cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Psychosocial problems and adjustment of children with β-thalassemia and their families

This study explores the psychosocial problems experienced by families with children aged 6 to 14 years suffering from β-thalassemia major (N=188). The psychosocial problems and the family's adjustment to the effects of the illness were compared across a number of cultures where the disease is prevalent, namely Cyprus, Greece, and Italy. A small number of migrant children.in the United Kingdom was also included in the study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents who also completed the Rutter Parental Questionnaire and the Goldberg General Health Questionnaire. Teachers were asked to complete a Children's Behaviour Questionnaire designed by Rutter. In all countries the disease seemed to have a binding effect on the family, thus mobilizing adaptive mechanisms. Father's low education level and the presence of major medical complications were predictors of poor family adjustment. Differences between and within countries may well reflect differences in health policies, existing level of socio-economic development, and in the cultural patterns in coping with a chronic illness.
Quantitative and qualitative aspects of the binding of N-hydroxy-2-acetylaminofluorene to hepatic chromatin fractions

Summary The binding of a chemical carcinogen to components of hepatic chromatin in male rats was examined. After a single injection of N -[ 3 H]hydroxy-2-acetylaminofluorene ([ 3 H]OH-AAF) covalent binding to chromatin RNA, protein, and DNA occurs. The amount of carcinogen bound to RNA was approximately 5 times greater than to DNA, and 10 times that of the protein. However, loss of carcinogen from RNA with time was rapid, whereas a persistent binding to DNA equal to 15% of the initial values was observed. To localize the initial and persistent DNA-bound carcinogen, the genome was fractionated using two different chromatin fractionation procedures. The procedures used yielded 3 chromatin fractions based on physical characteristics, degree of association with nascent RNA and in vitro template capacity. Based on those parameters, these chromatin fractions have been tentatively classified as template expressed euchromatin, a repressed heterochromatin, and a highly condensed pelleted heterochromatin. With both the glycerol gradient chromatin fractionation procedure and the selective MgCl 2 chromatin precipitation prooedure, the initial (2h) binding of carcinogen was greatest on the euchromatin DNA. Loss of carcinogen from the DNA, however, was also significantly faster from the euchromatin when compared to the heterochromatin and the pelleted heterochromatin. By 10 days after a single injection of the carcinogen, the largest amount of bound fluorene residues was located on the pelleted heterochromatin DNA, an apparently repressed portion of the genome, while less than 5% of the initial values were found on either the eu- or heterochromatin. When the rats were fed a 2-acetylaminofluorene-containing diet, loss of carcinogen from the pelleted heterochromatin DNA was enhanced, while loss from the euchromatin DNA was reduced. The covalent nature of the carcinogen modification of DNA was confirmed by thin-layer chromatography (TLC). These studies also demonstrated 2 separate carcinogen-purine base adducts which were identified as N -(guanin-8-yl)- N -AF and 3-(guanin- N 2 -yl)- N -AAF based on either co-chromatography with an authentic standard or on published R f -values, respectively. The pelleted heterochromatin DNA had a significantly greater proportion of the 3-guanine- N 2 adduct when compared to DNA from either the eu- or heterochromatin.
Studies on the Formation of Organosilica Nanoparticles and Their Ability To Host Hydrophobic Substances

Water-dispersible organosilica nanoparticles were synthesized using microemulsions and micellar solutions. Octadecyltrimethoxysilane (OTMS) was used as the silica source resulting in particles having a hydrophobic interior with the ability to host oil. The diameters of the formed particles could be varied between 60 and 200 nm, depending on the amount of added oil and OTMS. The size of the particles was determined using dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. Exchange-coupled diffusion nuclear magnetic resonance experiments were performed to study the exchange rates between the particles and the surrounding media. Triethylamine and tributylamine were used as probe molecules, and it was shown that they had longer mean residence times in the particles compared with in the bulk. Moreover, it was found that the mean residence time of the probe molecules increased significantly when the particles contained oil. The results also showed that the mean residence time of tributylamine was longer than that of triethylamine. Furthermore, by the use of UV-vis spectrophotometry, it was shown that the particles were able to take up benzophenone from water solutions.
Accumulating evidence from independent studies: What we can win and what we can lose

When asking ‘what is known’ about a drug or therapy or program at any time, both researchers and practitioners often confront more than a single study. Facing a variety of findings, where conflicts may outweigh agreement, how can a reviewer constructively approach the task? In this discussion, I will outline some questions that can only be answered by examining a group of independent studies. I will also discuss some pitfalls that sometimes swamp the benefits we can gain from synthesis. Most of these pitfalls are avoidable if anticipated early in a review. The benefits of a quantitative review include information about how to match a treatment with the most promising recipients; increasing the statistical power to detect a significant new treatment; telling us when ‘contextual effects’ are important; helping us to assess the stability and robustness of treatment effectivenes; and informing us when research finds are especially sensitive to investigators' research design. The pitfalls include aggregating data from studies on different populations; aggregating when there is more than one underlying measure of central tendency; and emphasizing an average outcome when partitioning variance gives far more useful information.
Structure–Reactivity Correlation in “Click” Chemistry: Substituent Effect on Azide Reactivity

An investigation was conducted into substituent effects on azide reactivity during CU I -catalyzed click reactions by reacting a variety of model azides with propargyl alcohol in DMF-d 7 using CuBr as catalyst, and monitoring conversions via 1 H NMR. The model azides utilized for this investigation were selected due to structural similarity with the end groups of polymers typically employed in azide-alkyne cycloadditions including polystyrene, poly(methyl acrylate), poly(methyl methacrylate), and polyacrylonitrile. Reactivities of alkyl azides depend on both the electronic properties of the substituent and steric congestion around the end group. The fastest reactions were observed for azides with electron-withdrawing substituents and less sterically congested end groups.
Anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility measurements as a coal banding-plane indicator

MAGNETIC susceptibility measurements on coal were probably first made in Europe by Wooster and Wooster1 and mdre recently on American coals by Bivins and Ergun2. They suggested, based on orthogonal susceptibility measurements of coal cubes, that anthracite coals are anisotropic. But anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS), a second rank tensor3 which has been well documented4,5 has not previously been determined for anthracite and bituminous coals. We report here the results of AMS measurements which were carried out on some near-horizontal anthracite and bituminous coals collected in open cast and deep cast mines located in the South Wales Coal Field. The purpose of these analyses were threefold: to determine (1) if the results are internally consistent; (2) if such AMS measurements on coal are reliable; (3) if the AMS data can be used to solve coal-related geological problems.
‘Raw, Quivering Flesh’: John G. Cashman’s ‘Pornographic’ Constitutionalism Designed to Produce an ‘Aversion and Detestation’, 1883–1904

From 1883 until 1914 Vicksburg newspaper editor John G. Cashman campaigned against lynching. Later writers sometimes misrepresented Cashman, picturing him as a pro‐lynching pornographer, glorying in gory descriptions of black sufferings. But Cashman meant to shock the sensibilities of white readers by depicting the true barbarity of mob violence. Cashman opposed lynching not out of any empathy for Mississippi’s black population, but because mob violence offended his constitutional sensitivities. Cashman sometimes evinced faith in his fellow Mississippi whites, confident they could not truly favor anarchic violence over the rule of law. But whites’ continued and brutal savagery sometimes plunged Cashman into the depths of depression. His 30‐year antilynching crusade charts the fortunes of his faith in white Mississippians’ commitment to constitutional principles and the rule of law.
EPR studies of the vitamin K1 semiquinone radical anion. Comparison to the electron acceptor A1 in green plant photosystem I

Abstract Suggestions that the electron acceptor, A1, in Photosystem I is a quinone have come from both optical and epr experiments. Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) is present in the PSI complex with a stoichiometry of two molecules per reaction center. In order to determine if A1 can be identified with vitamin K1, X-band and Q-band epr properties of the vitamin K1 radical anion in frozen alcohol solutions are examined. The results are compared to the epr properties that have been observed for the reduced A1 acceptor in vivo. The g-values obtained for the vitamin K1 radical anion are consistent with identifying A1 with vitamin K1.
The Pluralism Debate in Heterodox Economics

The discourse in the pluralism debate in heterodox economics concludes that contested inquiry does not exist in economics and that heterodox economics is not an alternative to mainstream economics....
Technological risk and small probabilities

Many scientists, businessmen, and government regulators believe that the criteria for acceptable societal risk are too stringent. Those who subscribe to this belief often accept the view which I call “the probability-threshold position.” Proponents of this stance maintain that society ought to ignore very small risks, i.e., those causing an average annual probability of fatality of less than 10−6.
Effects of moisture exposure on the mechanical behavior of polycarbonate materials used in electronic packaging

The mechanical properties of polymer materials are often a key concern of the microelectronic packaging industry. The theoretical analysis of stress, strain, and deformation induced in electronic assemblies due to environmental exposures such as moisture adsorption, isothermal aging, and thermal cycling require the complete characterization of mechanical properties and constitutive behavior of the constituent materials. In this work, an experimental investigation has been performed on the effects of moisture adsorption on the stress-strain behavior of polycarbonate materials used in electronic packaging. Uniaxial test specimens were exposed in a controlled temperature and humidity chamber to combined hygrothermal exposures at 60 C and 90% RH, 60 C and 50% RH, and 40 C and 50% RH for various durations. After moisture preconditioning, a microscale tension-torsion testing machine was used to evaluate the complete stress-strain behavior of the material at several temperatures (T = 20 C, 40 C, and 60 C). It was found that moisture exposure strongly affected the mechanical properties of the tested polycarbonate, especially ultimate strain limit. Reversibility tests were also conducted to evaluate whether the degradations in the mechanical properties were recoverable. Upon fully redrying, the material was found to recover most of its original mechanical properties. In addition, optical microscopy was utilized to examine the fracture surfaces of the failed specimens, and observe the influence of moisture exposure.
Domestic Violence in Men's and Women's Magazines: Women Are Guilty of Choosing the Wrong Men, Men Are Not Guilty of Hitting Women

Men's and women's magazine discourse on domestic violence characterizes women as guilty of choosing the wrong men but does not hold men responsible for hitting women. Using qualitative narrative analysis on 10 leading titles over 10 years, I find an ongoing tolerance for and celebration of domestic violence in men's magazines and an enduring expectation in women's that women bear responsibility for both genders. No magazines discuss patriarchal cultural structures that enable violence against women.
A formal enforcement framework for role-based access control using aspect-oriented programming

Many of today's software applications require a high-level of security, defined by a detailed policy and attained via mechanisms such as role-based access control (RBAC), mandatory access control, digital signatures, etc. The integration of the design/implementation processes of access-control policies with runtime enforcement mechanisms is crucial to achieve an acceptable level of security for a software application. Our prior research focused on formalizing the concept of a role slice, which is a unified modeling language (UML) artifact that captures RBAC security requirements by defining permissions in the form of allowable or prohibited methods, and by specifying roles as specialized class diagrams that contain those methods. This paper augments this effort by introducing a formal framework for the security of software applications that supports the automatic translation of a role-slice access-control policy (RBAC requirements) into aspect-oriented programming (AOP) enforcement code that is seamlessly integrated with the application. The formal framework provides the necessary underpinnings to automate the integration of security policies into software. A prototyping effort based on Borland's UML tool Together Control Center for defining role-slice diagrams and the associated AOP code generator is under development.
READY, FIRE, AIM: Using New Building Products without Adequate Research or Testing May Spell Disaster

An abundance of cheaper, lighter, and purportedly better but untested new building products or systems tempts design professionals and building owners. Well-established and trusted conventional building systems are often supplanted by these novel products for various reasons. During construction, the contractor may offer a substitution that is “just as good” as the one specified; a restricted budget may lead to hasty value engineering decisions to save money; or maybe the designer, in a pioneering spirit, wants to use a new state-of-the-art product with which he or she is unfamiliar. However, does the project engineer or architect really know how the new product will perform or interact with other building components in service? Financial restrictions, coupled with the need to accelerate the design process, often result in pressure to compromise and limit research and testing of a proposed new system. The designer may rely on assurances by product sales staff and manufacturers’ warranties as a substitute for hard test data. While it’s not fair to suggest that all new products need to be treated with paranoia, they should at least be viewed with healthy skepticism. Any cost savings or benefits associated with a novel building product should be weighed against the potential risks and sacrifices. Such sacrifices may include increased future maintenance, a shorter system life span, or simply an accepted degree of
Analysis of finite composite laminates with holes

Abstract In this study, the Modified Mapping Collocation method is employed to analyse the response of finite composite laminates with multiple circular holes under appropriate material and geometric symmetry conditions. In the case of a laminate with a single hole, the analysis is capable of accommodating the direct imposition of traction conditions, as well as the displacement constraints, without requiring any symmetry conditions. The results presented in this study are in agreement with existing solutions. The results also illustrate the effect of finite boundaries and their relative position in relation to the holes on the stress concentrations.
Microdevice for Delivering Homogeneous Equi-Biaxial Strain to Live Cells Without the Use of Platen Structures

Live cells from most of the membranous tissues such as alveoli are subjected to equi-biaxial strain originated from their extracellular environments. To understand the role of equi-biaxial strain in live cells, a number of engineered methods have been developed for applying such mechanical strain to in vitro cultured cells. Among these methods, deforming a flexible substrate on a circular platen has been widely used [1], and has been miniaturized into millimeter scale for parallel stretching assay (Figure 1a). Nonetheless, the strain homogeneity becomes increasingly challenging at smaller scale, since it requires an ultra-thin membrane, an indentation platen with well controlled dimension, and the highly precise alignment. This obviously increases the fabrication and operation complexities. Devices that deliver homogeneous strain with minimal fabrication and assembling complexities are needed.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Low platelet monoamine oxidase activity in borderline personality disorder.

Abstract Platelet monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity was significantly lower in nonpsychotic, nonorganic, unmedicated male inpatients with DSM-III-R borderline personality disorder (BPD) than in nonpsychiatric controls. Patients with BPD who also met DSM-III-R criteria for antisocial personality disorder had significantly lower MAO activity than those with BPD alone. Low MAO activity in this sample did not appear to be related to the comoroid presence of major depressive disorder or a history of substance abuse.
Interactions between natural organic matter (NOM) and membranes: Rejection and fouling

This work demonstrates that interactions between membranes and natural organic matter (NOM) include rejection by both steric and electrostatic exclusion, and fouling by adsorption. NOM rejection and fouling are influenced by both NOM characteristics (molecular weight, aromaticity/humic content, and charge) and membrane properties (molecular weight cutoff (MWCO), hydrophobicity, and charge) as well as hydrodynamic operating conditions represented by a f/k ratio (the ratio of permeate flux (f) to a diffusional back-transport mass transfer coefficient (k)).
Precipitation Estimation in Mountainous Terrain Using Multivariate Geostatistics. Part II: Isohyetal Maps

Abstract Values of average annual precipitation (AAP) may be important for hydrologic characterization of a potential high-level nuclear-waste repository site at Yucca Mountain, Nevada. Reliable measurements of AAP are sparse in the vicinity of Yucca Mountain, and estimates of AAP were needed for an isohyetal mapping over a 2600-square-mile watershed containing Yucca Mountain. Estimates were obtained with a multivariate geostatistical model developed using AAP and elevation data from a network of 42 precipitation stations in southern Nevada and southeastern California. An additional 1531 elevations were obtained to improve estimation accuracy. Isohyets representing estimates obtained using univariate geostatistics (kriging) defined a smooth and continuous surface. Isohyets representing estimates obtained using multivariate geostatistics (cokriging) defined an irregular surface that more accurately represented expected local orographic influences on AAP. Cokriging results included a maximum estimate within...
Brief communication: Comparative mapping of the human estrogen receptor (ESR) and the Kallmann (KAL) regions to the chromosomes of the great apes

Human and great ape chromosomes display significant concordance by molecular and cytogenetic techniques, which may reflect their common origin. Nevertheless, chromosomal banding techniques did not reflect the syntenic homology at the DNA level, which created controversy and debate. The recent availability of the unique sequence loci-specific human estrogen receptor (ESR) (bq25.1) region and Kallmann (KAL) (Xp22.3) DNA probes have prompted us to search the degree of DNA sequence synteny among chimpanzee, gorilla, and orangutan by the FISH technique. The conservation of the ESR and Kallmann regions at the corresponding equivalent loci of the great ape chromosomes (5q25 and Xp22, respectively) has provided insights into genome evolution and facilitated assignment of map locations for human unique DNA sequences. These findings are aimed toward developing an augmented framework to determine with greater certainty the pathway of human descent at the single gene level. Am J Phys Anthropol 103:561–563, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Elbow denervation in dogs: Development of an in vivo surgical procedure and pilot testing

Abstract The objective of this study was to develop a surgical technique for sensory denervation of the canine elbow joint and to assess the effects of denervation on limb function in normal dogs. Twenty cadavers (40 elbows) were used to characterize innervation and design the surgical protocol which was tested in 13 cadavers (26 normal elbows). The effect of denervation on limb function was assessed in vivo in four dogs with the elbow randomly selected for the procedure. Primary outcome measures were static bodyweight distribution and distal limb mechanical sensory thresholds; secondary outcome measures were subjectively scored lameness, neurological function and pain on manipulation. Histology was performed on all resected tissues to determine whether nerves had been resected. Denervation was achieved by separate medial and lateral surgical approaches. In testing the developed surgical protocol, 111/130 resected samples contained nerve tissue in the healthy cadaveric elbows and 18/20 in the in vivo study. Limb function and sensation were not altered by elbow joint denervation. The protocol developed for denervation of the canine elbow appears feasible and does not result in any sensory or motor deficits of the forelimb.
On The Control Of Robot Manipulator

The purpose of robot arm control is to maintain a prescribed motion for the manipulator along a desired trajectory by applying corrective compensation torques to the actuators to adjust for any deviations of the manipulator from the trajectory. This paper presents various control methods for industrial robots. It begins with the discussion of various dynamic models for manipulators and covers several existing control methods from simple servomechanism to advanced controls such as adaptive control with identification algorithm.
A molecular dynamics simulation interpretation of neutron and x-ray diffraction measurements on single phase Y(2)O(3)-Al(2)O(3) glasses.

Molecular dynamics simulations and complementary neutron and x-ray diffraction studies have been carried out within the single phase glass forming range of (Y2O3)x(Al2O3)(100−x), for x = 27 and 30. For x = 27, the experimental Al–O and Y–O coordination numbers are found to be 4.9 ± 0.2 and 6.9 ± 0.4 respectively, compared to 4.4 and 6.8 obtained from the simulation. Similar results were found for x = 30. An R-factor analysis showed that the simulation models agreed to within ~6% of the diffraction data in both cases. The Al–O polyhedra are dominated by fourfold and fivefold species and the Y–O local coordinations are dominated by sixfold, sevenfold and eightfold polyhedra. Analysis of the oxygen environments reveals a large number of combinations, which explains the high entropy of single phase yttrium aluminate glasses and melts. Of these, the largest variation between x = 27 and 30 is found in the number of aluminum oxygen triclusters (oxygens bonded to three Al) and oxygens surrounded by three Y and a single Al. The most abundant connections are between the AlOx and YOy polyhedra of which 30% are edge shared. The majority of AlOx–AlOx connections were found to be corner shared.
Improved 3D correction for partial volume effects in brain SPECT.

An improved method for correction of partial volume effects (PVE) in brain SPECT is proposed. It is fully three-dimensional, does not require particular patient positioning, and works with scans only partially covering the brain. The location of functionally inactive brain regions (primarily cerebrospinal fluid) is extracted from high-resolution MRI. An automatic 3D registration algorithm then determines the geometric transformation between MRI and SPECT. Correction consists of: 1) counting the volumetric active/inactive ratio in each volume element of the functional scan using the measured SPECT point spread function; 2) correcting the functional measures according to these ratios; 3) fusing functional and anatomical information at the resolution of MRI. Quantitative validation was performed using a phantom containing a test region in which multiple parallel acrylic plates thinner than SPECT resolution created high PVE, as well as a large reference region not suffering from PVE. Reference activity was recovered in the test region with an accuracy of 1-3%. The method was applied to clinical images demonstrating a combination of hypoperfusion and cortical atrophy. The composite anatomical-functional corrected images, in which the main sulci are visible, yield better differentiation between decreased function and focal atrophy. Hum. Brain Mapping 5:379-388, 1997. r 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Long‐Term Recurrence Rates in Previously Untreated (Primary) Basal Cell Carcinoma: Implications for Patient Follow‐Up

We reviewed all studies (since 1947) reporting recurrence rates for treatment of primary (previously untreated) basal cell carcinomas using surgical excision, radiotherapy, cryotherapy, curettage and electrodesiccation, and Mohs micrographic surgery. Our findings indicate that recurrences following treatment of primary basal cell carcinoma appear later than is generally acknowledged in the literature. We found that less than one-third of all recurrences appear in the first year following treatment; only 50% appear within the first 2 years following treatment; and only 66%, or nearly two-thirds, appear within the first 3 years following treatment. A good rule of thumb is that the 10-year recurrence rate is double, or 2 times, that of the 2-year recurrence rate. Furthermore, 18% of recurrences appear between the fifth and tenth year following treatment. These results held true, irrespective of treatment modality examined. Seventy-two studies reporting short-term recurrence rates (follow-up less than 5 years) had a weighted average recurrence rate of 4.2%, whereas 34 long-term studies (follow-up of 5 years) had a weighted average recurrence rate of 8.7%, or more than 2 times the short-term rate. Five-year recurrence rates by treatment modality are as follows: Mohs micrographic surgery 1.0%, surgical excision 10.1%, curettage and electrodesiccation 7.7%, radiation therapy 8.7%, and cryosurgery 7.5%. We conclude that the reporting of recurrence rate data for basal cell carcinoma should be standardized using 5-year life table analysis, and even more important is our conclusion that lifetime follow-up is necessary after treatment of primary basal cell carcinoma in order both recurrences and new primaries.
Mixing of dye in a model scald tank

A model scald tank was constructed to study the mixing pattern of water in a poultry scalding system. Tank dimensions were approximately 6 m long by 10.5 cm wide with a water depth of 18 cm. Water was vigorously agitated with compressed air delivered through a 1.9-cm polyvinyl chloride pipe on the bottom of the tank. Food coloring was added to the tank at a single point, and water samples were taken at distances of 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.5 m every 30 s for 10 min, with 0 or 10 L/min water flow through the tank. Dye concentration was determined spectrophotometrically. A chain drive was then installed above the tank with aluminum paddles (area about 25% of tank cross-sectional area) attached to the chain every 15.2 cm to simulate the movement of carcasses through the water at 140 carcasses per minute. Food coloring was added to the tank, and water samples were taken every 15 s for 2.5 min, with 0 or 13.5 L/min water flow through the tank. A computer program based on perfect mixing of water in small slices or cells within the tank was adjusted until predicted dye movement matched sampling data, with correlations of 0.91 or better at all sampling points. For scalder designs with uniform mixing of water, the computer model can predict mixing patterns, including counterflow conditions in a single tank, well enough to yield realistic residence time patterns for bacteria suspended in scald water.
Processor Reordering Rules

We consider a problem in which jobs continually arrive to a set of n processors that are arranged in an ordered list. When a job arrives the first processor in line attempts to process it; if it is unsuccessful then the next in line attempts it, and so on. Each time that processor j attempts to process a job it is, independently of all else, successful with (an unknown) probability pj. After a job has been completed or all n attempts have failed then, based on the result, we can reorder the processors before the next job arrives, with the objective being to minimize the average number of attempts per job. This paper compares the transposition rule and the move to the front rule.
Ankle torque control that shifts the center of pressure from heel to toe contributes non-zero sagittal plane angular momentum during human walking

A principle objective of human walking is controlling angular motion of the body as a whole to remain upright. The force of the ground on each foot (F) reflects that control, and recent studies show that in the sagittal plane F exhibits a specific coordination between F direction and center-of-pressure (CP) that is conducive to remaining upright. Typical walking involves the CP shifting relative to the body due to two factors: posterior motion of the foot with respect to the hip (stepping) and motion of the CP relative to the foot (foot roll-over). Recent research has also shown how adjusting ankle torque alone to shift CP relative to the foot systematically alters the direction of F, and thus, could play a key role in upright posture and the F measured during walking. This study explores how the CP shifts due to stepping and foot roll-over contribute to the observed F and its role in maintaining upright posture. Experimental walking kinetics and kinematics were combined with a mechanical model of the human to show that variation in F that was not attributable to foot roll-over had systematic correlation between direction and CP that could be described by an intersection point located near the center-of-mass. The findings characterize a component of walking motor control, describe how typical foot roll-over contributes to postural control, and provide a rationale for the increased fall risk observed in individuals with atypical ankle muscle function.
The withdrawal of drugs for commercial reasons: the incomplete story of tositumomab.

Drug withdrawals for commercial or financial reasons are more frequent than those for concerns about safety or efficacy, yet they attract less attention and interest. In the United States, among all new molecular entities approved from 1980 to 2009, 118 drugs were withdrawn from the market, but only 22% (n = 26) were withdrawn for safety reasons. 1 Among all new active substances approved in the United Kingdom between 1972 and 1994, 35 (59%) of the 59 drug withdrawals were for commercial reasons. 2 In the fall of 2013, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) withdrew its drug tositumomab (Bexxar) for marketing reasons. An anticancer radioantibody conjugate of iodine I 131, tositumomab consisted of an anti-CD20 antibody covalently linked to radioactive iodine I 131. The drug targeted cells expressing CD20 and delivered a local dose of γ- and β-radiation. Tositumomab first showed promising clinical signs in 1993 when a phase 1 trial demonstrated responses (tumor shrinkage) in patients with relapsed lymphoma. 3 In 1994, the drug was granted orphan drug designation, and in 1998, the fast-track designation was added. Tositumomab was first approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2003 for patients with “CD20 positive, follicular, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, with and without transformation, whose disease is refractory to rituximab and has relapsed following chemotherapy,” 4 according to the prescribing information. This indication was granted after a single-arm study demonstrated responses in 27 (68%) of 40 patients in this setting. 4 In 2004, the indication was expanded to include patients who had not been treated with rituximab on the basis of a single-arm study that demonstrated a response in 28 (47%) of 60 patients. 5
Packet switched voice conferencing across interconnected networks

The authors extend the logical ring control mechanism of C. Zielger et al. to the case of a multiparty conference across interconnected networks. In addition, the alternate implementation is expanded to allow for multiple-network connectivity. A comparative network between the alternate implementation methods with respect to station workload, gateway workload, network workload, and maximum number of conference participants is presented and discussed. >
Fast-track management is safe and effective after bowel resection in children with Crohn's disease.

Abstract Background "Fast-track" management (FT) challenges traditional postoperative tenets in order to minimize discomfort and optimize inpatient care. We examined the outcomes of consecutively performed laparoscopic-assisted ileocecectomy for Crohn's disease (CD), with particular focus on FT's effects in patients with underlying bowel inflammation. Methods We retrospectively reviewed all patients undergoing isolated laparoscopic-assisted ileocecectomy for CD at our institution between 12/2000 and 12/2010, excluding patients with multiple areas of surgical CD, bladder involvement, or age >18years. Results Seventy-one patients aged 8–18years underwent isolated laparoscopic-assisted ileocecectomy for CD, of which 45 met FT criteria. Individual practice patterns primarily determined which patients were FT-managed. FT management led to decreased length of stay (LOS), time to first stool, time to full diet, and intravenous narcotic use. No significant difference in complications or disease progression was observed between the two groups during 2-year follow up. Conclusions Our results suggest that FT is safe and effective in patients with CD. In a chronically ill population, counseling patients and families to expect early discharge is critical to the success of this strategy. Despite CD-related GI pathology, FT patients realized benefits in terms of LOS, time to bowel function, and narcotic use without any increase in complications.
Building Relationships between Adults with Intellectual Disabilities and Community Members: Strategies, Art, and Policy

This article summarises research about the work of connecting individuals with intellectual disabilities with community members. It is intended to provide practical advice for a wide range of audiences who want to increase social relationships and community inclusion, including families, service providers, and policymakers. Promoting social inclusion goes far beyond physical inclusion. Sections of the article address: (a) reasons why relationships with community members are important; (b) a summary of various approaches that have been used, which have focused on adults with intellectual disabilities; (c) the art of connecting, including subtle and sensitive skills necessary for successful efforts; and (d) policy implications.
EPH receptor/ephrin system: in the quest for novel anti-angiogenic therapies: Commentary on Hassan-Mohamed et al., Br J Pharmacol 171: 5195–5208

Linked Article This article is a Commentary on Hassan-Mohamed I, Giorgio C, Incerti M, Russo S, Pala D, Pasquale EB, Zanotti I, Vicini P, Barocelli E, Rivara S, Mor M, Lodola A and Tognolini M (2014). UniPR129 is a competitive small molecule Eph-ephrin antagonist blocking in vitro angiogenesis at low micromolar concentrations. Br J Pharmacol 171: 5195–5208. doi: 10.1111/bph.12669
Further characterization of delta aroA delta virG Shigella flexneri 2a strain CVD 1203 as a mucosal Shigella vaccine and as a live-vector vaccine for delivering antigens of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli.

The use of attenuated delta aroA delta virG Shigella flexneri 2a strain CVD 1203 as a live vector for enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) antigens is reported. CVD 1203 alone or expressing colonization factor antigen fimbriae and CS3 fibrillae of ETEC was given to guinea pigs and mice, orogastrically (o.g.) or intranasally (i.n.). CVD 1203 given i.n. elicited high titers of antilipopolysaccharide (anti-LPS) immunoglobulin A (IgA) and was protective in guinea pigs against a homologous conjunctival challenge. Whereas a strong IgA response against colonization factor antigen CS3, and Shigella LPS was detected in tears and serum of guinea pigs after o.g. or i.n. immunization, the i.n. route elicited significantly higher antibody titers. A strong serum IgG response was also observed against the ETEC antigens, although no serum anti-LPS IgG response was detected. The immune response in mice followed a pattern similar to that in guinea pigs, and the difference between the responses after o.g. and i.n. administration was even more remarkable.
Molecular imaging of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 expression using targeted contrast-enhanced high-frequency ultrasonography.

Objective. The aim of our study was to investigate the use of targeted contrast-enhanced high-frequency ultrasonography for molecular imaging of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) expression on tumor vascular endothelium in murine models of breast cancer. Methods. Highly invasive metastatic (4T1) and nonmetatstatic (67NR) breast cancer cells were implanted in athymic nude mice. Tumors were examined in vivo with targeted contrast-enhanced high-frequency ultrasonography using a scanner with a 40-MHz probe. Randomized boluses of ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs) conjugated with an anti-VEGFR2 monoclonal antibody or an isotype control antibody (immunoglobulin G) were injected into the animals. Sonograms were analyzed by calculation of the normalized video intensity amplitudes caused by backscatter of the bound UCA. After ultrasonography, the tumor samples were harvested for analysis of VEGFR2 expression by immunoblotting and immunocytochemistry. Results. The mean video intensity amplitude caused by backscatter of the retained VEGFR2-targeted UCA was significantly higher than that of the control UCA (mean ± SD: 4T1 tumors, 15 ± 3.5 versus 7 ± 1.6 dB; P < .01; 67NR tumors, 50 ± 12.3 versus 12 ± 2.6 dB; P < .01). There was a significant difference in VEGFR2-targeted UCA retention between 4T1 and 67NR tumors (normalized video intensity amplitudes, 15 ± 3.5 and 50 ± 12.3 dB, respectively; P < .001), and this correlated well with relative VEGFR2 expression in the two tumor types. Conclusions. Targeted contrast-enhanced high-frequency ultrasonography may enable in vivo molecular imaging of VEGFR2 expression on the tumor vascular endothelium and may be used for noninvasive longitudinal evalua
Analysis of ThiC Variants in the Context of the Metabolic Network of Salmonella enterica

In bacteria, the 4-amino-hydroxymethyl-2-methylpyrimidine (HMP) moiety of thiamine is synthesized from 5-aminoimidazole ribotide (AIR), a branch point metabolite of purine and thiamine biosynthesis. ThiC is a member of the radical S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet) superfamily and catalyzes the complex chemical rearrangement of AIR to HMP-P. As reconstituted in vitro, the ThiC reaction requires AdoMet, AIR, and reductant. This study analyzed variants of ThiC in vivo and in vitro to probe the metabolic network surrounding AIR in Salmonella enterica. Several variants of ThiC that required metabolic perturbations to function in vivo were biochemically characterized in vitro. Results presented herein indicate that the subtleties of the metabolic network have not been captured in the current reconstitution of the ThiC reaction.
Why is rose bengal more phototoxic to fibroblasts in vitro than in vivo

Photosensitized protein cross-linking has been recently developed to seal wounds and strengthen tissue. Although the photosensitizing dye, Rose Bengal (RB), is phototoxic to cultured cells, cytotoxicity does not accompany RB-photosensitized tissue repair in vivo. We investigated whether the environment surrounding cells in tissue or the high irradiances used for photo-cross-linking inhibited RB phototoxicity. Fibroblasts (FB) grown within collagen gels to mimic a tissue environment and monolayer cultured FB were treated with RB (0.01-1 mm) and the high 532 nm laser irradiances used in vivo for tissue repair (0.10-0.50 W cm(-2)). Monolayer FB were substantially more sensitive to RB photosensitization: the LD50 was >200-fold lower than that in collagen gels. Collagen gel protection was associated with increased Akt phosphorylation, a prosurvival pathway. RB phototoxicity in collagen gels was 25-fold greater at low (0.030 W cm(-2)) that at high (0.50 W cm(-2)) irradiances. Oxygen depletion at high irradiance only partially accounted for the irradiance dependence of phototoxicity as replacing air with nitrogen only increased the LD50 by four-fold in monolayers. These results indicate that the lack of RB phototoxicity during in vivo tissue repair results from upregulation of prosurvival pathways in tissue cells, oxygen depletion and irradiance-dependent RB photochemistry.
Gender and Power Issues of Peer Sexual Harassment Among Teenagers

This article describes the roles of gender, power, and relationship in peer sexual harassment for 342 urban high school students. Overall, 87% of girls and 79% of boys report experiencing peer sexual harassment, whereas 77% of girls and 72% of boys report sexually harassing their peers during the school year. Girls experience the more overtly sexual forms of harassment more often than boys and boys perpetrate sexual harassing behaviors more often than girls. Hypotheses of a relationship between power, gender, and the perpetration of peer sexual harassment are supported.
First national-scale reconnaissance of neonicotinoid insecticides in streams across the USA

Environmental context Neonicotinoids are under increased scrutiny because they have been implicated in pollinator declines and, more recently, as potential aquatic toxicants. Nevertheless, there is currently little information on concentrations of multiple neonicotinoids in surface water. This paper presents a summary of concentrations of six neonicotinoids in streams from across the United States in both urban and agricultural areas. These environmental data are important in determining the potential risk of neonicotinoids to non-target aquatic and terrestrial organisms. Abstract To better understand the fate and transport of neonicotinoid insecticides, water samples were collected from streams across the United States. In a nationwide study, at least one neonicotinoid was detected in 53% of the samples collected, with imidacloprid detected most frequently (37%), followed by clothianidin (24%), thiamethoxam (21%), dinotefuran (13%), acetamiprid (3%) and thiacloprid (0%). Clothianidin and thiamethoxam concentrations were positively related to the percentage of the land use in cultivated crop production and imidacloprid concentrations were positively related to the percentage of urban area within the basin. Additional sampling was also conducted in targeted research areas to complement these national-scale results, including determining: (1) neonicotinoid concentrations during elevated flow conditions in an intensely agricultural region; (2) temporal patterns of neonicotinoids in heavily urbanised basins; (3) neonicotinoid concentrations in agricultural basins in a nationally important ecosystem; and (4) in-stream transport of neonicotinoids near a wastewater treatment plant. Across all study areas, at least one neonicotinoid was detected in 63% of the 48 streams sampled.
Quantitative Detection of Promoter Hypermethylation as a Biomarker of Acute Kidney Injury During Transplantation

Aberrant promoter hypermethylation, also known as epigenetics, is thought to be a promising biomarker approach to diagnose malignancies. Kidney repair after injury is a recapitulation of normal morphogenesis, with similarities to malignant transformation. We hypothesized that changes in urine epigenetics could be a biomarker approach during early kidney transplant injury and repair. We examined urine DNA for aberrant methylation of two gene promoters (DAPK and CALCA) by quantitative methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction from 13 deceased and 10 living donor kidney transplant recipients on postoperative day 2 and 65 healthy controls. Results were compared with clinical outcomes and to results of the kidney biopsy. Transplant recipients were significantly more likely to have aberrant hypermethylation of the CALCA gene promoter in urine than healthy controls (100% vs 31%; P < .0001). There was increased CALCA hypermethylation in the urine of deceased versus living donor transplants (21.60 +/- 12.5 vs 12.19 +/- 4.7; P = .04). Furthermore, there was a trend toward increased aberrant hypermethylation of urine CALCA in patients with biopsy-proven acute tubular necrosis versus acute rejection and slow or prompt graft function (mean: 20.40 +/- 6.9, 13.87 +/- 6.49, 17.17 +/- 13.4; P = .67). However, there was no difference of CALCA hypermethylation in urine of patients with delayed graft function versus those with slow or prompt graft function (16.9 +/- 6.2 vs 18.5 +/- 13.7, respectively; P = .5). There was no aberrant hypermethylation of DAPK in the urine of transplant patients. Urine epigenetics is a promising biomarker approach for acute ischemic injury in transplantation that merits future study.
Introduction to and international trends in Health Impact Assessment through case study experiences

This presentation introduces Health Impact Assessment (HIA) and discusses international trends in HIA using case study experiences of projects around the world. These have been identified through the author’s work as part of the International Association of Impact Assessment (IAIA), the leading association for impact assessment professionals internationally. The presentation discusses how HIA is being undertaken in Europe, North America, South America, …
The Practice of Risk Management and the Theory of Social Contract

Although few if any Americans have ever given their individual consent to eating biotech foods or collectively discussed the relative risks and benefits of their use in modern agriculture, the United States federal government and many private companies are pouring significant resources into transgenic foods and crop biotechnology. Most Americans either do not know about genetically altered food or naively trust that bioengineered products have passed all governmental safety studies and risk analyses (CRS, 1999). In a practical sense, this lack of knowledge exists because the American regulatory system does not require labels on foods with gene-altered ingredients and mandates that biotech companies only consult with governmental agencies while conducting industry studies on safety before marketing the product. In a theoretical sense, the absence of citizen knowledge exists because industry technicians and government food safety agencies powerfully manage the science of risk analysis by using institutions that do not require social contracts or political consent.
Ready to Matter: Status of Women in Pennsylvania: Verizon Hopeline Special Issue 2008: Domestic Violence Awareness

Detailed Pennsylvania county-level data snapshot on domestic violence shelter services for non-English speaking and physically challenged (physical handicap, deaf and hard-of-hearing, blind and/or visually impaired) women.