cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Psychological Impacts of Male Sexual Dysfunction in Pelvic Cancer Survivorship.

Abstract Introduction A common negative sequela of cancer treatment in men is sexual dysfunction, which can have a significant psychological impact and can contribute to feelings of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Management of cancer survivors’ psychological and mental well-being plays an important role in the treatment and recovery process. Aim To identify how sexual dysfunction impacts the lives of male cancer survivors and to provide clinicians with treatment recommendations specific to this patient population. Methods A total of 51 peer-reviewed publications related to sexual dysfunction in male cancer survivors were selected for analysis. Sources were chosen based on relevance to current cancer therapies, causes and psychological impacts of sexual dysfunction, and treatment recommendations for clinicians caring for cancer survivors. PubMed search terms included “sexual dysfunction,” “cancer survivorship,” and “male cancer survivors.” Main Outcome Measures Measures of sexual dysfunction were based on cancer survivors reporting inadequate erectile capacity for penetrative sexual intercourse, decreased sensitivity of the genitalia, or inability to enjoy sex. Results and Conclusions Sexual dysfunction was present in male cancer survivors from diverse ages, cancer diagnoses, and treatments of cancer. Many of the men surveyed presented with psychological distress resulting from their posttreatment sexual dysfunction. This had a significant negative impact on their sexual self-esteem, body image, and mental health. Sexual and social development was delayed in survivors of childhood cancer. Healthcare practitioners should initiate conversations with patients regarding the potential for sexual dysfunction at the time of cancer diagnosis and throughout treatment and follow-up. Physical symptoms of sexual dysfunction should be treated, whenever possible, using phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors or other interventions, and all cancer survivors presenting with psychological distress related to sexual dysfunction should be offered professional counseling. Twitchell DK, Wittmann DA, Hotaling JM, et al. Psychological Impacts of Male Sexual Dysfunction in Pelvic Cancer Survivorship. Sex Med Rev 2019;7:614–626.
Revisiting Frank H. Knight's 'The Ethics of Competition'

James M. Buchanan revisited his mentor’s famous 1923 essay “The Ethics of Competition” in an essay written for the centenary celebration of Frank Knight’s birth in 1985. Buchanan’s paper focused on the first section of Knight’s essay, and outlined why it provided an inadequate criticism of a competitive market economy. Essentially, the essay was flawed by what Buchanan understood to be a methodological ambiguity which formed the basis for Knight’s ethical critique. A year later, in Buchanan’s Nobel Lecture, he made no reference to Knight, despite have widely acknowledged in other ways his general indebtedness to Knight’s appreciation for competitive markets in forming his own approach to public choice. After reviewing the structure of Buchanan’s criticism, the paper turns to examine what Knight did with his views on ethics, economics, and social/political organization after the mid-1920s. Knight’s Weberian turn led him to abandon the “successive approximation” method he had argued in favor of in Risk, Uncertainty and Profit (1921), and instead seek an economics that provided general insights from an ideal type analysis of market interaction, combined with a) a comparative social and political institutional analysis; and b) a comparative study of ethical systems to evaluate which was appropriate to the problems of a liberal, democratic society. At the end, a brief look at Buchanan’s movement toward Knight on methodological issues after his Nobel Lecture is examined. Buchanan’s changes come from a new appreciation for increasing cost and social ideas and norms, as well as his growing appreciation for Knight’s notion of democracy as “government by discussion.”
Effect of Accountable Care Organizations on Emergency Medicine Payment and Care Redesign: A Qualitative Study

Study objective Accountable care organizations are provider networks aiming to improve quality while reducing costs for populations. It is unknown how value-based care within accountable care organizations affects emergency medicine care delivery and payment. Our objective was to describe how accountable care has impacted emergency care redesign and payment. Methods We performed a qualitative study of accountable care organizations, consisting of semistructured interviews with emergency department (ED) and accountable care organization leaders responsible for strategy, care redesign, and payment. We analyzed transcripts for key themes, using thematic analysis techniques. Results We performed 22 interviews across 7 accountable care organizations. All sites were enrolled in the Medicare Shared Savings Program; however, sites varied in region and maturity with respect to population health initiatives. Nearly all sites were focused on reducing low-value ED visits, expanding alternate venues for acute unscheduled care, and redesigning care to reduce ED admission rates through expanded care coordination, including programs targeting high-risk populations such as older adults and frequent ED users, telehealth, and expanded use of direct transfer to skilled nursing facilities from the ED. However, there has been no significant reform of payment for emergency medical care within these accountable care organizations. Nearly all informants expressed concern in regard to reduced ED reimbursement, given accountable care organization efforts to reduce ED utilization and increase clinician participation in alternative payment contracts. No participants expressed a clear vision for reforming payment for ED services. Conclusion Care redesign within accountable care organizations has focused on outpatient access and alternatives to hospitalization. However, there has been little influence on emergency medicine payment, which remains fee for service. Evidence-based policy solutions are urgently needed to inform the adoption of value-based payment for acute unscheduled care.
Comparison of Therapeutic Benefit of Bupivacaine HCl Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) Block as Part of an Enhanced Recovery Pathway versus Traditional Oral and Intravenous Pain Control after Minimally Invasive Colorectal Surgery: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind Trial

Enhanced recovery pathways (ERPs), when combined with transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks, have been proven to reduce the length of stay (LOS) and improve quality outcomes. Nonopioid pain management is an essential component of this pathway, leading to a reduction in immobility, postoperative ileus, and an increase in patient satisfaction. TAP block variations have been studied in general and gynecologic surgery. This study evaluates the effectiveness of laparoscopic TAP blocks in conjunction with the benefit of an ERP. One hundred thirty-seven consecutive laparoscopic and robotic-assisted Colorectal Surgery patients received TAP blocks under laparoscopic guidance while under anesthesia, randomized to a placebo, bupivacaine TAP block, or bupivacaine TAP block with an ERP arm of the trial. Patient demographics, operative techniques, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed using statistical analysis software. Our main objective was to determine short-term benefits of TAP blocks on reducing total narcotic consumption. Secondary objectives included effects of TAP blocks on time to ambulation, time to bowel function, and LOS. To isolate the effect of the TAP blocks, no efforts were made to control nursing or patient education in patients managed without an ERP. Of 137 patients, 14 were withdrawn. All cases were elective, with the main diagnosis colon cancer or dysplastic polyps (47.1%). The median age in each group was comparable (P = 0.12), with female majority in both groups (58.5%). Most procedures were segmental colon resections (74.7%). Thirty-one patients received a placebo, 41 bupivacaine TAP, and 51 bupivacaine TAP plus ERP. In terms of primary endpoints, the bupivacaine plus ERP arm used statistically significant less IV narcotics on postoperative day 1 and in total (P = 0.001, P = 0.008). All patients ambulated on average within the first 24 hours postoperatively, with the TAP plus ERP group approximately 0.5 days sooner (P = 0.001). The TAP plus ERP group also had a return of bowel function and LOS approximately 24 hours early (P = 0.001 and P = 0.001). This study shows that a laparoscopically placed bupivacaine TAP block when used as part of an ERP can reduce LOS, postoperative narcotics, time to ambulation and bowel function, and LOS. Defined pain regimens with auxiliary staff teaching can add to the improvement in quality outcomes in laparoscopic colorectal surgery and, with the addition of the TAP block, can add to patient satisfaction and lower hospital costs.
Raman spectroscopic data from Formic Acid Decomposition in subcritical and supercritical water.

Abstract The spectra presented correspond with the research article entitled “Kinetics of Formic Acid Decomposition in Subcritical and Supercritical Water – A Raman Spectroscopic Study” [1]. Data set contains in situ Raman spectra of the quenched effluent stream, which includes varied concentrations of formic acid, water, CO, CO2, and H2 as reaction products. Each spectrum is collected downstream of the subcritical or supercritical water gasification of formic acid, which occurs at a specified temperature, residence time, a constant pressure of 25 MPa, and a constant initial feedstock concentration of 3.6 wt% formic acid. Additionally, calibration spectra of formic acid in water, and spectra of pure carbon dioxide and high concentration formic acid are provided for model development. Finally, a MATLAB code used for baseline subtraction of raw data files is included with the dataset. The full dataset is hosted in Mendeley Data, https://doi.org/10.17632/hjn8xwskng.1 .
UCP3 plays a complementary role to UCP1 in brown adipose tissue mitochondrial bioenergetics

Mitochondrial uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3) plays a complementary role in uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) dependent uncoupling in mammalian thermogenesis. Using mouse strains lacking UCP1, UCP3, and a UCP1/UCP3 double knockout, we previously demonstrated that UCP3 is necessary for sustained heat production. However, how and where UCP3 is essential for heat production remains unknown. Using brown adipocyte mitochondria from UCP1, UCP3, and UCP1/UCP3 double knockout mice, we found that in the absence of UCP1, UCP3 does not act as a free fatty acid-inducible uncoupling protein; however, it is necessary for maximal GDP sensitive respiration. Additionally, we confirm that the loss of UCP1 is a dominant regulator of mitochondrial respiratory chain activity, assembly, and composition in brown adipose tissue. Our data suggest that in the absence of UCP1 brown adipose tissue is not a significant source of heat production and that UCP3-dependent heat generation plays a regulatory role outside of adipose tissues. Together these data suggest that UCP3s thermogenic function is independent of a role as a bona fide uncoupling protein in brown adipose tissue.
Epidemiology and Risk Factors

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in men in the United States. The incidence and mortality of PCa vary widely among different countries in the world, with an overall steady rise in incidence and fall in mortality. However, the disparity between reported incidence and mortality rates since the initiation of screening with PSA is strongly suggestive of an overtreatment of the disease. The growing evidence from genetic studies points to the multiple gene loci rather than specific susceptibility genes to play a major role in inheritable familial predisposition to PCa. Apart from family history, age, and ethnicity, exposure to different environmental factors such as diet, different chemicals, and infections contributes significantly to the risk of development of PCa.
5′-UTR recruitment of the translation initiation factor eIF4GI or DAP5 drives cap-independent translation of a subset of human mRNAs

During unfavorable conditions (e.g. tumor hypoxia or viral infection), canonical, cap-dependent mRNA translation is suppressed in human cells. Nonetheless, a subset of physiologically important mRNAs (e.g. hypoxia-inducible factor 1α [HIF-1α], fibroblast growth factor 9 [FGF-9], and p53) is still translated by an unknown, cap-independent mechanism. Additionally, expression levels of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4GI (eIF4GI) and of its homolog, death-associated protein 5 (DAP5), are elevated. By examining the 5′ UTRs of HIF-1α, FGF-9, and p53 mRNAs and using fluorescence anisotropy binding studies, luciferase reporter-based in vitro translation assays, and mutational analyses, we demonstrate here that eIF4GI and DAP5 specifically bind to the 5′ UTRs of these cap-independently translated mRNAs. Surprisingly, we found that the eIF4E-binding domain of eIF4GI increases not only the binding affinity but also the selectivity among these mRNAs. We further demonstrate that the affinities of eIF4GI and DAP5 binding to these 5′ UTRs correlate with the efficiency with which these factors drive cap-independent translation of these mRNAs. Integrating the results of our binding and translation assays, we conclude that eIF4GI or DAP5 is critical for recruitment of a specific subset of mRNAs to the ribosome, providing mechanistic insight into their cap-independent translation.
Studies of Electrocatalytic Reactions

Most of the studies of electrocatalytic reactions today are done using single-crystal electrodes. Given the role the electrode surface plays in electrocatalytic reactions, the surface structure is expected to play a major role in determining the reaction kinetics of electrocatalytic reactions. However, there are considerable difficulties to prepare and to maintain clean well-ordered surfaces in electrochemical systems containing solid, liquid, and gaseous phases. This chapter gives useful description of the preparation of single-crystal electrodes, surface ordering and verification of surface state, and measurements of reaction rates. Discussion of the coordination of surface atoms, interatomic distances, distance between adsorption sites, and surface energy that depend on the plane exposed is presented. The possible adsorption sites on low-index planes are described, i.e., atop, bridge, and three- and fourfold hollow sites. The atoms in these sites have different coordination and interact differently with adsorbates. High-index plane or stepped surfaces are also described, which have lower coordination and stronger interaction with adsorbates.
Reducing ridesourcing empty vehicle travel with future travel demand prediction

Abstract Ridesourcing services provide alternative mobility options in several cities. Their market share has grown exponentially due to the convenience they provide. The use of such services may be associated with car-light or car-free lifestyles. However, there are growing concerns regarding their impact on urban transportation operations performance due to empty, unproductive miles driven without a passenger (commonly referred to as deadheading). This paper is motivated by the potential to reduce deadhead mileage of ridesourcing trips by providing drivers with information on future ridesourcing trip demand. Future demand information enables the driver to wait in place for the next rider’s request without cruising around and contributing to congestion. A machine learning model is employed to predict hourly and 10-minute future interval travel demand for ridesourcing at a given location. Using future demand information, we propose algorithms to (i) assign drivers to act on received demand information by waiting in place for the next rider, and (ii) match these drivers with riders to minimize deadheading distance. Real-world data from ridesourcing providers in Austin, TX (RideAustin) and Chengdu, China (DiDi Chuxing) are leveraged. Results show that this process achieves 68%–82% and 53%–60% reduction of trip-level deadheading miles for the RideAustin and DiDi Chuxing sample operations respectively, under the assumption of unconstrained availability of short-term parking. Deadheading savings increase slightly as the maximum tolerable waiting time for the driver increases. Further, it is observed that significant deadhead savings per trip are possible, even when a small percent of the ridesourcing driver pool is provided with future ridesourcing demand information.
Enhanced Dyeability and Wash Fastness through a Salt-Free Plasma-Induced Grafting of Cationic Monomers on Cotton Fabrics

Free radical graft polymerization of diallyldimethylammonium chloride (DADMAC) on cotton was employed to substantially improve the dyeability cotton with reactive dyes under salt-free conditions. The effects of plasma-induced graft polymerization of DADMAC on cotton, followed by dyeing with different reactive dyes, was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. A color fastness wash test was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of cotton cationization on reactive dye fixing. The results show that the salt-free dyeing process with reactive dyes was effective after cationization modification, and the dye uptake rate and dyeing depth are higher than the conventional dyeing techniques.
Raising cGMP restores proteasome function and myelination in mice with a proteotoxic neuropathy.

Agents that raise cGMP by activating Protein Kinase G increase 26S proteasome activities, protein ubiquitination, and degradation of misfolded proteins. Therefore, they may be useful in treating neurodegenerative and other diseases caused by an accumulation of misfolded proteins. Mutations in myelin protein zero (MPZ) cause the peripheral neuropathy Charcot Marie Tooth 1B (CMT1B). In peripheral nerves of a mouse model of CMT1B, where the mutant MPZS63del is expressed, proteasome activities are reduced, mutant MPZS63del and polyubiquitinated proteins accumulate, and the Unfolded Protein Response (p-eif2 α) is induced. In HEK293 cells, raising cGMP stimulated ubiquitination and degradation of MPZS63del, but not of MPZWT. Treating S63del mice with the phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor, sildenafil, to raise cGMP increased proteasome activity in sciatic nerves and reduced the levels of polyubiquitinated proteins, the proteasome reporter ubG76V-GFP, and p-elF2α. Furthermore, sildenafil treatment reduced the number of amyelinated axons, and increased myelin thickness and nerve conduction velocity in sciatic nerves. Thus, agents that raise cGMP, including ones widely used in medicine, may be useful therapies for CMT1B and other proteotoxic diseases.
Whitespaces after the USA's TV incentive auction: A spectrum reallocation case study

Spectrum has traditionally been allocated for single uses and by now most of the “prime” spectrum has well-entrenched incumbent users. When a new service needs spectrum, there are two qualitatively distinct ways of making bandwidth available for it. A swath of incumbent users can be removed from a band, with the cleared band being reallocated for the new service. Alternatively, the new users can be allowed to utilize the interstitial spectrum holes (i.e. whitespaces) between incumbent users, with the requirement to protect the incumbents' QoS. But these can also be used in combination by partially clearing a band and opening up the rest for whitespace-style sharing. In this case, the ability of regulators to “repack” incumbents, e.g. alter their operating channels, can reduce the need to evict them. An open question has been how whitespaces and partial spectrum clearing interact with each other and the ability to repack incumbents. Do efficient repacks completely eliminate whitespaces?
XISS/R: XML indexing and storage system using RDBMS

We demonstrate the XISS/R system, an implementation of the XML Indexing and Storage System (XISS) on top of a relational database. The system is based on the XISS extended preorder numbering scheme, which captures the nesting structure of XML data and provides the opportunity for storage and query processing independent of the particular structure of the data. The system includes a web-based user interface, which enables stored documents to be queried via XPath. The user interface utilizes the XPath Query Engine, which automatically translates XPath queries into efficient SQL statements.
Symptomatic occipitocervical paracondylar process: Case report

A paracondylar process is a bony exostosis that arises from the skull base lateral to the occipital condyle and extends inferiorly toward the transverse process of the atlas. This congenital anomaly can vary in size from a small protuberance to an elongated process articulating with an epitransverse process arising from C-1. Typically, a paracondylar process is an incidental finding described in anatomical studies. The authors report on a patient with a symptomatic paracondylar process articulating with an epitransverse process that caused occipitocervical pain. Resection of the paracondylar and epitransverse processes completely relieved the patient's pain.
Preparation, sensitivity, and specificity of Limulus lysate for endotoxin assay.

Abstract Limulus amoebocyte lysate was prepared from a total of 180 crabs during 1971 and 1972 by using a slightly modified lysate preparation procedure. Marked variability of lysate potency was noted both years. In addition, lysate quality appeared diminished in 1972 as compared with 1971. Different lysate batches were evaluated for potency by using a variety of endotoxin preparations. Variations in batch potencies were observed, but little variation in reactivity among different endotoxin preparations was noted. Use of potent lysate batches allowed detection of endotoxin concentrations as low as 100 pg/ml. No endotoxinlike activity was observed from 11 different strains of yeast by use of the Limulus assay.
Competencies Needed for Transition Specialists in Vocational Rehabilitation Vocational Education, and Special Education:

Transition services and interagency service coordination for youth with disabilities have increased significantly during the past 10 years. The development of these services has necessitated the creation of new human services professional roles. One emerging role is that of transition specialist. Competencies for this new role of transition specialist have not been validated. This study was conducted to identify and validate competencies for transition specialist practitioners. Practitioners across the United States from the fields of vocational special education, special education, and vocational rehabilitation identified competencies believed essential to providing effective transition services. “Knowledge of agencies and systems change” was the highest-rated competency.
Chemically modified graphite electrode with immobilized enzyme as a potentiometric sensor for some l-amino acids

Abstract A chemically modified electrode with immobilized enzyme was constructed by covalent attachment of l -amino acid oxidase (E.C. 1.4.3.2) to a graphite rod via chemical modification of the electrode surface. Logarithmic response with concentration of selected l -amino acids was observed in the 10-2–10-5 M range. The electrodes displayed slopes of 24–29 mV/decade over the tested concentration range for l -phenylalanine, l -methionine, and l -leucine. The electrode slope degraded by 33% after 78 days under the defined storage conditions. Interaction of hydrogen peroxide with surface groups generated during cyanuric chloride modification appears to be the major contributor to the potentiometric response. Cations change the electrode potential but have essentially no effect on the electrode slope. A plausible model describing the mechanism of response is presented.
A modeling study of the longitudinal dependence of storm time midlatitude dayside total electron content enhancements

[1] Large-scale storm time enhancements of total electron content (TEC) have often been observed at Millstone Hill and other locations in the United States and have been less frequently reported from other stations around the globe. This has raised the question of whether the formation of such enhancements may have a longitudinal dependence and whether the North American continent might occupy a favored longitude sector for the appearance of such effects. We examine two mechanisms for producing storm time dayside TEC enhancements. Heelis et al. (2009) showed that a high-latitude electric field that has expanded to midlatitudes can enhance the dayside TEC by as much as 300 units. We use such an electric field as a driver for the TDIM ionospheric model, studying its effect across a range of longitudes, and we find that there is indeed a longitudinal asymmetry that favors the enhancement of TEC in the American sector. Second, we examine the role of the thermospheric wind during storm conditions and find that it has potentially an equally large effect, with a longitudinal dependence of its own that may either enhance or counteract the effect of the expanded electric field. In both cases, the effect is of the order of a 10% to 20% change in TEC.
Temperature Preconditioning Increases Tolerance to Chilling Injury and Alters Lipid Composition in Zucchini Squash

Summary Temperature preconditioning at 15°C for 2 d effectively delayed the development of chilling injury in zucchini squash (Cucurbita pepo L., cv. ‹Ambassador›) storage at 5°C. Chilling at 5°C resulted in loss of phospholipids, including PC, PE, PG, and PI. These losses were reduced by temperature preconditioning treatment. The degree of fatty-acid unsaturation of phospholipids declined during storage, but was higher in treated squash than in the controls. Temperature preconditioning treatment also reduced losses of the galactolipids MGDG and DGDG during the cold storage. Spinasterol and Δ7-stigmastenol were the two predominant sterols, constituting more than 75 % of both the free sterol and steryl ester fractions. The ratio of free sterol/total phospholipids increased during the cold storage. The increase of this ratio was suppressed by the temperature preconditioning treatment. These results may indicate that acclimation to chilling storage temperatures involves protection of membranes from chilling-induced degradation of glycerolipids.
Lysophosphatidic Acid Promoting Corneal Epithelial Wound Healing by Transactivation of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor

Purpose To identify the underlying mechanisms by which lipid mediator lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) acts as a growth factor in stimulating extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase (PI3K) during corneal epithelial wound healing. Methods Epithelial debridement wounds in cultured porcine corneas and scratch wounds in an epithelial monolayer of SV40-immortalized human corneal epithelial (THCE) cells were allowed to heal in the presence or absence of an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor (tyrphostin AG1478), a matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor (GM6001), or a heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF) antagonist (CRM197) with or without LPA. EGFR activation was analyzed by immunoprecipitation using EGFR antibodies and Western blotting with phosphotyrosine antibodies. Phosphorylation of ERK and AKT (a major substrate of PI3K) was analyzed by Western blotting with antibodies specific to the phosphorylated proteins. Wound- and LPA-induced shedding of HB-EGF was assessed by measuring the release of alkaline phosphatase (AP) in a stable THCE cell line that expressed HB-EGF with AP inserted in the heparin-binding site. Results In organ and cell culture models, LPA enhanced corneal epithelial wound healing. LPA-stimulated and spontaneous wound closure was attenuated by AG1478, GM6001, or CRM197. Consistent with the effects on epithelial migration, these inhibitors, as well as the Src kinase inhibitor (PP2), retarded LPA-induced activation of EGFR and its downstream effectors ERK and AKT in THCE cells. Unlike exogenously added HB-EGF, LPA stimulated moderate EGFR phosphorylation; the level of phosphorylated EGFR was similar to that induced by wounding. However, LPA appeared to prolong wound-induced EGFR signaling. The release of HB-EGF assessed by AP activity increased significantly in response to wounding, LPA, or both, and the release of HB-EGF-AP induced by LPA was inhibited by PP2 and GM6001. Conclusions LPA accelerates corneal epithelial wound healing through its ability to induce autocrine HB-EGF signaling. Transactivation of EGFR by LPA represents a convergent signaling pathway accessible to stimuli such as growth factors and ligands of G-protein-coupled receptors in response to pathophysiological challenge in human corneal epithelial cells.
Ventilation without tracheal intubation.

I read with great interest the article by Bhandari et al,1 who discuss the feasibility of nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) to support premature infants. Their article brings forward a modality for respiratory support of premature infants that is less invasive than mechanical ventilation (MV). Although it is important to demonstrate that the avoidance of intubation and the use of NIPPV can result in less morbidity, it is important to recognize that avoidance of unneeded intermittent ventilation, whether via nasal prongs or an endotracheal tube, could be more beneficial. The use of NIPPV can be used as a second line of support to premature infants who do not respond positively to less-invasive treatments. Years ago, MV was used as the first-line, and maybe the only available, option for respiratory support of premature infants with hyaline membrane disease.2 Although MV has been widely used, research has shown a clear association between MV and lung injury, also known as ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI). Two major components account for lung injury in ventilated infants: tracheal intubation and the mechanical force on the lung during ventilation. Tracheal intubation is a traumatic and painful procedure that a premature infant can experience during his or her hospital stay. It is often performed without adequate pain management3 and may be accompanied by significant hemodynamic instabilities.4 Once the tube is in the trachea, it inevitably serves as a bridge between the sterile lower respiratory system of the infant and the nonsterile outside world. We recently demonstrated that within a few days, colonization of the trachea with bacteria occurs in >80% of intubated infants.5 These bacteria will ignite the inflammatory process, which can lead to lung injury and bronchopulmonary dysplasia.6 In addition, the ciliary movement of the cells lining the trachea is … Address correspondence to Hany Aly, MD, George Washington University Hospital, Department of Newborn Services, 900 23rd St NW, Suite G2092, Washington, DC 20037. E-mail: haly{at}mfa.gwu.edu
Effects of alcohol on psychomotor performance of women: interaction with menstrual cycle.

The effects of alcohol on performance were investigated in 10 ovulating young women. Placebo drink and three doses of alcohol were administered in a random order both during follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle. The women had significantly slower verbal information processing rate and poorer visual detection performance during the follicular than the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. In psychomotor tasks other than tracking, dose--response relationships of alcohol were different during the different phases of the menstrual cycle. Language: en
New identities for the Rogers-Ramanujan functions

where (a; q)∞ := lim n→∞ (a; q)n, |q| < 1. At the end of his brief communication [9], [10, p. 231] announcing his proofs of the Rogers–Ramanujan identities (1.2), Ramanujan remarks, “I have now found an algebraic relation between G(q) and H(q), viz.: H(q) {G(q)} − qG(q) {H(q)} = 1 + 11q {G(q)H(q)} . (1.3) Another noteworthy formula is H(q)G(q)− qG(q)H(q) = 1. (1.4) Each of these formulae is the simplest of a large class.” Ramanujan did not indicate how he had proved the identities. They are two identities from a set of forty identities for G(q) and H(q) that he never published. In the years since then, most of the 40 identities were established in a series of papers by L. J. Rogers [13] in 1919, G. N. Watson [14] in 1933, D. Bressoud [6], [7] in 1977, and A. J. F. Biagioli [3] in 1989. It should be remarked that the complete list of identities was not brought to the mathematical public until 1975 when B. J. Birch [4] found them in the Oxford University Library. Although all the identities can be proved using the theory of modular forms, the method employed by Biagioli, it is more instructive to
A simple new write scheme for low latency operation of phase change memory

The behavior of resistance drift after RESET operation for phase change memory (PCRAM) is investigated. We propose, for the first time, an effective way to accelerate the drift so that the program/read latency may better match that for DRAM for SCM (storage class memory) application. By simply applying an extra annealing pulse after RESET we can quickly anneal out many defects (that are responsible for the drift) and provide a drift-free period that enlarges the read window. A physical model is proposed to understand the defect annealing phenomenon, which predicts the resistance drift behavior well.
Chromatin of the developing chick oviduct: changes in the acidic proteins.

Abstract 1. The chromatin of the oviducts of immature chicks undergoing estrogen-induced differentiation was studied. Both the species and quantitative level of the histones remained relatively unaltered throughout development. In contrast, the level of the acidic proteins displayed a biphasic pattern, increasing during the first few days of differentiation followed by a decrease during the final stages of maturation. The level of chromatin-associated RNA and the capacities of chromatin to serve as template in in vitro DNA-dependent RNA synthesis showed a similar biphasic pattern. 2. Fractionation of the acidic chromatin proteins into four groups followed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis demonstrated a marked heterogeneity of the acidic chromatin proteins. The majority of protein bands were associated with two of the four groups (AP1 and AP2). Quantitative analysis revealed that variations primarily in the level of one fraction (AP2) were responsible for the changes observed in the total chromatin acidic proteins. Amino acid composition, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunochemical analysis demonstrated that alterations in the molecular species of acidic proteins occurred during development. Using circular dichroism to probe the secondary structure of whole and dehistonized chromatin, a gradual conformational change was observed in both the DNA and protein components during oviduct development. 3. The observed changes in chromatin structure and composition are suspected to be involved in the changing pattern of gene expression during development of the chick oviduct.
Sampling design for face recognition

A face recognition system consists of two integrated parts: One is the face recognition algorithm, the other is the selected classifier and derived features by the algorithm from a data set. The face recognition algorithm definitely plays a central role, but this paper does not aim at evaluating the algorithm, but deriving the best features for this algorithm from a specific database through sampling design of the training set, which directs how the sample should be collected and dictates the sample space. Sampling design can help exert the full potential of the face recognition algorithm without overhaul. Conventional statistical analysis usually assume some distribution to draw the inference, but the design-based inference does not assume any distribution of the data and it does not assume the independency between the sample observations. The simulations illustrates that the systematic sampling scheme performs better than the simple random sampling scheme, and the systematic sampling is comparable to using all available training images in recognition performance. Meanwhile the sampling schemes can save the system resources and alleviate the overfitting problem. However, the post stratification by sex is not shown to be significant in improving the recognition performance.
Visualizing and sharing results in bioinformatics projects: GBrowse and GenBank exports

Background Effective tools for presenting and sharing data are necessary for collaborative projects, typical for bioinformatics. In order to facilitate sharing our data with other genomics, molecular biology, and bioinformatics researchers, we have developed software to export our data to GenBank and combined the export utilities with our customized and augmented version of GBrowse. The GBrowse bioinformatics software provides a way for users to graphically view genomic feature data stored in a back-end database. GenBank is an open-access database, maintained by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), containing annotated versions of all publicly available DNA sequences. To support exports relevant to our data, we have developed a tool that processes a list of expressed sequence tags (ESTs), correlates these tags with information from our database, and constructs a set of files for batch submission to the GenBank EST database (dbEST).
Proteasome mediates removal of proteins oxidized during myocardial ischemia

Abstract Numerous proteins are known to be lost following myocardial ischemia/reperfusion yet little is known about the mediating proteinases. This study examines the hypothesis that proteasome plays a significant role in the removal of proteins oxidized during myocardial ischemia. Proteasome was inhibited by perfusing isolated rat hearts with buffer containing lactacystin, 2 μmol/L, for 10 min, which resulted in 51 and 42% decreases in 20S and 26S proteasome activities that persisted for a minimum of 90 min. Lactacystin pretreatment had minor effects on postischemic recovery of isolated hearts exposed to 30 min global ischemia and 60 min reperfusion. Protein carbonyl content of lactacystin-pretreated ischemic hearts was significantly (P
Nuclear fission product analysis using capillary separation techniques

Capillary electrophoresis has been used to separate metal ions characteristically associated with nuclear fission. Electrokinetic injections and transient isotachophoretic techniques were employed to increase sample loading and provide on-column concentration of the analyte. On-line concentration factors of approximately 700-fold have been achieved. Indirect-UV absorbance, on-line radioactivity, and indirect laser-induced fluorescence detection were used to monitor analytes of interest. The radioactivity detector consists of a plastic scintillator and photomultiplier tube with a 4π detection geometry. The efficiency was determined to be approximately 80%, enabling samples resident in the detector window for 0.1 minutes to be reliably assayed. Detection of152Eu and137Cs was achieved at the low nCi level. Indirect fluorescence was performed with quinine sulfate as the background fluorophor with α-hydroxysobutyric acid added as a complexing agent. An argon ion laser was used as the excitation source with a diode array detector. Limits of detection for La3+, Ce3+, Pr3+, Nd3+, Sm3+, and Eu3+ were determined to be in the sub — 10 ppb range (6–11 nM) with indirect laser-induced fluorescence detection.
Periodic majority recoding and reverberatory memory.

Abstract A scheme involving periodic recoding of the memory trace of a single informational bit of memory, based upon the “voting” of neural channels at the recoding station, is shown to be an efficient means of ensuring the short-term reliability of reverberatory memory. Some features of such a memory are discussed.
Efficacy of a CD22-targeted antibody-saporin conjugate in a xenograft model of precursor-B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Targeted therapies, such as those using imatinib and rituximab, have revolutionized the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive and CD20-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) respectively, yet these therapies are effective in only a subset of patients and remission is generally not durable. The next generation of targeted therapies includes the use of antibodies conjugated to potent cytotoxic agents and are classified as antibody drug conjugates (ADC). For B-lineage ALL, CD22 is an ideal target for ADC therapy because it is expressed on the majority of B-lineage ALL cells and because antibody binding mediates receptor internalization. HB22.7-SAP is a conjugate of our anti-CD22 monoclonal antibody (mAb), HB22.7, and the ribosome inhibiting protein, saporin (SAP). In vitro, HB22.7-SAP effectively bound to CD22 on the surface of pre-B ALL cell lines and exhibited potent and specific cytotoxicity. In a NOD/SCID xenograft mouse model of pre-B ALL, when compared to the vehicle-treated control, HB22.7-SAP increased the median survival time from 20 days to over 50 days without significant toxicity.
Surface wrinkling for increasing the short circuit current density of thin film solar cells deposited on chemically oxidized silicone surface

Abstract Solar cell technology is one of the most promising sources of clean energy. However, some limitations include low efficiency, high manufacturing cost, and large consumption of material. A novel method of depositing a thin film direct bandgap semiconductor material on lightweight substrate, which would result in higher specific power (kW/kg), is explored in this work. The efficiency of such solar cells can be further increased by providing a textured surface, resulting in reduced optical losses therefore increasing light trapping. This paper reports a novel method which makes use of a mechanical instability in a soft material (polydimethylsiloxane) to make wrinkles on its surface by chemically oxidizing the surface using Piranha solution. Further, these wrinkles were arranged in order by applying external force to the soft material before chemical oxidation. Theoretical studies have been carried out and found more than 10% increase in transmittance and short circuit current if a cadmium telluride (CdTe) solar cell is to be deposited on such substrate.
Ferric reductases of Legionella pneumophila.

Ferric reductase enzymes requiring a reductant for maximal activity were purified from the cytoplasmic and periplasmic fractions of avirulent and virulent Legionella pneumophila. The cytoplasmic and periplasmic enzymes are inhibited by zinc sulfate, constitutive and active under aerobic or anaerobic conditions. However, the periplasmic and cytoplasmic reductases are two distinct enzymes as shown by their molecular weights, specific activities, reductant specificities and other characteristics. The molecular weights of the cytoplasmic and periplasmic ferric reductases are approximately 38 and 25 kDa, respectively. The periplasmic reductase (K m = 7.0 μm) has a greater specific activity and twice the affinity for ferric citrate as the cytoplasmic enzyme (K m = 15.3 μm). Glutathione serves as the optimum reductant for the periplasmic reductase, but is inactive for the cytoplasmic enzyme. In contrast, NADPH is the optimum reductant for the cytoplasmic enzyme. Ferric reductases of avirulent cells show a 2-fold increase in their activities when NADPH is used as a reductant in comparison with NADH. In contrast, ferric reductases from virulent cells demonstrated an equivalent activity with NADH or NADPH as reductants. With the exception of their response to NADPH, the ferric reductase at each respective location appears to be similar for avirulent and virulent cells.
Degradation of Three Related Bis(Pyridinium)Aldoximes in Aqueous Solutions at High Concentrations: Examples of Unexpectedly Rapid Amide Group Hydrolysis

The principal initial degradation products of two bis(pyridinium)aldoxime organophosphate-inhibited acetylcholinesterase reactivators, 1 (HI-6) and 3 (HS-6), in concentrated nonbuffered aqueous solutions approximating potential therapeutic dosage concentrations were found to be the carboxylic acid derivatives 2 and 4 formed from the hydrolysis of the amide functional group. Compounds 2 and 4 were prepared by heating 1 and 3 in the presence of high concentrations of hydroxylamine hydrochloride and characterized by 1H and 13C NMR, IR, and UV analyses. Estimates of the rates of hydrolysis of the amide groups in 1 and 3 and in model compounds 5, 7, and 8 under similar conditions were determined. The unexpectedly rapid hydrolysis of the amide groups in 1 and 3 was attributed to both the hydrogen ion catalysis of the concentrated aqueous solutions of the unusually acidic bis(pyridinium)aldoximes 1 and 3 and general acid catalysis by the aldoxime group.
Arc rifting of the Carolina terrane in northwestern South Carolina

Recent mapping and whole-rock geochemistry studies demonstrate that mafic metavolcanic rocks found along the boundary between the exotic Carolina terrane and the Inner Piedmont formed in a subduction-related volcanic are and do not represent the Iapetan suture. Mafic metavolcanic rocks are spatially and genetically related to zoned mafic-ultramafic intrusive complexes. These rocks are similar to those found in other ancient and modern volcanic island arcs where ankaramites and picrites are well known, and they are locally associated with zoned complexes, e.g., Sierra Foothills-Klamath Mountains of the western U.S. Cordillera. We propose that prior to accretion to Laurentia in the early to middle Paleozoic, the Carolina arc terrane underwent an episode of intea-arc rifting which allowed primitive arc magmas to ascend and erupt without significant crystal fractionation or lithospheric assimilation. This interpretation may help resolve some stratigraphie problems in the eastern part of the Carolina terrane (Carolina slate belt).
Pseudopotential calculations using the FSGO method: Applications to first-row hydrides

Various pseudopotential schemes are examined in floating spherical Gaussian orbital (FSGO) calculations on the first row hydrides to help determine which pseudopotential scheme, if any, would be most useful in the FSGO method.
Pyrethroid resistance in a strain of Spodoptera littoralis is correlated with decreased sensitivity of the CNS in vitro

Abstract The effects of permethrin and cypermethrin on the isolated abdominal nerve cord of insecticide-resistant [R] and -susceptible [S] strains of Spodoptera littoralis larvae have been studied. Above ca. 19°C, permethrin at 10 −7 M caused a prolonged spike train to follow electrical stimulation of the nerve cord. The time of onset of this repetitive firing was significantly greater for the [R] strain. Moreover, cypermethrin, to which this strain shows negligible resistance, did not cause such repetitive discharges. Thus, resistance to permethrin but not to cypermethrin appears to be based on a qualitative difference between the pyrethroids. Nerve blockage by the two pyrethroids was also investigated, with particular reference to temperature. Once again, differences were apparent: when considered relative to untreated controls, permethrin caused quicker nerve blockage as temperature was reduced whereas the blocking action of cypermethrin was not affected by temperature. However, the times taken to cause nerve blockage by permethrin in [R] and [S] larvae were not significantly different, making it unlikely that nerve blockage plays a major role in this resistance. Two methods were employed to reduce the resistance factor in vitro . The synergist dodecyl imidazole failed to significantly reduce the time taken for permethrin to cause either repetitive firing or nerve blockage. However, reducing the calcium concentration in the saline did significantly reduce the latency of repetitive firing caused by permethrin in [R] larvae, thus increasing the nerve sensitivity to approximately the same level as normal calcium, [S] insects.