cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Breaking the germline barrier in a moral vacuum.

ABSTRACTIn November 2018 a Chinese scientist claimed to have used CRISPR/Cas 9 technology to genetically modify two human embryos that were then gestated in one adult woman through an IVF pregnancy...
Discrepant Alcohol Use, Conflict, and Couples Satisfaction in a Community Sample

AbstractDiscrepant alcohol use between partners has been shown to impact couples’ relationship functioning, emphasizing couples therapists’ need for careful assessment and informed treatment. This ...
Comparison of outcomes in cataractous eyes of dogs undergoing phacoemulsification versus eyes not undergoing surgery.

OBJECTIVE To compare outcomes of surgical intervention and nonsurgical management of canine cataracts. METHODS Records of patients examined for cataracts from January 2007 to February 2018 were divided into two groups: nonsurgical and surgical. The nonsurgical group was further subdivided based on whether the decision not to pursue surgery was elected by owners, or based on ophthalmologist's advice. Inclusion criteria included 6 months of follow-up. Success in the nonsurgical group was defined as a comfortable eye with no potentially painful complications, and success in the surgical group additionally required vision. Time-to-failure (complications) was assessed with Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS A total of 72 eyes (41 dogs) were included in the nonsurgical group, and 126 eyes (67 dogs) were surgically treated. There was no difference in gender or age; however, the surgical group had significantly more diabetic eyes (56.3% vs 15.3%; P < .001) and patient eyes with longer follow-up times (median 37.6 months vs 22.1 months; P < .001) than the nonsurgical group. There was no statistically significant difference in complication rates between the nonsurgical group (15/72 [20.8%]) and the surgical group (23/126 [18.3%]; HR: 2.22 [0.97, 5.0]; P = .060). However, the complication rate in the ophthalmologist-led nonsurgical group was significantly greater than in the owner-led nonsurgical group (P = .019) and the surgical group (P = .002). CONCLUSIONS When using relevant outcomes, whether or not a cataractous eye has surgery does not affect long-term complications; additionally, nonsurgical eyes that are poor surgical candidates have a higher complication rate than eyes deemed suitable for phacoemulsification for which owners elected not to pursue cataract surgery.
#NeverAgainToMartialLaw: Transnational Filipino American Activism in the Shadow of Marcos and Age of Duterte

This article analyzes the formation of radical transnational politics among Filipino/American youth activists in the era of Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte. Specifically, this paper gives spec...
Ribosome: Cells Protein Synthetic Machinery

Ribosome is the translational apparatus in cells, serving as the protein synthetic machinery. Specified by mRNA, ribosomes link amino acids to form polypeptides. Ribosomes are composed of two subunits: a large and a small subunit. The small subunit reads the mRNA and the large subunit links amino acids to form polypeptides. Each subunit is composed of ribosomal RNA and ribosomal protein molecules; hence, it is a ribonucleoprotein. In protein synthesis, the small ribosomal subunit bound to an aminoacyl-tRNA binds to the start codon on the mRNA and recruits the large ribosomal subunit. At the inter-subunit region, ribosomes have three transfer RNA or tRNA binding sites: the A or aminoacyl site, the P or peptidyl site, and the E for the exit site. At the 30S small ribosome subunit, the mRNA binds to a track, moving in a stepwise manner, one codon at a time, resulting in peptide elongation and termination following completion of protein synthesis.
Less is more: clinical impact of decreasing pneumoperitoneum pressures during robotic surgery.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of decreasing insufflation pressure during robotic gynecologic surgery. The primary outcomes were patient-reported postoperative pain scores and length of stay. Secondary outcomes include surgical time, blood loss, and intraoperative respiratory parameters. This is a retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing robotic surgery for benign gynecologic conditions by a single minimally invasive surgeon at an academic hospital between 2014 and 2017. Patients were categorized by the maximum insufflation pressure reached during the surgery as either 15, 12, 10, or 8 mmHg. Continuous variables were compared using analysis of variance and χ2 test was used for categorical variables. 598 patients were included in this study with no differences in age, BMI, race, prior abdominal surgeries, or specimen weight between the four cohorts. When comparing cohorts, each decrease in insufflation pressure correlated with a significant decrease in initial pain scores (5.9 vs 5.4 vs 4.4 vs. 3.8, p ≤ 0.001), and hospital length of stay (449 vs 467 vs 351 vs. 317 min, p ≤ 0.001). There were no differences in duration of surgery (p = 0.31) or blood loss (p = 0.09). Lower operating pressures were correlated with significantly lower peak inspiratory pressures (p < 0.001) and tidal volumes (p < 0.001). Surgery performed at lower-pressure pneumoperitoneum (≤ 10 mmHg) is associated with lower postoperative pain scores, shorter length of stay, and improved intraoperative respiratory parameters without increased duration of surgery or blood loss. Operating at lower insufflation pressures is a low-cost, reversible intervention that should be implemented during robotic surgery as it results in the improved pain scores and shorter hospital stays.
Bcl‐3 inhibits lupus‐like phenotypes in BL6/lpr mice

Bcl-3 is an atypical member of the IκB family that modulates NF-κB activity in nuclei. lpr mice carry the lpr mutation in Fas, resulting in functional loss of this death receptor; they serve as models for lupus erythematosus and autoimmune lymphoproliferation syndrome (ALPS). To explore the biologic roles of Bcl-3 in this disease model, we generated BL6/lpr mice lacking Bcl-3. Unlike lpr mice on an MRL background, BL6/lpr mice present with very mild lupus- or ALPS-like phenotypes. Bcl-3 KO BL6/lpr mice, however, developed severe splenomegaly, dramatically increased numbers of double negative T cells - a hallmark of human lupus, ALPS, and MRL/lpr mice - and exhibited inflammation in multiple organs, despite low levels of autoantibodies, similar to those in BL6/lpr mice. Loss of Bcl-3 specifically in T cells exacerbated select lupus-like phenotypes, specifically organ infiltration. Mechanistically, elevated levels of Tnfα in Bcl-3 KO BL6/lpr mice may promote lupus-like phenotypes, since loss of Tnfα in these mice reversed the pathology due to loss of Bcl-3. Contrary to the inhibitory functions of Bcl-3 revealed here, this regulator has also been shown to promote inflammation in different settings. Our findings highlight the profound, yet highly context-dependent roles of Bcl-3 in the development of inflammation-associated pathology.
Selecting Quantum-Chemical Methods for Lanthanide-Containing Molecules: A Balance between Accuracy and Efficiency

An analysis of how different density functionals, basis sets, and relativistic approximations affect the computed properties of lanthanide-containing molecules allows one to determine which method ...
Comparing Quality of Life and Perceptual Speech Ratings in Children With Cleft Palate.

Objective:To delineate the relationship between patient and parent-reported quality of life (QOL) ratings and perceptual characteristics of speech assigned by a speech-language pathologist (SLP) in...
Ecumenicism, Comparability, and Color, or: How to Have Your Cake and Eat It, Too

Data about perceptual variation motivate the ecumenicist view that distinct color representations are mutually compatible. On the other hand, data about agreement and disagreement motivate making distinct color representations mutually incompatible. Prima facie, these desiderata appear to conflict. I'll lay out and assess two strategies for managing the conflict--color relationalism, and the self-locating property theory of color--with the aim of deciding how best to have your cake and eat it, too.
Factors influencing the antioxidant effect of phospholipase A2 against lipid oxidation promoted by trout hemoglobin and hemin in washed muscle.

Abstract The antioxidant effect of porcine pancreatic phospholipase A2 (PLA2) was previously demonstrated. Understanding how PLA2 inhibits lipid oxidation promoted by hemoglobin (Hb) is important for its applications in muscle foods. Effects of enzyme dose, pH, and calcium ion on the ability of PLA2 to inhibit trout hemoglobin-mediated lipid oxidation were investigated in washed cod muscle (WCM). Results indicated that PLA2 required calcium ion for both the hydrolyzing activity and the antioxidant effect. The abilities of PLA2 to inhibit lipid oxidation and suppress oxidation of Hb to form methemoglobin and ferryl hemoglobin were pH-dependent. The lag phase before lipid oxidation enters the exponential phase reciprocally shortened as more hemin was bound to the insoluble matrix of WCM. However, PLA2 was able to inhibit lipid oxidation without preventing the interaction between hemin and the insoluble matrix of the washed muscle.
Patient-reported outcomes of non-pharmacological interventions for endometrial cancer survivors: a systematic review

The objective of this review was to assess the efficacy of non-pharmacological interventions on endometrial cancer (EC) survivors’ QOL, and their use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of non-pharmacological interventions that assessed the impact of intervention on EC survivors’ general and domain-specific QOL (i.e., physical, psychological, and social well-being) using PROMs. Of the 3178 studies identified, 28 full-text articles were reviewed, and 10 were included in the review. Nine RCTs assessed at least one PROM as a primary outcome and six assessed a PROM as a secondary outcome, but few studies used validated PROMs. Significant improvements in general QOL were found in two studies, domain-specific QOL in three studies, and both general and domain-specific QOL in three studies; however, effect sizes ranged from small to large and no significant effects were found for social well-being and few were found for psychological well-being. Few non-pharmacological interventions for EC survivors targeted QOL, even though QOL was assessed as either a primary or secondary outcome of the RCT. Despite this, findings suggest that non-pharmacological interventions for EC survivors hold promise for improving general and domain-specific QOL. Use of validated PROMs would greatly enhance outcome reporting and facilitate comparisons across studies. More interventions are also needed that address social and psychological functioning in this population. Our review highlights a need to (1) expand non-pharmacological RCTs for EC survivors, (2) increase the use of validated PROMs measuring QOL, and (3) address psychosocial domains of QOL when developing interventions for this population.
Microbial context predicts SARS-CoV-2 prevalence in patients and the hospital built environment

Synergistic effects of bacteria on viral stability and transmission are widely documented but remain unclear in the context of SARS-CoV-2. We collected 972 samples from hospitalized ICU patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), their health care providers, and hospital surfaces before, during, and after admission. We screened for SARS-CoV-2 using RT-qPCR, characterized microbial communities using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, and contextualized the massive microbial diversity in this dataset in a meta-analysis of over 20,000 samples. Sixteen percent of surfaces from COVID-19 patient rooms were positive, with the highest prevalence in floor samples next to patient beds (39%) and directly outside their rooms (29%). Although bed rail samples increasingly resembled the patient microbiome throughout their stay, SARS-CoV-2 was less frequently detected there (11%). Despite surface contamination in almost all patient rooms, no health care workers providing COVID-19 patient care contracted the disease. SARS-CoV-2 positive samples had higher bacterial phylogenetic diversity across human and surface samples, and higher biomass in floor samples. 16S microbial community profiles allowed for high classifier accuracy for SARS-CoV-2 status in not only nares, but also forehead, stool and floor samples. Across these distinct microbial profiles, a single amplicon sequence variant from the genus Rothia was highly predictive of SARS-CoV-2 across sample types, and had higher prevalence in positive surface and human samples, even when comparing to samples from patients in another intensive care unit prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. These results suggest that bacterial communities contribute to viral prevalence both in the host and hospital environment.
Analysis of the expression and function of Wnt-5a and Wnt-5b in developing and regenerating axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) limbs

Urodele amphibians are unique adult vertebrates because they are able to regenerate body parts after amputation. Studies of urodele limb regeneration, the key model system for vertebrate regeneration, have led to an understanding of the origin of blastema cells and the importance of positional interactions between blastema cells in the control of growth and pattern formation. Progress is now being made in the identification of the signaling pathways that regulate dedifferentiation, blastema morphogenesis, growth and pattern formation. Members of the Wnt family of secreted proteins are expressed in developing and regenerating limbs, and have the potential to control growth, pattern formation and differentiation. We have studied the expression of two non-canonical Wnt genes, Wnt-5a and Wnt-5b. We report that they are expressed in equivalent patterns during limb development and limb regeneration in the axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum), and during limb development in other tetrapods, implying conservation of function. Our analysis of the effects of ectopic Wnt-5a expression is consistent with the hypothesis that canonical Wnt signaling functions during the early stages of regeneration to control the dedifferentiation of stump cells giving rise to the regeneration-competent cells of the blastema.
Semiglobal position tracking control of brushless DC motors using output feedback

This paper uses an observed backstepping procedure to design a position tracking controller for a permanent magnet brushless direct-current (BLDC) motor driving an inertial load. The electromechanical system contains nonlinearities in both the output position and the intermediate states between the motor position output and the motor voltage input. A semiglobal exponential stability (SES) result is obtained for the motor position tracking error given an exact nonlinear model of the entire electromechanical system and measurement of the motor position only, i.e., output feedback. >
UK-414,495, a selective inhibitor of neutral endopeptidase, potentiates pelvic nerve-stimulated increases in female genital blood flow in the anaesthetized rabbit.

Background and purpose: Female sexual arousal consists of a number of physiological responses resulting from increased genital blood. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), neuropeptide Y and to a lesser extent nitric oxide are neurotransmitters found in the vasculature of the genitalia. Neutral endopeptidase (NEP) modulates the activity of neuropeptides including VIP. The aim of this study was to investigate the control of genital blood flow by VIP and endogenous neuropeptides using a selective NEP inhibitor [UK-414,495, ((R)-2-({1-[(5-ethyl-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl) carbamoyl]cyclopentyl}methyl) valeric acid)]. Experimental approach: Vaginal and clitoral blood flow (VBF and CBF) were monitored using laser Doppler in terminally anaesthetized New Zealand rabbits. Increases in VBF and CBF were induced by either electrical stimulation of the pelvic nerve or by i.v. infusion of VIP. Key results: Stimulation of the pelvic nerve increased VBF and CBF, compared with basal flow. Increases were mimicked by infusion of exogenous VIP. UK-414,495 dose-dependently potentiated pelvic nerve-stimulated increases in VBF (EC50= 37 ± 9 nM; 3.6 × IC50 rabbit NEP). Nerve-stimulated increases in VBF and CBF were both enhanced after UK-414,495. UK-414,495 increased the amplitude and duration of VIP-induced increases in VBF. UK-414,495 had no effect on basal VBF or cardiovascular parameters. Conclusions and implications: Inhibition of NEP potentiates pelvic nerve-stimulated increases in genital blood flow. This suggests that the endogenous neurotransmitter mediating genital blood flow is a substrate for NEP (most likely VIP). NEP inhibitors may restore sexual arousal in women adversely affected by female sexual arousal disorder. This article is commented on by Angulo, pp. 48–50 of this issue. To view this commentary visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.00693.x
Capacity Tests in Large Concrete-Lined Canals

Between 1957 and 1962 a series of tests were performed by the Bureau of Reclamation to determine the hydraulic performance of nine large concrete-lined irrigation canals located in the western United States. Water surface profiles were obtained in some 170 miles of subcritical flow trapezoidal shaped canals having flows that varied from 555 to 6,820 cfs. Instruments and techniques developed to measure small changes in water surface elevations are described. Results of backwater curves computed to match measured water surface profiles in sinuous reaches and reaches with piers are described. Test results are given in terms of n values for use in Manning’s formula. Roughness coefficients varied with the degree of aquatic growth on the lining surface, canal alinement, and canal size.
“We Are Not Contractors”: Professionalizing the Interactive Service Work of NGOs in Rajasthan, India

Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) have been much studied for the impacts of neoliberalization on their funding, procedures, and motivations. In this article, I use a case study from Rajasthan, I...
Neuropathology of trimethyltin intoxication. III. Changes in the brain stem neurons.

Young adult BALBc mice were administered trimethyltin chloride (TMT) at a dosage of 3.0 mg TMT/kg body wt. Animals displayed severe toxic signs (tremor and aggression) within 24 hr and were sacrificed at 48 and 72 hr postinjection. The brain stems of these animals were examined with light and electron microscopy. Degenerative and vacuolar changes were observed in many large brain stem neurons, especially those in the mesencephalic trigeminal nuclei. These neurons acquired a chromatolytic character with eccentric nuclei, loss of Nissl substance, and hyalinoid cytoplasm. Extensive vacuolation was also found in these nerve cells. Electron microscopy examination revealed progressive loss of the Nissl substance (rough endoplasmic reticulum) and distention of the cytoplasmic membranes (endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi complex). Severe distention of these membranes resulted in large membrane-limited vacuoles within these nerve cells. This intraneuronal vacuolation reflects an intracellular edema condition of these nerve cells and is potentially reversible. Mitochondrial damage in these neurons was only moderate. Further investigation is needed to elucidate the full toxic impact and pathogenetic mechanisms of TMT in the nervous system.
Homothallic mating type switching generates lethal chromosome breaks in rad52 strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Abstract In homothallic cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a or alpha mating type information at the mating type locus (MAT) is replaced by the transposition of the opposite mating type allele from HML alpha or HMRa. The rad52-1 mutation, which reduces mitotic and abolishes meiotic recombination, also affects homothallic switching (Malone and Esposito, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 77:503-507, 1980). We have found that both HO rad52 MATa and HO rad52 MAT alpha cells die. This lethality is suppressed by mutations that substantially reduce but do not eliminate homothallic conversions. These mutations map at or near the MAT locus (MAT alpha inc, MATa-inc, MATa stk1) or are unlinked to MAT (HO-1 and swi1). These results suggest that the switching event itself is involved in the lethality. With the exception of swi1, HO rad52 strains carrying one of the above mutations cannot convert mating type at all. MAT alpha rad52 HO swi1 strains apparently can switch MAT alpha to MATa. However, when we analyzed these a maters, we found that few, if any, of them were bona fide MATa cells. These a-like cells were instead either deleted for part of chromosome III distal to and including MAT or had lost the entire third chromosome. Approximately 30% of the time, an a-like cell could be repaired to a normal MATa genotype if the cell was mated to a RAD52 MAT alpha-inc strain. The effects of rad52 were also studied in mata/MAT alpha-inc rad52/rad52 ho/HO diploids. When this diploid attempted to switch mata to MATa, an unstable broken chromosome was generated in nearly every cell. These studies suggest that homothallic switching involves the formation of a double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid break or a structure which is labile in rad52 cells and results in a broken chromosome. We propose that the production of a double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid break is the lethal event in rad52 HO cells.
An improved realization of the Chua's circuit using RC-OP AMPS

In this paper, an improved implementation of the Chua's circuit is proposed. The new realization consists of only RC elements and op amps. Both computer simulations and laboratory measurements have confirmed the chaotic behavior and show the existence of the double scroll attractor.
Indigenous Supports for Recovery from Alcoholism and Drug Abuse: The Native American Church

Native American Church (NAC) members often find themselves victims of discrimination in alcohol/drug treatment because of sacramental use of peyote in their church services, despite anthropology and religious scholars having long provided anecdotal observations of alcoholism recoveries through the NAC. This participant observation research developed a grounded theory of supportive factors found in the NAC. Departing from a Western medical model that focuses on peyote, these NAC members emphasize a spiritual process and the vast and supportive network of their church as the primary supportive agent. A model of social work collaboration with the traditional process of the NAC is offered.
Ground-force- or plate-displacement-based vibrator control?

Abstract The feedback system of seismic vibrators minimizes the difference between the theoretical sweep and the seismic signal radiated into the earth. This requires the determination of the correct source signature, that is, the characteristic of the baseplate motion that is a true representation of the downgoing wave. The prevalent systems use ground-force-based vibrator control, which assumes that the amplitudes of the seismic waves are proportional to the force applied to the ground. Mathematical solution of the pressure boundary-value problem of linear elasticity is the theoretical underpinning of this method. However, the ground force has a significant disadvantage of not being a directly measurable parameter. It has to be inferred, with significant uncertainty, as a “weighted sum” of the accelerations of the baseplate and the reaction mass based on a simplified linear model of oscillating masses, springs, and dashpots. On the other hand, the baseplate displacement (acceleration) can itself serve as an alternative, model-independent source signature. To provide a theoretical justification for the displacement-based vibrator control, one has to show that the amplitudes of the outgoing waves are proportional to the plate displacement. This has to be done by solving a “mixed” boundary-value problem, in which displacements are specified under the plate and pressures everywhere else on the surface. Such a problem has historically been considered unsolvable, unlike the mathematically easier pressure-source radiation problem. However, the analysis of approximate approaches to the solution of the mixed boundary-value problem, as well as its exact solution for the static-displacement case, reveal equivalence between the source displacement and source force in being the proportionality factors controlling the amplitudes of the downgoing waves. This provides mathematical justification for the displacement being the correct source signature. The displacement-based feedback, or feedback based on a combination of the weighted-sum and displacement, may be a more accurate method.
Transmission of megawatt relativistic electron beams through millimeter apertures.

High power, relativistic electron beams from energy recovery linacs have great potential to realize new experimental paradigms for pioneering research in fundamental and applied research. A major design consideration for these new generation of experimental capabilities is the understanding of the halo associated with these bright, intense beams. In this Letter, we report on measurements performed using the 100 MeV, 430 kWatt CW electron beam from the energy recovery linac at the Jeff erson Laboratory's Free Electron Laser facility as it traversed a set of small apertures in a 127 mm long aluminum block. Thermal measurements of the block together with neutron measurements near the beam-target interaction point yielded a consistent understanding of the beam losses. These were determined to be 3 ppm through a 2 mm diameter aperture and were maintained during a 7 hour continuous run.
Coordination and optical attenuation of TiO2–SiO2 glass by electron energy loss spectroscopy

Abstract Electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) techniques have been applied to investigate both the coordination and optical attenuation of TiO 2 –SiO 2 glass. The coordination was determined from the electron energy loss near edge fine structure (ELNES) of Ti L 2,3 -edges, and the results show that Ti ions substitute for Si ions in the tetrahedral coordinated sites. The optical attenuation of the glass was obtained from low energy loss of EELS data through Kramers–Kronig analysis, and the results show that Ti-doped silica has an absorption edge near 4.0 eV.
Individual characterisation of the metastatic capacity of human breast carcinoma

The clinical implications of understanding the invasive and metastatic proclivities of an individual patient's tumour are substantial because the choice of systemic therapy needs to be guided by the likelihood of occult metastasis as well as by knowing when the metastases will become overt. Malignant potential is dynamic, progressing throughout the natural history of a tumour. Required of tumours is the development of critical phenotypic attributes: growth, angiogenesis, invasion and metastagenicity. Characterisation of the extent of tumour progression with regard to these major tumour phenotypes should allow the fashioning of individual therapy for each patient. To examine the clinical parameters and molecularly characterise the metastatic proclivity we have been studying a series of regionally treated breast cancer patients who received no systemic therapy and have long follow-up. Clinically we describe two parameters: metastagenicity - the metastatic proclivity of a tumour, and virulence--the rate at which these metastases appear. Both attributes increase with tumour size and nodal involvement. However, within each clinical group there is a cured population, even in those with extensive nodal involvement, underscoring the heterogeneity of breast cancers within each group and the need for further molecular characterisation. Using biomarkers that characterise the malignant phenotype we have determined that there is progression in the phenotypic changes. Angiogenesis and loss of nm23 are earlier events than the loss of E-cadherin, or abnormalities in TP53. The strongest biomarkers of poor prognosis are p53 and E-cadherin, but even when both are abnormal 42% of node-negative patients are cured indicating that other determinative steps need to occur before successful metastases are established. Identification of these critical later events will further increase the efficacy of determining the malignant capacities of individual tumours.
Reactive oxygen species mediate inflammatory cytokine release and EGFR-dependent mucin secretion in airway epithelial cells exposed to Pseudomonas pyocyanin

Despite the long-appreciated in vivo role of the redox-active virulence factor pyocyanin in Pseudomonas airway infections and the importance of airway epithelial cells in combating bacterial pathogens, little is known about pyocyanin's effect on airway epithelial cells. We find that exposure of bronchiolar epithelial cells to pyocyanin results in MUC2/MUC5AC induction and mucin secretion through release of inflammatory cytokines and growth factors (interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, heparin-bound epidermal growth factor, tissue growth factor-α, tumor necrosis factor-α) that activate the epidermal growth factor receptor pathway. These changes are mediated by reactive oxygen species produced by pyocyanin. Microarray analysis identified 286 pyocyanin-induced genes in airway epithelial cells, including many inflammatory mediators elevated in cystic fibrosis (granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), granulocyte-monocyte CSF, chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (CXCL1), serum amyloid, IL-23) and several novel pyocyanin-responsive genes of potential importance in the infection process (IL-24, CXCL2, CXCL3, CCL20, CXCR4). This comprehensive study uncovers numerous details of pyocyanin's proinflammatory action and establishes airway epithelial cells as key responders to this microbial toxin.
Origins and early descriptions of “Duchenne muscular dystrophy”

One of the seminal events in the history of neurology was the identification of primary diseases of muscle and their separation from diseases in which muscle weakness was secondary to injury involving the anterior horns of the spinal cord ("progressive muscular atrophy"). Not surprisingly, one of the first groups of primary muscle diseases to be satisfactorily characterized belonged to what would today be classified as muscular dystrophies. Pride of place in this group belongs to Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). DMD's primacy as the first well-characterized muscular dystrophy was due both to the fact that it is relatively common, as well as to the clinically striking feature, apparent in many cases, of apparent paradoxical enlargement of severely weakened muscles ("pseudo-hypertrophy"). This review traces the historical roots of DMD in the 19th century, from the early papers by Conte, Bell, Partridge, and Meryon through the classic monographs by Duchenne and Gowers. In addition, the first American contributions to DMD are reviewed, including those by Pepper, Hammond, and S. Weir Mitchell. Many of the original papers describing this disease are now unavailable outside of major medical libraries, and several important contributions, excepting those of Duchenne, which are recognized eponymously, are now virtually forgotten.
Investigation of vibrational control of convective flows in Bridgman melt growth configurations

It is generally recognized that oscillatory, or pulsatile, flow significantly alters the transfer of mass, heat and momentum in fluid systems. A numerical investigation of thermovibrational buoyancy-driven flow in differentially heated cylindrical containers is presented as part of a study of thermovibrational transport regimes in Bridgman-type systems. The formulation of a physical and mathematical model for this problem is outlined and its application to the study of investigation of thermal vibrational flows is discussed. Three types of vibration are considered: translational, circularly polarized and rotational. It is demonstrated that forced vibration can significantly affect flows that have been induced by g-jitter and selected results for the cases of longitudinal and lateral vibrations are presented.
Artificial control of the anal colostomy in sheep

Abstract A completely artificial, inanimate, anal-occluding mechanism using a velour-covered Silastic ring outside the bowel and an inflated balloon proximal to the ring and within the bowel is described and has been implanted in 18 sheep. Results indicate that the prosthetic ring is completely accepted by the body. The balloon is liquid-occlusive and nontraumatic to the occluded bowel. The prosthesis enables voluntary control of the bowels, obviates appliances and their problems, makes bowel care cleaner, quicker, and easier, makes defecation almost a normal process and returns the anus to its proper position. The device is advocated for clinical trial and its assets as a clinical tool are discussed.
Isolated lung chemotherapeutic infusions for treatment of pulmonary metastases: a pilot study.

A pilot study was designed to determine the feasibility of combining minimally invasive surgery techniques and cardiac surgical catheter technology to deliver high-dose unilateral pulmonary chemotherapy. Single lung ventilation general anesthesia was combined with catheter-based left pulmonary artery (PA) control in 4 mongrel dogs. p-Aminohippuric acid (PAH) was used to quantify leakage of pulmonary arterial infusate. Surgical exposure was progressively less invasive. Dissection of cranial and caudal pulmonary veins followed methods used in minimally invasive pulmonary lobectomy. All animals survived the experimental procedure. The Heart-Port Endoplege catheter controlled the canine PA. A volume (50 cm3) of infusate much smaller than the calculated pulmonary vascular volume caused less vascular overdistention and diffused throughout the pulmonary vascular bed within 3–5 min as verified by fluoroscopy. 75% of the tracer remained in the lung at the completion of the 30-min dwell time. The pulmonary circulation can be isolated by minimally invasive operative and catheter technology so that the pulmonary parenchyma can be exposed to a high concentration of a compound for at least 30 min in the canine model.
Temporal variation of particle scattering coefficients at Brookhaven National Laboratory, New York

Abstract Real-time measurements of scattering coefficients of particles in the atmospheric boundary layer were continuously measured during 1975 and 1976 at a height of 106 m at Brookhaven National Laboratory. Long Island, New York to study their variations with meteorological parameters and in relation to upwind source regions. Short and long time scales of fluctuations, frequency distributions, stagnation periods, and effects on incoming solar radiation were investigated. Results indicate seasonal dependence and variations due to the upwind location of sources.
Malunions and Nonunions of the Forearm

Modern techniques allow for high rates of union in the treatment of diaphyseal forearm fractures. In the case of nonunion, addressing the biology and stability of the fracture will similarly yield high union rates, but slightly decreased functional outcomes. Malunion of forearm fractures typically results in loss of range of motion and grip strength. Restoration of the anatomical relationships of the forearm yields functional results. Understanding and recreating the anatomy of the forearm is the key to obtaining good functional outcomes.
Changing nutrient levels in Lake Maurepas following human population shifts in response to Hurricane Katrina

Following Hurricane Katrina in August 2005, as many as 57% of residents in some parishes in the Lower Lake Pontchartrain Basin were displaced from their homes. Concurrently, the population in the Upper Lake Pontchartrain Basin, which drains into Lake Maurepas, increased by 62,000 residents, leading to increased residential and urban land use. These changes led to significant increases in phosphate and silicate concentrations in Lake Maurepas that are likely caused by non-point source pollution through erosion from new construction sites, fertilisation of new lawns and stress to existing wastewater treatment facilities. Average phosphate concentrations at three sites in Lake Maurepas increased by 76–205% and silicate levels increased by 60–83% compared with data collected in 2003 prior to the hurricane. Discharge-weighted averages increased even more dramatically, with phosphate and silicate concentrations increasing up to 161 and 394%, respectively. Discharge-weighted silicate and phosphate concentrations...
Placental specializations of the mountain spiny lizard Sceloporus jarrovi.

The lizard Sceloporus jarrovi (Phrynosomatidae) is one of the most widely studied viviparous reptiles of North America. Past research has assumed that placentation in this species is relatively simple and functions mainly in gas exchange. Our examination of the late stage placenta via transmission electron microscopy reveals that S. jarrovi has a unique combination of placental characteristics, with unusual specializations for secretion and absorption. In the chorioallantoic placenta, chorionic and uterine tissues are directly apposed through eggshell loss, and their epithelia are greatly attenuated, enhancing gas exchange; this placenta shows evidence of both nutrient transfer and endocrine function. Contrary to past inferences, a yolk sac placenta forms from the avascular omphalopleure and persists through the end of gestation. The uterine epithelium is enlarged and secretory, and the fetal omphalopleure shows branching absorptive channels and other specializations for uptake. Elsewhere, the omphalopleure develops elongated folds that protrude into a coagulum of degenerating shell membrane and other organic material. Uterine tissue in this region shows specializations for absorption. Placental features in S. jarrovi have unexpected functional implications, and challenge assumptions that specializations for nutrient transfer are confined to matrotrophic species. J. Morphol. 271:1153–1175, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Cutaneous clear cell squamous cell carcinoma in situ : clinical, histological and immunohistochemical characterization

Background: Clear cell squamous cell carcinoma in situ (SCCIS) has not been defined in the literature with respect to its clinical, histological, and immunohistochemical features. Methods: Nearly 1500 consecutive cases of SCCIS were assessed for percent clear cell change. The clinical features of all SCCIS with ≥10% clear cell change, including age, sex and site distribution, were compared with classical SCCIS using chi-square analysis. PAS special staining and immunohistochemical analysis with 11 cell markers were performed to characterize the clear cell of origin. Results: Eighty SCCIS cases with a spectrum of clear cell change of ≥10% were identified. Six cases with ≥80% clear cells were defined as clear cell SCCIS. The clinical features of the cases did not vary significantly from classical SCCIS. Antibodies labeling outer root sheath (ORS) cells also labeled clear cells in the cases and included K8.12 (labeling CK13 and CK16), cellular retinoic acid binding protein II, CAM 5.2 and CK15. Antibodies that did not label ORS cells, but did label eccrine glands (CK7 and CK18) or sebocytes (EMA), also did not label the cases. Conclusion: Clear cell change in SCCIS is part of a spectrum which displays ORS differentiation.
Role of the Research-Subject Locator (RSL) in the Performance of a Pediatric Drug Trial

This article examines the feasibility, effectiveness, and ethical constraints relevant to appropriate financial compensation of the pediatric house officer who functions as a research-subject locator (RSL). When carefully trained and supervised, the RSL can facilitate timely enrollment of research subjects in pediatric drug trials, augment the house officer training experience, and advocate for children to increase therapeutic options available for pediatric care. When monitored within the clinical trial schema, the RSL has no direct link to the study outcome and thus performs within ethical standards for subject enrollment and study participation.
Syntheses with stable isotopes: Sodium cyanide‐13C

Sodium cyanide- 13C has been prepared in 65–70% overall yield from carbon-13C monoxide in a three-step synthesis proceeding through isopropyl formate- 13C and formamide- 13C as intermediates. Several. methods for the dehydration of formamide have been investigated.
INSTRUCTING OPERATIONS DESIGN: AN EXPERIENTIAL APPROACH

Teaching an operations design course has major pedagogical challenges. (1) The design topics—output, process, facility, and work design—are necessarily taught sequentially, yet the decisions are integrative. (2) Instruction must be generic to service or product producers. (3) Discussing output design is difficult since students typically have had no exposure to the “product language” of engineering graphics. (4) No text is available which examines in sufficient depth all the operations design decisions. (5) Cases necessarily depict historical situations—process technologies and economic data—while operations managers must plan future directions for their productive systems. (6) While the commercial world contains fresh information and data, students are inexperienced in obtaining knowledge from the real world. (7) While the course presents an operations management perspective, students must recognize the information, data, and cooperation necessary from the other functional areas to successfully complete the operations design. To help overcome these seven pedagogical challenges, the students in the undergraduate and graduate operation design courses complete a comprehensive feasibility study for a new product or service and the entire productive system.
Dummett's case for intuitionism

Dummett's case against platonism rests on arguments concerning the acquisition and manifestation of knowledge of meaning. Dummett's arguments are here criticized from a viewpoint less Davidsonian than Chomskian. Dummett's case against formalism is obscure because in its prescriptive considerations are not clearly separated from descriptive. Dummett's implicit value judgments are here made explicit and questioned. ‘Combat Revisionism!’ Chairman Mao
A METHODOLOGY FOR PRACTICAL CUTTING FORCE EVALUATION BASED ON THE ENERGY SPENT IN THE CUTTING SYSTEM

This paper presents a methodology for practical estimation of cutting force and cutting power. Based on a previously proposed definition, the power spent in metal cutting is the summation of four components: the power spent on the plastic deformation of the layer being removed by both major and minor cutting edges, the power spent on the tool-chip interface, the power spent on the tool-workpiece interface, and the power spent in the formation of new surfaces (cohesive energy). This paper provides a complete list of mathematical expressions needed for the calculation of each energy mode and demonstrates their utility for turning operation of two work materials: AISI bearing steel E52100 and aerospace aluminum alloy 2024 T6. The calculated cutting forces were in fairly good agreement with the experimental results. Energy partition in the cutting system and relative impact of the parameters of the machining regime are discussed. For the first time, a simple and practical method is available for the calculati...
Addressing the burden of diabetes.

The prevalence of diabetes continues to increase around the globe. In 2010, an estimated 26 million individuals in the United States had diabetes and 79 million persons older than 20 years had prediabetes.1 If the current epidemic is not addressed, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that as many as 1 in 3 people in the United States could have diabetes by the year 2050.2
TU‐E‐214‐03: Preclinical and Clinical Hypoxia Imaging: Current and Emerging Methods and Technology

The definition of tumor hypoxia is multifaceted, ranging from a simple physiological absence of molecular oxygen in tumor cells to a major factor associated with aggressive tumor phenotype; therefore, imaging of tumor hypoxia is equally poorly defined. Several compounds have been synthesized for PET hypoxia imaging studies: 18F‐fluoromisonidazole (FMISO), Cu‐diacetyl‐bis(N4‐methylthiosemicarbazone) (Cu‐ATSM), 2‐nitroimidazoles based markers such as 2‐(2‐nitroimidazol‐1[H]‐yl)‐N‐(3‐[F‐18]fluoropropyl) acetamide (EF1) and [2‐(2‐nitroimidazol‐1‐yl)‐N‐(3,3,3‐trifluoropropyl)‐acetamide], [2‐(2‐nitro‐1[H]‐imidazol‐1‐yl)‐N‐(2,2,3,3,3‐penta‐fluoropropyl)‐acetamide] (EF5), and most recently 1‐(5‐fluoro‐5‐deoxy‐alpha‐D‐arabinofuranosyl)‐2‐nitroimidazole (FAZA). All these compounds diffuse into normally oxygenated and hypoxic cells but are retained in substantially higher concentrations in hypoxic issues. Clinically most commonly used PET hypoxia tracers are FMISO and Cu‐ATSM. In this lecture, different PET hypoxia tracers will be reviewed, focusing on differences in their uptake mechanisms, which lead to differences in their clinical appearance. In addition, the most important clinical trials utilizing PET hypoxia imaging will be reviewed. Learning objectives: 1. To learn about clinical PET imaging of hypoxia 2. To learn about differences between various PET hypoxia tracers 3. To learn about clinical trials utilizing PET hypoxia imaging
Four-photon dissociation and ionization of H2.

We report a quantitative investigation of competition between dissociation and ionization in four-photon excited ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$. The C $^{1}\ensuremath{\Pi}_{u}$ v=0--4, N=1--3 states are prepared by three-photon excitation from the ground state. Absorption of a fourth photon from the same laser pulse leads either to ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$${\mathrm{}}^{+}$+e or H+H(n=3,4). This branching is monitored in photoelectron spectra, taken with a novel magnetic bottle electron spectrometer based on a permanent magnet design. The competition between dissociation and ionization shows a pronounced dependence on the symmetry, vibrational, and rotational quantum numbers of the C state. We attempt to explain this dependence in terms of excitation of dissociative ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ states in the ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$${\mathrm{}}^{+}$ ionization continuum from which both autoionization and dissociation may occur.
Specifying and proving properties of timed I/O automata using Tempo

Timed I/O automata (TIOA) is a mathematical framework for modeling and verification of distributed systems that involve discrete and continuous dynamics. TIOA can be used for example, to model a real-time software component controlling a physical process. The TIOA model is sufficiently general to subsume other models in use for timed systems. The Tempo Toolset, currently under development, is aimed at supporting system development based on TIOA specifications. The Tempo Toolset is an extension of the IOA toolkit, which provides a specification simulator, a code generator, and both model checking and theorem proving support for analyzing specifications. This paper focuses on the modeling of timed systems and their properties with TIOA and on the use of TAME4TIOA, the TAME (Timed Automata Modeling Environment) based theorem proving support provided in Tempo, for proving system properties, including timing properties. Several examples are provided by way of illustration.
Influence of coronary collateral vessels on the results of thallium-201 myocardial stress imaging.

Abstract Although collateral vessels are commonly seen in patients with coronary disease, their functional significance has been debated. In this study segmental analysis of thallium-201 perfusion scintigrams obtained at rest and after exercise was made in 124 patients with angiographically proved coronary artery disease to determine whether collateral vessels could provide protection front myocardial ischemia during stress. All 15 coronary arteries that were completely occluded and had no collateral vessels showed a corresponding stress perfusion abnormality, but only 65 of 92 occluded arteries with angiographically visualized collateral vessels showed a corresponding stress defect (P