cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Knowledge, Awareness and Medical Practice of Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders on Chronic Hepatitis B Infection: Review of Current Psychosocial Evidence

The purpose of this review is to conduct a concise review of the literature to evaluate the knowledge, awareness, and medical practice of Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders (API) supporting the relationship of chronic hepatitis B infection. Liver cancer is the fifth most common cause of cancer death in men and the ninth most common cause of death in women in the United States. On average, Asian Americans are three times more likely to die from liver cancer than other racial/ethnic groups, with Chinese Americans at six times, Koreans eight times and Vietnamese 13 times higher than non-Hispanic Whites. In the United States, about 80% of liver cancer is etiologically associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (API) account for over half of the 1.3 million chronic hepatitis B cases and for over half of the deaths resulting from chronic hepatitis B infection. Relevant studies were identified in PubMed (Medline) using the following search structure: (Hepatitis B or synonyms) AND (liver cancer or synonyms) AND (Asian Americans or synonyms). Further studies were identified by citations in retrieved papers and by consultation with experts. Twenty publications were included in this review. Compared to other racial/ethnic groups, Asians, especially those born in China or Southeast Asia, have significantly poorer knowledge regarding hepatitis B and liver cancer. Knowledge, awareness and medical practice among Asian Americans regarding HBV infection were dependent upon age, gender, race/ethnicity, immigrant status and length of residency. Despite increased risk for chronic hepatitis B and liver cancer, many Asian Americans are uninformed, untested, and unprotected against the disease.
Lung resection in infants and children with pulmonary infections refractory to medical therapy.

Abstract Background/Purpose: Pulmonary infections in children are common and often resolve with antibiotics and supportive therapy. When these infections become refractory to medical therapy or develop into an abscess, operative intervention may become necessary. This study was undertaken to review the experience with these pulmonary infections at the authors' institution. Methods: Charts of patients who underwent pulmonary resection for infectious causes were reviewed and their presentation, operative course, and long-term outcome analyzed. Results: Between 1975 and 1999, 21 children underwent operative resection of lung parenchyma for infection. Sixty-six percent of children previously had required hospitalization for pneumonia, and 91% had been treated previously, either as an inpatient or as an outpatient, for pneumonia. Seventy-one percent of children had an identifiable underlying comorbidity. Eighteen lobectomies were performed on 17 children with the remaining children requiring either segmentectomy or wedge resection. The median length of stay was 6 days. There were 3 minor complications and 3 deaths. At follow-up (median, 8.25 months), all surviving children had improvement of the chest x-ray, and this was paralleled by clinical improvement. Conclusions: In children with pulmonary infection refractory to conservative medical therapy, operative resection can provide significant clinical improvement. When resection is performed, formal lobectomy often is required and yields a good outcome. J Pediatr Surg 37:643-647. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.
Abstract B222: MUC16/CA125 synthetic lethal kinase screen for novel ovarian cancer targets

Background: MUC16 is a tethered, cell surface mucin which is over expressed on ovarian cancer cells and encodes the CA125 antigen. The CA125 antigen is present in the serum of women with ovarian cancer and appears to be an independent adverse marker of prognosis. Elements of the MUC16 molecule appear to promote invasion, alter gene expression and will induce malignant transformation in NIH 3T3 cells. We have previously demonstrated that MUC16 expression alters the expression of invasion/metastasis genes and genes linked to drug resistance. We hypothesize that the forced expression of MUC16 induces changes that might be relected in altered kinase activities and provides an opportunity to specifically target the MUC16+ ovarian cancer cell. Methods: A human kinome siRNA library (2 siRNA9s/well) was purchased from Qiagen. A2780 cells with and without MUC16 expression were labeled with GFP or mCherry Fluorescence proteins and plated in 96 well plates at 25000 cells/well. Each siRNA was plated into six replicate wells and analyzed for inhibition compared to negative controls and a proprietary “All Star Death” siRNA mix. If the candidate siRNA inhibited the proliferation of MUC16+ cells statistically (p Results: To date, we have screened siRNA9s for a total of 160 of the planned 714 kinases. From the initial screen, we identified 28 kinase candidates for additional evaluation. Two additional siRNA9s per kinase were obtained for confirmatory screening. From this initial group of kinases, inhibition of 3 kinases (CHEK1, ABL1 and CDK4) were significantly more inhibitory for MUC16+ cells than the syngeneic MUC16‐ comparator. Eight additional kinases (including CSK, CHUK, ILK and LTK) were more inhibited in the MUC16+ cells for 3 of 4 tested siRNA9s for the target kinase. Although CDK4 protein levels were not altered in MUC16 transformed A2780 cells, CDK4 inhibitors were differentially active between the MUC16 +/‐ syngeneic pair and additional testing with other small molecule inhibitors is ongoing. Conclusions: 1)MUC16 expression alters the biologic behavior of ovarian cancer cells and 2)MUC16 targeted, syngeneic screening of kinase siRNA libraries can identify potential clinical target candidates for ovarian cancer selected for MUC16. Citation Information: Mol Cancer Ther 2009;8(12 Suppl):B222.
From Zero‐Sum to Value‐Added Strategies: The Emergence of Knowledge‐Based Industrial Policy in the States of the United States

State science policy is industrial policy, shaped by local research and industrial strengths or, conversely, lack of same. States with research strengths relevant to local declining industries attempt to link them in an effort to revive the latter; states lacking research strengths attempt to develop them, especially in areas relevant to local natural resources that have the potential to be the basis of new high-tech industries. Such knowledge-based industrial policies supplement, even if they do not replace, traditional strategies focused upon: (a) creating economic activity based upon natural resources such as harbors or mineral deposits, (b) improving the business climate by lowering taxes, or (c) attracting industry to relocate by offering subsidies. The role of the federal government in science-based industrial policy is still controversial even as it is widely accepted in the states as part of traditional responsibilities for their citizen's economic welfare.
Triumvirate of running couplings in small-x evolution

Abstract We study the inclusion of running coupling corrections into the non-linear small- x JIMWLK and BK evolution equations by resumming all powers of α s N f in the evolution kernels. We demonstrate that the running coupling corrections are included in the JIMWLK/BK evolution kernel by replacing the fixed coupling constant α s in it with α s ( 1 / r 1 2 ) α s ( 1 / r 2 2 ) α s ( 1 / R 2 ) , where r 1 and r 2 are transverse distances between the emitted gluon and the harder gluon (or quark) off of which it was emitted to the left and to the right of the interaction with the target. In the formalism of Mueller's dipole model r 1 and r 2 are the transverse sizes of “daughter” dipoles produced in one step of the dipole evolution. The scale R is a function of two-dimensional vectors r 1 and r 2 , the exact form of which is scheme-dependent. We propose using a particular scheme which gives us R as an explicit function of r 1 and r 2 .
Decoding Powder Tabletability: Roles of Particle Adhesion and Plasticity

Tabletability, the ability to make a tablet of adequate mechanical strength by powder compaction, is of paramount importance in the successful manufacture of tablet products. Poor tabletability is a persistent problem in the pharmaceutical industry. Tablet strength can be understood based on a qualitative model where contributions of bonding area and bonding strength are simultaneously considered. Formation and elimination of bonding area is related to compaction conditions, mechanical properties and particulate properties (such as particle size and shape). Plastic deformation emerges as the most important mechanism for creating a large bonding area among deformation mechanisms. Interfacial adhesion defines bonding strength and is dependent on the chemical nature of the materials involved. An analysis of how the chemical, mechanical and physical properties of a powder impact bonding strength and bonding areas leads to an understanding of their effects on powder tabletability. Appropriate use of this model...
Resummation and gauge invariance of the gluon damping rate in hot QCD.

In high-temperature QCD, an infinite set of higher loop diagrams must be resummed in order to compute the gluon damping rates to leading order in the coupling constant. After resummation, the damping rates, as determined by the positions of the poles in the gluon propagator, are gauge invariant.
Low Earth Orbit Radiation Environments and Shield Model Validation for ISS

The International Space Station (ISS) provides the provin g ground for future long duration human activities in space. Ionizing radiation measurements in ISS form the ideal tool for the experimental validation of the most recent ionizing radiation environ mental models, nuclear transport code algorithms, and atomic/nuclear reaction processes. Previous studies have demonstrated that computational dosimetry needs environmental models with accurate non-isotropic as well as dynamic behavior, detailed information on rack loadings (thicknes s distribution), and a 6-degree-of-freedom (DOF) description of ISS trajectory and orientation. Th is need arises from the fact that ISS is nearing some form of completion with increasing complexity (12A.1 c onfiguration as of Jan. 2007), resulting in a larger drag coefficient, and hence requiring operation at higher altitudes with higher exposure rates. The current implementation of the ISS environmental model as used in this study is configured for 11A, and uses O’Neill’s Galactic Cosmic Rays (GCR) model (2004), covering charge particles in the 1 Z 28 range. O’Neill’s free space GCR model is coupled wit h the Langley Research Center (LaRC) cutoff model with angular dependency compensation to compute the transmission coefficient at LEO. The trapped proton environment is represented by a LaRC developed time dependent procedure which couples the AP8min/AP8max, Deep River Neutron Monitor (DRNM) and F10.7 radio frequency solar index measurements. The albedo neutron environment is represented by the extrapolation of parametric fit to data gathered by LaRC during the Atmospheric Ionizing Radiation (AIR) measurements studies of the radiation at Supersonic Transport (SST) altitudes in the years 1965 to 1971, covering the rise and decline of solar cycle 20. The charge particle transport calculations are accomplished by using the most recent version (2005) of LaRC’s deterministic ionized particle transport code High charge (Z) and Energy TRaNsport (HZETRN). ISS 11A and LEO radiation environmental model validations are important steps in preparation for the design and validation of the Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) under the Constellation program. We describe herein improved ionizing radiation models of GCR, geomagnetic cutoffs, trapped protons and albedo neutrons as applied to the ISS operations. We further compare available measurements of selected target points within ISS 6A, 7A, and 11A during its passage through the Sout h Atlantic Anomaly (SAA) with our simulations, to assess the validity of the current envi ronmental models.
Joining inventory by parataxonomists with DNA barcoding of a large complex tropical conserved wildland in northwestern Costa Rica.

Antecedentes Los multiples componentes de conservacion a traves del desarrollo de la biodiversidad de un gran complejo forestal tropical, Area de Conservacion Guanacaste (ACG), se nutren de saber cual es su biodiversidad y la historia natural. Durante 32 anos, un creciente equipo de parataxonomo de Costa Rica han llevado a cabo el inventario de la biodiversidad de las orugas ACG, sus plantas de alimentos, y sus parasitoides. En 2003, se anadio el codigo de barras de ADN para el proceso de inventario. Metodologia / Principales conclusiones Se describen algunas de las consecuencias mas destacadas de los parataxonomistas de codigos de barras pasen a formar parte de un proceso de inventario de campo de la biodiversidad que tiene siglos de tradicion. A partir de los resultados de codigo de barras, los parataxonomos, asi como otros usuarios intermedios, obtener una mayor escala fina y una mayor comprension de los ejemplares que encuentran, trasera, la fotografia, la base de datos y entregan. Los parataxonomos tambien tienen que recoger mas aparentemente especimenes "misma especie" - especies cripticas que no se pueden distinguir a simple vista o incluso planta de alimento por si solo - mientras que tienen que trabajar con los cambios de nombre y la incertidumbre taxonomica que viene con el descubrimiento de que lo que parecia ser una especie puede multiplicados. Conclusiones / Importancia Estos parataxonomos de carrera, a pesar de su falta de educacion superior formal, han demostrado ser muy capaz de absorber y trabajar en torno a la complejidad y requisitos de precision y detalle generada mediante la adicion de codigos de barras a la base del inventario de campo ACG adicional. En el proceso, tambien han adquirido una mayor comprension de los detalles finos de la filogenia, la relacion, la evolucion y las especies de embalaje en sus propios ecosistemas de complejos tropicales. No hay ninguna razon para ver el codigo de barras de ADN por ser incompatible en modo alguno con el inventario de la biodiversidad tropical como llevada a cabo por parataxonomos. Su ano en el lugar se presta esfuerzos en este sentido bien a los patrones de muestreo y tamano de las muestras necesarias para construir una biblioteca de codigos de barras a fondo. Por otra parte, la comprension biologica que viene con el codigo de barras aumenta la penetrancia de la informacion cientifica de la biodiversidad en las comunidades en las que los parataxonomos residentes.
Light distribution in the image formed by the living human eye.

By photoelectric scanning, the light distribution was determined in the aerial ophthalmoscopic image of a thin light filament viewed by an observer with an homatropinized eye. Light distributions were obtained for various pupil sizes and degrees of defocusing. Measurements were also obtained with bar and grating objects.To compute the line-spread function on the fundus, correction was made for the double passage of the light through the optical system of the eye on the assumption that the spread in angular measure is the same in both directions. The results may be considered to depict distributions which are possibly broader, but certainly not narrower, than the real distributions in the retinal image. The line-spread function on the fundus was determined to have a half-width at half-height of one minute of arc for an eye in best focus with a 3-mm pupil, and this suggests that the point-spread function has half-width 0.66 min of arc as an upper estimate.
Evolution and Clinical Importance of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamases

In the process of evolution, bacteria have acquired well-developed mechanisms of resistance to an extensive array of hostile substances. This time-tempered system of defense is so intricate and adaptable that contemporary medicine has been hard-pressed to maintain an advantage. In this article, the processes responsible for bacterial resistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporins are reviewed. Particular emphasis is placed on the extended-spectrum β-lactamases that have emerged to provide bacteria with formidable resistance to modern drugs. Avoidance of this problem requires limitations on extended-spectrum cephalosporin usage. While carbapenems are clearly the treatment of choice for infections caused by these pathogens, empirical use of β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitors such as piperacillin/tazobactam has been associated with reduction in the prevalence of cephalosporin resistance.
Videotaping as a therapeutic tool in psychodynamic infant– parent therapy

Cet article decrit une technique de therapie bebe-parent qui implique que les sessions soient filmees au camescope, avec des visionnements sunsequents et des discussions avec la mere. La technique a ete mise au point comme faisant partie d'un travail therapeutique psychodynamique avec des dyades enfant-parent. Elle est basee sur un concept de la centralite de l'experience maternelle passee et presente ainsi que la centralite des representations associees maternelles dans la pathogenese de la pathologie relationnelle. Le visionnement de la cassette video offre un acces accelere aux souvenirs maternels precoces et promeut une conscience eclairee des liens entre l'experience maternelle passee et les comportements actuels de la mere avec son enfant qui peuvant amener des decouvertes et des changements therapeutiques. Cette technique fait avancer le developpement de l'alliance therapeutique et facilite ainsi une utilisation reussie d'autres modalites de traitement dyadique qui peuvent etre utilisees avec la therapie psychodynamique. Elle diminue les sentiments que peut avoir la mere d'etre critiquee par un therapeute et peut donc s'averer utile lorsque la capacite maternelle a developper une relation de confiance avec un therapeute est une preoccupation. Des problemes theoriques et pratiques pertinents sont discutes. La methode est illustree par des extraits de travail therapeutique avec un garcon de six mois et sa mere.
Sclerosing poorly differentiated liposarcoma: clinicopathological, immunohistochemical and molecular analysis of a distinct morphological subtype of lipomatous tumour of soft tissue.

Aims: To present eight cases of a distinctive morphological subtype of lipomatous tumour of soft tissue. Methods and results: The clinicopathological, immunohistochemical and molecular pathological features of these tumours were analysed. The tumours were characterized by dense stromal sclerosis containing singly scattered pleomorphic atypical cells with lipoblastic features. The tumours occurred in four women and four men, aged 39–90 years (mean = 63). They were located in the retroperitoneum, thigh, retropubic space, arm and spermatic cord. Four cases arose de novo and four cases presented as local recurrences of previously resected liposarcomas. MDM2 amplification and cyclophoshamide doxorubicin hydrochloride (adriamycin), vincristine and prednisolone (CHOP) translocation was studied in seven cases by fluorescence in situ hybridization. High-level amplification of MDM2 at 12q13-15 was observed in 4/7 cases. All cases were negative for the CHOP translocation; in one MDM2+ case, the CHOP gene showed amplification but no translocation. Three patients died from their tumours from 1 to 6 years after their last surgery with lung metastases. Conclusions: The tumours described appear to represent an unusual morphological variant of poorly differentiated liposarcoma associated with aggressive behaviour, and may represent a common end-stage pathway for various types of liposarcoma.
Correlations between scores on the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-III and the General Purpose Abbreviated Battery of the Stanford-Binet IV.

Estimations of some relationships among scores on the "General Purpose Abbreviated Battery" of the Stanford-Binet: Fourth Edition and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-III were based on the responses of 14 boys and 18 girls enrolled in Grades 3, 4, and 5 and who took both tests. Of 13 Pearson correlations between the Binet IV composite score and the Wechsler subtest scores and IQs 12 were statistically significant (rs = .45 to .74). The new Wechsler scale appears to be a valid instrument for the 32 children (8-8 to 11-11) who were tested.
ANALYSIS OF TRACER EXPERIMENTS. V. INTEGRAL EQUATIONS OF PERTURBATION- TRACER ANALYSIS

An integral equation approach to perturbation-tracer analysis in steady-state multicompartment systems is formulated. The theory is developed for δ function perturbation and tracer inputs and extended to the case of continuous small perturbations and continuous tracer inputs. It is shown that the first order dependence of the initial entry function can then be expressed by means of an integral equation: $$B_1 (t) = \int_{t_2 = - \infty }^\infty {\int_{t_1 = - \infty }^\infty {P(t_1 )T(t_2 )B_1 (t - t_2 ,t_1 - t_2 )dt_1 dt_2 } } $$ whereB 1(t) is the first order initial entry function for the tracer material,P(t1) the perturbation function.T(t 2) is the tracer input function, andB 1(t−t 2 ,t 1 −t 2 ) is a continuous function of two variables characterizing the first order perturbation-tracer response of the system.
Effect of age on development of cor pulmonale in nonhuman primates following pyrrolizidine alkaloid intoxication.

Abstract Two groups of Macaca arctoides monkeys, 4 wk and 15 mo of age, were given four injections of the pyrrolizidine alkaloid, monocrotaline, over a 6-mo period. During the terminal month or two of life, the younger monkeys experienced an increase in hemoglobin, hematocrit, red cell mass, and arterial pCO 2 , and a decrease in arterial pO 2 and pH. Increases in right heart and pulmonary artery pressures were suggestive of changes in the pulmonary vasculature. At necropsy, there was bilateral myocardial hypertrophy and right heart dilatation. The lungs were firm and failed to collapse readily when exposed to atmospheric pressure. Microscopically, there was a decided thickening of the pulmonary arterial walls and reduction in, or obliteration of, the luminal dimensions of the vessels. The right ventricular myocardium was edematous, the endocardium fibrotic, and the arterial vessels disrupted. In contrast to the young monkeys, the older animals developed ascites, distended abdominal veins and an increase in portal venous pressure. The livers were firm, small and granular on gross inspection. There was widespread venous occlusion of the hepatic venous system from the centrilobular to the large hepatic veins. Dilated, blood-filled sinuses were obvious in areas closely associated with the occluded vessels. This variation in response of infant and older monkeys is attributed to the difference in the hepatic microsomal enzyme activity and the metabolites produced from the biotransformation of monocrotaline.
The American conference on pharmacometrics 2014 (ACoP5)

Welcome to ACoP5 in Las Vegas. ACoP represents the annual meeting of the International Society of Pharmacometrics (ISoP), which continues to grow with members from over 30 countries and 5 continents. The mission of ISoP is to advance and promote the scientific discipline of pharmacometrics and broaden its impact. The outstanding programming at ACoP5 reflects this mission and features innovative methods and strategies for integrating pharmacometrics and advancing its role in making critical decisions in drug discovery, development, and utilization. The structure and format of ACoP continues to evolve. This year we have added a formal awards session before the opening reception, along with an inspiring Keynote address from Dr. Leslie Benet (UCSF). We have continued to feature concurrent sessions to provide high quality content for a broad range of topics so that you can choose sessions that address your specific interests. Also, based on the overwhelming positive responses to our free ‘‘tutorials’’ section, we have increased the number of tutorials offered this year, providing an excellent opportunity to learn new skills related to model simplification techniques, cloud computing, or pharmacometrics research tools in R. Our society is also interested in expanding its scope into systems pharmacology, and our state-of-the-art lecture from Dr. Bernhard Palsson (UCSD) will highlight the latest approaches to predictive biology using genome-scale models. The scientific program of ACoP5 is exceptional, and the symposia, special lectures, open forum, and tutorials address critical needs in theoretical and applied pharmacometrics and systems pharmacology. Sessions include leaders in these fields with insights into approaches for the effective integration of new techniques in translational pharmaceutical research. The record number of posters to be presented at ACoP5 also showcase the excellence and diversity of scientific research in our field. On behalf of the ISoP membership, we acknowledge and thank Vikram Sinha (Programming Committee Chair), Jing Liu (Abstract Committee Chair), and all the members of the ACoP5 planning team, for their outstanding efforts in organizing this exciting conference. In addition to the main ACoP5 conference, we hope that you will take advantage of the excellent preand postmeeting educational workshops. ACoP5 will provide the opportunity for you to discover new innovative approaches and powerful applications of pharmacometrics, and to make the most of the many networking opportunities provided during ACoP5 to meet old friends and make new acquaintances with a shared passion for pharmacometrics. Enjoy ACoP5!
Effects of insulin deficiency, hypothyroidism, and hypertension on cholesterol metabolism in the squirrel monkey.

Abstract Control, insulin-deficient, hypertensive, and hypothyroid squirrel monkeys were fed a diet containing 1 mg of cholesterol per calorie for 3 years. During this time, measurements were made of cholesterol absorption and serum cholesterol turnover. At the end of the study, measurements were made of lipid synthesis in the aorta, liver, and ileum in these monkeys as well as in monkeys fed a diet essentially devoid of cholesterol. About 70% of dietary cholesterol was absorbed, with no significant difference among the four groups. Hepatic cholesterol synthesis from acetate was almost completely inhibited in all the cholesterol-fed monkeys (control, hypertensive, hypothyroid, and insulin-deficient). Hepatic cholesterol synthesis from mevalonate by the control and hypertensive monkeys was also significantly less but still 25% as much as that of noncholesterol-fed monkeys. Cholesterol synthesis from mevalonate by hepatic tissue of the hypothyroid and insulin-deficient monkeys was even more greatly depressed, being significantly less than that of the control monkeys. Cholesterol synthesis from mevalonate by the distal ileums of the control, hypertensive, and noncholesterol-fed monkeys was about the same, but the monkeys not fed cholesterol had significantly greater synthesis from acetate. Incorporation of either acetate or mevalonate into cholesterol by the ileums of the hypothyroid and insulin-deficient monkeys was greatly reduced, being significantly less than that of the control monkeys. The incorporation of mevalonate into lipid fractions of the aorta followed a similar pattern, with markedly depressed synthesis in the aortas of the hypothyroid and insulin-deficient monkeys, and no significant difference among the hypertensive, control, and noncholesterol-fed monkeys. During the 3-year period the serum cholesterol concentrations of the insulin-deficient and hypothyroid monkeys averaged 575 ± 79 (mean ± SEM) and 414 ± 18 mg 100 ml , respectively, both being greater than that of the controls which averaged 228 ± 18 (P
Retinally stabilized cone-targeted stimulus delivery

We demonstrate projection of highly stabilized, aberration-corrected stimuli directly onto the retina by means of real-time retinal image motion signals in combination with high speed modulation of a scanning laser. In three subjects with good fixation stability, stimulus location accuracy averaged 0.26 arcminutes or approximately 1.3 microns, which is smaller than the cone-to-cone spacing at the fovea. We also demonstrate real-time correction for image distortions in adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscope (AOSLO) with an intraframe accuracy of about 7 arcseconds.
A nondisposable microplate for use with organic solvents.

A nondisposable, or “hard”, multiwell microplate is described for use with small volumes of biological solutions containing organic solvents. The design of this teflon-coated, aluminum device resembles the 96-well layout of the disposable variety of tissue culture microplates. The reusable, hard microplate has been specifically developed to hold and evaporate volatile organic solvents from aliquots of crude sample extractions or partitions intended for testing in various in vitro biological screening assays. This device is a valuable adjunct for converting numerous small volumes of nonpolar or nonaqueous dissolved compounds into reconstituted solutions containing acceptable assay solvents.
Community-Based Participatory Research: Group Work for Social Justice and Community Change

ABSTRACT Social workers today confront complex practice challenges as corporate interests trump human need in a rapidly globalizing world economy. One way to meet these challenges is through a social justice-oriented approach to practice that recognizes the dynamic interplay of group work, research, and community change. This article conceptualizes community-based participatory research (CBPR) as social justice-oriented group work and uses a case example to illustrate practice principles that inform group work knowledge and skills and contribute to the effectiveness of CBPR. Expanding the possibilities for social group work thought and practice are discussed.
Variables controlling the recovery of ignitable liquid residues from simulated fire debris samples using solid-phase microextraction/gas chromatography

In this paper, we present data comparing a variety of different conditions for extracting ignitable liquid residues from simulated fire debris samples in order to optimize the conditions for using Solid Phase Microextraction. A simulated accelerant mixture containing 30 components, including those from light petroleum distillates, medium petroleum distillates and heavy petroleum distillates were used to study the important variables controlling Solid Phase Microextraction (SPME) recoveries. SPME is an inexpensive, rapid and sensitive method for the analysis of volatile residues from the headspace over solid debris samples in a container or directly from aqueous samples followed by GC. The relative effects of controllable variables, including fiber chemistry, adsorption and desorption temperature, extraction time, and desorption time, have been optimized. The addition of water and ethanol to simulated debris samples in a can was shown to increase the sensitivity when using headspace SPME extraction. The relative enhancement of sensitivity has been compared as a function of the hydrocarbon chain length, sample temperature, time, and added ethanol concentrations. The technique has also been optimized to the extraction of accelerants directly from water added to the fire debris samples. The optimum adsorption time for the low molecular weight components was found to be approximately 25 minutes. The high molecular weight components were found at a higher concentration the longer the fiber was exposed to the headspace (up to 1 hr). The higher molecular weight components were also found in higher concentrations in the headspace when water and/or ethanol was added to the debris.
Detection of Excess Ammonia Emissions from In-Use Vehicles and the Implications for Fine Particle Control

The emission rate for ammonia from in-use vehicles is calculated based on measurements made inside a Los Angeles roadway tunnel. Using fleet distributions by vehicle age and type, known catalyst distributions, and fuel economy by model year and vehicle type and attributing all ammonia to vehicles equipped with three-way catalysts or three-way catalysts plus oxidizing catalysts (dual-bed catalysts), we estimate an average ammonia emission rate of 72 mg km^(-1) for these vehicles, or 61 mg km^(-1) driven by the vehicle fleet as a whole. These emissions can emanate from vehicles running under rich air−fuel conditions, with three-way catalytic converters designed to reduce NO_x to N_2 and O_2 in addition forming NH_3. Resulting calculations estimate ammonia emissions of 24−29 t of NH_3 day^(-1) from the vehicle fleet for the South Coast Air Basin (SoCAB) that surrounds Los Angeles. This represents an increase in the daily emissions of ammonia attributable to motor vehicles in the SoCAB from 2% of basin wide emissions before the introduction of catalyst-equipped automobiles to 15% based on the current experiment. The air basin wide emission rate of ammonia from motor vehicles is compared to ammonia emissions from livestock waste decomposition at local dairies, and the implications for control of fine particle ammonium nitrate concentrations are discussed.
Peroxidation of microsomal membrane protein—Lipid complexes

Nonenzymatic lipid peroxidation was studied using the TBA test on rat liver microsomal fractions, lipid micelles and structural protein-lipid micelle complexes. The kinetics, response to divalent cations, and iron-ascorbate catalysis were alike in the microsomal fraction and in the complex, but different in lipid micelles. The structural protein represented 41% of the total membrane protein, had a S20,obs of 3.5 and was hydrophobic. The binding of lipid micelles by structural protein proceeded in two steps, with an initial fast rate followed by a slower rate. The binding appeared to involve a hyrophobic association between lipid and protein as evidenced by insensitivity to pH, ionic strength and lack of preference for the individual classes of phospholipid micelles. Deoxycholate caused an increase in the initial peroxidation rate in microsomal fractions. Iron and ascorbate catalyzed lipid peroxidation in both the microsomal fraction and in the complex. Iron catalyzed lipid peroxidation but calcium, cobalt and copper inhibited the reaction in the SP-lipid micelle complex. Lipid peroxidation in microsomal suspensions, therefore, appears to be determined, in part, by the hydrophobic nature of the protein-lipid association found in membranes.
Influence of nitrogen on the production of hypericins by St. John’s wort

Abstract The effect of nitrogen supply on the production of ‘hypericins’ (hypericin and pseudohypericin) in leaves of St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) was examined with plants grown in sand culture and soil. In sand culture, 56-d growth of St. John’s wort plants with decreased nitrogen levels resulted in increased production of hypericins in leaves. A short-term low nitrogen stress in sand culture also resulted in increased production of leaf hypericins. While growth in a low nitrogen-containing soil resulted in elevated levels of hypericins, their production was decreased by supplementation of the soil with additional nitrogen. Increased production of hypericins in St. John’s wort leaves did not require the nitrogen supply to be decreased to levels that resulted in nitrogen deficiency symptoms. Moreover, alteration in the production of leaf hypericins occurring with changes in nitrogen supply did not alter the concentration ratio of pseudohypericin and hypericin. Increased production of leaf hypericins was not associated with any significant changes in the number of dark glands on the leaves and only a weak correlation was observed between leaf dark gland number and levels of leaf hypericins. These results are discussed in terms of the biochemistry of naphthodianthrone production by St. John’s wort plants and implications for growth environment effects during cultivated growth of this medicinal plant.
Petrogenesis and tectonic context of the Harney Peak Granite, Black Hills, South Dakota

Intrusion and crystallization of the Harney Peak Granite and associated plutons and pegmatites were the culminating events of the Trans-Hudson orogeny as expressed in the Black Hills. The granite was emplaced as thousands of sills and dikes at 1715 Ma, following an approximately 45 m.y. period of regional metamorphism and deformation of now exposed Proterozoic metasedimentary rocks. Isotopic ratios of neodymium and lead indicate that parts of the granite were derived from source rocks with Archean model TDM extraction-ages, whereas other parts were derived from sources with only 100–300 m.y. crustal residence times. However, oxygen isotope ratios and trace element concentrations suggest that both sources were metapelites or metagraywackes analogous to the country rocks. Boron and TiO2 concentrations suggest that the granites were generated either by muscovite or muscovite + biotite dehydration-melting reactions. Published thermobarometric and argon cooling-ages show that the country rocks cooled and decompressed from conditions at which garnet and staurolite grew at ∼7 kbar to less than 500°C and pressures of 3.5–4 kbar at the time of granite emplacement. We conducted a numerical simulation of metamorphism and generation of the Harney Peak Granite that is constrained by available data. The model involves shear-heating along a thrust to produce temperatures sufficiently high for melting of thrusted sedimentary rocks at relatively shallow levels in a thickened crust that is undergoing unroofing. The model successfully reproduces the metamorphic and magmatic events that occurred in the Black Hills segment of the Trans-Hudson orogen.
Electron spectroscopy of GaAs and AlAs surfaces

Abstract The low energy electron loss spectra (LELS) and Auger spectra of clean and oxygen contaminated (100) GaAs and AlAs are reported. Losses due to both interband and plasmon excitations are observed. Losses arising from interband transitions from the Ga d-band to empty conduction bands are interpreted in terms of the conduction bands density of states. By changing the primary electron energy both surface and bulk features of the conduction bands can be probed. For clean (100) GaAs a large density of empty surface states is located near the bottom of the conduction band.
Raman investigation of ferroelectricity in IV-VI semiconductors

Abstract Normally Raman inactive optical phonons in the cubic phase of a IV-VI semiconductor become Raman active when the material undergoes a transition to the trigonal phase. Such scattering has been observed in GeTe12 and SnTe.13 In Ge Te the observed LO phonon modes correspond to totally screened LO modes whereas in Sn Te the observed modes correspond to unscreened LO phonon modes.
Introduced rats indirectly change marine rocky intertidal communities from algae- to invertebrate-dominated

It is widely recognized that trophic interactions structure ecological communities, but their effects are usually only demonstrated on a small scale. As a result, landscape-level documentations of trophic cascades that alter entire communities are scarce. Islands invaded by animals provide natural experiment opportunities both to measure general trophic effects across large spatial scales and to determine the trophic roles of invasive species within native ecosystems. Studies addressing the trophic interactions of invasive species most often focus on their direct effects. To investigate both the presence of a landscape-level trophic cascade and the direct and indirect effects of an invasive species, we examined the impacts of Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) introduced to the Aleutian Islands on marine bird densities and marine rocky intertidal community structures through surveys conducted on invaded and rat-free islands throughout the entire 1,900-km archipelago. Densities of birds that forage in the intertidal were higher on islands without rats. Marine intertidal invertebrates were more abundant on islands with rats, whereas fleshy algal cover was reduced. Our results demonstrate that invasive rats directly reduce bird densities through predation and significantly affect invertebrate and marine algal abundance in the rocky intertidal indirectly via a cross-community trophic cascade, unexpectedly changing the intertidal community structure from an algae- to an invertebrate-dominated system.
Hiding in Plain Sight: Interplay between Staphylococcal Biofilms and Host Immunity.

Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis are notable for their propensity to form biofilms on implanted medical devices. Staphylococcal biofilm infections are typified by their recalcitrance to antibiotics and ability to circumvent host immune-mediated clearance, resulting in the establishment of chronic infections that are often recurrent in nature. Indeed, the immunomodulatory lifestyle of biofilms seemingly shapes the host immune response to ensure biofilm engraftment and persistence in an immune competent host. Here, we provide a brief review of the mechanisms whereby S. aureus and S. epidermidis biofilms manipulate host–pathogen interactions and discuss the concept of microenvironment maintenance in infectious outcomes, as well as speculate how these findings pertain to the challenges of staphylococcal vaccine development.
Antibody mediated in vivo delivery of small interfering RNAs via cell-surface receptors

Delivery of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) into cells is a key obstacle to their therapeutic application. We designed a protamine-antibody fusion protein to deliver siRNA to HIV-infected or envelope-transfected cells. The fusion protein (F105-P) was designed with the protamine coding sequence linked to the C terminus of the heavy chain Fab fragment of an HIV-1 envelope antibody. siRNAs bound to F105-P induced silencing only in cells expressing HIV-1 envelope. Additionally, siRNAs targeted against the HIV-1 capsid gene gag, inhibited HIV replication in hard-to-transfect, HIV-infected primary T cells. Intratumoral or intravenous injection of F105-P-complexed siRNAs into mice targeted HIV envelope-expressing B16 melanoma cells, but not normal tissue or envelope-negative B16 cells; injection of F105-P with siRNAs targeting c-myc, MDM2 and VEGF inhibited envelope-expressing subcutaneous B16 tumors. Furthermore, an ErbB2 single-chain antibody fused with protamine delivered siRNAs specifically into ErbB2-expressing cancer cells. This study demonstrates the potential for systemic, cell-type specific, antibody-mediated siRNA delivery.
A metaneurobiological synthesis of the schizophrenic syndromes

I ( 1988) 154 Elsevier LETTER TO THE EDITOR A METANEUROBIOLOGICAL SYNTHESIS OF THE SCHIZOPHRENIC SYNDROMES Jean Lud Cadet Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, 630 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA Dear Editor: I listened to the presentations at the meeting on schizophrenia with great interest. The purpose of the present letter is to suggest a metaneurobiological synthesis of the many findings presented at the meeting in order to draw focus to and to clarify certain points. Because of the diversity of neuropathological findings in schizo- phrenia, it has been suggested that early neurotoxic or viral damage to pluripotential cells of the isodendritic core of the brainstem (IDCB) might play a role in the protean manifestations of the disorder (1). The findings of hyperactivity in the left pallidum, which the author attributed to nigrostriatal dopamine hypofunction, connects the IDCB hypothesis to the more recently suggested dopamino- toxic/free radical theories (2,3). In view of the findings in the glutamate systems, the excitotoxic effects of corticostriatal systems also need to be considered. It may be commented, however, that toxic substances would have bilateral effects on the brain. I argue, nevertheless, that since there is lateral representation of function (speech, prosody, etc.), there may also be lateralization of effects of prions, immunotoxins, excitotoxins, or free radicals. An example of this process is unilateral Parkinsonism which is a neurodegenera- tive disorder which only affects one side of the brain and of the body. The absence of hemiparkinsonism in schizophrenic patients with hyperactive pallidum may be explained by the fact that 80% loss of DA must occur before the development of parkinsonian symptoms. It will be of interest to evaluate these patients for the development of unilateral extrapyramidal symptoms (tremor, rigidity) after the inception of neuroleptics. The subcortical/toxic hypotheses could arguably provide an explana- tion for expressive and receptive dysprosody, frontal and parietal lobe dysfunction, and DA deficiency in a subgroup of schizophrenic patients. Taken together, these arguments indicate that invoking the participation of subcortical neuronal systems which project widely to various regions of the neocortical mantle might be more parsimonious than focusing on specific cortical lobe(s). That statement suggests that schizophrenia is a multisystem disease whose manifestation varies according to which subsystems are being deactivated, stimu- lated or hyperstimulated. The implication is that changes in dopamine receptors on PET scans need to be correlated to, for example, levels of homovanillic acid in the cerebrospinal fluid or to pallidal activity on PET scans. Another point that needs clarification has to do with the interpreta- tion that the lesion in schizophrenia is static. Such a strong conclusion cannot be drawn from the presented data since there is a 0910-9964/X8/503.50 0 1988 Elsevler Science Publishers B.V.(Biomedical Division)
Influence of ascending versus descending balloon counterpulsation on bypass graft blood flow.

Abstract Background . Mechanical circulatory assistance is frequently needed in postcardiotomy patients to support the failing heart. A balloon catheter called SupraCor (ABIOMED Cardiovascular, Inc, Danvers, MA) has been developed and is similar to the existing intraaortic balloon pump with the exception of placement in the ascending versus the descending thoracic aorta. This investigation compared the effects of SupraCor versus standard intraaortic balloon pump on internal mammary artery and venous conduit bypass graft blood flow. Methods . Porcine total heart bypass was used to anastomose a jugular vein from the ascending aorta to a subsequently ligated left anterior descending coronary artery. The left internal mammary artery was then anastomosed to the jugular vein so each conduit perfused the same coronary vascular bed. An additional right heart bypass preparation allowed precise control of cardiac output and blood pressure, which were maintained constant throughout mechanical circulatory assistance. Electromagnetic flow probes measured flow through each bypass graft and the other conduit was atraumatically occluded. Results . The SupraCor caused a significant increase in both internal mammary artery (+70% from 35 ± mL/min to 56 ± 9 mL/min; p = 0.04) and venous bypass graft blood flow (+49% from 66 ± 12 mL/min to 95 ± 15 mL/min; p = 0.02) when compared with controls. The intraaortic balloon pump failed to alter internal mammary artery or venous bypass graft flow. Conclusions . The results demonstrate that counterpulsation with an ascending aortic balloon significantly increases coronary bypass graft flow in both internal mammary artery and venous conduits. In contrast, counterpulsation with a descending aortic balloon did not alter coronary bypass graft flow.
Effects of release-time on R&D outputs and scientists' gratification

A release-time policy which permitted scientists to periodically work on their own ideas was implemented on an experimental basis at a market oriented R&D laboratory. Only a small percentage of the laboratory personnel took advantage of the new policy. These few participants quickly became disillusioned, and their attitudes spread among the remaining nonparticipants. Reasons for the apparent failure of release-time in this situation are cited, and several general pitfalls to be avoided in administering release-time are enumerated. The compelling conclusion is advanced that the seemingly innocuous idea of letting scientists work on their own ideas is an extremely complex and difficult concept to successfully implement.