cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Challenges for the Manufacturing Enterprise to Achieve Sustainable Development

Manufacturing enterprises are striving to achieve sustainability through changes in products, processes, and systems. Decision-support tools and methods are rooted not only in improving environmental aspects of manufacturing, but also in ensuring long-term productivity and social well-being. Refocused efforts on the development of sustainable technologies can further aid continuous improvement and stimulate revolutionary advancements industry-wide. Current and future challenges facing the manufacturing industry are addressed in terms of manufacturing enterprise, product life cycle design, and manufacturing processes and systems. Opportunities for future research are discussed within each of these areas.
Predicting the fatigue life of adhesively-bonded composite joints under mixed-mode fracture conditions

Interfacial cracking between layers or delamination is one of the most common failure types in laminated fiber-reinforced composites because of their relatively weak interlaminar strength. Fatigue-induced delamination is specifically significant in the aerospace industry because composite structures are subjected to extensive cyclic loading throughout their service life, and the increase in fatigue damage under subsequent cyclic loads may lead to final catastrophic failure of the structural component. This chapter focuses on investigating mixed-mode fatigue delamination, which is the most typical delamination failure in multidirectional composite laminates. Various approaches used in the literature to describe the mixed-mode fatigue delamination are presented and discussed, followed by the new developments added by the author and validated numerical examples.
Four Apt Elementary Examples of Recursion

We give four elementary examples of recursion that are real-life, non-trivial, more natural than the corresponding iterative approach, and do not involve any sophisticated algorithms, data structures, or mathematical problems. The examples are two forms of writing numbers in words, coalescing page references for an index, and finding unclosed begin blocks.
Multimorbidity and racial disparities in use of hospice by older patients dying from cancer.

9542 Background: While previous studies have documented lower use of hospice by Non-Hispanic Blacks (NHBs) than by Non-Hispanic Whites (NHWs), racial variations have not been examined in the contex...
Pelvic neuroblastoma presenting with acute urinary retention and acute kidney injury

•Neuroblastomas are tumors that arise from primitive sympathetic ganglion cells and are rarely seen in the pelvic region.•Neuroblastomas are the most common extracerebral solid tumors in children under the age of five years.•Acute urinary retention due to extrinsic compression from a pelvic mass is a rare phenomenon in infants.•Pelvic neuroblastoma may cause acute urinary retention and acute kidney injury.
HUMAN ANTIBODIES TO HUMAN IgA: A CLINICAL, SEROLOGIC AND IMMUNOGENETIC STUDY

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses human antibodies to human IgA: a clinical, serologic and immunogenetic study. Antiglobulin antibodies of various types have been studied in health and disease. Such antibodies specific for the isoantigens of IgG, the Gm, and Inv groups, have largely contributed to the understanding of the genetic control of antibody synthesis. A recently developed passive hemagglutination assay using IgA and IgM paraproteins coated on to inert indicator red cells with CrCl3 coupling agent enables to detect human antibodies to human IgA and IgM. Before any isoantigens could be defined with such antibodies, it was observed that anti-IgA was remarkably associated with anaphylactoid and urticarial reactions to transfusion of blood or its components containing biologically incompatible IgA. The chapter also discusses some studies focusing on human anti-IgA. Detection and specificity of anti-IgA is described, and clinical correlation with serologic specificity is elaborated. Immunoglobulin class of anti-IgA and roles of complement are also elaborated.
GBA1 mutations: Prospects for exosomal biomarkers in α-synuclein pathologies

The discovery that patients with Gaucher Disease (GD), a rare lysosomal storage disorder, were developing symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease (PD) led to investigation of the relationship between the two seemingly unrelated pathologies. GD, an autosomal recessive disorder, is the result of a biallelic mutation in the gene GBA1, which encodes for the enzyme glucocerebrosidase (GCase). Since the observation of its relation to PD, GBA1 mutations have become recognized as the most common genetic risk factor for development of synucleinopathies such as PD and dementia with Lewy bodies. Although the exact mechanism by which GBA1 mutations promote PD is unknown, current understanding suggests that impaired GCase inhibits lysosomal activity and decreases the overall ability of the cell to degrade proteins, specifically the neuronal protein α-synuclein. Decreased elimination of α-synuclein can lead to its abnormal accumulation and aggregation, an important component of PD development. Further understanding of how decreased GCase activity increases risk for α-synuclein pathology can assist with the development of clinical biomarkers for early detection of synucleinopathies, as well as promote novel treatments tailored for people with a GBA1 mutation. Historically, α-synuclein has not been a reliable biomarker for PD. However, recent research on α-synuclein content within exosomes, which are small vesicles released by cells that carry specific cellular cargo, has yielded encouraging results. Moreover, decreased GCase activity has been shown to influence exosomal contents. Exosomes have emerged as a promising new avenue for the identification of novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets aimed at improving neuronal GCase function and limiting the development of synucleinopathies.
Selectomic and Evolvability Analyses of the Highly Pathogenic Betacoronaviruses SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, and MERS-CoV

Abstract SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19, is widespread in several countries around the world following its late-2019 emergence in the human population. Rapid development of molecular diagnostic tests and subunit vaccines have been prioritized, and as such evaluating the SARS-CoV-2 genomic plasticity and evolutionary dynamics is an urgent need. We determined the SARS-CoV-2 selectome by calculating rates of pervasive and episodic diversifying selection for every amino acid coding position in the SARS-CoV-2 genome. To provide context for evolutionary dynamics of a highly pathogenic betacoronavirus following a zoonotic spillover into human hosts, we also determined the selectomes of SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, and performed evolvability calculations for SARS-CoV-2 based on SARS-CoV. These analyses identify the amino acid sites within each coding sequence that have been subjected to pervasive diversifying selection or episodic diversifying selection, and report significantly evolvable sites in the ORF1a polyprotein, the spike protein, and the membrane protein of SARS-CoV-2. These findings provide a comprehensive view of zoonotic, highly pathogenic betacoronavirus evolutionary dynamics that can be directly applied to diagnostic assay and vaccine design for SARS-CoV-2.
Preventing Cranial Wound Complications in Cancer Patients

Patients undergoing resection for intracranial neurosurgical tumors pose unique issues for the reconstructive team, and consideration needs to be given for not only the initial resection but also for possible future resections. A strong understanding of the anatomy of the overlying soft tissue is important to prevent ischemic complications. Patients undergoing re-operative cases are at higher risk for infections, wound dehiscence, and skin necrosis which all stem from decreased blood flow and tension in the scalp from prior scarring. The combination of poor nutrition, immunosuppressive agents, and radiation all pose specific risks to the postoperative patient which needs to be considered in the operative planning. Proper technique must be used to minimize tissue ischemia with appropriate planning of incisions, assessment of scalp perfusion, and management of the patient in the immediate postoperative period. In re-operative cases or high-risk patients, collaboration with a reconstructive surgeon is appropriate to achieve stable, well-vascularized soft tissue coverage over areas of concern.
The research of radiation dose of 18F-FDG to PET/CT related personnel

Objective To measure the personal radiation dose for medical staff in PET/CT center and to offer the reference data for clinical radiation protection. Methods Apply TLD methods to monitor the radiation workers’ dose of 2 PET/CT center in Shandong Province. Chest dosimeter for body, lens dosimeter for eyes and ring dosimeter for fingers during distribution and injection. Results Higher dose of the procedures are distribution, injection, positioning, drug preparation and scanning in descending order. Eye dose are 0.38 mSv/a and 0.27 mSv/a for distribution and injection; finger dose are 43.90 mSv/a and 17.75 mSv/a for distribution and injection. The average dose for one scanning can be calculated by workload. Conclusion Under the workload in the research, the doses received by staff members do not exceed the annual limit for professional persons. When the workload is dramatically higher per year, the dose may exceed the national radiation safety standards (GBSS) on occupational annual dose limit. Key words: Positron-emission tomography; Tomography, X-ray computed; Radiation dosage; Radiation protection; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18
Effects of Photonic Curing Processing Conditions on MAPbI3 Film Properties and Solar Cell Performance

Thermal annealing is the most used postdeposition materials processing method in laboratory research, but due to its slow speed and high energy cost, it is not compatible with the upscaling and com...
A Personalized History of Rotary Blood Pumps

Given the current state of sophistication and clinical acceptance of mechanical circulatory assist devices (MCAD’s), based on rotary blood pumps, it may be hard for those who did not live through the developmental years to imagine a time when even the suggestion of using rotary blood pumps to assist the failing ventricle was considered crazy and akin to clinical heresy. The technical barriers we faced were formidable; however, deeply entrenched mistaken paradigms regarding rotary blood pumps proved much more daunting to overcome. It took 30 years from the infancy of rotary blood pump technology to achieve acceptance as an effective device for the treatment of end-stage heart failure. To the best of my recollection, review of the literature and conversations with O. H. Frazier, Leonard Golding, and Kenneth Butler, this is what happened.
THC and CBD effects on alcohol use among alcohol and cannabis co-users.

OBJECTIVE Conflicting evidence exists regarding the effects of cannabis on alcohol consumption, with some studies suggesting that cannabis is a substitute for alcohol, whereas others suggest that cannabis complements alcohol, thereby increasing drinking. Cannabidiol (CBD) has shown preclinical promise in decreasing alcohol consumption. This study explores the effects of cannabis containing different potencies of CBD and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on alcohol consumption. METHOD In this naturalistic observational study, 120 cannabis and alcohol-using adults (mean age = 33.2 years, 39.2% female, 83.3% white) were assigned to use one of three legal-market cannabis strains (predominantly THC, predominantly CBD, and CBD + THC) ad libitum for 5 days. Timeline Followback data on drinking and cannabis use were collected at a baseline session pertaining to the 30 days prior to the ad libitum period, and data regarding alcohol and cannabis use during the 5-day period were collected at follow-up (FU), immediately following the 5-day period. RESULTS Regression models tested strain differences in drinking outcomes during the ad libitum period. Orthogonal contrast codes were created comparing the CBD group with the other two groups and comparing the THC group with the CBD + THC group. The CBD group drank fewer drinks per drinking day (p < .05), had fewer alcohol use days (p < .05), and fewer alcohol and cannabis co-use days (p < .05) compared with the other groups. No differences emerged between the THC and the CBD + THC group. CONCLUSIONS Cannabinoid content should be considered in studies of alcohol and cannabis co-use. Findings are consistent with preclinical work, suggesting that CBD may be associated with decreased alcohol consumption. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
Bacterial Transformations of Organic Sulfur Compounds in Marine Environments

Inputs of biogenic sulfur into the atmosphere from marine environments are largely organic, as dimethyl sulfide (DMS), in contrast to mainly inorganic contributions from terrestrial regions. DMS is photochemically oxidized in the troposphere to sulfate and methane sulfonic acid (MSA) which serve as nuclei for cloud formation, thereby affecting climate. DMS derives from the osmolyte dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) of some marine phytoplankton, macroalgae, and marsh grasses. Lesser amounts of DMS originate in transmethylation reactions with sulfide and methanethiol using methoxylated aromatic compounds, from lignin, as methyl donors. Marine plants directly liberate some DMS, but most is produced after release of DMSP into the environment by senescence, lysis, and zooplankton feeding and digestion. Bacteria that cleave DMS from DMSP function in oxic and anoxic environments. Net entry of DMS to the marine atmosphere is influenced by bacteria which demethylate DMSP or oxidize DMS. DMSP is sequentially demethylated to 3-methiolpropionate (MMPA) and 3-mercaptopropionate (MPA) in oxic and anoxic environments; bacteria also aerobically demethiolate MMPA to give methanethiol. DMS is aerobically oxidized by methylotrophic hyphomicrobia and autotrophic thiobacilli although isolates from marine environments have received little attention. In anoxic marine sediments, DMS is oxidized to CO2 during sulfate reduction and is also metabolized by methylotrophic methanogens. Understanding the environmental factors that regulate the fluxes of volatile organic sulfur compounds, most notably DMS, to the marine atmosphere requires more knowledge on the ecology and physiology of microorganisms that synthesize, transform, and degrade DMSP and DMS.
Emerging Trauma Therapies: Critical Analysis and Discussion of Three Novel Approaches

Trauma-related disorders and treatment have gained increasing attention in the last 3 decades, spurring the development of novel treatment approaches. Many of these are incorporated into clinical practice despite lacking a solid evidence base or unbiased analyses to facilitate interpretation of existing information. Although treatments might draw on elements from validated therapies, questions regarding the incremental efficacy of new approaches persist. Three novel therapies that might warrant further examination include energy psychology, yoga, and brainspotting. The emergence of novel, trauma-related therapies is examined, and the history, theory, practice, and evidence base of these 3 specific therapies are outlined. Directions for future work are discussed. Expositions such as this might serve as a helpful resource for clinicians seeking discernment regarding treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder.
Physician as teacher: promoting health and wellness among elementary school students.

Background: Every day, physicians engage in teaching during their patient encounters. It may be that medical students who are introduced to the principles of teaching and learning are more likely to become good communicators and learners. Service-learning may be an effective way for medical students to practice skills in teaching and communication in a real-world setting, while also filling a need within the community. The purpose of this study was to identify common themes within medical students' reflections on what they learned through participating in a teaching exercise with local elementary school children. Methods: As a required component of a longitudinal prevention and public health course that spans the first and second years of undergraduate medical education, second year students at the Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, in Detroit, Michigan, in the USA completed a service-learning activity, which included teaching a standardized curricular module to local elementary school children. Students were required to complete a reflection assignment based on their teaching experience. Medical students' responses to assignment's three guided questions were qualitatively coded to identify common themes among the responses related to the teaching activity. Results: Qualitative analysis of students' reflections revealed several themes regarding what the students learned and viewed as the benefits of the activity: The importance of early education and parental involvement; the importance of understanding your audience when teaching; the importance of simplifying complex concepts to the audience's level; and the importance of preparation for teaching. Medical students identified the difficulties of communicating at an audience appropriate level and providing patient education outside the confines of a controlled classroom setting. Discussion: This activity provided medical students with hands-on experience presenting to an audience age-appropriate, health-related topics. Presenting in an elementary school environment helped students better understand what health information various age groups knew about and the importance of clarifying information when communicating with a younger audience.
Frequency domain approach to robust l/sup p/ stability of a family of polynomials

The author provides necessary and sufficient conditions for robust stability of a family of polynomials with complex coefficients. This work generalizes a new frequency domain criterion for robust stability of continuous linear systems recently reported by Ya.Z. Tsypkin and B.T. Polyak. >
Analytical and Semi-Analytical Tools for the Design of Oscillatory Pumping Tests

Oscillatory pumping tests—in which flow is varied in a periodic fashion—provide a method for understanding aquifer heterogeneity that is complementary to strategies such as slug testing and constant-rate pumping tests. During oscillatory testing, pressure data collected at non-pumping wells can be processed to extract metrics, such as signal amplitude and phase lag, from a time series. These metrics are robust against common sensor problems (including drift and noise) and have been shown to provide information about aquifer heterogeneity. Field implementations of oscillatory pumping tests for characterization, however, are not common and thus there are few guidelines for their design and implementation. Here, we use available analytical solutions from the literature to develop design guidelines for oscillatory pumping tests, while considering practical field constraints. We present two key analytical results for design and analysis of oscillatory pumping tests. First, we provide methods for choosing testing frequencies and flow rates which maximize the signal amplitude that can be expected at a distance from an oscillating pumping well, given design constraints such as maximum/minimum oscillator frequency and maximum volume cycled. Preliminary data from field testing helps to validate the methodology. Second, we develop a semi-analytical method for computing the sensitivity of oscillatory signals to spatially distributed aquifer flow parameters. This method can be quickly applied to understand the ‘‘sensed’’ extent of an aquifer at a given testing frequency. Both results can be applied given only bulk aquifer parameter estimates, and can help to optimize design of oscillatory pumping test campaigns.
Crowdteaching: Supporting Teaching as Designing in Collective Intelligence Communities

The widespread availability of high-quality Web-based content offers new potential for supporting teachers as designers of curricula and classroom activities. When coupled with a participatory Web culture and infrastructure, teachers can share their creations as well as leverage from the best that their peers have to offer to support a collective intelligence or crowdsourcing community, which we dub crowdteaching. We applied a collective intelligence framework to characterize crowdteaching in the context of a Web-based tool for teachers called the Instructional Architect (IA). The IA enables teachers to find, create, and share instructional activities (called IA projects) for their students using online learning resources. These IA projects can further be viewed, copied, or adapted by other IA users. This study examines the usage activities of two samples of teachers, and also analyzes the characteristics of a subset of their IA projects. Analyses of teacher activities suggest that they are engaging in crowdteaching processes. Teachers, on average, chose to share over half of their IA projects, and copied some directly from other IA projects. Thus, these teachers can be seen as both contributors to and consumers of crowdteaching processes. In addition, IA users preferred to view IA projects rather than to completely copy them. Finally, correlational results based on an analysis of the characteristics of IA projects suggest that several easily computed metrics (number of views, number of copies, and number of words in IA projects) can act as an indirect proxy of instructionally relevant indicators of the content of IA projects.
Dynamic allocation in a labor-managed firm☆

Abstract An optimal control approach yields improved insights into investment and employment decisions of internally financed labor-managed firms. The optimal path to the steady state is solved and comparative statics on the steady state are compared with results on the internally financed profit-maximizing twin. A tradeoff between current and future utility is stressed. Together, these studies provide new perspectives on the controversial Illyrian allocational responses, as well as new dynamic results.
Definition of the 5' and 3' ends of transcripts of the ovalbumin gene.

Abstract We present data which map the 5′ and 3′ ends of transcripts of the natural ovalbumin gene. First, hybridization of radiolabeled 5′ and 3′ fragments of the gene to oviduct nuclear RNA which had been electrophoresed in agarose gels and transferred to DBM paper localized the 5′ and 3′ ends of precursor molecules and demonstrated that the largest ovalbumin RNA molecules detectable by this method (∼7.8 kb) were similar in size to the ovalbumin natural gene. Second, hybridization of end-labeled probes to oviduct nuclear RNA followed by digestion with S1 nuclease and analysis on polyacrylamide gels mapped more precisely the 5′ and 3′ ends of the precursor molecules, and these termini were coincident with the beginning and end of the structural sequence of the natural gene. These results suggest that the 7.8 kb precursor is likely to be the primary transcript of the ovalbumin gene.
Dynamics of status symbols and social complexity

In this article, a symbolic version of the Simmel effect has been explored via computer simulation. The Simmel effect refers to the dynamics of status symbols in hierarchically ordered societies. This phenomenon was highlighted by the sociologist Georg Simmel, when he attempted to explain the rapid diffusion and decline of fashion. Simmel hypothesized that the instability of fashion results from the combined action of imitation of higher status members and distinction from those belonging to lower statuses. To test Simmel’s hypothesis, the authors implemented a simulation model: the symbolic Simmel model (SySM), wherein a set of artificial agents hierarchically ordered apply in different combination the rules of imitation and distinction in the common task of sharing symbols. The findings support the view that the Simmel condition allows for a variable or unstable fate of symbols: The success of status symbols starts to decline as soon as they become dominant.
Emotional dysregulation: association with coping-oriented marijuana use motives among current marijuana users.

The present investigation, conducted between 2005 and 2006, examined the relation between emotion dysregulation and motives for marijuana use among 136 (71 women; Mage = 20.61 years) young adult ma...
Of Animals and Objects: Men’s Implicit Dehumanization of Women and Likelihood of Sexual Aggression

Although dehumanizing women and male sexual aggression are theoretically aligned, the present research provides the first direct support for this assumption, using the Implicit Association Test to assess two forms of female dehumanization: animalization and objectification. In Study 1, men who automatically associated women more than men with primitive constructs (e.g., animals, instinct, nature) were more willing to rape and sexually harass women, and to report negative attitudes toward female rape victims. In Study 2, men who automatically associated women with animals (e.g., animals, paw, snout) more than with humans scored higher on a rape-behavioral analogue, as well as rape proclivity. Automatically objectifying women by associating them with objects, tools, and things was also positively correlated with men's rape proclivity. In concert, the research demonstrates that men who implicitly dehumanize women (as either animals or objects) are also likely to sexually victimize them.
A NEW APPROACH TO THE DESIGN OF EFFECTIVE TREATMENT FOR NEUROBLASTOMA

The reliability of the C1300 murine neuroblastoma system was evaluated as a screening model for new approaches to the treatment of the childhood disease. Histopathologic and electron microscopic cytochemical studies showed the presence of catecholamine-like granules within cytoplasmic extensions;this supports the neural origin of the neoplasm. Tumor cell kinetic evaluations demonstrated a doubling time in vivo of 1.3 days and an autoradiographic study of the generation time in vivo revealed a Ts:Tc ratio of 0.38. Drug toxicity and chemotherapy trials were conducted in A/J mice using three different regimens of antitumor agents (single, daily and intermittent). The known effectiveness of various schedules of cyclophosphamide in humans were reproduced in animals with palpable disease. Adriamycin, guanazole and cytosine arabinoside were identified as agents of potential activity for children with neuroblastoma. Bleomycin, 5-azacytidine, 5-fluorouracil, bleomycin-vincristine combination and 6-hydroxydopamine therapy were inactive in the doses and regimens used. The usual animal tumor systems have not been helpful in the design of clinical trials for children. The biological properties of the murine neuroblastoma model suggest that it may identify effective drug regimens for patients with widespread disease.
Value of Computer Analysis of Exercise Thallium Images in the Noninvasive Detection of Coronary Artery Disease

WHEN a patient presents with either chest pain or an abnormal electrocardiogram, coronary artery disease (CAD) is suspected. Thallium imaging with exercise is performed frequently at this point to confirm whether CAD is present. 1-13 This test provides numerous scintigraphic and nonscintigraphic data, which are usually provided to the physician separately in an unsystematic way. The physician must subjectively integrate the individual results and then decide about the presence of CAD. This decision may be difficult when the data in an individual are discordant regarding the presence or absence of CAD. If the presence of any abnormality is used to diagnose CAD, sensitivity is maximized at the expense of specificity. If the presence of multiple abnormalities is required, specificity is maximized at the expense of sensitivity. To study this problem, we analyzed 196 patients with no previous myocardial infarction who had undergone thallium imaging with exercise and cardiac catheterization. Patients
MAGNETIC COLLIMATION AND MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMIC KINK INSTABILITY DRIVEN BY DIFFERENTIAL ROTATION

We investigate the launching and stability of extragalactic jets through magnetohydrodynamic simulations of jet evolution. In these simulations, a small scale equilibrium magnetic corona is twisted by a differentially rotating accretion disk. Two-dimensional calculations show the formation of a collimated outflow. This outflow is divided into two regions by the Alfven surface: a magnetically dominated Poynting region, and a kinetically dominated region. Three-dimensional calculations show that the outflow is unstable to the m = 1 kink instability, and that the growth rate of the kink instability decreases as the rotation rate of the accretion disk increases.
Volume-regulated anion conductance in cultured rat cerebral astrocytes requires calmodulin activity.

We examined the calmodulin dependence of anion channel activation during hypo-osmotic swelling in rat cerebral astrocytes. Control cells bathed in iso-osmotic (290 mOsm) phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and recorded using a patch electrode containing 140 mM KCl increased membrane conductance threefold over basal levels after 12 min in hypo-osmotic (200 mOsm) PBS. Cells injected with monoclonal anticalmodulin antibody demonstrated no increase in membrane conductance during a subsequent exposure to hypo-osmotic PBS. In contrast, cells iontophoretically injected with monoclonal antiglial fibrillary acidic protein antibody or with anticalmodulin antibody absorbed with an excess of free calmodulin demonstrated an increase in conductance during hypo-osmotic exposure similar to that of control cells. Conductance in iso-osmotic conditions was unchanged by antibody injection. Similar results were obtained when using patch electrode and bath solutions containing chloride as the only cell permeant ion, indicating a calmodulin-dependent anion current is activated with this degree of hypo-osmotic treatment. Western blots confirmed the specificity of the anticalmodulin and antiglial fibrillary acidic protein antibodies used in this study for proteins of 17 and 51 kD, respectively. In addition, in vitro studies demonstrated inhibition of the calmodulin-dependent activation of phosphodiesterase by the anticalmodulin antibody. Thus, binding of this antibody to calmodulin causes functional inhibition of calmodulin activity. No change in the intensity or cellular distribution of calmodulin immunostaining was observed during 30 min of hypo-osmotic exposure. However, increased immunostaining for activated calmodulin kinase IIα was observed after 10 min of hypo-osmotic exposure, suggesting initiation of calmodulin-dependent processes by cell swelling. The data indicate calmodulin activity is critical for activation of volume-regulated anion channels in rat cerebral astrocytes. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Urothelial carcinoma of the bladder with choriocarcinomatous differentiation: A report of two cases and review of the literature

Urothelial carcinoma with choriocarcinomatous differentiation is a rare morphologic variant of bladder cancer, and only a limited number of cases have been reported. We present two cases of bladder cancer with choriocarcinomatous features that had different outcomes. The clinical and pathologic features are reviewed to better understand the natural history of this malignant neoplasm. The histologic features of the tumor were compared between the two cases. Immunoperoxidase staining was performed on the tumor cells with polyclonal beta human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) antibody. A comprehensive literature search revealed an additional 25 confirmed cases, which are summarized in this presentation. Of the 27 patients, only 3 patients were reported to be alive without evidence of disease after treatment. The majority presented with invasive tumors and had a mean survival of 12 months after diagnosis. Chemotherapy, radiation, or radical surgery in advanced stages did not improve survival. Choriocarcinoma in visceral organs usually occurs with high-grade carcinomas and we believe that it is best considered dedifferentiation of the tumor. Urothelial carcinoma with choriocarcinomatous differentiation is an extremely aggressive tumor, and in the rare patient with early stage disease and normal to moderately elevated serum β-hCG levels, long-term survival can be achieved with radical surgery.
Color harmony: New applications of existing concepts

There is a continuing need in the arts for practical applications of color theories. Many existing color-harmony theories can be grouped into two categories: those based on complementary color relationships and those based on a common color denominator. Publication of Ellen Marx's book, Optical Color and Simultaneity, makes new applications of complementary harmony possible, while the existence of the OSA Uniform Color Scales samples makes possible new applications of common denominator as well as complementary color theories.
A polynomial-time algorithm for computing disjoint lightpath pairs in minimum isolated-failure-immune WDM optical networks

A fundamental problem in survivable routing in wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) optical networks is the computation of a pair of link-disjoint (or node-disjoint) lightpaths connecting a source with a destination, subject to the wavelength continuity constraint. However, this problem is NP-hard when the underlying network topology is a general mesh network. As a result, heuristic algorithms and integer linear programming (ILP) formulations for solving this problem have been proposed. In this paper, we advocate the use of 2-edge connected (or 2-node connected) subgraphs of minimum isolated failure immune networks as the underlying topology for WDM optical networks. We present a polynomial-time algorithm for computing a pair of link-disjoint lightpaths with shortest total length in such networks. The running time of our algorithm is O(nW2), where n is the number of nodes, and W is the number of wavelengths per link. Numerical results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness and scalability of our algorithm. Extension of our algorithm to the node-disjoint case is straightforward.
Mitogen-activated protein kinase activates human placental lactogen-B enhancer by an NF-IL6-dependent pathway.

Computer analysis of the human placental lactogen-B (hPL-B) enhancer reveals two putative binding sites for the transcription factor NF-IL6, but the role of NF-IL6 in the regulation of the enhancer is unknown. Using gel mobility shift and supershift assays, we demonstrated that NF-IL6 binds to both enhancer sites. Transient transfection studies indicated that the transcription factor NF-IL6 stimulates hPL-B enhancer activity by 4.4-fold in primary cultures of human trophoblast cells and by 32.0-and 8.4-fold in JAR and BeWo choriocarcinoma cells, respectively. Overexpression of MEK (mitogen-activated protein [MAP] kinase kinase), which is known to stimulate phosphorylation of NF-IL6, induced a 3.6-fold increase in hPL-B enhancer activity. The induction by MEK was completely inhibited by an expression plasmid for a dominant/negative mutant of NF-IL6 or by mutation of the NF-IL6 binding sites on the enhancer. PD98059, an inhibitor of MEK, inhibited hPL release from cultured trophoblast cells by about 50%. Taken togeher, these results indicate that MAP kinase stimulates the hPL-B enhancer by an NF-IL-6-dependent pathway.
Subroutine for rapidly converging computation of equilibrium concentrations for dehydrogenase systems

Abstract A subroutine allowing the rapid computation of equilibrium concentrations for an enzyme system involving eight components in equilibrium is described. Four components are free and bound enzyme, the remaining four components are unbound forms of substrate and coenzyme. The reaction system is cyclic, containing four bimolecular steps with no assumption of buffering by any of the non-enzymatic components in the system. The enzyme concentration is not assumed to be so small that corrections due to various enzyme complexes may be neglected. The cyclic character of the reaction system allows the computation of temporary equilibrium concentrations via a quadratic equation. Temporary equilibrium concentrations of the various forms of enzyme are computed from “temporary” analytical concentrations of enzyme, which asymptotically reach the true analytical concentration of enzyme. The precision of the computation is a function of the magnitude of the overall equilibrium constant of the system.
Photosynthesis genes in marine viruses yield proteins during host infection

Proteorhodopsin genes were discovered, as DNA fragments in sea water, long before anybody knew what organisms they came from. They encode light-dependent proton pumps that are thought to have a central role in ocean ecology by supplying the energy for microbial metabolism, and now the intact proteorhodopsin system has been tracked down. It is found in SAR11, one of the most abundant organisms on the planet. SAR11, recently renamed Pelagibacter ubique, was synonymous with uncultured microbial diversity until it was first cultured in 2002. These organisms have proteorhodopsin proton pumps and have the odd (for a light-gatherer) ability to grow equally as well in the dark as in the light. SAR11 is out there in the oceans competing with the likes of cyanobacteria for a niche amongst the bacterioplankton. Now it seems that the cyanobacteria may have outside assistance. Viruses (or phages) that infect the ubiquitous cyanobacteria Prochlorococcus do more than just use their DNA to force the host to make more phage. The viral genome contains photosynthesis genes, possibly captured from cyanobacterial hosts long ago. These encode proteins that combine with host photosynthetic machinery to ensure that the host provides the phage with the energy necessary to produce phage progeny. Cyanobacteria, and the viruses (phages) that infect them, are significant contributors to the oceanic ‘gene pool’1,2. This pool is dynamic, and the transfer of genetic material between hosts and their phages3,4,5,6 probably influences the genetic and functional diversity of both. For example, photosynthesis genes of cyanobacterial origin have been found in phages that infect Prochlorococcus5,7 and Synechococcus8,9, the numerically dominant phototrophs in ocean ecosystems. These genes include psbA, which encodes the photosystem II core reaction centre protein D1, and high-light-inducible (hli) genes. Here we show that phage psbA and hli genes are expressed during infection of Prochlorococcus and are co-transcribed with essential phage capsid genes, and that the amount of phage D1 protein increases steadily over the infective period. We also show that the expression of host photosynthesis genes declines over the course of infection and that replication of the phage genome is a function of photosynthesis. We thus propose that the phage genes are functional in photosynthesis and that they may be increasing phage fitness by supplementing the host production of these proteins.
Corticosteroid treatment for measles encephalitis

Summary The effectiveness of corticosteroid therapy in measles encephalitis was observed in a clinical study of 38 patients; 32 of these comprised a controlled study group. There was no apparent benefit related to corticosteroid therapy. There were 2 deaths; each of these patients received corticosteroid therapy.
Using the Health Belief Model to test factors affecting patient retention in diabetes-related pharmaceutical care services.

Abstract Background Diabetes is one of the deadliest and most costly diseases. Attrition rates among patients in diabetes management programs may preclude optimal success. Theoretical models, such as the Health Belief Model, may be useful for identifying factors responsible for patients' continued enrollment in such programs. Objectives (1) To design and test a reliable and valid survey instrument for assessing patients' perceptions of diabetes-related pharmaceutical care services. (2) To determine factors affecting patient retention in pharmaceutical care services. Methods This cross-sectional exploratory study used convenience sampling to survey type 1 and 2 diabetes patients receiving pharmaceutical care at 25 Eckerd Pharmacy sites in Florida. Survey items were designed using constructs from the Health Belief Model. Reliability (Cronbach's alpha) and validity (exploratory factor analysis) were assessed. Independent t tests, Pearson's correlation coefficients, and multiple regression analysis were conducted. Results Seventy usable surveys were returned (47%). In the absence of pharmaceutical care, patients felt susceptible to at least one of 8 diabetes-related conditions (hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, diabetic foot infections, eye problems, cardiovascular risks, blood pressure problems, cholesterol problems, and kidney diseases). For these conditions, about 48% to 95% of patients perceived that their threat had reduced because of pharmaceutical care. Accordingly, more than half perceived the services as beneficial, with counseling for blood sugar monitoring rated as the most beneficial. All respondents rated the services as helpful, and 64 intended to continue regular utilization. Overall helpfulness of the service and patient retention were positively correlated ( r =0.33, P R 2 =0.22, P R 2 =0.41, P Conclusion Two key constructs of the Health Belief Model influence use of diabetes-related pharmaceutical care services: perceived susceptibility and threat reduction. In an effort to increase patient retention, pharmacists need to assess patient perceptions and structure their services to address patient perceptions and concerns.
On the arithmetic of Siegel-Hilbert cuspforms : Petersson inner products and Fourier coefficients

The latter is a sort of 'L-indistinguishability' result concerning the (presumably transcendental) Petersson norms-squared of Hecke eigenfunctions. The general assertion is essential in discussion of special values of L-functions obtained as inner products. Incidental to the proof of this fact, we obtain a very short proof of the important (known) result that the space of holomorphic cuspforms of such weight and with respect to a principal congruence subyroup is spanned by those with rational Fourier coefficients (for weights as above). Rather than starting from the theory of canonical models, we begin with consideration of the arithmetic of the Fourier coefficients of Siegel's Eisenstein series: this is a relatively elementary issue, amenable to direct calculation (although, ironically, the best reference currently available seems to be [H3], wherein canonical models results are invoked). By contrast, previous proofs of results concerning rationality properties of Fourier coefficients have relied essentially upon the theory of canonical models: the paradigms are the two papers [Sh2] and [Sh3] of Shimura, which depend upon the sequence of his papers culminating in [Shl] which developed the necessary theory of canonical models.
Non-Invasive Ultrasonic Interrogation of Dense Slurries

Staff at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has developed a compact, non-invasive, ultrasonic interrogation technique to characterize fluid or dense slurry during pipeline transport or in process vessels during mixing or settling. The ultrasonic transducers are mounted directly on the outside of the process container or pipe spool piece so the pipe or vessel wall becomes part of the measurement system. The transducers are pulsed to measure the density, speed of sound, and attenuation of the signal which penetrates the pipe wall and through the slurry. These signals are analyzed to determine fluid density, solids concentration, and track changes in particle size. Analysis of multiple signal reflections provides increased measurement sensitivity.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
A critical literature review on the processing of table olives

About 20% of the fruits of olive trees are used for producing table olives, but the literature on the lipid composition of extracted table olives is limited and controversial. Although, the composition of olive oils extracted from various sources has been extensively reported, excessive efforts have been devoted on the use of undefined chemometric methods requiring sophisticated statistical techniques. More reliable and sensitive chemical methods are required to analyze oils from different olive preparations, including widely ranging polyunsaturated fatty acids that affect significantly the oxidative stability of the extracted oils.
Binding of Disaccharides by Peanut Agglutinin as Studied by Ultraviolet Difference Spectroscopy

The binding of the disaccharides methyl β-d-lactoside and 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-3-O-(β-d-galactopyranosyl)- β-dD-galactopyranose [β-d-Gal-(l3)-d-GalNAc] to peanut agglutinin was studied by ultraviolet difference spectroscopy. The magnitude of the difference spectra varied with the concentration of the carbohydrates; association constants and thermodynamic parameters were determined from titration experiments at different temperatures. The enthalpy and entropy changes for binding of methyl β-d-lactoside were found to be ΔH°= -65 ± 4 kJ mol−1, ΔSdeg; =−156 ± 14 J mol−1 K−1. For β-dD-Gal- (13)-d-Gal NAc the observed thermodynamic parameters were ΔH°=−78 ± kJ mol−1, ΔS°=−177 ± 16 J mol−1 K−1. For both disaccharides, the enthalpy change upon binding to the lectin is much larger than that found for the binding of methyl α- and β-d-galactopyranosides, strongly suggesting the existence of an extended binding site on peanut agglutinin. The observed parameters are compared with those found for the binding of monosaccharides and oligosaccharides to other lectins and to lysozymc. Molecular models of the minimum energy conformers of β-GaI-(13)-d-GalNAc and methyl β-d-Iactoside are used to interpret the interaction of these, and structurally related ligands, with the peanut agglutinin binding site.
Cervical funneling: effect on gestational length and ultrasound-indicated cerclage in high-risk women.

Objective The purpose of this study was to assess funnel type and pregnancy duration in women with previous spontaneous preterm birth and cervical length Study Design We performed a secondary analysis of a multicenter randomized trial of cerclage. At the randomization scan that documented short cervix, the presence and type of funnel (U or V) were recorded. Results One hundred forty-seven of 301 women (49%) had funneling: V-shaped funnel, 99 women; U-shaped funnel, 48 women. U-shaped funnel was associated significantly with preterm birth at Conclusion U-shaped funnels in high-risk women with a short cervix are associated with earlier birth.
The effects of progesterone pretreatment on the response to oral d-amphetamine in Women

Stimulant abuse continues to be a problem, particularly for women. There is increasing preclinical and clinical evidence showing that the hormone progesterone attenuates the behavioral effects of cocaine, and this effect is primarily observed in females. The purpose of the present study was to determine if progesterone would also alter the behavioral effects of another stimulant, oral d-amphetamine (AMPH) in women. Eighteen normal non-drug abusing women completed eight outpatient sessions over two menstrual cycles. During the follicular phase of each cycle, women were administered AMPH (0, 10, 20 mg); in one cycle they were pretreated with oral micronized progesterone (200 mg) and in another cycle they were pretreated with placebo progesterone. Each session, participants completed a range of tasks including subjective measures of abuse liability, cognitive performance tasks, and behavioral measures of impulsivity and risk-taking. AMPH produced dose-related increases in positive subjective effects and these effects were enhanced by progesterone pretreatment. AMPH alone, or in combination with progesterone, had little effect on performance or behavioral measures of impulsivity. These results are in contrast with previous studies showing that progesterone attenuates the subjective response to cocaine and nicotine. Additional studies are needed to explore the modulatory role of progesterone on the effects of AMPH to determine whether progesterone has any clinical utility for AMPH abuse.