cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The analysis of DNA adducts: The transition from 32P-postlabeling to mass spectrometry

The technique of (32)P-postlabeling, which was introduced in 1982 for the analysis of DNA adducts, has long been the method of choice for in vivo studies because of its high sensitivity as it requires only <10μg DNA to achieve the detection of 1 adduct in 10(10) normal bases. (32)P-postlabeling has therefore been utilized in numerous human and animal studies of DNA adduct formation. Like all techniques (32)P-postlabeling does have several disadvantages including the use of radioactive phosphorus, lack of internal standards, and perhaps most significantly does not provide any structural information for positive identification of unknown adducts, a shortcoming that could significantly hamper progress in the field. Structural methods have since been developed to allow for positive identification of DNA adducts, but to this day, the same level of sensitivity and low sample requirements provided by (32)P-postlabeling have not been matched. In this mini review we will discuss the (32)P-postlabeling method and chronicle the transition to mass spectrometry via the hyphenation of gas chromatography, capillary electrophoresis, and ultimately liquid chromatography which, some 30years later, is only just starting to approach the sensitivity and low sample requirements of (32)P-postlabeling. This paper focuses on the detection of bulky carcinogen-DNA adducts, with no mention of oxidative damage or small alkylating agents. This is because the (32)P-postlabeling assay is most compatible with bulky DNA adducts. This will also allow a more comprehensive focus on a subject that has been our particular interest since 1990.
Bias Due to Visual Illusion in the Graphical Presentation of Accounting Information

Graphical displays of information are among the most common decision aids available. Recent research has focused on how graphs that have been prepared without following key preparation guidelines impact decision making. This paper adds to the literature by demonstrating that visual illusion may bias decision makers who view data from the graph, even if the graphs are prepared according to key‐preparation guidelines. The investigation of a visual illusion (i.e., an unintended consequence even in a correctly depicted graph) contrasts with prior studies in accounting that have typically examined manipulated graphs (i.e., intentionally distorted, incorrectly depicted graphs). A laboratory study incorporated a 2×2 design to examine the effects of the so‐called “Poggendorff illusion” and the possible mitigating effect of adding horizontal gridlines. It shows that decision makers may systematically underestimate or overestimate the values displayed on line graphs. In addition, this research suggests that the bia...
The primary afferent nociceptor as pattern generator

Abstract One of the most important advances in our understanding of the pain experience was the introduction of the ‘gate control’ theory which stimulated analysis of activity pattern in nociceptive pathways and its modulation. Advances in cellular and molecular biology have recently begun to provide detailed information on the mechanisms of stimulus transduction within primary afferent nociceptors as well as mechanisms that modulate the transduction process. From these new insights into the sensory physiology of the nociceptive nerve ending emerges a concept of the primary afferent as the first site of pattern generation in the nociceptive pathway, in which dynamic tuning of gain in the mosaic of inputs to individual primary afferents occurs. The electrical properties of the nociceptor membrane that converts the generator potential to a pattern of action potentials is also actively adjusted. Our present understanding of the intracellular mechanisms that modulate the pattern of activity in nociceptive primary afferents is summarized, and implications for future efforts to unravel the meaning of patterning in nociceptor activity are discussed.
Properties of natural cellulose fibers from hop stems

This paper reports the development of natural cellulose fibers from hop stems with properties similar to that of hemp. Hop stems are currently considered as byproducts and have limited applications. Since hop belongs to the genus cannabis that also includes hemp, it should be possible to obtain natural cellulose fibers from the stems of hop plants with properties similar to that of hemp. A simple alkaline extraction was used to obtain fibers from the bark of hop stems. Fibers obtained have high cellulose content, low% crystallinity but show good orientation of the cellulose crystals to the fiber axis. The strength and modulus of the fibers are lower but elongation is higher than that of hemp. Based on the properties of the fibers, we expect that the hop stem fibers will be suitable for use in textiles and composites similar to the common cellulose fibers currently in use.
The Perfect is the Enemy of the Best Adaptive versus Optimal Organizational Reliability

Organizations such as the Food and Drug Agency can make both type I (approving bad drugs) and type II errors (rejecting good ones). Optimal reliability entails balancing these two kinds of mistakes just so. This paper addresses the question of whether and when an imperfectly rational agency - in particular, one using an adaptive decision-making policy - would become optimally reliable. We establish a necessary condition that an adaptive scheme must satisfy if it is to guide the agency to optimal reliability. The necessary condition takes the form of a constraint on the agency’s propensity to explore the space of alternatives: it must become ‘stoic’ in the face of errors. The paper supplements this normative analysis by providing a descriptive examination of a common class of adaptive rules that could be used by an agency coping with type I and type II errors. Here we analyze how technological factors, external political pressure, and changes in the quality of information affect the agency’s reliability, b...
The tetra­chloro­di­phenyl­stannate(IV) salt of protonated di‐2‐pyridyl ketone N4‐ethyl­thio­semicarbazone

Reaction of di-2-pyridyl ketone N4-ethyl­thio­semicarbazone with SnPh2Cl2 resulted in the formation of the title complex salt, namely 2-[(ethyl­amino­thio­yl­hydrazono)(2-pyridyl)­methyl]­pyridinium tetra­chloro­di­phenyl­stannate(IV), (C14H16N5S)2[SnCl4(C6H5)2]. The Sn atom is not coordin­ated directly by the nitro­gen base, but one of the pyridines of dipyridylketone is protonated, forming the cation. The Sn atom of the anion lies on an inversion center; thus, the two phenyl groups are trans to each other, with an Sn—C distance of 2.1424 (14) A. The Sn—Cl distances are 2.5541 (4) and 2.6066 (4) A. The N—H groups form hydrogen bonds to Cl atoms of the anion and the cation contains an intramolecular N—H⋯N hydrogen bond.
Vinflunine in the treatment of advanced bladder cancer

Accounting for 14,000 deaths in the USA last year, research informs us that advanced bladder cancer is a lethal disease with a median survival that has remained a little over 1 year for the past two decades. For the majority of patients with metastatic disease, chemotherapy with cisplatin-based combinations is the standard first-line treatment. Although initial response rates are high, disease progression is common, creating a growing number of patients in need of effective second-line chemotherapy. For this population, no standard of care currently exists. Salvage chemotherapy is associated with low response rates and studies exploring potential clinical benefit over supportive care alone are limited to nonrandomized Phase II trials. Vinflunine, a novel anti-mitotic drug from the Vinca alkaloid class, is the first and only agent that has been compared with supportive care in the second-line setting. In Europe, vinflunine is approved as a treatment option for patients with advanced urothelial cancer who h...
Axon: a high speed communication architecture for distributed applications

The primary goal of the Axon architecture is to support a high-performance data path delivering VHSI (very high speed internetwork) bandwidth directly to applications. The significant features of Axon are: (1) an integrated design of host and network interface architecture, operating systems, and communication protocols; (2) a network virtual storage facility which includes support for virtual shared memory on loosely coupled systems; (3) a high-performance, lightweight object transport facility which can be used by both message-passing and shared-memory mechanisms; and (4) a pipelined network interface which can provide a path directly between the VHSI and host memory. >
UNIT CELL EXPANSION IN ErT2 FILMS

XRD analysis of plasma-vapor-deposited ErT2 films during aging (T decay to 3 He) reveals an hkl-dependent unit-cell expansion in which (200) grains expand out-of-plane as much as 0.01 A more than (111) out-of-plane grains. Texture analysis of an aged ErT2 film reveals a bimodal (111)/(200) out-of-plane preferred orientation. Sin 2 ψ analysis reveals significant in-plane macrostrain due to 3 He formation/growth. The mechanistic origins regarding these observations are also discussed.
Subtle differences in two non-native congeneric beach grasses significantly affect their colonization, spread, and impact

Comparisons of congeneric species have provided unique insights into invasion ecology. Most often, non-native species are compared to native ones to look for traits predicting invasion success. In this study, we examine a different facet of congeneric comparisons in which both species are non-native. Ecological variability among non-native congeners might 1) lead to the inhibition or facilitation of either species’ ability to colonize and spread, 2) result in larger cumulative impacts due to synergies between species, and 3) depend on the physical context of the invaded habitat. To explore these possibilities, we studied the distribution and abundance of two non-native beach grasses: European beach grass Ammophila arenaria and American beach grass Ammophila breviligulata, their interaction with one another, and their biotic and physical impacts on dune ecosystems of the Pacific coast of North America. We found that over a two-decade period, A. breviligulata has increased its dominance over A. arenaria on dunes where it was originally planted in 1935 and has actively spread to new sites formerly dominated by A. arenaria. Our results also show that dune plant species richness was lower at A. breviligulata sites, although there was an increase in the native beach grass Elymus mollis. More significantly, we found that the two grass species are associated with significantly different foredune shapes that are likely controlled by a combination of variability in sand supply along the coast and subtle differences in the congeners’ morphology and growth form. These differences have significant implications for the coastal protection services of dunes to humans and the conservation of native species. They provide a cautionary tale on the impacts of introducing novel species based purely on analogy with closely related species.
Spectroscopic and chemical characterizations of molecular size fractionated humic acid

Abstract A sample of humic acid was divided by ultrafiltration into five fractions of different molecular size (F1; 300 000: F2; 100 000–300 000: F3; 50 000–100 000: F4; 10 000–50 000: F5; 1000–10 000 daltons). Characterization by IR, and CPMAS C-13 NMR spectroscopy indicated that the molecules of the fraction of ≥100 000 daltons were primarily aliphatic, while the smaller molecules of the ≥10 000 dalton fraction were predominantly aromatic. Titration (pH) data were consistent with an increase in the number of carboxylate groups per unit mass as molecular size became smaller. A comparative study with unpurified and purified (by treatment with ion exchange elution, acid precipitation and alkaline dissolution) humic acid samples showed chemical alteration with some loss of carboxyl groups in the humic acid.
Biochar application to soil for climate change mitigation by soil organic carbon sequestration

Pyrogenic carbon (C) is produced by incomplete combustion of fuels including organic matter (OM). Certain ranges in the combustion continuum are termed ‘black carbon' (BC). Because of its assumed persistence, surface soils in large parts of the world contain BC with up to 80% of surface soil organic C (SOC) stocks and up to 32% of subsoil SOC in agricultural soils consisting of BC. High SOC stocks and high levels of soil fertility in some ancient soils containing charcoal (e.g., terra preta de Indio) have recently been used as strategies for soil applications of biochar, an engineered BC material similar to charcoal but with the purposeful use as a soil conditioner (1) to mitigate increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) by SOC sequestration and (2) to enhance soil fertility. However, effects of biochar on soils and crop productivity cannot be generalized as they are biochar-, plant- and site-specific. For example, the largest potential increases in crop yields were reported in areas with highly weathered soils, such as those characterizing much of the humid tropics. Soils of high inherent fertility, characterizing much of the world's important agricultural areas, appear to be less likely to benefit from biochar. It has been hypothesized that both liming and aggregating/moistening effects of biochar improved crop productivity. Meta-analyses of biochar effects on SOC sequestration have not yet been reported. To effectively mitigate climate change by SOC sequestration, a net removal of C and storage in soil relative to atmospheric CO2 must occur and persist for several hundred years to a few millennia. At deeper soil depths, SOC is characterized by long turnover times, enhanced stabilization, and less vulnerability to loss by decomposition and erosion. In fact, some studies have reported preferential long-term accumulation of BC at deeper depths. Thus, it is hypothesized that surface applied biochar-C (1) must be translocated to subsoil layers and (2) result in deepening of SOC distribution for a notable contribution to climate change mitigation. Detailed studies are needed to understand how surface-applied biochar can move to deeper soil depths, and how its application affects organic C input to deeper soil depths. Based on this knowledge, biochar systems for climate change mitigation through SOC sequestration can be designed. It is critically important to identify mechanisms underlying the sometimes observed negative effects of biochar application on biomass, yield and SOC as biochar may persist in soils for long periods of time as well as the impacts on downstream environments and the net climate impact when biochar particles become airborne.
Pharmacology Review: Bronchodilator Aerosol Therapy in the Preterm Infant

The effectiveness of inhaled beta-agonists such as albuterol and anticholinergic medications such as ipratropium bromide in the preterm population has been debated widely. Many have theorized that airway smooth muscle is not clinically responsive to beta-agonist therapy in the preterm population. However, there is evidence of smooth muscle hypertrophy in the airways of infants who have respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) as early as 1 week after birth. (1)(2) In addition, inflammatory mediators released in the airways of ventilated infants may act to cause smooth muscle constriction. (3) Selective beta-adrenergic receptors and muscarinic receptors are found in the lung periphery and larger airways, respectively, of adults. (4)(5) Conclusive studies have not been conducted to assess the extent to which receptor existence and distribution is similar in the preterm infant. Finally, concerns have been raised by the work of Bhutani and associates (6), which demonstrated the susceptibility of preterm lamb tracheal segments to distortion with mechanical ventilation. It has been suggested that by removing potential “support” given to the airways with muscle tone, deformability might increase, thereby leading to worsening obstructive lung mechanics. Early investigators (7) found that nonventilated, wheezing infants did not show any improvement in respiratory resistance after treatment with nebulized albuterol. However, concerns about drug administration and respiratory end point measurements in these early studies led to more concentrated research efforts that involved improved methods. Bronchodilator aerosols, including albuterol and ipratropium bromide, have been evaluated under a number of clinical circumstances in term and preterm infants. Particular attention has focused on preterm infants who have chronic lung disease. There is published evidence that bronchodilator aerosol therapy can improve lung function among infants who have developing chronic lung disease, at least in the short term. (8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13 …
Randomized Comparison of Cavotricuspid Isthmus Ablation for Atrial Flutter Using an Open Irrigation-Tip versus a Large-Tip Radiofrequency Ablation Catheter

Ablation of Typical Atrial Flutte. Background: Large-tip (10 mm) catheters (LTCs) and openirrigation-tipcatheters(OITCs),bothcapableofcreatinglargelesions,aremoreeffectivethanconventional catheters for cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) ablation. However, it is not clear whether complete CTI block can be achieved more efficiently using an LTC or an OITC. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficiency of radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFA) of the CTI using LTC versus OITC to eliminate atrial flutter (AFL). Methods and Results: Sixty consecutive patients (age = 62 ±10 years) with typical AFL were randomized to undergo RFA of CTI using an LTC (10 mm) or an OITC. If complete CTI block was not achieved by ≤30minutesofRFA,patientswereallowedtocrossovertoablationwiththeothercatheter.A3-dimensional electroanatomicalmappingsystemwasusedforcatheternavigationonlywiththeOITC.Themeanduration ofRFAtoachieveCTIblockin50%ofthepatientswas6.8 ±2.2minuteswithanLTCand11.7 ±2.7minutes with an OITC (P = 0.001). After 30 minutes of RFA, CTI block was achieved in 26/30 (87%) and 25/30 patients (83%) using an LTC and an OITC, respectively (P = 1.0). After crossover, CTI block was achieved in 4/5 (80%) and in 4/4 patients (100%) with an LTC and OITC, respectively (P = 1.0). LTC was associated with a lower volume of intravenous fluid administration (388 ±365 mL versus 865 ±451 mL, P = 0.0001) and a trend for shorter procedure duration (95± 31 minutes versus 114 ±50 minutes, P = 0.09) than the OITC. At 6 ±3 months, 30/30 patients (100%) in the LTC and 27/30 patients (90%) in the OITC groups remained free from AFL, respectively (P = 0.24). Except for one inconsequential steam-pop during RFA with the OITC, there were no complications. Conclusions: Complete CTI block is achieved more rapidly using an LTC than an OITC, and with a
Nesting of Focal Within Peripheral Vision Promotes Interactions Across Nested Time Scales in Head Sway: Multifractal Evidence From Accelerometry During Manual and Walking-Based Fitts Tasks

Nesting is a major cornerstone in ecological theorizing about visual perception, through both nesting of surface layout in locomotory movements and nesting of visually available surfaces within each other, from focal to peripheral vision. This work sought to probe these nesting relationships by examining the effects of the visual periphery on the strength of interactions among nested time scales in head sway. That is, we tested whether spatial nesting of the focal within peripheral visual fields stimulated nonlinear interactions amid temporal nesting. We examined head sway during 2 variants of the Fitts task, one involving manual pointing by seated participants and another involving walking comfortably with upright standing posture. All participants completed both tasks but were randomly assigned to experience these tasks with or without the visual periphery available. Multifractal analysis of head sway revealed that visual availability of the periphery promoted nonlinear interactions across nested time s...
Stayability Evaluation as a Categorical Trait and by Considering Other Traits

Abstract Correspondence between usual categorical scores where frequencies sum to one and stayability of herd life measured as survival to several age periods is illustrated. The singularity of the variance-covariance matrix of categorically measured traits when each category is a separate trait also is true for stayability, since the measurement for the last period for stayability is always zero, has variance zero, and covariances zero with measurements in preceding periods. Best linear unbiased prediction for stayability of a bull's daughters is achieved by ignoring the last period. A procedure is described for predicting stayability of daughters having variable opportunity for stayability measurements that utilizes production and all available measures of stayability.
The human spinal cord interprets velocity-dependent afferent input during stepping

Summary We studied the motor response to modifying the rate of application of sensory input to the human spinal cord during stepping. We measured the electromyographic (EMG), kinematic and kinetic patterns of the legs during manually assisted or unassisted stepping using body weight support on a treadmill (BWST) in eight individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). At various treadmill speeds (0.27–1.52 m/s), we measured the EMG activity of the soleus (SOL), medial gastrocnemius (MG), tibialis anterior (TA), medial hamstrings (MH), vastus lateralis (VL), rectus femoris (RF) and iliopsoas (ILIO); the hip, knee and ankle joint angles; the amount of body weight support (BWS); and lower limb loading. The EMG amplitude and burst duration of the SOL, MG, TA, MH, VL, RF and ILIO were related to the step cycle duration during stepping using BWST. EMG mean amplitudes increased at faster treadmill speeds, and EMG burst durations shortened with decreased step cycle durations. Muscle stretch of an individual muscle could not account for the EMG amplitude modulation in response to stepping speed. The effects on the EMG amplitude and burst duration were similar in subjects with partial and no detectable supraspinal input. We propose that the human spinal cord can interpret complex step-related, velocity-dependent afferent information to contribute to the neural control of stepping.
An imaging displacement sensor with nanometer accuracy

An imaging displacement sensor (IDS) has been developed that can measure the displacement with an accuracy of 30 nm in 0.03 s with the precision improving to 1 nm for averaging times of 100 s. The IDS consists simply of a light emitting diode (LED) pinhole collimator and a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera chip. The position accuracy is better than 0.05% over the few mm CCD size with deviation from linearity <140 nm. All six degrees of freedom (DoF), three translations and three angles, can be measured with the same accuracy by combining multiple IDS with different collimator beam orientations and knowing the nominal separation between the collimators and CCDs.
Ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine): history, neurochemistry, and toxicology.

Background: 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; ecstasy), a compound chemically related to stimulant and hallucinogenic drugs, has been found to induce a state of euphoria and increased self-awareness. MDMA has been increasingly used for recreational purposes, especially among college students and other young adults, and has been associated with multiple toxic effects. Methods: Using MEDLINE, the medical literature was searched from 1986 using the key words “ecstasy,” “MDMA,” and “designer drugs.” Articles dating before 1986 were accessed from cross-reference of the more recent articles. A case report is described. Results: MDMA was developed in 1912 as an appetite suppressant but never became commercially successful. It resurfaced in the 1950s as a psychotherapeutic agent. In 1985 MDMA was classified as a schedule 1 drug by the Food and Drug Administration after reports of neurotoxicity in laboratory animals. It again resurfaced in the mid 1980s as a recreational drug used primarily among college students and other young adults. There are a number of case reports describing toxic effects from MDMA, including hyperthermia, rhabdomyolysis, coagulopathy, and acute renal failure. Little information is available regarding acute management or treatment of toxic ingestions. Conclusions: MDMA ingestion has been associated with severe toxic effects. Although the literature describes numerous cases of toxic ingestion, there are no published recommendations or suggestions to guide physicians in the evaluation and treatment of such cases. By reviewing the history, neurochemistry, and toxicology of MDMA, as well as providing some guidance regarding management of toxic ingestion, we can arm the provider with valuable information for use in the acute setting. In addition, this information will assist providers in counseling young adults regarding the possible consequences of using this substance.
The Social Construction of Abducted Children as a Social Problem

Using the theoretical framework developed by Spector and Kitsuse (1973; 1977), this paper describes the development of the issue of abducted children as a social problem. Analysis of this particular case suggests theoretical refinements for the social constructionist perspective. It is argued that the concept of a “valence issue” could be used to differentiate between the natural histories of substantively different kinds of social problems.
Fold–thrust styles in the Absaroka thrust sheet, Caribou National Forest area, Idaho–Wyoming thrust belt

Abstract The Bear Creek, Big Elk and Black Mountain anticlines are macroscopic structures located in the hanging wall of the Absaroka thrust within the Idaho–Wyoming fold–thrust belt. Structural mapping of the area was conducted by draping existing geologic maps and digital orthophotos over digital elevation models (DEM) to obtain a three-dimensional perspective of the area. The map was further refined by reconnaissance field mapping of selected outcrops. Construction of balanced cross-sections suggests that these structures detach at three stratigraphic levels, within the Cambrian Gros Ventre Formation, Devonian Darby Formation, and Triassic Dinwoody Formation. The folds in the upper stratigraphic package consist of symmetric to asymmetric detachment folds, which show variable vergence along trend. The structures in the lower stratigraphic packages primarily evolved as low-amplitude detachment folds, which were subsequently displaced over fault ramps to form fault–bend folds or duplexes. The duplex geometries in the Cambro–Ordovician units under the Bear Creek and Poker Peak anticlines vary from independent anticlines in the south to completely overlapping stacks in the north. The macroscopic structural patterns of folds proposed in this study will be useful in interpreting subsurface structures in other parts of the Idaho–Wyoming fold–thrust belt.
Restricting Intake of Forages: An Alternative Feeding Strategy for Wintering Beef Cows

Abstract In Experiment 1, 72 Simmental cows with calves were used to evaluate restricting time of access to high quality hay stored inside. Four replications were used to evaluate three treatments relative to access to hay: restricted to 4, 8, or 24 h/d. Final cow BW (P=0.06) tended to be heavier as hay access times increased. Calf performance did not differ. Manure production (kg DM/d per head) increased (P=0.002) with increasing access to hay. Nitrogen disappearance (kg/d per head) increased linearly (P=0.01) and quadratically (P=0.02) with increasing access to hay. In Experiment 2, 72 Simmental cows in the third trimester of gestation were used to evaluate four treatments: ground hay (7.6-cm screen) fed to meet 90% of NRC (1996) recommendations for maintenance and access to hay restricted to 3, 5, or 7 h/d. Cows on all treatments in this experiment were fed average quality hay that was stored outside. Cow BW change increased linearly (P=0.04) with increasing time allowances. Manure production (kg DM/d per head) tended to increase linearly (P= 0.08) as access time increased. In Experiment 3, 108 Simmental cows with calves were used to evaluate three feeding levels of ground hay: [100, 90, or 80% of NRC (1996) requirements for maintenance]. No differences in cow performance, calf BW gain, or manure production were observed. Amounts of N (P= 0.11) and P (P=0.09) in the manure (kg/ d per head) tended to be reduced with restricted intake. These results indicate that restricting intake of at least average quality forages results in a desirable level of cow performance and reduces hay waste, manure production, and manure nutrient output.
A potential role for the dermatologist in the physical transformation of transgender people: A survey of attitudes and practices within the transgender community.

Background There are an estimated 700,000 or more transgender people in the United States, however their dermatologic needs are not fully established in the medical literature. Unique needs relate to hormone therapy, prior surgeries, and other aspects of physical transitioning. Objectives By examining attitudes and practices of transgender individuals, we aimed to identify areas for which dermatologists could contribute to their physical transformation. Methods This cross-sectional study used an anonymous online survey, distributed via lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender organizations; social media; and at targeted locations and events. Results A total of 327 people completed the survey (63% men, 29% women, 9% other). Most transgender women indicated that their face was most imperative to have changed, whereas men noted their chest, in turn influencing procedures. Of women's facial procedures, hair removal predominated, followed by surgery then injectables, mostly performed by plastic surgeons. Hormone-induced facial effects varied, usually taking over 2 years for maximal effect. When choosing procedures, money was the major barrier and good aesthetic outcome the primary concern. Participants did not think that facial procedures necessitate the currently accepted prerequisites for chest and genital surgery. Limitations This study has limited size and convenience sampling. Conclusion Dermatologists could contribute to the physical transformation of transgender patients through noninvasive procedures.
Evidence for Paracrine Signaling Between Macrophages and Bovine Adrenal Chromaffin Cell Ca2+ Channels

The adrenal gland contains resident macrophages, some of which lie adjacent to the catecholamine producing chromaffin cells. Because macrophages release a variety of secretory products, it is possi...
Female and Male Haplostoma Brevicauda (Copepoda: Cyclopoida: Ascidicolidae), Living in Compound Ascidians

Abstract The female of Haplostoma brevicauda (Canu, 1886) is redescribed primarily based on specimens living in the Ascidian Aplidium argus which is the type host. Three other Aplidium species have been confirmed to be parasitized by H. brevicauda. The redescription indicates that H. mizoulei Monniot, 1962, is synonymous with H. brevicauda. Subgroup 1 of Haplostoma, which consists of H. brevicauda and 10 congeners, exhibits at least four patterns (I–IV) of armature formulas for legs 1–4; H. brevicauda has pattern II. In this paper, the male of H. brevicauda is described for the first time based on specimens living in A. turbinatum and one other Aplidium species. A male that Canu (1892) reported as the male of H. brevicauda will be assigned here as the male of Botryllophilus ruber Hesse, 1864. The present material was obtained by the author at Roscoff, France, in 1992.
Change score or follow-up score? Choice of mean difference estimates could impact meta-analysis conclusions.

Abstract Objectives In randomized controlled clinical trials, continuous outcomes are typically measured at both baseline and follow-up, and mean difference could be estimated using the change scores from baseline or the follow-up scores. This study assesses the impact of using change score vs. follow-up score on the conclusions of meta-analyses. Study Design and Setting A total of 63 meta-analyses from six comparative effectiveness reviews were included. The combined mean difference was estimated using a random-effects model, and we also evaluated whether the impact qualitatively varied by alternative random-effects estimates. Results Based on the Dersimonian–Laird (DL) method, using the change vs. the follow-up score led to five meta-analyses (7.9%) showing discrepancy in conclusions. Based on the profile likelihood (PL) method, nine (14.3%) showed discrepancy in conclusions. Using change score was more likely to show a significant difference in effects between interventions (DL method: 4 of 5; PL method: 7 of 9). A significant difference in baseline scores did not necessarily lead to discrepancies in conclusions. Conclusions Using the change vs. the follow-up score could lead to important discrepancies in conclusions. Sensitivity analyses should be conducted to check the robustness of results to the choice of mean difference estimates.
Influence of bile acids on biliary lipid excretion in man. Implications in gallstone formation.

Bile salts orally administered to a human subject, who had a short-arm Ttube in his common bile duct, markedly increased the concentrations of bile acids, phospholipid, and cholesterol in the hepatic bile. The increase in phospholipid was proportionately greater than that of cholesterol. When administration of oral bile acids was stopped, there was a decrease in the bile acids and phospholipid levels, and in the phospholipid to cholesterol ratio. These data provide evidence that biliary lipid excretion is regulated by the availability of bile acids.
Reproductive System of the Eye Gnat Hippelates pusio (Diptera: Chloropidae)

The male reproductive system of H. pusio Loew consists of a pair of orange-pigmented, pear-shaped testes, a pair of short vasa deferentia, paired accessory glands, an unpaired ejaculatory duct, and the external genitalia. The female reproductive system consists of a pair of ovaries, an efferent duct system, 2 sperm-storing organs, paired accessory glands, and the external genitalia. Each ovary has about 20 parallel egg tubes or ovarioles. Each ovariole has a moniliform series of 2–4 follicles, tapering distally, and provided with a terminal filament and a pedicel.
The Rotating-Detonation-Wave Engine Concept: A Brief Status report

rotating detonation-wave engine. The flow field within the engine is shown to be fairly complicated. However, it follows the "steady-state" thermal detonation cycle quite closely, unlike the PDE. Parametric studies varying the pressure conditions both upstream at the inlet plane and downstream through the back pressure reveal that the overall specific impulse is just a function of the ratio of the inlet stagnation pressure to the chamber back pressure for the generic device considered here. Sources of losses occur when the reactant is burned away from the detonation wave, and also when detonated reactants are forced through both the oblique and secondary shock waves.
Studies on Hormone Production by Human Fetal Pituitary Cell Cultures

SummaryGrowth hormone (HGH) elaboration in culture media of 16 human fetal anterior pituitary cell cultures was studied using the rocker incubator system. HGH was measured by radioimmunoassay technique. HGH was demonstrated in all culture media from human fetal pituitaries but no such activity could be demonstrated from media obtained from other tissue cultures. There was a general correlation between the age of the fetus and the amount of HGH elaborated. In each of the cultures established, the daily elaboration of HGH was reduced after a period of time ranging from 1 to 4 weeks. The biologic activity of the hormone was confirmed in one sample by bioassay. Generally, there appeared to be no correlation between the rate of cellular growth, morphologic appearance, and level of hormone elaboration. The growth appeared to be rapid initially and then to reach a plateau. Luteinizing hormone and thyrotropic hormone were tested for and were found in the culture media of one pituitary.
Analysis of aluminium foil wrinkling

This article introduce the appearance and distribution,and analyze the main cause of wrinkling.The measures of reducing wrinkling are gave.
Conservative treatment of anal carcinoma with chemotherapy and radiation therapy

Carcinoma of the anus is a disease that is well treated with chemoradiation therapy. Moderate doses of radiation therapy provide excellent results for T1 lesions and, when salvage treatment is included, for T2 and T3 lesions. Two recently completed European trials (EORTC and UKCCCR) have compared treatment with radiation therapy alone with chemoradiation. Both trials showed a better disease-free survival and a better colostomy-free survival when chemotherapy was added. In the United States, the RTOG has completed a trial evaluating the role of mitomycin-C. RTOG 87-04 compared results with RT plus 5FU plus mitomycin-C: this addition improved disease-free survival and colostomy-free survival. The post-treatment follow-up of patients with anal carcinoma is critical since approximately half of patients with persistent or recurrent disease can be salvaged, frequent follow-up visits with careful physical exam are mandatory.
Complete genome sequence of two isolates of pokeweed mosaic virus and its relationship to other members of the genus Potyvirus

The complete genomic sequences of two isolates of pokeweed mosaic virus (PkMV) were determined to be 9512 nucleotides long, excluding the poly(A) tail. Their genomic organization is typical of potyviruses and contains conserved motifs found in members of the genus Potyvirus. Pairwise comparisons showed that PkMV and other members of the genus Potyvirus share 51.0-57.5 % sequence identity at the genome sequence level and 39.8-53.0 % at the polyprotein sequence level. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that PkMV is most closely related to several viruses in the PVY group of the genus Potyvirus. The genomic information obtained for PkMV suggests that this virus is a distinct potyvirus.
EXPRESSION DEFECT OF ORNITHINE AMINOTRANSFERASE GENE IN GYRATE ATROPHY

A generalized deficiency in the mitochondrial enzyme, ornithine aminotransferase (OAT: EC 2.6.1.13), is the hallmark of gyrate atrophy (GA), a hereditary degenerative disease of the choroid and retina of the eye that leads to blindness. A human OAT cDNA, previously constructed and characterized in our laboratory, and anti-human OAT antibody were used as probes to examine the OAT gene, mRNA and protein of GA patients. A blot analysis of the genomic DNAs, RNAs and proteins of 14 GA patients identified a case with a partial heterozygous deletion of the functional OAT gene located on chromosome 10, no detectable OAT mRNA, and a barely detectable level of OAT antibody-reactive protein. The rest of the cases showed grossly normal OAT gene, mRNA, and variably reduced levels of OAT protein. A restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) was identified in the functional OAT gene sequence with EcoRI which may be useful for prenatal diagnosis of GA. RFLPs were also identified in the OAT-related gene sequences located on the X chromosome with Hind III and Pst I which may potentially show linkage to X-linked retinitis pigmentosa locus. The finding of an OAT gene, mRNA, and protein defect in a GA case constitutes the first real demonstration of the molecular genetic defect of OAT in GA.
Exercise versus vasodilator stress limb perfusion imaging for the assessment of peripheral artery disease.

Purpose Our aim was to determine whether pharmacologic vasodilation is an alternative to exercise stress during limb perfusion imaging for peripheral artery disease (PAD). Methods Quantitative contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEU) perfusion imaging of the bilateral anterior thigh and calf was performed in nine control subjects and nine patients with moderate to severe PAD at rest and during vasodilator stress with dipyridamole. For those who were able, CEU of the calf was then performed during modest plantar flexion exercise (20 watts). CEU time-intensity data were analyzed to quantify microvascular blood flow (MBF) and its parametric components of microvascular blood volume and flux rate. Results Thigh and calf skeletal muscle MBF at rest was similar between control and PAD patients. During dipyridamole, MBF increased minimally (<twofold) for all groups and there were only nonsignificant trends for a reduction in calf MBF in those with PAD (13.5±6.9, 10.0±4.7, and 8.2±6.1 IU/s, for controls, moderate, and severe PAD, respectively; P=.11). In contrast, MBF during modest planar flexion exercise increased markedly in controls but not PAD patients (87.9±79.9 vs 15.2±12.9 IU/s, P<.05). In three moderate PAD patients restudied after undergoing surgical revascularization, MBF during dipyridamole did not change, whereas exercise MBF increased by an average of sevenfold. Conclusions Resting limb skeletal muscle MBF in patients with moderate to severe PAD is similar to that in normal subjects. However, differences in hyperemic flow during contractile exercise but not during dipyridamole allow evaluation of the degree of flow impairment from PAD and the degree of improvement with revascularization.
Minimum Age of Sale for Tobacco Products and Electronic Cigarettes: Ethical Acceptability of US “Tobacco 21 Laws”

Several US jurisdictions have recently passed laws that raise the minimum age of sale for tobacco products and electronic cigarettes to 21 years (Tobacco 21 laws). Although these laws have been demonstrated to be an effective means to reduce youth smoking initiation, their passage and potential expansion have provoked controversy. Critics have objected to these laws, claiming that they unduly intrude on individual freedom and that they irrationally and paternalistically restrict the freedom of those aged 18 to 20 years, who were previously able to legally purchase tobacco products. We have examined the ethical acceptability of Tobacco 21 laws. First, we have described ethical support for such a restriction grounded in its public health benefit. We have then offered arguments that raise doubts about the soundness of critics' objections to these regulations and described an additional ethical justification arising from concern about preventing harm to others. On the basis of this analysis, we conclude that Tobacco 21 laws are ethically justifiable.
(Re)educating the senses to multicultural communities: prospective teachers using digital media and sonic cartography to listen for culture

AbstractAttuning to the acoustic ecologies of multicultural education, this critical qualitative project interrogated how elementary prospective teachers (PST) used digital media to write community through and with sound. Examining PST produced soundscapes and the practice of sonic cartography, this study inquired how hearing difference and listening to community re-educated the senses towards issues of difference, belonging, and multiculturalism. Findings illuminate three ways in which PSTs maintained a ‘proper distance’ – a proximal, reflexive, and reciprocal stance – through digitally composing their cartographic creations and reflections. Developing materials that hear and sustain community, this study has implications for how English educators can attune to the frequencies and rhythms of culture while designing towards more equitable landscapes for learning.
Reflections on new thinking about scientific realism

In August 2014 the Universities of Pretoria and Johannesburg hosted a major international conference in Cape Town, ‘New Thinking about Scientific Realism’, to assess extant discussions of the view in hopes of opening up new avenues of research, and to sow the seeds of further development and consideration of these prospective lines of inquiry. In this, the concluding essay of the Special Issue collecting some of the descendants of these earlier presentations, I extract some of the more striking themes to emerge with the aim of reflecting on their novelty and their promise for the future study of scientific realism.
Effect of groove width of modified current collector on internal short circuit of abused lithium-ion battery

In a lithium-ion battery (LIB), mechanical abuse often leads to internal short circuits (ISC) that trigger thermal runaway. We investigated a thermal-runaway mitigation (TRM) technique using a modified current collector. By generating surface grooves on the current collector, the area of electrodes directly involved in ISC could be largely reduced, which decreased the ISC current. The TRM mechanism took effect immediately after the LIB was damaged. The testing data indicate that the groove width is a critical factor. With optimized groove width, this technique may enable robust and multifunctional design of LIB cells for large-scale energy-storage units.
Analysis of hot cracking during lap joint laser welding processes using the melting state-based thermomechanical modeling approach

Although lap joint laser welding is in great demand in practice, very limited numerical studies have been performed to investigate the hot cracking behavior in this welding configuration. This is because the traditional numerical methods are ineffective in simulating lap joint welding processes, which requires consideration of the discontinuous thermomechanical fields across the metal sheet interface prior to joining and the complicated contact conditions that evolve with material phase transitions during the welding process. The aim of the present study is to introduce a new irreversible melting state variable into the thermomechanical coupled computational model to account for the melting state effects on the mechanical and thermal properties at the welding interfaces. Under this framework, the calculation of thermal conductance and frictional coefficient depends on both temperature and the melting state variable. This allows the proper thermal and mechanical contact conditions to be captured at various melting states during the whole welding process. The proposed melting state-based model has been applied to the simulation of lap joint laser welding for the numerical investigation of the critical crack initiation location as well as the influence of various processing parameters on the cracking susceptibility and the cracking mechanism during heating-cooling processes.
Impact of occupational socialisation on South Korean teachers’ reading and delivery of physical education

Understanding how physical education (PE) teachers in a particular culture are socialised into the profession can lead to improvements in PE teacher education (PETE) and professional development. M...
Measurement of intracellular sulfur amino acid metabolism in humans

Methionine metabolism forms homocysteine via transmethylation. Homocysteine is either 1) condensed to form cystathionine, which is cleaved to form cysteine, or 2) remethylated back to methionine. M...