cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Increased concentrations of basement membrane collagen fragment in urine of diabetic mice

Levels of a urinary component of basement membrane collagen (type IV) were compared in diabetic (db/db) and normal (db/+) C57BL/Ks inbred mice. A modification of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique was used with antigen and antibody preparations previously defined to be specific for a fragment from human basement membrane collagen. Significantly elevated levels of basement membrane collagen were found in the urine of homozygous diabetic (db/db) mice as soon as the fourth week after birth. These levels were consistently higher than those found in age-matched normal (db/+) mice throughout the 28 weeks in which measurements were made. Results described here support previous evidence that increased basement membrane collagen synthesis occurs in the db/db model of diabetic nephropathy.
Assessment of two methods of gastric decompression for the initial management of gastric dilatation-volvulus

Objective To assess gastric trocarization and orogastric tubing as a means of gastric decompression for the initial management of gastric dilatation-volvulus. Methods Retrospective review of 116 gastric dilatation-volvulus cases from June 2001 to October 2009. Results Decompression was performed via orogastric tubing in 31 dogs, gastric trocarization in 39 dogs and a combination of both in 46 dogs. Tubing was successful in 59 (75·5%) dogs and unsuccessful in 18 (23·4%) dogs. Trocarization was successful in 73 (86%) dogs and unsuccessful in 12 (14%) dogs. No evidence of gastric perforation was noted at surgery in dogs undergoing either technique. One dog that underwent trocarization had a splenic laceration identified at surgery that did not require treatment. Oesophageal rupture or aspiration pneumonia was not identified in any dog during hospitalization. No statistical difference was found between the method of gastric decompression and gastric compromise requiring surgical intervention or survival to discharge. Clinical Significance Orogastric tubing and gastric trocarization are associated with low complication and high success rates. Either technique is an acceptable method for gastric decompression in dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus.
Finding a Common Bandwidth: Causes of Convergence and Diversity in Paleolithic Beads

Ornaments (aka beads) are the most common and ubiquitous art form of the Late Pleistocene. This fact suggests a common, fundamental function somewhat different to other kinds of Paleolithic art. While the capacity for artistic expression could be considerably older than the record of preserved (durable) art would suggest, beads signal a novel development in the efficiency and flexibility of visual communication technology. The Upper Paleolithic was a period of considerable regional differentiation in material culture, yet there is remarkable consistency in the dominant shapes and sizes of Paleolithic beads over more than 25,000 years and across vast areas, even though they were made from diverse materials and, in the case of mollusc shells, diverse taxonomic families. Cultural and linguistic continuity cannot explain the meta-pattern. The evidence indicates that widespread adoption of beads of redundant form was not only about local and subregional communication of personal identity or group affinity, but also an expansion in the geographic scale of social networks. The conformity of the beads grew spontaneously and in a self-organizing manner from individuals’ interest in tapping into the network as a means for spreading social and environmental risk.
Cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer formation and p53 production in human skin after repeated UV irradiation.

Abstract: Substantial differences in DNA damage caused by a single UV irradiation were found in our previous study on skin with different levels of constitutive pigmentation. In this study, we assessed whether facultative pigmentation induced by repeated UV irradiation is photoprotective. Three sites on the backs of 21 healthy subjects with type II–III skin were irradiated at 100–600 J/m2 every 2–7 days over a 4- to 5-week period. The three sites received different cumulative doses of UV (1900, 2900 or 4200 J/m2) and were biopsied 1 day after the last irradiation. Biomarkers examined included pigment content assessed by Fontana–Masson staining, melanocyte function by expression of melanocyte-specific markers, DNA damage as cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPD), nuclear accumulation of p53, apoptosis determined by TUNEL assay, and levels of p21 and Ser46-phosphorylated p53. Increases in melanocyte function and density, and in levels of apoptosis were similar among the 3 study sites irradiated with different cumulative UV doses. Levels of CPD decreased while the number of p53-positive cells increased as the cumulative dose of UV increased. These results suggest that pigmentation induced in skin by repeated UV irradiation protects against subsequent UV-induced DNA damage but not as effectively as constitutive pigmentation.
Should we pay donors to increase the supply of organs for transplantation? Yes

Paymentfor livingkidney donation is illegal in most countries. Arthur Matas (doi: 10.1136/bmj.a157) believes that legalisation is needed to shorten waiting times, but Jeremy Chapman argues that it will reduce the supply of all organs
Novel Rubbers from the Cationic Copolymerization of Soybean Oils and Dicyclopentadiene, 2 – Mechanical and Damping Properties

A series of various soybean oil/dicyclopentadiene (DCP) thermosetting copolymers with renewable carbon percentages of 53-86% have been prepared by cationic copolymerization of regular (SOY) or 100% conjugated soybean oils (C 100 SOY) with DCP initiated by NFO ethyl ester modified and SOY- and C 100 SOY-diluted BF 3 diethyl etherate. The effects of stoichiometry, the type of soybean oil, and the initiator on the mechanical and damping properties of the copolymers have been investigated. The materials exhibit compressive stress/strain behavior ranging from soft rubbers to tough and ductile plastics, and possess good damping properties. They represent promising new materials for efficient sound and vibration damping applications over a broad temperature and frequency range.
Experimentally Demonstrated Waveguide-Coupled Corner-Cut Microcavities

We report the design and fabrication of waveguide-coupled corner-cut square microcavities in silicon. Potential applications for this microcavity include sensors, filters, and optically pumped lasers.
MO-E-332-02: Skin Doses in Interventional Radiology Procedures Associated with Oncology Diagnosis and Treatment — Are There Reviewable Sentinel Events?

Purpose: Fluoroscopic examinations with cumulative dose exceeding 15 Gy to a single field is now considered as a ‘reviewable sentinel event’ according to Joint Commission standards. Guidance from the FDA suggests that the potential for injury be recorded in the patient's record for cumulative absorbed dose of 1 Gy or more. The purpose of this study was to estimate the peak radiation skindoses for interventional radiology procedures performed at a high patient volume cancer center. Method and Materials: A single‐center, IRB‐approved retrospective study was performed using data from an oncologic interventional radiology section. Peak skindoses were estimated from consecutive procedures performed during 2006 in three different fluoroscopic suites equipped for these studies. Of 6598 consecutive procedures, 3966 (60%) had dose‐area‐product (DAP) measurements recorded and were included in the study. Results: The mean estimated peak skindose was 0.19 Gy (range 4.95 microGy to 8.65 Gy) with a maximum individual skindose of 8.65 Gy. No procedures resulted in skindoses >15 Gy and over 95% of the procedures resulted in skindoses 1 Gy included: embolization, biliary drain/stent, IVC filter, nephrostomy, arteriogram, abscess catheters, foreign body retrieval, catheter change, cholecystostomy, and gastronomy tube check. Embolizations, and biliary drain/stent procedures were most likely to result in skindoses >1 Gy. Significant variations in skindose were noted for various instances of the same procedure (e.g. range 0.6 mGy to 8.65 Gy for hepatic embolizations). Conclusion: Even when potential errors in methodology are considered, it is unlikely that any typical case performed in an oncologic interventional radiology practice would exceed the Joint Commission ‘reviewable sentinel event’ level of 15 Gy. Identifying procedures that could have peak skindoses greater than 1 Gy can be useful for informed consent and clinical followup.
Population consequences of non-Mendelian segregation among multiple alleles.

Most population genetics theory assumes that the alleles at a given locus segregate according to Mendel's first law and that there is no prezygotic selection. These assumptions are probably valid in the majority of cases. Very little prezygotic selection has been found to occur in animals. In fact, the results of experiments in Drosophila which seem to indicate a lack of gene activity in mature sperms (Muller and Settles, 1926; McCloskey, 1964) have so pervaded animal genetics that only as a last resort would anyone propose prezygotic selection as the explanation of a non-Mendelian recovery ratio. Events formally equivalent to gametic selection can occur in the absence of gene activity in sperms, however (Lindsley and Grell, 1969), provided a mechanism exists whereby gene products can be differentially partitioned to spermatids during meiosis. Gametic selection may be an important phenomenon in plant evolution (Jones, 1920; Beale, 1939; Afzal and Khan, 1950; Bateman, 1956; Ricelli-Mattei, 1968; Harding and Tucker, 1969). The extended haploid phase in the life cycles of many plants certainly presents the opportunities for selection. One striking example of prezygotic selection in barley has been presented by Doll (1968) who found that about onefourth of the newly induced chlorophyll mutants have unequal gametic ratios. As for meiotic drive, it is by no means a common phenomenon. On the other hand, a considerable number of isolated cases have now been described in both plants and animals (examples: Gershenson, 1928; Sturtevant and Dobzhansky, 1936; Rhoades, 1942; Dunn, 1956; Cameron and Moav, 1957; Sandler et al., 1959; Loegering and Sears, 1963; Redei, 1965; Hickey and Craig, 1966; Hanks, 1969). The extent to which these loci are important in evolution is still generally unknown although several cases have been extensively investigated (sex-ratio in the Drosophila obscura species group, Sturtevant and Dobzhansky, 1936; Stalker, 1961; t-alleles in the house mouse, Lewontin and Dunn, 1960; Lewontin, 1962, 1968; SD in Drosophila melanogaster, Hiraizumi et al., 1960; Katoaka, 1967; Hartl, 1970a). The possibility that non-Mendelian segregation may at times be important in evolution makes it seem worthwhile to develop a general theory of evolution which can accommodate prezygotic selection and meiotic drive. Several simple cases involving two alleles have been worked out (Haldane, 1924; Prout, 1953; Bruck, 1957; Lewontin, 1958, 1968; Hiraizumi et al., 1960; Scudo, 1967; Hartl, 1970b, 1970c). The present paper extends the theory to multiple alleles at one locus. The aim is to present a general formulation of the problem and to apply it to a few special cases. The fundamental theorem of natural selection is also extended to include nonMendelian segregation.
Toward a Sociotechnological Theory of the Women's Movement

The degree of sex stratification in a society is based on the extent to which males dominate the distribution of resources outside the reproductive unit. The industrial revolution increasingly transferred productive functions outside the family while it reduced women's reproductive functions. These trends reduced women's functions to custodial childcare and domestic service. While industrial demands for labor drew women first into the factory and later into the office, their supply and pay were regulated by male-dominated institutions, such as labor unions and schools. Only after married women entered the labor force on a long-term basis did the Women's Movement develop into a force which could not be reversed.
Chronic physiologic hyperinsulinemia impairs suppression of plasma free fatty acids and increases de novo lipogenesis but does not cause dyslipidemia in conscious normal rats.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity are characterized by fasting hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance with respect to glucose metabolism, elevated plasma free fatty acid (FFA) levels, hypertriglyceridemia, and decreased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. An association between hyperinsulinemia and dyslipidemia has been suggested, but the causality of the relationship remains uncertain. Therefore, we infused eight 12-week-old male catheterized conscious normal rats with insulin (1 mU/min) for 7 days while maintaining euglycemia using a modification of the glucose clamp technique. Control rats (n = 8) received vehicle infusion. Baseline FFAs were 1.07 ± 0.13 mmol/L, decreased to 0.57 ± 0.10 (P < .05) upon initiation of the insulin infusion, and gradually increased to 0.95 ± 0.12 by day 7 (P = NS v baseline). On day 7 after a 6-hour fast, plasma insulin, glucose, and FFA levels in control and chronically hyperinsulinemic rats were 32 ± 5 versus 116 ± 21 mU/L (P < .005), 122 ± 4 versus 129 ± 8 mg/dL (P = NS), and 1.13 ± 0.18 versus 0.95 ± 0.12 mmol/L (P = NS); total plasma triglyceride and cholesterol levels were 78 ± 7 versus 66 ± 9 mg/dL (P = NS) and 50 ± 3 versus 47 ± 2 mg/dL (P = NS), respectively. Very—low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) + intermediate-density lipoprotein (IDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and HDL2 and HDL3 subfractions of plasma triglyceride and cholesterol were similar in control and hyperinsulinemic rats. Plasma FFA correlated positively with total (r = .61, P < .005) triglycerides. On day 7 after an 8-hour fast, hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps with 3-3H-glucose infusion were performed in all rats. Chronically hyperinsulinemic rats showed peripheral insulin resistance (glucose uptake, 15.8 ± 0.8 v 19.3 ± 1.4 mg/kg · min, P < .02) but normal suppression of hepatic glucose production (HGP) compared with control rats (4.3 ± 1.0 v 5.6 ± 1.4 mg/kg · min, P = NS). De novo tissue lipogenesis (3-3H-glucose incorporation into lipids) was increased in chronically hyperinsulinemic versus control rats (0.90 ± 0.10 v 0.44 ± 0.08 mg/kg · min, P < .005). In conclusion, chronic physiologic hyperinsulinemia (1) causes insulin resistance with regard to the suppression of plasma FFA levels and increases lipogenesis; (2) induces peripheral but not hepatic insulin resistance with respect to glucose metabolism; and (3) does not cause an elevation in VLDL-triglyceride or a reduction in HDL-cholesterol.
Accelerated Incident Detection and Verification: A Benefit to Cost Analysis of Traffic Cameras

Traffic incidents are a major contributor to congestion on US freeways, resulting in millions of dollars in property damage and significant deaths and injuries each year. Because a single incident can cause traffic delays, equally devastating secondary incidents can result. Thus, the faster an incident is detected, verified, and cleared, the less significant the impact. Traffic cameras and other technologies are widely used for this purpose. This work examined the effectiveness of traffic cameras at five metropolitan freeway sites in South Carolina using the traffic simulation software PARAMICS to simulate various incident scenarios and traffic camera operations through application programming interfaces. The authors used these interfaces to produce random spatial and temporal occurrence of incidents, including the incident start times, durations and locations. A benefit-cost analysis based on the simulation results suggested traffic cameras returned $12 for every dollar spent under the prevailing conditions at the study sites. A sensitivity study, varying different benefit- and cost-related parameters, such as deployment costs, number of incidents, and discount rate, revealed benefit-cost values that were always above one.
Competition of shape and interaction patchiness for self-assembling nanoplates

Progress in nanocrystal synthesis and self-assembly enables the formation of highly ordered superlattices. Recent studies focused on spherical particles with tunable attraction and polyhedral particles with anisotropic shape, and excluded volume repulsion, but the effects of shape on particle interaction are only starting to be exploited. Here we present a joint experimental-computational multiscale investigation of a class of highly faceted planar lanthanide fluoride nanocrystals (nanoplates, nanoplatelets). The nanoplates self-assemble into long-range ordered tilings at the liquid-air interface formed by a hexane wetting layer. Using Monte Carlo simulation, we demonstrate that their assembly can be understood from maximization of packing density only in a first approximation. Explaining the full phase behaviour requires an understanding of nanoplate-edge interactions, which originate from the atomic structure, as confirmed by density functional theory calculations. Despite the apparent simplicity in particle geometry, the combination of shape-induced entropic and edge-specific energetic effects directs the formation and stabilization of unconventional long-range ordered assemblies not attainable otherwise.
Nuclear matrix elements from L/K electron capture ratios in 59Ni decay

Abstract Using a recent theoretical method, the ratio of nuclear matrix elements R = ( v F 0 220 −√ 3 2 A F 0 221 / v F 0 211 ) was determined to be either 20.50 +0.35 −0.55 or 25.22 +0.28 −0.17 in the second-forbidden nonunique decay of 8 × 10 4 y 59 Ni. These values of R were obtained from a value of L 3 /K = 0.008 ± 0.002 found by subtracting the theoretical ratio (L 1 + L 2 ) K = 0.113 (based on Q P EC = 1070 ± 8 keV) from the total ratio L/K = 0.121 ± 0.002, which was measured with a reactor-produced, doubly-mass-separated 59 Ni source introduced as gaseous nickel-ocene, (C 5 H 5 ) 2 , into a wall-less, anticoincidence, multiwire proportional counter. The 854–1008 eV L and the 8.33 keV K peaks were measured simultaneously.
SYPHILIS SEROPOSITIVITY AS A MARKER FOR COCAINE USE DURING PREGNANCY IN NON-OPIATE-USING WOMEN IN AN URBAN POPULATION. 1038

Resurgent congenital syphilis has been linked to many factors, including substance abuse and the HIV epidemic. 243 low-income urban women and their infants were recruited as part of a study of in utero cocaine exposure. 87% were African American/African Caribbean. The average age was 26.2 years. 37% were primiparous. None were known to be HIV-positive. Mother-infant dyads were considered seropositive for syphilis if either the mother's syphilis serology done at delivery or the infant's cord blood serology was positive. All positive non-treponemal tests (RPR's) were confirmed with treponemal tests(MHA-TP's). 14 dyads (6%) were positive, with serologic data available for both mother and infant in 12, and in mother or infant in 2. Of the 243 dyads, prenatal cocaine exposure by maternal report or biological assay was present in 130 (54%). None had urine or meconium assays positive for amphetamines, opiates, or phencyclidine, or admitted to use of these substances. 12 of 14 dyads (86%) with positive syphilis serologies were also positive for cocaine exposure. The rate of syphilis seropositivity at delivery for women in this sample who used cocaine during pregnancy was thus 8%; the rate of syphilis seropositivity at delivery for those women of similar ethnicity and socioeconomic status who did not use cocaine in pregnancy was 2% (p =.02). Syphilis seropositivity at delivery in mother or infant was a strong marker for cocaine use during pregnancy in this population that did not use opiates or amphetamines. Urine toxicology screening specifically including cocaine should be considered for women who test positive for syphilis at any point during pregnancy.
Effects of Role-Playing on Perceptions of Union Leaders

By use of a semantic differential scale changes in perceptions of union leaders were examined. While no significant changes occurred in the comparison group, significant changes occurred with the experimental group on six of the descriptive adjectives, two favorable, three unfavorable, and one neither favorable nor unfavorable.
Sulfur Atoms as Tethers for Selective Attachment of Aromatic Molecules to Silicon(001) Surfaces

Benzenethiol (C6H5SH) and diphenyl disulfide (C6H5S−SC6H5) were used as model systems to compare the interaction of chemically similar π-conjugated molecules with the Si(001)-2×1 surface. The bonding behavior of these substituted aromatic hydrocarbons on the Si(001) surface was investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). Both FTIR and XPS indicate that benzenethiol molecules chemisorb on the Si(001) surface predominantly through the sulfur atom via deprotonation of the thiol substituent group. There also is evidence that a small minority of benzenethiol molecules may adsorb on the surface through the phenyl ring or undergo further fragmentation. Diphenyl disulfide appears to bond to the Si(001) surface in one primary configuration in which the S−S bond of diphenyl disulfide is cleaved and the two sulfur−phenyl moieties are bonded to the silicon surface through the sulfur atoms. Thermal studies indicate ...
EX VIVO METABOLIC SIGNATURES OF GLIOMAS BASED UPON TUMOR GRADE, IMAGING CHARACTERISTICS AND TREATMENT HISTORY

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to use ex vivo NMR spectroscopy of image guided tissue samples in order to characterize the metabolic signatures of gliomas and to determine which in vivo parameters are likely to be of interest for directing treatment, evaluating response and predicting outcome. METHODS: A total of 254 image guided tissue samples were obtained from 126 patients with glioma who were undergoing surgical resection for either a new or recurrent lesion. Half of each sample was flash frozen for analysis using ex vivo high resolution magic angle spinning (HRMAS) 1H spectroscopy with a 500MHz NMR scanner. Metabolite levels were estimated from the ex vivo spectra using the HR-QUEST software package. The other half of each sample was fixed in paraffin for subsequent histological analysis. Confirmation of the presence of tumor, the definition of tumor grade and evaluation of histology were made by an experienced pathologist. Associations between samples with different pathologies and/or from different anatomic regions were evaluated using a proportional odds logistic regression model with repeated measures in order to take account of the multiple samples per subject. RESULTS: Significant differences in the ex vivo metabolite levels were observed between samples from groups that were separated based upon (i) primary tumor grade, (ii) IDH status, (iii) having arisen as primary vs secondary GBM, (iv) being classified as corresponding to recurrent GBM vs treatment effect and (v) coming from regions of GBM that were contrast enhancing versus non-enhancing on T1-weighted post-Gadolinium images. Key metabolites that were relevant for making distinctions between the various groupings included levels of 2-hydroxglutarate, myo-inositol, phosphocholine, glycerophosphcholine, glutathione, glycine, glutamate, creatine, N-acetylasparate and mobile lipids. CONCLUSIONS: Many of the metabolites that were highlighted as being associated with different pathologies and regional imaging characteristics can be measured using clinically available 3T whole body MR scanners in conjunction with in vivo 1H MR spectroscopic imaging. Recent advances in the methodology for acquiring and analyzing such data have made it possible to obtain maps of metabolite levels from the brain in a scan time of 5-10 minutes. Applications to patient care include assessment of tumor burden, prediction of outcome and tailoring treatment to individual patient characteristics.Supported by: NIH P50 {"type":"entrez-nucleotide","attrs":{"text":"CA097257","term_id":"34950564","term_text":"CA097257"}}CA097257, RO1 {"type":"entrez-nucleotide","attrs":{"text":"CA127612","term_id":"35007666","term_text":"CA127612"}}CA127612 and P01 CA118816. SECONDARY CATEGORY: Neuropathology & Tumor Biomarkers.
Analysis of the Published Calorimetric Evidence for Electrochemical Fusion of Deuterium in Palladium

Estimates are given of the raw data that are the basis for the claims of excess power production by the electrochemical charging of palladium in deuterium oxide (D_2O). Calorimetric results are also presented that show no anomalous power production in either 0.1M LiOD/D_2O or 0.1M LiOH/H_2O (LiOH is lithium hydroxide). Several possible sources of error in open-system calorimetry are discussed that can confound interpretation of temperature changes in terms of anomalous power production.
NEUTRAL LEPTON CURRENTS AND NEUTRINO DETECTION

The interactions of neutrinos with complex nuclei are explored assuming the existence of a neutral lepton current. (auth)
Sertoli Cells of the Mouse Testis Originate from the Coelomic Epithelium

During mouse development, the gonad begins to form shortly before 10. 5 days postcoitum (dpc) on the ventromedial side of the mesonephros. The XY gonad consists of germ cells and somatic cells. The origin of the germ cells is clearly established; however, the origin of the somatic cells, especially the epithelial supporting cell lineages, called Sertoli cells, is still unclear. Sertoli cells are the first somatic cell type to differentiate in the testis and are thought to express Sry, the male sex-determining gene, and to play a crucial role in directing testis development. Previous data have suggested that the somatic cells of the gonad may arise from the mesonephric tubules, the mesonephric mesenchyme, or the coelomic epithelium. Immunohistochemical staining of the gonad at 11.5 dpc showed that the basement membrane barrier under the coelomic epithelium is discontinuous, suggesting that cells in the coelomic epithelium at this stage might move inward. To test this possibility directly, cells of the coelomic epithelium were labeled using the fluorescent lipophilic dye, DiI. We show that when labeled at tail somite 15-17 stages, corresponding to 11.2-11.4 dpc, the coelomic epithelial cells of both sexes migrated into the gonad. In XY gonads, the migrating coelomic epithelial cells became Sertoli cells, as well as interstitial cells. This ability of the coelomic epithelium to give rise to Sertoli cells was developmentally regulated. When labeled at tail somite 18-20 stages, corresponding to 11.5-11.7 dpc, the coelomic epithelial cells no longer became Sertoli cells. Instead, cells that migrated into the gonad stayed outside testis cords, in the interstitium. Migration gradually decreased and ceased by tail somite 30 stage, corresponding to 12.5 dpc, after testis cords had formed and the basement membrane layer underlying the coelomic epithelium had thickened to form the tunica albuginea. In XX gonads, coelomic epithelial cells also migrated into the gonad, but there was no obvious fate restriction during the same developmental period. Taken together, our data show that the coelomic epithelium is a source of Sertoli cells as well as other somatic cells of the gonad in the developing mouse testis.
Regulation of glucose-6-P dehydrogenase activity in primary rat hepatocyte cultures

Abstract The glucose-6-P dehydrogenase specific activity in rat hepatocytes increases approximately 10-fold when the cells are placed into culture for three days. The induction requires insulin with maximum enzyme levels occurring at 10 −7 M. Pulse-labeling experiments revealed a 10-fold increase in the enzyme's relative rate of synthesis after only 8 hours in culture.
Evaluation of silicone-based pressure-sensitive adhesives for transdermal drug delivery. I. Effect of penetrant hydrophilicity

Abstract Silicone-based pressure-sensitive adhesives are biocompatible, inert and stable and their potential application in transdermal drug delivery was evaluated in this investigation. Two medical-grade silicone adhesives, X7-2920 medical adhesive and DC-355 medical adhesive, were used to fabricate adhesive-type transdermal drug delivery (a-TDD) systems. The effect of variation in the hydrophilicity of penetrant on its release from the adhesive matrix and its subsequent skin permeation was studied. Progesterone and its six hydroxy derivatives were used as model drugs while the freshly excised abdominal skin of the female hairless rat was used as the skin model. The release of progestins from this a-TDD system was observed to follow a matrix diffusion process, i.e. Q vs. t 1 2 profile, while the permeation of drug through the hairless rat skin was found to give Q vs. t profile. Both drug release and skin permeation rates were observed to decrease with increasing number of hydroxy groups, while the extent of reduction was noted to be a function of the position of the hydroxy groups on the steroid skeleton.
Consumer assessment of beef palatability from four beef muscles from USDA Choice and Select graded carcasses

Abstract Consumer sensory analysis was conducted to determine differences in beef palatability between two quality grade categories [Upper 2/3 (Top) Choice and Select] and four muscles [longissimus lumborum (LL), gluteus medius (GM), serratus ventralis (SV), and semimembranosus (SM)]. Generally, tenderness, flavor, and overall liking scores were more desirable for Top Choice compared to Select, regardless of muscle. Consumers rated LL as more tender ( P P = 0.52). Overall and flavor acceptability were similar ( P > 0.05) between LL, GM, and SV, regardless of quality grade. Consumer overall liking was most highly correlated with flavor liking ( r = 0.85). When tenderness was acceptable, flavor and juiciness played a major role in determining overall acceptability. Overall liking of GM and SV from Top Choice carcasses was superior to LL from Select carcasses and comparable to LL from Top Choice carcasses.
Review: The Basics of Immunological Tests

This review article describes the cells and the humoral factors of the immune system. It also explains what tests are available to assess the immune functions of patients. Each test listed states the amount of blood needed and the time required to perform the assays. (Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition13:651-657, 1989)
Observation of magnetic-field-induced first-order optical Fréedericksz transition in a nematic film.

It is experimentally demonstrated that an applied dc magnetic field can transform the optical Fr\'eedericksz transition in a nematic film from second order to first order. The results are in good agreement with theoretical predictions.
Conjunctival lymphoid tumors: clinical analysis of 117 cases and relationship to systemic lymphoma.

Abstract Objective To investigate the clinical features of conjunctival lymphoid tumors and factors predictive of systemic lymphoma. Design Retrospective, observational case series. Setting Clinical practice of ocular oncology. Participants The participants included 117 consecutive patients with lymphoid tumors of the conjunctiva treated at the Oncology Service of Wills Eye Hospital between 1974 and 1999. Main outcome measure The main outcome measure was the development of systemic lymphoma. Cox proportional regression models were used to calculate the risk of eventual systemic lymphoma. Kaplan-Meier survival estimates were used to analyze the development of systemic lymphoma as a function of time. Results There were 55 males (47%) and 62 females (53%); 110 patients (94%) were white and 7 patients (6%) were African American. The mean age at ocular presentation was 61 years, and the conjunctival lymphoid infiltrate was unilateral in 72 patients (62%) and bilateral in 45 patients (38%). In 8 patients (7%), initial unilateral conjunctival disease evolved into bilateral involvement over a mean of 32 months. Additional sites of ocular involvement were found in 27 patients (23%) and included lymphoid tumor in the eyelid in 3 cases, orbit in 18, choroid in 5, and vitreous in 1. Systemic lymphoma was known to exist before ocular diagnosis in 16 patients; (14%; for a mean of 51 months) and was found subsequent to ocular diagnosis in 20 patients (17; at a mean of 21 months). Therefore, of 117 patients with conjunctival lymphoid infiltration, 36 (31%) had or eventually developed systemic lymphoma, and 81 (69%) did not manifest systemic lymphoma during the mean follow-up of 38 months. Of the 64 patients with unilateral conjunctival involvement, 11 (17%) manifested systemic lymphoma, and of the 53 patients with bilateral involvement, 25 (47%) manifested systemic lymphoma. By univariate analysis, the clinical factors at date first seen predictive of the presence or development of systemic lymphoma included location of the tumor at an extralimbal site (fornix or midbulbar conjunctiva; P = 0.02) and increasing number of conjunctival tumors ( P = 0.02). Using Kaplan-Meier life table analysis of those 101 patients who had conjunctival lymphoid tumor(s) and no evident systemic lymphoma at presentation, systemic lymphoma was eventually discovered in 7% of patients at 1 year, 12% at 2 years, 15% at 5 years, and 28% at 10 years. Overall, only one patient ( Conclusions Lymphoid tumors of the conjunctiva are associated with systemic lymphoma in 31% of patients. Systemic lymphoma is found more often in those patients with forniceal or midbulbar conjunctival involvement and in those with multiple conjunctival tumors. Long-term systemic follow-up is advised, because related systemic lymphoma can manifest many years later.
The Influence of Semantic Context on the Perception of Spanish-Accented American English

Purpose In this article, the authors examine (a) the effect of semantic context on accentedness, comprehensibility, and intelligibility of Spanish-accented American English (AE) as judged by monoli...
Radiation recall reaction with docetaxel administration after accelerated partial breast irradiation

Abstract Purpose: as the use of accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) becomes more widely used it is important to define and characterize the possible toxicities encountered with this type of therapy to help understand how to prevent these toxicities in the future. Methods and materials: a 60-year-old woman was treated with APBI using external beam radiation. Three weeks post radiation therapy, she was given a cycle of docetaxel and cyclophosphamide. Within 3 weeks of chemotherapy she developed a radiation dermatitis ulceration in her right axilla and tail of her right breast. Little data exists regarding the association between the actual volume of skin irradiated during external beam APBI and the development of skin toxicity such as RRD, therefore we analyzed the volume of skin getting various prescription doses in our patient and compared them to 30 similar breast cancer patients treated with external beam radiation APBI at the same institution. Results: our patient׳s volume of skin getting 100%, 90% and 80% of the prescription dose was below the mean for all three doses when compared to all other patient׳s treated similarly at our institution. Conclusions: we present an example of radiation recall dermatitis in a patient receiving APBI with external beam radiation followed by chemotherapy. In our case, volume of skin irradiated did not appear to be associated with the development of RRD, therefore other factors may have led to her development of this rare skin reaction.
A learning organization perspective on training: Critical success factors for Internet implementation

This paper argues that training is a critical success factor for the implementation of the Internet in organizations. Given the Internet′s potential for transforming organizations, it is imperative that we develop training that goes beyond the teaching of Internet skills and instead enables trainees to become active participants in the strategic planning process. This perspective on training is termed the learning organization perspective. A number of conceptual areas are suggested as relevant to the development of the necessary training and the associated theoretical perspective. It is hoped that this initial articulation of the critical role of training will provide the impetus for others to expand on the perspective and its actual implementation in organizations
An employment of the catastrophe theory in fracture mechanics as applied to brittle strength criteria

Abstract I n the present paper , catastrophe theory is applied to the analysis of strength criteria delivered by the mechanics of brittle fracture. Introduction of a potential function of a specific kind enables one to examine brittle strength criteria in a broad class of multiparametric problems. Two example problems of fracture mechanics with two independent loading parameters are considered in detail. The first one concerns the development of two symmetric cracks issuing from a circular hole under the effect of biaxial compression-extension at infinity. The second one is that of an isolated rectilinear crack stretched by two concentrated forces and tension at infinity. The first one provides a node-type catastrophe, and the second a fold-type catastrophe. For any problems of fracture mechanics with two loading parameters, these are the only modes allowed by catastrophe theory. It is shown by these examples that the set of states of unlimited unstable crack growth (i.e. failure) in the two-dimensional space of loading parameters forms a certain area called herein the fracture domain, so that depending on the loading path, failure can either occur or not occur at the given point of a fracture domain. It is deduced that in the case of two or more loading parameters the brittle strength criterion depends on the loading process prehistory. The classical approach to strength criteria is confirmed by fracture mechanics only if there are no catastrophes at all (i.e. in extreme cases). In conclusion, two brittle strength criteria are suggested for use, one of which characterizes the possibility of failure and the other guarantees it. In the intermediate domain between these criteria, failure can either occur, or not, depending on the loading path.
Polynomial-time Martin-Löf type theory

Fragments of extensional Martin-Lof type theory without universes,ML0, are introduced that conservatively extend S.A. Cook and A. Urquhart'sIPVω. A model for these restricted theories is obtained by interpretation in Feferman's theory APP of operators, a natural model of which is the class of partial recursive functions. In conclusion, some examples in group theory are considered.
Regulation of neurogenesis in the aging vertebrate brain: role of oxidative stress and neuropsychiatric factors

Abstract Neurogenesis persists in the subventricular zone of the lateral ventricles and in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus of the vertebrate brain throughout adulthood. Though the rate of neurogenesis decreases dramatically with increasing age, neurons continue to be born throughout old age in rodents, primates, and human beings. This decline, however, is not irreversible and may be prevented in part by the action of numerous trophic and other regulatory factors. Among these are FGF-2 and BDNF as well as several psychotrophic factors used in the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders, including serotonin, lithium, and a number of antidepressants. In addition, exposure to a challenging and complex environment (‘enriched environment’) has been demonstrated to have striking neuroprotective effects. In the context of a link between neurogenesis and neuropsychiatric disorders, we propose one possible mechanism, oxidative stress, through which substances such as alcohol may impair neurogenesis. We also explore the potential functional significance of adult neurogenesis in the hippocampus and consider the evidence suggesting a role in the cognitive functions of learning and memory.
The Oversea Investment Decision of a Vertically Integrated Multinationals - A Research in View of the Monopolistic Competition Frame

This paper investigates the following factors: 1 population scale; 2 income level; 3 the expenditure proportion on industrial products; 4 wages level; 5 transaction costs; 6 elasticity of substitution; 7 marginal costs ,which functions acted on the vertical FDI scale of host country from developed country in a monopolistic competition model composed of the developed country enterprises and the developing country enterprises. On this foundation trying to study the possible scale of the vertical FDI in China. This paper mainly concludes the following: Vertical FDI flows to the developing countries which economic development levels are at a certain stage from developed countries generally. Under the conditions for vertical FDI entering into, along with the lower of wage level, elasticity of substitution, marginal costs and transaction costs, and the higher of population scale, expenditure proportion of industrial goods and income level of host country, the scale of vertical FDI to host country will more and more big. Vertical FDI mainly flowed to the eastern littoral in China, but its attraction to vertical FDI is dying down little by little.
Efecto del Programa Psicoeducativo ProFamille en el grado de sobrecarga y síntomas psíquicos en familiares cuidadores de personas enfermas de esquizofrenia

La mayoria de las personas enfermas de esquizofrenia, continuan su tratamiento a cargo de sus familias. Esto lleva al deterioro en la calidad de vida de sus cuidadores, comprometiendo aspectos economicos, sociales y de salud fisica y mental. La evidencia muestra que las intervenciones psicosociales, pueden aliviar esta sobrecarga. En Chile, el Ministerio de Salud, recomienda incluirlas en el tratamiento de la esquizofrenia, sin proponer programas especificos. El proposito de esta investigacion, es conocer el efecto del programa Profamille, en el grado de sobrecarga y sintomatologia depresiva y ansiosa de familiares de personas con esquizofrenia. Sujetos y Metodo: Ensayo clinico abierto, no controlado, de tipo pre-post. El Programa consistio en 10 sesiones bisemanales, de 2 horas y media de duracion, dirigidas por un psicologo clinico y un residente de psiquiatria, en centros de rehabilitacion de la quinta region. Participaron 51 cuidadores de personas con diagnostico de esquizofrenia, con al menos, un ano de evolucion y en tratamiento ambulatorio. El efecto del Programa fue medido con las Escalas de Sobrecarga de Zarit, Depresion de Zungy Conde y Ansiedad de Zung. Resultados: El porcentaje de abandono del programa fue un 31%. Las medias de los puntajes pre y post programa, muestran diferencias significativas en las escalas de depresion y ansiedad, con un tamano de efecto moderado, no asi en la escala de sobrecarga. Discusion: Por su costo-efectividad, facilidad de implementacion y potencial efecto favorable, se recomiendan mas ensayos con este programa con seguimientos de mediano y largo plazo.
Preemptive collusion among corruptible law enforcers

Abstract This paper considers collusion between a supervisor and an agent within a Principal–Supervisor–Agent model. Other papers consider the possibility of collusion after the supervisor has exerted costly effort to obtain hard (“verifiable”) evidence regarding the agent’s actions, information which, if reported would result in the agent being fined with a certain probability. That is, collusion occurs because the supervisor may accept a bribe in exchange for hiding the information he has obtained. This paper allows the supervisor and the agent to enter into a collusive contract either before or after the supervisor has exerted effort to find verifiable information regarding the agent’s actions. The former type of collusion, which occurs after the supervisor has exerted effort, entails ex-post corruption, while the latter, which occurs before the supervisor has exerted effort, entails preemptive corruption. This paper shows that although raising the supervisor’s reward discourages ex-post corruption, it can simultaneously encourage preemptive corruption. Hence, raising the supervisor’s reward will not always discourage collusion. This result further implies that though privatizing law enforcement can always be used to eliminate ex-post corruption, it cannot be used to eliminate preemptive corruption. Furthermore, when compared to ex-post collusion, an equilibrium without corruption is always socially preferred. However, when compared to preemptive collusion, an equilibrium without corruption may not always be socially preferred.
HtrA1 sensitizes ovarian cancer cells to cisplatin‐induced cytotoxicity by targeting XIAP for degradation

HtrA1, a member of serine protease family, has been previously found to be involved in resistance to chemotherapy in ovarian cancer although the underlying mechanism is not clear. Using mixture-based oriented peptide library approach, previously we identified X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP), a member of the inhibitor of apoptosis proteins family, as a potential substrate of HtrA1. The aim of our work is to investigate the link between HtrA1 and XIAP proteins and their relationships with chemoresistance in ovarian cancer. Our results showed that recombinant XIAP was degraded by purified wild-type HtrA1 but not mutant HtrA1 in vitro. Consistent with the in vitro data, coimmunoprecipitation assays showed that HtrA1 and XIAP formed a protein complex in vivo. Ectopic expression of HtrA1 led to decreased level of XIAP in OV167 and OV202 ovarian cancer cells, while knockdown of HtrA1 resulted in increased level of XIAP in SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells. Furthermore, overexpression of HtrA1 in OV202 cells promoted cell sensitivity to cisplatin-induced apoptosis that could be reversed by increased expression of XIAP. The cleavage of XIAP induced by HtrA1 was enhanced by cisplatin treatment. Taken together, our experiments have identified XIAP as a novel substrate of HtrA1 and the degradation of XIAP by HtrA1 contributes to cell response to chemotherapy, suggesting that restoring the expression of HtrA1 may be a promising treatment strategy for ovarian cancer.
Sight-Singing Scores of High School Choristers with Extensive Training in Movable Solfège Syllables and Curwen Hand Signs:

Randomly chosen high school choristers with extensive training in solfege syllables and Curwen hand signs (N = 38) are asked to sight-sing two melodies, one while using Curwen hand signs and the ot...
Is fever protective in surgical patients with bloodstream infection

Background Sepsis from bloodstream infection (BSI) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality among surgical patients. Our hypothesis was that fever and leukocytosis during BSI would be associated with gram-negative pathogens and worse outcomes among hospitalized surgical patients. Study design A prospectively collected dataset of all infections diagnosed on the adult general and trauma surgery services between December 1996 and December 2005 at the University of Virginia Hospital was reviewed. Fever was considered a temperature of ≥ 38.5°C, and leukocytosis was defined as a white blood cell count ≥ 15,000/μL within 24 hours of treatment for infection. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of fever and mortality. Results Over 9 years, 823 BSIs were analyzed. One hundred forty-eight BSIs resulted in death (18.0%), and 541 (65.7%) patients were febrile at diagnosis; mortality for these two groups were 12.9% and 27.7%, respectively (p Conclusions Among surgical patients with sepsis, fever during BSI was not associated with a gram-negative cause and correlated with survival, although increasing WBC had little effect. Mortality after BSI appears associated more with an initially blunted physiologic response than with a robust, proinflammatory response. In addition, a threshold for blood culture other than temperature ≥ 38.5°C should be considered.