cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Allelopathic effect of lantana on some agronomic crops and weeds

The allelopathic effects of dried lantana shoot residues was examined on wheat, corn, soybean, Virginia pepperweed and velvetleaf on growth over a 30-day period. Significant differences in the growth of the test species were observed. Corn was the most sensitive and wheat was least affected by lantana residues. The other three species were intermediate in their growth response to lantana. Shoot lengths were affected in corn and velvetleaf while root length was reduced in all species except wheat. The shoot dry weights of wheat and soybean were not reduced by lantana residues. In the other three species there was a significant reduction of shoot dry weight due to lantana. The root dry weights of all the five species were reduced by lantana residue. The results demonstrated an overall rate dependent response of the plant species to lantana shoot residue concentrations.
PIEZORESISTIVE PROPERTIES OF REDUCED STRONTIUM TITANATE

The piezoresistance effect has been investigated in reduced single-crystal strontium titanate in the temperature range from 4.2 to 296\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. At 296\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, the elastoresistance coefficients (${m}_{11}\ensuremath{-}{m}_{12}$), ${m}_{44}$, and (${m}_{11}+2{m}_{12}$) have been evaluated in samples having a wide range of electron concentrations. The piezoresistance results indicate that the conduction-band edge consists of two types of energy minima separated by several hundreths of an eV with the minimum at $k=0$ being the lowest in energy. Below approximately 110\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, the piezoresistance effect becomes very anisotropic and for certain crystallographic directions, a saturation of the piezoresistance is observed at stress values between 1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{8}$ and 2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{8}$ dyn/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$. The low-temperature piezoresistive properties appear to be a result of the cubic-to-tetragonal phase transition and it is postulated that these effects are due to a stress-induced alignment of the tetragonal domains.
Granule release by polymorphonuclear leukocytes treated with the lonophore A23187

Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN's) incubate three to eight minutes at 37 degrees C in medium containing 1 X 10(-6) M of the ionophore antibiotic A23187 released their cytoplasmic granules into the extracellular medium. Transmission electron microscopy of treated cells showed microfilament bundles extending between adjacent granules within the cytoplasm and between granules and the plasma membrane. Tiny dense projections (beads) 8-12 nm in diameter were observed along segments of the cytoplasmic surface of the plasma membrane with a periodicity of 20-30 nm. These beads were observed on the plasma membrane only in the vicinity of intra- or extracytoplasmic granules. The structural relationships of the beads with the plasma membrane microfilaments suggest they play a role in the process of ionophore-induced granule release from polymorphonuclear leukocytes.
In Memoriam: Tributes to Gay Wilson Allen, 1903-1995

Obituary tribute to Gay Wilson Allen, followed by other tributes, each listed separately in this bibliography.
A rotating disc study of crotyl alcohol reduction

Abstract Crotyl alcohol is reduced at a Pt-RRDE. Ring currents of hydrogen oxidation are used to calculate the partial current—voltage curves and Tafel slopes. Levich plots are used to support a two-stage mechanism. The intermediate, presumably butene, produced by electrochemical reduction is further reduced to the alkane by an electrocatalytic hydrogenation.
Biomechanics of the Flexor Tendons

This article examines basic tendon biomechanics, the anatomy and mechanics of digital flexor tendons, and the digital flexor pulley system. It also explores the various models that have tried to simulate the motion of the flexor tendons and several testing modalities that have been used. Finally, clinical applications are considered, including the biomechanics of flexor tendon repairs and tendon transfers. As we reach limits in the care of flexor tendon injuries, research into molecular, biochemical, and micromechanical methods of tendon repair will become the forefront of future investigation.
LIMIT ANALYSIS AND LIMIT EQUILIBRIUM SOLUTIONS IN SOIL MECHANICS

ABSTRACT Idealizations in soil mechanics are usually necessary in order to obtain solutions and to have these solutions in a readily applicable form. Limit equilibrium has been a method of solving various soil stability problems. One weakness of the limit equilibrium method has been the neglect of the stress-strain relationship of the soil. According to the mechanics of solids, this condition must be satisfied for a complete solution. Limit analysis, through the concept of a yield criterion and its associated flow rule, considers the stress-strain relationship. However, a soil with cohesion and internal friction is not modeled accurately by a theory of perfect plasticity. Nevertheless, indications are that the stability problems in soil mechanics will, in time, be computed on the basis of the limit theorems of plasticity. A discussion is given, therefore, of the significance of the limit analysis in terms of the real behavior of soils and their idealizations. With this background the meaning of existing limit equilibrium solutions is discussed, and the power and simplicity of application of the limit analysis method is demonstrated.
Analytical Characteristics of the Microwave-Induced Nitrogen Discharge at Atmospheric Pressure (MINDAP)

A microwave-induced plasma (MIP) is sustained at atmospheric pressure with the use of nitrogen as the plasma and nebulizer gas. The plasma is operated at 2450 MHz and has been optimized at 250 W of rf power with a total nitrogen flow rate of 1.78 L/min. The analytical performance of this plasma has been evaluated and compared with other atmospheric pressure plasma systems. Detection limits were typically in the part-per-billion concentration range, and calibration curves were linear over three-to-five orders of magnitude. Interelement interferences were observed but were overcome with the use of releasing agents. Precision for an analytical measurement was generally better than 2% relative standard deviation.
Operant (biofeedback) control of left-right frontal alpha power differences: potential neurotherapy for affective disorders.

Two experiments were done with subjects from a paid pool of undergraduates. In each study, there were five 1-hour sessions on each of 5 days: (1) Baseline: Rewards given for randomly selected 20% of the 700-ms sequential epochs; mean and SD of baseline power differences determined. 2) Exploration: Subjects were rewarded when right minus left alpha differences in an epoch were greater than the baseline mean plus about .85 SD (p = .20); subjects told to discover how to generate rewards. (3)–(5). Training: Subjects were paid (over and above the $8/h flat rate) in proportion to their hit rates. In the first study (in which active filters passed 8–12 Hz activity, and the rectified, integrated amplitude was utilized), 6 of 8 subjects met learning criteria (a significant difference between baseline and training scores). In the second study (in which on-line FFTs were used to extract alpha power), 3 of 5 subjects met learning criteria.
The shape of high fertility in a traditional Mennonite population

Background: The Wenger Mennonites, a traditional horse-and-buggy group, are one of at least 30 embedded Anabaptist religious groups in the USA.Aim: This first study of Wenger fertility documents, explains, and compares Wenger fertility to three other Anabaptist groups: the Amish, the Hutterites, and the Old Colony Mennonites.Subjects and methods: The 1997 Wenger church directory provides household and fertility data for 14 530 individuals. This directory was transformed into an SPSS database so that age-specific birth rates could be analysed.Results: From 1966 to 1996, total fertility ranged from 10.68 to 8.31 for married women, and age-specific fertility rates for 20–24-year-old women never dropped below 0.500. For similar time periods, no higher rates were found in any of the comparison groups. Even so, fertility has dropped over 22% in the last 30 years, suggesting increasing regulation of fertility.Conclusion: Wenger fertility has been very high, at least since the 1960s, and continues to be higher th...
Huge left atrial thrombus and valve degeneration in a patient with a bioprosthetic, porcine, mitral valve.

A 43 year old man with a Hancock porcine bioprosthetic valve in the mitral position developed a huge thombus filling the entire left atrium and chronic degeneration of the bioprosthetic mitral valve. The effective valve orifice was less than 2 mm. These severe findings leading to the patient's death remained undetected while he was alive. This case illustrates the great need for a serial phonoechocardiographic studies in all patients with prosthetic valves.
John Gerald Taylor: Comrade, polymath, and consummate neuroscientist — Reminiscences of life together under the Aegis of INNS

The author reviews the career of the late neural network pioneer John Taylor, including reminiscences of twenty years of close professional association and friendship.
Tumor necrosis factor α up-regulates endometrial milk fat globule-epidermal growth factor 8 protein production via nuclear factor κB activation, resulting in cell migration of epithelial cells.

Objective To explore the role of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α, an early embryonic product, on endometrial epithelial cell migration and endometrial milk fat globule–epidermal growth factor 8 protein (MFG-E8) production. Design In vitro study. Setting Academic center. Intervention(s) Ishikawa cells, used as surrogates for human epithelial cells, were treated with and without TNF-α. Main Outcome Measure(s) Effect of TNF-α on intracellular MFG-E8 protein was evaluated with the use of ELISA, Western blot, and subcellular fractionation. Specific inhibitors were used to study TNF-α mechanism of action. Effect of TNF-α on cell migration was studied with the use of a wound healing assay and reorganization of E-cadherin. Result(s) TNF-α induced: 1) significant up-regulation of MFG-E8 intracellular protein, which was attenuated by pretreatment with a specific inhibitor of nuclear factor κB; 2) increased transcription of MFG-E8 and other proinflammatory factors, such as interleukins 6 and 8, which were suppressed by cotreatment with hCG; and 3) significant cell migration with E-cadherin remodeling, changes associated with subcellular MFG-E8 relocalization. Conclusion(s) TNF-α up-regulates endometrial epithelial cell migration and MFG-E8 production, which are critical steps required for the endometrial changes during menstrual cycle as well as during embryonic attachment and invasion.
Functional analysis of monocyte-macrophages derived from nonadherent cord blood progenitor cells: correlation with the ontogeny of cell surface proteins.

In this study we examine some of the phenotypic and functional characteristics that accompany the differentiation of monocyte-macrophages from nonadherent precursors present in cord blood. Class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules identified by monoclonal antibody (mAb) L243 were the earliest monocyte-macrophage-associated antigens to be expressed. CD14 molecules, identified by mAb MO.2, and the transferrin receptor, identified by mAb OKT9, increased linearly over the 21-day culture period. in contrast, FcyR were not expressed on these cells until 14 days of culture. Fc’yRl was present on approximately 80% of the cells, whereas Fc-yRlI and Fc’yRllI were present on 30% and 20% of the cells, respectively. Functional activity of the nonadherent cell-derived monocyte-macrophages paralleled the phenotypic maturation of these cells. The capacity to stimulate a mixed leukocyte reaction paralleled the expression of class II MHC molecules. Similarly, the capacity to phagocytose Escherichia coil and Staphylococcus aureus paralleled the appearance of CR3. Indeed, phagocytosis of these organisms was partially blocked by mAb 0KM-i. These studies demonstrate that monocyte-macrophages derived from cord blood nonadherent mononuclear cells are a useful population with which to characterize human macrophage differentiation and functional and phenotypic heterogeneity.
An Assessment of the Parameterization of Subgrid-Scale Cloud Effects on Radiative Transfer. Part II: Horizontal Inhomogeneity

The role of horizontal inhomogeneity in radiative transfer through cloud fields is investigated within the context of the two-stream approximation. Spatial correlations between cloud optical properties and the radiance field are introduced in the three-dimensional radiative transfer equation and lead to a two-stream model in which the correlations are represented by parameterizations. The behavior of the model is examined using simple single-layer single-column atmospheres. Positive correlations between extinction or scattering and the radiance field are shown to decrease transmission, increase reflection, and increase absorption within inhomogeneous media. The parameterization is used to evaluate the characteristics of inhomogeneous cloud fields observed by radar and lidar over a number of different locations and seasons, revealing that shortwave transfer is generally characterized by negative correlations between extinction and radiance, while longwave transfer is characterized by positive correlations. The results from this characterization are applied to the integration of an atmospheric general circulation model. Model surface temperatures are significantly affected, largely in response to changes in downwelling radiative fluxes at the surface induced by changes in cloud cover and water vapor distributions.
Hemozoin: a Biocrystal Synthesized during the Degradation of Hemoglobin

Introduction Malaria Malaria Pathogenesis Hemoglobin Degradation Historical Outline Pigment Associates with Malaria Pigment Links Mosquito to Plasmodium Life Cycle Chemical Structure Occurrence Function of Hemozoin Structure of Hemozoin Analysis of Early Purifications Comparison with Schistosomal Pigment Hemozoin Lacks Protein The Iron–Oxygen Coordinate Bond Paramagnetic Hemozoin Biochemical Formation of Hemozoin Formalin Pigment Other Parasite Pigments Plasmodium Protein Initiation of Pigment Inhibition of Hemozoin Formation Immune Modulation of Hemozoin Perturbation of Leukocyte Function Leukocyte Pigment as a Prognostic Indicator Patents Outlook and Perspectives Keywords: Heme; iron; protoporphyrin IX. Plasmodium falciparum; malarial pigment; hemozoin; quinoline; chemotherapy; β-hematin; heme polymer; Schistosoma; Haemoproteus; malaria; immunity; formalin pigment
139: Risk of meconium aspiration syndrome increases with gestational age at term

Objective: To examine the risk of meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) by the week of gestational age in pregnancies with meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF).Methods: This is a retrospective cohor...
Community Asthma Program improves appropriate prescribing in moderate to severe asthma.

Asthma guidelines, established by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Panel (NAEPP), seek to guide physicians in the appropriate assessment and treatment of asthma. Poor physician adherence to these guidelines has been documented because of a variety of reported barriers. We sought to test the efficacy of the Community Asthma Program (CAP), which was designed to help primary care physicians (PCP) assess asthma severity and to prescribe medications according to NAEPP guidelines. A prospective, observational study was conducted in 723 patients with asthma (aged < 1–85 years) in two primary care clinics. PCPs had access to patient responses to asthma symptom questions at each visit. The correlations between patient self-reported and PCP-classified asthma severity, treatment prescribed, and missed days from work or school were determined. The effect of the intervention on guideline adherence was assessed by asthma severity level and time. An overall moderate measure of agreement was found between pat...
Many Renaissances, many Modernities?

This article discusses Eurocentric history, its focus on the Renaissance and modernity, which continues also in recent global history perspectives. Goody’s argument regarding renaissances in the plural situates Europe in the wider field of Eurasia and deeper in time, going back to the Bronze Age, characterized by plough agriculture, the use of animal traction and urban cultures. Goody’s perspective includes viewing renascences as accelerations and leaps in the circulation of information. Since it is always the trope of the modern that marks Eurocentric claims, unpacking modernity is central to scrutinizing this construction. Goody shows that Europe is a late-comer rather than a forerunner to major strands of modernity. A wider question this account poses is: if Renaissance in the singular produces modernity in the singular, do renaissances in the plural produce modernities in the plural?
An Approach to the Development of Inference Engine for Distributed System for Fault Diagnosis

The paper presents a new and systematic software engineering approach of performing fault diagnosis parallel and distributed computing. The purpose of the paper would be to demonstrate a method to build a fault diagnosis for a parallel and distributed computing. The paper chooses a model posed a tremendous challenge to the user for fault analysis. The model is the classic PMC model that happens to be a parallel and distributed computing.
Attributions of Fathering Behaviors Among Adolescents: The Role of Gender, Ethnicity, Family Structure, and Depressive Symptoms

Little attention has been paid to how early adolescents make attributions for their fathers' behavior. Guided by symbolic interaction theory, we examined how adolescent gender, ethnicity, family structure, and depressive symptoms explained attributions for residential father behavior. 382 adolescents, grouped by ethnicity (European American, Mexican American) and family structure (intact, stepfamilies), reported attributions for their fathers' positive and negative behaviors. Results indicated that for positive events girls made significantly more stable attributions, whereas boys made more unstable attributions. Mexican American adolescents tended to make more unstable attributions for positive events than European Americans, and adolescents from intact families made more stable attributions for positive events than adolescents from stepfamilies. Implications are discussed for the role of attributions in father-adolescent relationships as prime for intervention in families.
The relationship between executive function, AD/HD, overeating, and obesity.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD) and obesity are complex, costly disorders affecting physical, emotional, and social well-being. Executive function (EF), the cognitive ability for s...
Improving affordability through innovation in the surgical treatment of mitral valve disease.

Abstract Objective To determine whether technically innovative cardiac surgical platforms (ie, robotics) deployed in conjunction with surgical process improvement (systems innovation) influence total hospital costs to address the concern that expanding adoption might increase health care expenses. Patients and Methods We studied 185 propensity-matched patient pairs (370 patients) undergoing isolated conventional open vs robotic mitral valve repair with identical repair techniques and care teams between July 1, 2007, and January 31, 2011. Two time periods were considered, before the implementation of system innovations (pre-July 2009) and after implementation. Generalized linear mixed models were used to estimate the effect of the type of surgery on cost while adjusting for a time effect. Results Baseline characteristics of the study patients were similar, and all patients underwent successful mitral valve repair with no early deaths. Median length of stay (LOS) for patients undergoing open repair was unchanged at 5.3 days ( P =.636) before and after systems innovation implementation, and was lower for robotic patients at 3.5 and 3.4 days, respectively ( P =.003), throughout the study. The overall median costs associated with open and robotic repair were $31,838 and $32,144, respectively ( P =.32). During the preimplementation period, the total cost was higher for robotic ($34,920) than for open ($32,650) repair ( P P =.876). The largest decrease in robotic cost was associated with more rapid ventilator weaning and shortened median intensive care unit LOS, from 22.7 hours before July 2009 to 9.3 hours after implementation of systems innovations ( P Conclusion Following the introduction of systems innovation, the total hospital cost associated with robotic mitral valve repair has become similar to that for a conventional open approach, while facilitating quicker patient recovery and diminished utilization of in-hospital resources. These data suggest that innovations in techniques (robotics) along with care systems (process improvement) can be cost-neutral, thereby improving the affordability of new technologies capable of improving early patient outcomes.
PHOTOINACTIVATION OF CATALASE

— Inactivation of catalase with visible light (>400nm) has been studied in purified bovine liver catalase and in peroxisomal catalase in the mitochondrial fraction of rat liver. Light corresponding to that of maximal absorbance of the heme site (405 nm) was most effective in inactivation. Although photoinactivation is O2 dependent, scavengers of OH radical, 1O2 and O−2 did not protect against loss of activity in either system. Superoxide dismutase partially protected purified catalase added into the mitochondrial fraction system. However, complete protection of catalase was afforded by low concentrations of substrates such as formic acid or methanol which rapidly convert Compound I to Ferricatalase.
Acute Exposure to Carbon Monoxide Does Not Affect Plasma Lipids, Lipoproteins, and Apolipoproteins

Study objectives : To examine the effects of acute exposure to carbon monoxide and hypoxia on plasma lipids, lipoproteins, and apolipoproteins. Design : Random-order assignment to blinded, inhaled exposures of carbon monoxide and hypoxia. Setting : Research laboratory of ambulatory subjects. Subjects : 10 elderly, male nonsmokers with chronic stable angina. Intervention : Random-order two-hour inhaled exposure to clean air at sea level, carbon monoxide at sea level, carbon monoxide at high altitude, and clean air at high altitude. Measurements : Fasting plasma lipids, lipoproteins, and apolipoproteins before and after exposures. Results : No differences were noted between fasting plasma lipid, lipoprotein, or apolipoprotein levels before and after exposures. Conclusion : Acute exposure to carbon monoxide and high altitude does not affect fasting plasma lipid, lipoprotein, or apolipoprotein levels.
Evaluating a technological fix for climate.

In this issue of PNAS, Matthews and Caldeira (1) report convincing model simulations of a controversial topic of widespread public interest: the possible geoengineering of earth's climate system to hold global warming in check. In the classic psychological sequence with which humans often face extraordinary and perhaps inevitable danger (denial, anger, bargaining, and acceptance), we appear now to be at the bargaining stage, where all kinds of solutions are sought and proposed with new vigor and intensity. This is fully understandable; the drumbeat of steadily rising climate warnings from the sequence of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports, the recognition of this by leading popular and political figures, and the public's own perception of the massive and increasing use of energy worldwide all augur for plans of action. But are such plans realistic? And what does this model tell us?
Effects of a cochlear implant simulation on immediate memory in normal-hearing adults

This study assessed the effects of stimulus misidentification and memory processing errors on immediate memory span in 25 normal-hearing adults exposed to degraded auditory input simulating signals provided by a cochlear implant. The identification accuracy of degraded digits in isolation was measured before digit span testing. Forward and backward digit spans were shorter when digits were degraded than when they were normal. Participants’ normal digit spans and their accuracy in identifying isolated digits were used to predict digit spans in the degraded speech condition. The observed digit spans in degraded conditions did not differ significantly from predicted digit spans. This suggests that the decrease in memory span is related primarily to misidentification of digits rather than memory processing errors related to cognitive load. These findings provide complementary information to earlier research on auditory memory span of listeners exposed to degraded speech either experimentally or as a consequen...
Wire Antennas and Seatterers

This chapter contains sections titled: Formulation of the Problem Matrix Solution Evaluation of Z mn Wire Antennas Wire Scatterers Discussion This chapter contains sections titled: References
Demonstration of a Novel Twin 10×10 WSS for Application in a Flexible Spectrum, Colorless and Directionless ROADM

We propose a novel flexible spectrum colorless-directionless ROADM node that incorporates a twin MxN WSS (2 independently switched devices). A prototype LCoS-based twin 10×10 WSS is demonstrated and insertion loss, isolation performance is reported.
Leukocyte antigens and disease. II. Association of HL-A5 and lymphomas.

A statistically significant association of the leukocyte antigens HL-A5 or W5 (which is included in HL-A5) and Hodgkin’s disease was confirmed. In addition, this study suggests that this association may extend to other types of lymphomas as well. Individuals with the leukocyte antigen HL-A5 (or W5) on their tissue cells may have an increased tendency to develop one or another type of lymphoma. Whether this is on the basis of a genetic or viral component, or both, remains unknown.
The role of CTCF in coordinating the expression of single gene loci.

The CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF), which binds insulator elements in vertebrates, also facilitates coordinated gene expression at several gene clusters, including the β-globin, Igf2/H19 (insulin like...
Stimulation of Intestinal Growth Is Associated with Increased Insulin-Like Growth Factor-Binding Protein 5 mRNA in the Jejunal Mucosa of Insulin-like Growth Factor-I-Treated Parenterally Fed Rats

Surgically stressed rats maintained with total parenteral nutrition (TPN) exhibit jejunal atrophy, which can be attenuated by insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) but not by growth hormone (GH) treatment. In order to understand the basis for the selective action of IGF-I, the levels of mRNAs encoding IGF-I, IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs), IGF-I receptor, and GH receptor/binding protein (GHR/GHBP) were determined in rats given TPN and treated with GH, IGF-I, or GH + IGF-I. GH treatment significantly stimulated hepatic IGF-I mRNA. IGF-I treatment did not alter liver IGF-I mRNA, nor was there any evidence for interaction between GH and IGF-I. Jejunal mucosa IGF-I mRNA was extremely low and was not altered by TPN or by any of the hormonal treatments. The inability of GH to stimulate jejunal growth was not associated with a deficiency in GHR/GHBP mRNA. In jejunal mucosa, IGF-I and GH treatment independently and synergistically stimulated IGFBP-3 mRNA. IGF-I stimulated jejunal IGFBP-5 mRNA, but GH had no effect on IGFBP-5 mRNA. The levels of IGF-I receptor and IGFBP-1, 2, 4, and 6 mRNAs were extremely low and/or were not altered by any of the treatments. These results suggest that the ability of exogenous IGF-I, but not GH, to induce IGFBP-5 mRNA in jejunal mucosa may lead to the selective growth-promoting effect of IGF-I. Jejunal mucosa IGFBP-3 mRNA levels were not correlated with altered growth. We postulate that IGFBP-5 positively modulates the anabolic effects induced by exogenous IGF-I in the jejunum.
Dynamics of Vowel Articulation

The dynamics of vowel articulation was studied by simultaneously monitoring articulator muscle activity, movement, and acoustic output while a single speaker produced multiple repetitions of 10 different vowels in a / pVp/ environment. Analysis of the data from the three measurement levels provided a complete physiological description of the subject's vowel space and showed good agreement among the different levels of description. Intra-articulator timing measurements, e.g., the relationship between posterior genioglossus EMG activity and tongue movements, and inter-articulator timing measurements, e.g., the relationship between tongue and lip movements, indicated a differentiation in the timing of tongue movement components. Vowel-related vertical tongue movements always began at about the moments of implosion for the initial stop. Horizontal movements associated with front vowels began at the same time as vertical movements, whereas horizontal movements associated with back vowels began earlier, at the ...
Adding Injury to Insult: A National Analysis of Combat Sport–Related Facial Injury

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To estimate the incidence of patients presenting to emergency departments (EDs) for facial trauma sustained from participation in combat sports and evaluate injury patterns and patient demographics. METHODS: The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) was evaluated for facial injuries from wrestling, boxing, and martial arts leading to ED visits from 2008 to 2013. Relevant entries were examined for injury mechanism, location, type, as well as other patient characteristics. RESULTS: There were 1143 entries extrapolating to an estimated 42 395 ED visits from 2008 to 2013. Injury rates for boxing, marital arts, and wrestling were, respectively, 44, 56, and 120 injuries per 100 000 participants. Males comprised the majority (93.7%). A plurality of injuries involved lacerations (46.0%), followed by fractures (26.2%) and contusions/abrasions (19.3%). The proportion of fractures was highest among boxers (36.9%). Overall, the most common mechanisms of injury were punching, kicking, and head butting. CONCLUSIONS: The significant number of ED visits resulted from combat sports facial trauma, reinforcing the importance of familiarity with injury patterns among practitioners managing facial trauma. As most injuries involve individuals younger than 19 despite guidelines suggesting children and adolescents avoid combat sports, these findings may be used for patient education and encouragement of the use of personal protective equipment. Furthermore, injury patterns reported in this analysis may serve as an adjunct for enhancing clinical history taking and physical examination.© The Author(s) 2016. Language: en
Act theories and the attitudes

Theories of propositions as complex acts, of the sort recently defended by Peter Hanks and Scott Soames, make room for the existence of distinct propositions which nonetheless represent the same objects as having the same properties and standing in the same relations. This theoretical virtue is due to the claim that the complex acts with which propositions are identified can include particular ways of cognizing, or referring to, objects and properties. I raise two questions about this sort of view—one about what it means to stand in a propositional attitude relation to a complex act of this sort, and one about which ways of cognizing can be parts of propositions. Both questions turn out to be difficult for the complex act theorist to answer in a satisfactory way.
Compatible discretizations for multiphysics: A brief review and some future challenges

We provide a brief discussion on the progress of compatible discretization methods for the simulation of electro-magnetics and multiphysics problems. We revisit some of its success stories and list a few future challenges.
Diabetic Macular Edema

The most common cause of visual disability associated with diabetes is diabetic maculopathy. New insights into the pathoanatomy of clinically significant diabetic macular edema (CSDME) have recently been revealed via optical coherence tomography (OCT). OCT reveals that there exist several different patterns of diabetic macular edema. This may implications for visual outcomes and responses to treatment, particularly anti-angiogenic drugs and intravitreal corticosteroids. Additionally, OCT is much more sensitive than clinical examination for identifying vitreomacular interface abnormalities and can be helpful for identifying good candidates for surgery. OCT is the only imaging modality capable of accurate measurement of the macular thickness, which is a sensitive parameter for identifying diabetic macular edema and has a strong correlation with visual acuity in specific patterns of macular edema. OCT, in conjunction with fluorescein angiography (FA) and clinical examination is an indispensable tool for the treatment and evaluation of diabetic macular edema.
Medusa: Helene Cixous and the Writing of Laughter

Should an anti-administrative consciousness extend to a discourse (a writing) of laughter? This paper plays with the possibility of this discourse in order to point to debilitating constraints in t...
Romantic Love in the Arab World

This chapter further explores the cultural differences of romantic love, focusing on the perspective of Arabic nations. Although the concept of love in the Middle East and other Arabic regions has been a long-neglected topic among scholars, numerous anthropologists have recognized how love is conceptualized among these people. Through ethnographic studies, it explores the roles of gender, sex, and marriage in defining romantic love. In exploring love in Arabic regions, it utilizes ethnographic studies from the Middle East, Morocco, and Bedouin cultures. In doing so, it highlights the commonalities of the groups of people studied as well as their differences.
Response by Merkler et al to Letter Regarding Article, “Risk of Pulmonary Embolism After Cerebral Venous Thrombosis”

We thank Dr Nighoghossian for his interest in our study. We agree that there is an increased risk of pulmonary embolism in patients with cerebral venous thrombosis.1–3 In particular, the risk of pulmonary embolism seems to be highest during the index hospitalization for cerebral venous thrombosis, arguing for heightened surveillance during …
Small molecule-mediated inhibition of β-2-microglobulin-based amyloid fibril formation.

In dialysis patients, β-2 microglobulin (β2m) can aggregate and eventually form amyloid fibrils in a condition known as dialysis-related amyloidosis, which deleteriously affects joint and bone function. Recently, several small molecules have been identified as potential inhibitors of β2m amyloid formation in vitro. Here we investigated whether these molecules are more broadly applicable inhibitors of β2m amyloid formation by studying their effect on Cu(II)-induced β2m amyloid formation. Using a variety of biophysical techniques, we also examined their inhibitory mechanisms. We found that two molecules, doxycycline and rifamycin SV, can inhibit β2m amyloid formation in vitro by causing the formation of amorphous, redissolvable aggregates. Rather than interfering with β2m amyloid formation at the monomer stage, we found that doxycycline and rifamycin SV exert their effect by binding to oligomeric species both in solution and in gas phase. Their binding results in a diversion of the expected Cu(II)-induced progression of oligomers toward a heterogeneous collection of oligomers, including trimers and pentamers, that ultimately matures into amorphous aggregates. Using ion mobility mass spectrometry, we show that both inhibitors promote the compaction of the initially formed β2m dimer, which causes the formation of other off-pathway and amyloid-incompetent oligomers that are isomeric with amyloid-competent oligomers in some cases. Overall, our results suggest that doxycycline and rifamycin are general inhibitors of Cu(II)-induced β2m amyloid formation. Interestingly, the putative mechanism of their activity is different depending on how amyloid formation is initiated with β2m, which underscores the complexity of how these structures assemble in vitro.
EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS ON THE FLY

Drosophila is a model organism for research at many levels: molecular biology, genetics, genomics, development, and neurobiology. It is Powell's thesis that Drosophila is also the model organism of choice for evolutionary biology. He avers that there is "information on the ecology, population biology, systematics, behavior, genetics, development, and molecular biology of this fly. No other model has been so thoroughly studied at all these levels." The relevance of all this information is that "if a major advance in understanding evolution is to be achieved (what some have called the 'newer synthesis'), it is most likely to come from integration of levels of knowledge centered on a single closely related set of species." Whence, The Drosophila Model. In content, the book reviews Drosophila population biology and ecology more thoroughly than these have been reviewed for nearly half a century. The relevant comparison in this regard is Patterson and Stone's Evolution in the Genus Drosophila (Patterson and Stone 1952). Both books have a similar objective: to summarize what is known about Drosophila evolutionary biology, while making it clear that Drosophila should not be regarded as unique but rather as a "general evolutionary system" (to use Patterson and Stone's synonym for "model") whose principles go far beyond the details of the organism itself. In 1952, however, there were about 10,000 publications dealing with Drosophila; today there are close to 80,000. Powell's review of the relevant literature satisfies the definition of "excellence" once shared with me by the late great Drosophila geneticist Larry Sandler. He said that, in his opinion, the very best reviews distill so much of the essence of the relevant literature that they render the literature itself obsolete, except for historical purposes (and, perhaps one should add, for detailed data not possible to reproduce in a review). Accordingly, those who wish to know where we are at present in Drosophila evolutionary biology, and how we got here, should start by examining Powell's book. There is a long and distinguished history of research on this organism at the population level; there is also, I hasten to add, a lively group of contemporary population researchers whose creative approaches have enriched our understanding of Drosophila and maintained its preeminence as a model organisms for evolutionary genetics. The organization of the book is almost inevitably historical. A great debt is owed to one of Powell's mentors, Theodosius Dobzhansky, who left his native Russia to visit Morgan's Drosophila laboratory at Columbia University in 1927
New solitary solutions of the Gardner equation and Whitham–Broer–Kaup equations by the modified simplest equation method

Abstract In this paper, the modified simplest equation method (SEM) is employed to handle the Gardner equation and Whitham-Broer-Kaup (WBK) equations, respectively. Five new solitary solutions are accordingly obtained. The paper proceeds step-by-step with increasing detail about derivation process, first illustrating the algorithm of the modified SEM, which the simplest equation and its exact solution are not pre-defined. Then, new solutions are used to illustrate the connection between the Gardner equation and WBK equations. In addition, new solutions are reconstructed as solutions for the VBEs, ALWEs, the dispersive long wave equations, and the modified KdV equation.
Ulnar Nerve Injury as a Result of Galeazzi Fracture: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Background: Sparse documentation of Galeazzi fracture with associated nerve injury exists in the medical literature. The purpose of this report is to review the available literature in regard to incidence, nerve injury type, treatment strategies, and expected outcomes. Methods: We present a classic Galeazzi fracture dislocation with associated complete ulnar nerve transection injury at the level of the wrist. After rigid internal bony stabilization, allograft nerve repair was performed. The patient’s presentation, operative management, recovery, and a thorough literature review are discussed. Results: Fracture union was attained with near full wrist and elbow range of motion. Despite lack of ulnar nerve function return, the patient was able to resume manual labor occupation. Conclusions: Despite its close proximity to the dislocating distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ), thorough review reveals rare associated ulnar nerve palsy. If there is suspicion for nerve injury in the setting of open DRUJ dislocation, the...
Large Animal Model Efficacy Testing Is Needed Prior to Launch of a Stem Cell Clinical Trial: An Evidence-Lacking Conclusion Based on Conjecture

Stem cell therapeutics, as other therapeutic strategies, must surmount multiple requirements before reaching the phase of clinical trials. These requirements can be onerous in terms of time and funding and could, thereby, lead to abandonment of many promising therapeutics. One of these requirements is the perceived necessity of conducting large animal efficacy studies—especially pig studies—prior to initiating a clinical trial. The value of such a strategy, despite acceptance by experts, has never been demonstrated scientifically, raising the question of whether bias rather than evidence hampers the development of new therapeutic strategies. Of the questions facing investigators involved in developing new treatment strategies, one is common across disease disciplines and therapeutic approaches: What animal models should be used to determine whether the likelihood a therapeutic will be clinically successful is high enough to justify spending years of effort and tens, or even hundreds, of millions of dollars in clinical trials? A particularly vexing extension of this question is whether it is necessary to test efficacy in a large animal model prior to clinical trial launch. The purpose of this Viewpoint is to challenge the prevailing view, epitomized by the following quote: “Translational studies in large animal models (usually pigs) are rare because they are expensive, complex, time-consuming, technically demanding, slow, and usually not suitable for mechanistic investigations; nevertheless, because they are conducted in settings closer to the human situation than those found in rodent models, these studies are essential to justify the risks and costs of clinical trials.”1 This quote reflects current unofficial dogma that once efficacy of an intervention is established in mouse or other rodent models, efficacy needs confirmation in a large animal model—the most popular one being the pig.1–3 This is not a trivial conclusion because adequately powered pig studies are expensive from both …
A highly immersive approach to teaching reverse engineering

While short training courses in reverse engineering are frequently offered at meetings like Blackhat and through training organizations such as SANS, there are virtually no reverse engineering courses offered in academia. This paper discusses possible reasons for this situation, emphasizes the importance of teaching reverse engineering (and applied computer security education in general), and presents the overall design of a semester-long course in reverse engineering malware, recently offered by the author at the University of New Orleans.
Gβγ subunit activation promotes dopamine efflux through the dopamine transporter

The dopamine transporter (DAT) is an important regulator of brain dopamine (DA) homeostasis, controlling the intensity and duration of DA signaling. DAT is the target for psychostimulants—like cocaine and amphetamine—and plays an important role in neuropsychiatric disorders, including attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and drug addiction. Thus, a thorough understanding of the mechanisms that regulate DAT function is necessary for the development of clinical interventions to treat DA-related brain disorders. Previous studies have revealed a plethora of protein–protein interactions influencing DAT cellular localization and activity, suggesting that the fine-tuning of DA homeostasis involves multiple mechanisms. We recently reported that G-protein beta-gamma (Gβγ) subunits bind directly to DAT and decrease DA clearance. Here we show that Gβγ induces the release of DA through DAT. Specifically, a Gβγ-binding/activating peptide, mSIRK, increases DA efflux through DAT in heterologous cells and primary dopaminergic neurons in culture. Addition of the Gβγ inhibitor gallein or DAT inhibitors prevents this effect. Residues 582 to 596 in the DAT carboxy terminus were identified as the primary binding site of Gβγ. A TAT peptide containing the Gβγ-interacting domain of DAT blocked the ability of mSIRK to induce DA efflux, consistent with a direct interaction of Gβγ with the transporter. Finally, activation of a G-protein-coupled receptor, the muscarinic M5R, results in DAT-mediated DA efflux through a Gβγ-dependent mechanism. Collectively, our data show that Gβγ interacts with DAT to promote DA efflux. This novel mechanism may have important implications in the regulation of brain DA homeostasis.
“Our tears are not enough”: The warrant of the dead in the rhetoric of gun control

The warrant of the dead refers to an explicit or implicit claim that the dead place a demand on the living. The living are called on to act and the dead are invoked as justification for that action...
Female Sexual Dysfunction: A Systematic Review of Outcomes Across Various Treatment Modalities.

Abstract Background Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is a highly prevalent condition. Nevertheless, the scientific literature has only recently begun to accumulate evidence for treatment modalities that address the underlying etiologies of FSD. Aim The purpose of this systematic review is to elucidate what treatments are effective across the various symptom complexes of FSD. Methods Utilizing Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines, we conducted a systematic review of PubMed, EMBASE, clinicaltrials.gov , and the Cochrane Review databases. Eleven search strings, encompassing the terms “female sexual dysfunction” and “treatment,” in combination with “vulvovaginal atrophy,” “vaginismus,” “vaginal atrophy,” “vulvodynia,” “vestibulitis,” “hypoactive sexual desire,” “arousal disorder,” “sexual pain disorder,” “genitourinary syndrome of menopause,” and “orgasmic disorder” were utilized. 605 Relevant articles were retrieved. A total of 103 original studies met inclusion criteria. Outcomes We assess peer-reviewed literature. Results 42 Treatment modalities were utilized, including 26 different classes of medications. Although outcome measures varied, the most substantial improvement across multiple studies was noted with various hormonal regimens. The most common treatments included hormonal therapy (25 studies), phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors (9 studies), botulinum toxin A (5 studies), and flibanserin (5 studies). The psychotherapeutic approach was detailed in 36 articles while 3 studies utilized homeopathic treatments. Numerous treatments showed efficacy in a single case series, including the promising results associated with the micro-ablative carbon-dioxide laser. Despite the marked improvement in specific FSD domains, neither pharmacologic treatments nor psychotherapeutic interventions demonstrate consistent disease resolution. Conclusions Treatment of FSD is multi-factorial; medications alone do not resolve FSD. The wide variability of treatment and outcome measures across the literature attests to the complexity of FSD and the need for a treatment algorithm that addresses all 4 domains of FSD. Weinberger JM, Houman J, Caron AT, et al. Female Sexual Dysfunction: A Systematic Review of Outcomes Across Various Treatment Modalities. Sex Med Rev 2019;7:223–250.