cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Community Advantage and Individual Self-Efficacy Promote Disaster Preparedness: A Multilevel Model among Persons with Disabilities

Disaster preparedness initiatives are increasingly focused on building community resilience. Preparedness research has correspondingly shifted its attention to community-level attributes that can support a community’s capacity to respond to and recover from disasters. While research at the community level is integral to building resilience, it may not address the specific barriers and motivators to getting individuals prepared. In particular, people with disabilities are vulnerable to disasters, yet research suggests that they are less likely to engage in preparedness behaviors. Limited research has examined what factors influence their ability to prepare, with no studies examining both the individual and community characteristics that impact these behaviors. Multilevel modeling thus offers a novel contribution that can assess both levels of influence. Using Los Angeles County community survey data from the Public Health Response to Emergent Threats Survey and the Healthy Places Index, we examined how social cognitive and community factors influence the relationship between disability and preparedness. Results from hierarchical linear regression models found that participants with poor health and who possessed activity limitations engaged in fewer preparedness behaviors. Self-efficacy significantly mediated the relationship between self-rated health and disaster preparedness. Living in a community with greater advantages, particularly with more advantaged social and housing attributes, reduced the negative association between poor self-rated health and preparedness. This study highlights the importance of both individual and community factors in influencing people with disabilities to prepare. Policy and programming should therefore be two-fold, both targeting self-efficacy as a proximal influence on preparedness behaviors and also addressing upstream factors related to community advantage that can create opportunities to support behavioral change while bolstering overall community resilience.
Stakeholder-Guided Formation of a Statewide Community Pharmacy Practice-Based Research Network.

Community pharmacies across the United States are forming clinically integrated networks (CINs) to facilitate the provision of patient-centered care. These networks need to continually innovate and demonstrate how their patient care services positively impact health outcomes. One way to do this is to develop a practice-based research network (PBRN) in partnership with existing CINs to perform robust outcome evaluations. The objective of this study was to learn pharmacists’ opinions on participating in research to facilitate the formation of a community pharmacy PBRN in Pennsylvania. A 20-item survey gathered information on pharmacists’ research interests, perceived benefits of research participation, and preferences on communication and patient engagement. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were used to analyze quantitative data. Seventy-three participants completed the survey, with 47% representing independent pharmacies. The majority (96%) were interested in research opportunities and 86% believed improving workflow and patient care was the most valuable benefit. Eighty percent of pharmacists reported it is very important to demonstrate that pharmacists care about making patients’ health better. Connecting pharmacists with other health care providers was reported as very important by 75% of respondents. Pharmacists reported face-to-face communication (76%) as their preferred way to approach patients about research and 72% supported using student pharmacists to assist with patient engagement. The results from this study can inform others who are structuring processes and developing communication strategies for community pharmacy PBRNs, particularly in partnership with CINs.
Intraoperative core temperature and infectious complications after colorectal surgery: A registry analysis.

Abstract Study objective Moderate hypothermia (e.g., 34.5 °C) causes surgical site infections, but it remains unknown whether mild hypothermia (34.6 °C–35.9 °C) causes infection. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between intraoperative time-weighted average core temperature and a composite of serious wound and systemic infections in adults having colorectal surgery over a range of near-normal temperatures. Design Retrospective, single center study. Setting The operating rooms of the Cleveland Clinic Foundation from January 2005 to December 2014. Patients Adult patients having colorectal surgery at least 1 h in length who received both general anesthesia and esophageal core temperature monitoring. Intervention(s) Time weighted average intraoperative core temperature. Measurements Our primary outcome was a composite of serious infections obtained from a surgical registry and billing codes. Average intraoperative esophageal temperatures and the composite of serious 30-day complications were assessed with logistic regression, adjusted for potential confounding factors. Main results A total of 7908 patients were included in the analysis. A 0.5 °C decrease in time-weighted average intraoperative core temperature ≤ 35.4 °C was associated with an increased odds of serious infection (OR = 1.38, P = .045); that is, hypothermia below 35.4 °C progressively worsened infection risk. Additionally, at higher core temperatures, the odds of serious infection increased slightly with each 0.5 °C increase in average temperature (OR = 1.10, P = .047). Conclusions Below 35.5 °C, hypothermia was associated with increased risk of serious infectious complications. Why composite complications increased at higher temperatures remains unclear, but the highest temperatures may reflect febrile patients who had pre-existing infections. Avoiding time-weighted average core temperatures
Synergistic single process additive manufacturing of hydro-responsive Ag nanoparticle composites by digital visible light processing 3D printing

Single unit process fabrication of a responsive Ag nanoparticle (NP) chemical hydrogel composite is achieved through digital visible light processing (DLP) 3D printing of a self-assembled nanostructured (multilamellar) resin doped with Ag(I). The In situ production of plasmonic Ag NPs synergistically enhances structural fidelity (resolution) of the 3D builds, acting as optical absorbers to control depth of light penetration. The storage modulus (stiffness) of the Ag NP hydrogel increases up to a factor of 3 compared to the hydrogel alone. The multiscale architected composite contains nanoscale features that augment the DLP generated geometry and microscale features and displays reversible changes in the collective Ag NP plasmon resonance. This work lays the foundation for the realization of multi-scale, multi-constituent, multi-functional materials through additive manufacturing.
Impacts of leaf removal and shoot thinning on cumulative daily light intensity and thermal time and their cascading effects of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) berry and wine chemistry in warm climates.

Abstract Leaf removal (LR), shoot thinning (ST) and their combination (LRST) are known to increase berry solar exposure affecting berry composition and consequently improving wine quality and antioxidant properties. We hypothesized that LR, ST or their combination (LRST) would affect flavonoid content during berry ripening by means of changes of the berry microclimate (light and temperature) as well as wine composition, quality, and antioxidant properties. Thermal time and sum of light intensity thresholds were different to achieve the maximum berry anthocyanin and flavonol contents. ST mostly affected wine characteristics by increasing alcoholic content, acidity, hue and phenolic substances. Wine antioxidant capacity decreased in ST wines likely by decreases in catechin and quercetin contents. ST and LRST increased proanthocyanidin polymerization and decreased monomeric flavan-3-ols, which may reduce wine bitterness and enhance astringency. Therefore, the management of canopy should take into account the warming trends in viticulture regions, rather than being applied preemptively.
Challenges in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Research and Clinical Oncology.

Disparities are common and well-known in the field of clinical oncology and cancer research. In patient care, poor access and a number of other factors disadvantage patients and this can lead to inadequate screening, prevention or treatment of cancer and poor patient outcomes. World-wide, socioeconomic status, health care expenditures and a number of other challenges contribute to disparities in cancer care and patient outcomes. Access to cancer clinical trials remains inadequate for underrepresented minorities as well as non-white racial and ethnic groups. There are also disparities and many challenges in the biomedical research enterprise that can limit innovation and that must be addressed as part of active interventions.
Perceptions of the Virtual Neurosurgery Application Cycle During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic: A Program Director Survey.

Objective The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to a shift to virtual residency interviews for the 2020–2021 neurosurgery match, with unknown implications for stakeholders. This study seeks to analyze the perceptions of residency program directors (PDs) and associate program directors (APDs) regarding the current virtual format used for residency selection and interviews. Methods An anonymous, 30-question survey was constructed and sent to 115 neurosurgery PDs and 26 APDs to assess respondent demographics, factors used to review applicants, perceptions of applicants and applicant engagement, perceptions of standardized letters and interview questions, the effect of the virtual interview format on various stakeholders, and the future outlook for the virtual residency interview format. Results A total of 38 PDs and APDs completed this survey, constituting a response rate of 27.0%. Survey respondents received significantly more Electronic Residency Application Service applications in the 2020–2021 cycle compared with the 2019-2020 cycle (P = 0.0029). Subinternship performance by home-rotators, (26.3%), letters of recommendation (23.7%), and Step 1 score (18.4%) were ranked as the most important factors for evaluating candidates during the current virtual application cycle. Conclusions Our study highlights that applicants applied to a greater number of residency programs compared with years prior, that the criteria used by PDs/APDs to evaluate applicants remained largely consistent compared to previous years, and that the virtual residency interview format may disproportionately disadvantage Doctor of Osteopathic medicine and international medical graduate applicants. Further exploring attitudes toward signaling mechanisms and standardized letters may serve to inform changes to future neurosurgery match cycles.
Flow cytometry evaluation of in vitro cellular necrosis and apoptosis induced by silver nanoparticles.

Particles possess unique properties in the nanoscale, e.g., enhanced catalytic activity, high surface area, and light emission/absorption properties, that might result in interference with colorimetric in vitro cytotoxicity assays such as MTT, XTT or MTS. Alternatively, assays that do not use spectrophotometric detection, such as trypan blue exclusion or flow cytometry (FC) based assays, are less likely to be influenced by nanoparticle interference. The aim of this study was to evaluate FC assays to assess the cytotoxicity of three different sizes (10, 100, or 200 nm) of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) at different mass concentrations (1, 25, or 50 ug/ml) in L-929 fibroblast cells. After 4 h and 24 h exposure, cell necrosis and apoptosis were assessed using 7-AAD and Annexin V dyes, respectively, with FC. The data indicate that cell necrosis and apoptosis in AgNP-exposed fibroblasts depends on dose, exposure time, and AgNP size. The data indicate that AgNPs produced a dose- and time-dependent decrease in cell viability; however, 10 nm AgNPs were significantly more toxic than larger-sized particles. Thus, standard FC assays can be utilized to assess apoptosis and necrosis in response to nanomaterial exposure.
Envisioning a Lasallian Online Pedagogy: Twelve Virtues of a Good Teacher in a Digital Environment

This paper examines the question, “How do we remain true to our Lasallian pedagogy when teaching online?” To answer the question, focus groups applied online teaching strategies to “The Twelve Virtues of a Good Master” (Agathon, 1785) which are seminal to Lasallian teaching practices. Practical applications are given for each of the virtues: gravity, silence, humility, prudence, wisdom, patience, reserve, gentleness, zeal, vigilance, and piety.
IL-4 induced MUC4 enhancement in respiratory epithelial cells in vitro is mediated through JAK-3 selective signaling

Recent studies have identified MUC4 mucin as a ligand for activation of ErbB2, a receptor tyrosine kinase that modulates epithelial cell proliferation following epithelial damage in airways of asthmatics. In this study, we investigated the potential role of IL-4, one of the Th2 inflammatory cytokines persistent in asthmatic airways, in regulating MUC4 expression using a cell line NCI-H650. Real time PCR analysis was performed to determine concentration and time dependent effects of IL-4 upon MUC4 expression. Nuclear run on experiments were carried out to explore potential transcriptional modulation. Western blotting experiments using a monoclonal antibody specific to ASGP-2 domain of MUC4 were performed to analyze MUC4 glycoprotein levels in plasma membrane fractions. To analyze potential signal transduction cascades, IL-4 treated confluent cultures were co-incubated, separately with a pan-JAK inhibitor, a JAK-3 selective inhibitor or a MEK-1, 2 (MAPK) inhibitor at various concentrations before MUC4 transcript analysis. Corresponding transcription factor activation was tested by western blotting using a monoclonal p-STAT-6 antibody. MUC4 levels increased in a concentration and time specific fashion reaching peak expression at 2.5 ng/ml and 8 h. Nuclear run on experiments revealed transcriptional enhancement. Corresponding increases in MUC4 glycoprotein levels were observed in plasma membrane fractions. Pan-JAK inhibitor revealed marked reduction in IL-4 stimulated MUC4 levels and JAK3 selective inhibitor down-regulated MUC4 mRNA expression in a concentration-dependent fashion. In accordance with the above observations, STAT-6 activation was detected within 5 minutes of IL-4 stimulus. No effect in MUC4 levels was observed on using a MAPK inhibitor. These observations signify a potential role for IL-4 in MUC4 up-regulation in airway epithelia.
Error bounds for R 0 -type and monotone nonlinear complementarity problems

The paper generalizes the Mangasarian–Ren (Ref. 1) error bounds forlinear complementarity problems (LCPs) to nonlinear complementarity problems(NCPs). This is done by extending the concept of R0-matrixto several R0-type functions, which include a subset ofmonotone functions as a special case. Both local and global error bounds areobtained for R0-type NCPs and some monotone NCPs.
Growth and metabolic activities of developing wings and legs of the chick embryo. I. Establishment of multiplicative growth rates on the basis of desoxyribosenucleic acid.

Abstract 1. 1. The multiplicative growth rates of wings and legs of 5- to 12-day chick embryos were calculated on the basis of desoxyribosenucleic acid (DNA) which was extracted according to Schneider's method and estimated with Dische's diphenylamine reagent. 2. 2. The overall average and range of DNA content per million nuclei were the same for the legs and the wings. 3. 3. On a semi-logarithmic scale, the increases in DNA and wet weight showed a linear trend for both appendages. 4. 4. On the 5th day of incubation, the mean DNA content per wing was not significantly different from that of a leg. During further development, the legs accumulated DNA at an appreciably higher rate than the wings. The instantaneous rate of DNA increase were calculated. The ratio of these rates (leg/wing) was highest at the 6 to 7 day interval. 5. 5. During the 5–8 day periods, the times required for the quantity of DNA per leg to double were between 25 to 27 hours; those per wing, between 32 to 39 hours. 6. 6. The rates of increase of DNA (cell number) were compared with those of wet weight (overall growth) and were found to be lower. 7. 7. The unit DNA as an expression of a given cell population was suggested as a reference for metabolic studies.
Distorting Adam Smith on Trade

The author argues that neoliberal economists incorrectly use Adam Smith as their source of inspiration for current views about outsourcing and the distribution of income. Whether or not Smith was right, he was not indifferent to the consequences of either foreign investment or the inequality of income.
Incorporation of diagnostic laparoscopy in the management algorithm for patients with peritoneal metastases: A multi-institutional analysis.

Introduction Diagnostic laparoscopy (DL), which can predict complete cytoreduction (CC), is often considered unfeasible in patients with Peritoneal metastases (PM) due to a hostile abdomen, prior surgeries, incomplete assessment or risk of port site recurrence. We hypothesized that DL can be successfully incorporated into the management of patients with PM. Methods Retrospective review and data analysis of prospectively maintained databases from two high volume institutions was performed between 2007 and 2013. Results DL was successfully completed in 211/217 (92.6%) patients with PM. The technique for entry was the Hasson in 57%, optical trocar in 38% and Veress needle in 5%. Serosal injury from DL occurred in one patient (0.4%). Predominant histology included appendiceal (40%) and colorectal primaries (34%). Exclusion from cytoreduction by DL occurred in 68 (31.3%). Among those excluded, 7 (of 68, 10.3%) subsequently underwent CRS + HIPEC after receiving systemic chemotherapy. Overall survival (from laparoscopy) for those that underwent CRS + HIPEC at the original operation was 36 versus 12.7 months among those who were excluded by laparoscopy. There were no cases of port site recurrence. Conclusion Diagnostic laparoscopy can be safely incorporated in the management of patients with peritoneal metastases, and can be especially beneficial in excluding patients from attempted incomplete cytoreduction. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015 111:1035–1040. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Premarital counseling and culture: A narrative inquiry of couples' insights

Premarital counseling programs have emerged as a way to lower the chances of divorce and also to increase couple satisfaction after marriage. Premarital programs provide couples with necessary skills to enhance communication, problem solving, and decrease conflict by addressing expectations within marriage. Although these programs have been shown to be helpful to couples, they often present a “one size fits all” approach to assisting couples. This is particularly true in relation to culture and premarital counseling programs. To date, there has been a lack of attention in the literature to cultural differences within premarital programs; therefore, this study aimed to explore couples’ and therapists’ perceptions of ways Latino/a culture can be addressed within premarital counseling. In this study, six married couples in which at least one person considered himself/herself Latino/a and three therapists that had extensive experience working with the Latino/a population were interviewed. Through a narrative approach, couples’ stories around Latino/a culture and Latino marriage were analyzed. Three major themes emerged, which were; unique aspects of Latino/a culture, Latino marriage, and premarital counseling with Latino couples. Subthemes for Latino/a culture included: dress, language, religion, tradition, and extended family. Subthemes for Latino marriage included: extended family, birth order, parenting skills, roles, communication, respect and trust, sex, and immigration. Subthemes for the premarital counseling with Latino couples included: delivery of religious influence, delivery, cost, and therapist training. The discussion addresses how themes and past literature related directly to the research questions of the current study and provides suggestions for therapists working with premarital Latino couples. Suggestions for future research include
An Efficient Multibody Dynamics Model for Internal Combustion Engine Systems

The equations of motion for the major components in an internalcombustion engine are developed herein using a recursive formulation.These components include the (rigid) engine block, pistons, connectingrods, (flexible) crankshaft, balance shafts, main bearings, and enginemounts. Relative coordinates are employed that automatically satisfy allconstraints and therefore lead to the minimum set of ordinarydifferential equations of motion. The derivation of the equations ofmotion is automated through the use of computer algebra as the precursorto automatically generating the computational (C or Fortran) subroutinesfor numerical integration. The entire automated procedure forms thebasis for an engine modeling template that may be used to supportthe up-front design of engines for noise and vibration targets.This procedure is demonstrated on an example engine under free(idealized) and firing conditions and the predicted engine responses arecompared with results from an ADAMS model. Results obtained by usingdifferent bearing models, including linear, nonlinear, and hydrodynamicbearing models, are discussed in detail.
The Stability and Metastability of Quartz

In phase transformations, metastability is associated with a transformation temperature on heating which differs from the transformation temperature on cooling. The phenomenon is especially prevalent in solids. From an intuitive point of view, the failure of the body to be “absolutely stable” is a consequence of the observation that at a given temperature and pressure, which would ordinarily cause the body to adopt a well-determined configuration, more than one configuration is observed. If we compare this behavior with, say, a minimum free energy calculation in the spirit of Gibbs, we find that only one configuration minimizes what is thought to be the appropriate free energy.
Recent Developments in Heart Failure

Recent Developments in Cardiovascular Research: The goal of “Recent Developments” is to provide a concise but comprehensive overview of new advances in cardiovascular research, which we hope will keep our readers abreast of recent scientific discoveries and facilitate discussion, interpretation, and integration of the findings. This will enable readers who are not experts in a particular field to grasp the significance and effect of work performed in other fields. It is our hope and expectation that these “Recent Development” articles will help readers to gain a broader awareness and a deeper understanding of the status of research across the vast landscape of cardiovascular research— The Editors . Despite significant advances in cardiovascular medicine during the late 20th century, heart failure (HF) remains a leading cause of death in the United States and much of the rest of the world. Although improvements in acute management of cardiovascular disease have reduced death rates, efforts to halt the inexorable deterioration are largely futile. The current clinical approach focuses on disease management rather than curing HF because there is presently no cure.1 Primary treatment consists of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, β-blockers, and mineralocorticoids antagonists. And, although a new class of agents (ie, neprilysin inhibitor) has shown promise in a phase 3 clinical trial,2 collectively, these drugs only delay disease progression and death caused by HF. Given the general stagnation in the progress of clinical treatment of HF, we must undertake more daring and high-risk preclinical studies to achieve the collective dream of curing HF. This developments will highlight some recent progress in understanding the pathobiology of HF and advances in conceptual approaches for future treatments. The goal is to focus the readers’ attention on some of the more exciting and daring areas of cardiovascular research, which will likely dictate advances in the 21st …
The rate of growth of vapor bubbles in superheated water

Calculations are presented for the dynamic stability of vapor and air bubbles in superheated water. These calculations indicate that the values of the bubble radii for which the equilibrium is unstable are restricted to a finite range of radii whose values are governed by the temperature of the water and the initial air content in the bubble. Two theoretical solutions for the rate of growth of these unstable bubbles are considered. The first, is a solution of the equation of motion of the bubble radius with the assumption that there is no heat diffusion across the bubble wall. The second, is a solution which includes the effect of heat diffusion. The two solutions differ appreciably. These two solutions are then compared with the experimental data on the growth of the vapor bubbles in superheated water. This comparison shows agreement with the solution with the effect of heat diffusion included.
The Use of the Pie (Person-In-Environment) System in Social Work Education

(1997). The Use of the Pie (Person-In-Environment) System in Social Work Education. Journal of Social Work Education: Vol. 33, No. 1, pp. 48-58.
Slave Revolt, Deflated Self-deception

The problem of self-deception lies at the heart of Nietzsche's account of the slave revolt in morality in the first essay of On the Genealogy of Morals. The viability of Nietzsche's genealogy of morality is thus crucially dependent on a successful explanation of the self-deception the slaves of the first essay are caught in. But the phenomenon of self-deception is notoriously puzzling. In this paper, after critically examining existing interpretations of the slaves’ self-deception, I provide, by drawing on Alfred Mele's work on self-deception, a deflationary account of the slaves’ self-deception; an account which explains the slaves’ self-deceived predicament but without either the attribution of contradictory mental states or an intention to produce or to facilitate the production of the belief the self-deceived subjects end up holding. In light of my account of self-deception, I interpret Nietzsche's intriguing claim that the slaves’ revaluation of ressentiment amounts to their ‘most mendacious artistic...
P4-01-14: Fulvestrant Regulates Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) Ligands and Induces EGF Receptor Activation in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells.

Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs) 4 Hydroxy Tamoxifen (4-HT) and fulvestrant (fulv) inhibit estrogen receptor a (ER) positive breast cancer growth. We have observed that treatment (24 to 48 hours) of fulv in MCF-7 cells induced a 190kDa tyrosine phosphorylated band, which was blocked by EGFR and HER-2 tyrosine kinase inhibitors erlotinib and lapatinib. Immunoprecipitation showed EGFR, HER-2, and HER-3 were all phosphorylated after fulv treatment. 4-HT and estradiol did not cause this phosphorylation. No changes in receptor level after fulv treatment were noted. Downstream MAPK signaling was also blocked by erlotinib and lapatinib. Fulv induced activation of EGFR was ER dependent, since fulv treatment in C4-12, an ER negative cell line derived from MCF-7 cells, did not induce EGFR activation. Co-treatment with estradiol and fulv prevented EGFR activation. To explore the possibility that fulv enhanced ligand expression, we collected conditioned media (CM) from MCF-7 cells after 48 hours of treatment. pEGFR was lost when CM was removed, but recurred within 30 minutes. Cycloheximide abolished the ability of fulv to activate EGFR suggesting autorcine production of EGFR ligands was induced by fulv. To detect specific EGFR ligands, we used qPCR to measure various EGFR ligand mRNA levels in MCF-7 and C4-12 cell at 1, 4, 24 and 48 hours after fulv treatment. TGF-α and HB-EGF mRNAs were upregulated over 48 hours, which correlated well with pEGFR activation. 4-HT did not affect mRNA levels of these ligands. In contrast, amphiregulin (AREG) mRNA levels were substantially reduced 48 hours after fulv treatment. A similar trend was seen for AREG mRNA levels in 4HT treated cells but to a much lesser extent. There was no change in any EGFR ligand mRNA levels in ER negative C4-12 cells. These qPCR data suggested differential regulation of EGFR ligands by fulv treatment contributed to EGFR family member activation and was dependent on ER expression. Upon fulv treatment, levels of ER were diminished with decreased detection of S167 and S118 ER phosphorylation sites. Monolayer cell growth analysis showed that while fulv treatment in SFM reduced MCF-7 cell numbers compared to control treatment, erlotinib plus fulv significantly reduced cell numbers below the level of cells maintained in fulv alone. In conclusion, we show that fulv, but not E2 or 4-HT, activates EGFR family members accompanied by upregulation of ligands. Since SERM resistance has been associated with EGFR family member activation, differential control of EGFR ligand gene expression by ER may contribute to the development of fulvestrant resistance in breast cancer. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-01-14.
Evaluating facial paralysis. Expensive diagnostic tests are often unnecessary.

PREVIEWFacial paralysis has myriad causes, but in most cases an accurate diagnosis can be made on the basis of clinical evaluation without performing costly tests. Dr Ruckenstein offers a practical diagnostic approach derived from three questions designed to help physicians correctly identify the cause of paralysis and institute appropriate therapy.
Electron Spin Resonance of Irradiated Polyoxymethylene

The types of radicals formed in irradiated polyoxymethylene are suggested from electron-spin-resonance spectral measurements. (L.N.N.)
Effects of pituitary-testicular axis suppression in utero and during the early neonatal period with a long-acting luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analog on genital development, somatic growth, and bone density in male cynomolgus monkeys in the first 6 months of life.

The specific role of late fetal and early neonatal gonadotropins and/or sex steroids on genital development, linear growth, and bone mass accretion remains unclear. To investigate this, we attempted to selectively suppress pituitary-testicular activation from midgestation through early infancy with a longacting LHRH agonist (LHRHA), D-Trp6,Pro9-NEt-LHRH, in microspheres. The agonist was injected sc on days 72–81 in utero, on day 1 of life, and 3 months postnatally in male cynomolgus monkeys. Control animals were treated with placebo. We then examined the consequences of such an intervention in the first 6 months of life. In the LHRHA-treated animals, marked suppression of plasma testosterone and gonadotropin levels were evident in the first 3 months of life compared to control values. The mean testicular volumes of the LHRHA group were significantly lower at birth and in the first 2 months of life than those of the placebo group (P < 0.05). However, by 4 months of age, the mean testicular volumes of the t...
Reducing project duration at minimum cost: A time-cost tradeoff algorithm

Abstract The problem of reducing project duration efficiently arises frequently, routinely, and repetitively in government and industry. Siemens [1] has presented an inherently simple time-cost tradeoff algorithm (SAM—for Siemens Approximation Method) for determining which activities in a project network must be shortened to meet an externally imposed (scheduled) completion date (which occurs prior to the current expected completion date). In that paper the network activities of the example problem all have constant cost-slopes. Siemens mentions that the algorithm can be used where the activities have (convex) nonlinear cost-slopes—instead of just one cost-slope and one supply (time available for shortening) for each activity, there can be multiple cost-slope/supply pairs for each activity. This technique is illustrated in this paper. Also illustrated here is an improvement suggested by Goyal [2]. In step 12 of the original algorithm Siemens suggests a review of the solution obtained by the first eleven steps to eliminate any unnecessary shortening. Goyal's modification does this systematically during application of the algorithm by de-shortening (partially or totally) selected activities which were shortened in a prior iteration. He claims that, empirically at least, the technique always yields an optimal solution. Our experience verifies this claim (given the assumption of convex cost functions). The authors have modified the original algorithm so that the requirement for convex cost functions can now be relaxed. Unfortunately, this modification is made only at the expense of simplicity. To further complicate matters we found that Goyal's technique does not always yield an optimal solution when concave functions are involved and thus still another modification was required. These are discussed in detail below. Finally, we discuss the applicability of the algorithm to situations involving discrete time-cost functions.
A Practical Burn Severity Index

The purpose of this investigation is to develop a simple and clinically useful system for measuring severity of burn injury. A five-variable scale consisting of sex of patient, age, presence of inhalation injury, presence of full-thickness burn, and percent of total body surface area burned that predicted to death was derived from multivariate logistic regression. A simplified version of this scale demonstrated predictive power for classifying patients according to their risk. This simplified scale was subsequently validated to another sample of burn patients.
Evaluating Presidential Nominees: Opinion Polls, Issues, and Personalities:

SINCE 1968 the presidential nominations process has been greatly changed by new party rules, federal election reforms, and the growth of openly contested primaries and caucuses. Although these changes have greatly increased the party rank-and-file's importance in deciding nominations, relatively little is yet known about how voters choose among the would-be nominees. This research note draws upon a series of nationwide polls taken during the 1980 presidential primary season to address two questions. First, how important are issue-based versus nonissue-based reasons in explaining preconvention choices among the candidates? Second, does public opinion shift toward issuebased reasons during the seven-months-long nominations season?
Magnetic resonance spectroscopy of normal and diseased muscles

Phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy (P MRS) affords and innovative approach to the study of the oxidative enzyme content of normal and diseased muscles. Examples of the evaluation of the enzyme content of normal muscles by an exercise protocol are provided. The protocol affords a hyperbolic work/cost profile, the Vmax of which is calculated by the reciprocal plots giving the enzyme content and the "effective Michaelis constant" with an evaluation of the resting metabolism. This steady state protocol clearly illustrates enzyme adaptation, on the one hand, and tissue atrophy particularly in the case of tissue injury, Duchenne's dystrophy, and genetic deletion of specific enzymes, on the other hand. The method is rapid, safe, and affords a quantitative evaluation of the disease process and possibilities for following appropriate therapies. So far, approx 1000 examinations of normal and diseased human limbs have been carried out in our laboratory in over the past four years.
Snowflake Harmonics and Computer Graphics: Numerical Computation of Spectra on Fractal Drums

In this work, we study the steady-states vibrations of the “Koch snowflake drum”, both numerically and by means of computer graphics. In particular, we approximate the smallest 50 eigenvalues (or “frequencies” of the drum), along with the corresponding eigenfunctions (called “snowflake harmonics”) of the Dirichlet Laplacian on the Koch snowflake domain. We describe the numerical methods used in the computations, and we display graphical representations of a selected set of the eigenfunctions (as well as of their gradients). In the case of the first harmonic, the graphical results agree with mathematically derived results (by Lapidus and Pang) concerning gradient behavior (“blow up” or “infinite stress” of the membrane) on the boundary and suggest further conjectures regarding the higher eigenfunctions. According to earlier work by the physicist Sapoval and his collaborators, this research may help better understand the formation and “stabilization” of fractal structures (e.g., coastlines, trees and blood vessels) in nature.
Basilar membrane vibration is not involved in the reverse propagation of otoacoustic emissions

To understand how the inner ear-generated sound, i.e., otoacoustic emission, exits the cochlea, we created a sound source electrically in the second turn and measured basilar membrane vibrations at two longitudinal locations in the first turn in living gerbil cochleae using a laser interferometer. For a given longitudinal location, electrically evoked basilar membrane vibrations showed the same tuning and phase lag as those induced by sounds. For a given frequency, the phase measured at a basal location led that at a more apical location, indicating that either an electrical or an acoustical stimulus evoked a forward travelling wave. Under postmortem conditions, the electrically evoked emissions showed no significant change while the basilar membrane vibration nearly disappeared. The current data indicate that basilar membrane vibration was not involved in the backward propagation of otoacoustic emissions and that sounds exit the cochlea probably through alternative media, such as cochlear fluids.
Computer-Synthesized Speech and Perceptions of the Social Influence of Disabled Users:

Computer-synthesized speech is frequently used as an assistive technology for people with speech disabilities including those with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In this short article, the co...
THE S BOX REGULON : A NEW GLOBAL TRANSCRIPTION TERMINATION CONTROL SYSTEM FOR METHIONINE AND CYSTEINE BIOSYNTHESIS GENES IN GRAM-POSITIVE BACTERIA

The molecular mechanisms for regulation of the genes involved in the biosynthesis of methionine and cysteine are poorly characterized in Bacillus subtilis. Analyses of the recently completed B. subtilis genome revealed 11 copies of a highly conserved motif. In all cases, this motif was located in the leader region of putative transcriptional units, upstream of coding sequences that included genes involved in methionine or cysteine biosynthesis. Additional copies were identified in Clostridium acetobutylicum and Staphylococcus aureus, indicating conservation in other Gram-positive genera. The motif includes an element resembling an intrinsic transcriptional terminator, suggesting that regulation might be controlled at the level of premature termination of transcription. The 5' portion of all of the leaders could fold into a conserved complex structure. Analysis of the yitJ gene, which is homologous to Escherichia coli metH and metF, revealed that expression was induced by starvation for methionine and that induction was independent of the promoter and dependent on the leader region terminator. Mutation of conserved primary sequence and structural elements supported a model in which the 5' portion of the leader forms an anti-antiterminator structure, which sequesters sequences required for the formation of an antiterminator, which, in turn, sequesters sequences required for the formation of the terminator; the anti-antiterminator is postulated to be stabilized by the binding of some unknown factor when methionine is available. This set of genes is proposed to form a new regulon controlled by a global termination control system, which we designate the S box system, as most of the genes are involved in sulphur metabolism and biosynthesis of methionine and cysteine.
Opening Statement

Most people understand a computation as a process evoked when a computational agent acts on its inputs under the control of an algorithm. The classical Turing machine model has long served as the fundamental reference model because an appropriate Turing machine can simulate every other computational model known. The Turing model is a good abstraction for most digital computers because the number of steps to execute a Turing machine algorithm is predictive of the running time of the computation on a digital computer. However, the Turing model is not as well matched for the natural, interactive, and continuous information processes frequently encountered today. Other models whose structures more closely match the information processes involved give better predictions of running time and space. Models based on transforming representations may be useful.
A physically based model for indenter tip shape calibration for nanoindentation

A new function that describes the shape of three-sided pyramidal indenters is introduced. This function differs from the polynomial tip shape function conventionally used in nanoindentation tip shape calibration in that the new function includes fewer fitting parameters with clearer physical meaning. Specifically, two of the fitting parameters integrated into the new function are the indenter’s tip radius and the slope of the indenter’s equivalent cone. Tip shape calibration data were collected with four different diamond indenter tips, and both the new function and the standard polynomial function were fit to the data. It is found that the new function can fit calibration data nearly as well as the standard polynomial function and better than existing physically based functions. Although the tip radius parameter obtained by fitting the new model to data deviates from the tip radius determined from Hertzian elastic contact, the two values are correlated.
Pyrolysis of 2-azido-1, 3-indanediones. Azanaphthoquinone synthesis

Printed in Great Britain. Tetrahedron Letters No. 20, pp. 1621-1624, 1971. Perw received in UX for publication 6 April 1971) Axidoquinones (1) have been shown to undergo a variety of interesting transformations. Y -Cyanoalkylidine- y a ’ ’ - butenolides, pinediones, 2-cyano- 1,3-cyclopentenediones, cyanoketenes, axa- and acylcyanides5 can be prepared from azidoquinones (1) by employing the appro- priate reaction conditions. Based upon these analogies, the unknown axidoaxaquinones (2) rep- resent an interesting class of compounds for investigation. However, the very rare nature of aaaquinones’ and the fact that azidoazaquinones are unknown presents a challenging synthetic problem. Reported here is a new synthetic approach to the axanaphthoquinone, 3-phenyl-%-aaa- 1,4-naphthoquinone (4), 7 and the phthaloyl-1,5-l-H - -tetraxole (lo), unknown azidoazanaphthoquinone ring system. a potential precursor to the These compounds are, respectively, prepared from the thermal decomposition of 2-azido-%-phenyl- (3) and 2,2-diazido-1,3-indanedione Na A 2,2-Diazido- -L (8) and 2-azido-2-phenyl-1,3-indanedione by Gudriniece, Bruvele and Ievins. tion resulting in ring expansion. (3) were prepared as described These compounds undergo pyrolytic decomposition in solu- This reaction is not only of synthetic utility as a route to the little known azanaphthoquinones, but it also is of mechanistic significance being an example of acyl migration to nitrogen, a very uncommon process in the pyrolytic decomposition of azides.
Capacitive-coupling wordline boosting with self-induced V CC collapse for write V MIN reduction in 22-nm 8T SRAM

High-performance microprocessors and SoCs include multiple embedded memory arrays used as register files and low-level caches that typically share the same supply voltage as the core [1]. The desire for wide voltage range operation to optimize power and performance dictates the need for SRAM arrays that can achieve both high performance and low minimum voltage of operation (V MIN ). The 8T bitcell (Fig. 13.3.1) is commonly used in these applications because its decoupled read and write ports offer fast read (RD) and write (WR) operations with generally lower V MIN than the 6T bitcell. However, process variations result in mismatches between the pull-up and access devices limiting write V MIN , and/or between read port and keeper transistors limiting read V MIN . Traditional device up-sizing provides diminishing returns at a large area and power cost [2]. In addition to cell upsizing, dynamic assist techniques have been used for V MIN reduction in 6T and 8T arrays — examples include temporary collapse of bitcell voltage for write V MIN reduction and boosting read and write wordlines requiring careful design of the embedded charge pump and the level shifters [2–4]. In contrast, this paper describes a new capacitive-coupling (CC) write wordline boost which employs intrinsic coupling capacitance between write bitlines (WBL) and accessed write wordline (WWL) to boost WWL without the need for a charge pump or complex level shifters. The scheme has a built-in self-induced V CC collapse (SIC) allowing the cell voltage to partially collapse during the write operation, further improving write V MIN . The technique is implemented in a 12KB, 8T cell macro with cell area of 0.238μm2, fabricated in a 22nm CMOS technology (Fig. 13.3.7).
The distribution of novel intermediate filament proteins defines subpopulations of myenteric neurons in rat intestine

Abstract Background/Aims: Recent studies with neurofilament antibodies as neuronal markers have shown subpopulations of myenteric neurons that do not contain neurofilament proteins. Novel neuronal intermediate filament proteins α-internexin, peripherin, and nestin have been identified. The aim of this study was to examine the distribution of these novel intermediate filaments in comparison with neurofilaments in myenteric plexus neurons. Methods: Using indirect immunofluorescence techniques in whole-mount cryostat sections from neonate and adult rat small intestine and in primary cultures of myenteric neurons, the distribution of neurofilaments, α-internexin, peripherin, and nestin was studied in comparison with the neuronal marker protein gene product (PGP) 9.5 in myenteric neurons. Results: Sixty-five percent of neurons contained neurofilament triplet proteins, α-lnternexin and/or peripherin were found in the neurofilament-negative neurons. PGP 9.5 was present in 80% of the myenteric neurons. Of the neurons that were PGP negative,95% contained peripherin or α-internexin. Nestin was not found in either neonate or adult myenteric neurons but was seen in glial cells in culture. Conclusions: The results suggest that a subpopulation of myenteric neurons lacks neurofilament triplet proteins but contains either peripherin, α-internexin, or both. This selective distribution of intermediate filaments in subpopulations of enteric neurons may support differential roles in these structurally unique neurons.
Purification and comparative properties of glutamate dehydrogenase from frog and tadpole liver.

Abstract 1. 1. Glutamate dehydrogenase (E.3. 1.4.1.3) (GDH) was purified to the same constant specific activity from the livers of Rana catesbeiana frogs and tadpoles by an identical method. 2. 2. The enzymes from both sources showed an identical substrate specific when tested with several amino acids and had the same K m 's for NADH, NADPH, α-ketoglutarate and ammonium chloride under the assay conditions employed. 3. 3. Both preparations were activated by ADP and inhibited by GDP and GTP to the same degree. 4. 4. The two enzymes co-chromatographed from crude extracts on DEAE-Sephadex. 5. 5. Contrary to previous reports, the GDH preparations from these two sources appear to be identical.