cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy on Nocturia

Abstract Background and Purpose: Investigators have reported that men undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) for prostate cancer (PCa) can experience significant changes in nocturia after surgery. We examined the effect of robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) on nocturia symptoms in men with PCa from baseline to 1-year follow-up. Patients and Methods: Between August 2006 and August 2010, 116 patients undergoing RALP for clinically localized PCa had baseline and 1-year Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC) questionnaire data obtained. Patients were divided into three groups with respect to nocturia: N1 (0 or 1 episode per night), N2 (2 episodes per night), and N3 (3 or more episodes per night). Results: N1 (63 patients) had stable or worsened nocturia with 78% of patients retaining their N1 status, 21% progressed to N2 status, and 2% progressed to N3. N2 (29 patients) were 52% N1, 34% N2, and 14% N3 after surgery. The N3 (24 patients) had 29% improved to N1, 38% improved to...
Bovine testicular beta-galactosidase: purification of enzyme fractions that exhibit high affinity for phosphomannosyl receptors.

An improved method is described for the preparation of bovine testicular B-galactosidase that allows the isolation of enzyme fractions that bind avidly to phosphomannosyl receptors. The procedure permits removal of a contaminating @-hexosaminidase and yields nearly homogeneous &galactosidase. Enzyme eluted from DEAE-Sephacel was arbitrarily divided into pools that exhibited differing ability to bind phosphomannosyl receptors. A high binding fraction was rapidly assimilated by cultured cells and bound to both low and high molecular weight phosphomannosyl receptors. Carbohydrate analysis of the high binding fraction indicates an average content of one complex and one high mannose oligosaccharide chain per molecule and an average mannose 6-phosphate content of two residues per molecule. However, electrofocusing studies indicated that all the fractions were heterogeneous with respect to sialit acid and phosphate content. The purification procedure also provides highly purified &galactosidase suitable for removing b-galactosidase residues from a variety of complex carbohydrates.
An improved pseudospectral method for fluid dynamics boundary value problems

Abstract Pseudospectral methods are commonly used to obtain accurate solutions to initial-boundary value problems. Especially with second (or higher) order derivatives in space, the corresponding differentiation matrices tend to have large spurious eigenvalues (leading, for example, to severe time step restrictions in case of explicit time-stepping methods). We introduce here a new procedure for incorporating boundary conditions, which reduces spurious eigenvalues by an order of magnitude or more (also allowing more freedoms in the choice of grid point locations).
Modification of apomorphine hypothermia by drugs affecting brain 5-hydroxytryptamine function.

Abstract Intraperitoneal administration of apomorphine caused hypothermia in mice. Pretreatment with the serotonin (5-HT) receptor antagonists methysergide (3 mg/kg), cinanserin (10 mg/kg) or brom-LSD (3 mg/kg) potentiated this response of apomorphine. Brain 5-HT depletion by p-chlorophenylalanine caused similar modification. On the contrary, the 5-HT receptor agonists quipazine (3 mg/kg) and MK-212 (3 mg/kg), significantly blocked apomorphine hypothermia. It was concluded that 5-HT modulates the dopamine (DA)-mediated body temperature changes and that drug-induced alterations in the brain 5-HT function modify apomorphine-induced hypothermia in a predictable manner. One mg/kg dose of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) blocked apmorphine hypothermia. The apomorphine-blocking effect of both quipazine and LSD developed tolerance. Morever, LSD showed cross tolerance with quipazine. It was concluded that the hypothermia-blocking property of LSD resides on its ability to activate the hypothalamic 5-HT receptors.
The effect of ouabain on blood NaCl in the osmoregulating clam Rangia cuneata

Exposure of R. cuneata to exogenous ouabain is not lethal for several days. In both hypo- and hypersaline media, O2 uptake is uninhibited for periods up to 17 hr. Blood NaCl changes significantly, both before and after O2 uptake finally ceases. Changes in blood osmolality, however, are closely related to blood CaHCO3 and normal aerobic respiration.
Effects of constant and cyclical thermal regimes on growth and feeding of juvenile cutthroat trout of variable sizes

– The effects of constant (12, 18, and 24 °C) and cyclical (daily variation of 15–21 and 12–24 °C) thermal regimes on the growth and feeding of Lahontan cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki henshawi) of variable sizes were examined. Higher constant temperatures (i.e., 24 °C) and more variable daily temperatures (i.e., 12–24 °C daily cycle) negatively affected growth rates. As fish mass increased (from 0.24 to 15.52 g) the effects of different thermal regimes on mass growth became more pronounced. Following 14 days exposure to the thermal regimes, feeding rates of individual fish were assessed during acute exposure (40 min) to test temperatures of 12, 18, and 24 °C. Feeding rate was depressed during acute exposure to 24 °C, but was not significantly affected by the preceding thermal regime. Our results indicate that even brief daily exposure to higher temperatures (e.g., 24 °C) can have considerable sublethal effects on cutthroat trout, and that fish size should be considered when examining the effects of temperature. Resumen 1. Examinamos los efectos de regimenes termicos constantes (12 °C, 18 °C, y 24 °C) y ciclicos (15–21 °C y 12–24 °C) sobre el crecimiento y la alimentacion de Oncorhyncus clarki henshawi de varios tamanos. 2. Tanto las temperaturas constantes elevadas (i.e, 24 °C) como las temperaturas diarias mas variables (i.e, 12–24 °C, ciclo diario) afectaron negativamente a las tasas de crecimiento. Al aumentar el peso de los peces (desde 0.24 a 15.52 g), los efectos de distintos regimenes termicos sobre el crecimiento en peso son mas pronunciados. Despues de 14 dias de exposicion a los regimenes termicos, evaluamos las tasas alimenticias de peces individuales durante una exposicion severa (40 minutos) a temperaturas test de 12 °C, 18 °C y 24 °C. La tasa alimenticia se redujo durante la exposicion severa a 24 °C pero estas tasas no fueron afectada significativamente por los regimenes termicos precedentes. 3. Nuestros resultados indican que incluso exposiciones diarias breves a altas temperaturas (e.g., 24 °C) pueden tener efectos sub-letales considerables sobre O. clarki henshawi, y que el tamano de los peces deberia ser considerado al examinar los efectos de la temperatura.
Intestinal DNases of 36 and 38.5 kDa from the parasitic nematode Haemonchus contortus have non-classic DNase characteristics and produce DNA fragments with 3′-hydroxyls

Abstract Treatment with the anthelmintic fenbendazole induces fragmentation of genomic DNA in intestinal cells of Haemonchus contortus . This effect is characterized by DNA fragments with 3′-hydroxyls (OH). Investigation into DNases responsible identified intestinal DNase activities that produce DNA fragments with 3′-OH. However, this interpretation was complicated by a mixture of activities in the intestinal fractions evaluated. In addition, intestinal activities displayed non-classic characteristics. Here it is shown that heparin sulfate (HS) fractionation enriched for intestinal DNases that produce 3′-OH. The 2.0 M NaCl fraction of HS contained DNase activity that produced 3′-OH with minimal contamination by activity that produced 3′-phosphates (P). 3′-OH were produced under acidic (pH 5.0) or neutral (pH 7.0) conditions by DNases in this fraction. These DNases were sensitive to EDTA under each condition. Furthermore, EDTA-sensitive DNase activity in this fraction digested H. contortus intestinal cell nuclear DNA in histological sections, producing 3′-OH under acidic and neutral conditions. DNases at 36 and 38.5 kDa in this fraction each produced 3′-OH at pH 5.0 when gel eluted, and each activity was sensitive to EDTA. Hence, the 36 and 38.5 kDa DNases in the 2.0 M NaCl HS intestinal fraction have characteristics expected for candidate DNases that mediate DF in H. contortus intestinal cell nuclei induced by fenbendazole. DNase activity that produces 3′-OH under acidic condition with sensitivity to EDTA is unconventional for classic acidic or neutral DNases and is a unique finding for nematodes. Excretory/secretory products from the worm and whole worm lysates were also explored as sources to fractionate intestinal DNases identified. HS fractionation of those worm samples did not clearly resolve the intestinal DNases of interest, although DNases with distinct characteristics were identified in each source.
Infusion of bovine parathyroid hormone1-34 attenuates the pressor response to angiotensin II in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Parathyroid hormone, long known to be important for calcium homeostasis, also has potent vascular effects. In the past, pharmacologic doses of parathyroid hormone or its active amino-terminal fragment (PTH1-34) were necessary to demonstrate vaso-activity. We assessed the vascular effects of physiologic doses of infused synthetic bovine PTH1-34 (15 U/hr or 1.5 μg/hr) on the pressor response to angiotensin II. PTH1-34 attenuated the pressor response (p<0.005) to one to 100 nanograms of angiotensin II in both Aoki-Okamoto spontaneously hypertensive and normotensive Wistar Kyoto rats. There was no difference in response to either PTH or angiotensin II between strains, and at the lower doses of angiotensin II, PTH1-34 dampened the pressor response by as much as 33%. These results suggest that endogenous PTH may modulate systemic blood pressure and regional vascular resistance. In various states of parathyroid gland stimulation, the peptide may exert physiologically important vascular effects.
The impact of practice guidelines on management of Barrett's esophagus: a prospective cohort

The impact of practice guidelines on management of Barrett's esophagus: a prospective cohort
Electron impact promoted fragmentation of some phenothiazine derivatives

Abstract The mass spectra of phenothiazines variously substituted with chloro, hydroxy, methoxy and acetoxy functions have been measured. Mass spectrometry is able to differentiate readily between oxygenation at C-3 versus C-6, C-7 and C-8 in 2-chloro-10-(3′-dimethylaminopropyl)phenothiazine (chlorpromazine) and 2-chlorophenothiazine, although (with the exception of OMe substitution in the latter series) it will not unambiguously distinguish between isomers oxygenated at C-6, C-7 or C-8. Possible mechanistic rationalizations are presented for the origin of the principal ions in the mass spectra of the compounds investigated.
On existence of neural network suboptimal feedback controllers

Approximation of optimal feedback policies by multilayer neural networks is investigated from the existence point of view. The optimal control problem is considered in discrete time for a class of summable quality criterions with the target set being the origin. An associated suboptimal control problem is introduced to simplify analysis through relaxation of the final condition and of the optimality requirement. The controller structure is that of static state feedback realized by feedforward multilayered networks with Heaviside neuron activation functions. Under mild assumptions about the system, the obtained results guarantee existence of an appropriate neural network controller, such that the closed-loop system closely follows the open-loop optimal trajectories.
Velocity bias from the small-scale clustering of SDSS-III BOSS galaxies

Author(s): Guo, H; Zheng, Z; Zehavi, I; Dawson, K; Skibba, RA; Tinker, JL; Weinberg, DH; White, M; Schneider, DP | Abstract: We present the measurements and modelling of the projected and redshift-space clustering of CMASS galaxies in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey-III Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey Data Release 11. For a volume-limited luminous red galaxy sample in the redshift range of 0.48 l z l 0.55, we perform halo occupation distribution modelling of the small- and intermediate-scale (0.1-60 h-1 Mpc) projected and redshift-space two-point correlation functions, with an accurate model built on high-resolution N-body simulations. To interpret the measured redshift-space distortions, the distribution of galaxy velocities must differ from that of the dark matter inside haloes of ~1013-1014 h-1 M⊙, i.e. the data require the existence of galaxy velocity bias. Most notably, central galaxies on average are not at rest with respect to the core of their host haloes, but rather move around it with a 1D velocity dispersion of 0.22-0.04+0.03 times that of the dark matter, implying a spatial offset from the centre at the level of ≲1 per cent of the halo virial radius. The luminous satellite galaxies move more slowly than the dark matter, with velocities 0.86-0.03+0.08 times those of the dark matter, which suggests that the velocity and spatial distributions of these satellites cannot both be unbiased. The constraints mainly arise from the Fingers-of-God effect at non-linear scales and the smoothing to the Kaiser effect in the translinear regime; the robustness of the results is demonstrated by a variety of tests. We discuss the implications of the existence of galaxy velocity bias for investigations of galaxy formation and cosmology.
Sterol structure determines miscibility versus melting transitions in lipid vesicles.

Lipid bilayer membranes composed of DOPC, DPPC, and a series of sterols demix into coexisting liquid phases below a miscibility transition temperature. We use fluorescence microscopy to directly observe phase transitions in vesicles of 1:1:1 DOPC/DPPC/sterol within giant unilamellar vesicles. We show that vesicles containing the “promoter” sterols cholesterol, ergosterol, 25-hydroxycholesterol, epicholesterol, or dihydrocholesterol demix into coexisting liquid phases as temperature is lowered through the miscibility transition. In contrast, vesicles containing the “inhibitor” sterols androstenolone, coprostanol, cholestenone, or cholestane form coexisting gel (solid) and liquid phases. Vesicles containing lanosterol, a sterol found in the cholesterol and ergosterol synthesis pathways, do not exhibit coexisting phases over a wide range of temperatures and compositions. Although more detailed phase diagrams and precise distinctions between gel and liquid phases are required to fully define the phase behavior of these sterols in vesicles, we find that our classifications of promoter and inhibitor sterols are consistent with previous designations based on fluorescence quenching and detergent resistance. We find no trend in the liquid-liquid or gel-liquid transition temperatures of membranes with promoter or inhibitor sterols and measure the surface fraction of coexisting phases. We find that the vesicle phase behavior is related to the structure of the sterols. Promoter sterols have flat, fused rings, a hydroxyl headgroup, an alkyl tail, and a small molecular area, which are all attributes of “membrane active” sterols.
A concurrent processing approach for software defined radio baseband design

In this paper, we present a transceiver architecture that incorporates an ultra-high performance software programmable SIMD based processor for digital communications in order to perform many of the intensive baseband processing modules required by a software defined radio (SDR). The parallel processor is used as the core of the transceiver and its usage for physical layer functions in wireless communications is evaluated. The parallel core consists of an array of identical processing elements and a reconfigurable intercommunication network for concurrent data processing. Complete high level software programmability of the core provides the desired flexibility over ASIC based systems and may reduce the time-to-market period and overall design costs. The array-based architecture also addresses the high speed performance requirements typically lacking in DSP architectures for processing realtime data streaming from the RF front end. It also matches FPGA technology in terms of raw performance while incorporating complete reconfigurability to realize the goal of multimode systems.
A Solid-State Asynchronous Static Switch

A single-phase 5-kW 120-V demonstration model switching system which utilizes power transistors and does not require power source synchronization has been developed and laboratory evaluated. This model accomplishes load transfer between two independent power sources at any phase angle and in less than 20 µs. The utilization of this system in investigating the effects of asynchronous switching on a limited number of electronic equipment indicated that such equipment can tolerate high-speed power source asynchronous switching.
Studies on enzymes involved in the catabolism of phospholipids in Escherichia coli.

The hydrolysis of specifically labeled phosphatidylethanolamine and the 1 and 2 isomers of lysophosphatidylethanolamine catalyzed by enzymes in three subcellular fractions of Escherichia coli (wall, inner membrane and cytosol) has been studied. Two hydrolytic activities, phospholipases A1 and A2, are localized in the wall. Both enzymatic activities manifest similar properties and requirements for optimal activity, but it remains to be established whether both reside in the same enzyme. A hydrolytic activity toward the 1-acyl isomer of lysophosphatidylethanolamine is also present in the wall but it is unlikely that this activity can be ascribed to another catabolic enzyme. Rather, it appears that the phospholipase A1 also acts on the 1-acyl isomer of lysophosphatidylethanolamine. A lysophospholipase A2 that catalyzes the hydrolysis of the 2-acyl isomer of lysophosphatidylethanolamine to fatty acid and glycerophosphorylethanolamine was detected in the inner membrane of E. coli. A lysophospholipase A1 was also detected in the membrane, as well as in the cytosol fraction. The presence in the supernatant fraction of a phospholipase that was active on phosphatidylglycerol, but inactive on phosphatidylethanolamine, was confirmed. Also present in the supernate is a phosphodiesterase that catalyzes the hydrolysis of glycerophosphorylethanolamine to sn-glycerol 3-phosphate and ethanolamine. Thus the cell-free extract of E. coli contains all of the enzymes necessary for the complete degradation of phosphatidylethanolamine to fatty acids, sn-glycerol 3-phosphate, and ethanolamine.
INTENSITY DISCRIMINATION AND THE STATIONARY STATE

1. A method of experimentation is described which enables one to record objectively and quantitatively the discrimination by Mya between two intensities of illumination to which it is successively exposed. The indicator for this discrimination is a response at a given reaction time. 2. From the data so obtained it is found that the difference, DeltaI, between the two intensities bears no constant relation to the initial intensity, I. Instead, the ratio See PDF for Equation varies in a consistent manner with I. As the latter increases, the ratio decreases to a certain point, after which it increases. 3. The data are analyzed in terms of the photochemical mechanism previously proposed for the sensitivity of Mya to light. It is shown that for the animal to discriminate by means of a given reaction between one intensity and another, the transition from one to the other must be accompanied by the decomposition of a constant amount of photosensitive substance in the sense organ. 4. A mathematical treatment of the behavior of the photochemical mechanism shows not only that the ratio See PDF for Equation cannot be constant as required by the Weber-Fechner law, but that it must vary in the way in which it does. The behavior of Mya under these conditions, therefore, supports the validity of the hypothetical physicochemical mechanism suggested for its sensitivity.
The storage server as virtual volume manager

The storage server function has undergone considerable change since Version 4 of the Mass Storage System Reference Model. The authors survey the major changes in the storage server, and motivate a number of storage server concepts and functions through a survey of commercial storage volume management products. A classification of physical storage devices by their major attributes is presented as a physical volume model. The virtual volume model is presented as a recursive composition of physical extents of physical volumes. Finally, the authors propose a restructuring of the service primitives between model layers to simplify interfaces and support arbitrary device-to-device transfers without intermediate copies. >
Self-aligned extended-drain with compensating ion-implantation for extended-SOA in 30 V lateral MOS

A compensating ion-implantation method is introduced to make self-aligned extended-drain of 30 V lateral NMOS and PMOS transistors with the only one mask and to help the improvement of electrical SOA through the shift of the critical electric field position. In general, high voltage lateral MOS has been useful for high current and high voltage applications. In that case, we have to check up the critical electric field position and the current flow line occurring hot-carrier injection phenomenon because it results in unfavorable device destruction by secondary breakdown. In this paper, we shifted the critical electric field position from n+ drain edge to n+ drain bottom using self-aligned extended-drain formed by compensating ion-implantation. As a result, the occurrence of the secondary breakdown due to Kirk effect would be postponed.
Health care utilization and health outcomes: a population study of Taiwan

Facing escalating health care expenditures, the governments of countries with national health insurance programs are trying to control or even to reduce health care utilization. Little research has examined the effects of decreased health care utilization on health outcomes. Applying a natural experiment design to the Taiwan population between 2000 and 2004, which includes the 2003 SARS epidemic when an average 20% decline in health care utilization occurred, this study examines the association between a decline in health care utilization and health outcomes measured by cause-specific mortality rates. We analyse the monthly mortality rates caused by infectious diseases, cancer, diabetes mellitus, nervous system diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, heart and other vascular diseases, respiratory system diseases, digestive system diseases, genitourinary system diseases and accidents. Models control for age, sex, month and year effects. Results show the heterogeneous effect of reduced health care utilization on health outcomes. Patients with diabetes mellitus or cerebrovascular diseases are vulnerable to short-term reductions in health care; compared with the non-SARS period, mortality caused by diabetes mellitus and cerebrovascular diseases significantly increased during the SARS epidemic by 8.4% and 6.2%, respectively. No significant change in mortality rates caused by the other diseases or accidents is found. This study suggests that governments of countries where health care utilization and spending are similar to or inferior to those in Taiwan should carefully evaluate the impact of policies that attempt to reduce health care utilization. Furthermore, when an area encounters an epidemic, governments should be aware of the negative consequences of voluntary restraints on access to health care that accompany decreases in utilization.
Raman Spectra of Some Low-Expansion Glasses

Raman spectra, with polarizations, are presented for CER–VIT, fused silica, ULE glass, and a Corning heat-absorbing glass. The spectra of the three amorphous glasses are quite similar. The spectra of these glasses indicate a small scattering unit of low symmetry, perhaps a distorted SiO4 tetrahedron. The spectrum of CER–VIT differs from that of crystalline quartz and from those of the amorphous glasses.
Assessing the Risk of Introducing Exotic Species via the Live Marine Species Trade

Although the shipping industry has received considerable attention as a dispersal mechanism for aquatic nuisance species, many invasions have been linked to other mechanisms of transfer. The threat posed to coastal ecosystems by these alternative mechanisms, however, remains largely unquantified. We assessed the potential risks of introducing marine and estuarine species associated with seven mechanisms of transfer: seafood companies, aquaculture operations, bait shops, stores that sell marine ornamental species, research and educational organizations, public aquariums, and coastal restoration projects. For each, we compiled a comprehensive database of organizations in coastal Massachusetts. We then designed and administered a sur- ve yt oa subset of organizations that inquired about (1) their proximity to saltwater and methods of handling live imports; (2) the type and quantity of marine species being imported; and (3) the organization's familiar- ity with marine invasions. Respondents in five of the seven categories acknowledged importing nonlocal live marine species to the area. Seafood companies handled the majority of individuals but relatively few taxa. This mechanism of transfer also had the most complex trade patterns and the greatest number of operations located near saltwater. In contrast, the other transfer mechanisms each had simpler trade pathways and fewer operations but varied in the quantity and taxonomic diversity of their imports. Significantly, no single mech- anism of transfer stood out as presenting a primary risk. Rather, each had characteristics or used handling practices at different points in the importation process that could facilitate introductions. To prevent future marine invasions, better reporting requirements for live species imports are needed, and best-management practices and outreach strategies specific to the transfer mechanism should be developed and implemented.
From Mining Tinnitus Database to Tinnitus Decision-Support System, Initial Study

Many definitions for tinnitus exist and causes and treatments are plentiful, yet not completely understood. A database of eleven tables, as many as 555 unique patient tuples and numerous time-stamped and other features was obtained for knowledge discovery related to causes and treatments of tinnitus. The paper describes the knowledge discovery and machine learning process and introduces several new temporal features to improve tinnitus evaluation, outcomes analysis, and overall understanding. Through automated analysis it is the goal of the authors to determine unknown yet potentially useful attributes related to tinnitus research.
Cycle Identification and Artifact Detection in Tidal Breathing Signals

In this paper, we introduce a novel cycle identifica- tion algorithm based on the Matlab programming to automat- ically identify cycles in tidal breathing signals. The algorithm is designed in three steps using filtering, derivatives, and other signal processing techniques. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm, its result are compared with those of cycles identified manually by an expert human coder. Simulations results have shown that, despite the complexity in the respiratory signals, the proposed algorithm can identify cycles correctly and efficiently.
Molecular cloning, characterization and expression analysis of two β-N-acetylhexosaminidase homologs of Coccidioides posadasii

Two full-length cDNAs were isolated from Coccidioides posadasii that encode two deduced proteins (CpHEX1 and CpHEX2) with homology to the glycosyl hydrolase 20 family of β-N-acetylhexosaminidases. CpHEX1 consists of 595 amino acids, has a predicted molecular mass of 68 kDa and shares the highest identity with the N-acetylhexosaminidase (NAGA) of Aspergillus nidulans, while CpHEX2 consists of 603 amino acids, has a predicted molecular mass of 68.5 kDa and shares the highest identity with NAG1 from Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. CpHEX1 and CpHEX2 share only 23% identity and have dissimilar homologies showing more identity with other fungal β-N-acetylhexosaminidases than with each other. Phylogenetic analysis of selected β-N-acetylhexosaminidases placed CpHEX1 in a cluster with the orthologs from A. nidulans, Aspergillus oryzae, Penicillium chrysogenum and Candida albicans, while CpHEX2 grouped with the orthologs from P. brasiliensis and the Trichoderma spp. β-N-acetylhexosaminidase activity and transcripts encoding CpHEX1 and CpHEX2 were detected in vitro during the spherule-endospore (SE) phase. Expression of the Cphex1 transcript exhibited a temporal increase that correlated with β-N-acetylhexosaminidase activity, while the Cphex2 transcript remained relatively constant. The addition of N-acetylglucosamine to the cultures increased β-N-acetylhexosaminidase activity and the expression of the Cphex1 transcript. A native β-N-acetylhexosaminidase enzyme was purifi ed from in vitro SE phase and identifi ed as CpHEX1 by mass spectrometric analysis. Both the CpHEX1 and CpHEX2 cDNAs were expressed as recombinant fusion proteins and purifi ed under denaturing conditions to apparent homogeneity but they lacked enzymatic activity.
Toxicogenomics in risk assessment : Applications and needs

Since its inception, there have been high expectations for the science of toxicogenomics to decrease the uncertainties associated with the risk assessment process by providing valuable insights into toxic mechanisms of action. However, the application of these data into risk assessment practices is still in the early stages of development, and proof of principle experiments have yet to emerge. The following discusses some potential applications as well as impediments that warrant a concerted investigation from all stakeholders in order to facilitate the acceptance and subsequent incorporation of toxicogenomics into regulatory decision making.
Managing workforce diversity at IBM: A global HR topic that has arrived

To be successful, global companies must continue to look toward the future, and CEOs, senior line and HR management, and diversity leaders play a key role in that process. Workforce diversity cannot be delegated; it must be a partnership. Although the HR team plays the key staff role, total delegation from the top, without active involvement, is a recipe for failure. IBM considers diversity a business imperative as fundamental as delivering superior technologies in the marketplace. To ensure that talented people can contribute at the highest possible level, the company insists on a workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment and full of opportunity for all people. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Diversion to the mental health system: emergency psychiatric evaluations.

In Maryland, any citizen may petition to have individuals brought against their will for an examination by a physician. In this retrospective chart review, we evaluated the characteristics of 300 persons referred to the Johns Hopkins Hospital on emergency petitions. Sixty‐one percent of petitions described individuals who made verbal or physical threats of self‐harm. Forty‐seven percent of the petitions described individuals who could have been arrested based on dangerousness to others or property, but were instead diverted to the emergency room for psychiatric evaluation. Although not promoted as a jail diversion program, this process has the potential to direct mentally ill citizens appropriately from the criminal justice system into the mental health system. Greater involvement of mental health professionals at all stages, including police training and participation in crisis response teams in the community, may improve this process.
Incorporation of FcRn-mediated disposition model to describe the population pharmacokinetics of therapeutic monoclonal IgG antibody in clinical patients.

Purpose. The two-compartment linear model used to describe the population pharmacokinetics (PK) of many therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (TMAbs) offered little biological insight to antibody disposition in humans. The purpose of this study is to develop a semi-mechanistic FcRn-mediated IgG disposition model to describe the population PK of TMAbs in clinical patients. Methods. A standard two-compartment linear PK model from a previously published population PK model of pertuzumab was used to simulate intensive PK data of 100 subjects for model development. Two different semi-mechanistic FcRn-mediated IgG disposition models were developed and First Order Conditional Estimation (FOCE) with the interaction method in NONMEM was used to obtain the final model estimates. The performances of these models were then compared with the two-compartment linear PK model used to simulate the data for model development. Results. A semi-mechanistic FcRn-mediated IgG disposition model consisting of a peripheral tissue compartment and FcRn-containing endosomes in the central compartment best describes the simulated pertuzumab population PK data. This developed semi-mechanistic population PK model had the same number of model parameters, produced very similar concentration–time profiles but provided additional biological insight to the FcRn-mediated IgG disposition in human subjects compared with the standard linear two-compartment linear PK model. Conclusion. This first reported semi-mechanistic model may serve as an important model framework for developing future population PK models of TMAbs in clinical patients. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The comparison of infant-directed speech and infant-directed song in the acquisition of listener responding in children with autism

Simpson, K., Keen, D., & Lamb, J. (2015). Teaching receptive labeling to children with autism spectrum disorder: A comparative study of using infant-directed songs and infant-directed speech. Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 40, 126–136.Source of funding and disclosure of interests: Supported by a PhD scholarship (to Simpson) by The Australian Catholic University Postgraduate Award. No interests were declared and no conflicts of interests were reported.
Militarized masculinities, heroes and gender inequality during and after the nationalist struggle in Zimbabwe

The article focuses on the gendered character of the nationalist struggle in Zimbabwe in the 1970s, and the establishment and role of the Zimbabwean state. I demonstrate that the much publicized gender equality promised during the struggle has produced little change. The article challenges a simple reading of patriarchal power, and demonstrates the utility of a more nuanced approach to understanding the role of post-conflict militarized masculinities, state heroes and gender inequality in the establishment of patriarchal rule in post-conflict Zimbabwe. It confirms the importance of careful historical analysis of gendered practices and hierarchies and a willingness to move beyond simplistic readings of militarized masculinity and power.
Cellular Uptake and Cytotoxicity of a Novel ICG-DOX-PLGA Dual Agent Polymer Nanoparticle Delivery System

We recently reported the fabrication of a novel polymer nanoparticle delivery system with simultaneously entrapped indocyanine green (ICG) and doxorubicin (DOX). This system has potential applications for combined chemotherapy and hyperthermia. Research in our group showed that simultaneous use of ICG and DOX with localized hyperthermia can produce the same effect as that achieved by larger doses of chemotherapy alone. In this study, we explored the potential of dual-agent PLGA nanoparticles (ICG-DOX-PLGANPs) to overcome multidrug resistance (MDR) mechanisms in cancer cells by increasing intracellular drug concentrations via nanoparticle uptake. ICG-DOX-PLGANPs were prepared by the O/W emulsion solvent evaporation method. The dominant processing parameters that control particle size and drug entrapment efficiencies of ICG and DOX were PLGA concentration, PVA concentration and initial drug content. We optimized our previous formulation based on those parameters. Entrapment efficiency of the optimized ICG-DOX-PLGANPs was measured by fluorescence measurements using the DMSO burst release procedure. The internalization of ICG–DOX–PLGANPs by three cancer cell lines was visualized by confocal laser microscopy and fluorescence microscopy. Cytotoxicity was assessed using the SRB assay. The nanoparticles produced by optimal formulation had sizes of 135±2 nm, (n=3) with a low poly-dispersity index (0.149±0.014, n=3) and a zeta potential of -11.67±1.8 mV. Drug loading was approximately 3% w/w for ICG and 4% w/w for DOX (n=3). Cellular uptake of ICG and DOX from ICG–DOX–PLGANPs in DOX-resistant MES-SA/Dx5 cancer cells was higher compared to free ICG and free DOX treatment. However, the same phenomenon was not observed in MES-SA and SKOV-3 cancer cell lines. The SRB cytotoxicity results show that ICG–DOX–PLGANPs are more toxic than free DOX in DOX-resistant cell lines.
Spatiotemporal Structure of Precipitation Related to Tropical Moisture Exports over the Eastern United States and Its Relation to Climate Teleconnections

AbstractTropical moisture exports (TMEs) may play an important role in extreme precipitation. An analysis of the spatiotemporal structure of precipitation associated with TMEs for the eastern United States at seasonal and daily time scales is presented. TME-based precipitation is characterized based on the change in specific humidity along TME tracks delineated in a Lagrangian analysis of the ERA-Interim dataset. The empirical orthogonal functions (EOFs) of seasonal TME-based precipitation are analyzed separately for each season to identify the dominant modes of interannual variability. Loading patterns for the first EOF show a distinct seasonal cycle in the core region of TME-based precipitation across the eastern United States, while the second EOF describes a northwest–southeast oscillation in the center of TME-induced precipitation occurrence. The EOFs for TMEs are compared against EOFs of gauged flood count data, which exhibit similar spatial structures. Correlations between TME EOFs, geopotential he...
The "Ray Spider," Theridiosoma gemmosum, newly discovered in Kansas

The diminutive "ray spider," Theridiosoma gemmosum (L. Koch 1878) (Araneae: Theridiosomatidae), is a common, widespread species in eastern North America. In the United States, it has been recorded from Maine to Florida, westward into Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri and Alabama. It is restricted to damp habitats in mesic woodlands, such as stream banks, ravines, swamps and wet rock walls (Coddington 1986). Due to its small size (1.5 to 2.5 mm) and secretive habits, the presence of this species is usually made known by the discovery of the characteristic egg sacs. Scheffer (1905, p. 95-96) describes them as: "...among the most interesting to be found; little golden brown balls, about one eight inch in diameter, suspended by a single glossy white thread nearly an inch long. They are paper-like in texture and are attached to this stiff silken pedicle by a dilation of the latter in the form of a cone. At the time of hatching this little cone lifts up like a lid, adhering by merely a point of the circumfer ence and uncovering a small, circular hole through which the young escape. The pedicle itself usually hangs suspended from two or
Perceptions of Male and Female STEM Aptitude The Moderating Effect of Benevolent and Hostile Sexism

This study investigated evaluations and advice communicated to male and female technology interns experiencing work difficulties, using a 2 (workplace issue: ability or interpersonal) ×2 (intern gender: male vs. female) between-subjects experimental design. Technology professionals rated hypothetical interns on competence, qualifications, intelligence, and potential field issues. Results suggest that female interns with ability issues are viewed as having lower field aptitude than male interns with ability issues, when judged by individuals holding both hostile and benevolent sexist beliefs. Rater gender was not a significant predictor of aptitude rating. Aptitude assessments of male and female interns with interpersonal issues did not differ; however, open-ended analyses revealed that male interns were expected to be agentic and dissuaded from help seeking when facing interpersonal issues, while female interns were expected to find mentors and control their emotions. Findings show how sexist beliefs, wor...
Learning from 'never again' stories.

One of the most helpful things we do in ethics support groups at our hospital is to have experienced nurses relate their "never again" stories. These narratives describe their experiences in difficult, sometimes traumatic situations when a patient's treatment doesn't proceed as nurses think it should. The stories represent powerful turning points when nurses resolve to never again allow similar situations to occur. As one nurse says of her stories: "I guess there are little things that you remember all your life. They shaped my entire practice." Following are some of the findings from our analysis of 22 "never again" stories we collected from eight ICU nurses. The themes of the stories fell
Dual-pump Generation of On-chip Combs with Low Intensity Noise

We report a dual-pump on-chip comb generation scheme. By introducing a second input to a SiN microring generating a multiple free spectral range comb, new lines are generated with low intensity noise at relatively low pump power.
Integrated supply chain management for perishable products: Dynamics and oligopolistic competition perspectives with application to pharmaceuticals

Abstract We propose an integrated supply chain management framework that allows us to explicitly consider the impact of product perishability on a broad scale that includes manufacturers, distribution centers, wholesalers, and demand markets. The framework proposed herein also makes it possible to consider the oligopolistic competition across wholesalers that drives price and demand fluctuations. Furthermore, the supply chain decision rules are derived from necessary conditions in the framework. The inclusion of such salient features allows the framework to generate outcomes that suggest realistic managerial insights. We provide a numerical example in which two multi-national pharmaceutical firms producing a homogeneous medicinal drug and four oligopolistic wholesalers are considered.
Migraine and vascular disease

The medical implications of migraine are not limited to the brain In the linked paper (doi:10.1136/bmj.i2610), Kurth and colleagues examine the link between migraine and cardiovascular events by using data from the Nurses’ Health Study II. The study followed a large cohort of female nurses for more than 20 years, 17 531 of whom reported a physician’s diagnosis of migraine at baseline. When compared with participants without migraine, those with migraine had an elevated risk of myocardial infarction, angina, or coronary revascularization and of cardiovascular mortality. Their relative risk for the combined outcome of all those events or stroke was roughly 50% higher than that for women without migraine, an effect that was not modified by age.1 Not all of these findings are new. The elevated risk of stroke in people with migraine is well established, for example. This increased risk of stroke is driven by and probably limited to the roughly 30% of people with migraine who experience aura—a focal neurologic event that usually precedes the headache. Migraine is associated with a roughly …
The Effect of Expectations on Intention to Persist in Therapy

ABSTRACTLittle is known about the impact of expectations on persistence in couple and family therapy. A better understanding of the factors that contribute to persistence in therapy is key to understanding therapeutic dropout. We report results of a secondary grounded theory analysis of individual, couple, and family therapy clients' therapy expectations and their intention to persist in therapy. Participants were 19 clients of MFTs. Results indicate that clients carry expectations about the therapist, therapy process, duration, and outcome. Positive disconfirmation (Tambling & Johnson, 2010) of negative expectations contributed to therapy persistence.
Lithium Enolates Derived from Weinreb Amides: Insights into Five-Membered Chelate Rings

Enolization of O-methyl hydroxamic acids (Weinreb amides) in tetrahydrofuran solution with lithium diisopropylamide affords predominantly tetrameric enolates. Aryl substituents on the enolates promote deaggregation. The aggregation states are assigned by using the method of continuous variation in conjunction with 6Li NMR spectroscopy. Decoalescence of the tetramer resonance below −100 °C shows considerable spectral complexity attributed to isomerism of the methoxy-based chelates. Density functional theory calculations were used to examine the consequences of the bite angle of five-membered chelates in cubic tetramers and resulting solvation numbers that were higher than anticipated.
Empiric H. pylori therapy—10-day concomitant, bismuth quadruple or 14-day triple therapy: none is best

Liou and colleagues recently reported the results of a very large randomized comparative trial of three different H. pylori therapies: 10-day concomitant, 10-day bismuth quadruple therapy, and 14-day triple therapy (1). The technical aspects of the study were truly state-of-the-art in relation to the design, execution, and data collection. Essentially all that one would like to know about the population and the variables that might have influenced outcome are presented clearly. However, planning and completing a clinical trial takes many years and investigators always risk providing answers to the questions asked may no longer be considered important. During the time the study was in progress the concepts of H. pylori treatment made a transition from a being investigated as other gastrointestinal diseases (e.g., constipation) to becoming recognized as an infectious disease (2-4). All infectious disease therapies are whenever possible susceptibility-based. Ineffective therapies are essentially never compared to state of the art therapies to prove superiority rather comparisons are designed as non-inferiority studies where all regimens provide excellent cure rates (5-7).
Ready for Battle? A Phenomenological Study of Military Simulation Systems

The purpose of this research is to determine if there is task-technology fit for the use of simulation in training. In the context of military training, the research investigated whether military officers experience a fit between the simulations with which they were trained and their tasks (e.g., strategy or operational procedures), as reflected by their perception of whether their performance improved, and whether the simulation supported their individual activities. The research method followed the qualitative research tradition of transcendental phenomenology to query the experience of those who were trained with simulation. This research utilized interview questions that elicit respondents' experience in the broad areas of task-technology fit, and through phenomenological analysis, identified the salient variables within each of these constructs. The analysis resulted in the identification of themes of meaning which were compared with the existing task-technology fit variables. The research identified...
Some Strategic Alternatives to Program Design, Management, and Implementation

In the forest offset program, sequestration of carbon from the atmosphere has quite a number of factors that are uncertain or pose a risk. The uncertainty among the different factors can vary by region or by project. The uncertainty can also be reduced using a variety of strategies. The risks may be different under a variety of circumstances and may be reduced by one of several actions.