cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bacterial Synthesis of Nucleosides by the Pentosyl Transfer Reaction from Nucleoside to Base

Synthesis of nucleosides by the pentosyl transfer reaction in Ps. trifolii (IAM-1555) was studied. The ribosyl transfer reaction between purine or pyrimidine bases and their nucleosides as an acceptor and a donor, respectively, was observed in the presence or absence of inorganic phosphate, and the participations of nucleoside phosphorylase in the former and nucleoside N-ribosyltransferase in the latter were suggested. This transribosylation to the base in the latter was observed to proceed stoichiometrically between pH 6 and 9.5, but the apparent optimal pH in the former was observed at around 10.5. Effects of cultural condition of bacterium, reaction temperature and metallic ions on this reaction and acceptorand donor-specificities were studied in detail.
Nongenomic actions of low concentration estrogens and xenoestrogens on multiple tissues

Nongenomic estrogenic mechanisms offer an opportunity to explain the conundrum of environmental estrogen and plant estrogen effects on cells and animals at the very low concentrations which are prevalent in our environments and diets. Heretofore the actions of these compounds have not been adequately accounted for by laboratory tests utilizing assays for actions only via the genomic pathway of steroid action and the nuclear forms of estrogen receptor alpha and beta. Membrane versions of these receptors, and the newly described GPR30 (7TMER) receptor protein provide explanations for the more potent actions of xenoestrogens. The effects of estrogens on many tissues demand a comprehensive assessment of the receptors, receptor levels, and mechanisms that might be involved, to determine which of these estrogen mimetic compounds are harmful and which might even be used therapeutically, depending upon the life stage at which we are exposed to them.
The discursive protection of national interests: indigenous erasure in Internet news revisions

This article combines methodology from the discourse-historical approach with critique from Indigenous feminism and postcolonial theory to examine the “update” feature of Internet news and its potential impact on knowledge. The notion of text becomes abstract as authors produce neo-texts labeled “updated,” leading to opacity in editorial processing. From a case study analyzing an Associated Press article discussing Pakistani responses to U.S. drone attacks, we observe negative (re)presentation of Indigenous peoples in Pakistan as authors use rhetorical strategies to achieve erasure in subsequent revisions. I interpret the authors as employing such strategies to legitimize United States’ power under the axiological guise of protecting “democracy.” The revisions silence tribal leaders’ and women’s voices, substituting elements that interdiscursively appeal to “terrorism” in a post-9/11 context. The authors dissolve the distinction between tribal peoples in Pakistan and “terrorists.” U.S. military aggression is linguistically realized as defensive, and Pakistani disapprobation framed as offensive attack.
Numerical Solutions of Asymmetric, First-Price, Independent Private Values Auctions

We propose a powerful, fully automated, and numerically robust algorithm to compute (inverse) equilibrium bid functions for asymmetric, Independent Private Values, First-Price auctions. The algorithm relies upon a built-in algebra of local Taylor-series expansions in order to compute highly accurate solutions to the set of differential equations characterizing first order conditions. It offers an extensive user friendly menu whereby one can assign commonly-used distributions to bidders and can also create arbitrary (non-inclusive) coalitions. In addition to (inverse) bid functions, the algorithm also computes a full range of auxiliary statistics of interest (expected revenues, probabilities of winning, probability of retention under reserve pricing and, on request, optimal reserve price). The algorithm also includes a built-in numerical procedure designed to automatically produce local Taylor-series expansions for any user-supplied distribution, whether analytical or tabulated (empirical, parametric, semi- or non-parametric). It provides a tool of unparalleled flexibility for the numerical investigation of theoretical conjectures of interest and/or for easy implementation within any numerical empirical inference procedure relying upon inverse bid functions.
Advances in oncologic head and neck reconstruction: Systematic review and future considerations of virtual surgical planning and computer aided design/computer aided modeling

Summary Background Mastery of craniomaxillofacial reconstruction has been traditionally considered to be learning curve dependent, often with inconsistent results during the skill acquisition phase. Until recently, the overall success in bony oncologic reconstruction of the craniomaxillofacial skeleton has relied mainly on the use of 2D imaging modalities, as well as surgical trial-and-error. Virtual surgical planning (VSP) and computer aided design (CAD)/computer aided modeling (CAM) are gaining traction in oncologic applications and offers opportunity for increased accuracy, improved efficiency, and enhanced outcomes. Its role in oncologic head and neck reconstruction has not been formally evaluated. Methods A systematic review of the current literature was conducted by three independent reviewers. Three separate search schemes were utilized to identify cases incorporating VSP-CAD/CAM technology in head and neck reconstruction for an oncologic indication. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied; articles that met criteria were evaluated for cohort demographics, osteocutaneous flap type and usage, oncologic indication, recipient bone reconstructed, flap survival, follow up, VSP technology usage, specific reported benefits of the technology, and qualitative and quantitative outcome assessments. Results The systematic literature review yielded 87 articles; of these, 33 met inclusion criteria describing a total of 220 cases of oncologic head and neck reconstruction incorporating virtual planning technology. Numerous qualitative benefits of VSP were reported including increased accuracy of the reconstruction (93%), decreased intraoperative time (80%), and ease of use (24%) among others. However, quantitative results using survey data or preoperative/postoperative CT scan comparisons were given for only 33% (3%, 30% respectively) of cases. Conclusion VSP represents an evolving technology that ushers oncological craniomaxillofacial reconstruction into a modern era that holds potential to advance the field with increased reconstructive accuracy, expedition of the surgical phase, and improved outcomes. While qualitative improvements from the technology are delineated, specific quantifiable benefits and cost-benefit analysis are limited and need to be further investigated.
Regulation of Thy-1 and Pgp-1 glycoproteins in hybrids between T-cell lymphomas and Abelson-Leukemia-virus-induced lymphomas

Most cells in the normal adult mouse thymus express Thy-1 glycoprotein but do not express Pgp-1 glycoprotein. In contrast, cells of the mouse B-cell lineage are Thy-1 negative and Pgp-1 positive. Somatic cell hybrids between pseudodiploid Thy-1+, Pgp-1− T-cell lymphomas and pseudotetraploid Thy-1−, Pgp-1+ Abelson-leukemia-virus-induced cell lines do not express detectable cell-surface Thy-1 but show activation of the T-cell Pgp-1 glycoprotein. Hybrids between pseudodiploid lines, in contrast, show extinction of Pgp-1. Thy-1+ or Pgp-1+ revertants were isolated by cell sorting from hybrids in which extinction occurred, demonstrating that all genes required for expression of these cell-surface antigens were present in antigen-negative hybrids. Thy-1− hybrids did not contain detectable cytoplasmic Thy-1 messenger RNA, while Thy-1 message could be detected in parental lines and Thy-1+ revertants. No obvious rearrangements of the Thy-1 structural genes could be demonstrated in Thy-1− hybrids and their Thy-1+ revertants, nor could rearrangements be demonstrated when parental cells and Thy-1− hybrids were compared. These results are consistent with the idea that diffusible gene products regulate both Thy-1 and Pgp-1 expression in these hybrids. These products act in a gene dosage-dependent manner in somatic cell hybrids. Regulation of Thy-1 is at the level of either messenger RNA transcription or processing.
Spaces of Vulnerability: The space of flows and the politics of scale

L'A. conceptualise le pouvoir transformant de la technologie dans son analyse du « poliscar », vehicule concu pour les sans-abris equipe d'une technologie moderne d'information. A l'aide de cette metaphore, il capture a la fois les inegalites fondamentales et la transformation de l'espace inherentes a la nouvelle societe. Il explique qu'on ne peut ignorer la fixite rigide de l'espace qui se produit meme dans l'espace des flux puis il re-examine la construction de l'echelle comme elle est redefinie dans le nouveau desordre mondial
Implementation and empirical evaluations of floor control protocols on PlanetLab network

Nowadays users from different parts of the world participate in collaborative applications (online games, video-conferencing, distributed large-scale simulations) over the Internet. These applications require that at any point in time only one user can exclusively access a shared resource. The problem of providing exclusive access to shared resources in collaborative applications is known as the floor control problem. Centralized and distributed protocols for floor control problem have been proposed in the literature and simulation experiments have been conducted to study the performance of these protocols. None of these protocols have been tested on the real Internet. In this paper, we present empirical evaluations of different floor control protocols on PlanetLab network which is an overlay testbed that connects several academic institutions and industrial research labs all over the world in a virtual network. We have implemented two flavors of distributed solutions -- the randomized Aloha and the scheduled DQDB (Distributed Queue Dual Bus) based protocols. We have also implemented the centralized protocol where the users send floor requests to a central node and the central node schedules the floor requests based on First in First Out. The protocols are implemented using Berkeley Software Distribution (BSD) sockets API. For the experiments, nodes from different PlanetLab sites are selected to resemble that users from different parts of the world are participating in a collaborative application. Average waiting time to gain a floor is used as the performance metric.
Legal and Extralegal Determinants of Intercounty Differences in Prison Use

Although many studies have used states' stock imprisonment rates to gauge the relative punitiveness of U.S. jurisdictions, there has been much less systematic research designed to explain the signi...
Determination of toxic and essential elements in children’s blood with inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry

Recent studies have suggested that low blood lead level, less than 50 µg L−1, can influence the neurobehavioral performance of children. In addition, nutritional deficiencies in some essential elements may increase the toxicity of lead, and some essential elements may influence the blood concentrations of lead and other toxic metals. These findings, coupled with the scarcity of available data on some elements in children's blood and the introduction of methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT) to gasoline, accentuate the need to monitor the concentrations of lead, manganese, and other heavy metals and essential elements in children's blood. This study reports on the multi-element analysis of blood of South African school children using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The sample preparation consisted of a nitric acid/hydrogen peroxide open digestion and subsequent dilution with MilliQ water. The accuracy and precision were evaluated from quintuplet analyses of Seronorm™ trace elements whole blood reference material and human blood samples. Concentrations of lead, arsenic, manganese, copper, zinc, selenium, cobalt, and chromium in the blood of South African school children were determined. The average values were: lead 56.4 µg L−1, arsenic 1.53 µg L−1, manganese 8.48 µg L−1, copper 1195 µg L−1, zinc 3431 µg L−1, selenium 176 µg L−1, cobalt 0.80 µg L−1, and chromium 1.25 µg L−1. The level of lead was in line with some reported lower concentrations. The concentrations of arsenic and manganese were generally lower than those found in the literature. The concentrations of cobalt, copper, selenium, and chromium were higher than those found in other studies, whereas that of zinc was lower.
Collisional Erosion in the Primordial Edgeworth-Kuiper Belt and the Generation of the 30-50 AU Kuiper Gap

One of the oustanding questions about the architecture of the outer solar system is how the trans-Neptunian disk of comets and small planet-scale objects known as the solar system's Edgeworth-Kuiper Belt (EKB) originated and evolved to its present mass and architecture. Applying a time-dependent model of collisonal evolution of the EKB, we find that under a wide range of assumptions, collisional evolution should have depleted the mass of the 30-50 AU zone by >90% early in the history of the solar system, thereby creating a deep scar or gap in the surface mass density across a wide region beyond Neptune, much like what is observed today. Dynamical erosion may have further accelerated the depletion process. Given the fact that Neptune has had far less dynamical influence beyond 50 AU, our results also suggest that unless the solar nebula was truncated near 50 AU, then surface mass density of solids somewhere beyond ~50 AU may increase again, most likely dramatically.
The founder effect and deleterious genes

During the rapid growth of a population from a few founders, a single deleterious gene in a founder can attain an appreciable frequency in later generations. A computer simulation, which has the population double itself in early generations, indicates a lethal could attain a frequency of 0.1. Since deleterious recessive genes are eliminated from large populations at a very slow rate, variations in their frequencies in present major human populations may be due to the founder effect during earlier rapid expansion.
Design of a high-fidelity testing framework for secure electric grid control

A solution methodology and implementation components are presented that can uncover unwanted, unintentional or unanticipated effects on electric grids from changes to actual electric grid control software. A new design is presented to leapfrog over the limitations of current modeling and testing techniques for cyber technologies in electric grids. We design a fully virtualized approach in which actual, unmodified operational software under test is enabled to interact with simulated surrogates of electric grids. It enables the software to influence the (simulated) grid operation and vice versa in a controlled, high fidelity environment. Challenges in achieving such capability include achieving low-overhead time control mechanisms in hypervisor schedulers, network capture and time-stamping, translation of network packets emanating from grid software into discrete events of virtual grid models, translation back from virtual sensors/actuators into data packets to control software, and transplanting the entire system onto an accurately and efficiently maintained virtual-time plane.
The Survey of the Health of Wisconsin (SHOW), a novel infrastructure for population health research: rationale and methods

Evidence-based public health requires the existence of reliable information systems for priority setting and evaluation of interventions. Existing data systems in the United States are either too crude (e.g., vital statistics), rely on administrative data (e.g., Medicare) or, because of their national scope (e.g., NHANES), lack the discriminatory power to assess specific needs and to evaluate community health activities at the state and local level. This manuscript describes the rationale and methods of the Survey of the Health of Wisconsin (SHOW), a novel infrastructure for population health research. The program consists of a series of independent annual surveys gathering health-related data on representative samples of state residents and communities. Two-stage cluster sampling is used to select households and recruit approximately 800-1,000 adult participants (21-74 years old) each year. Recruitment and initial interviews are done at the household; additional interviews and physical exams are conducted at permanent or mobile examination centers. Individual survey data include physical, mental, and oral health history, health literacy, demographics, behavioral, lifestyle, occupational, and household characteristics as well as health care access and utilization. The physical exam includes blood pressure, anthropometry, bioimpedance, spirometry, urine collection and blood draws. Serum, plasma, and buffy coats (for DNA extraction) are stored in a biorepository for future studies. Every household is geocoded for linkage with existing contextual data including community level measures of the social and physical environment; local neighborhood characteristics are also recorded using an audit tool. Participants are re-contacted bi-annually by phone for health history updates. SHOW generates data to assess health disparities across state communities as well as trends on prevalence of health outcomes and determinants. SHOW also serves as a platform for ancillary epidemiologic studies and for studies to evaluate the effect of community-specific interventions. It addresses key gaps in our current data resources and increases capacity for etiologic, applied and translational population health research. It is hoped that this program will serve as a model to better support evidence-based public health, facilitate intervention evaluation research, and ultimately help improve health throughout the state and nation.
Synthesis and Characterization of Bulk, Vitreous Cadmium Germanium Arsenide

Cadmium germanium diarsenide glasses were synthesized in bulk form (B2.4 cm 3 ) using procedures adapted from the literature. Several issues involved in the fabrication and quenching of amorphous CdGexAs2 (x 5 0.45, 0.65, 0.85, and 1.00, where x is the molar ratio of Ge to 1 mol of Cd) are described. An innovative processing route is presented to enable fabrication of high-purity, vitreous, crack-free ingots with sizes up to 10 mm diameter, and 30–40 mm long. Specimens from selected ingots were characterized using thermal analysis, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, particle-induced X-ray emission, Rutherford backscattering, secondary ion mass spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, density, and optical spectroscopy. Variations in properties as a function of processing conditions and composition are described. Results show that the density of defect states in the middle of the band gap and near the band edges can be decreased three ways: through suitable control of the processing conditions, by doping the material with hydrogen, and by increasing the concentration of Ge in the glass.
Fuzzy function approximation

An additive fuzzy system can approximate any continuous function on a compact domain to any degree of accuracy. Fuzzy systems are dense in the space of continuous functions. The fuzzy system approximates the function by covering its graph with fuzzy patches in the input-output state space. Each fuzzy rule defines a fuzzy patch and connects common-sense knowledge with state-space geometry. Neural or statistical clustering algorithms can approximate the unknown fuzzy patches and generate fuzzy systems from training data. >
The application of a shortened version of the profile of mood states in a sample of breast cancer chemotherapy patients

Objectives. The Profile of Mood States (POMS) is a 65-item mood measure with demonstrated reliability and validity; however, its length can be of concern to researchers. The present study investigated the utility of a 37-item shortened version of the POMS (SV-POMS) developed by Shacham (1983). Design. In samples of breast cancer chemotherapy patients (patient group 1) and healthy volunteers, correlations between the subscales of the measures and internal consistencies were examined; these samples were also used to compare mood ratings of healthy women and patients. In another sample of breast cancer chemotherapy patients (patient group 2), the sensitivity to changes in mood of the measures was investigated. Methods. Patient group 1 comprised 114 women; patient group 2 comprised 48 women. Healthy volunteers were 55 women recruited through newspaper advertisements. Results. The correspondence between the measures was demonstrated by significant correlations of the shortened with the full-length scales. Internal consistencies of the measures were comparable. Both measures demonstrated mood differences between patients and volunteers. The responsiveness of the measures to change were comparable as demonstrated by changes in distress scores across chemotherapy infusions. Conclusions. Results suggest that the SV-POMS can be used when participant burden is of concern.
Iontophoresis: Applications in Transdermal Medication Delivery

This article presents a review of the literature relating to iontophoresis. This technique has been used in physical therapy to introduce ionic medications through the skin, primarily for a local effect. Recently, there has been increased interest in using this technique for the transdermal delivery of medications, both ionic and nonionic. This article includes an overview of the history of iontophoresis and a discussion of the physico-chemical and biological factors affecting iontophoretic drug transfer for both local and systemic effects. Factors affecting skin injury and techniques for optimizing iontophoretic drug delivery through the use of current modulation, electrode construction, and skin permeation enhancers are also discussed. Clinical applications of iontophoresis in physical therapy and the pharmacology of selected medications are presented. Thoughts for future potential uses of this technique and needs for further research are also discussed.
Extracellular Matrix and Cell Adhesion

Introduction Physical Forces During Cell Binding and Aggregation Cell Junctions Tight Junctions Anchoring Junctions Cell Adhesion Receptors Integrins Cadherins Ig-like Receptors Selectins Extracellular Matrix Glycosaminoglycans and Proteoglycans Proteins Cell Adhesion and Intracellular Signalling Biotechnological Significance of Cellular Adhesion Cell Adhesion to Surfaces Cell–Cell Adhesion and Aggregation Cell-Virus Adhesion and Gene Transfer References Keywords: physiology; RGD motifs; cytoskeleton
A self-consistent model of a nonplanar quantum-well periodic laser array

An analysis of a nonplanar semiconductor periodic laser array is carried out using a self-consistent model that successfully explains the experimentally observed efficiencies and output optical patterns. This model takes into account the two-dimensional injected current distribution coupled with the optical intensity profile and gain variation from the mesa to the groove. The optical field distribution of the nonplanar laser array is treated as a linear combination of the optical modes in the mesas, grooves, and bends using the effective index method. Numerical results show the multimode operation due to spatial hole burning, the near-field patterns affected by the nonuniform current injection, and the competition of available carriers among the modes of neighboring waveguides. >
Moving mass trim control system design

This paper describes the design of a moving mass trim control system for maneuvering axisymmetric reentry vehicles. The moving mass trim controller is composed of three equal masses that are independently positioned in order to deliver a desired center of mass position. For a slowly spinning reentry vehicle, the mass offset creates a trim angle-of-attack to generate modest flight path corrections. The control system must maintain the desired position of each mass in the face of large disturbances. A novel algorithm for determining the desired mass positions is developed in conjunction with a preliminary controller design. The controller design is based on classical frequency domain techniques where a bound on the disturbance magnitude is used to formulate the disturbance rejection problem. Simulation results for the controller are presented for a typical reentry vehicle.
Color and Form in Children's Perceptual Behavior:

Recent studies have questioned earlier work on the child's mode of matching perceptual stimuli with color and form choices. Specifically, these studies report sex differences and one failed to supp...
Relationship of absorbance to process treatments and flavor during storage of ultra-high-temperature dairy products.

Abstract Fluid dairy products (fat range .5 to 10.5%) were processed in an ultra-high-temperature steam injection system. Time-temperature relationships of processing included 138, 143, and 149C for 20.3s; 143 and 149C for 6.9s; and 149C for 3.4s. Product from each treatment was stored at 4, 24, and 40C. Absorbancy readings were at 470 and 720nm on subsamples at 4-wk intervals for 60 wk. Effects of light scattering were minimized by computing ΔA (A 470 -A 720 ). An increase in ΔA corresponded to change in slope of the spectrum between 470 and 720nm, a change associated with discoloration (browning). All samples demonstrated an initial decrease in ΔA with an eventual increase over the storage period. Samples stored at 4C decreased the most in ΔA with those at 40C, the least. The eventual increase of ΔA occurred earlier and at a greater rate as storage temperature increased. With more severe heat treatments, the initial ΔA's were higher. From taste panel data compiled on the same samples at the same time intervals, an empirical relationship was formulated between ΔA, percent fat, taste panel evaluations, and storage time. A high correlation between taste panel ratings and ΔA readings was possible, suggesting an effective quality assurance test for stored ultra-high-temperature dairy products.
A Multiobjective Expert System for Suppliers of Out-of-the-Money Options

The proliferation of telecommunications and computing capability has sparked speculation about dispersing work. The electronic cottage industry approach has potential in the area of office and professional services. This paper proposes that certain functions of a centralized financial market can be decentralized. To relocate an element of an information processing system, its functions as well as its linkages must be duplicated. For that purpose, we draw on the theories of multiple criteria decision making (MCDM), artificial intelligence, and finance.
Effects of different oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations on the activity of the embryonic chick heart.

The 72 hour chick embryo heart reacts to progressive hypoxia by the appearance of arrhythmias and asystole. In the presence of 4 per cent CO2, complete anoxia is tolerated for a period of 30 min. with carbon dioxide apparently augmenting the buffering capacity of the plasma clot which supports the heart. A gaseous environment of 4 per cent O2/4 per cent CO2/92 per cent N2 induced a steady and entirely reversible state of cardiac stress.
AKT Facilitates EGFR Trafficking and Degradation by Phosphorylating and Activating PIKfyve

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) that controls cell proliferation, growth, survival, metabolism, and migration by activating the PI3K (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase)-AKT and ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase)-RSK (ribosomal S6 kinase) pathways. EGFR signaling to these pathways is temporally and spatially regulated. Endocytic trafficking controls the access of EGFR to these downstream effectors and also its degradation, which terminates EGFR signaling. We showed that AKT facilitated the endocytic trafficking of EGFR to promote its degradation. Interfering with AKT signaling reduced both EGFR recycling and the rate of EGFR degradation. In AKT-impaired cells, EGFRs were unable to reach the cell surface or the lysosomal compartment and accumulated in the early endosomes, resulting in prolonged signaling and increased activation of ERK and RSK. Upon EGF stimulation, AKT phosphorylated and activated the kinase PIKfyve [FYVE-containing phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate 5-kinase], which promoted vesicle trafficking to lysosomes. PIKfyve activation promoted EGFR degradation. Similar regulation occurred with platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR), suggesting that AKT phosphorylation and activation of PIKfyve is likely to be a common feedback mechanism for terminating RTK signaling and reducing receptor abundance.
Watchful waiting in aortic stenosis: are we ready for individualizing the risk assessment?

This editorial refers to ‘A clinical risk score of myocardial fibrosis predicts adverse outcomes in aortic stenosis’[†][1], by C.W. Chin et al ., on page 713. With the ageing of the population and increased use of echocardiography, aortic stenosis (AS) has become one of the most common valvulopathies encountered in the general population1. Current guidelines2,3 advocate aortic valve replacement (AVR) for severe AS patients in the presence of either: (i) classical symptoms (angina, syncope, or exertional dyspnoea) often difficult to ascertain in these patients with several co-morbidities; and/or (ii) left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction (i.e. LV ejection fraction <50%) which could be permanent. While for symptomatic patients with severe AS the decision to treat is relatively simple, the timing for prophylactic intervention in an asymptomatic patient with preserved LV systolic function remains controversial and a matter of continuous debate.4,5 Should we then focus on the asymptomatic patients? For these patients, the two main concerns are the small risk of sudden cardiac death (∼1%/year) and the potential development of subclinical LV dysfunction. The current guidelines emphasize the role of objective assessment of functional capacity and symptomatic status with supervised exercise testing, which, although important, might not be feasible in some patients. In the absence of unmasked symptoms and/or markers of increased risk such as hypotension and/or failure of blood pressure to increase with exercise, the approach of watchful waiting with close surveillance for symptoms development seems reasonable. However, there is a marked heterogeneity, with subsets of patients … [1]: #fn-2
Freedom and Emotion: Daoist Recipes for Authenticity and Creativity

Successfully negotiated, freedom and emotion converge as expressions of spontaneity. Spontaneity in turn is considered the hallmark of authenticity and creativity. My analysis will focus on how freedom serves as the nexus of these terms—spontaneity, authenticity, and creativity in emotion. The key ingredient of the Daoist recipe lies in freedom from cognitive control. Challenges posed by this Daoist recipe for emotion to the dual process theories and cognitive appraisals of emotions will be examined.
The Colour of Muscle: Multiculturalism at a Brooklyn Bodybuilding Gym

I was dawdling near the reception desk of the gym, scanning the room for ethnographic inspiration, when a heated discussion broke through the cacophony of tinny pop music and clanking weights. ‘Reverend Billy’, a wiry man wearing a black do-rag and white sleeveless undershirt, was sweating furiously on the Stairmaster while shouting passionately at someone I had never seen before: a broadly muscled, magnetic African-American man with an air of mischief. This man, between sets of dead lifts (an exercise where a barbell is lifted from the floor to about waist height, keeping the back straight, and the knees slightly bent), was clearly taking pleasure in working Reverend Billy (who is not, in fact, a Reverend) into a lather. Reverend Billy’s usual workout partner, a Jamaican Israelite whom most people call Rasta, was on the next Stairmaster over, muttering and shaking his head. The argument was theological, as it usually was whenever Reverend Billy was around (hence the nickname). I walked over and took a seat on the stationary bike next to them, pedalling half-heartedly. As I knew they would, the three men turned their attention to me and I asked them, perhaps a little coyly, what they were arguing about. Regaining the momentum I had interrupted in passing through, Reverend Billy insisted that he had a duty to bear witness to the Truth of the Lord.
The influence of self-awareness on emotional memory formation: an fMRI study

Evidence from functional neuroimaging studies of emotional perception shows that when attention is focused on external features of emotional stimuli (external perceptual orienting--EPO), the amygdala is primarily engaged, but when attention is turned inwards towards one's own emotional state (interoceptive self-orienting--ISO), regions of the salience network, such as the anterior insula (AI) and the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC), also play a major role. Yet, it is unknown if ISO boosts the contributions of AI and dACC not only to emotional 'perception' but also to emotional 'memory'. To investigate this issue, participants were scanned with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) while viewing emotional and neutral pictures under ISO or EPO, and memory was tested several days later. The study yielded three main findings: (i) emotion boosted perception-related activity in the amygdala during both ISO and EPO and in the right AI exclusively during ISO; (ii) emotion augmented activity predicting subsequent memory in AI and dACC during ISO but not during EPO and (iii) high confidence memory was associated with increased amygdala-dACC connectivity, selectively for ISO encoding. These findings show, for the first time, that ISO promotes emotional memory formation via regions associated with interoceptive awareness of emotional experience, such as AI and dACC.
Mature Creditorship and the U.S. Position in the World Economy

A number of changes occurring in the U.S. balance of payments in recent years suggests that this country is undergoing a transformation in its capital position with respect to the world economy. The difficulties experienced by many American firms selling products abroad, the current account deficit which has characterized the balance of payments in a number of recent years, and, finally, balance of trade deficits in 1971 and 1972 (the first deficits since 1893) may be early indications that the United States is moving toward the position of a mature creditor. The purposes of this note are (1) to explore the thesis that the United States has shifted, or is shifting, from an immature to a mature creditor nation; and (2) to consider some of the implications of a new indebtedness status for the U.S. economy.
Cholera: An 18th Century Pathogen Alive and Well in the '80s

The incidence of cholera in the United States is fortunately only sporadic. This is due in large part to modern sewer systems and water treatment facilities. Even a single case of cholera is a serious concern. The disease poses immediate problems and difficulties to the attending physician who must diagnose and treat the patient. Cholera can have a rapid onset of symptoms, including massive fluid loss, dehydration, and in some cases circulatory collapse and death. Rapid intervention is critical for successful management of the patient with cholera. The patient must be monitored closely for fluid and electrolyte balance. Enteric isolation precautions are indicated to reduce risk of transmission within the health care setting. Person-to-person transmission is not thought to be efficient, but it is appropriate to emphasize handwashing and disinfection of articles contaminated with feces or vomitus. We describe a single case of cholera occurring in a 68-year old woman admitted to the hospital because of extreme dehydration. We discuss the key diagnostic procedures, treatments, and interactions that took place between the attending physician, microbiology personnel, the hospital Infection Control department, and public health officials. Five other cases of cholera were diagnosed in southeast Louisiana at or near the time of this case but were not linked.
Retinal toxicities of cancer therapy drugs: biologics, small molecule inhibitors, and chemotherapies.

Purpose:To review reported retinal side effects from current cancer therapy drugs.Methods:Retinal toxicities from ophthalmologic or oncologic case reports, case series, and clinical trials were identified by a systematic literature search using Lexicomp and PubMed.Results:Four biologics, 8 small mol
Presumptive treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in household contacts.

SETTING Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a growing global health threat that often requires presumptive treatment in the absence of drug susceptibility testing (DST) results. OBJECTIVE To compare two approaches to the treatment of MDR-TB contacts with no DST results who develop TB disease. DESIGN We conducted a retrospective cohort study of adults treated for TB disease who were contacts of patients living with MDR-TB. Subjects had been treated according to one of two presumptive treatment strategies: 1) regimens containing exclusively first-line drugs, and 2) regimens that included both first- and second-line drugs that were adjusted if and when DST results became available. The primary endpoint was a composite of death and treatment failure. RESULTS Household contacts of MDR-TB patients who developed TB disease and were treated with first-line regimens were significantly more likely to experience unfavorable end-of-treatment outcomes than those treated with presumptive MDR-TB regimens (RR 2.88, 95%CI 1.24-6.68). CONCLUSION Household contacts of MDR-TB patients who develop TB disease but have no DST results should receive regimens containing second-line drugs selected based on the infecting strain of the index patient. Regimens containing only first-line anti-tuberculosis drugs significantly increase the risk of unfavorable outcomes.
Desilication of Boron Mud Using Molten Sodium Hydroxide Media

To accomplish the comprehensive utilization of boron mud,the desilication of boron mud was studied using molten sodium hydroxide media. The effect on silicon dioxide extraction ratio caused by the factors,such as reaction time,reaction temperature and mass ratio of sodium hydroxide to boron mud,was analyzed. The optimum reaction condition of desilication was obtained through the orthogonal tests. The results showed that the extraction ratio of silicon dioxide reaches 91. 9% and Mg O content reaches 92. 04% in the solid residuals under the optimum reaction conditions of desilication. The reaction time is 20 min,the reaction temperature is 550 ℃ and the mass ratio of sodium hydroxide to boron mud is 1. 75 ∶ 1. The solid residuals were characterized by XRD and SEM.
Carotid and coronary atherosclerosis. What are the connections

In recent years research has revealed an association between carotid atherosclerosis and coronary atherosclerosis that parallels the long-recognized association between clinically manifest cerebrovascular disease and clinically manifest coronary artery disease (CAD). Validation of B-mode ultrasonography as a method for quantitative imaging of the extracranial carotid arteries has made it possible to identify risk factors for extracranial carotid atherosclerosis and its progression and to test pharmacologic agents for their ability to retard that progression. Extent of atherosclerosis in the extracranial carotid arteries has been shown to be a risk factor or "marker" for symptomatic CAD. In addition, CAD has been identified as an important predictor of progression of extracranial carotid atherosclerosis.
Biochemical Considerations in the Design of Radiopharmaceuticals

The goal of radiopharmaceutical chemistry is to design and develop radiotracers targeted to an organ or function whose activity kinetics in tissue can be detected externally by a gamma or a positron device. Three years ago, Eckelman and Reba (1) divided radiopharmaceuticals into the general categories of specific and non-specific agents. The specific radiopharmaceuticals are the tracers that follow a biochemical pathway or are involved in a particular interaction, for example metabolic substrates, drugs or analogs, and antibodies, Non-specific radiopharmaceuticals include radiolabeled liposomes, cells, microspheres, perfusion agents, inert gases, ethers, alcohols or thallium-201. The design and development of both types of radiopharmaceuticals are important. In the case of myocardial imaging agents, a perfusion agent that will enable differentiation of various stages of ischemia and infarction is as essential as a specific tracer that will reflect metabolism since both perfusion and metabolic functions change with injury.
Sit… Stay… Now Beg for Me: A Look at the Courthouse Dogs Program and the Legal Standard Pennsylvania Should Use to Determine Whether a Dog Can Accompany a Child on the Witness Stand

Courthouse dogs have been used in Pennsylvania for many years in various capacities; however, one of their more controversial uses has been in the context of a criminal trial. Defendants have argued about prejudice, interference with their rights under the confrontation clause, distraction, and legislative decision-making when the state has sought to use a courthouse dogIn the recent Pennsylvania Supreme Court case of _Williams_, the court approved the current procedure that permits closedcircuit television testimony. Using more of a balancing test than a strict analysis of the confrontation clause, the court emphasized the need to ensure the policy goal of protecting children involved in the criminal justice system. As a result of the analysis articulated in _Williams_, combined with amendments to the Pennsylvania Constitution and Act 1986-14, the proper legal standard Pennsylvania courts should use is the one that the Washington Supreme Court implemented in _Dye II_, which requires the prosecution to prove that the courthouse dog would be necessary, but not to the extent of a “compelling need,” for the child to testify in the courtroom.
Ensuring Protection Requirements Are Met in a Nuclear Fuel Route Context

AbstractThis paper describes the framework often used to derive protection requirements in a nuclear fuel route context. This framework consists of a Hazard and Interlock schedule and the two main analysis approaches used to assess the protection requirements for a postulated fault in the Hazard and Interlock schedule. These analysis tools are deterministic and probabilistic assessment techniques. After initially describing these techniques, the application of these tools in deriving cost effective nuclear protection that maximizes the nuclear safety benefit is reviewed. The relative benefits of the two techniques are described, both in assessing existing systems and in applying them to specifying a new design. Important assumptions required for each technique are also highlighted. Analysing a system with a particular method where the assumptions required for the analysis do not hold can lead to invalid conclusions concerning nuclear safety.
Long-term quality of life outcome after treatment for Helicobacter pylori gastric infection

Helicobacter pylori has been associated with a number of upper gastrointestinal diseases. Treatment directed toward H. pylori promotes ulcer healing and decreases ulcer recurrence. This study reports a longer-term quality of life follow-up in a group of patients treated for H. pylori. Thirty patients who were treated for upper gastrointestinal symptoms at least 2 years (median 32 months) prior to the initiation of this study had the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale questionnaire mailed to them. 19 patients responded. This scale measures abdominal pain, heartburn, acid regurgitation, sucking sensations in the upper abdomen, nausea and vomiting, borborygmus, abdominal distention, and belching. Three groups of patients were studied: symptomatic patients without H. pylori infection, symptomatic patients with H. pylori infection and successful eradication, and symptomatic patients with H. pylori infections without eradication. The median symptom scores for each group were no more than 1.5. However, there were no statistically significant differences among these three groups in any of the eight items measured by the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale. The sample size of this study was sufficient to detect a difference between groups of 1.6. Patients treated for H. pylori have no to occasional upper gastrointestinal symptoms in more than 2 years' follow-up. There appears to be no difference in patients treated for the infection and those without the infection.
Lumbar Posture and Tissue Loading During Short-Term Static Posture Holding:

The purpose of the current study was to investigate the changes of lumbar biomechanics during short-term, sustained trunk bending. Eleven participants performed short-term (40 seconds) static trunk...
Using Career Pathways to Guide Students Through Programs of Study

This chapter describes career pathways that evolved through a particular Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training consortium grant designed to help students complete programs of study and enter health care careers. Many students struggle to persist in college and career pathways offer guidance and support to enter, navigate and complete college with the end goal of securing employment always in sight. The authors offer insights into the implementation of career pathways in health care and show how these guide students through logically structured programs of study leading to enhanced student retention, completion, credentialing and employment.
Kirchhoff-Braess phenomena in DC electric networks

Well known in the theory of traffic flows, Braess paradox states that in a congested network, it may happen that adding a new path between destinations can increase the level of congestion. In the case of transportation networks the phenomenon results from selfish decisions of network participants who seek to optimize their own performance metrics. Similar phenomena are now being studied in electric networks where an analogous increase in congestion can arise as a consequence of Kirchhoff's laws. This paper extends our recent results on Braess-like congestion phenomena in voltage controlled DC networks to the case of current controlled and mixed source networks. While the results below have qualitative characteristics that are similar to the voltage-controlled case, there appears to be more subtlety and even a degree of indeterminacy that point to the need for further research to understand the ways in which congestion in transmission and distribution networks will depend on changes in grid topologies.
HIV/AIDS Stigma: Historical Perspectives on Sexually Transmitted Diseases.

The stigma associated with contracting a sexually transmitted disease was originally perpetrated within the health care system as early as the 16th century and subsequently reinforced in the wider society. Virtual Mentor is a monthly bioethics journal published by the American Medical Association.