cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Today’s Learners and Learning with Information: Information Studies Meets Instructional Design

Contemporary information-rich environments, especially online environments, have changed the way we look at both learning and information. While learning itself remains the same—the construction of personal meaning from interactions with information—the routes to learning have expanded and diversified. So, too, have the challenges: the erosion of trust in traditional information sources and the intentional introduction of false “facts” and other kinds of disinformation challenge learners across the spectrum. This chapter begins to paint a picture of today’s learners-with-information and to delineate the concepts, strategies, and skills that all of us, as learners, need to master to make the most of the learning opportunities that surround us. It surveys relevant research and theory from information studies and instructional design and development to suggest how collaborative work across these fields can lead to improved environments for both informational and instructional uses. It sets the stage for Chap. 5’s discussion of the insights that work in digital literacy and critical literacy add to our growing understanding of using information as a tool for learning, and it interweaves key traditional and contemporary ideas to offer a slate of possible theoretical frameworks for guiding research and practice related to learning in today’s information-rich environments.
Scaling Resistance in Nanophotonics-Enabled Solar Membrane Distillation

This study compares the scaling behavior of membrane distillation (MD) with that of nanophotonics-enabled solar membrane distillation (NESMD). Previous research has shown that NESMD, due to its localized surface heating driven by photothermal membrane coatings, is an energy-efficient system for off-grid desalination; however, concerns remained regarding the scaling behavior of self-heating surfaces. In this work, bench-scale experiments were performed, using model brackish water, to compare the scaling propensity of NESMD with MD. The results showed NESMD to be highly resistant to scaling; a three times higher salt concentration factor (c/c0) was achieved in NESMD compared to MD without any decline in flux. Analyses of the scaling layer on NESMD membranes revealed that salt deposition was 1/4 of that observed for MD. Scaling resistance in NESMD is attributed to its lower operating temperature, which increases the solubility of common scalants and decreases salt precipitation rates. Precipitation kinetics measurements revealed an order of magnitude faster precipitation under heated conditions (62 °C, k = 8.7 × 10-2 s-1) compared to ambient temperature (22 °C, k = 7.1 × 10-3 s-1). These results demonstrate a distinct advantage of NESMD over MD for the treatment of high scaling potential water, where scaling is a barrier to high water recovery.
Intraocular Lens Implantation in the Absence of Zonular Support: An Outcomes and Safety Update: A Report by the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Purpose To review the published literature on the visual acuity results and complications of different surgical techniques for intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in the absence of zonular support. Methods Peer-reviewed literature searches were conducted last in PubMed and the Cochrane Library in July 2019. The searches yielded 734 citations of articles published in English. The panel reviewed the abstracts of these mostly retrospective case series studies, and 45 were determined to be relevant to the assessment objectives. Three articles were rated as level II evidence, and 42 articles were rated as level III evidence. Results Eight different types of IOL fixation techniques with at least 6-month follow-up were evaluated: anterior chamber IOL (ACIOL), iris-claw IOL, retropupillary iris-claw IOL, 10-0 polypropylene iris-sutured posterior chamber IOL (PCIOL), 10-0 polypropylene scleral-sutured PCIOL, 8-0 polypropylene scleral-sutured PCIOL, CV-8 polytetrafluoroethylene, and intrascleral haptic fixation (ISHF). Eight articles reported data comparing 2 techniques. The 45 studies had insufficient statistical power to compare the techniques conclusively. A qualitative analysis of similar types showed that trends in visual acuity outcomes were not inferior to those of ACIOL implantation, but the severity of preoperative pathologic features was not controlled for. Compared with ACIOL, complications of cystoid macular edema were higher in 10-0 polypropylene iris-sutured PCIOL and 8-0 polypropylene scleral-sutured PCIOL. Non–anterior chamber IOL techniques were less likely to report chronic uveitis. Chronic glaucoma was highest in the 8-0 polypropylene scleral-sutured PCIOL group. Although retinal detachment was infrequent overall, it was twice as common in both iris- and scleral-sutured PCIOLs (except CV-8 polytetrafluoroethylene suture) compared with nonsutured methods: ACIOL, iris-clipped IOL, and ISHF PCIOL. Conclusions The evidence reviewed shows no superiority of any single IOL implantation technique in the absence of zonular support. The various techniques seem to have equivalent visual acuity outcomes and safety profiles. Each technique has its own profile of inherent risk of postoperative complications. Surgeons must educate patients on the importance of close, long-term follow-up as a result of the uncertain nature of these techniques. Large prospective studies are needed to confirm the long-term complication profiles of these various IOL implantation techniques.
Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) Infection in a 3-Month-Old Infant: Clinical Features, Treatment and Probable Route of Transmission.

Abstract This study aims to explore the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of infant patients with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) infection. Clinical and epidemiological data of a 3-month-old patient with COVID-19 were collected, including general status, clinical results, laboratory tests, imaging characteristics, and epidemiological reports. The infant had no fever but had mild respiratory symptoms. The major laboratory results included normal white blood cell counts and lymphocytopenia, notably with elevated interleukin (IL-)-17A, IL-17F, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-)-α. The main manifestation of his chest computed tomography scan was pulmonary patchy shadows. All throat swabs and urine of the infant detected via Real-time Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) were negative, but his anal swab continued to test positive up to 40 days after onset of illness. Our study indicated that infants infected with COVID-19 may have relatively mild symptoms or clinical signs, IL-17A, IL-17 F, and TNF-α could be involved in the immune response of COVID-19. In addition, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2) may shed through the gastrointestinal tract and convalescent carriers may exist among infant patients. We cannot rule out the possibility that infants may acquire infection from breastfeeding. Intensive care and nutrition support are recommended for infant patients with mild symptoms.
Acetaminophen Attenuates invasion and alters the expression of extracellular matrix enzymes and vascular factors in human first trimester trophoblast cells.

Acetaminophen is one of the most common medications taken during pregnancy, considered safe for maternal health and fetal development. However, recent epidemiological studies have associated prenatal acetaminophen use with several developmental disorders in offspring. As acetaminophen can freely cross into and through the placenta, epidemiological associations with prenatal acetaminophen use may reflect direct actions on the fetus and/or the impact of altered placental functions. In the absence of rigorous mechanistic studies, our understanding of how prenatal acetaminophen exposure can cause long-term effects in offspring is limited. The objective of this study was to determine whether acetaminophen can alter key functions of a major placental cell type by utilizing immortalized human first trimester trophoblast cells. This study employed a comparative analysis with the nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory drug aspirin, which has established effects in first trimester trophoblast cells. We report that immortalized trophoblast cells express the target proteins of acetaminophen and aspirin: cyclooxygenase (COX) -1 and -2. Unlike aspirin, acetaminophen significantly repressed the expression of angiogenesis and vascular remodeling genes in HTR-8/SVneo cells. Moreover, acetaminophen impaired trophoblast invasion by over 80%, while aspirin had no effect on invasion. Acetaminophen exposure reduced the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9 and increased the expression of tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases 2, leading to an imbalance in the ratio of proteolytic enzymes. Finally, a bioinformatic approach identified novel acetaminophen-responsive gene networks associated with key trophoblast functions and disease. Together these results suggest that prenatal acetaminophen use may interfere with critical trophoblast functions early in gestation, which may subsequently impact fetal development.
Incidence and Prevalence of Congenital Anomalies of the Upper Limb

Between 0.16% and 0.21% of children born are affected with congenital anomalies of the upper extremity (CAUE). The registry and case series with these incidence data are reviewed. There are many syndromes with CAUE as a presenting feature. We review those syndromes with polydactyly, syndactyly, brachydactyly, oligodactyly, or reduction defects as a defining feature.
A Retrospective Multi-Site Academic Center Analysis of Pneumothorax and Associated Risk Factors after CT-Guided Percutaneous Lung Biopsy

To assess the risk factors, incidence and significance of pneumothorax in patients undergoing CT-guided lung biopsy. Patients who underwent a CT-guided lung biopsy between August 10, 2010 and September 19, 2016 were retrospectively identified. Imaging was assessed for immediate and delayed pneumothorax. Records were reviewed for presence of risk factors and the frequency of complications requiring chest tube placement. 604 patients were identified. Patients who underwent chest wall biopsy (39) or had incomplete data (9) were excluded. Of 556 patients (average age 66 years, 50.2% women) 26.3% (146/556) had an immediate pneumothorax and 2.7% (15/556) required chest tube placement. 297/410 patients without pneumothorax had a delayed chest X-ray. Pneumothorax developed in 1% (3/297); one patient required chest tube placement. Pneumothorax risk was associated with smaller lesion sizes (OR 0.998; 95% CI (0.997, 0.999); [p = 0.002]) and longer intrapulmonary needle traversal (OR 1.055; 95% CI (1.033, 1.077); [p < 0.001]). Previous ipsilateral lung surgery (OR 0.12; 95% CI (0.031, 0.468); [p = 0.002]) and longer needle traversal through subcutaneous tissue (OR 0.976; 95% CI (0.96, 0.992); [p = 0.0034]) were protective of pneumothorax. History of lung cancer, biopsy technique, and smoking history were not significantly associated with pneumothorax risk. Delayed pneumothorax after CT-guided lung biopsy is rare, developing in 1% of our cohort. Pneumothorax is associated with smaller lesion size and longer intrapulmonary needle traversal. Previous ipsilateral lung surgery and longer needle traversal through subcutaneous tissues are protective of pneumothorax. Stratifying patients based on pneumothorax risk may safely obviate standard post-biopsy delayed chest radiographs.
Pandemics and History: Context, Context, Context

In a very short time, the health commissioner had mobilized an army of volunteers, coordinated the efforts of community organizations, plastered the city with educational literature, isolated the sick, and assuaged the doubts of businesspeople and politicians who feared personal loss from the emergency regulations.1 Milwaukee's actions to quell influenza were similar to or exactly the same as methods tried by other cities.3 Along with liberty bond parades (which in Philadelphia demonstrably spread influenza),4,5 masks carried patriotic value and gave the public a way to exhibit and celebrate their loyalty. Growing in opposition to corrupt and patronage-laden politics, a coalition of ethnic, middle-class, and labor interests joined together under a pragmatic Socialist banner to institute trustworthy, responsive government to address urban problems.8 Comprehensive and efficient health policies to improve public services, such as infant welfare programs and community clinics, drawing on the advice of experts, aimed to build a healthier city. By 1918, when the Socialists retained the mayoralty but no longer controlled the common council, progressive policies and programs that developed private-public cooperation had achieved citywide trust in local government's attempts to ameliorate urban problems.9 Socialist mayor Daniel Hoan and wide-ranging community groups actively supported Ruhland in his work. [...]understanding the responses to the COVID-19 epidemic is incomplete without analysis of medical inequities based on race and class and the prominence of the Black Lives Matter movement.12,13 Unlike during the 1918 epidemic, African American health disparities and deaths are now a prominent and publicized feature.14 Because the health system does not serve all populations equally, many Americans feel they cannot trust medical advice about treatment and vaccinations.
Actor Training in Anglophone Countries: Past, Present and Future

Actor Training in Anglophone Countries offers a firsthand account of the most significant acting programs in English-speaking countries throughout the world. The culmination of archival research and fieldwork spanning six years, it is the only work of its kind that studies the history of actor training from an international perspective. It presents the current moment as crucial for student actors and those who teach them. As the profession continues to change, new and progressive approaches to training have become as urgent as they are necessary. Using drama schools and universities as its subjects of inquiry, this book investigates acting programs in the UK, Ireland, the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Among the case studies are the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, National Theatre School of Canada, Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, and Carnegie Mellon University. All recognized for their distinguished reputations by industry professionals and acting teachers alike, the book examines each program’s pedagogical approach, administrative structure, funding apparatus, and alumni success. In doing so, it identifies the challenges facing acting schools today and offers a new direction for training in the twenty-first century. Actor Training in Anglophone Countries will be of interest to theatre and performance scholars, artists, students, and teachers.
The role of oxidative stress in epigenetic changes underlying autoimmunity.

Significance: Epigenetic dysregulation plays an important role in the pathogenesis and development of autoimmune diseases. Oxidative stress is associated with autoimmunity and is also known to alte...
Health Care Price Transparency in Ophthalmology

Importance Health care price transparency legislation is intended to reduce the ambiguity of hospital charges and the resultant financial stress faced by patients. Objective To evaluate the availability, usability, and variability of standard reported prices for ophthalmologic procedures at academic hospitals. Design, Setting, and Participants In this multicenter economic evaluation study, publicly available price transparency web pages from Association of American Medical Colleges affiliate hospitals were parsed for standard charges and usability metrics. Price transparency data were collected from hospital web pages that met the inclusion criteria. Geographic practice cost indices for work, practice expense, and malpractice were sourced from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Data were sourced from February 1 to April 30, 2021. Multiple regression was used to study the geographic influence on standard charges and assess the correlation between standard charges. Main Outcomes and Measures Availability and variability of standard prices for Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes 66984 (removal of cataract with insertion of lens) and 66821 (removal of recurring cataract in lens capsule using laser). Results Of 247 hospitals included, 191 (77.3%) provided consumer-friendly shoppable services, most commonly in the form of a price estimator or online tool. For CPT code 66984, 102 hospital (53.4%) provided discount cash pay estimates with a mean (SD) price of $7818.86 ($5407.91). For CPT code 66821, 71 hospital (37.2%) provided discount cash pay estimates with a mean (SD) price of $2041.72 ($2106.44). The top quartile of hospitals, prices wise, listed included prices higher than $10 400 for CPT code 66984 and $2324 for CPT code 66821. Usability issues were noted for 36 hospitals (18.8%), including requirements for personal information or web page navigability barriers. Multiple regression analysis found minimal explanatory value for geographic practice cost indices for cash discount prices for CPT codes 66984 (adjusted R2 = 0.54; 95% CI, 0.41-0.67; P < .001) and 66821 (adjusted R2 = 0.64; 95% CI, 0.51-0.77; P < .001). Conclusions and Relevance Despite recent legislature that codified price transparency requirements, some current standard charges remain ambiguous, with substantial interhospital variability not explained by geographic variability in costs. Given the potential for ambiguous pricing to burden vulnerable, uninsured patients, additional legislation might consider allowing hospitals to defer price estimates or rigorously define standards for actionable cash discount percentages with provisions for displaying relevant benchmark prices.
An Analysis of the Intra-Regional Trade in the Middle East and North Africa Region

This paper analyzes the intra-regional trade and investment flows in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region using an augmented gravity model applied to panel data. The study uses annual trade and investment data for the period 1980-2006. There is a growing awareness among countries in the MENA region regarding the importance of international trade and foreign direct investment for stimulating growth and integrating into the world economy. The research will attempt to achieve the following objectives: (a) analyze the intra-regional trade and investment flows in the MENA region; (b) identify the major determinants of trade and investment flows in the MENA region using an augmented gravity model applied to panel data; and (c) measure the effect of preferential trading arrangements in the region on members’ trade and investment with other MENA countries.
Existence of Periodic Orbits with Zeno Behavior in Completed Lagrangian Hybrid Systems

In this paper, we consider hybrid models of mechanical systems undergoing impacts, Lagrangian hybrid systems , and study their periodic orbits in the presence of Zeno behavior --an infinite number of impacts occurring in finite time. The main result of this paper is explicit conditions under which the existence of stable periodic orbits for a Lagrangian hybrid system with perfectly plastic impacts implies the existence of periodic orbits in the same system with non-plastic impacts . Such periodic orbits contain phases of constrained and unconstrained motion, and the transition between them necessarily involves Zeno behavior. The result is practically useful for a wide range of unilaterally constrained mechanical systems under cyclic motion, as demonstrated through the example of a double pendulum with a mechanical stop.
PLASMA VITAMIN A AND ZINC ON CYSTIC FIBROSTS (CF)

Zinc is required for the synthesis of Vitamin A (Vit.A) carrier proteins - retinol binding protein (RBP) and prealbumin (PA). Low plasma zinc and Vit.A have been observed in CF. We have studied the relationship between plasma levels of Vit.A, RBP and PA with plasma zinc in 37 patients with CF and 25 similar aged controls. There was no statistically significant difference between CF patients and controls for plasma Vit.A and zinc concentrations. In CF patients there was a significant correlation between Vit.A and RBP (r = 0.69, p <0.001) and PA (r = +0.80, p <0.001). In control subjects there was a significant correlation between Vit.A and RBP (r = 0.56, p < 0.01) but not with PA (r = +0.17, NS). In CF patients RBP and PA were correlated with the following
Adrenocorticosteroid therapy in pregnancy.

Abstract We have reviewed the course of events respecting 21 patients who received cortisone or cortisone-like compounds during 29 pregnancies. In 17 pregnancies, the patients were taking the corticosteroids at the time of conception. Lengths of gestation and birth weights were considered to be within normal limits. No cases of fetal adrenocortical insufficiency were noted. Several minor fetal abnormalities were not considered to be related to maternal steroid therapy. Included in this series were cases in which large doses of adrenocorticosteroids were used both at the time of conception and throughout the entire pregnancy for a variety of indications. This therapy did not appear to have an untoward effect on the infant. For protection during labor or cesarean section, it is important to give adequate parenteral injections of adrenocorticosteroids to all pregnant patients whose adrenocortical function may have been suppressed by therapy with glucocorticoids.
Race and sentencing

Abstract This paper employs meta-analytic methodology to evaluate the research results of a number of separate race and sentencing studies in the context of three competing theoretical frameworks (the differential involvement, direct-impact, and interactionist perspectives), and the empirical evidence supporting each. The data indicate that although the effect size of race on sentencing is not statistically significant at this level of aggregation, its relationship to sentencing is significantly conditioned by the measurement techniques employed by researchers. Specifically, this study shows that certain methods of classifying racial groups may mask the true effect of race on sentencing decisions. The implications of this finding for future research are discussed.
The worm revealed

The genome sequence of the nematode wormCaenorhabditis elegansis now "essentially complete", and this achievement is marked by the publication of a series of papers. At 97 mega base-pairs, corresponding to 19,099 predicted genes, this is the biggest genome yet sequenced, and the first genome sequence for a multicellular organism.
Epidural anatomy: new observations

Why study epidural anatomy? The epidural space is a site of therapeutic ministrations at an accelerating pace. Anaesthetists insert needles and catheters there for the deposition of a growing variety of anaesthetic and analgesic agents. Electrical leads are placed for spinal cord stimulation in chronic pain states, and endoscopic methods are being developed for visual examination of the epidural contents. Occasionally, the epidural space is the site of complications caused by these various efforts, such as haematomas or abscess. I believe successful and safe use of this anaesthetic venue is aided by an accurate understanding of the contents of the spinal canal. It is easy to imagine that gross anatomy has been completely explored and little remains unknown. I have become convinced, however, that there are important defects in the epidural anatomy we have been taught. Several factors may explain our collective comfort with the imperfections of artists renditions of anatomy. First, good art is appealing to look at and real anatomy is typically much less orderly. It often isn't evident how much assumption and imagination goes into medical illustration. Second, real anatomy, as described below, is complex, and, therefore, less easily presented and taught. Third, anatomy of the epidural space is not a hot topic in anaesthesia research, and isn't very interesting to others. For surgeons, it is only a pathway to the bones, disc, nerves and cord. The most important impediment to better understanding of the epidural space is that its a particularly hard place to study. The walls of the spinal canal are as tough and impenetrable a barrier as can be found in the body. However, the contents are frail. Subtle pressures including the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure and the slightly subatmospheric tissue pressure in the epidural space deploy the semifluid contents and direct fluid distribution. Opening the space by dissection, even in a living subject during surgery, alters these pressures and destroys natural tissue relationships. Investigations have employed injection, either of contrast for radiographic imaging, 1,2 of resin for examination after dissection, 3 or of air to create a space for endoscopic viewing. 4 All these approaches distort the native anatomy due to displacement of epidural contents. New methods have allowed examination without artifact. Cryomicrotome sectioning s,6 is a means of producing high resolution images of anatomical material after freezing, which prevents tissue movement. Magnetic resonance imaging (MR/) has increased in resolution steadily over the past decade, and provides in vivo comparison and confirmation. These approaches, combined with histologic study 7 and computerised tomographic (CT) imaging of the passage of catheters and distribution of solution, reveal an epidural space that is complex in structure, unpredictable during instrumentation, but accommodating in clinical effect.
Yeast Transcriptome and In Vivo Hypoxia Detection Reveals Histoplasma capsulatum Response to Low Oxygen Tension

Abstract Although there is growing understanding of the microenvironmental conditions fungal pathogens encounter as they colonize their host, nothing is known about Histoplasma capsulatum's response to hypoxia. Here we characterized hypoxia during murine histoplasmosis using an in vivo hypoxia detection agent, Hypoxyprobe-2 (HP-2); and analyzed H. capsulatum's transcriptional profile in response to in vitro hypoxia. Immunohistopathology and flow cytometry analyses revealed distinct regions of hypoxia during infection. Granuloma cells, enriched with macrophages and T-cells isolated from infected livers were 66-76% positive for HP-2, of which, 95% of macrophages and 55% of T-cells were hypoxic. Although inhibited, H. capsulatum was able to survive under in vitro hypoxic conditions (<1% O2), and restored growth when replaced in normoxia. Next-generation sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis after 24 hours of hypoxia demonstrated a significant increase in NIT50 (swirm domain DNA binding protein), a predicted ABC transporter (ABC), NADPH oxidoreductase (NADP/FAD), and guanine nucleotide exchange factor (RSP/GEF); and other genes with no known designated function. Computational transcription factor binding site analysis predicted human sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP) binding sites upstream of NIT50, ABC, NADP/FAD and RSP/GEF. Hypoxia resulted in a time-dependent increase in the H. capsulatum homolog of SREBP, here named Srb1. Srb1 peaked at 8 hours and returned to basal levels by 24 hours. Our findings demonstrate that H. capsulatum encounters and survives severe hypoxia during infection. Additionally, the hypoxic response may be regulated at the level of transcription, and these studies contribute to the understanding of hypoxic regulation and adaptation in H. capsulatum.
Bridging scales through multiscale modeling: a case study on protein kinase A.

The goal of multiscale modeling in biology is to use structurally based physico-chemical models to integrate across temporal and spatial scales of biology and thereby improve mechanistic understanding of, for example, how a single mutation can alter organism-scale phenotypes. This approach may also inform therapeutic strategies or identify candidate drug targets that might otherwise have been overlooked. However, in many cases, it remains unclear how best to synthesize information obtained from various scales and analysis approaches, such as atomistic molecular models, Markov state models (MSM), subcellular network models, and whole cell models. In this paper, we use protein kinase A (PKA) activation as a case study to explore how computational methods that model different physical scales can complement each other and integrate into an improved multiscale representation of the biological mechanisms. Using measured crystal structures, we show how molecular dynamics (MD) simulations coupled with atomic-scale MSMs can provide conformations for Brownian dynamics (BD) simulations to feed transitional states and kinetic parameters into protein-scale MSMs. We discuss how milestoning can give reaction probabilities and forward-rate constants of cAMP association events by seamlessly integrating MD and BD simulation scales. These rate constants coupled with MSMs provide a robust representation of the free energy landscape, enabling access to kinetic and thermodynamic parameters unavailable from current experimental data. These approaches have helped to illuminate the cooperative nature of PKA activation in response to distinct cAMP binding events. Collectively, this approach exemplifies a general strategy for multiscale model development that is applicable to a wide range of biological problems.
Oculo-Auriculo-Vertebral Spectrum

The predominant defects in this nonrandom association of craniofacial anomalies represent problems in morphogenesis of the first and second branchial arches, usually of a unilateral nature. These may be accompanied by vertebral and/or ocular abnormalities. The many terms used for this complex indicate the broad spectrum of anomalies described and emphasized by those reporting them. This entity has been known as hemifacial microsomia, oculo-auriculo-vertebral dysplasia, Goldenhar syndrome, Goldenhar-Gorlin syndrome, first and second branchial arch syndrome, and lateral facial dysplasia. Keywords: hemifacial microsomia; oculo-auriculo-vertebral dysplasia; Goldenhar syndrome; Goldenhar-Gorlin syndrome; first and second branchial arch syndrome; lateral facial dysplasia; microtia; cardiac defect; epibulbar dermoid
A Mixed-Method Approach to Evaluating the Association Between Myofascial Trigger Points and Ankle/Foot Pain Using Handheld Sonography Equipment: A Pilot Study

This mixed-method blinded research study used high-frequency diagnostic medical sonography (DMS) to document myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) associated with ankle/foot pain. A total of 17 symptom...
Comparative Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutic Use of Bisphosphonates in Metabolic Bone Diseases

The bisphosphonates are a class of synthetic compounds used in the treatment of various metabolic bone diseases, including hypercalcaemia of malignancy, Paget's disease, postmenopausal osteoporosis and corticosteroid-induced bone loss. Although there have been numerous studies comparing first, second and third generation bisphosphonates with placebo, there has been a paucity of comparative research investigating the effectiveness of these substances with other pharmacological agents. Still, the available evidence indicates that the bisphosphonates are well tolerated and effective therapeutic agents for various metabolic bone diseases. It seems certain that within the next 5 years, this class of drugs will emerge as one of the foremost options for treating Paget's disease and osteoporosis.
Regulation of the rat brain Na+ -driven Cl-/HCO3 - exchanger involves protein kinase A and a multiprotein signaling complex.

Abstract The Na+-driven Cl - / HCO 3 - exchanger (NCBE) plays an important role in the regulation of intracellular pH (pHi). We previously identified two variants of NCBE from rat brain of which the variant with a carboxyterminal PSD-95/Dlg/ZO-1 (PDZ) motif (rb2NCBE) colocalized with the actin cytoskeleton. Increased rb2NCBE activity by PKA inhibition and reduction by forskolin and cAMP agonist suggest PKA regulation of NCBE. Disruption of actin filaments also decreased rb2NCBE activity. EBP50 and FLAG-rb2NCBE were reciprocally co-immunoprecipitated from rb2NCBE transfected cells. It is concluded that NCBE activity is inhibited by PKA and depends on the integrity of the actin cytoskeleton within a multiprotein complex at the plasma membrane.
Vertebrate Morphology: Tale of a Phoenix

The last 25 years have seen a renaissance in the use of structural principles in biological study. Analytical methods have been refined and new concepts introduced. Systematic applications have imposed new demands because cladistic methods have emphasized the need for correct interpretations of individual characters. Developmental approaches now permit association of characters; however, newly described genetic mechanisms may pose questions about structural criteria forhomology. Structural characters prove significant, both in evaluation of the possible roles of morphological characteristics and in establishing the reality and level of adaptation. Morphology, ever more, is an area of active researches promising significant results.
Test anxiety, stress, and social support

Abstract : Three experiments were carried out dealing with the relationships among test anxiety, stress, and social support. In the first experiment, social support was defined in terms of the opportunity for social association with peers. In the second, it was defined as contact with an experimenter who displayed acceptance and empathy. The dependent measure was the ability to solve difficult intellective problems. In the third, measures of both performance and self-preoccupation were obtained for groups differing in access to social association. Social support had an especially positive effect on the performance of highly test anxious subjects and seemed to reduce self-preoccupation. The results were discussed in terms of the role played by social support in the ability to cope with stress.
MATLAB implementation of a dynamic clamp with bandwidth of >125 kHz capable of generating I Na at 37 °C

We describe the construction of a dynamic clamp with a bandwidth of >125 kHz that utilizes a high-performance, yet low-cost, standard home/office PC interfaced with a high-speed (16 bit) data acquisition module. High bandwidth is achieved by exploiting recently available software advances (code-generation technology and optimized real-time kernel). Dynamic-clamp programs are constructed using Simulink, a visual programming language. Blocks for computation of membrane currents are written in the high-level MATLAB language; no programming in C is required. The instrument can be used in single- or dual-cell configurations, with the capability to modify programs while experiments are in progress. We describe an algorithm for computing the fast transient Na+ current (I Na) in real time and test its accuracy and stability using rate constants appropriate for 37 °C. We then construct a program capable of supplying three currents to a cell preparation: I Na, the hyperpolarizing-activated inward pacemaker current (I f) and an inward-rectifier K+ current (I K1). The program corrects for the IR drop due to electrode current flow and also records all voltages and currents. We tested this program on dual patch-clamped HEK293 cells where the dynamic clamp controls a current-clamp amplifier and a voltage-clamp amplifier controls membrane potential, and current-clamped HEK293 cells where the dynamic clamp produces spontaneous pacing behavior exhibiting Na+ spikes in otherwise passive cells.
The distance between cytochromes a and a3 in the azide compound of bovine-heart cytochrome oxidase

The electron-spin relaxation rates of the two species of cytochrome a3+3-azide found in the azide compound of bovine-heart cytochrome oxidase were measured by progressive microwave saturation at T = 10 K. It has been shown previously that Cyt a+33-azide gives rise to two distinct EPR resonances, depending upon the oxidation state of Cyt a. When Cyt a is ferrous, Cyt a3+3-azide has g = 2.88, 2.19 and 1.64; upon oxidation of Cyt a, the a3+3-azide g-values become g = 2.77, 2.18, and 1.74 (Goodman, G. (1984) J. Biol. Chem. 259, 15094–15099). The relaxation effect of Cyt a on Cyt a3 could be measured as the difference in microwave field saturation parameter H12 between the g = 2.77 and g = 2.88 species. For each signal the spin-lattice relaxation time T1 was determined from H12 using the transverse relaxation time T2. The value of T2 at 10 K was extrapolated from a plot of line-width vs. temperature at higher temperature. The dipolar contribution to T1 was related to the Cyt a-Cyt a3 spin-spin distance utilizing available information on the relative orientation of Cyt a3-azide and Cyt a (Erecinska, M., Wilson, D.F. and Blasie, J.K. (1979) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 545, 352–364). By taking into account the relaxation parameters for both gx and gz components of the Cyt a3-azide g-tensor, the angle between the gz components of the Cyt a and Cyt a3g-tensors was determined to be between 0 and 18°, and the Cyt a-Cyt a3 spin-spin distance was found to be 19 ± 8 A.
Multifunctional silicone nanocomposites for advanced LED encapsulation

The addition of high refractive index (RI) inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) to LED encapsulation materials can lead to higher light extraction efficiency. In addition, the NPs can be carriers for additional functionality such as color conversion. Using a simple “grafting-to” approach, bimodal polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) brushes were grafted onto high-RI ZrO2 NPs. Subsequently, an organic phosphor, 6-[fluorescein-5(6)-carboxamido]hexanoic acid (FCHA), was attached onto the PDMS-grafted ZrO2 NPs via a facile ligand exchange process. The bimodal polymer brush design enables homogenous dispersion of the surface functionalized NPs within the silicone matrix. The functionalized NPs with ∼53 wt% ZrO2 core have a ∼0.08 higher RI than neat silicone, and the NP-filled silicone nanocomposites exhibit a transparency of ∼ 90% in the 550-800 nm wavelength range. In addition, the nanocomposites could be excited at a wavelength around 455 nm by a blue LED and undergo secondary yellow emission at around 571 nm. It is expected that the prepared nanocomposites can be used as high-efficiency, non-scattering, color-tuned materials for advanced LED encapsulation.
Correlation between energy and volume expansion for grain boundaries in FCC metals

Analyse de la correlation par un potentiel a n corps et par un simple potentiel de paire. Etude du role des effets a n corps. Identification des phenomenes entierement independants du potentiel et representatifs des proprietes generiques des metaux
Space-Time Representation in Wave Mechanics

A Newtonian-like basis for describing the dynamical behavior of a system is presented. The nature of the correspondence with a Boltzmann type statistical mechanics is shown. Application of elementary transformation theory is used to effect the results.
Mili and Miwi target RNA repertoire reveals piRNA biogenesis and function of Miwi in spermiogenesis

Germ cells implement elaborate mechanisms to protect their genetic material and to regulate gene expression during differentiation. Piwi proteins bind Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), small germline RNAs whose biogenesis and functions are still largely elusive. We used high-throughput sequencing after cross-linking and immunoprecipitation (HITS-CLIP) coupled with RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) to characterize the genome-wide target RNA repertoire of Mili (Piwil2) and Miwi (Piwil1), two Piwi proteins expressed in mouse postnatal testis. We report the in vivo pathway of primary piRNA biogenesis and implicate distinct nucleolytic activities that process Piwi-bound precursor transcripts. Our studies indicate that pachytene piRNAs are the end products of RNA processing. HITS-CLIP demonstrated that Miwi binds spermiogenic mRNAs directly, without using piRNAs as guides, and independent biochemical analyses of testis mRNA ribonucleoproteins (mRNPs) established that Miwi functions in the formation of mRNP complexes that stabilize mRNAs essential for spermiogenesis.
A semiempirical simulation methodology : atomistic and ionic dissociation of silica

Modeling defects, surfaces and interfaces of silica is complicated by the presence of charged and uncharged states of the atoms, and the existence of local nonstoichiometric structure. The changes in the local molecular environments associated with defects and surfaces are a consequence of changes in the electronic structure away from the bulk values. The ability to capture the electronic structure changes in simulations is highly desirable to study defects and surfaces. Moreover, the properties and problems of interest also require the use of large scale simulations. Hence, a semiempirical methodology is introduced that contains these desirable properties. The model approach is described and results using the model in the absence of long range interactions are presented. The motivation to ignore Coulombic interactions is driven by the desire to understand the model's ability to describe the bonding interactions and to what degree it captures any of the medium and long range order.
Aromatase inhibitors in the treatment of breast cancer

A number of inhibitors of estrogen synthesis are now becoming available which could be of value in the treatment of breast cancer. 4-Hydroxyandrostenedione (4-OHA), the first of these compounds to enter the clinic has been found to be effective in postmenopausal patients who have relapsed from tamoxifen. Thus, in studies of 240 patients, 26% patients experienced partial or complete response to treatment. An additional 25% patients had disease stabilization. 4-OHA is a potent selective, steroidal inhibitor which causes inactivation of aromatase in vitro. It is effective in reducing concentrations of ovarian estrogens in rats and of ovarian and peripheral estrogens in non-human primate species. The compound has been shown to lower serum estrogen levels in postmenopausal breast cancer patients. However, not all of these patients experienced disease remission, suggesting that their tumors were hormone insensitive rather than that the dose of 4-OHA was suboptimal. In trials of patients who had not received prior tamoxifen treatment, 4-OHA (250 mg i.m. every 2 weeks) was found to induce complete or partial tumor regression in 33% of patients. The response of patients was not significantly different from that observed in patients treated with tamoxifen (30 mg o.d) of 37%. No significant difference between treatments was observed for disease stabilization, the duration of response or median survival. Several other steroidal aromatase inhibitors have been studied, such as 7 alpha-substituted androstenedione derivatives. MDL 18962 [10-(2-propynyl)estr-4-ene-3,17-dione] and FCE 24304 (6-methylen-androsta-1,4-diene-3,17-dione) are currently in clinical trials. Non-steroidal inhibitors of cytochrome P-450 enzymes, such as imidazole and triazole derivatives have been developed which are highly selective for aromatase. Three triazoles which are very potent and selective inhibitors are vorazole (6-[(4-chlorophenyl)(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)-methyl]1-methyl-1H- benzotriazole R 76713, arimidex 2,2'[5-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl methyl)-1,3-phenylene]bis(2-methylpropiononitrile) (ZD1033) and letrozole 4-[1-(cyanophenyl)-1-(1,2,4-triazolyl)methyl]benzonitril (CGS 20267). These compounds reduce serum estradiol concentration to undetectable levels in breast cancer patients. These highly potent inhibitors provide the opportunity to determine whether a further degree of estrogen suppression will be important in producing greater clinical response.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Prosthetic management of an acromegaly patient

For this 73-year-old edentulous patient with acromegaly, management involved a working relationship between an internist, oral surgeon, and prosthodontist.
An acceleration scheme for row projection methods

Abstract Cimmino's and Kaczmarz's methods are two classes of row projection (RP) methods for solving structured linear systems efficiently on parallel computers. They have been extended for solving nonlinear systems. Since the convergence rates of the two methods are unsatisfactorily slow, several acceleration schemes for the Kaczmarz method have been proposed. In this paper, we refine and improve the existing acceleration techniques and develop a new acceleration scheme for both of the methods. The new scheme involves finding points closest to a solution x ∗ along some lines. Since x ∗ is not known a priori, recursion formulas are derived. Three new accelerated algorithms—two for the linear Kaczmarz method and the linear Cimmino method and the other one for the nonlinear Cimmino method—are presented. The convergence of the three proposed algorithms is proved. The linear accelerated Kaczmarz algorithm and Cimmino algorithm converge globally. The nonlinear accelerated Cimmino algorithm converges locally. An important characteristic is that the accelerated Cimmino method retains the same degree of parallelism as the unaccelerated one. Results of initial numerical experiments with new algorithms are presented.
Kupka-Smale extensions of Cantor set homeomorphisms without sources or sinks

Abstract The notion of a “block-permuting” homeomorphism of a Cantor set is defined. When f is such a homeomorphism, we show there exists a C 1 Kupka-Smale diffeomorphism F of the disk without sources or sinks and an F -invariant Cantor set Λ such that F ∣ Λ is conjugate to f . All k -symbol adding machines and finite products of such are “block-permuting”.
Gender and the Case of Girls’ Education: Organizational Learning in International Development Agencies

With the increased financial constraints and concomitant public budget reductions in most developing countries, the importance of international development agencies (IDAs hereafter) in those countries has increased dramatically. IDAs represent a very important source of additional funding for education in the Third World. Although these funds are not large in absolute terms, they constitute a substantial resource for engaging in innovative projects and even undertaking educational reforms, thus enabling education systems to address explicitly issues pertaining efficiency, quality, and equity, thus enabling them to go well beyond the simple provision of schooling. For many years, IDAs have rejected studies focusing on their functioning and performance, fearing that such a concern would attract only critics. In addition, their overemphasis on a normative view of development did not promote attention to organizational problems (van Ufford et al., 1988). In recent years, this position has changed; in fact, the study we present here was requested by the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Network attached peripherals in a high-performance file-serving environment

Among the many advances in computer technology in recent years, one significant development has been the use of networks as a means of sharing resources among multiple computer systems. Despite the considerable successes achieved on this front, limitations have become apparent in the current generation of network-based resource sharing technology. The recent introduction of gigabit-per-second local area networking and high-performance storage device technologies now provide the basis for a new class of networked system. Our recent efforts have involved realizing a system which supports resource sharing among computer systems in a very high performance network- based environment. Developments range from integration of the HIPPI-based networked systems to new protocols for data transport to the incorporation of the UniTree system as the coordinating entity for system-wide storage and file management. This paper presents an overview of considerations for this style of network-based resource sharing.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.