cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Population pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic modeling for assessing risk of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw

Objective We hypothesized that patients with bisphosphonate (BP)-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) accumulate higher levels of BP in bone than those without BRONJ. Study Design Using the Pmetrics package and published data, we designed a population pharmacokinetic model of pamidronate concentration in plasma and bone and derived a toxic bone BP threshold of 0.2 mmol/L. With the model, and using patient individual BP duration and bone mineral content estimated from lean body weight, we calculated bone BP levels in 153 subjects. Results Mean bone BP in 69 BRONJ cases was higher than in 84 controls (0.20 vs 0.10 mmol/L, P Conclusions Our model accurately discriminated BRONJ cases from controls among patients on BP therapy.
Self, multiple selves and the illusion of separate selfhood

Abstract Three views of “self” have emerged as part of the same Zeitgeist: the “self that humanistic psychology salvaged from the reductionisms of behaviorism and psychoanalysis; the “selves” postmodern critics find as they deconstruct hegemonies of modernity; and the “illusion of separate selfhood” of transpersonal theory. The differences and overlaps of these views are examined in an effort to find a coherence without compromising the differences. This examination begins with a recognition of the splitting views as part of the same recent Zeitgeist, and of a longer philosophical history which grounds these. Next, recent critiques of the humanistic sense of self are surveyed, followed by distinction between “self,” “identity,” and “life.” Then a contextualization follows in classical terms of “fate” and “destiny” as well as the values inherent in these views of humanness, notably happiness and fulfillment. Finally, a single example, offered by Bergson, is used to illustrate the compatibility, even necess...
Studies on the uptake of creatine from sea water by the marine annelid, Glycera dibranchiata

Abstract 1. 1. A variety of compounds were tested for their effects on the uptake of creatine from sea water by the marine annelid, Glycera dibranchiata. 2. 2. Guanidino-carboxylic acids and 2-amino carboxylic acids were competitive and uncompetitive inhibitors, respectively, of the creatine uptake by Glycera. Some spatial and chemical requirements for inhibitors of the creatine uptake by Glycera are defined. 3. 3. The Km and Vmax values for the creatine uptake by Glycera were 0·037 mM and 5 × 10−3 μmoles/g worm per min, respectively. 4. 4. The creatine transport system in Glycera is compared with that reported for rat skeletal muscle.
Proline pipe helix: structure of the tus proline repeat determined by 1H NMR.

The structure of a 22 amino acid peptide, TPPI [Nedved, M. L., Gottlieb, P. A., & Moe, G. R. (1994) Nucleic Acids Res. 22, 5024−5030], that is similar to the proline repeat segment of the replication arrest protein, Tus, has been determined by 1H NMR in 50% trifluroethanol. The structure is a novel left-handed helix having 5.56 residues per turn and a regular hydrogen bonding network that is limited to one side of the helix and contains a channel that runs down the helix axis. The latter feature gives the structure an overall pipe-like appearance; hence, the structure has been designated a proline pipe helix. The Tus proline pipe is also amphiphilic with one side consisting of proline and other nonpolar residues while the other side contains mostly basic and other polar residues. Tus and several other proteins that contain a similar proline repeat sequence are DNA binding proteins. It is shown here that the proline pipe helix of TPPI can be accommodated within the major grove of B-form DNA in a manner tha...
Ethylene dibromide, methyl bromide, and ethylene chlorobromide as fumigants for control of apple and blueberry maggots in fruit.

In laboratory fumigations 1961-7, dosages and exposures of ethylene dibromide (EDB), methyl bromide (MeBr), a 1:3 mixture of EDB and MeBr, and ethylene chlorobromide (ECB) were tested for efficiency against eggs, larvae, and pupae of the apple maggot, Rhagoletis pomonella (Walsh), and the blueberry maggot, R. mendax Curran. The true pupal stage, which develops by the 5th day after formation of the puparium, of either or both species, survived following fumigation with 16 mg EDB per liter for 5 hours, 24 mg for 4 hours, and 32 mg for 2 hours at 21.1-23.3°C, and 24 mg for 8 hours at 10-12.2°; 32 mg MeBr for 24 hours and 48 mg for 8 hours at 21.1-23.3°; and 32 mg of the mixture for 8 hours at both temperature ranges. Complete mortality was obtained with puparia 4 days old or less in 2-hour exposures with 8 mg per liter of EDB alone or in the mixture at both temperature ranges. Eggs and larvae were killed in infested apples and blueberries with 32 mg MeBr, 6 mg EDB, or 2 mg ECB per liter in 2-hour exposures.
Workplace Violence and Workplace Aggression: Evidence Concerning Specific Forms, Potential Causes, and Preferred Targets

Contrary to the impression generated by an increasing number of news reports in the past several years, the occurrence of workplace violencemextreme acts of aggression involving direct physical assault represents a relatively rare event in work settings. However, workplace aggression--efforts by individuals to harm others with whom they work or have worked---are much more prevalent and may prove extremely damaging to individuals and organizations. This paper presents empirical evidence on the varied forms of workplace aggression and their relative frequency of occurrence in work settings. We offer a theoretical framework for understanding this phenomenon---one based on contemporary theories of human aggression----and demonstrate how principles associated with this framework may be applied to the management and prevention of all forms of aggression in workplaces.
Volume reduction of nonaqueous media contaminated with a highly halogenated model compound using superoxide.

Highly halogenated organic compounds, which include polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) formed during the synthesis of pentachlorophenol and chlorophenoxy herbicides, are often found as contaminants in less toxic nonaqueous media, such as waste oil, oily sludges, or biosolids. Superoxide is highly reactive with halogenated compounds when both are dissolved in nonaqueous media; however, superoxide is most economically generated in water, where it is unreactive with most organic compounds. Superoxide reactivity was investigated in organic solvent−water systems as a basis for treating halogenated contaminants in less toxic nonaqueous media. Such a process could potentially render a contaminated oil or sludge nonhazardous, providing a mechanism for waste volume reduction. Increasing amounts of water added to acetone and dimethyl sulfoxide systems decreased the activity of superoxide in the solvent, but enough activity remained for effective treatment. Superoxide was ...
Dynamic unconfined compression of articular cartilage under a cyclic compressive load

To study the effect of dynamic mechanical force on cartilage metabolism, many investigators have applied a cyclic compressive load to cartilage disc explants in vitro. The most frequently used in vitro testing protocol has been the cyclic unconfined compression of articular cartilage in a bath of culture medium. Cyclic compression has been achieved by applying either a prescribed cyclic displacement or a prescribed cyclic force on a loading platen placed on the top surface of a cylindrical cartilage disc. It was found that the separation of the loading platen from the tissue surface was likely when a prescribed cyclic displacement was applied at a high frequency. The purpose of the present study was to simulate mathematically the dynamic behavior of a cylindrical cartilage disc subjected to cyclic unconfined compression under a dynamic force boundary condition protocol, and to provide a parametric analysis of mechanical deformations within the extracellular matrix. The frequency-dependent dynamic characteristics of dilatation, hydrostatic pressure and interstitial fluid velocity were analyzed over a wide range of loading frequencies without the separation of the loading platen. The result predicted that a cyclic compressive force created an oscillating positive-negative hydrostatic pressure together with a forced circulation of interstitial fluid within the tissue matrix. It was also found that the load partitioning mechanism between the solid and fluid phases was a function of loading frequency. At a relatively high loading frequency, a localized dynamic zone was developed near the peripheral free surface of the cartilage disc, where a large dynamic pressure gradient exists, causing vigorous interstitial fluid flow.
Ethnic Stigma as a Contextual Experience: A Possible Selves Perspective

This article critiques trait views of stigma that suggest that membership in a negatively stereotyped group leads to low self-esteem and self-hatred, and it builds from Erving Goffman's theorizing to define stigma as the expectation of a stereotypical and discrediting judgment of oneself by others in a particular context. Students (40 of color and 46 European American) watched a videotape of a prospective teaching assistant (TA) in an experiment in which ethnic match with the TA and frequency of imagined evaluation by the TA were manipulated. Students of color envisioned less positive views of self in ongoing interactions with a European American TA who would evaluate them in the domain of the stigma. Implications for stigma theory and education are discussed.
Heterogeneity of soil nutrients and subsurface biota in a dryland ecosystem

Dryland ecosystems have long been considered to have a highly heterogeneous distribution of nutrients and soil biota, with greater concentrations of both in soils under plants relative to interspace soils. We examined the distribution of soil resources in two plant communities (dominated by either the shrub Coleogyne ramosissima or the grass Stipa hymenoides) at two locations. Interspace soils were covered either by early successional biological soil crusts (BSCs) or by later successional BSCs (dominated by nitrogen (N)-fixing cyanobacteria and lichens). For each of the 8 plant typecrust typelocations, we sampled the stem, dripline, and 3 interspace distances around each of 3 plants. Soil analyses revealed that only available potassium (Kav) and ammonium concentrations were consistently greater under plants (7 of 8 sites and 6 of 8 sites, respectively). Nitrate and iron (Fe) were greater under plants at 4 sites, while all other nutrients were greater under plants at less than 50% of the sites. In contrast, calcium, copper, clay, phosphorus (P), and zinc were often greater in the interspace than under the plants. Soil microbial biomass was always greater under the plant compared to the interspace. The community composition of N-fixing bacteria was highly variable, with no distinguishable patterns among microsites. Bacterivorous nematodes and rotifers were consistently more abundant under plants (8 and 7 sites, respectively), and fungivorous and omnivorous nematodes were greater under plants at 5 of the 8 sites. Abundance of other soil biota was greater under plants at less than 50% of the sites, but highly correlated with the availability of N, P, Kav, and Fe. Unlike other ecosystems, the soil biota was only infrequently correlated with organic matter. Lack of plant-driven heterogeneity in soils of this ecosystem is likely due to (1) interspace soils covered with BSCs, (2) little incorporation of above-ground plant litter into soils, and/or (3) root deployment patterns. r 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Advancing a Broad Notion of Public Engagement: The Limitations of Contemporary Service Learning

Over the course of the past several years, we have given a good deal of thought to the role that service learning plays in encouraging civic participation and values development. We have found ourselves asking questions about the differences between service learning experiences and diverse forms of political and social activism in which college students tend to become involved. A variety of questions emerge around these concerns: Should educators impose limits on student choice with regard to selecting various projects or activities in conjunction with a service learning course or experience? Are forms of political and social activism associated with social movements considered within the range of possible service learning alternatives? Particularly, to what degree are experiences rooted in challenging particular institutions and/or societal structures included in a vision for service learning?
Urine podocin:nephrin mRNA ratio (PNR) as a podocyte stress biomarker

Background Proteinuria and/or albuminuria are widely used for noninvasive assessment of kidney diseases. However, proteinuria is a nonspecific marker of diverse forms of kidney injury, physiologic processes and filtration of small proteins of monoclonal and other pathologic processes. The opportunity to develop new glomerular disease biomarkers follows the realization that the degree of podocyte depletion determines the degree of glomerulosclerosis, and if persistent, determines the progression to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Podocyte cell lineage-specific mRNAs can be recovered in urine pellets of model systems and in humans. In model systems, progressive glomerular disease is associated with decreased nephrin mRNA steady-state levels compared with podocin mRNA. Thus, the urine podocin:nephrin mRNA ratio (PNR) could serve as a useful progression biomarker. The use of podocyte-specific transcript ratios also circumvents many problems inherent to urine assays. Methods To test this hypothesis, the human diphtheria toxin receptor (hDTR) rat model of progression was used to evaluate potentially useful urine mRNA biomarkers. We compared histologic progression parameters (glomerulosclerosis score, interstitial fibrosis score and percent of podocyte depletion) with clinical biomarkers [serum creatinine, systolic blood pressure (BP), 24-h urine volume, 24-h urine protein excretion and the urine protein:creatinine ratio(PCR)] and with the novel urine mRNA biomarkers. Results The PNR correlated with histologic outcome as well or better than routine clinical biomarkers and other urine mRNA biomarkers in the model system with high specificity and sensitivity, and a low coefficient of assay variation. Conclusions We concluded that the PNR, used in combination with proteinuria, will be worth testing for its clinical diagnostic and decision-making utility.
An Inhibitor of Exported Mycobacterium tuberculosis Glutamine Synthetase Selectively Blocks the Growth of Pathogenic Mycobacteria in Axenic Culture and in Human Monocytes: Extracellular Proteins as Potential Novel Drug Targets

Mycobacterium tuberculosis and other pathogenic mycobacteria export abundant quantities of proteins into their extracellular milieu when growing either axenically or within phagosomes of host cells. One major extracellular protein, the enzyme glutamine synthetase, is of particular interest because of its link to pathogenicity. Pathogenic mycobacteria, but not nonpathogenic mycobacteria, export large amounts of this protein. Interestingly, export of the enzyme is associated with the presence of a poly-l-glutamate/glutamine structure in the mycobacterial cell wall. In this study, we investigated the influence of glutamine synthetase inhibitors on the growth of pathogenic and nonpathogenic mycobacteria and on the poly-l-glutamate/glutamine cell wall structure. The inhibitor l-methionine-S-sulfoximine rapidly inactivated purified M. tuberculosis glutamine synthetase, which was 100-fold more sensitive to this inhibitor than a representative mammalian glutamine synthetase. Added to cultures of pathogenic mycobacteria, l-methionine- S-sulfoximine rapidly inhibited extracellular glutamine synthetase in a concentration-dependent manner but had only a minimal effect on cellular glutamine synthetase, a finding consistent with failure of the drug to cross the mycobacterial cell wall. Remarkably, the inhibitor selectively blocked the growth of pathogenic mycobacteria, all of which release glutamine synthetase extracellularly, but had no effect on nonpathogenic mycobacteria or nonmycobacterial microorganisms, none of which release glutamine synthetase extracellularly. The inhibitor was also bacteriostatic for M. tuberculosis in human mononuclear phagocytes (THP-1 cells), the pathogen's primary host cells. Paralleling and perhaps underlying its bacteriostatic effect, the inhibitor markedly reduced the amount of poly-l-glutamate/glutamine cell wall structure in M. tuberculosis. Although it is possible that glutamine synthetase inhibitors interact with additional extracellular proteins or structures, our findings support the concept that extracellular proteins of M. tuberculosis and other pathogenic mycobacteria are worthy targets for new antibiotics. Such proteins constitute readily accessible targets of these relatively impermeable organisms, which are rapidly developing resistance to conventional antibiotics.
Animal Sacrifice and the First Amendment: The Case of Lukumi Babalu Aye

Animal sacrifice and religious ritual have intertwined for thousands of years. The practice remains integral to Santeria, an Afro-Cuban religion that has many adherents in the United States, particularly in Florida. In 1987, when the Santeria Church of Lukumi Babalu Aye announced plans to open in Hialeah, Florida, the city reacted by passing a set of ordinances banning animal sacrifice. The Church sued and the issue of whether the ritual killing of animals constituted protected religious expression eventually made its way to the Supreme Court. Church of Lukumi Babalu Aye, Inc. v. City of Hialeah asked the Court to resolve two linked constitutional questions: Does the ritual slaughter of animals constitute religious expression protected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution? And, if so, (or even if not) may the practice be banned or regulated by the State? These are difficult questions and the Court's attempt to answer them raises more questions still. This chapter examines the Court's reasoning in the Lukumi case to determine whether it clarified or further clouded the relationship between animal sacrifice and the First Amendment. It argues that the plurality opinion's attempt to cast the Hialeah ordinances as underperforming animal protection statutes was both misguided and counterproductive. Defining the Hialeah ordinances as anti-cruelty rather than as anti-sacrifice enabled the Court to find the laws both overbroad and underinclusive. For those reasons, the Court deemed the ordinances to be intolerably burdensome to religious practices. This reasoning falls prey to the same imprecision the Court imputes to the challenged laws. It demands that the laws be both narrowly drawn to accomplish a specific goal while yet remaining broadly applicable to behavior that lies beyond their stated scope. Such conflicting expectations create an impossible standard. In addition, by classifying the animal sacrifice laws as failed anti-cruelty statutes and then invalidating them on First Amendment grounds, the Court jeopardized future attempts to legislate animal protection laws, even when such laws only incidentally impact religious practices.
On convection under an air surface

A shallow layer of silicone oil on a plane, circular copper plate was uniformly heated from below. The air on its surface was kept at constant temperature by a uniformly cooled glass plate close to the oil, which at the same time inhibited air motions. Motions began with concentric circular rolls which, after the centre ring had formed, broke down into a hexagonal pattern. A rather accurate determination of the wavelength of the motions was possible. The wavelength was found to be variable with the depth of the fluid layer in qualitative accordance with the theory of Nield. Supercritical motions are briefly discussed.
In a resource-limited setting, oral visual screening may reduce oral cancer mortality.

Article Title and Bibliographic Information Effect of screening on oral cancer mortality in Kerala, India: a cluster-randomised controlled trial. Sankaranarayanan R, Ramadas K, Thomas G, et al. Lancet 2005;365(9475):1927-33. Level of Evidence 2b Purpose/Question The authors sought to evaluate the effectiveness of a community-based screening program in reducing oral cancer mortality. Source of Funding Government: Primary source: International Association for Research on Cancer (IARC; Lyon, France); Additional funding: Imperial Cancer Research Fund (ICRF; UK) Type of Study/Design Community-based cluster-randomized controlled intervention trial
Aphasia, Alexia, and Oral Reading

Alexia is an acquired disturbance in reading. Alexias that occur after left hemisphere damage typically result from linguistic deficits and may occur as isolated symptoms or as part of an aphasia syndrome. This article presents an overview of the classification of the alexias, including both the traditional neuroanatomical perspective and the more recent psycholinguistic approach. Then, assessment procedures are reviewed, followed by a summary of treatment approaches for alexia. Finally, two case studies illustrate how oral reading of connected language (sentences and paragraphs rather than single words) has been used as a technique for treating alexia in patients with aphasia.
Bone marrow mesenchymal stem and progenitor cells induce monocyte emigration in response to circulating Toll-like receptor ligands

Inflammatory (Ly6Chi CCR2+) monocytes provide defense against infections but also contribute to autoimmune diseases and atherosclerosis. Monocytes originate from bone marrow and their entry into the bloodstream requires stimulation of CCR2 chemokine receptor by monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP1). How monocyte emigration from bone marrow is triggered by remote infections remains unclear. We demonstrated that low concentrations of Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands in the bloodstream drive CCR2-dependent emigration of monocytes from bone marrow. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their progeny, including CXC chemokine ligand (CXCL)12-abundant reticular (CAR) cells, rapidly expressed MCP1 in response to circulating TLR ligands or bacterial infection and induced monocyte trafficking into the bloodstream. Targeted deletion of MCP1 from MSCs impaired monocyte emigration from bone marrow. Our findings suggest that bone marrow MSCs and CAR cells respond to circulating microbial molecules and regulate bloodstream monocyte frequencies by secreting MCP1 in proximity to bone marrow vascular sinuses.
Animal models of disease: classification and etiology of diabetes in dogs and cats

Diabetes mellitus is a common disease in dogs and cats. The most common form of diabetes in dogs resembles type 1 diabetes in humans. Studies suggest that genetics, an immune-mediated component, and environmental factors are involved in the development of diabetes in dogs. A variant of gestational diabetes also occurs in dogs. The most common form of diabetes in cats resembles type 2 diabetes in humans. A major risk factor in cats is obesity. Obese cats have altered expression of several insulin signaling genes and glucose transporters and are leptin resistant. Cats also form amyloid deposits within the islets of the pancreas and develop glucotoxicity when exposed to prolonged hyperglycemia. This review will briefly summarize our current knowledge about the etiology of diabetes in dogs and cats and illustrate the similarities among dogs, cats, and humans.
Detection of biological molecules: from self-assembled films to self-integrated devices

Detection of molecules involved with the functioning of living things impacts a broad spectrum of applications from pathogen detection to drug development and biochemically-guided medical care. Biological molecules are often detected from an analyte mixture by selective binding to a solid support. The function of the sensor is then to detect such surface binding events, to convert them (typically) to an electrical signal, and to extract information from the signal such as identity and concentration of the analyte. These functions, simple in principle, pose a number of challenges in practice. Under optimal conditions only the analyte of interest should interact with the sensor. We provide an overview of methods used to derivatize surfaces with biomolecular probes on silica-like and metal supports.
Thermal noise, motional electromotive force, and electric fields in the human body

The human body is a parasitic antenna in which currents and electric fields are induced when it is near a 50-60 Hz transmission line or a 10-30 kHz transmitter. In a paper by Adair (see Phys. Rev. A, vol.43, p.1039-48, 1991) it is stated that "any effects on the cell level of fields in the body generated by weak external ELF fields will be masked by thermal noise effects and, hence, such fields cannot be expected to have any significant effect on the biological activities of cells." In the same paper it is stated that "a field E will be generated throughout the body by moving through the Earth's field B/sub e/, at a velocity v; E=B/sub e/v. The magnetic field that a cell passes through from the walking of its host through the Earth's field in the US has induced... electric fields far larger than the fields from power lines." These assertions are examined.
Semi-quantitative ventilation/perfusion scintigraphy and single-photon emission tomography for evaluation of lung volume reduction surgery candidates: description and prediction of clinical outcome.

Ventilation/perfusion scans with single-photon emission tomography (SPET) were reviewed to determine their usefulness in the evaluation of lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) candidates, and as a predictor of outcome after surgery. Fifty consecutive planar ventilation (99mTc-DTPA aerosol) and perfusion (99mTc-MAA) scans with perfusion SPET of patients evaluated for LVRS were retrospectively reviewed. Technical quality and the severity and extent of radiotracer defects in the upper and lower halves of the lungs were scored from visual inspection of planar scans and SPET data separately. An emphysema index (EI) (extent × severity) for the upper and lower halves of the lung, and an EI ratio for upper to lower lung were calculated for both planar and SPET scans. The ratios were compared with post-LVRS outcomes, 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery. All perfusion and SPET images were technically adequate. Forty-six percent of ventilation scans were not technically adequate due to central airway tracer deposition. Severity, extent, EI scores and EI ratios between perfusion and SPET were in good agreement (r = 0.52–0.68). The mean perfusion EI ratio was significantly different between the 30 patients undergoing biapical LVRS and the 17 patients excluded from LVRS (3.3±1.8 versus 1.2±0.7; P<0.0001), in keeping with the anatomic distribution of emphysema by which patients were selected for surgery by computed tomography (CT). The perfusion EI ratio correlated moderately with the change in FEV1 at 3 months (r = 0.37, P = 0.04), 6 months (r = 0.36, P = 0.05), and 12 months (r = 0.42, P = 0.03), and the transition dyspnea index at 6 months (r = 0.48, P = 0.014) after LVRS. It is concluded that patients selected to undergo LVRS have more severe and extensive apical perfusion deficits than patients not selected for LVRS, based on CT determination. SPET after aerosol V/Q imaging does not add significantly to planar perfusion scans. Aerosol DTPA ventilation scans are not consistently useful. Perfusion lung scanning may be useful in selecting patients with successful outcomes after LVRS.
Mortality among Urban Bus Drivers

Driving a bus in urban areas is considered to be a highly stressful occupation, one which also involves exposure to air pollutants generated by motor vehicles. In order to investigate the potential health hazards associated with this occupation, the causes of death of 376 New York City bus drivers were studied. Analyses of proportionate mortality found a significant excess due to ischaemic heart disease in drivers in both races combined (proportionate mortality ratio PMR = 1.23), and among the 58 non-white drivers (PMR = 1.72). A significantly elevated risk of death from mental, psychoneurotic and personality disorders (ICDA Ninth Revision 290-319, which includes alcoholism and narcotics abuse) was also found in the combined group (PMR = 2.66), and among the white drivers (PMR = 3.05). For all drivers, PMRs for all malignant neoplasms (PMR = 1.26) and for cancer of the oesophagus (PMR = 2.54) were significantly elevated. No cancer sites were found to be significantly elevated in the proportionate mortality analyses by race. These findings are consistent with the growing body of literature linking job strain with cardiovascular disease among bus drivers. Language: en
Balloon-assisted guide catheter positioning to overcome extreme cervical carotid tortuosity: technique and case experience

Background and significance We describe a method by which to efficiently and atraumatically achieve distal positioning of a flexible guiding catheter beyond extreme cervical tortuosity using a hypercompliant temporary occlusion balloon. Methods A retrospective review of a prospective neuroendovascular database was used to identify cases in which a hypercompliant balloon catheter (Hyperform or Hyperglide, ev3/Covidien, Irvine, California, USA; Scepter or Scepter XC, Alisa Viejo, California, USA) was used to achieve distal positioning of a flexible guiding catheter (Navion, ev3/Covidien, Irvine, California, USA; Neuron, Penumbra Inc, Alameda, California, USA). After achieving a stable guiding sheath position within the proximal cervical carotid artery, a hypercompliant balloon catheter was manipulated beyond the tortuous cervical internal carotid segment into the distal carotid artery. The balloon was then inflated to anchor it distally within an intracranial (cavernous or petrous) segment of the internal carotid artery. The guiding catheter was then advanced beyond the tortuous cervical segment, over the balloon catheter, as gentle counter traction was applied to the balloon. Results Balloon-assisted guiding catheter placement was used to perform endovascular treatments of 12 anterior circulation aneurysms. One patient underwent coiling alone. Five patients underwent balloon-assisted coiling. One patient underwent balloon and stent assisted coil embolization. Four patients with five carotid aneurysms (one with bilateral carotid aneurysms) underwent vascular reconstruction with the pipeline embolization device. All patients had severe tortuosity of the extracranial carotid system. Three patients had findings consistent with cervical carotid fibromuscular dysplasia. The technique was successful each time it was attempted. No parent artery dissections or catheter induced vasospam were noted in any case. Discussion Hypercompliant balloon catheters can be reliably used to facilitate safe and rapid distal positioning of flexible guiding catheters beyond severe cervical tortuosity.
Ethanol consumption and the susceptibility of mice to Listeria monocytogenes infection.

Background: It is well known that excessive alcohol consumption correlates with increased infectious disease. However, the molecular microbiological and immunological bases for ethanol-induced alterations in host defense are largely unknown. Methods: To study the effect of alcohol consumption on the pathogenesis of intracellular bacteria, we examined the relative susceptibility of alcohol-fed mice to a virulent strain of Listeria monocytogenes. Results: Based on lethal dose 50% determinations, survival curve analysis, and bacterial burden, alcohol consumption did not increase the susceptibility of C57BL/6, BALB/c, or A/J mice to systemic infection by strain EGD. Mice fed an ethanol-containing liquid diet showed slightly reduced susceptibility to Listeria. Alcohol consumption modestly decreased bacterial numbers in the spleen but not the liver. We also found that mice fed a typical solid diet were more sensitive to EGD infection than were animals fed a control liquid-containing diet. Conclusions: This study indicates that alcohol consumption may not always increase infectious disease progression.
Combined thermal manikin and thermal model predictions of working times in fully encapsulated impermeable suits

This project aimed to develop guidelines for safe working times in fully encapsulated impermeable suits and incorporate these data into an existing Chemical Companion Decision Support System (CCDSS) that is used by First responders in the US and abroad. The CCDSS provides guidelines on many operational aspects of response to a hazardous materials (HazMat). This study addresses the use of a thermos-physiological model, combined with a sweating thermal manikin, to simulate the data and compared that to the experimental data.
Gay Men and Surrogacy

This chapter provides an overview of the scholarship on gay men who have become parents through the assistance of a surrogate mother. Gay fathers choosing surrogacy are at the cutting edge of pushing society to reassess its assumptions and constructions about sex, reproduction, and parenthood. I begin this chapter by outlining some of the guiding theoretical perspectives that have been used to frame the scholarship on sexual minority parenting and assisted reproductive technologies. Next, I detail the different types of surrogacy arrangements and the demographic profiles of those gay men who use surrogacy. I review the few yet promising studies on gay fathers and surrogacy, exploring the rationales behind the men’s choice to construct their family using this pathway; the relationships that develop between expectant fathers, surrogate mothers, and their children; and finally, the consequences for family formation. Then, I briefly discuss the emerging trend of reproductive outsourcing, consider the current legal issues facing gay fathers who use surrogacy, and conclude by offering suggestions for research, theory, policy makers, and practitioners.
Carbon-MEMS architectures for 3D microbatteries

Batteries based on three dimensional microstructures are expected to offer significant advantages in comparison to conventional two dimensional batteries. One of the key elements for creating new types of 3D microbatteries is fabricating high-aspect-ratio carbon structures. Our efforts on building positive photoresist structures include: (1) casting photoresist in 3D molds made by DRIE before pyrolysis; (2) multi-exposure and multi-developing processes, and (3) using embedded masks in multi-layer photoresists. Another effort is the fabrication of high-aspect-ratio carbon structures using negative photoresist. We manufactured high-aspect-ratio (~10:1) carbon posts by pyrolysis from negative photoresists in a simple one-step process. Simulation results showed that current density is strongly influenced by the biasing pattern and the geometry of the electrodes themselves. Current density (and therefore power density) is stronger at the edge of electrodes-implying that closer spacing of the electrodes will provide a denser current concentration. Electrochemical tests demonstrate that these C-MEMS electrodes can be charged/discharged with Li. A C-MEMS battery approach has the potential to solve both manufacturing and materials problems simultaneously.
Insect visitation of peduncular and petiolar extrafloral nectar glands on castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) plants in Southern California

Castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) is a myrmecophytic plant species with specialized extrafloral nectar (EFN) glands that serve to attract predatory insects, which in return defend plant-tissues against herbivores. The EFN glands on castor bean plants are located along the leaf petioles as well as on the peduncles of its imperfect (unisexual) flowers. This field-project evaluates the richness, diversity, and species assemblage of insects visiting EFN glands located on (female and male) flower peduncles and leaf petioles on castor bean plants growing in a Southern California coastal landscape. We detected that EFN glands on female-flower peduncles were visited by an insect community that was distinct from that of the other two EFN gland types on castor bean. Additionally, the insects visiting EFN glands on male-flower peduncles more closely resembled those observed visiting EFN glands on leaf petioles. We conclude that the observed differences in the biotic defense of foliar and unisexual floral tissues on castor bean are congruent with the optimal plant-defense strategy of a monoecious pioneer species. Key words: Ant-plant interactions, monoecious, mutualism, myrmecophyte, plant-defense optimality, sexual dimorphism.
On Letters & Law Reviews: A Jaded Rejoinder

I've been asked to comment upon Professor Jensen's essay, and I'm left with wearily wondering why's. Why did Jensen write this piece in the first place? Why was I asked to address it? Why did I so quickly say yes?Let me respond.
Medical Decision Support Systems: General Considerations

Mere capture of data is useful in an EMR, but being able to support clinical and administrative decision-making through means other than the presentation of stored data makes the overall system much more useful.
Time course transcriptome data analysis for in vitro modeling of dilated cardiomyopathy using patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells.

Background Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) patients offer an unprecedented platform for in vitro disease modeling[1]. Time course transcriptome analysis on the differentiation process from iPSCs to beating cardiomyocytes will reveal the holistic dynamic gene expression landscapes and pinpoint molecular deficiencies in cardiogenesis for DCM patients.
Conflicting views on elder care responsibility in Japan

I examine the attitudinal ambivalence created by conflicting social expectations regarding parent-child devotion, filial obligation and family membership, and gender norms in a national population of Japanese adults. I ask: in a context of rapidly changing family and elder care norms, how do different beliefs and attitudes overlap and conflict and how are they related to elder care preferences? I analyze data from the 2006 Japanese General Social Survey and use Latent Class Analysis to identify latent groups in the population defined by their beliefs and examine the relationship between class membership and elder care preferences. I found variation in the population with respect to the measured beliefs as well as a relationship between patterns of beliefs and choice of elder caregiver. I found conflicting expectations regarding elder care responsibility in one latent class and this class also expressed elder care preferences that conflict with at least some of their strongly held beliefs.
The Statutory Basis of Risk Assessment

American society has become increasingly concerned with the environmental, health, and safety risks posed by technology. This concern has led to two developments. One is the passage of numerous federal statutes regulating risk. The other is the development of increasingly sophisticated techniques for the assessment of risk. In principle, these two developments should complement each other: risk assessment techniques should provide a structured, systematic framework for assessing risk as required by statute. In practice, a review of some 33 federal environmental, health, and safety statutes indicates that legal requirements are too vague and in-consistent to lend themselves easily to the application of formal risk assessment techniques.
Electric Field Induced Control of Thin Film Diblock Copolymer Domain Orientation

Local control of domain orientation in diblock copolymer thin films is demonstrated through the use of external electric fields. Thin films of a polystyrene-polymethylmethacrylate diblock copolymers, denoted P(S-b-MMA), were spin coated onto silicon nitride membrane substrates with prefabricated in-plane electrodes, forming cylindrical PMMA microdomains. Films annealed under an applied electric field (E ≤ 37V/µm) at 250°C for 24h under an argon atmosphere showed an alignment of the cylindrical microdomains parallel to the electric field lines. A quantitative measure of the degree of alignment was obtained by correlating the local field strength, E, and direction with the observed cylinder orientation. The alignment was found to saturate above E≈30V/µm, and to decrease rapidly as E falls below this value.
Mechanism of Electron Beam Induced Oxide Layer Thickening on Iron–Iron Oxide Core–Shell Nanoparticles

Materials exposed to radiation show structural changes and damages, especially in the nanoscale range. The characterizing equipment involving electron beam (e-beam) radiation for a nanosize imaging process, such as a transmission electron microscope, is no exception, in which the most prominent behavior of native oxide layer thickening has been widely studied. In this paper, we describe the physics behind the growth mechanism of the oxide layer in a core–shell iron/iron oxide nanoparticle (NP) under the impact of e-beam radiation. The particles studied were synthesized via a cluster deposition system. Due to the impact of the e-beam, these particles were observed to grow inward and outward resulting in a total increase of NP size. The theory is connected with experimental evidence to reveal the oxide layer thickening of the NP, which is favored and enhanced by vacancy formation, surface oxidation, and diffusion/void nucleation under the impact of a 200 keV e-beam.
A Theory of Stereotypes

tion as the vehicle for the achievement of sociology's advance, although others uphold a contrary position. Should some theories prove sterile, adequate descriptive materials would endure as a foundation upon which to construct others. Furthermore, sociology may never embrace one theory satisfactory to all. The complexity and inherent change within the social order make it possible to envisage a situation where several conceptual schemes, all logically consistent within themselves, exist side by side. And, finally, a few sociologists maintain that a search for generalizations is legitimate and logical, but that failure is a reasonable possibility and the most that can be expected is a description of the interrelationships within a society.27 These views strike somewhat pessimistic notes; nevertheless they will be totally disregarded only by confirmed dogmatists. The influence of social or cultural change on descriptive research deserves elaboration. Anthropology, it appears, is in a comfortable position on the strength of the Boasian influence and the numerous field studies it engendered. Some significant theoretical advances may be anticipated in the near future. Yet, social or cultural change and the resultant urbanization of world folk-societies require further descriptive data on cultures about which rather complete information has heretofore existed. Therefore, this change may require a continual redescription of social units. Not only should impetus be given to descriptive studies of societies from diverse frames of reference, but these must be carried out on a world-wide scale. Sociologists all too often lull themselves into a complacency whereby research in one region, or even a part of one region, is considered definitive. Generalizations drawn from a theoretical frame*work are unscientifically accepted as conclusive without further checks. Therefore, descriptions of societies from the vantage point of both time and space are scientifically imperative.
Donor blood-count changes during and after plateletpheresis. Comparison of two cell-separator techniques.

Thirty-two platelet donors at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation were monitored for white blood cell count, leukocyte differential, red blood cell count, and platelet count before, during, and after the collection of platelets. Counts were performed at 15-minute intervals during plateletpheresis using the Fenwal CS 3000 cell separator and at the beginning of each draw cycle using the Haemonetics V50 cell separator. Red blood cell concentration declined significantly (p
Cell Chemotaxis on Paper for Diagnostics

Microfluidic chemotaxis platforms have historically been utilized to probe phenomena such as neutrophil migration and are beginning to be developed for diagnostic applications; however, current microfluidic chemotaxis systems require specialized engineering equipment such as syringe pumps and long time frames (hours) to develop a chemokine gradient, and cell chemotaxis typically requires multiple additional hours. The paperfluidic device described in this work is a low-cost, sharp (2 mm wide), quasi-stable (at least 20 min) and rapidly generated (<1 s) chemokine gradient system capable of examining cell migration response over short time frames (20 min) that can be easily assembled. A proof-of-concept experiment on human pan-T cells showed significant (p ≪ 0.01) directed migration to the chemokine gradient over the control condition. This new technique for cell migration studies provides a foundational step in designing microfluidic chemotactic platforms for point-of-care diagnostics.
The Analysis of Cardiac Performance Using Multimodality Image Understanding

It has become apparent in the analysis of cardiac performance using noninvasive diagnostic imaging techniques that each imaging modality (i.e. ultrasound, nuclear medicine, nuclear magnetic resonance) has it’s own problems and advantages, a situation which commonly leads to the selection of a single modality to be used to image a patient. However, there is clinical evidence that the simultaneous use of several modalities to extract diagnostic information can synergistically address the problems encountered by using only a single imaging approach. By utilizing parameters complementary to each other that are derived from images generated by multiple modalities, a more accurate quantitative and qualitative analysis of the images is possible. The work described here will use the concepts of Artificial Intelligence and Image Understanding to first extract complementary information from several types of diagnostic imagery of the heart and secondly combine this information in a way which is appropriate for effective interpretation. The output of the system will provide an integrated assessment of a particular diagnostic situation, communicated to the user via prose, graphics and/or annotations on one or more of the input images. The intent is to provide an intelligent assistant to the physician that has the ability to scrutinize image details down to the individual pixel (picture element) level, yet do so in a framework of the global considerations which make sense for the particular case being examined.
Overview of Quantum-Transport Formalisms

In this chapter we discuss how to treat electronic transport in small structures with a full quantum-mechanical formulation; that is, we introduce the problem of “quantum transport.” We introduce the concept of Green’s functions and see how they are related to the density matrix. In order to find a solution of the transport problem, we consider first the case of particles in the presence of a spatially dependent potential, but not interacting with the excitations of the lattice, impurities, or among themselves. This constitutes “ballistic transport” and we see how to formulate it as a Schrodinger equation with open boundary conditions. We discuss the Quantum Transmitting Boundary Method that can be used to solve this problem. Numerical procedures are also presented in some detail. We finally consider the case of many particles interacting with lattice excitations and other perturbations. We outline various methods of solution: Those based on Green’s functions, namely, the Non-Equilibrium Green’s Function formulation and those based on the equation of motion for the density matrix, leading to various Master equations, to the Wigner function formulation, and to Semiconductor Bloch Equations. We briefly discuss the Wigner function approach, since the density-matrix approach will be treated in detail in the following chapter.