cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ovarian reserve diminished by oral cyclophosphamide therapy for granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's)

Objective. Standard treatment for severe granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's) (GPA) is daily oral cyclophos- phamide (CYC), a cytotoxic agent associated with ovarian failure. In this study, we assessed the rate of diminished ovarian reserve in women with GPA who received CYC versus methotrexate (MTX). Methods. Patients in the Wegener's Granulomatosis Etanercept Trial received either daily CYC or weekly MTX and were randomized to etanercept or placebo. For all women ages <50 years, plasma samples taken at baseline or early in the study were evaluated against samples taken later in the study to compare levels of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), endocrine markers of remaining egg supply. Diminished ovarian reserve was defined as an AMH level of <1.0 ng/ml. Results. Of 42 women in this analysis (mean age 35 years), 24 had CYC exposure prior to enrollment and 28 received the drug during the study. At study entry, women with prior CYC exposure had significantly lower AMH, higher FSH, and a higher rate of early menstruation cessation. For women with normal baseline ovarian function, 6 of 8 who received CYC during the trial developed diminished ovarian reserve, compared to 0 of 4 who did not receive CYC (P < 0.05). Changes in AMH correlated inversely with cumulative CYC dose (P < 0.01), with a 0.74 ng/ml decline in AMH level for each 10 gm of CYC. Conclusion. Daily oral CYC, even when administered for less than 6 months, causes diminished ovarian reserve, as indicated by low AMH levels. These data highlight the need for alternative treatments for GPA in women of childbearing age.
Improving preventive health services training in chiropractic colleges: a pilot impact evaluation of the introduction of a model public health curriculum.

Abstract Objective To investigate the impact of the dissemination of the model public curriculum at one US chiropractic college on chiropractic interns during their outpatient clinical internship. Methods A retrospective pilot study was performed to evaluate the frequency of 9 patient clinical preventive health recommendations made by interns during their clinical training. The frequency of recommendations by interns completing their public health coursework after dissemination of the model curriculum was compared with those completing their coursework during the period immediately proceeding dissemination. A standardized data abstraction tool was developed to collect data from clinic charts that established a patient's need for any one of 9 preventive health services. Results Of the 408 charts examined (204 from each group), there were only 4 documented instances (1%) of recommendations for any of the 9 preventive health service categories. Two recommendations occurred in the precurriculum change period. Conclusion The results of this pilot study indicate that there has been no observable impact on intern behaviors toward educating patients in preventive health services since the dissemination of the model public health curriculum at one of the chiropractic colleges in the United States. The impact of this reform in public health education may have been limited by its minimal focus on clinical preventive services and by a focus on didactic rather than a clinically relevant learning exposure.
A novel calibration approach of MODIS AOD data to predict PM 2.5 concentrations

Abstract. Epidemiological studies investigating the human health effects of PM2.5 are susceptible to exposure measurement errors, a form of bias in exposure estimates, since they rely on data from a limited number of PM2.5 monitors within their study area. Satellite data can be used to expand spatial coverage, potentially enhancing our ability to estimate location- or subject-specific exposures to PM2.5, but some have reported poor predictive power. A new methodology was developed to calibrate aerosol optical depth (AOD) data obtained from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). Subsequently, this method was used to predict ground daily PM2.5 concentrations in the New England region. 2003 MODIS AOD data corresponding to the New England region were retrieved, and PM2.5 concentrations measured at 26 US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) PM2.5 monitoring sites were used to calibrate the AOD data. A mixed effects model which allows day-to-day variability in daily PM2.5-AOD relationships was used to predict location-specific PM2.5 levels. PM2.5 concentrations measured at the monitoring sites were compared to those predicted for the corresponding grid cells. Both cross-sectional and longitudinal comparisons between the observed and predicted concentrations suggested that the proposed new calibration approach renders MODIS AOD data a potentially useful predictor of PM2.5 concentrations. Furthermore, the estimated PM2.5 levels within the study domain were examined in relation to air pollution sources. Our approach made it possible to investigate the spatial patterns of PM2.5 concentrations within the study domain.
Asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis on the side contralateral to endarterectomy. A comparison between patients with and those without operation.

Abstract From May 1974 to October 1983, 82 patients with severe bilateral carotid disease had unilateral carotid endarterectomy (CE) on the symptomatic side (group I). The carotid artery contralateral to the endarterectomy was severely stenosed (lumen diameter reduction 51% up to 99%) and it was not repaired for different reasons. Group I patients were compared with 78 patients who had bilateral CE (group II), matched with group I for associated diseases, operative indication, and angiographic findings. In this analysis, only neurologic deficits referable to the contralateral hemisphere were considered. There was a higher incidence of later neurologic deficits in the group I patients; however, this difference was not statistically significant. In group I, the occurrence of late neurologic deficits was statistically correlated to (1) severity of stenosis, (2) presence of large compound ulceration, and (3) history of previous stroke. Stepwise logistic regression analysis identified two groups of patients at higher risk for late neurologic deficits (1) patients with stenosis 75% or greater and large ulceration and (2) patients with stenosis 75% or greater and previous stroke. CE on the asymptomatic contralateral side should be considered in selected patients at high risk for late neurologic events at a surgical center with an established low incidence of perioperative complications. A nonoperative policy with careful follow-up is warranted in the remaining cases. (J VASC SURG 1988;8:453-9.)
Using microsatellites to understand the physical distribution of recombination on soybean chromosomes.

Soybean is a major crop that is an important source of oil and proteins. A number of genetic linkage maps have been developed in soybean. Specifically, hundreds of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers have been developed and mapped. Recent sequencing of the soybean genome resulted in the generation of vast amounts of genetic information. The objectives of this investigation were to use SSR markers in developing a connection between genetic and physical maps and to determine the physical distribution of recombination on soybean chromosomes. A total of 2,188 SSRs were used for sequence-based physical localization on soybean chromosomes. Linkage information was used from different maps to create an integrated genetic map. Comparison of the integrated genetic linkage maps and sequence based physical maps revealed that the distal 25% of each chromosome was the most marker-dense, containing an average of 47.4% of the SSR markers and 50.2% of the genes. The proximal 25% of each chromosome contained only 7.4% of the markers and 6.7% of the genes. At the whole genome level, the marker density and gene density showed a high correlation (R2) of 0.64 and 0.83, respectively with the physical distance from the centromere. Recombination followed a similar pattern with comparisons indicating that recombination is high in telomeric regions, though the correlation between crossover frequency and distance from the centromeres is low (R2 = 0.21). Most of the centromeric regions were low in recombination. The crossover frequency for the entire soybean genome was 7.2%, with extremes much higher and lower than average. The number of recombination hotspots varied from 1 to 12 per chromosome. A high correlation of 0.83 between the distribution of SSR markers and genes suggested close association of SSRs with genes. The knowledge of distribution of recombination on chromosomes may be applied in characterizing and targeting genes.
The impact of an antibiotic coating on the artificial urinary sphincter infection rate.

Purpose: In April 2008 InhibiZone® antibiotic coated artificial urinary sphincters were introduced. The antibiotic coating significantly increased the cost of the device by an average of $1,300 per artificial urinary sphincter. To our knowledge, no clinical data to date support the theory that this antibiotic coating decreases the risk of artificial urinary sphincter infection. Therefore, we compared infection rates in our cases before and after the introduction of InhibiZone coated artificial urinary sphincters to determine whether the coating decreased the device infection rate.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 426 consecutive patients in whom an artificial urinary sphincter was implanted by a single surgeon from January 2005 to June 2012. Patients were divided equally into 213 consecutive males who received an artificial urinary sphincter without the antibiotic coating from January 2005 to March 2008 and 213 consecutive males implanted with the antibiotic coated artifici...
The effect of nifedipine on cardiopulmonary responses during exercise in normal subjects

We investigated the effects of a single dose of nifedipine (10 mg orally) on exercise performance during progressive incremental cycle ergometry in nine sedentary normal subjects in a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study. Maximum work load after nifedipine (213 ± 42 watts; mean±SD) was less than after placebo (222 ± 41 watts; p 2 /min/kg to 15.5 ± 5.5 ml O 2 /min/kg (p
Note on an Application of Four-Moment Inequalities To a Problem in Queues

Examples of numerical bounds are given for the distribution of the duration of the busy period in the context of a single server queue with random arrivals and (special) Erlanginn service time. The computations are based on Tchebycheff type inequalities using the first four moments of the busy period distribution. The computations are intended to illustrate an approach to a difficulty cited by D. R. Cox.
Large area strain analysis using scanning transmission electron microscopy across multiple images

Here, we apply revolving scanning transmission electron microscopy to measure lattice strain across a sample using a single reference area. To do so, we remove image distortion introduced by sample drift, which usually restricts strain analysis to a single image. Overcoming this challenge, we show that it is possible to use strain reference areas elsewhere in the sample, thereby enabling reliable strain mapping across large areas. As a prototypical example, we determine the strain present within the microstructure of a Ni-based superalloy directly from atom column positions as well as geometric phase analysis. While maintaining atomic resolution, we quantify strain within nanoscale regions and demonstrate that large, unit-cell level strain fluctuations are present within the intermetallic phase.
Magnetic Levitation of Liquid Helium

We report on the stable levitation of liquid helium drops of up to 2 cm diameter in a magnetic trap at temperatures down to 1.5 K in the earth's gravitational field. The production and properties of a magnetic trap for diamagnetic materials is discussed. The behavior of liquids in such a trap is analyzed, including the deformation of a liquid drop by the trap forces. We frequently observe two drops in the magnetic trap which are held in apparent contact for up to 3 minutes without coalescing. This non-coalescence effect was only seen above the superfluid transition temperature. We explain this effect in terms of the existence of a vapor layer between the drops caused by evaporation of the drops, much like the suspension of a liquid drop above a hot surface known as the Leidenfrost effect.
Neutron Activation Analysis of l-Ephedrine and Norephedrine Silver Complexes

Silver complex pyridinates of l-ephedrine and norephedrine were prepared and analyzed by neutron activation. The analytical results have established satisfactory correlations between theoretical and experimental values for percent silver in the two compounds.
On the asymptotic summation of difference systems

A new method for asymptotic summation of linear systems of difference equations is proposed and studied. It is based on the introduction of a certain summation equation that pinpoints sufficient conditions for asymptotic summation. These conditions serve as a framework from which new and old theorems follow. In particular the analogues of the fundamental theorems of Levinson and Hartman and Wintner are shown to follow from one and the same framework. Examples are given that are not amenable to other techniques.
An enzymatic cleavage of the cholesterol side chain.

SUMMARY An enzyme system, found predominantly in adrenal glands, capable of cleaving cholesterol t.o pregnenolone and isocaproic acid is described. BIBLIOGRAPHY 1. Lynn, W. S., Jr., Staple, E., and Gurin, S., .I. Am. Chem. SOL, 76, 4048 (1954). 2. Stone, D., and Hechter, O., Arch. Biochem. and Biophys., 64, 121 (1955). 3. Hechter, O., Zaffaroni, A., Jacobsen, R. P., Levy, H., Jeanloz, R. W., Schenker, V., and Pincus, G., Recent Progress Hormone Res., 6, 215 (1951). 4. Dauben, W. G., and Bradlow, H. I,., J. Am. Chem. Sot., 73, 4248 (1950). 5. Turner, R. B., J. Am. Chem. Sot., 72, 579 (1950). Heard, R. D. H., and Ziegler, P., .I. Am. Chem. Sot., 73, 4036 (1951). Dauben, W. G., and Eastham, J. F., J. Am. Chem. Sot., 73, 4463 (1951). 6. Neher, R., and Wettstein, A., Helv. chim. acla, 36, 276 (1952). 7. Zaffaroni, A., and Burton, R. B., J. Biol. Chem., 193, 749 (1961). 8. Cole, W., and Julian, P. L.,
Understanding the social determinants of behaviours: can new methods help?

An individual’s behaviourundoubtedly results fromasetof comlicated processes involving interactions between environmental actors, personal characteristics, and biology. Moreover it is clear hat social processes, both through their influence on the social ndphysical environments inwhichpeople live andwork, aswell as hrough the transmissionofnormsandattitudes throughsocial netorks, play a key role in shaping behaviours. Understanding these ocial processes and theways inwhich they affect behaviour is funamental to the identification of the most effective interventions o improve health and reduce inequalities in health. The papers by alea,Hall, &Kaplan (this issue) andCooper, Bossak, Tempalski, Des arlais, and Friedman (this issue) emphasize the need to study these ocial determinants in the specific case of drug use. More specifially, they discuss important methodological challenges involved nd suggest and illustrate the application of new methods. Cooper t al. focus on the measurement of spatially defined environments ndGalea et al. focusonuseof agent-basedmodels tobetter capture ow relations between individuals affect population-level patterns f drug use. A first step in studying the social determinants of health ehaviours is the development of theories regarding the relevant ocial factors and the ways in which they may operate. Although a pecific methodology is not a prerequisite for the development of heory, the use of a specific analytical approach can influence the ypes of theories that are developedbecause the analyticalmethods eterminewhat can be tested andwhat cannot. For this reason, the dvent of new methods may sometimes stimulate new theories. or example, the advent of multilevel analysis stimulated much eeded theorizing on the ways in which group-level or contextual actors may affect health. The geographical and spatial methods llustrated by Cooper et al. may stimulate more sophisticated theoizing on the ways in which space shapes the distribution of health elated outcomes. The dynamic agentmodels illustrated byGalea et l. may stimulate theorizing on theways inwhich dynamic interacions between people, and between people and their environments ffect behaviours and health outcomes. One of the challenges to pidemiologic research today is that the excessive reliance on a
The Anthropoid Crista Trochanterica and the Hip Joint Capsule.

The tubercle on the posterior aspect of the femoral neck (the crista trochanterica) has been repeatedly remarked upon because of its presence in early fossil apes, yet the function of this tubercle has eluded researchers. The prevailing explanation for the tubercle is that it relates to a strong ischiofemoral ligament, although none of the hypotheses for this bony projection have been systematically evaluated. This study surveyed 41 extant anthropoid species (n = 267 individuals) for the presence of a crista trochanterica. The soft tissue structures of the hip joint were then dissected and described for a sample of anthropoid cadavers (n = 14) in order to evaluate different hypotheses related to function of this tubercle. This study confirmed that the crista trochanterica is found in most cercopithecoids and platyrrhines, and is not present in great apes. The tubercle is rarely present in hylobatids, contrary to prior reports. The ischiofemoral ligament is not usually well-developed in anthropoids and does not fully explain the crista trochanterica morphology, although all cadavers displayed a well-developed zona orbicularis running along the posterior aspect of the joint capsule. The hip joint capsule itself inserted along the crista trochanterica in some individuals, typically those with an elongate crista trochanterica, but was highly variable in regards to the position of the tubercle. The hypotheses for the crista trochanterica are considered within the context of these findings, although the exact function of the tubercle remains unresolved.
Probabilistic data association for dynamic world modeling: a multiple hypothesis approach

Proposes a multiple hypothesis approach for building and maintaining a world model for an autonomous robot vehicle. Dynamic world modeling requires the integration of multiple sensor observations obtained from multiple vehicle locations at different times. A crucial problem in this interpretation task is the presence of uncertainty in the origins of measurements (data association uncertainty) as well as in the values of measurements (noise uncertainty). The extended Kalman filter (EKF) has seen widespread use in robotics for dealing with the latter problem. The multiple hypothesis filter combines the basic machinery of the EKF with a rigorous Bayesian probabilistic data association framework in which to address temporal and spatial data association uncertainty. For dynamic world modeling, the approach results in multiple world models at a given time step, each one representing a possible interpretation of all past and current measurements and each having an associated probability. A single unified world model can be constructed by integrating all of the hypotheses to form a single hypothesis. >
Structural characterization of two pore-forming peptides: consequences of introducing a C-terminal tryptophan.

Synthetic channel-forming peptides that can restore chloride conductance across epithelial membranes could provide a novel treatment of channelopathies such as cystic fibrosis. Among a series of 22-residue peptides derived from the second transmembrane segment of the glycine receptor α1-subunit (M2GlyR), p22-S22W (KKKKP ARVGL GITTV LTMTT QW) is particularly promising with robust membrane insertion and assembly. The concentration to reach one-half maximal short circuit current is reduced to 45 ± 6 μM from that of 210 ± 70 μM of peptide p22 (KKKKP ARVGL GITTV LTMTT QS). However, this is accompanied with nearly 50% reduction in conductance. Toward obtaining a molecular level understanding of the channel activities, we combine information from solution NMR, existing biophysical data, and molecular modeling to construct atomistic models of the putative pentameric channels of p22 and p22-S22W. Simulations in membrane bilayers demonstrate that these structural models, even though highly flexible, are stable and remain adequately open for ion conductance. The membrane-anchoring tryptophan residues not only rigidify the whole channel, suggesting increased stability, but also lead to global changes in the pore profile. Specifically, the p22-S22W pore has a smaller opening on average, consistent with lower measured conductance. Direct observation of several incidences of chloride transport suggests several qualitative features of how these channels might selectively conduct anions. The current study thus helps to rationalize the functional consequences of introducing a single C-terminal tryptophan. Availability of these structural models also paves the way for future work to rationally modify and improve M2GlyR-derived peptides toward potential peptide-based channel replacement therapy. Proteins 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Family and Television: Forms of Mediation

The potential of family members to serve as mediators of learning from television has received increasing amounts of attention in the literature. At the same time, the involvement of parents in their children's viewing has been found to be low. Using sample episodes from an ethnographic research study, this article describes several types of family mediation that have not been emphasized in the literature: contextual mediation, informal verbal mediation that occurs outside of the viewing situation, and mediation by families' organization in time and space. The authors suggest that ethnography can contribute to our understanding of the mediation of television by the family by documenting mediational influences that are unintentional, nonverbal, or occur at times other than during viewing.
Compressed sensing of approximately sparse signals

It is well known that compressed sensing problems reduce to solving large under-determined systems of equations. If we choose the compressed measurement matrix according to some appropriate distribution and the signal is sparse enough the l1 optimization can exactly recover the ideally sparse signal with overwhelming probability by Candes, E. and Tao, T., [2], [1]. In the current paper, we will consider the case of the so-called approximately sparse signals. These signals are a generalized version of the ideally sparse signals. Letting the zero valued components of the ideally sparse signals to take the values of certain small magnitude one can construct the approximately sparse signals. Using a different but simple proof technique we show that the claims similar to those of [2] and [1] related to the proportionality of the number of large components of the signals to the number of measurements, hold for approximately sparse signals as well. Furthermore, using the same technique we compute the explicit values of what this proportionality can be if the compressed measurement matrix A has a rotationally invariant distribution of the null-space. We also give the quantitative tradeoff between the signal sparsity and the recovery robustness of the l1 minimization. As it will turn out in an asymptotic case of the number of measurements the threshold result of [1] corresponds to a special case of our result.
Molecular epidemiology of gonorrhea.

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease; it is the most frequently reported infectious disease in the United States (12). Humans are the natural host of the etiological agent, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which usually causes uncomplicated infections of mucous membranes of the urethra, cervix, rectum, or pharynx (24). Under certain conditions, the organism may disseminate and cause complicated infections such as pelvic inflammatory disease or disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI) (24). Although the incidence of reported gonococcal infections in the United States has decreased over the past 10 years to approximately 375 cases per 100,000 population, the incidence of infections caused by antimicrobial resistant strains has increased (13). With the recent development of typing techniques, it has been possible to characterize strains of N. gonorrhoeae phenotypically, determine epidemiological correlates of their pathogenicity and antimicrobial susceptibilities, and devise and evaluate strategies to control outbreaks of gonorrhea caused by specific strains. Previously, we have reviewed the applications of phenotypic characterization of N. gonorrhoeae strains to studies of reinfection versus treatment failure, coinfection, and forensic investigations; These will not be covered below (34). This review will discuss the methods used to characterize gonococcal isolates and their application to describe strain populations and determine epidemiological correlates of gonococcal infections. The bibliography for this review is extensive but selective and provides key references that will guide the reader to additional readings in this subject.
Congruence Between Pay Policy and Competitive Strategy in High-Performing Firms

Based on existing strategic compensation theory, this study examines seven theoretical propositions concerning the link between business-level competitive strategy and pay policy. Canonical discriminant analysis of 261 responses to a national survey show that high-performing firms whose strategy is dominated by Cost Leadership, Innovation, or Differentiation tactics adopt different pay policies. Further analysis shows that inferior firm performance is associated with the lack of fit between pay policy and business strategy. These findings support the need for a contingency approach in the design of pay policy.
All Middle-Class Families Are Not Created Equal: Explaining the Contexts that Black and White Families Face and the Implications for Adolescent Achievement*

Objectives. This article examines the relationship between race, socioeconomic status, and achievement using an ecological perspective. Methods. Conventional theory suggests that as parent human capital increases, family resources increase, and therefore student achievement should increase. However, differential academic achievement is still observed between black and white adolescents in similar middle-class families. I first provide a descriptive analysis of three domains of the local ecology that I theorize influence adolescent achievement: neighborhoods, parenting styles, and time use. I then use OLS regression analysis to explore whether the inclusion of various domains of adolescents' environments eliminates the black-white test score differential. Results. I find that the inclusion of the three domains lessens, but does not eliminate, the black-white test score differential. Conclusion. Black and white adolescents at all socioeconomic levels face different contexts; these different contexts are associated with differences in achievement.
Analysis Of Online Student Ratings Of University Faculty

This article explores and analyzes a new, exciting, and quite different source of faculty evaluation data that has recently become available on the world wide web; online faculty evaluation/ratings. The authors analyze the relationships between different online student rating measures of faculty performance. They investigate how student ratings of faculty easiness, clarity, and helpfulness are interrelated. The results of the analysis provides insights into student perceptions of faculty and suggest implications for the practice of teaching.
Issue Ownership vs. Conflict Extension: Understanding State Party Polarization

Based on analysis of party platforms written in 2012, I find that state political parties are highly polarized. Two leading theories about party issue positions, “issue ownership” and “conflict extension” lead to different predictions about the nature and degree of issue conflict. I find that across states, the two parties have different issue priorities, as predicted by issue ownership. At the same time, there is considerable heterogeneity within each party. There is a smaller degree of within-state variance in conflict; parties within the same states tend to emphasize the same issues. Conflict extension seems to best characterize differences at the state level, as party platforms articulate clearly different views on a wide range of issues. Once again, however, there is within-party ideological heterogeneity. Moreover, not every issue is similarly polarized; on gun control state Democratic parties are relatively moderate across states, while Republicans have moderated over time on drug policy
Control of Four Species of Aphids on Deciduous Fruit and Nut Trees with Carbofuran

The potential utility of carbofuran against the rosy apple aphid, Dysaphis plantaginea (Passerini), the apple aphid, APhis pomi De Geer, the walnut aphid. Chromaphis juglandicola (Kaltenbach), and the mealy plum aphid, Hyalopterus pruni (Geoffroy) was investigated. Based on the results of field trials conducted over a 4-year period in northern California, it was determined that dosages in the range of 0.25 to 0.5 lb active ingredient per 100 gal would provide excellent control of all 4 species. A dosage of 0.125 ]b active ingredient per 100 gal was effective against the rosy apple aphid and the walnut aphid.
Visibility for road-signs

This study investigated legibility and readability for road signs under static and dynamic conditions. They were measured by varying the distance between the road sign and subjects. The results showed that (a) there are some ranges of maximum distances with respect to percent contrast or luminance ratio of a randolt ring to its background; (b) visible distance threshold increases with the increase of luminance of white field except percent contrast of 100 percent; (c) dynamic acuity decreases with the increase of target speed under all conditions of luminance of target. (d) in night driving, readability for the road sign decreases with the increase of car speed at relative small luminance difference between the road sign and its surroudding field.
Development of a combination antibiogram for Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteremia in an oncology population.

PurposeDevelopment of a combination antibiogram to identify combinations of antibiotics that have the highest likelihood of attaining one active agent in the empiric management of presumed Pseudomo...
Sleep abnormalities associated with alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, and opiate use: a comprehensive review

Sleep abnormalities are associated with acute and chronic use of addictive substances. Although sleep complaints associated with use and abstinence from addictive substances are widely recognized, familiarity with the underlying sleep abnormalities is often lacking, despite evidence that these sleep abnormalities may be recalcitrant and impede good outcomes. Substantial research has now characterized the abnormalities associated with acute and chronic use of alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, and opiates. This review summarizes this research and discusses the clinical implications of sleep abnormalities in the treatment of substance use disorders.
Class Action Lawyers as Lawmakers

Private lawyers are significant participants in legislative and judicial lawmaking. However, since law is a public good, lawyers face a significant free-rider problem in investing time and other resources in law-creation other than to the extent necessary to win the case for their client. This Article focuses on the lawmaking incentive problem inherent in class actions, and specifically on class action complaints. Because a class action lawyer prepares a complaint without knowing whether a court ultimately will select her as counsel for the class, the lawyer may have less incentive to put effort into the complaint than if she had been hired prior to drafting the complaint. This Article discusses ways such lawyers can be given adequate incentives to maximize the law-creation value of their complaints. It shows that direct protection, as through intellectual property rights, is not legally available, primarily because of due process concerns for public access to the law. We suggest that protection is best provided by the institutions for choosing the lead plaintiffs and lead counsel in class actions.
Occupational exposure in lung cancer patients: contribution of remote past work.

Occupational exposures have been recognized for a number of years as contributing to disease risk for certain cancers. Although disease risk may be attributed to personal behaviors, such as cigarette smoking, occupational exposure may enhance the risk. Obtaining occupational histories is therefore important to the study of the etiology of cancer. However, the availability of occupational information in the medical record and vital registries can be incomplete or of poor quality and is often restricted to current, most recent, or usual occupation. This article reports the contribution of remote past work, data noi ordinarily collected in the medical record, as an exposure source to potential lung carcinogens in a group of lung cancer patients. Twenty-six of the 114 lung cancer patients interviewed (23%) reported remote work consistent with past exposure to lung carcinogens. This occupationaLxisk wouldJiaveJbeen undetected by usual history-taking methods and highlights the significant limitations of occupational data collection methods by vital registries.
The Eztagito Site, Central Arizona

ABSTRACTA Sinagua site east of Flagstaff, Arizona, was excavated in September of 1967, Two structures and a trash mound were located. Pottery and architecture place the site occupation in a transitional period in the early middle portion of the 12th century.
Toxicity and efficacy of novel biopesticides for organic management of cucumber beetles on Galia muskmelons

Spotted (Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi) and striped (Acalymma vittata) cucumber beetles are significant pests of cucurbits, and organic management options are limited. Beetle feeding results in aesthetic damage and reduction in marketable yields as well as transmission of bacterial wilt resulting in plant mortality. Biopesticides are formulated from naturally occurring organisms such as fungi and bacteria that are pathogenic or toxic to insect pests and may be used in organic production systems. These products are thought to have lower risk to non-target organisms including mammals and beneficial insects. This research examined the potential of novel microbial products and fungal organisms to reduce cucumber beetle damage on melons. Laboratory bioassays were performed to evaluate the efficacy of a bacterial extract of Chromobacterium subtsugae and two common strains of entomopathogenic fungi, Beauveria bassiana and Isaria fumosorosea, on cucumber beetles in a controlled environment. Trials were performed against adult beetles in organic field experiments on muskmelon (Cucumis melo L. cv. reticulatus Ser.). Prior to testing in the field, anti-feedant effects were observed when beetles were exposed to leaves with Chromobacterium subtsugae and Beauveria bassiana in the laboratory. However, in field applications, we did not observe a reduction in beetle populations below the economic threshold levels, and subsequently, there was no yield increase compared to the control. Additional research is needed to improve biopesticide efficacy through formulation and timing of delivery, determine efficacy on multiple life stages of the pest, and understand interactions of microbial biopesticides in the environment and potential for non-target impacts in organic systems.
Thrombelastography-Based Dosing of Enoxaparin for Thromboprophylaxis in Trauma and Surgical Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance Prophylactic enoxaparin is used to prevent venous thromboembolism (VTE) in surgical and trauma patients. However, VTE remains an important source of morbidity and mortality, potentially exacerbated by antithrombin III or anti–Factor Xa deficiencies and missed enoxaparin doses. Recent data suggest that a difference in reaction time (time to initial fibrin formation) greater than 1 minute between heparinase and standard thrombelastogram (TEG) is associated with a decreased risk of VTE. Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of TEG-adjusted prophylactic enoxaparin dosing among trauma and surgical patients. Design, Setting, and Participants This randomized clinical trial, conducted from October 2012 to May 2015, compared standard dosing (30 mg twice daily) with TEG-adjusted enoxaparin dosing (35 mg twice daily) for 185 surgical and trauma patients screened for VTE at 3 level I trauma centers in the United States. Main Outcomes and Measures The incidence of VTE, bleeding complications, anti–Factor Xa deficiency, and antithrombin III deficiency. Results Of the 185 trial participants, 89 were randomized to the control group (median age, 44.0 years; 55.1% male) and 96 to the intervention group (median age, 48.5 years; 74.0% male). Patients in the intervention group received a higher median enoxaparin dose than control patients (35 mg vs 30 mg twice daily; P P P = .68). The time to enoxaparin initiation was similar between the control and intervention groups (median [range] days, 1.0 [0.0-2.0] vs 1.0 [1.0-2.0]; P = .39), and the number of patients who missed at least 1 dose was also similar (43 [48.3%] vs 54 [56.3%]; P = .30). Rates of VTE (6 [6.7%] vs 6 [6.3%]; P > .99) were similar, but the difference in bleeding complications (5 [5.6%] vs 13 [13.5%]; P = .08) was not statistically significant. Antithrombin III and anti–Factor Xa deficiencies and hypercoagulable TEG parameters, including elevated coagulation index (>3), maximum amplitude (>74 mm), and G value (>12.4 dynes/cm 2 ), were prevalent in both groups. Identified risk factors for VTE included older age (61.0 years vs 46.0 years; P = .04), higher body mass index (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared; 30.6 vs 27.1; P = .03), increased Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score (8.5 vs 7.0; P = .03), and increased percentage of missed doses per patient (14.8% vs 2.5%; P = .05). Conclusions and Relevance The incidence of VTE was low and similar between groups; however, few patients achieved a difference in reaction time greater than 1 minute. Antithrombin III deficiencies and hypercoagulable TEG parameters were prevalent among patients with VTE. Low VTE incidence may be due to an early time to enoxaparin initiation and an overall healthier and less severely injured study population than previously reported. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier:NCT00990236.
Abstract # 1778 Intranasal administration of mesenchymal stem cells promote recovery from cisplatin-induced neurological and cognitive impairments

Cognitive impairments are common side effects of chemotherapy treatment that may persist after the secession of intervention. Here, we tested the effects of nasal mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) administration on the neurotoxic side effects of cisplatin treatment. Adult C57Bl/6J mice were treated with saline or cisplatin (2.3 mg/kg) for two cycles. One million MSC were administered intranasally at 48 h and 96 h after the last injection of cisplatin. 14 days after the second MSC administration, novel object/place recognition (NOPR) and the Y-maze tests were performed as a parameter of cognitive function. Synaptic mitochondrial function was analyzed using the Seahorse XFe 24 Analyzer. Brains were stained for myelin basic protein (MBP) as a measure of white matter integrity and doublecortin (DCX) as a measure of neurogenesis. Two cycles of cisplatin treatment impaired cognition as tested in NOPR and Y-maze which paralleled a marked decrease in spare respiratory capacity of the synaptosomes. Furthermore, cisplatin treatment increased coherency of MBP fibers and decreased DCX staining in the subventricular zone (SVZ) and the dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus, suggesting impaired neurogenesis. Administration of MSC after chemotherapy treatment promoted recovery from cisplatin-induced cognitive impairment and restored mitochondrial function as well as white matter damage and the loss of DCX+ cells. Our data suggest that treatment with MSC may represent a realistic therapeutic strategy for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment.
Iron–sulfur cluster exchange reactions mediated by the human Nfu protein

Human Nfu is an iron–sulfur cluster protein that has recently been implicated in multiple mitochondrial dysfunctional syndrome (MMDS1). The Nfu family of proteins shares a highly homologous domain that contains a conserved active site consisting of a CXXC motif. There is less functional conservation between bacterial and human Nfu proteins, particularly concerning their Iron–sulfur cluster binding and transfer roles. Herein, we characterize the cluster exchange chemistry of human Nfu and its capacity to bind and transfer a [2Fe–2S] cluster. The mechanism of cluster uptake from a physiologically relevant [2Fe–2S](GS)4 cluster complex, and extraction of the Nfu-bound iron–sulfur cluster by glutathione are described. Human holo Nfu shows a dimer-tetramer equilibrium with a protein to cluster ratio of 2:1, reflecting the Nfu-bridging [2Fe–2S] cluster. This cluster can be transferred to apo human ferredoxins at relatively fast rates, demonstrating a direct role for human Nfu in the process of [2Fe–2S] cluster trafficking and delivery.
Tuning the interlayer of transition metal oxides for electrochemical energy storage

Layered transition metal oxides are some of the most important materials for high energy and power density electrochemical energy storage, such as batteries and electrochemical capacitors. These oxides can efficiently store charge via intercalation of ions into the interlayer vacant sites of the bulk material. The interlayer can be tuned to modify the electrochemical environment of the intercalating species to allow improved interfacial charge transfer and/or solid-state diffusion. The ability to fine-tune the solid-state environment for energy storage is highly beneficial for the design of layered oxides for specific mechanisms, including multivalent ion intercalation. This review focuses on the benefits as well as the methods for interlayer modification of layered oxides, which include the presence of structural water, solvent cointercalation and exchange, cation exchange, polymers, and small molecules, exfoliation, and exfoliated heterostructures. These methods are an important design tool for further development of layered oxides for electrochemical energy storage applications.
Ab initio study of the structure and stability of CaMg(CO3)2 at high pressure

Dolomite is one of the major mineral forms in which carbon is subducted into the Earth’s mantle. End-member CaMg(CO_3)_2 dolomite typically breaks down upon compression into two carbonates at 5–6 GPa in the temperature range of 800–1200 K (Shirasaka et al. 2002). However, high-pressure X-ray diffraction experiments have shown that dense high-pressure polymorphs of dolomite may be favored over single-cation carbonates (Santillan et al. 2003; Mao et al. 2011; Merlini et al. 2012). Here we compare calculated dolomite structures to experimentally observed phases. Using density functional theory interfaced with a genetic algorithm that predicts crystal structures (USPEX), a monoclinic phase with space group C2/c was found to have lower energy at pressures above 15 GPa than all previously reported dolomite structures. It is possible that this phase is not observed experimentally due to a large activation energy of transition from dolomite I, resulting in the observed second-order phase transition to a metastable dolomite II. Due to the complex energy landscape for candidate high-pressure dolomite structures, several structurally unique metastable polymorphs exist. We calculate the equation of state of a set of lowest-energy dolomite polymorphs with space groups P1, P2/c, and C2/c up to 80 GPa. Our results demonstrate a need for calculations and experiments on Fe-Mn bearing high-pressure carbonate phases to extend our understanding of Earth’s deep carbon cycle and test whether high-pressure polymorphs of double-cation carbonates represent the main reservoir for carbon storage within downwelling regions of Earth’s mantle.
Periodically Patterned Au-TiO2 Heterostructures for Photoelectrochemical Sensor

Periodically patterned Au nanorods in TiO2 nanocavities (Au NRs@TiO2) were fabricated via magnetron sputtering followed by a thermal dewetting process. This innovative Au NRs@TiO2 heterostructure was used as a plasmonic sensing platform for photoelectrochemical detection of glucose and lactose. This Au NRs@TiO2 patterned heterostructure possesses superior sensing properties to other Au nanoparticle-based sensors because (i) localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) generated at Au/TiO2 interfaces enhanced sensitivity of glucose (lactose) amperometric detection; (ii) periodic Au nanocrystals in TiO2 nanocavities accelerated charge separation and transfer rate, especially under monochromatic blue light irradiation; (iii) discrete planar architectures comprising Au NRs immobilized on TiO2 substrates significantly improved stability and reusability of the sensors. A low detection limit of 1 μM (10 μM) and a high sensitivity of 812 μA mM–1 cm–2 (270 μA mM–1 cm–2) were achieved on the Au NRs@TiO2 heterostructu...
Ultrafine particulate matter exposure impairs vasorelaxant response in superoxide dismutase 2-deficient murine aortic rings

Studies have linked exposure to ultrafine particulate matter (PM) and adverse cardiovascular events. PM-induced oxidative stress is believed to be a key mechanism underlying observed adverse vascul...
Antigenicity of Giardia lamblia and the Current Status of Serologic Diagnosis of Giardiasis

According to a survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control (1979), Giardia lamblia is the intestinal parasite most frequently diagnosed by the public health laboratories in the United States. Giardiasis— the disease caused by G. lamblia—is endemic in some parts of the United States, and according to some surveys up to 24% of the adult population may harbor the parasite (Healy, 1979). The incidence of giardiasis is probably much higher in certain parts of the world with inadequate or substandard hygienic conditions.
Spectrophotometric, Spectrofluorometric and Atomic Absorption Spectrometric Methods for the Determination of Anions in Water

In surveying for many years the inorganic and organic analytical chemistry sections of Chemical Abstracts, it has been quite apparent that the attention given to the determination of anions is much less than that given to the determination of cations. This symposium reserved for the consideration of the determination of anions is indicative of an increasing awareness of the importance of this facet of the chemical analysis of water and the importance of having reliable methodology for the quantitation of the concentration of anions. The essential steps in the methodology involved in the determination of anions, namely: sampling; preliminary chemical treatments; analytical separations; and measurement of anion concentration by spectrophotometry, spectrofluorometry, and atomic absorption spectrometry will be discussed in sequence.