cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Estimating Risk for Future Intracranial, Fully Implanted, Modular Neuroprosthetic Systems: A Systematic Review of Hardware Complications in Clinical Deep Brain Stimulation and Experimental Human Intracortical Arrays

Objective A new age of neuromodulation is emerging: one of restorative neuroengineering and neuroprosthetics. As novel device systems move toward regulatory evaluation and clinical trials, a critical need arises for evidence-based identification of potential sources of hardware-related complications to assist in clinical trial design and mitigation of potential risk. Materials and methods The objective of this systematic review is to provide a detailed safety analysis for future intracranial, fully implanted, modular neuroprosthetic systems. To achieve this aim, we conducted an evidence-based analysis of hardware complications for the most established clinical intracranial modular system, deep brain stimulation (DBS), as well as the most widely used intracranial human experimental system, the silicon-based (Utah) array. Results Of 2328 publications identified, 240 articles met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed for DBS hardware complications. The most reported adverse events were infection (4.57%), internal pulse generator malfunction (3.25%), hemorrhage (2.86%), lead migration (2.58%), lead fracture (2.56%), skin erosion (2.22%), and extension cable malfunction (1.63%). Of 433 publications identified, 76 articles met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed for Utah array complications. Of 48 human subjects implanted with the Utah array, 18 have chronic implants. Few specific complications are described in the literature; hence, implant duration served as a lower bound for complication-free operation. The longest reported duration of a person with a Utah array implant is 1975 days (~5.4 years). Conclusions Through systematic review of the clinical and human-trial literature, our study provides the most comprehensive safety review to date of DBS hardware and human neuroprosthetic research using the Utah array. The evidence-based analysis serves as an important reference for investigators seeking to identify hardware-related safety data, a necessity to meet regulatory requirements and to design clinical trials for future intracranial, fully implanted, modular neuroprosthetic systems.
Integrated molecular imaging technologies for investigation of metals in biological systems: A brief review

Metals play an essential role in biological systems and are required as structural or catalytic co-factors in many proteins. Disruption of the homeostatic control and/or spatial distributions of metals can lead to disease. Imaging technologies have been developed to visualize elemental distributions across a biological sample. Measurement of elemental distributions by imaging mass spectrometry and imaging X-ray fluorescence are increasingly employed with technologies that can assess histological features and molecular compositions. Data from several modalities can be interrogated as multimodal images to correlate morphological, elemental, and molecular properties. Elemental and molecular distributions have also been axially resolved to achieve three-dimensional volumes, dramatically increasing the biological information. In this review, we provide an overview of recent developments in the field of metal imaging with an emphasis on multimodal studies in two and three dimensions. We specifically highlight studies that present technological advancements and biological applications of how metal homeostasis affects human health.
Diastereo- and Enantioselective 1,4-Difunctionalization of Borylenynes by Catalytic Conjunctive Cross-Coupling

Enantioselective conjunctive cross-coupling of enyne-derived boronate complexes occurs with 1,4 addition of the electrophile and migrating group across the π system. This reaction pathway furnishes α-boryl allenes as the reaction product. In the presence of a chiral catalyst, both the central and axial chirality of the product can be controlled during product formation.
The use of text-messaging for telecommunications with patients in otolaryngology: A narrative review.

Abstract Objective To compile and analyze the available literature regarding the use of text-messaging for communicating with patients in otolaryngology. Study design Narrative review. Methods Using the PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, and PsychINFO databases, a review of the literature examining for articles that discuss the usage and applications of text-messaging services in otolaryngology-based practice was conducted. Studies were categorized into six groups by content, depending upon their specific applications: Access, Engagement, Expert Model, Monitoring, No-Show, and Triage. Results From 402 search results, we obtained 59 results that met inclusion criteria, from which there were 11 distinct studies included in this review. All studies found that the use of smartphones in otolaryngology is feasible and can lead to improved outcomes or increased patient engagement in their treatment. The study which was coded “Expert Model” provided a framework for creating a text-message-based platform for application in otolaryngology. Conclusion The current literature suggests that using mobile text-messaging is a feasible method of increasing patient engagement in treatment, improving outcomes, and monitoring patients' treatment progress and concerns over time. However, further research is required to quantify the benefits of the varied uses of text-messaging for different patient populations.
Employer-Assigned Workload and Human Capital Deterioration: Evidence From the National Football League:

We test whether human capital deterioration is a function of employer decision making with respect to workload allocation. We examine this question in the context of National Football League runnin...
Abstract 546: PARG and WEE1 inhibition in GI cancers: A novel synergistic, targeted therapeutic approach

Colorectal carcinomas (CRC) and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC) are the 2nd and 3rd leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. respectively. Recent work from our lab highlighted Poly ADP-Ribose Glycohydrolase (PARG) as a target in PDAC, and PARG inhibition (PARGi) sensitized PDAC cells to the DNA damaging agents, 5-FU and oxaliplatin. Other labs have shown that PARG inhibition causes replication stress in cancer cells. CRC and PDAC cells, while cellularly different, share a high frequency of KRAS and P53 inactivating mutations. High levels of replication stress (RS) has also been well documented in these tumor types. Targeting DNA Damage Response Kinases (DDRKs) in combination with chemotherapy (mostly DNA damage inducers like 5-FU, oxaliplatin, etc.) has gained recent interest in solid tumors but overlapping toxicities and tolerability have been issues clinically. Accordingly, we hypothesized that combined inhibition of PARG and DDRKs could yield synergistic effects in tumors with high replication stress while alleviating adverse events seen in other combination strategies. We determined in drug sensitivity assays that PARGi did not synergize with either the CHK1 inhibitor prexasertib or the ATR inhibitor VE-821 in our cell lines but did synergize with Wee1i (AZD1775) in both PDAC and CRC cell lines (Comb. Analysis, p 2-fold increases in PARylation, yH2AX, and cleaved-caspase 3 as compared to single-agent controls. In conclusion, combined PARG - Wee1 inhibition is a novel targeting strategy in PDAC and CRC tumors that results in decreased cell viability. We are currently testing the efficacy of AZD1775 in PARG CRISPR-knockout tumors in in vivo xenograft models. Ongoing studies are focused on assessing the effect of Wee1i + PARGi on chromosomal aberrations, disruption in replication fork dynamics via DNA fiber labeling, and cell cycle dependencies. Citation Format: Lebaron C. Agostini, Aditi Jain, Michael Pishvaian, Charles Yeo, Jonathan Brody. PARG and WEE1 inhibition in GI cancers: A novel synergistic, targeted therapeutic approach [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 546.
A Bisphosphonate With a Low Hydroxyapatite Binding Affinity Prevents Bone Loss in Mice After Ovariectomy and Reverses Rapidly With Treatment Cessation

Bisphosphonates (BPs) are a mainstay of osteoporosis treatment; however, concerns about bone health based on oversuppression of remodeling remain. Long-term bone remodeling suppression adversely affects bone material properties with microdamage accumulation and reduced fracture toughness in animals and increases in matrix mineralization and atypical femur fractures in patients. Although a "drug holiday" from BPs to restore remodeling and improve bone quality seems reasonable, clinical BPs have long functional half-lives because of their high hydroxyapatite (HAP) binding affinities. This places a practical limit on the reversibility and effectiveness of a drug holiday. BPs with low HAP affinity and strong osteoclast inhibition potentially offer an alternative approach; their antiresorptive effect should reverse rapidly when dosing is discontinued. This study tested this concept using NE-58025, a BP with low HAP affinity and moderate osteoclast inhibition potential. Young adult female C57Bl/6 mice were ovariectomized (OVX) and treated with NE-58025, risedronate, or PBS vehicle for 3 months to test effectiveness in preventing long-term bone loss. Bone microarchitecture, histomorphometry, and whole-bone mechanical properties were assessed. To test reversibility, OVX mice were similarly treated for 3 months, treatment was stopped, and bone was assessed up to 3 months post-treatment. NE-58025 and RIS inhibited long-term OVX-induced bone loss, but NE-58025 antiresorptive effects were more pronounced. Withdrawing NE-58025 treatment led to the rapid onset of trabecular resorption with a 200% increase in osteoclast surface and bone loss within 1 month. Cessation of risedronate treatment did not lead to increases in resorption indices or bone loss. These results show that NE-58025 prevents OVX-induced bone loss, and its effects reverse quickly following cessation treatment in vivo. Low-HAP affinity BPs may have use as reversible, antiresorptive agents with a rapid on/off profile, which may be useful for maintaining bone health with long-term BP treatment. © 2021 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Lung transplantation outcomes after crossing low-level donor specific antibodies without planned augmented immunosuppression.

It is unknown whether some donor specific antibodies (DSA) can be crossed at the time of lung transplant without desensitization or augmented induction immunosuppression. This study assessed whether crossing low-level pre-transplant DSA (defined as mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) 1000-6000) without augmented immunosuppression is associated with worse retransplant-free or chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD)-free survival. Of the 458 included recipients, low-level pre-transplant DSA was crossed in 39 (8.6%) patients. The median follow-up time was 2.2 years. There were 15 (38.5%) patients with Class I DSA and 24 (61.5%) with Class II DSA. There was no difference in adjusted overall retransplant-free survival between recipients where pre-transplant DSA was and was not crossed (HR: 0.98 (95% CI = 0.49-1.99), p = 0.96). There was also no difference in CLAD-free survival (HR: 0.71 (95% CI = 0.38-1.33), p = 0.28). There was no difference in Grade 3 PGD at 72 hours (OR: 1.13 (95% CI = 0.52-2.48), p = 0.75) or definite or probable AMR (HR: 2.22 (95% CI = 0.64-7.61), p = 0.21). Lung transplantation in the presence of low-level DSA without planned augmented immunosuppression is not associated with worse overall or CLAD-free survival among recipients with intermediate-term follow-up. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Computational modeling investigation of pulsed high peak power microwaves and the potential for traumatic brain injury.

When considering safety standards for human exposure to radiofrequency (RF) and microwave energy, the dominant concerns pertain to a thermal effect. However, in the case of high-power pulsed RF/mic...
A mid-scan intermittent camera failure, analysis and procedure preservation case study.

2710 Objectives This case study is based on recovering from a power surge and the resulting camera error during a patient study. Camera head two of an ADAC Forte gamma camera suffered a power surge due to a failing power unit in minute 18 of a 45 minute dynamic image. The resulting artifacts caused the computer to re-standardize the remaining images and did not allow analysis of the images. The images were corrected using two separate methods to yield matching analyses thereby preventing the need to re-irradiate the patient and repeat the study. Methods A case study was made of an intermittent camera failure and the resulting efforts to preserve a patient’s imaging procedure following irradiation. The camera manufacturer9s help line, procedure modification, and modification of the image processing were used. Results A power surge occurred during patient imaging resulting in an inability to process the images. The technologist utilized staff and the equipment manufacturer’s help line to evaluate the problem and formulate potential solutions in order to preserve the patient’s procedure. These efforts resulted in a successful procedure. Conclusions We are all committed to providing optimal care for our patients and there are times when problems arise. No matter what the problems may be, it is our professional goal to achieve meaningful resolution. These solutions will be as varied as the problems themselves but the underlying motivation and method of solving these problems are uniform. In short, stay composed and commit yourself to the effort. Analyze the problem and keep an updated set of solutions as these may change throughout the process. Recruit as much help as is needed or at least as much as is available should assistance be necessary. Solve the problem and provide answers which will provide optimal care to our patients.
Globalization and the Race to the Bottom in Developing Countries: Who Really Gets Hurt?

The advance of economic globalization has led many academics, policy-makers, and activists to warn that it leads to a 'race to the bottom'. In a world increasingly free of restrictions on trade and capital flows, developing nations that cut public services are risking detrimental effects to the populace. Conventional wisdom suggests that it is the poorer members of these societies who stand to lose the most from these pressures on welfare protections, but this new study argues for a more complex conceptualization of the subject. Nita Rudra demonstrates how and why domestic institutions in developing nations have historically ignored the social needs of the poor; globalization neither takes away nor advances what never existed in the first place. It has been the lower- and upper-middle classes who have benefited the most from welfare systems and, consequently, it is they who are most vulnerable to globalization's race to the bottom.
Imaging of Genitourinary Emergencies

Nontraumatic urinary tract emergencies include acute obstructive uropathy, infections which can become complicated, and acute renovascular abnormalities. Imaging plays an important role in evaluating the extent of the acute process and the location and in differentiating urinary tract emergencies from other acute conditions which may be clinical mimics.
Re–Examination of the Ocular Growth Rhythms During Normal or Induced–Myopia Development in Chicks

2. In relation to choroidal thickness (CT) changes, 2 days seems long enough for eyes to compensate for the -5D lens, since the choroids of treated eyes returned to normal thickness after initially thinning. Both the high power negative lens and white diffuser had a more sustained effect on CT; thus for these two groups, the CTs of treated eyes remained thinner than normal at the end of the treatment period.
代謝阻害剤および抗オーキシン剤影響下におけるトウモロコシ根プロトプラストの2, 4-D吸収と細胞内pHの関係

代謝阻害剤および抗オーキシンがトウモロコシ根皮層より酵素的に単離されたプロトプラストの2, 4-D吸収に及ぼす影響を細胞内pH (pHi) に及ぼす影響と関連して検討した. 作用機作の異なる5種類の代謝阻害剤はプロトプラストによる2, 4-D吸収を阻害した. これらの化合物はすべて5, 5-ジメチルオキサゾリジン-2, 4-ジオン分配法により測定されるpHiを低下させ, 2, 4-D吸収阻害は阻害剤の作用機作にかかわらずpHi低下と密接に関連していた. このことは原形質膜を介するpH勾配が2, 4-D吸収の重要な要因であることを示唆する. 一方, 抗オーキシンp-クロロフェノキシイソ酪酸 (PCIB) はpHiに影響を及ぼすことなく2, 4-D吸収を阻害した. 別の抗オーキシンN-1-ナフチルフタラミン酸 (NPA) は2, 4-D吸収, pHiいずれにも影響を及ぼさなかった. これらの結果は, トウモロコシ根プロトプラストによる2, 4-D吸収機構が二つの成分, すなわち, 1) 弱酸仮説に従う未解離2, 4-D分子の受動的な拡散と, 2) PCIB感受性でNPA非感受性のH+/オーキシンアニオン共役輸送体に媒介される解離2, 4-Dアニオンの能動輸送から成ることを示唆する.
The dark side of Japanese management in the 1990s

Over 30 years, many comparative surveys have found Japanese employees and managers far less satisfied with their jobs than their Western counterparts. This paper explores the findings and interpretations from these studies, and then proposes an alternative explanation based on childhood socialization practices and the history of Japanese society. This explanation is then used to illuminate the recent social problems of karoshi (death from overwork) and ijime (bullying) in the Japanese workplaces.
Debt Contracts, Loss Given Default and Accounting Information

We investigate an unexplored channel — loss given default — through which accounting information can shape the design of debt contracts. Using a sample of defaulted bonds, we find that borrower accounting measures available at contract initiation possess significant power for predicting realized loss given default at the subsequent default date. We then use this prediction model to construct an accounting-based measure of expected loss given default at the contracting date for a large sample of bond issuances. We find that this measure is positively associated with the issuance date interest spread and covenant use. We further document that the relation between accounting-based expected loss given default and contract terms is not an artifact of its potential association with probability of default. Our results increase our understanding of both the informational role and contracting role of accounting information.
Relationship between serum circulating insulin-like growth factor-1 and liver fat in the United States.

Background and Aim Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), circulating insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and IGF-1/IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) concentrations are associated with adiposity and insulin resistance. We aimed to determine whether serum IGF-1, IGFBP-3 and IGF-1/IGFBP-3 are associated with presence or severity of NAFLD independent of potential confounding.
Phosphorus Species Composition of Poultry Manure-Amended Soil Using High-Throughput Enzymatic Hydrolysis

Nutrient management planning tools including P indices would have enhanced diagnostic and predictive abilities if forms of organic P transformable to inorganic phosphate by soil microbes (enzyme-labile P) can be assessed. Enzyme-labile P species were tracked in a time series of manure-amended soil samples by modifying an enzymatic P assessment tool first developed by Zhongqi He for manures. By adaptingthis method to a microplate reader format, up to 96 samples were processed simultaneously. Enzyme measures were compared with those made on the same samples using solution 31 P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Enzymatic tracking of P species in manure-amended soil extracts is robust; 25 to 36% of P extracted by NaOH-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid was liberated as orthophosphate after incubating samples with enzymes. These increases in molybdate-reactive P (MRP) due to enzymatic hydrolysis exceeded MRP detected in bicarbonate extracts, suggesting the true bioavailable fraction of soil P is underestimated using traditional, static tools such as Olsen P or Mehlich-3 P. This efficient assessment tool should enhance our ability to assess P classes and enzyme-labile P in manure-amended soil.
In vivo oestrogenicity and binding characteristics of α-zearalanol (P-1496) to different classes of oestrogen binding proteins in rat liver

Abstract It is now well established that the mycotoxin zearalenone and some of its derivatives possess oestrogenic activity. In the present study, the binding characteristics of [ 3 H]zearalanol (P-1496) to different classes of sites including [1] the oestrogen receptor, [2] the higher capacity lower affinity (HCLA) sites, [3] the antioestrogen sites and [4] a new class of binding sites apparently specific for P-1496 were examined in rat liver. Analysis of the binding by sucrose density gradient centrifugation confirmed that P-1496 binds to the oestrogen receptor but not to the higher capacity lower affinity sites for oestradiol-17β. Furthermore, saturation experiments using partially-purified fractions showed that P-1496 binds to the oestrogen receptor with an affinity very similar to that of oestradiol-17β (apparent dissociation constants ranged from 0.1–0.3 nM). Competition studies using partially purified cytosolic oestrogen receptor suggested that P-1496 binds to a second high affinity site distinct from the oestrogen receptor. This binding site was further characterized as selective for P-1496 by saturation analysis following the complete occupancy of oestrogen receptor by oestradiol-17β. The in vitro binding characteristics of P-1496 were then compared with in vivo effects on concentrations of serum triglycerides. Treatment of ovariectomized female rats daily with 1.5 or 2mg P-1496/kg body weight resulted in marked increases in the concentrations of serum triglycerides associated with the very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) fraction. Dose-response studies indicated that there was no sex difference with respect to the dose necessary to produce significant increases in serum triglycerides. The present study shows striking similarities between the binding of P-1496 and oestradiol-17βi to liver oestrogen receptor in vitro . However, differences are observed with respect to their binding to other cytoplasmic components of liver. In addition, although P-1496 is capable of eliciting in vivo oestrogenic effects in liver, it is much less potent than oestradiol-17β.
Tryptophan fluorescence reveals conformational changes in the acetylcholine binding protein.

The recent characterization of an acetylcholine binding protein (AChBP) from the fresh water snail, Lymnaea stagnalis, shows it to be a structural homolog of the extracellular domain of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR). To ascertain whether the AChBP exhibits the recognition properties and functional states of the nAChR, we have expressed the protein in milligram quantities from a synthetic cDNA transfected into human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells. The protein secreted into the medium shows a pentameric rosette structure with ligand stoichiometry approximating five sites per pentamer. Surprisingly, binding of acetylcholine, selective agonists, and antagonists ranging from small alkaloids to larger peptides results in substantial quenching of the intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence. Using stopped-flow techniques, we demonstrate rapid rates of association and dissociation of agonists and slow rates for the α-neurotoxins. Since agonist binding occurs in millisecond time frames, and the α-neurotoxins may induce a distinct conformational state for the AChBP-toxin complex, the snail protein shows many of the properties expected for receptor recognition of interacting ligands. Thus, the marked tryptophan quenching not only documents the importance of aromatic residues in ligand recognition, but establishes that the AChBP will be a useful functional as well as structural surrogate of the nicotinic receptor.
Hydrothermal Waste Package Interactions With Methane-Containing Basalt Groundwater

Hydrothermal waste package interaction tests were conducted with a mixture of crushed glass, basalt, and steel in methane-containing synthetic basalt groundwater. In the absence of gamma radiolysis, methane was found to have little influence on the corrosion behavior of the waste package constituents. Under gamma radiolysis, methane was found to significantly lower the solution oxidation potential when compared to identical tests without methane. In addition, colloidal hydrocarbon polymers that have been produced under the irradiation conditions of these experiments were not formed. The presence of the waste package constituents apparently inhibited the formation of the polymers. However, the mechanism which prevented their formation was not determined.
Validation of the coupling dependency metric as a predictor of run-time failures and maintenance measures

The coupling dependency metric (CDM) is a successful design quality metric. Here we apply it to four case studies: run-time failure data for a COBOL registration system; maintenance data for a C text-processing utility; maintenance data for a C++ patient collaborative care system; and maintenance data for a Java electronic file transfer facility. CDM outperformed a wide variety of competing metrics in predicting run-time failures and a number of different maintenance measures. These results imply that coupling metrics may be good predictors of levels of interaction within a software product.
Neutrino oscillations at reactors — Present and future

In this lecture I describe the present status of oscillation studies at reactors reviewing the progress in 1994. I then focus on the parameter space suggested by the atmospheric neutrino experiments and describe a long-baseline experiment at the San Onofre reactor which is designed to shed light on the atmospheric puzzle.
Instability of optimal equilibria in the minimum mass design of uniform shallow arches

Necessary and sufficient conditions for the minimum mass design of arbitrarily loaded uniform shallow arches are derived. The problem is posed as an optimal control problem with mass as the criterion, initial curvature and axial load as design variables, and with the differential equations of axial and transverse equilibrium of the arch as side conditions. Thus, an optimal equilibrium is associated with each optimal design, and the stability of these equilibria becomes an integral part of the problem solution. As an example, the design process is carried out for the sinusoidally loaded hinged-hinged arch with a fixed span. It turns out that, depending on the given load amplitude, the optimal equilibrium can be unstable, stable after snap-through, and nonunique with one equilibrium unstable and the other stable after snap-through, at the design load of the arch. In addition, a necessary condition for a local minimum is the same as the usual critical point condition in stability analysis, thus assuring the instability of the arch at the optimum. A brief survey of earlier work on the optimal design of arches and curved beams is also included.
Soybean Growth and Seed Yield Response to Tillage and Compost

Plant response to organic amendment often varies and may interact with tillage. The objectives of this research were to determine if soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] growth, nutrient uptake, and soil water use could explain whole-plant and seed yield responses to tillage and compost amendment. A corn (Zea mays L.)-soybean-wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)/clover {Trifolium spp.) rotation, with or without fall compost application was initiated in 1998 in plots that had been managed with moldboard plow (MP), chisel plow (CT), or no-tillage (NT) since 1988. No tillage by amendment interaction for yield was detected. Yield was similar in MP and CT. In 2003, yield was similar among tillage systems, but NT yielded 15% greater than MP and CT in 2004 and 8% lower in 2005. Mean yield across the 3 yr was similar. Compost amendment increased yield (9%) compared with nonamended soil only in 2004. Mean yield was 2% higher with compost than without. Water depth from the 0 to 90 cm soil depth was not affected by tillage or amendment. Seed P and K uptake were 18 and 16% greater in NT compared with MP and CT and 16 and 13% greater with compost than without in 2004. Soybean growing on compost-amended soil had less seed protein compared with nonamended soil. Alternatively, seed oil content was 2 and 1% lower in nonamended than amended soil in 2003 and 2004. The mechanisms responsible for compost-enhanced plant growth are difficult to quantify in the field under natural conditions because effects are short-lived or too extreme.
Predictors of volunteer time: The changing contributions of motive fulfillment and role identity

Relationships among constructs from the functional analysis and role identity theories of volunteerism were examined at 3 and 12 months into the volunteer process. Fulfillment of motives for helping and the strength of a volunteer role identity were assessed in a sample of hospice volunteers. Results showed that associations between motive fulfillment and amount of time devoted to hospice volunteering changed over time. Conversely, the correlations between time and role identity varied little between 3 and 12 months. The changes that were observed may explain some apparent discrepancies in the volunteer literature. Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies can both yield invaluable insights into the contributions of motive and identity to sustaining volunteers. The challenge is understanding that time can change those conclusions.
The role of coenzyme A in the biotransformation of 2-arylpropionic acids

A number of 2-arylpropionic acid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (‘profens’) undergo highly enantioselective inversion from the (R)- to (S)-enantiomer. The mechanism of this inversion reaction involves the initial enantioselective formation of a coenzyme A thioester followed by epimerization and finally hydrolysis to regenerate free acids. Long-chain fatty acyl-CoA synthetase appears to mediate the initial thioester formation and an epimerase of an unknown physiologic function effects the second step. The hydrolases mediating the final step are poorly defined. Available evidence suggests that the liver is quantitatively the most important tissue site of inversion but local tissue inversion may influence the pharmacological and toxicological response of a given organ. Data from isolated rat hepatocytes indicate that other xenobiotics can modulate the formation and hydrolysis of ibuprofenyl-CoA by influencing inversion pathways, non-inversion pathways or both. Interactions between xenobiotics may therefore accentuate inter-individual variability in response to 2-arylprpionic acids. The formation of 2-arylpropionyl-CoA thioesters in vivo has the potential to disrupt numerous biochemical pathways in addition to enhancing individual exposure to the potent anti-inflammatory (S)-enantiomers.
Outcome expectancies, functional outcomes, and expectancy fulfillment for patients with shoulder problems

ObjectivesThis study was conducted to evaluate the relationship among patient outcome expectancies, perceived shoulder function changes, and perceptions of expectancy fulfillment.MethodsPatients (n = 199) treated for shoulder problems at one orthopedic surgeon’s office completed a baseline survey co
Perspectives and challenges for product reliability assurance in the product development process

Intense competition in many industries forces manufacturing organisations to develop new, higher quality products at an increasingly rapid pace. Product development processes (PD processes) play a very significant role in achieving competitive edge and success in new product development. However, the emerging challenges and pressures in global markets require PD processes to be more efficient and effective. This paper highlights these emerging challenges and their impact on the product development domain. The paper also provides some suggestions for further research to build on product reliability.
Single crystal growth of organic photoconductors: phthalocyanine

An effective method of growing single crystals of organic photoconductors such as phthalocyanine in the presence of doping impurity such as iodine by vacuum sublimation is discussed in this paper. This method is very useful especially when an organic material does not have a melting point but decomposes above a particular temperature. So far, doping has been done by exposing the previously grown organic single crystals to the dopant vapour, but growing the crystal in the presence of dopant vapour makes the doped-crystal more efficient and stable. The photosensitivity as well as the photoconductivity of the doped crystals by this method increases significantly.
Heavy metal removal efficiencies in a river–marsh system estimated from patterns of metal accumulation in sediments

Abstract Estuaries have long been thought to be effective traps for river-borne contaminants; however, accurately predicting removal efficiencies remains problematic. In the Quinnipiac River, CT, marsh system, patterns of metal accumulation (Ag, Cd, Cu, Pb) in sediments were used to estimate heavy metal removal efficiencies. Linear and multivariate regression models were fit to sediment metal concentrations to estimate removal curves and surfaces, which avoided the large temporal variability commonly encountered when using direct water column measurements. Second order regressions normalized to the shortest distance to the river channel were found to have the best fit (r>0.67) with the lowest standard error (
L’héritage de la sociologie, la promesse de la science sociale

Il existe une culture de la sociologie, creee dans la periode 1945-1970, sur la base de trois axiomes simples, derives respectivement de Durkheim, Marx et Weber. Dans les vingt-cinq dernieres annees, cette culture fait face a six defis principaux, provenant de l’interieur et de l’exterieur de la communaute culturelle : les doute au sujet de la rationalite formelle; un defi civilisationel; le concept des temporalites sociales multiples; les sciences de la complexite et la fin des certitudes; le sexe comme variable structurante meme dans les sciences; et l’argument que la modernite n’a jamais existe. La sociologie peut-elle relever ces defis?
Cooperative and Competitive Orientations in 4-H and Non-4-H Children: A Pilot Study

Abstract This study constructed questionnaire measures of cooperative and competitive orientations, and pilot-tested them with 1,176 elementary school-age 4-H members and non-members. A measure of parent support was also obtained from these children. Factor analyses revealed that competitive and cooperative learning orientations are orthogonal and not oppositional. Analyses of variance revealed that 4-H members have lower competitive and cooperative orientations, compared to non-members; also, that boys have substantially higher cooperative orientations than girls. These unexpected results need replication.
Vitamin D regulates contractile profile in human uterine myometrial cells via NF-κB pathway.

Objective Infection triggers inflammation that, in turn, enhances the expression of contractile-associated factors in myometrium and increases the risk of preterm delivery. In this study, we assessed vitamin D regulation of inflammatory markers, contractile-associated factors, steroid hormone receptors, and NFκB pathway proteins in human uterine myometrial smooth muscle (UtSM) cells that were cultured in an inflammatory environment. Study Design Inflammatory environment was simulated for UtSM cells by coculturing them with monocyte lineage (THP1) cells. We measured the expression of inflammatory markers, contractile-associated factors, steroid hormone receptors, and NFκB pathway proteins in UtSM cells that were cultured with THP1 cells in the presence and absence of vitamin D by real time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. Results Monocytes secreted monocyte inflammatory protein–1α and –1β, interleukin (IL)-1β and 6, and tumor necrosis factor–α into the conditioned medium. In the UtSM cells that had been cocultured with THP1 cells, there was a significant ( P 2 α receptor; the estrogen receptor α, and progesterone receptors A and B. Vitamin D treatment of cocultures decreased ( P P Conclusion Our results suggest that vitamin D treatment decreases inflammation-induced cytokines and contractile-associated factors in the uterine myometrial smooth muscle cells through the NFκB pathway.
Computerized legal services

Mr. Bigelow stated that this session was intended to show how a law office works, and how computers can help now and in the future. The initial question "Do attorneys need computers"? was answered positively, and with force.
Adaptive weighing designs for keyword value computation

Attributing a dollar value to a keyword is an essential part of running any profitable search engine advertising campaign. When an advertiser has complete control over the interaction with and monetization of each user arriving on a given keyword, the value of that term can be accurately tracked. However, in many instances, the advertiser may monetize arrivals indirectly through one or more third parties. In such cases, it is typical for the third party to provide only coarse-grained reporting: rather than report each monetization event, users are aggregated into larger channels and the third party reports aggregate information such as total daily revenue for each channel. Examples of third parties that use channels include Amazon and Google AdSense.In such scenarios, the number of channels is generally much smaller than the number of keywords whose value per click (VPC) we wish to learn. However, the advertiser has flexibility as to how to assign keywords to channels over time. We introduce the channelization problem: how do we adaptively assign keywords to channels over the course of multiple days to quickly obtain accurate VPC estimates of all keywords? We relate this problem to classical results in weighing design, devise new adaptive algorithms for this problem, and quantify the performance of these algorithms experimentally. Our results demonstrate that adaptive weighing designs that exploit statistics of term frequency, variability in VPCs across keywords, and flexible channel assignments over time provide the best estimators of keyword VPCs.
Homozygous |[alpha]|-thalassemia treated with intrauterine transfusions and postnatal hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Homozygous α -thalassemia treated with intrauterine transfusions and postnatal hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
11-0 mersilene as running suture for penetrating keratoplasty.

We evaluated astigmatic results and complications of the combined suturing technique in penetrating keratoplasty by using 11-0 Mersilene as a running suture. Twenty-seven grafts were studied for a follow-up that ranged between ten and 46 months (mean, 27.2 months). During the study, complications included three graft failures, one instance of inadvertent breakage of the running suture, one instance of one suture bite cutting through the recipient cornea, and suture microabscesses in two eyes. Keratometric astigmatism was 2.5 ± 2.1 diopters at six months, was 2.4 ± 2.3 diopters at 12 months, and was 2.5 ± 2.0 diopters at 24 months. Our data indicate that 11-0 Mersilene is suitable for the running suture in corneal transplants in the combined technique. Spontaneous suture dissolution did not occur throughout the follow-up period. The use of a less biodegradable suture enables the maintenance of low levels of astigmatism for longer periods when compared with a previous study that used 11-0 nylon suture.
Recommendations for teaching sexual health: how to ask and what to do with the answers.

What do physicians know about human sexuality? What do they know about healthy sexual functioning, psychosexual development, sexual disorders, sexual orientation, and the behaviors of those who commit sexual offenses? Are physicians appropriately educated to approach patients’ potential reluctance in discussing sexuality and sexual health? Should not medical educators ensure that physicians are adequately educated on all aspects of the topic, given its likelihood to present for almost every specialty? It is an obvious topic for obstetrics and gynecology, urology, and family medicine, but it is also clearly significant for psychiatry, emergency medicine, pediatrics, geriatrics, surgery, internal medicine, and every other specialty that has occasion to address sexual dysfunction or prescribe a medication with possible sexual side effects. This is not a new topic, nor is it new to address the content of instruction appropriate for medical curriculum. An editorial from a 1966 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine (1) referenced a study comparing medical and law students and found that students entering each program were equal in their limited knowledge of sexual topics. The medical graduates scored better than the law school graduates but still scored below what was expected of physicians. The Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) accreditation standards (2) require that “the curriculum must include behavioral and socioeconomic subjects, in addition to basic science disciplines.” The LCME standards do not clarify the meaning of “behavioral and socioeconomic subjects” beyond listing content that includes “human development/life cycle, human sexual/gender development and human sexuality/sexual functioning.” Although human sexuality is considered one topic that must be covered under this standard, no guidelines exist for implementation. Medical schools must independently institute curriculum that adddresses sexual health. This column describes one attempt using a multidisciplinary and multiple modality approach and serves as a starting point for dialog among medical educators.
Cherry Fruit Invertase: Partial Purification, Characterization and Activity during Fruit Development

Summary Invertase (β-D-fructofuranoside fructohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.26) activity extracted from the mesocarp of sweet cherry (Prunus avium L. cv. Bing) fruits was measured at different stages of development. Activity at pH 5 increased substantially during the active phase of fruit growth. Two forms of invertase were identified by activity stain on polyacrylamide gels. Polypeptides excised from gel slices containing these two enzyme forms both had molecular weights of 63 kD, when resolved by SDS-PAGE. Invertase from cherry was partially purified by (NH4)2SO4 precipitation, chromatography on DEAE-cellulose and gel filtration on Sephacryl S-300. The holoenzyme had a molecular weight of 400 kD and a subunit size of 63 kD. The enzyme had a KM value of 4 mM for sucrose and a pH optimum of 5.0. The invertase is a glycoprotein, as indicated by a positive reaction with periodic acid-Schiff reagent and its ability to bind Concanavalin A. Cherry invertase was sensitive to inhibition by HgCl2 and was inactivated by several reagents that react with sulfhydryl groups.
Near-Surface Transport Pathways in the North Atlantic Ocean: Looking for Throughput from the Subtropical to the Subpolar Gyre

AbstractMotivated by discrepancies between Eulerian transport estimates and the behavior of Lagrangian surface drifters, near-surface transport pathways and processes in the North Atlantic are studied using a combination of data, altimetric surface heights, statistical analysis of trajectories, and dynamical systems techniques. Particular attention is paid to the issue of the subtropical-to-subpolar intergyre fluid exchange. The velocity field used in this study is composed of a steady drifter-derived background flow, upon which a time-dependent altimeter-based perturbation is superimposed. This analysis suggests that most of the fluid entering the subpolar gyre from the subtropical gyre within two years comes from a narrow region lying inshore of the Gulf Stream core, whereas fluid on the offshore side of the Gulf Stream is largely prevented from doing so by the Gulf Stream core, which acts as a strong transport barrier, in agreement with past studies. The transport barrier near the Gulf Stream core is r...
Cytochrome c-cytochrome oxidase interaction at subzero temperatures

Abstract Cytochrome oxidase forms two distinctive compounds with oxygen at −105 and −90°C, one appears to be oxycytochrome oxidase (Compound A) and the other peroxycytochrome oxidase (Compound B). The functional role of compound B in the oxidation of cytochrome c has been examined in a variety of mitochondrial preparations. The rate and the extent of the reaction have been found to be dependent upon the presence of a fluid phase in the vicinity of the site of the reaction of cytochrome c and cytochrome oxidase. The kinetics of cytochrome c oxidation and of the slowly reacting component of cytochrome oxidase are found to be linked to one another even in cytochrome c depleted preparations, but under appropriate conditions, especially low temperatures, the oxidation of cytochrome c precedes that of this component of cytochrome oxidase. Based upon the identification of the slowly reacting components of cytochrome oxidase with cytochrome c, various mechanisms are considered which allow cytochrome c to be oxidized without the intervention of cytochrome a at very low temperatures, and tunneling seems an appropriate mechanism.
Ultrastructure of the embryonic syncytial epithelium in a cestode Hymenolepis diminuta.

The embryonic epithelium in Hymenolepis diminuta appears in the early preoncosphere stage. Inside the embryo there is a binucleate cell connected by a cytoplasmic strand with an epithelial layer spreading over the embryonic surface. After the embryo has become covered by tine epithelium the latter delammates into three layers. A basal layer resting on the basal lamina accumulates dense bodies. These bodies are spheroid and membrane-bound in the early embryo. In the late preoncosphere stage rodlike bodies remain in the basal epithelial layer. The basal membrane forms long invaginations into the basal layer. The intermediate epithelial layer is rich in polysomes and it is postulated that secretes extracellular material which cements the intermediate and peripheral layers and the ‘oncospheral membrane’. The continuity in embryonic, larval and adult cestode epithelium is discussed.
Complications of grafts used in female pelvic floor reconstruction: Mesh erosion and extrusion.

Introduction: Various grafts have been used in the treatment of urinary incontinence and pelvic prolapse. Autologous materials such as muscle and fascia were first utilized to provide additional anatomic support to the periurethral and pelvic tissues; however, attempts to minimize the invasiveness of the procedures have led to the use of synthetic materials. Complications such as infection and erosion or extrusion associated with these materials may be troublesome to manage. We review the literature and describe a brief overview of grafts used in pelvic floor reconstruction and focus on the management complications specifically related to synthetic materials. Materials and Methods: We performed a comprehensive review of the literature on grafts used in pelvic floor surgery using MEDLINE and resources cited in those peer-reviewed manuscripts. The results are presented. Results: Biologic materials provide adequate cure rates but have associated downfalls including potential complications from harvesting, variable tissue quality and cost. The use of synthetic materials as an alternative graft in pelvic floor repairs has become a popular option. Of all synthetic materials, the type I macroporous polypropylene meshes have demonstrated superiority in terms of efficacy and fewer complication rates due to their structure and composition. Erosion and extrusion of mesh are common and troublesome complications that may be managed conservatively with observation with or without local hormone therapy, with transvaginal debridement or with surgical exploration and total mesh excision, dependent upon the location of the mesh and the mesh type utilized. Conclusions: The ideal graft would provide structural integrity and durability with minimal adverse reaction by the host tissue. Biologic materials in general tend to have fewer associated complications, however, the risks of harvesting, variable integrity of allografts, availability and high cost has led to the development and use of synthetic grafts. Synthetic grafts have a tendency to cause higher rates of erosion and extrusion; however, these complications can be managed successfully.