac sulfide amide (SSA) was recently developed, which lacks COX inhibitory activity, yet shows greater suppressive effect than SS on growth of variable cancer cells. In this study, we focus on the inhibitory activity of SSA on breast tumor cell motility, which has not been studied previously. Our results showed that SSA could inhibit breast tumor cell invasion and migration at sub-cytotoxic concentrations; whereas we previously reported that SS has similar activity on breast and colon tumor cells but at a concentration (50 µM) over 10 times higher than SSA (4 µM). We found that miR-21, a well-documented oncogenic miRNA for promoting tumor cell metastasis, could be downregulated by SSA and involved in mediation of anti-invasive activity of SSA in breast tumor cells. When studying the mechanisms responsible for the regulation of miR-21 by SSA, we demonstrated that TGFbeta signaling suppressed by SSA could ultimately result in downregulation of miR-21 through the transcriptional control. Reduction of Smad2 and Smad3 phosphorylation was the direct response to SSA treatment in metastatic breast tumor MDA-MB-231 cells. By using ChIP assay, we demonstrated that phosphorylated Smad2/3 could bind to the promoter of miR-21 gene. Therefore, in this project, we demonstrate that a non-COX inhibitory derivative of sulindac can inhibit breast tumor metastasis through a new mechanism involving the TGFbeta/miR-21 signaling axis. This study is supported by the NIH/NCI R01 Grant (1R01CA192395) and the American Cancer Society Research Scholar Grant (RSG-13-265-01-RMC). Citation Format: Bin Yi, Hong Chang, Xiangling Feng, Ruixia Ma, Gary A Piazza, Yaguang Xi. Inhibition of breast cancer cell metastasis with a non-cyclooxygenase inhibitory derivative of sulindac by suppressing TGFbeta/miR-21 signaling. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Precision Medicine Series: Cancer Cell Cycle - Tumor Progression and Therapeutic Response; Feb 28-Mar 2, 2016; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Res 2016;14(11_Suppl):Abstract nr B34.
Alpha1-antitrypsin Deficiency—Increased Knowledge and Diagnostic Testing after Viewing Short Instructional Video

ABSTRACTMany individuals with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD) are unaware of their diagnosis. In the absence of an AATD diagnosis, irreversible damage continues, and incorrect care is provided. Research demonstrates low levels of knowledge about AATD among health care providers. To address this ongoing issue, a short educational video was developed for health care providers with the goal of increasing knowledge and testing for AATD. A five-question test on the video material was developed. Invitations to participate in the study were sent via email to providers at both public teaching hospitals and private practices across the country. Respondents completed three parts online: pre-test, video, and post-test. To confirm retention of knowledge gained, providers who completed all three were invited to take the same test 3–6 months later. There were 683 providers who responded, and 213 completed all three portions; 105 of those providers completed the 3–6-months of follow-up testing. The average pre-tes...
Nanowire phase change memory (PCM) technologies: properties and performance

Abstract: This chapter reviews key properties of nanowire (NW) phase change materials and how they affect device performance and reliability. Crystallization kinetics, phase transitions, thermal and electrical properties, as well as the properties of core-shell structures, are discussed. Size effects are considered, particularly in relation to scaling parameters, reduction of programming energy and drift resistance, since such effects can provide useful and sometimes unexpected properties with respect to other phase change memory (PCM) devices. A comparative analysis among high performing NW devices in terms of threshold voltage, programming currents and cyclability gives an idea of the strong potential of NWs when compared to conventional PCM devices.
Correlation of Oncotype DX Recurrence Score with Histomorphology and Immunohistochemistry in over 500 Patients

Oncotype Dx is used to determine the recurrence risk (RR) in patients with estrogen receptor positive (ER+) and lymph node negative (LN−) breast cancer. The RR is divided into low (0–17), intermediate (18–30), and high (31) to predict chemotherapy benefit. Our goal was to determine the association between histomorphology, immunohistochemistry, and RR. We retrospectively identified 536 patients with ER+ and LN− breast cancers that underwent Oncotype testing from 2006 to 2013. Tumor size ranged from 0.2 cm to 6.5 cm (mean = 1.3 cm) and was uniform in all 3 categories. The carcinomas were as follows: ductal = 63.2%, lobular = 11.1%, and mixed = 35.7%. The RR correlated with the Nottingham grade. Increasing RR was inversely related to PR positivity but directly to Her2 positivity. Of the morphologic parameters, a tubular(lobular) morphology correlated only with low-intermediate scores and anaplastic type with intermediate-high scores. Other morphologies like micropapillary and mucinous were uniformly distributed in each category. Carcinomas with comedo intraductal carcinoma were more likely associated with high RR. Forty-four patients with either isolated tumor cells or micrometastases were evenly distributed amongst the 3 RR. While there was only 1 ER discrepancy between our immunohistochemistry (3+ 80%) and Oncotype, up to 8% of PR+ cases (mean = 15%, median = 5%) and 2% of HER2+ cases were undervalued by Oncotype.
The Glymphatic Pathway: Waste Removal from the CNS via Cerebrospinal Fluid Transport:

The overall premise of this review is that cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is transported within a dedicated peri-vascular network facilitating metabolic waste clearance from the central nervous system while we sleep. The anatomical profile of the network is complex and has been defined as a peri-arterial CSF influx pathway and peri-venous clearance routes, which are functionally coupled by interstitial bulk flow supported by astrocytic aquaporin 4 water channels. The role of the newly discovered system in the brain is equivalent to the lymphatic system present in other body organs and has been termed the "glymphatic pathway" or "(g)lymphatics" because of its dependence on glial cells. We will discuss and review the general anatomy and physiology of CSF from the perspective of the glymphatic pathway, a discovery which has greatly improved our understanding of key factors that control removal of metabolic waste products from the central nervous system in health and disease and identifies an additional purpose for sleep. A brief historical and factual description of CSF production and transport will precede the ensuing discussion of the glymphatic system along with a discussion of its clinical implications.
Tuning the Size of Poly(lactic-co-glycolic Acid) (PLGA) Nanoparticles Fabricated by Nanoprecipitation.

Polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) are promising drug carriers in cancer treatment. Size of the particles has a significant impact on drug loading, in vivo distribution, extravasation, intratumor diffusion and cell uptake, and thus is critical for the successful development of a drug delivery regime. However, methods for manufacturing PNPs of defined size are yet to be established. The goal of this study is to establish a method that can be used to fabricate PNPs with controlled size. We systematically investigated the factors that could impact the size of PNPs fabricated by nano-precipitation. The factors studied include polymer concentration, organic solvent, temperature, aqueous phase ionic strength, organic phase injection rate, aqueous phase agitation rate, gauge of the needles and final polymer concentration. Polymer concentration, the choice of organic solvent, temperature, and the ionic strength of the aqueous phase were shown to have a significant impact on the size of PNPs, and the effect of these factors can be attributed to a single parameter, the diffusion coefficient of the solvent in water, Dpw. It is possible that by tightly control these four parameters, nanoparticles with highly predictable and desirable size with narrow size distribution can be fabricated.
Development and Validation of a Method for the Determination of Pesticide Residues in Beer by Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry

Research into the fate of pesticides utilized in the commercial production of hops and their subsequent usage in the brewing of beer was conducted. To address the quantitation of pesticides, an ana...
Emergent carotid endarterectomy versus stenting in acute stroke patients with tandem occlusion

Abstract Objective Acute stroke due to tandem cervical internal carotid artery (ICA) and intracranial large-vessel occlusion (ILVO) has a high rate of morbidity and mortality. The most appropriate treatment strategy for the extracranial culprit lesion remains unclear. In this study, we report our institutional outcomes with two approaches: emergent carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting (CAS). Methods Patients with tandem ICA-ILVO were identified in a prospective mechanical thrombectomy (MT) database between July 2012 and April 2016. Patients had a concomitant complete ICA origin occlusion and occlusion of the intracranial ICA or M1 or M2 middle cerebral artery segment. Baseline characteristics, procedural data, and treatment times were reviewed. End points included good recanalization of both ICA and ILVO, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (defined by clinical decline of >4 points on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale), and functional outcome at 90 days. Results Forty-five patients had tandem ICA-ILVO occlusion; 27 patients underwent emergent CAS and 12 patients underwent emergent CEA after MT. Successful Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction grade 2B/3 recanalization was achieved in 92% of the CEA and 96% of the CAS patients ( P = .53). Three CAS patients (11%) and none of the CEA patients had symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage ( P = .54). At 90 days, 75% (9/12) of the CEA patients were functionally independent compared with 70% (19/27) in the CAS group ( P = 1.0). No deaths were noted in the CEA group compared with five (18.5%) in the CAS arm ( P = .30). Conclusions Our study indicates that early recanalization with MT followed by emergent CEA is safe and feasible, which suggests that both CAS and CEA should be considered in the emergent treatment of patients with tandem occlusion.
High Weissenberg Number Asymptotics and Corner Singularities in Viscoelastic Flows

Flows of viscoelastic fluids at high Weissenberg number exhibit sharp stress boundary layers and complicated singularities at corners of the domain. The paper reviews recent progress in understanding the analytical nature of high Weissenberg number flows and associated singularities.