cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Withdrawal from repeated morphine administration augments expression of the RhoA network in the nucleus accumbens to control synaptic structure.

The nucleus accumbens (NAc) is a critical brain reward region that mediates the rewarding effects of drugs of abuse, including those of morphine and other opiates. Drugs of abuse induce widespread alterations in gene transcription and dendritic spine morphology in medium spiny neurons (MSNs) of the NAc that ultimately influence NAc excitability and hence reward-related behavioral responses. Growing evidence indicates that within the NAc small GTPases are common intracellular targets of drugs of abuse where these molecules regulate drug-mediated transcriptional and spine morphogenic effects. The RhoA small GTPase is among the most well-characterized members of the Ras superfamily of small GTPases, and recent work highlights an important role for hippocampal RhoA in morphine-facilitated reward behavior. Despite this, it remains unclear how RhoA pathway signaling in the NAc is affected by withdrawal from morphine. To investigate this question, using subcellular fractionation and subsequent protein profiling we examined the expression of key components of the RhoA pathway in NAc nuclear, cytoplasmic, and synaptosomal compartments during multiple withdrawal periods from repeated morphine administration. Furthermore, using in vivo viral-mediated gene transfer, we determined the consequences of revealed RhoA pathway alterations on NAc MSN dendritic spine morphology. Our findings reveal an important role for RhoA signaling cascades in mediating the effects of long-term morphine withdrawal on NAc MSN dendritic spine elimination. Open practices Open Science: This manuscript was awarded with the Open Materials Badge. For more information see: https://cos.io/our-services/open-science-badges/.
A Whole Methylome Study of Ethanol Exposure in Brain and Blood: An Exploration of the Utility of Peripheral Blood as Proxy Tissue for Brain in Alcohol Methylation Studies

Background Recent reviews have highlighted the potential use of blood-based methylation biomarkers as diagnostic and prognostic tools of current and future alcohol use and addiction. Due to the substantial overlap that often exists between methylation patterns across different tissues, including blood and brain, blood-based methylation may track methylation changes in brain; however, little work has explored the overlap in alcohol-related methylation in these tissues. Methods To study the effects of alcohol on the brain methylome and identify possible biomarkers of these changes in blood, we performed a methylome-wide association study in brain and blood from 40 male DBA/2J mice that received either an acute ethanol (EtOH) or saline intraperitoneal injection. To investigate all 22 million CpGs in the mouse genome, we enriched for the methylated genomic fraction using methyl-CpG binding domain (MBD) protein capture followed by next-generation sequencing (MBD-seq). We performed association tests in blood and brain separately followed by enrichment testing to determine whether there was overlapping alcohol-related methylation in the 2 tissues. Results The top result for brain was a CpG located in an intron of Ttc39b (p = 5.65 × 10-08 ), and for blood, the top result was located in Espnl (p = 5.11 × 10-08 ). Analyses implicated pathways involved in inflammation and neuronal differentiation, such as CXCR4, IL-7, and Wnt signaling. Enrichment tests indicated significant overlap among the top results in brain and blood. Pathway analyses of the overlapping genes converge on MAPKinase signaling (p = 5.6 × 10-05 ) which plays a central role in acute and chronic responses to alcohol and glutamate receptor pathways, which can regulate neuroplastic changes underlying addictive behavior. Conclusions Overall, we have shown some methylation changes in brain and blood after acute EtOH administration and that the changes in blood partly mirror the changes in brain suggesting the potential for DNA methylation in blood to be biomarkers of alcohol use.
Spontaneous preoperative pituitary adenoma resolution following apoplexy: a case presentation and literature review

Purpose: We aim to more fully understand the incidence and natural history of spontaneously resolving non-functioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs).Methods: We report a case of spontaneous complete resolution of a NFPA revealed by preoperative magnetic resonance imaging. In addition, we searched all major databases and neurosurgery journals to perform a comprehensive literature review of all previously reported cases of spontaneously resolving NFPAs. We discuss how these cases may contribute to our understanding of the natural course for non-functional pituitary adenomas.Results: To date, only twelve cases of spontaneously resolving nonfunctional pituitary adenomas have previously been reported. The presented case is the first reported spontaneously resolved nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma to recur. In all cases, apoplexy resulted in resolution of mass effect, obviating the need for surgical decompression.Conclusions: In all NFPA cases, the preoperative MRI should always be studied closely before surgery is initiated. Additionally, because we have demonstrated that the adenoma may regrow after spontaneous regression following apoplexy, these patients should be followed with regular serial MRIs to monitor for recurrence.
Type 1 diabetes alters ischemia-induced gene expression.

Abstract Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a chronic, activity-limiting disease that is caused by atherosclerotic occlusion of blood vessels outside the heart. Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) not only increases an individual’s likelihood of developing PAD, but also contributes to poor clinical outcomes after PAD manifestation. Although there is some evidence suggesting that hyperglycemia might alter expression of genes involved in regulating PAD severity or outcomes, our knowledge about the specific genes and pathways involved remains incomplete. We induced experimental PAD or hind limb ischemia in T1D and non-diabetic mice and subjected the ischemic gastrocnemius muscle tissues to genome-wide mRNA transcriptome and pathway analysis. We identified 513 probe sets that represented 443 different genes with highly significant expression differences (p
On mass determination fromTeff,g, andMbol

The mass deduced, using photometrically determinedg, gives a lower limit to the mass. Furthermore, mass determination in giant and supergiant stars may be effected byg andTeff being determined for different values of the stellar radius.
Alcohol-Induced Interleukin-17 Expression Causes Murine Lung Fibroblast-to-Myofibroblast Transdifferentiation via Thy-1 Down-Regulation.

Background Alcohol exposure induces TGFβ1 and renders the lung susceptible to injury and disrepair. We determined that TGFβ1 regulates myofibroblast differentiation through the loss of Thy-1 expression and consequent induction of α-SMA. TGFβ1 is important for T helper 17 (Th17) differentiation and IL-17 secretion, which in turn participates in tissue repair. We hypothesized that alcohol induces Th17 differentiation via TGFβ1 and that IL-17 produced by these cells contributes to the development of profibrotic lung myofibroblasts. Methods Primary lung fibroblasts (PLFs) were treated with alcohol, TGFβ1, and IL-17 and then analyzed for Thy-1 expression and cell morphology. Naive and Th17-polarized CD4+ T cells were exposed to alcohol and assessed for IL-17 expression. CD4+ T cells from alcohol-fed mice were analyzed for Th17 and IL-17 expression. Lungs of control-fed, bleomycin-treated and alcohol-fed, bleomycin-treated mice were analyzed for IL-17 protein expression. Results Alcohol-treated PLFs expressed lower levels of Thy-1 than untreated cells. TGFβ1 or IL-17 exposure suppressed PLF Thy-1 expression. When administered together, TGFβ1 and IL-17 additively down-regulated Thy-1 expression. Exposure of naive and Th17-polarized CD4+ T cells to alcohol induced the Th17 phenotype and augmented their production of IL-17. CD4+ Th17+ levels are elevated in the peripheral compartment but not in the lungs of alcohol-fed animals. Treatment of the PLFs with IL-17 and alcohol induced α-SMA expression. Induction of α-SMA and myofibroblast morphology by IL-17 occurred selectively in a Thy-1- fibroblast subpopulation. Chronic alcohol ingestion augmented lung-specific IL-17 expression following bleomycin-induced lung injury. Conclusions Alcohol exposure skews T cells toward a Th17 immune response that in turn primes the lung for fibroproliferative disrepair through loss of Thy-1 expression and induction of myofibroblast differentiation. These effects suggest that IL-17 and TGFβ1 contribute to fibroproliferative disrepair in the lung and targeting these proteins could limit morbidity and mortality following lung injury in alcoholic individuals.
Dexamethasone Degradation in Aqueous Medium and Implications for Correction of In Vitro Release from Sustained Release Delivery Systems

The in vitro drug release in an aqueous medium is a critical performance metric for a sustained release drug product. During long-term release studies, drugs may degrade in the release medium, and such degradation can lead to errors in drug release quantitation. Using dexamethasone as a model drug and LC-MS/MS methods employing dexamethasone-d4 as an internal standard, this study identified that dexamethasone can degrade into 13 major degradation products in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) as a function of time, temperature (25, 37, and 45°C), and light exposure. A putative scheme for dexamethasone degradation pathways in PBS has been proposed. In proof-of-concept studies, the analytical method was used to quantitate dexamethasone and its degradation products during in vitro release studies with sustained release dexamethasone-poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) implants incubated in phosphate buffer saline (PBS). Further, mathematical approaches were developed to estimate drug release from implants after accounting for drug degradation in PBS. The LC-MS/MS analytical method and the mathematical approaches developed could be used for assessing the stability and/or release of dexamethasone during manufacturing, storage, and use of various dosage forms.
Flexible Pavement for Tomorrow's Major Airports

This paper presents flexible pavement thickness design requirements for representative aircraft which tend to control the design of flexible pavements at today's and tomorrow's major commercial airports. These design criteria, developed in accordance with the CBR design procedures used by the Army Corps of Engineers in designing flexible pavements for military aircraft, may be used to predict the effects of tomorrow's aircraft on existing flexible pavements at commercial airports.
Accurate confidence intervals for proportion in studies with clustered binary outcome

Clustered binary data are commonly encountered in many medical research studies with several binary outcomes from each cluster. Asymptotic methods are traditionally used for confidence interval calculations. However, these intervals often have unsatisfactory performance with regards to coverage for a study with a small sample size or the actual proportion near the boundary. To improve the coverage probability, exact Buehler's one-sided intervals may be utilized, but they are computationally intensive in this setting. Therefore, we propose using importance sampling to calculate confidence intervals that almost always guarantee the coverage. We conduct extensive simulation studies to compare the performance of the existing asymptotic intervals and the new accurate intervals using importance sampling. The new intervals based on the asymptotic Wilson score for sample space ordering perform better than others, and they are recommended for use in practice.
Effect of STK11 mutations on efficacy of PD-1 inhibition in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and dependence on KRAS mutation status.

e15113Background: STK11 mutations (STK11m) have been associated with resistance to ICI in KRAS-mutant (KRASm) NSCLC. Whether STK11m status also impacts clinical outcomes to ICI in KRAS wild-type (w...
Sustainability, social marketing, veterinarians and United States veterans

This marketing case study highlights an innovative nonprofit organization (Veterinarians To Veterans United, Inc.) whose mission is to provide service, therapeutic, and emotional support animals, a...
Parker Solar Probe's Approach to Mission Assurance

This reflective paper documents the successful approach to mission assurance management implemented by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL), NASA's mission implementer for the Parker Solar Probe (PSP) Mission. From initial requirements formulation through launch in August 2018, JHU/APL's approach to leading and managing this decade long mission assurance effort is explored. A discussion of Safety and Mission Assurance (SMA) within APL's Space Exploration Sector provides context to the paper. Implementation details of the PSP SMA approach including attributes such as responsibilities, requirements, consistency, and distributed leadership are highlighted as part of this paper. Hierarchical, Institutional, and Inter-Organizational relationships are viewed as a key driver that led to risk mitigation and overall project success.
Análise dos estilos regulatórios da autodeterminação para a prática de atividades físicas e esportes em escolares

Esta pesquisa teve por objetivo descrever os estilos regulatorios de motivacao para a pratica de atividades fisicas e esportes de alunos do Ensino Medio em uma escola publica de Canoas/RS, conforme a variavel sexo. Para tanto, uma amostra foi composta por 49 alunos do Ensino Medio, sendo 26 meninos e 23 meninas com media de idade de 17,96 anos, os quais responderam o Inventario de Autodeterminacao para Praticantes de Atividades Fisicas e/ou Esportivas (IAPAFE-12). Os resultados indicaram que os individuos de ambos os sexos sao significativamente mais motivados intrinsecamente, no entanto, os meninos sao significativamente mais autodeterminados, enquanto as meninas estao mais Amotivadas.
A Comparison Between Naïve Bayes and Random Forest to Predict Breast Cancer

Accurate diagnosis of breast cancer is very beneficial as breast cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in women after lung cancer in the US. This study compares two machine learning approaches to diagnose breast cancer using a publicly available dataset, which comprises of features computed from a digitized image of a fine needle aspirate (FNA). We employ two different machine learning techniques, namely Naive Bayes and Random Forest to measure the accuracy of the diagnosis. Using 569 patient's information and 31 features, the above three machine learning classifiers are implemented. According to the findings, the Random Forest classifier performed better than the Naive Bayes method by reaching a 97.82% of accuracy. Furthermore, classification accuracy can be improved with the appropriate selection of the feature selection technique. Furthermore, this section explains the feature selection technique used in the study. The analysis procedure is discussed, and the dataset and the performance indicators are described.
Chronic Nicotine Exposure Minimally Affects Rat Supraspinatus Tendon Properties and Bone Microstructure

Cigarette smoking is the largest cause of preventable deaths, and a known risk factor for musculoskeletal issues including rotator cuff tendon tears. Tendon degeneration is believed to be due in part to changes in tendon cell health and collagen structure. Several studies have demonstrated that exposure to nicotine negatively impacts tendon healing, but surprisingly, nicotine exposure was shown to increase rat supraspinatus tendon stiffness. In order to address this seeming contradiction, the objective of this study was to comprehensively investigate the effects of long-term (18 weeks) exposure of nicotine on tendon-to-bone microstructural properties in a rat model. We hypothesized that long term subcutaneous nicotine delivery would lead to diminished tendon mechanical properties, decreased bone microstructure in the humeral head, and altered tendon cell morphology compared to age-matched control rats receiving saline. Results demonstrated a small decrease in tendon size and stiffness, with decreased cell density in the tendon midsubstance. However, no differences were found in the enthesis fibrocartilage or in the underlying subchondral or trabecular bone. In conclusion, our study revealed limited effects of nicotine on the homeostatic condition of the supraspinatus tendon, enthesis, and underlying bone. Future studies are needed to ascertain effects of other components of tobacco products.
Discussion-Cervico-Mental Angle Suspensory Ligament: The Keystone to Understand the Cervico-Mental Angle and the Aging Process of the Neck.

This is a commentary and discussion in response to a cadaveric study entitled, “Cervico-mental angle suspensory ligament: The keystone to understand the cervico-mental angle and the aging process of the neck.” While highlighting the cervico-mental angle suspensory ligament has the potential to give rise to new surgical technique in neck rejuvenation surgery, the authors caution readers of the study’s major limitation. Without well-documented results aligning with aesthetic ideals or reports of the safety and longevity of the procedure, it seems too early to consider this ligament the keystone to understand the aging neck. An actual surgical technique must be described and further clinical studies need to be performed before this ligament can be included in the armamentarium of neck rejuvenation surgery. As the goal of surgery should be a natural result that restores aesthetic ideals of the youthful neck, regardless of the significance that this ligament will carry, its application should be tailored to the patient to avoid overly aggressive treatment. Level of evidence V This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .
Patient Acceptance of Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants in Rheumatology Care.

OBJECTIVE This study sought to assess whether patients with autoimmune disease would accept advanced practice providers (APPs) as an option to fill the growing shortage of rheumatologists. METHODS We administered a cross-sectional survey to 500 patients or parents of children who reported having been diagnosed with qualifying autoimmune conditions and who had seen their primary rheumatology providers in the past 6 months. Respondents self-reported whether their primary providers were rheumatologists or APPs. Our analysis compared the attitude and experience of the patients whose primary rheumatology providers were APPs with those of patients whose primary providers were rheumatologists. RESULTS Of respondents, 36.8% reported having APPs as primary rheumatology providers. Patients of APPs were significantly more likely to arrive at their provider's office in 15 minutes or less (p < 0.01) and to be able to schedule routine and urgent appointments sooner (p = 0.02, 0.05). There were no significant differences for overall patient experience of care between provider types. Most patients rated their providers highly, but those who saw rheumatologists rated their providers significantly higher (p < 0.01). APP patients were significantly more likely than rheumatologist patients to prefer to see APPs over rheumatologists (p < 0.01) and to recommend APPs (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS APPs may improve access to care, and regardless of provider type, patients rated their overall experience of care similarly. Overall, patient attitudes toward APPs were positive regardless of provider type, although APP patients held more positive overall attitudes toward APPs than did rheumatologist patients.
Periconception air pollution, metabolomic biomarkers, and fertility among women undergoing assisted reproduction.

BACKGROUND Air pollution exposure has been linked with diminished fertility. Identifying the metabolic changes induced by periconception air pollution exposure among women could enhance our understanding of the potential biological pathways underlying air pollution's reproductive toxicity. OBJECTIVE To identify serum metabolites associated with periconception air pollution exposure and evaluate the extent to which these metabolites mediate the association between air pollution and live birth. METHODS We included 200 women undergoing a fresh assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycle at Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center (2005-2015). A serum sample was collected during stimulation, and untargeted metabolic profiling was conducted using liquid chromatography with ultra-high-resolution mass spectrometry. Exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), fine particulate matter <2.5 µm (PM2.5), and black carbon (BC) was estimated using validated spatiotemporal models. Multivariable linear regression models were used to evaluate the associations between the air pollutants, live birth, and metabolic feature intensities. A meet in the middle approach was used to identify overlapping features and metabolic pathways. RESULTS From the C18 and HILIC chromatography columns, 10,803 and 12,968 metabolic features were extracted. There were 190 metabolic features and 18 pathways that were significantly associated with both air pollution and live birth (P < 0.05) across chromatography columns. Eight features were confirmed metabolites implicated in amino acid and nutrient metabolism with downstream effects on oxidative stress and inflammation. Six confirmed metabolites fell into two intuitive clusters - "antioxidants" and "oxidants"- which could potentially mediate some of the association between air pollution and lower odds of live birth. Tryptophan and vitamin B3 metabolism were common pathways linking air pollution exposure to decreased probability of live birth. CONCLUSION Higher periconception air pollution exposure was associated with metabolites and biologic pathways involved in inflammation and oxidative stress that may mediate the observed associations with lower probability of live birth following ART.
Associations Among Irritability, High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein/Interleukin-6, and Depression in Patients With Early-Stage Breast Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Prospective Study.

Background Association between irritability and depression has been frequently reported, but the nature of this association in the adult population is poorly understood. Objectives We examined associations among irritability (e.g., a feeling of agitation), inflammatory biomarkers, and depression during chemotherapy. Methods Forty-four patients with nonmetastatic breast cancer were assessed at baseline and after 3 months of chemotherapy on The Irritability Scale-Initial Version, severity and new onset of depressive symptoms using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, and serum levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and interleukin 6. Results At baseline, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein significantly correlated with physical and mood subscales of The Irritability Scale-Initial Version, but not with depression. Irritability and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein significantly predicted the severity and new onset of moderate to severe depressive symptoms over time, while irritability and interleukin 6 significantly predicted new onset of moderate to severe depressive symptoms. Conclusion The findings suggest that irritability is an independent risk factor of depression and associated with increasing high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. Irritability needs to be effectively managed in patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy to prevent them from developing depressive symptoms. These preliminary findings should be investigated in future large-sample studies.
Developing a modeling tool for flow profiling in irrigation distribution networks

Efforts are underway to rehabilitate the irrigation districts, such as in the Rio Grande Basin in Texas. Water distribution network models are needed to help prioritize and analyze various rehabilitation options, as well as to scientifically quantify irrigation water demands, usages, and losses, and to help manage gate automation. However, commercially available software packages were limited in applications due to their high cost and operational difficulty. This study aims to develop a modeling tool for modeling the water flow profile in irrigation distribution networks. The goal of developing the modeling tool was to make the modeling process simple, fast, reliable and accurate. On the basis of methodological study, the modeling tool has been developed for branching canal networks with the assumption of steady gradually varied flow. The flow profile calculation of the tool was verified from a single channel with 1% root mean squared error compared to the benchmark calculation and a branching network with 5% to 12% relative errors compared to check point measurement along the network. The developed modeling tool will be able to play an important role in water quantification for planning, analysis and development for modernization of irrigation systems. Keywords: irrigation distribution network, modeling tool, flow profiling DOI: 10.3965/j.issn.1934-6344.2009.03.017-026 Citation: Yanbo Huang, Guy Fipps. Developing a modeling tool for flow profiling in irrigation distribution networks.Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2009; 2(3): 17
Bio-Suit Development: Viable Options for Mechanical Counter Pressure

Human explorers of planetary surfaces would benefit greatly from a spacesuit design that facilitates locomotion. To aid in the development of such an extravehicular activity suit, a design effort incorporating the concept of mechanical counter pressure (MCP) was undertaken. Three-dimensional laser scanning of the human body was used to identify the main effects of knee flexion angle on the size and shape of the leg. This laser scanning quantified the changes in shape that must be supported by an MCP garment and the tension that must be developed to produce even MCP. Evaluation of a hybrid-MCP concept using inextensible materials demonstrated strong agreement between experimental data and a mathematical model with rigid cylinder geometry. Testing of a form-fitting garment on the right lower leg of a subject demonstrated successful pressure production. Further research is required to evaluate how evenly pressure can be distributed using the hybrid-MCP concept.
Psychological variables predict decisions regarding implantation of a spinal cord stimulator.

Objectives. To examine the psychological status of candidates for spinal cord stimulator implantation and elucidate possible personality variables that impact implantation decisions. Materials and Methods. This study surveyed 47 consecutively referred patients for possible implantation in an academic medical center outpatient pain clinic. Participants completed the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2), McGill Pain Questionnaire, and a locus of control scale. MANOVA and discriminant analysis was utilized to examine personality variables and implantation decisions. Results. Individuals who ultimately declined implantation of the stimulator were psychologically different from those acceding to permanent implantation. Permanently implanted patients were more open to admitting psychological distress, less somatically preoccupied, and possibly more submissive than those who refused. Conclusions. The MMPI-2 was able to predict final implantation status. The results suggest that patient personality characteristics exercise a significant role in decisions regarding stimulator implantation.
Patterns of Conflict Resolution Within Relationships and Coercive Sexual Behavior of Men and Women

Conflict tactics within relationships and coercive sexual behavior are separate phenomena that are empirically related. To answer why they should be related, we drew upon two theoretical frameworks: an individualized form of cultural spillover and feminist control theory. Using an ANOVA framework, we constructed hypotheses through which we could (1) test for relations among constructs and (2) discriminate between the predictions of cultural spillover and feminist theory. We hypothesized that the severity of individuals' coercive sexual behavior would be related to the violence level of conflict tactics in relationships and also to a pattern of generalized psychological abuse within relationships. We also hypothesized that men, compared to women, would engage in more physically coercive sexual behavior and use more violence in conflict tactics. University students (50% women, 93% <23 years old, from a school with 73% White students) responded to the measures. With the exception of the last hypothesis, these predictions were supported by the overall data, although not universally within levels of gender. Based on the pattern of hypothesis confirmation and inconsistencies, we discuss the mix of support and potential moderators that would resolve inconsistencies for each theory.
Study and Description of Organic Reaction Mechanisms

The chapters that follow this one will be devoted largely to the description of specific organic reactions. The development of a working understanding of organic chemistry requires the mastery of certain fundamental reaction types that occur in a wide variety of individual reactions. Most organic reactions occur in several steps; these steps constitute the reaction mechanism. Knowledge of the detailed mechanism of a reaction often reveals close relationships between reactions that otherwise might appear to be unrelated. In this chapter, the ways in which the study of organic reactions are carried out in order to determine reaction mechanisms will be discussed. The chapter considers the types ofexperimental studies that provide data and the methods by which it is possible to develop information about reaction mechanisms from such data.1
On couple-stress elasto-plastic constitutive frameworks for glassy polymers

Abstract Various experimental studies have revealed length scale dependent deformation of different materials at micron and sub-micron length scales. In metals, such length scale dependent deformations are considered to be associated with geometrically necessary dislocations arising from an increase in strain gradients related to non-uniform plastic deformation. Recent experiments, however, have shown that the nature of length scale dependent deformation in polymers is quite different from metals as in polymers size effects have been observed in pure elastic as well as in elasto-plastic deformation. It is shown in this study that similar to metals, size effects in polymers can be associated with an increase in higher order displacement gradients with decreasing length scale. However, the experimental results discussed here reveals that, in contrast to metals, these higher order displacement gradients are mainly of elastic nature even when glassy polymers deform elasto-plastically. Taking the effects of these elastic higher order displacement gradients into account, a couple-stress theory is developed to predict size effect in glassy polymers with elasto-plastic deformation.
Impact of blood transfusion on early outcome of liver resection for colorectal hepatic metastases.

Background The use of intra-operative blood transfusion has been associated with worse surgical outcome in patients undergoing liver resection for malignancy. Methods In a series of 127 consecutive patients who underwent partial liver resection for colorectal metastases, between July 1999 and March 2010, we studied, post-operative 90 days surgical outcome using Clavien multi-tier grading system, and the effect of a variety of related factors, including type of resection, surgical technique used, concomitant colo-rectal resection, non-tumoral hepatic histological findings, site of primary tumor, and comorbidities, on the incidence of intra-operative blood transfusion. Results Patients who received blood transfusions during their liver resection were more likely to have a longer post-operative length of stay, to experience Clavien Grade IIIa or worse complication. Undergoing a major resection and the presence of portal fibrosis in the non-tumoral liver tissue were both correlated with an increase in intra-operative blood transfusions. Conclusion These clinical findings suggest that although several significant factors do not seem to influence the short-term outcome of surgery, it is important to be aware of the deleterious effects of the type of resection performed and the presence of portal fibrosis on blood loss during partial liver resection. J. Surg. Oncol. 2011; 103:140–147. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Holocene glacial history of Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic islands

Abstract A history of Holocene glaciation in the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic affords insight into questions concerning present and future ice-sheet and mountain-glacier behavior and global climate and sea-level change. Existing records permit broad correlation of Holocene ice fluctuations within the region. In several areas, ice extent was less than at present in mid-Holocene time. An important exception to this is the West Antarctic Ice Sheet, which has undergone continued recession throughout the Holocene, probably in response to internal dynamics. The first Neoglacial ice advances occurred at ∼5.0 ka, although some sites (e.g., western Ross Sea) lack firm evidence for glacial expansion at that time. Glaciers in all areas underwent renewed growth in the past millennium, and most have subsequently undergone recession in the past 50 years, ranging from near-catastrophic in parts of the Antarctic Peninsula to minor in the western Ross Sea region and sections of East Antarctica. This magnitude difference likely reflects the much greater warming that is taking place in the Antarctic Peninsula region today as compared to East Antarctica.
Will auditors take over the world? Program, technique and the verification of everything

ion of knowledge in the auditing profession: an extended institutional theory perspective. Accounting, Organization and Society, 18(1), 41±63. Flint, D. (1988). Philosophy and principles of auditing. London:
A short route to the phthalideisoquinolines and the 13-hydroxylated protoberberines

Abstract CrO3 oxidation of 2′-hydroxymethylpapaverine (2) yields the aromatic phthalideisoquinoline 3. Catalytic reduction of 3 gives the erythro-norphthalideisoquinoline 7 and the threo analog 9. Respective N-methylation furnishes the erythro-phthalideisoquinoline 8, and the threo isomer 10. The nor compounds 7 and 9 can be converted in hydroxylic base to the lactam alcohols 11 and 12, respectively; but 12 tends to dehydrate to the oxyprotoberberine 15. LAH reduction of 11 and 12 affords in turn the 13-hydroxyprotoberberines 13 and 14. Three fractors affect the conformation of the phthalideisoquinolines, namely the relative stereochemistry at C-1 and C-9, substitution on nitrogen, and substitution at C-8.
Alcohol consumption in rats potentiates the deleterious effect of gram-negative sepsis on hepatic hyaluronan uptake.

The role of hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells (SECs) in the pathologic changes of the liver associated with alcohol consumption is not fully understood. The measurement of hyaluronan (HA) uptake by the SECs provides a useful means for assessing the functional state of these cells. In this study, we determined the effect of acute and chronic exposure to alcohol in rats in the absence and presence of subcutaneous Escherichia co/i-induced sepsis on plasma HA concentration and HA uptake by the isolated, perfused liver. Rats were administered ethanol (two doses of 0.2 g/100 g body weight, intraperitoneal, 24 and 15 hr before killing) or fed a liquid diet for 8–10 weeks, containing alcohol (36% of the total calories) or dextrin (in isocaloric amounts). Twenty-one hr before euthanizing for liver perfusion, animals were injected subcutaneously with live E. coli (sepsis) or sterile saline (control). Neither acute nor chronic alcohol exposure by themselves altered plasma HA levels. However, both treatments exacerbated the hyperhyaluronanemic effect of sepsis. Thus, in acutely alcohol-treated rats, sepsis induced a 187% (p &< 0.05) increase in plasma levels of HA, whereas in nonalcohol septic rats, the increase was only 54% (p &< 0.05). Likewise, sepsis resulted in a greater increase in the plasma levels of HA (871%) in alcohol-fed rats than it did in liquid diet, control-fed rats (323%, p &< 0.05). The rate of HA uptake by the isolated, perfused liver was not altered by either acute or chronic alcohol exposure. However, alcohol exposure markedly potentiated the inhibitory effect of sepsis on the capacity of the liver to take up HA. Thus, in acutely alcohol-treated rats, sepsis decreased HA uptake (60-80%, p &< 0.05), whereas in the corresponding nonalcoholic control group the decrease was evident only at the beginning of HA infusion. In chronically alcohol-fed rats, sepsis induced an 80% (p &< 0.05) inhibition of HA uptake, whereas in diet-fed control rats the inhibition was only 60% (p &< 0.05). The inhibition by sepsis of HA uptake by the isolated, perfused liver provides an explanation for the previously observed hyperhy-aluronanemia in septic humans and animals. Because alcohol alone does not alter HA metabolism, the results suggest that acute and chronic alcohol exposure influences the communication between liver cells leading to downregulation of HA clearance by SECs.
Three-dimensional fluorescence microscopy for the analysis of spatial arrangement of chromosomes

We have developed optical sectioning microscopy techniques to record and analyze three-dimensional image data. Using these techniques, we examined the three-dimensional arrangement and dynamics of chromosomes in fixed and living embryos of Drosophila melanogaster. High-resolution optical sectioning in fixed embryos has revealed the spatial arrangement of chromosomes within a nucleus. Time-lapse in vivo optical sectioning has revealed the dynamic behavior of chromosomes throughout the mitotic cycle. Combination of these obervations has provided insights into the dynamic aspects of three-dimensional chromosome organization.
Nano and Microscale Topographies for the Prevention of Bacterial Surface Fouling

Bacterial surface fouling is problematic for a wide range of applications and industries, including, but not limited to medical devices (implants, replacement joints, stents, pacemakers), municipal infrastructure (pipes, wastewater treatment), food production (food processing surfaces, processing equipment), and transportation (ship hulls, aircraft fuel tanks). One method to combat bacterial biofouling is to modify the topographical structure of the surface in question, thereby limiting the ability of individual cells to attach to the surface, colonize, and form biofilms. Multiple research groups have demonstrated that micro and nanoscale topographies significantly reduce bacterial biofouling, for both individual cells and bacterial biofilms. Antifouling strategies that utilize engineered topographical surface features with well-defined dimensions and shapes have demonstrated a greater degree of controllable inhibition over initial cell attachment, in comparison to undefined, texturized, or porous surfaces. This review article will explore the various approaches and techniques used by researches, including work from our own group, and the underlying physical properties of these highly structured, engineered micro/nanoscale topographies that significantly impact bacterial surface attachment.
Enhanced expression of α-type DNA polymerase genes reduces AZT cytotoxicity in hamster tr5 cells

To study the mechanism of azidothymidine (AZT) cytotoxicity, human DNA was transfected to a variant of Chinese hamster V79 fibroblasts, the tr5 line. This cell line was used for this study for its elevated sensitivity to 5 µM AZT. Primary and secondary transfectants of tr5 cells using total human DNA and pSV2neo plasmid were selected by sequential incubations in AZT (20–50 µM), G418 (400 µg/ml active dose), and medium containing hypoxanthine, aminopterin, and thymidine (HAT). One DNA Alu fragment was detected in transfectants using primer TC-65, specific for human Alu sequences in the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Moreover, cDNA of Chinese hamster α-type DNA polymerases was detected in transfectants by reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) using specific oligo-primer from a DNA polymerase-α cDNA sequence and in elevated annealing temperatures. In untransfected tr5 cells, neither of these sequences was detected. The data suggested that the genetic basis for AZT sensitivity may be related to the expression of α-type DNA polymerase, and the result indicated that AZT cytotoxicity could be reversed by transfection of appropriate human DNA into tr5 cells. This animal cell model has applications for studies of AZT metabolism and the isolation of the human gene that modulates AZT cytotoxicity.
Effects of ibogaine, and cocaine and morphine after ibogaine, on ventral tegmental dopamine neurons

Ibogaine, an indole containing alkaloid, has been shown to reduce the rate of injection of morphine and cocaine in self-administration protocols. Since morphine- and cocaine-induced modulation of dopamine release is impulse dependent and essential for their reinforcing effects, disruption of dopamine neuronal activity by ibogaine could explain its purported 'antiaddictive' properties. Therefore, the present study was designed to determine: (1) the acute effects of ibogaine on the activity of VTA dopamine neurons, and (2) whether ibogaine pretreatment causes a persistent modification of the dopamine neuronal response to morphine and cocaine. Extracellular recordings in anesthetized animals found that intravenous ibogaine markedly excited VTA dopamine neuronal firing. However, ibogaine pretreatment (6-8 hr and 19 hr before) failed to alter either the spontaneous activity of VTA neurons, or the response of these dopamine neurons to morphine or cocaine. Thus, ibogaine's excitatory effect on VTA neurons is not long-lasting nor does it persistently alter cocaine- or morphine-induced changes in dopamine neuron impulse activity. Therefore, other mechanisms must be explored to account for the proposed antiaddictive properties of ibogaine.
Antibiotic resistance in postoperative infections.

Postoperative infections at the site of an operation often have serious consequences. This is particularly true of postoperative intra-abdominal infections, in which the identified organisms are typically multiresistant Gram negatives, Gram positives, and yeast. There is considerable evidence that the adequacy of empiric therapy will have substantial impact on the outcome. Current recommendations for such therapy are reviewed.
Heregulin regulation of Akt/protein kinase B in breast cancer cells.

In the present studies, we demonstrate that heregulin is a potent and rapid activator of the serine/threonine kinase called Akt in the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line but not in 3 other breast cancer cell lines (T47D, HBL-100, and MDA-231). The extent of activation of Akt in the 4 cell lines correlated with the ability of heregulin to activate phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and inhibition of the kinase blocked Akt activation. A monoclonal antibody to HER2 inhibited the ability of heregulin to activate Akt in the MCF-7 cells. BT474, a breast cancer cell line which overexpresses HER2, had high basal Akt enzymatic activity. This high basal activity was lowered when cells were pre-incubated with an anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody which is used to treat breast cancer patients. Our results indicate that heregulin is a potent activator of Akt and that overexpression of HER2 in breast cancers could also lead to activation of Akt.
Stimulation by mitogen and metabolic antigen of DNA synthesis by mesenteric lymph node and spleen cells obtained during primary infection of rats with Nippostrongylus brasiliensis.

The incorporation of 3 H-thymidine ( 3 H TdR) by mesenteric lymph node and spleen cells stimulated with worm metabolic antigen or Con A was examined during the course of a primary infection with N. brasiliensis in the rat. Unstimulated MLN cells showed increased 3 H TdR incorporation from the sixth to the 25th day of infection. Enhanced uptake of 3 H TdR by metabolic antigen-stimulated MLN cells was regularly observed from Day 9 to 52 of infection; with few exceptions, spleen cells from the same rats did not show enhanced uptake. The antigen-induced response of MLN cells frequently equalled that of cells stimulated with Con A. It was suggested that the number and complexity of worm metabolic antigens may account for the marked stimulation of sensitive cells observed.
Theory of the osmotic pressure of dilute mixtures of3He in liquid4He at low temperatures

The osmotic pressure π of dilute mixtures of3He in liquid4He is calculated and compared with experiment. One parameter, which is a measure of the difference between the mean potential energy of3He atoms and4He atoms in the mixture is determined from the experiments, and good agreement is obtained with the measured values of π as a function of concentration and temperature. It is shown that the osmotic pressure does not provide any accurate information about the effective interaction between3He atoms. A comparison with earlier calculations of the osmotic pressure and of the3He chemical potential is made.
A Customer Analysis Course for the Marketing Curriculum

Customer analysis is an activity that is or should be performed by organizations. The blending of concepts from the traditional consumer behavior course and the marketing research course can provide students with concepts and tools that will enable them to provide useful customer analyses for organizations. The creation of a customer analysis course is also an opportunity for business schools to make their programs more closely aligned with the functions and activities of businesses.
ELECTROSTATIC INTERACTIONS FOR PARTICLE ARRAYS IN ELECTRORHEOLOGICAL FLUIDS I: CALCULATIONS

A simple effective charge method and the principle of superposition were used to calculate the total system interaction energy of two-dimensional rectangular and hexagonal arrays of particles in electrorheological suspensions. The calculations gave for static conditions (no shear) that a close-packed hexagonal array of particles was energetically favored over a rectangular array and that for very dilute suspensions a structure consisting of separated single chains was favored over one consisting of clusters. For shearing and assuming that no rotation of the polarization vector takes place, no difference in the maximum force per chain occurred for a two-chain system compared to a single-chain system in either the rectangular or close-packed hexagonal array. This was also the case with rotation of the polarization vector in the rectangular array, although the force was less with rotation compared to without rotation for this array. However, in the case of the dose-packed hexagonal array with rotation of the polarization vector there occurred an order of magnitude enhancement of the maximum force for the two-chain system compared to the single-chain system. This enhancement is comparable to the ratio of the measured strength of ER fluids to that predicted for the structure consisting of separated single chains.