cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
FNR Shim-Safety Rod Deformations

BS>Analyses of deformed shim-safety rods in the Ford Nuclear Reactor indicated the presence of a H, O, and N mixture with no significant concentration of He. The presence of water in the rod indicates that the deformation is caused by radiolytic dissociation. This is supported by the presence of H in the shim rods, but the possibility of attaining pressures capable of expannding the shim rods is still subject to question. (N.W.R.)
Changing Practice: Frameworks From Implementation Science

A critical time lag exists from the generation of new knowledge to integration into direct patient care. One effort to address this problem is through clinical initiatives to translate research findings into everyday practice at the unit, department, or institutional level. Such efforts can be particularly challenging when faced with the real-world conditions that healthcare professionals must confront in their day-to-day practice. These initiatives may be in response to an external requirement, a desire to improve practice, or to change care delivery to a more evidence-based model. .
Comparing the performance of FOCE and different expectation-maximization methods in handling complex population physiologically-based pharmacokinetic models

For the purpose of population pharmacometric modeling, a variety of mathematic algorithms are implemented in major modeling software packages to facilitate the maximum likelihood modeling, such as FO, FOCE, Laplace, ITS and EM. These methods are all designed to estimate the set of parameters that maximize the joint likelihood of observations in a given problem. While FOCE is still currently the most widely used method in population modeling, EM methods are getting more popular as the current-generation methods of choice because of their robustness with more complex models and sparse data structures. There are several versions of EM method implementation that are available in public modeling software packages. Although there have been several studies and reviews comparing the performance of different methods in handling relatively simple models, there has not been a dedicated study to compare different versions of EM algorithms in solving complex PBPK models. This study took everolimus as a model drug and simulated PK data based on published results. Three most popular EM methods (SAEM, IMP and QRPEM) and FOCE (as a benchmark reference) were evaluated for their estimation accuracy and converging speed when solving models of increased complexity. Both sparse and rich sampling data structure were tested. We concluded that FOCE was superior to EM methods for simple structured models. For more complex models and/ or sparse data, EM methods are much more robust. While the estimation accuracy was very close across EM methods, the general ranking of speed (fastest to slowest) was: QRPEM, IMP and SAEM. IMP gave the most realistic estimation of parameter standard errors, while under- and over- estimation of standard errors were observed in SAEM and QRPEM methods.
Spatial–temporal variations of vegetation and drought severity across Tharparkar, Pakistan, using remote sensing-derived indices

Tharparkar is an arid region in the southeastern province of Sindh, Pakistan, and experienced drought as a regular phenomenon in the past. The complex nature of drought and sparsely located network of met stations handicapped reliable spatial and temporal analysis of drought severity across Tharparkar. Freely available tropical rainfall measuring mission rainfall satellite data and moderate-resolution imaging spectroradiometer normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) satellite data fulfilled this gap and were used to generate drought indices. Commonly used NDVI and NDVI anomalies pose problems when compared with standardized meteorological drought indices such as standardized precipitation index (SPI) and standardized precipitation and evapotranspiration index (SPEI) for drought characterization. This study compared standardized vegetation index (SVI) with traditionally used, i.e., SPI and SPEI, for modeling drought severity in the arid and fragile agro-ecosystem of Tharparkar. SVI significantly correlated with standardized meteorological drought indices (SPI and SPEI) and revealed vegetation dynamics under rainfall and temperature variations. Weighted overlay analysis in geographical information systems depicted an accurate onset of the 2014 drought. This study provides useful information for drought characterization that can be used for drought monitoring and early warning systems in data scarce, arid, and semiarid regions.
Vibrational Sum Frequency Generation Spectroscopy of Fullerene at Dielectric Interfaces

Vibrational sum frequency generation (VSFG) spectroscopy was used to measure the interfacial spectra of fullerene thin films on dielectric substrates that are commonly used in IR spectroscopy. The VSFG spectra on SiO2 and CaF2 exhibit notably different intensities for the F1u and Ag vibrational modes. This difference is attributed to different interfacial surface charges and C60/surface interactions. DFT calculations were performed to model the influence of a unidirectional electrostatic perturbation on the IR and Raman activities. The VSFG activities were then calculated for comparison to the interfacial second-order susceptibilities obtained from multilayer interference fitting of the experimental spectra. We find that the negative surface charge of CaF2 substrates causes a larger perturbation of fullerene than native silica surfaces, which leads to a stronger influence on the VSFG spectra.
A model to predict failure of irradiated U–Mo dispersion fuel

Abstract Numerous global programs are focused on the continued development of existing and new research and test reactor fuels to achieve maximum attainable uranium loadings to support the conversion of a number of the world’s remaining high-enriched uranium fueled reactors to low-enriched uranium fuel. Some of these programs are focused on development and qualification of a fuel design that consists of a uranium–molybdenum (U–Mo) alloy dispersed in an aluminum matrix as one option for reactor conversion. The current paper extends a failure model originally developed for UO2-stainless steel dispersion fuels and uses currently available thermal–mechanical property information for the materials of interest in the currently proposed design. A number of fabrication and irradiation parameters were investigated to understand the conditions at which failure of the matrix, classified as onset of pore formation in the matrix, might occur. The results compared well with experimental observations published as part of the Reduced Enrichment for Research and Test Reactors (RERTR)-6 and -7 mini-plate experiments. Fission rate, a function of the 235U enrichment, appeared to be the most influential parameter in premature failure, mainly as a result of increased interaction layer formation and operational temperature, which coincidentally decreased the strength of the matrix and caused more rapid fission gas production and recoil into the surrounding matrix material. Addition of silicon to the matrix appeared effective at reducing the rate of interaction layer formation and can extend the performance of a fuel plate under a certain set of irradiation conditions, primarily moderate heat flux and burnup. Increasing the dispersed fuel particle diameter may also be effective, but only when combined with other parameters, e.g., lower enrichment and increased Si concentration. The model may serve as a valuable tool in initial experimental design.
Optimality of Affine Policies in Multistage Robust Optimization

In this paper, we prove the optimality of disturbance-affine control policies in the context of one-dimensional, constrained, multistage robust optimization. Our results cover the finite-horizon case, with minimax (worst-case) objective, and convex state costs plus linear control costs. We develop a new proof methodology, which explores the relationship between the geometrical properties of the feasible set of solutions and the structure of the objective function. Apart from providing an elegant and conceptually simple proof technique, the approach also entails very fast algorithms for the case of piecewise-affine state costs, which we explore in connection with a classical inventory management application.
‘Marvellous Melbourne’ : Image of a Colonial Metropolis

This chapter examines the Australian city of Melbourne, which, within a few decades of its founding in 1836, became one of the largest and wealthiest cities in the British Empire. The author provides an overview of the city’s history and discusses contemporary journalistic and novelistic representations of life in the colony. The primary object of analysis is the image of the city that emerges from these materials. An image of both modernity and historicality, progress and destruction, this image—which bears the title of ‘Marvellous Melbourne’—has persistently beguiled the city’s visitors and inhabitants, but in the final analysis reveals the colonial violence on which it is premised.
Tourism to Memorial Sites of the Holocaust

Few historical periods in human history are so fatally associated with the destruction of human lives as Hitler’s ‘Third Reich’. Historic places honouring the victims of National Socialistic Germany form a wide and expanding network of heritage sites in Europe. Most of the places where the horrific events occurred during 1933–1945 have been broadly denoted as Holocaust memorial sites in the remembrance of the six million Jews who died, and the many other ethnic, religious, social, and political groups which were subjected to persecution. This chapter, therefore, reconstructs the evolution of this memorial landscape. It is important to understand that not only has the memorial landscape been substantially expanded and changed over the years but also the approaches in the study of these sites and their management practices. Ultimately, this chapter gives an overview of the various traditions of research in this field.
Two-year process evaluation of a pilot program to increase elementary children's physical activity during school.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine implementation processes in elementary classrooms during a 2-year (Fall 2014 to Spring 2016) pilot intervention program, Partnerships for Active Children in Elementary Schools (PACES). We examined (a) the effect of PACES on the extent of movement integration (MI) and (b) changes in teachers’ perceptions regarding MI. Purposively selected classrooms (grades 1–3) across four schools (3 intervention, 1 control) participated in the study. The sample included classroom teachers (N = 12) in Fall 2014 and Spring 2015, but the number of participants dropped to eight in Fall 2015 and Spring 2016. PACES consisted of three partnership approaches (a virtual community of practice, community-based participatory research, and university service learning) intended to increase the extent of MI in the intervention classrooms. We collected process data using the System for Observing Student Movement in Academic Routines and Transitions (SOSMART) and teacher interviews. PACES did not significantly impact the extent of observed MI. Interviews indicated that the intervention had both strengths and limitations. Building interpersonal support for teachers is important to their use of MI. A different measurement schedule (e.g., collecting MI data each day of the school week) may be required to more thoroughly capture MI instances.
Radiographic patterns of recurrence and pathologic correlation in malignant gliomas treated with bevacizumab.

Interpretation of MRI abnormalities in patients with malignant gliomas (MG) treated with bevacizumab is challenging. Recent reports describe quantitative analyses of diffusion-weighted imaging abnormalities not available in standard clinical settings, to differentiate tumor recurrence from treatment necrosis. We retrospectively reviewed bevacizumab treated MG patients who underwent surgery or autopsy to correlate radiographic recurrence patterns with pathologic findings. 32 patients with MG (26 glioblastoma, three anaplastic astrocytoma and three anaplastic oligodendroglioma) were identified. Recurrence patterns: local enhancing (n = 23), distant enhancing (n = 1), nonenhancing (n = 7) and leptomeningeal (n = 1). HISTOLOGY tumor (n = 25), mixed tumor/necrosis (n = 5) and all necrosis (n = 2). On diffusion-weighted imaging, 5/32 had restricted diffusion (three mixed and two necrosis). Irrespective of radiographic recurrence pattern, tumor was found in 94% of cases. Restricted diffusion correlated with necrosis.
ALGEBRAIC METHODS IN MARKOV CHAINS

Many important results concerning Markov chains can be obtained by using either purely algebraic methods or a combination of probabiUstic and algebraic techniques. We will develop a number of these techniques in the present chapter. In order not to disrupt the continuity of presentation, we present here only a brief summary of some basic results of matrix theory needed immediately. A fairly complete discussion of these results is given in the Appendix.
Price of Anarchy for the N-Player Competitive Cascade Game with Submodular Activation Functions

We study the Price of Anarchy PoA of the competitive cascade game following the framework proposed by Goyal and Kearns in [11]. Our main insight is that a reduction to a Linear Threshold Model in a time-expanded graph establishes the submodularity of the social utility function. From this observation, we deduce that the game is a valid utility game, which in turn implies an upper bound of 2 on the coarse PoA. This cleaner understanding of the model yields a simpler proof of a much more general result than that established by Goyal and Kearns: for the N-player competitive cascade game, the coarse PoA is upper-bounded by 2 under any graph structure. We also show that this bound is tight.
Properties and Applications of Intense Relativistic Electron Beams

The elementary physical properties of intense relativistic electron beams moving through vacuum regions and gaseous media are described. Exploitation of their unique properties in a number of applications is illustrated, including brief discussions of multistage induction accelerators, free-electron lasers, and charged particle beam weapon propagation.
Evolution of Axillary Nodal Staging in Breast Cancer: Clinical Implications of the ACOSOG Z0011 Trial:

Background: Management of the axilla in breast cancer patients has evolved from routine axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) for all patients to a highly selective approach based on the assessment of the sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) as well as tumor and patient characteristics. Although ALND continues to have an important role in staging and regional control for many breast cancer patients, recent trial results question the need for routine ALND in patients who have positive SLNs. Methods: Not all axillary disease becomes clinically detectable or relevant with respect to recurrence and survival. Therefore, recent trends indicate that many surgeons have omitted ALND in subgroups of patients, particularly those with clinically node-negative, SLN-positive, early-stage breast cancer undergoing breast-conserving therapy with postoperative irradiation. This review explores trends in axillary management, focusing primarily on the clinical implications of the results from the American College of Surgeons Oncology Group (ACOSOG) Z0011 randomized controlled trial. Results: According to the results of the ACOSOG Z0011 trial, the use of SLN dissection alone did not result in inferior survival compared with ALND in patients with limited SLN disease treated with breast-conserving therapy. This subgroup of women was spared the morbidity associated with ALND. However, several points of debate, including the smaller than anticipated sample size, the older study population, and the length of follow-up, suggest caution when applying these fi ndings to all women with breast cancer. Conclusions: Although the fi ndings of ACOSOG Z0011 are impressive, in clinical practice they are applicable to a limited number of women with breast cancer: those with T1-2 primary tumors with clinically negative axilla and 1 to 2 positive SLNs undergoing breast-conserving surgery and adjuvant whole-breast irradiation. The next generation of clinical trials may answer some of the remaining questions regarding how best to manage the axilla in additional subsets of patients undergoing treatment of breast cancer.
Urban Politics: United States

The term ‘urban politics’ was originally meant in the US to dramatize the political responses in metropolitan centers in the 1960s to the emergence of blacks, the decline of city populations and economic activity, and the appearance of severe social dysfunction brought on by crime and drugs. Though it retains these connotations, it now refers more conventionally to the patterns of conflict, competition, and negotiation in the public sphere of big cities. The texture and scope of urban politics in the US is best understood by examining three closely intertwined evolutionary patterns: the shifting nature of political conflict in big metropolitan centers, the changing preoccupations of urban politics, and the functional evolution of city government as the institutional center of the urban political process.
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Studies of Nucleic Acids and Proteins

With the advances in spectrometer instrumentation and computer technology, NMR has become a very powerful technique in the study of biopolymers, such as nucleic acids and proteins. This approach can potentially provide information about the properties and interactions of biopolymers at the atomic level through investigation of the magnetic properties of many nuclei, particularly those having spins of 1/2, such as 1H, 13C, 19F, and 31P. To most effectively utilize this approach, however, we must define (1) the type of information which can be gained using NMR, (2) the type of questions to be posed about the characteristics of proteins and nucleic acids at the atomic level, and finally (3) the kinds of improvements needed in NMR studies for the future. The biochemist is mostly concerned not only with the nuclei which were mentioned previously, but also with 11B, 15N, and 14N.
Identifying Shared Understanding in Design Using Document Analysis

Design as a social activity characterized by information exchange, compromise and negotiation frames much of our understanding of the design process. At the heart of this social activity is the development of a shared understanding of the design problem. The design stakeholders jointly form a shared understanding through a process of defining the problem, exploring the space of solutions and searching for information. A shared understanding is a critical element in successful, collaborative design. This paper describes a formal approach for identifying shared understanding in design by analyzing the documentation. By mining the documentation for signatures of a shared understanding, specifically a common frame of reference and a similar voice, a shared language and vocabulary of the design could emerge. Information management tools built around the shared understanding would be more effective in directing and alerting the design team of relevant information.
Transport and interactions of nanoparticles in the kidneys

Kidneys are a major organ for blood filtration and waste elimination and thus play a key role in the transport and clearance of nanoparticles in vivo. The interactions of nanoparticles with different kidney compartments can be precisely regulated by modulating their size, shape and surface chemistry. The quantitative understanding of nanoparticle–kidney interactions at the molecular level is important for improving disease targeting, precisely controlling nanoparticle transport and clearance, and minimizing the potential health hazards of nanomedicines. In this Review, we summarize the glomerular filtration of macromolecules and nanoparticles in the kidney and survey kidney imaging techniques for the study of nanoparticle–kidney interactions ex vivo and in vivo. We investigate the different transport mechanisms of nanoparticles in the kidneys and discuss size, charge and shape dependencies in renal clearance. Nanoparticles are then investigated for the preclinical and clinical detection and treatment of diseases such as kidney dysfunction and cancer. Finally, challenges and opportunities for renal-clearable nanoparticles are highlighted. Interactions of nanoparticles with the kidneys affect their transport, clearance, targeting, therapeutic efficacy and biosafety in the body. This Review discusses nano–bio interactions of nanoparticles in the kidneys and highlights their potential for the detection and treatment of disease.
Using technology to expand the reach of PCIT

Disruptive behavior disorders are the most common behavioral health referral for children. While numerous evidence-based behavioral parent training programs exist to ameliorate these problems, dissemination attempts have still fallen short of population need. Further, family barriers to treatment and low family retention rates have limited the effectiveness and reach of behavioral parent training programs. Technology-enhanced services and dissemination have been cited as potential solutions for increasing both parent training population reach and family engagement in services.
Plant-Based Modulators of Endocannabinoid Signaling.

Extracts from Cannabis species have aided the discovery of the endocannabinoid signaling system (ECSS) and phytocannabinoids that possess broad therapeutic potential. Whereas the reinforcing effects of C. sativa are largely attributed to CB1 receptor agonism by Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), the observed medicinal effects of Cannabis arise from the combined actions of various compounds. In addition to compounds bearing a classical cannabinoid structure, naturally occurring fatty acid amides and esters resembling anandamide and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol isolated from non-Cannabis species are also valuable tools for studying ECSS function. This review highlights the potential of plant-based secondary metabolites from Cannabis and unrelated species as ECSS modulators.
Free Speech and Safe Spaces: How Moderation Policies Shape Online Discussion Spaces:

How do moderation policies affect online discussion? This article analyzes nearly a quarter of a million anonymous comments over a 14-month period from two online Reddit forums matched in topic and...
SCADE: Simultaneous Sensor Calibration and Deformation Estimation of FBG-Equipped Unmodeled Continuum Manipulators

In this article, we present a novel stochastic algorithm called simultaneous sensor calibration and deformation estimation (SCADE) to address the problem of modeling deformation behavior of a generic continuum manipulator (CM) in free and obstructed environments. In SCADE, using a novel mathematical formulation, we introduce a priori model-independent filtering algorithm to fuse the continuous and inaccurate measurements of an embedded sensor (e.g., magnetic or piezoelectric sensors) with an intermittent but accurate data of an external imaging system (e.g., optical trackers or cameras). The main motivation of this article is the crucial need of obtaining an accurate shape/position estimation of a CM utilized in a surgical intervention. In these robotic procedures, the CM is typically equipped with an embedded sensing unit (ESU) while an external imaging modality (e.g., ultrasound or a fluoroscopy machine) is also available in the surgical site. The results of two different set of prior experiments in free and obstructed environments were used to evaluate the efficacy of SCADE algorithm. The experiments were performed with a CM specifically designed for orthopaedic interventions equipped with an inaccurate Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) ESU and overhead camera. The results demonstrated the successful performance of the SCADE algorithm in simultaneous estimation of unknown deformation behavior of the utilized unmodeled CM together with realizing the time-varying drift of the poor-calibrated FBG sensing unit. Moreover, the results showed the phenomenal out-performance of the SCADE algorithm in estimation of the CM's tip position as compared to FBG-based position estimations.
Chronic Methadone Use Alters the CD8 + T Cell Phenotype In Vivo and Modulates Its Responsiveness Ex Vivo to Opioid Receptor and TCR Stimuli.

Endogenous opioid peptides are released at sites of injury, and their cognate G protein-coupled opioid receptors (ORs) are expressed on immune cells. Although drugs of misuse appropriate ORs, conflicting reports indicate immunostimulatory and immunosuppressive activity, in that opioid users have elevated infection risk, opioids activate innate immune cells, and opioids attenuate inflammation in murine T cell-mediated autoimmunity models. The i.v. use of drugs transmits bloodborne pathogens, particularly viruses, making the study of CD8+ T cells timely. From a cohort of nonuser controls and methadone users, we demonstrate, via t-Stochastic Neighbor Embedding and k-means cluster analysis of surface marker expression, that chronic opioid use alters human CD8+ T cell subset balance, with notable decreases in T effector memory RA+ cells. Studying global CD8+ T cell populations, there were no differences in expression of OR and several markers of functionality, demonstrating the need for finer analysis. Purified CD8+ T cells from controls respond to opioids ex vivo by increasing cytoplasmic calcium, a novel finding for OR signal transduction, likely because of cell lineage. CD8+ T cells from controls exposed to μ-OR agonists ex vivo decrease expression of activation markers CD69 and CD25, although the same markers are elevated in μ-OR-treated cells from methadone users. In contrast to control cells, T cell subsets from methadone users show decreased expression of CD69 and CD25 in response to TCR stimulus. Overall, these results indicate a direct, selective role for opioids in CD8+ T cell immune regulation via their ability to modulate cell responses through the opioid receptors and TCRs.
Advances in the Translational Science of Dermatitis

The cycle of converting mechanistic insight into therapeutic interventions is called translational science. It has been relatively sluggish in atopic dermatitis (AD), but finally pathomechanisms have been identified and therapeutic targets selected and refined. From inflammatory mediators, skin barrier enhancement, itch relief, and alteration of the microbiota, several therapies have been proposed and are actively being studied for AD, suggesting an end to the drought of innovation.
Local L2-bounded commuting projections in FEEC

We construct local projections into canonical finite element spaces that appear in the finite element exterior calculus. These projections are bounded in L 2 and commute with the exterior derivative.
Prospective, Randomized Trial Comparing Simulator-based versus Traditional Teaching of Direct Ophthalmoscopy for Medical Students.

OBJECTIVE To compare results of simulator-based versus traditional training of medical students in direct ophthalmoscopy. DESIGN Randomized controlled trial. METHODS First-year medical student-volunteers completed 1 hour of didactic instruction regarding direct ophthalmoscopes, fundus anatomy, and signs of disease. Students were randomized to an additional hour of training on a direct ophthalmoscope simulator (n=17) or supervised practice examining classmates (traditional method, n=16). After 1 week of independent student practice using assigned training methods, masked ophthalmologist-observers assessed student ophthalmoscopy skills (technique, efficiency, global performance) during examination of five patient-volunteers, using 5-point Likert scales. Students recorded findings and lesion location for each patient. Two masked ophthalmologists graded answer sheets independently using 3-point scales. Students completed surveys before randomization and after assessments. Training groups were compared for grades, observer- and patient-assigned scores, and survey responses. RESULTS The simulator group reported longer practice times than the traditional group (p=0.002). Observers assigned higher technique scores to the simulator group after adjustment for practice time (p=0.034). Combined grades (maximum points=20) were higher for the simulator group (median 5.0, range 0.0-11.0) than for the traditional group (median 4.0, range 0.0-9.0), although the difference was not significant. The simulator group was less likely to mistake the location of a macular scar in one patient (odds ratio 0.28, 95% confidence interval, 0.056-1.35, p=0.013). CONCLUSIONS Direct ophthalmoscopy is difficult, regardless of training technique, but simulator-based training has apparent advantages, including improved technique, the ability to localize fundus lesions, and a fostering of interest in learning ophthalmoscopy, reflected by increased practice time.
Empirical Investigation of Curve Number Technique

The curve number runoff equation of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, is treated as a transformation from rainfall distribution to runoff frequency distribution. Reasonable agreement between observed and hypothesized result was obtained on four of the five watersheds shown. The hypothesis failed for the watershed tested in the arid southwest.
Sound Synthesis from Real-Time Video Images

Digital video offers an interesting source of control information for musical applications. A novel synthesis technique is introduced where digital video controls sound spectra in real time. Light intensity modulates the amplitudes of 32 harmonics in each of several synthesized “voices.” Problems addressed include how to map from video to sound, dealing with global variations in light level, dealing with low frame rates of video relative to high sample rates of audio, and overall system implementation. In one application, images of light reflected from a shallow pool of water are used to control sound, offering a rich tactile interface to sound synthesis.
Spectroscopy of Highly Excited Levels in Alkali Atoms using a CW Tunable Dye Laser

The alkali atoms have a particularly simple electronic structure, and a very detailed theoretical understanding of their properties could perhaps be expected. Although a single valence electron is responsible for the gross features in the energy level diagram, excitations of core electrons can have a significant influence on such atomic parameters as fine and hyperfine coupling constants. With modern many-body computational techniques, such effects can be studied, and the alkali metals form natural test cases for the new theoretical methods.
Gunshot wounds to the scrotum: a large single-institutional 20-year experience.

UNLABELLED: Study Type - Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4 What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? Penetrating trauma to the scrotum often requires operative intervention, with testicular salvage only possible when enough testicular tissue can be re-approximated in the traumatic setting. The present report represents the largest series of gunshot wound trauma to the scrotum in the literature. Further, it validates recommendations of the European Association of Urology guidelines on urological trauma that advocate operative intervention due to minimal rates of patient morbidity and the inherent limitations of scrotal ultrasonography in discerning testicular compromise. OBJECTIVE: To report our 20-year experience of gunshot wounds (GSWs) to the scrotum and outline the management of this traumatic injury. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We queried our institutional database for patients presenting with GSWs to the scrotum between 1985 and 2006. All patients underwent the standard trauma evaluation upon presentation, including physical examination of the external genitalia. Management was dictated by the presence or absence of a penetrating injury to the scrotum and associated traumatic injuries. Nonoperative and operative management of traumatic injury to the scrotum were used. Testicular salvage was performed when anatomically feasible. If testicular salvage was not feasible, an orchiectomy was performed. RESULTS: Scrotal exploration was performed in 91 (94%) patients while six (6%) patients were treated nonoperatively. Testicular injury was found in 44 (48%) patients undergoing exploration, six (7%) of whom had bilateral testicular injuries, which gave a total of 50 injured testicles. Of the injured testicles, 24 (48%) could not be salvaged and required orchiectomy, while 26 (52%) were debrided and repaired. The most common associated genitourinary (GU) injuries were to the corpora cavernosum (n= 20 [21%]) and urethra (n= 10 [10%]). Soft tissue injury of the extremities occurred in 54 patients (56%), representing the most common non-GU-associated injury. Postoperative complications occurred infrequently: one patient (1%) returned for abscess drainage and one (1%) for haematoma evacuation. CONCLUSIONS: The present report confirms that any patient with a penetrating injury to the scrotum should undergo immediate scrotal exploration. A low clinical suspicion for performing additional studies to rule out associated urethral and/or penile injury is clinically warranted. Testicular loss occurs in ≈50% of injured testicles.
Medical home implementation and trends in diabetes quality measures for AN/AI primary care patients

Abstract Aims Patient-centered medical home (PCMH) principles including provider continuity, coordination of care, and advanced access align with healthcare needs of patients with Type II diabetes mellitus (DM-II). We investigate changes in trend for DM-II quality indicators after PCMH implementation at Southcentral Foundation, a tribal health organization in Alaska. Methods Monthly rates of DM-II incidence, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) measurements, and service utilization were calculated from electronic health records from 1996 to 2009. We performed interrupted time series analysis to estimate changes in trend. Results Rates of new DM-II diagnoses were stable prior to ( p =0.349) and increased after implementation ( p p =0.058) and remained stable after implementation ( p =0.969). There was non-significant increasing trend in both periods for percent with average HbA1c less than 7% (53mmol/mol; p =0.154 and p =0.687, respectively). Number of emergency visits increased before ( p p p =0.058 and p =0.101, respectively). Conclusions We found positive changes in DM-II quality trends following PCMH implementation of varying strength and onset of change, as well as duration of sustained trend.
Ion dependent conductance: switching in lipid bilayers.

THE action of antibiotics on the ionic conductances of lipid bilayers has provided useful models of permeation mechanisms in biological membranes1,2. Voltage dependent conductance states are of special interest. They have been demonstrated for nerve3 and are probably present, though with much slower kinetics, in other cell types4,5. There is a distinction between ion selective conductances and ion dependent switching of conductances which themselves may or may not be selective. For example, one has the well known effect of [Ca2+] on the Na+ conductance6 in nerve, and more recently [K+] has been shown to increase the inactivation parameter and time constant of this conductance7. I wish to describe two examples of the effect of [Na+] favouring a low conductance state even though the voltage dependence is opposite in each case and there is no ion selectivity for the conductances.
Nuclear cytokine-activated IKKα controls prostate cancer metastasis by repressing Maspin

Experiments in a mouse prostate cancer model have identified a signalling pathway that stimulates the formation of metastases. The pathway is initiated when a protein ligand occupies a receptor known as RANK (receptor activator of nuclear factor κB), and is dependent on the activation and nuclear translocation of IKKα (IκB kinase α). Once in the nucleus, activated IKKα represses maspin gene transcription, whose product is well established as an inhibitor of cell migration and invasion in prostate and breast cancer. RANK may therefore be a general promoter of metastatic behaviour in prostate or mammary carcinoma cells. A previously unknown signalling pathway is shown to enhance the formation of metastases in a mouse model of prostate cancer. This pathway can be activated by RANK ligand that is expressed by inflammatory cells in the tumour and triggers activation of IKKα in the nucleus, where it directly represses the transcription of maspin, a known metastases suppressor. Inflammation enhances tumour promotion through NF-κB-dependent mechanisms1. NF-κB was also proposed to promote metastatogenesis through epithelial–mesenchymal transition2. Yet a mechanistic link between inflammation and metastasis is missing. We identified a role for IκB kinase α (IKKα), activated by receptor activator of NF-κB (RANK/TNFRSF11A), in mammary epithelial proliferation during pregnancy3. Owing to similarities between mammary and prostate epithelia, we examined IKKα involvement in prostate cancer and its progression. Here we show that a mutation that prevents IKKα activation slows down CaP growth and inhibits metastatogenesis in TRAMP mice, which express SV40 T antigen in the prostate epithelium4. Decreased metastasis correlated with elevated expression of the metastasis suppressor Maspin5, the ablation of which restored metastatic activity. IKKα activation by RANK ligand (RANKL/TNFSF11) inhibits Maspin expression in prostate epithelial cells, whereas repression of Maspin transcription requires nuclear translocation of active IKKα. The amount of active nuclear IKKα in mouse and human prostate cancer correlates with metastatic progression, reduced Maspin expression and infiltration of prostate tumours with RANKL-expressing inflammatory cells. We propose that tumour-infiltrating RANKL-expressing cells lead to nuclear IKKα activation and inhibition of Maspin transcription, thereby promoting the metastatic phenotype.
Mefenoxam sensitivity and fitness analysis of Phytophthora nicotianae isolates from nurseries in Virginia, USA

Mefenoxam is one of the most commonly used fungicides for managing diseases caused by Phytophthora spp. on ornamentals. The objectives of this study were to determine whether Phytophthora nicotianae, a destructive pathogen of numerous herbaceous annual and perennial plant species in nurseries, has developed resistance to mefenoxam, and to evaluate the fitness of mefenoxam-resistant isolates. Ninety-five isolates of P. nicotianae were screened for sensitivity to mefenoxam on 20% clarified V8 agar at 100 a.i. µg mL−1. Twenty-five isolates were highly resistant to this compound with EC50 values ranging from 235·2 to 466·3 µg mL−1 and four were intermediately resistant with EC50 values ranging from 1·6 to 2·9 µg mL−1. Sixty-six isolates were sensitive with EC50 values less than 0·04 µg mL−1. Nine resistant and seven sensitive isolates were tested for mefenoxam sensitivity on Pelargonium × hortorum cv. White Orbit. Mefenoxam provided good protection of pelargonium seedlings from colonization by sensitive isolates, but not by any resistant isolates. Four resistant and four sensitive isolates were compared for fitness components and their relative competitive ability on Lupinus Russell Hybrids in the absence of mefenoxam. Resistant isolates outcompeted sensitive ones within 3 to 6 sporulation cycles on lupin seedlings, regardless of their initial proportions in mixed zoospore inoculum. Resistant isolates exhibited greater infection rate and higher sporulation ability than sensitive ones when they were applied separately onto lupins. These results suggest that fungicide resistance may pose a serious challenge to the continued effectiveness of mefenoxam as a control option for nursery growers.
Who's Teaching the Kids? Cyberslacking in the Classroom

The use of technology as a teaching tool at the university level is becoming increasingly popular. Graduate students aspiring to become educational leaders engage in weekly on-line discussions and ...
Large scale synthesis of bilirubin‐XIIIα from IXα

A convenient large-scale preparation of bilirubin-XIIIα from IXα via acid-catalyzed isomerization is described.
Analysis of the relationship of bovine high molecular weight protein-2 and tau protein using radioimmunoassay

Abstract Microtubule-associated proteins isolated from cycle-purified bovine brain tubulin by boiling in high salt were fractionated into two samples by chromatography on A15M agarose. One sample is composed primarily of a 300 000 dalton polypeptide (HMW-2) and the other is composed of four polypeptides with apparent molecular weights between 53 000 and 68 000 (tau). Aliquots of the HMW-2 and tan samples were labelled with 125 I and used in a radioimmunoassay to determine their crossreactivity. The antiserum for the radioimmunoassay was produced in a rabbit by injection of cycle-purified bovine brain tubulin and was found to contain antibodies against HMW-2 and tau when assayed by quantitative precipitation and radioimmunoassay. The data from the quantitative precipitation experiment demonstrate that the antiserum recognizes approximately 30 antigenic domains on the HMW-2 molecule. Several radioimmunoassays were done to determine the competition between either labelled HMW-2 as the indicator molecule and unlabelled tau as the competitor or labelled tau as the indicator molecule and unlabelled HMW-2 as the competitor. In all assays less than 5% of the competitor crossreacted with antibodies to the labelled protein. The results demonstrate that our antiserum recognizes HMW-2 and tau as distinct antigenic species.
Synthesis of palladium colloids within polydimethylsiloxane and their use as catalysts for hydrogenation

Abstract The presence of unreacted silanes within cured polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) leads to the reduction of tetrachloropalladate(II) ions, generating encapsulated palladium colloids. The resulting colloids had varied morphology and were typically less than 80 nm in size. The Pd/PDMS vessels, which contained 0.10 ± 0.01% Pd, were effective catalysts for the hydrogenation of carbon–carbon multiple bonds for at least ten successive runs with no loss of catalytic activity, and the catalyst does not exhibit the same pyrophoric behavior as Pd on carbon after use in hydrogenation reactions. In addition, storage of previously used Pd/PDMS vessels for 6 months in air did not affect the catalytic activity, and the overall morphology of the catalysts after use was the same as those that have not been involved in catalytic reactions.
Effects of Encapsulation in Sol−Gel Silica Glass on Esterase Activity, Conformational Stability, and Unfolding of Bovine Carbonic Anhydrase II

Bovine carbonic anhydrase II retains its overall conformation when encapsulated in silica monoliths by the sol−gel method. Upon gradual heating the enzyme in solution precipitates at 64 °C, whereas the encapsulated enzyme does not; it unfolds, with the nominal melting temperature of 51 ± 3 °C. Even at 74.0 °C, the encapsulated enzyme is only ∼77% unfolded, but it does not refold upon cooling. Upon treatment with guanidinium chloride, the degree of enzyme unfolding is 100% in solution but only ∼83% within the silica matrix. Again, the enzyme does not refold upon removal of the denaturing agent from the glass. The glass matrix constrains the motions of the encapsulated protein molecules and prevents both their full unfolding and refolding. The former may be taken for “stabilization”, the later for “destabilization” of the native conformation. Evidently, the effect of the glass on the encapsulated protein cannot be described in these general terms. The encapsulated enzyme obeys the Michaelis−Menten kinetic l...
Examining Subtypes of Behavior Problems among 3-Year-Old Children, Part II: Investigating Differences in Parent Psychopathology, Couple Conflict, and Other Family Stressors

This study examined family stressors among 3-year-old children who were classified as hyperactive (HYP), hyperactive and oppositional defiant (HYP/OD), and non-problem based on mothers’ reports of behavior. Children with HYP/OD were found to experience higher levels of family stressors than non-problem children on almost every family stressor variable. Compared to children with HYP, families of children with HYP/OD also tended to report more Axis II maternal psychopathology, Axis I paternal psychopathology, and high intensity couple conflict tactics. However, the HYP and HYP/OD group did not significantly differ on maternal Axis I psychopathology, paternal Axis II psychopathology, parental marital status, negative life events, frequency of couple conflict, or use of lower intensity couple conflict tactics. Parents of children with HYP and HYP/OD reported more negative life events, more maternal adult ADHD symptoms, and more maternal avoidance and verbal aggression during marital conflict than parents of non-problem children. Implications for treatment and etiology are discussed.
Determination of risk groups to African trypanosomiasis using discriminant analysis

Abstract The classification of regions into high or low risk areas with respect to the trypanosomiasis—tsetse problem is essential to planning disease control activities. Discriminant analysis was performed on a multivariate data set obtained from Southwest Ethiopia, to obtain a mathematical function that can be used for classification into high or low risks using 24 explanatory variables. The prevalence of trypanosomiasis, the dependent variable, was evaluated at either 5% or 10%. For the classification rule based on a critical prevalence demarcation of 10%, the presence of forested areas ( X 7 ), human population density per cultivated hectare ( X 24 ), and fusca group tsetse ( X 29 ) were important; therefore, control of the disease should emphasize these factors. Various misclassification probabilities and an interpretation of the above functions in light of the epidemiology of the disease were presented. The overall significance of discriminant analysis as an epidemiological tool was discussed.
Aggregation and Dispersion of Colloidal Suspensions by Inorganic Surfactants: Effect of Chemical Speciation and Molecular Conformation

Polyphosphates are widely used as inorganic dispersants, but the mechanism of the dispersing is not well understood. In this study, the colloidal properties of fine alumina suspensions in water were studied at different pH conditions in the presence of linear chain polymetaphosphates. The chemical speciation and molecular conformation were probed using liquid and solid state 31P and 27Al nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Three regimes have been found: (i) Neutral pHlong-chain metaphosphates are partially anchored to the alumina surface. The negatively charged metaphosphate molecules extend from the particle surface to the solution to provide an effective electrosteric repulsion force that acts to disperse the colloidal particles. (ii) Low pHthe alumina particle surfaces hydrolyze and the dissolved species react with the surfactant to form amorphous aluminum phosphate gels. The reaction product causes bridging flocculation of the suspension. (iii) High pHpartial dissolution of alumina produces tetr...
Experts look ahead to the day of the full-blown computer-integrated automatic factory

Discusses the future potential of the Computer Integrated Manufacturing System (CIMS) which represents an automatic computerized job-shop section. CIMS has the flexibility of a group of general-purpose machine tools, and is composed of several NC machine tools, integrated with materials-handling systems, to perform machining operations on randomly sequenced parts. All parts of the system normally operate under computer direction. The `Flexible Manufacturing Systems' concept of multipart, mid volume production machining systems is also discussed. Integration of CAD and CAM (computer-aided manufacturing) concepts is examined.