cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of glucocorticoids on the arteries in rheumatoid arthritis.

Objective Glucocorticoids are suspected to cause atherosclerosis. Because of the possibility that their antiinflammatory effect may be antiatherogenic, this study investigated the effect of glucocorticoids on the arteries of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods We assessed the arteries of 647 patients with RA. Central atherosclerosis was measured using high-resolution carotid ultrasound for the presence of plaque and for the extent of carotid artery intima-media thickness (CaIMT). Peripheral atherosclerosis was assessed using the systolic pressures of the dorsal pedal, posterior tibial, and brachial arteries to obtain the ankle-brachial index (ABI). Cumulative glucocorticoid dose was determined using pharmacy records, supplemented by self-report. Cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and RA clinical manifestations were ascertained using clinical and laboratory methods. Results Among the RA patients studied, 427 (66%) had received glucocorticoids. Of those who had never received glucocorticoids, 100 (47%) of 215 had carotid plaque and 17 (8%) of 219 had ≥1 incompressible lower-limb artery (ABI >1.3). Among patients in the highest tertile of lifetime glucocorticoid exposure (>16.24 gm prednisone), the frequency of carotid plaque increased to 85 (62%) of 138 (P = 0.006) and that of lower-limb arterial incompressibility increased to 24 (17%) of 140 (P = 0.008), with differences remaining significant after adjustment for age at onset, disease duration, sex, CV risk factors, and RA clinical manifestations (tender, swollen, and deformed joint counts, subcutaneous nodules, rheumatoid factor seropositivity, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate). The CaIMT also displayed an increase with higher glucocorticoid exposure, but the differences did not reach significance. Lower-limb artery obstruction (ABI ≤0.9) was not associated with glucocorticoid exposure. Conclusion In this RA sample, glucocorticoid exposure was associated with carotid plaque and arterial incompressibility, independent of CV risk factors and RA clinical manifestations. This supports a role for glucocorticoids in the CV complications that occur in RA.
Sequential use of Prepidil and extra-amniotic saline infusion for the induction of labor in nulliparous women with very low Bishop scores.

Objective : To evaluate the efficacy of sequential use of Prepidil ® (prostaglandin E 2 gel) and extra-amniotic saline infusion for the induction of labor in nulliparous women with very low Bishop scores. Study design : Nulliparous women with singleton gestations, intact membranes and a cervical Bishop score of &#104 2 who received Prepidil gel and extra-amniotic saline infusion sequentially for the induction of labor between July 1996 and July 1998 were studied. Results : Thirty-one women met the inclusion criteria. Indications for induction included post-dates (six of 31), pre-eclampsia (ten of 31), diabetes (three of 31), oligohydramnios (three of 31), intrauterine growth restriction (two of 31) and non-reactive non-stress test (NST) (seven of 31). The average time from onset of induction to delivery was 38.1 &#45 13.5 h. Vaginal delivery was achieved in 80.6%. Women requiring >2 doses of Prepidil had a higher risk of delivering abdominally (OR = 3.5). Three of seven (42.9%) women with labor induced fo...
Viruses and lymphomas.

Do viruses cause lymphomas? Yes, at least some viruses can. The first evidence was found in the 1960s, when Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) was detected in an explanted Burkitt's lymphoma. Today's panoply is surprising, ranging from EBV in lymphomas in immunocompromised patients and EBV in Hodgkin's disease to leukemia and lymphoma produced by human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) (see Table). Now, in this issue of the Journal, Hermine et al. have provided evidence of an association between splenic lymphoma and hepatitis C virus (HCV) (see pages 89–94). What are we to make of these diverse associations, and how will . . .
Formation of a dimeric host–guest complex via binding between a dicationic ionic liquid and a pyrogallol[4]arene macrocycle

The crystal structure of a cocrystal comprising a complex of a bis(imidazolium) ionic liquid hosted by pyrogallol[4]arene (PgC) macrocycles is reported. Introduction of the dicationic species yields complexation by two PgC macrocycles, the resulting bilayer structure formed from alternately arranged dimeric host–guest complexes.
Alteration of neuronal activity in response to cyclic nucleotide agents in Aplysia.

Responsiveness of Aplysia neurons to agents that affect cyclic nucleotide levels was not limited to neurons exhibiting a spontaneous bursting activity pattern. Analyses of the I-V relationship elicited by triangular current ramps within cells exposed to different agents presumably causing elevated cyclic nucleotide levels showed qualitatively similar alterations. These included an increased slope conductance at more negative potentials, possibly related to anomalous rectification, and the induction of a hysteresis in response to a triangular ramp. The paired metacerebral giant cells showed induction of synchronous bursting when exposed to phosphodiesterase inhibitors, and we examined this phenomenon more closely. classical methods to inactivate a presynaptic source did not eliminate the induction of synchronous bursting. Intracellular injection of a phosphodiesterase inhibitor into a metacerebral giant cell caused changes in the current-voltage relationship similar to those described above for other cells. Subsequent perfusion with the inhibitor caused an enhancement of these effects and the induction of bursting. The alternation of the current-voltage plot in the metacerebral cells and abdominal ganglion cells is qualitatively similar to that induced in the similarly treated bursting neuron R15, suggesting a similar mechanism of action in both burster and nonburster neurons. The implications of these results for cyclic nucleotide mediation of neuronal events are discussed.
Interaction among μ-opioid receptors and α2-adrenoceptors on SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells

The clonal human neuroblastoma cell line SK-N-SH-SY5Y was previously shown to express mu-opioid and alpha 2-adrenoceptors which are both negatively coupled to adenylyl cyclase. Because of the potential use of alpha 2-agonists in the treatment of narcotic dependence, we tested the interactions among he alpha 2-agonists, clonidine and norepinephrine, and morphine on AC in SH-SY5Y cells. Pretreatment with retinoic acid resulting in partial neuronal differentiation greatly enhanced the cells' sensitivity towards adenylyl cyclase stimulation by prostaglandin E1, and its inhibition by morphine and alpha 2-agonists. Norepinephrine (EC50 = 69 nM) maximally inhibited prostaglandin E1-stimulated cAMP accumulation (by approximately 83%), and the alpha 2-agonist yohimbine reversed these effects. Clonidine (EC50 = 32 nM) was a partial agonist, with 50 to 60% maximal inhibition. The combined effects of morphine (maximum approximately 70% inhibition) and norepinephrine exceeded the effect of either agent alone, yielding more than 90% inhibition of prostaglandin E1-stimulated cAMP accumulation. As previously reported for morphine, only a partial tolerance was observed for adenylyl cyclase inhibition by norepinephrine. Further, no cross-tolerance was observed between clonidine and morphine. The combined results indicate that mu-opioid receptors and an alpha 2-adrenoceptor subtype are colocalized on the same cells in SH-SY5Y culture, which hence serves as a model to study opioid-alpha 2-adrenergic interactions.
Army Reserve Information Operations Command overview

Summary form only given. Army Reserve Information Operations Command (ARIOC) is a US Army Reserve asset charged to conduct information operations. The organization commanded by COL Bert Mizusawa, has five subordinate information operation centers (IOCs). Each IOC is commanded by a lieutenant colonel and has authorized 90 soldiers with the mission to conduct information-assurance and computer-network-defense operations. Army Reserve capabilities has brought an ever-increasing number of new requests, requirements and customers. The list of these customers is growing and includes the Army's land information warfare activity; office of the director of information systems for command, control, communications and computers. These commands and agencies are now using USAR units, facilities and personnel for IO.
The African American Church and University Partnerships: Establishing Lasting Collaborations

This article highlights the experiences of the Health Wise Church Project, a community outreach initiative between a diverse group of African American churches and a university health education program. The objective of the program was to develop early detection and illness prevention networks among older church members. Not all partnerships result in long-term collaborations, and this article makes a clear distinction between different types of “working together” arrangements. The project discussed in this article presents a four-stage model to illustrate how organizations achieve collaborative partnerships. Involving community partners in the early phase of project planning contributed to the success of the church-university collaboration. This type of shared planning helped to sustain community interest during the project’s implementation.
Allison on Freedom and Idealism

Henry Allison over the years has produced important work on Kant's transcendental idealism of the objects of our empirical knowledge as well as on Kant's conception and defence of the freedom of rational agency. He has done so both in two major books (Kant's Transcendental Idealism, 1983; and Kant's Theory of Freedom, 1990) and in a string of articles. Most recently, his continuing refinements of a number of interrelated themes prominent in his two books, together with discussions of some other issues, have provided the material for the publication of a collection of papers, Idealism and Freedom) Ten of the twelve essays included in this collection have already appeared elsewhere, but it is gratifying to have them, together with two additions, all available in their present form. Allison's debates, both with himself and with his critics, help increase our understanding of his views and hence of Kant's as well.
Modified test statistics by inter-voxel variance shrinkage with an application to f MRI

SUMMARY Functional magnetic resonance imaging (f MRI) is a noninvasive technique which is commonly used to quantify changes in blood oxygenation and flow coupled to neuronal activation. One of the primary goals of f MRI studies is to identify localized brain regions where neuronal activation levels vary between groups. Single voxel t-tests have been commonly used to determine whether activation related to the protocol differs across groups. Due to the generally limited number of subjects within each study, accurate estimation of variance at each voxel is difficult. Thus, combining information across voxels is desirable in order to improve efficiency. Here, we construct a hierarchical model and apply an empirical Bayesian framework for the analysis of group f MRI data, employing techniques used in high-throughput genomic studies. The key idea is to shrink residual variances by combining information across voxels and subsequently to construct an improved test statistic. This hierarchical model results in a shrinkage of voxel-wise residual sample variances toward a common value. The shrunken estimator for voxel-specific variance components on the group analyses outperforms the classical residual error estimator in terms of mean-squared error. Moreover, the shrunken test statistic decreases false-positive rates when testing differences in brain contrast maps across a wide range of simulation studies. This methodology was also applied to experimental data regarding a cognitive activation task.
Cytochrome P450 expression and activities in human tongue cells and their modulation by green tea extract

The expression, inducibility, and activities of several cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes were investigated in a human tongue carcinoma cell model, CAL 27, and compared with the human liver model HepG2 cells. The modulation effects of green tea on various CYP isoforms in both cell lines were also examined. RT-PCR analysis of CAL 27 cells demonstrated constitutive expression of mRNA for CYPs 1A1, 1A2, 2C, 2E1, 2D6, and 4F3. The results were negative for CYP2A6, 2B6/7, 3A3/4, and 3A7. Both cell lines displayed identical expression and induction profiles for all of the isoforms examined in this study except 3A7 and 2B6/7, which were produced constitutively in HepG2 but not Cal-27 cells. CYP1A1 and 1A2 were both induced by treatment with s-napthoflavone as indicated by RT-PCR and Western blotting, while CYP2C mRNA was upregulated by all-trans retinoic acid and farnesol. RT-PCR and Western blot analysis showed that the expressions of CYP1A1 and 1A2 were induced by green tea extract (GTE), which also caused an increase in mRNA for CYP2E1, CYP2D6, and CYP2C isoforms. The four tea catechins, EGC, EC, EGCG and ECG, applied to either HepG2 or Cal-27 cells at the concentration found in GTE failed to induce CYP1A1 or CYP1A2, as determined by RT-PCR. Of the isoforms that were apparently induced by GTE, only 7-ethoxycoumarin deethylase (ECOD) activity could be detected in CAL 27 or HepG2 cells. Interestingly, mRNA and protein for CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 were detected in both cell lines, and although protein and mRNA levels of CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 were increased by GTE, the observed ECOD activity in both cell lines was decreased.
Magnesium antagonizes the actions of lysophosphatidyl choline (LPC) in myocardial cells: a possible mechanism for its antiarrhythmic effects.

Patients with cardiac arrhythmias, ischemia, and infarction may benefit from administration of supplemental magnesium. However, the exact mechanisms for magnesium's beneficial effects remain unknown. Lysophosphatidyl choline (LPC), an amphipathic phospholipid released from cardiac cell membranes during ischemia, increases free intracellular calcium concentrations ([Ca]i) and has been implicated as a cause of cardiac arrhythmias and coronary artery spasm during myocardial ischemia. We postulated that magnesium acts by inhibiting cellular calcium overload induced by mediators such as LPC. Myocardial cells from male Sprague-Dawley rats were isolated from ventricular tissue samples and [Ca]i determined using the fluorescent dye, fura-2/acetoxymethyl ester, measured in a spectrofluorometer. The increase in [Ca]i after exposure to 100 and 200 microM LPC was recorded in cells suspended in modified Dulbecco's phosphate buffered saline solution with 0.2, 2.0, and 20 mM magnesium chloride. Differences were determined by analysis of variance with P or = 2.0 mM effectively antagonize the increase in [Ca]i induced by LPC. Thus, magnesium may limit intracellular calcium overload stimulated by ischemic-induced LPC release.
Return of motor function after segmental nerve loss in a rat model: comparison of autogenous nerve graft, collagen conduit, and processed allograft (AxoGen).

Background: An effective alternative to nerve autograft is needed to minimize morbidity and solve limited-availability issues. We hypothesized that the use of processed allografts and collagen conduits would allow recovery of motor function that is equivalent to that seen after the use of autografts. Methods: Sixty-five Lewis rats were divided into three experimental groups. In each group, a unilateral 10-mm sciatic nerve defect was repaired with nerve autograft, allograft treated by AxoGen Laboratories, or a 2.0-mm-inner-diameter collagen conduit. The animals were studied at twelve and sixteen weeks postoperatively. Evaluation included bilateral measurement of the tibialis anterior muscle force and muscle weight, electrophysiology, assessment of ankle contracture, and peroneal nerve histomorphometry. Muscle force was measured with use of our previously described and validated method. Results were expressed as a percentage of the values on the contralateral side. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) corrected by the Ryan-Einot-Gabriel-Welsch multiple range test was used for statistical investigation (α = 0.05). Results: At twelve weeks, the mean muscle force (and standard deviation), as compared with that on the contralateral (control) side, was 45.2% ± 15.0% in the autograft group, 43.4% ± 18.0% in the allograft group, and 7.0% ± 9.2% in the collagen group. After sixteen weeks, the recovered muscle force was 65.5% ± 14.1% in the autograft group, 36.3% ± 15.7% in the allograft group, and 12.1% ± 16.0% in the collagen group. Autograft was statistically superior to allograft and the collagen conduit at sixteen weeks with regard to all parameters except histomorphometric characteristics (p < 0.05). The collagen-group results were inferior. All autograft-group outcomes improved from twelve to sixteen weeks, with the increase in muscle force being significant. Conclusions: The use of autograft resulted in better motor recovery than did the use of allograft or a collagen conduit for a short nerve gap in rats. A longer evaluation time of sixteen weeks after segmental nerve injuries in rats would be beneficial as more substantial muscle recovery was seen at that time. Clinical Relevance: On the basis of this study, the enthusiasm for use of processed allograft nerve grafts in motor nerve reconstruction should be tempered until additional studies are performed.
A debugger for concurrent programs

This paper reports on an experimental debugger for concurrent programs. Design objectives include a showing of greatest usefulness when dealing with multiprocess interactions, creation of a simplified more approachable interface for programmers, allowance for the systematic organization (and limitation) of debugging information by programmers, reflection of a natural view of concurrency, and portability. The design responds to a perceived need for debugging techniques applicable in systems of concurrent, communicating, asynchronous processes. During debugging sessions, a user is able to dynamically explore interprocess synchronization points, parallel actions and deadlock situations. The programmer interface is based on a transparent window multiplexer providing a set of windows for each concurrent process. The window manager interactively maps interesting windows to programmer-specified viewscreen locations, while relegating temporarily uninteresting windows to the background. In implementing a debugger for concurrent programs, a principal concern is the probe effect, or the possibility that the debugger itself masks synchronization errors in the program being debugged. For the examples explored, the probe effect was not observed to limit the localization of implanted synchronization errors.
A prospective evaluation of the role of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and the immune system in stage III/IV melanoma

The immune system and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) may be influential in melanoma behavior. We performed a prospective, exploratory analysis in 10 stage III and 22 stage IV melanoma patients to observe factors influencing outcomes. Patients accrued during 2010 and 2011 were treated according to standard protocols for disease stage. We analyzed selected biomarkers for predictive patterns of clinical response. Survival outcomes were calculated using Kaplan-Meier curves. Baseline LDH was negatively correlated with length of survival and positively correlated to baseline VEGF in stage IV melanoma patients. We found a positive correlation between peripheral blood Treg concentrations and baseline VEGF in stage IV patients. No stage III patients died during the study period; median survival for stage IV patients was 48 months using a Kaplan-Meier survival curve, which illustrates the enrichment for exceptional stage IV survivors. Six stage IV patients remain disease free, including 4 of the 10 patients who received IL-2 +/− metastatectomy. Recent advances in immunotherapy have demonstrated durable therapeutic responses which may favorably impact survival. Examining T-cell characteristics of metastatic melanoma patients may gain further insight into underlying immunomodulation mechanisms to guide improved therapies.
Remaking the World of Chinese Labour: A 30-Year Retrospective

Over the past 30 years, labour relations, and, indeed, the entirety of working-class politics in China, have been dramatically altered by economic reforms. In this review, we focus on the two key processes of commodification and casualization and their implications for workers. On the one hand, these processes have resulted in the destruction of the old social contract and the emergence of marketized employment relations. This has implied a loss of the job security and generous benefits enjoyed by workers in the planned economy. On the other hand, commodification and casualization have produced significant but localized resistance from the Chinese working class. Up until now, the activities of labour non-governmental organizations and of the official trade unions have contributed to the state's effort of individualizing and institutionalizing labour conflict resolution through labour law and arbitration mechanisms. Finally, we provide a brief discussion of the impact of 2008's Labour Contract Law and the outbreak of the economic crisis on labour relations. We conclude that the continual imbalance of power at the point of production presents a real dilemma for the Chinese state as it attempts to shift away from a model of development dependent on exports.
Urban Governing Alignments and Realignments in Comparative Perspective Developmental Politics in Boston, Massachusetts, and Bristol, England, 1980-1996

The author develops an analytical framework for making cross-national comparisons, referred to as modes of governance, that centers on the study of how governing coalitions are built and maintained...
Dose timing of d-cycloserine to augment cognitive behavioral therapy for social anxiety: Study design and rationale ☆

The use of d-cycloserine (DCS) as a cognitive enhancer to augment exposure-based cognitive–behavioral therapy (CBT) represents a promising new translational research direction with the goal to accelerate and optimize treatment response for anxiety disorders. Some studies suggest that DCS may not only augment extinction learning but could also facilitate fear memory reconsolidation. Therefore, the effect of DCS may depend on fear levels reported at the end of exposure sessions. This paper presents the rationale and design for a randomized controlled trial examining the relative efficacy of tailoring DCS administration based on exposure success (i.e. end fear levels) during a 5-session group CBT protocol for social anxiety disorder (n = 156). Specifically, tailored post-session DCS administration will be compared against untailored post-session DCS, untailored pre-session DCS, and pill placebo in terms of reduction in social anxiety symptoms and responder status. In addition, a subset of participants (n = 96) will undergo a fear extinction retention experiment prior to the clinical trial in which they will be randomly assigned to receive either DCS or placebo prior to extinguishing a conditioned fear. The results from this experimental paradigm will clarify the mechanism of the effects of DCS on exposure procedures. This study aims to serve as the first step toward developing an algorithm for the personalized use of DCS during CBT for social anxiety disorder, with the ultimate goal of optimizing treatment outcome for anxiety disorders.
Monitoring the Quality of HIV-1 Viral Load Testing through a Proficiency Testing Program Using Dried Tube Specimens in Resource-Limited Settings

HIV-1 viral load (VL) levels are used for monitoring disease progression and antiretroviral therapy outcomes in HIV-infected patients. To assess the performance of laboratories conducting HIV-1 VL testing in resource-limited settings, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention implemented a voluntary, free-of-charge, external quality assurance program using dried tube specimens (DTSs). Between 2010 and 2012, DTS proficiency testing (PT) panels consisting of 5 specimens were distributed at ambient temperature to participants. The results from the participants (n ≥ 6) using the same assay were grouped, analyzed, and graded as acceptable within a group mean ± 3 standard deviations. Mean proficiency scores were calculated by dividing the combined PT scores by the number of testing cycles using a linear regression model. Between 2010 and 2012, the number of participants enrolled increased from 32 in 16 countries to 114 in 44 countries. A total of 78.2% of the participants reported results using 10 different VL assays. The rates of reporting of acceptable results by the participants were 96.6% for the Abbott assay, 96.3% for the Roche Cobas assay, 94.5% for the Roche Amplicor assay, 93.0% for the Biocentric assay, and 89.3% for the NucliSens assay. The overall mean proficiency scores improved over time (P = 0.024). DTSs are a good alternative specimen type to plasma specimens for VL PT programs, as they do not require cold chain transportation and can be used on PCR-based assays. Our data suggest that the CDC HIV-1 VL PT program using DTSs positively impacts the testing performance of the participants, which might translate into better and more accurate VL testing services for patients.
Thermal degradation study of isotactic polypropylene using factor-jump thermogravimetry

The degradation of isotactic polypropylene in the range 390–465°C was studied using factor-jump thermogravimetry. The degradations were carried out in vacuum and at pressures of 5 and 800 mm Hg of N2, flowing at 100–400 standard mL/s. At 800 mm Hg this corresponds to linear rates of 1–4 mm/s. In vacuum bubbling in the sample caused problems in measuring the rate of weight loss. The apparent activation energy was estimated as 61.5 ± 0.8 kcal/mol (257 ± 3 kJ/mol). In slowly flowing N2 at 800 mm Hg pressure the activation energy was 55.1 ± 0.2 kcal/mol (230 ± 0.8 kJ/mol) for isotactic polypropylene and 51.1 ± 0.5 kcal/mol (214 ± 2 kJ/mol) for a naturally aged sample of atactic polypropylene. For isotactic polypropylene degrading at an external N2 pressure of 5 mm Hg the apparent activation energy was 55.9 ± 0.3 kcal/mol (234 ± 1 kJ/mol). A simplified degradation mechanism was used with estimates of the activation energies of initiation and termination to give an estimate of 29.6 kcal/mol for the s-scission of tertiary radicals on the polypropylene backbone. Initiation was considered to be backbone scission s to allyl groups formed in the termination reaction. For initiation by random scission of the polymer backbone, as in the early stages of thermal degradation, an overall activation energy of 72 kcal/mol is proposed. The difference between vacuum and in-N2 activation energies is ascribed to the latent heat contributions of molecules which do not evaporate as soon as they are formed. At these imposed rates of weight loss the average molecular weights of the volatiles in vacuum and in 8 and 800 mm Hg N2 are in the ratios 1–1/2–1/9.
An approach for verifying routing protocols in mobile ad hoc networks using Petri nets

This paper presents a verification approach specific for expressing and verifying the services of routing protocols for mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs). The proposed approach performs a powerful verification on routing protocols, and is sufficient to confirm correctness of protocols when used in most situations. The case study with a routing protocol for MANETs found a flaw in the protocol, showing the effectiveness of this approach.
Setting the Advocacy Agenda: Theorizing Issue Emergence and Nonemergence in Transnational Advocacy Networks

A proliferating literature in IR theory documents the impact of transnational advocacy networks on global public policy making. We know little, however, about the process by which advocacy networks select issues around which to mobilize in the first place. This paper aims to develop a framework for analyzing variation in issue emergence by comparing two prominent issues in the transnational network around children and armed conflict (child soldiers and girls in war) to an issue absent from this advocacy sphere (the protection needs of children born as a result of wartime rape). This variation is not easily explained by extant hypotheses about issue emergence, which suggests the need for rigorous research on both positive and negative outcomes in global agenda setting. I conclude with several suggestions toward that end.
Storage behavior of Typha latifolia pollen at low water contents : Interpretation on the basis of water activity and glass concepts

Germplasm must be stored under optimal conditions to maximize longevity and efficiently maintain genetic resources. In order to identify optimal storage conditions, we investigated the effects of temperature (-5 to 45°C) and water content (<0.17 g H 2 O g -1 dry weight) on longevity of Typha latifolia L. pollen. Longevity was highest at water contents corresponding to storage relative humidity (RH) of 11-15% which corresponded to the shoulder of water sorption isotherms. Also coinciding with this shoulder were abrupt changes in heat capacity of water present in the pollen. Consistent with changes in isotherms with temperature and the concept of critical RH for storage, optimum water contents increased with decreasing temperature. An attempt was made to explain the aging behavior according to the glass concept. The water content-temperature combinations of optimal storage were found to be below the glass transition curve, indicating that optimum storage conditions are achieved when intracellular glasses are present. We also found a change in activation energy of aging in Arrhenius plots around T g demonstrating a change in aging kinetics when the glassy state is lost. We conclude that T g curves cannot be used solely to predict precise conditions of optimum storage, but might be useful for predictions of storage longevity above optimum water contents. The data imply that too much drying reduces longevity and should be avoided, particularly when cryogenic storage is considered.
Respiratory distress associated with stereotactic irrigation of a brain cyst

Stereotactic neurosurgery is a procedure that usually requires monitored sedation or general anesthesia. The authors report a case in which stereotactic irrigation of a brain cyst was temporally associated with respiratory distress. Additionally, the stereotactic apparatus limits the anesthesiologist's access to the airway.
Just Toothpicks and Logic: How Some Labs Succeed at Solving Complex Problems

When I was asked to write a biographical piece about Jon Beckwith, it was difficult to know exactly what to do. The details of Jon's career as a scientist are certainly of interest, and many people would be happy to either read or contribute testimonials to Jon's creativity and talent as a mentor. However, it seemed that this could instead be an opportunity to ask if there were any general principles that underlie the continuous success that the Beckwith lab has had in understanding complex problems, such as regulation of gene expression, membrane protein structure, protein secretion, cell division, and disulfide bond formation. Two themes may account for much of this consistency over time and over subject matter: the first is that there are several aspects of how problems are viewed and analyzed in what may be termed the “Beckwith style,” and the second is related to the experimental tools of the bacterial geneticist and in particular the lac operon. These principles can be clearly seen from some early work on the genetics of lac regulation and the mechanism of conjugation as well as initial work on protein secretion in bacteria. While some details of Jon's biography are relevant for this discussion, I refer readers to Jon's recent autobiography for an in-depth view of his experiences, particularly in the area of social and political activity, which are not covered here (3). Jon has been at the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics at Harvard Medical School since 1965, when he was appointed an Assistant Professor (for a recent photograph, see Fig. ​Fig.1).1). Prior to coming to Harvard, Jon had several postdoctoral experiences that undoubtedly contributed to the development of the Beckwith style and the adoption of the lac operon as a powerful tool. FIG. 1. Recent photograph of Jon Beckwith.
Drug Dosing and Pharmacokinetics in Children With Obesity: A Systematic Review

Importance Obesity affects nearly one-sixth of US children and results in alterations to body composition and physiology that can affect drug disposition, possibly leading to therapeutic failure or toxic side effects. The depth of available literature regarding obesity’s effect on drug safety, pharmacokinetics, and dosing in obese children is unknown. Objective To perform a systematic literature review describing the current evidence of the effect of obesity on drug disposition in children. Evidence Review We searched the MEDLINE, Cochrane, and EMBASE databases (January 1, 1970-December 31, 2012) and included studies if they contained data on drug clearance, volume of distribution, or drug concentration in obese children (aged ≤18 years). We compared exposure and weight-normalized volume of distribution and clearance between obese and nonobese children. We explored the association between drug physicochemical properties and clearance and volume of distribution. Findings Twenty studies met the inclusion criteria and contained pharmacokinetic data for 21 drugs. The median number of obese children studied per drug was 10 (range, 1-112) and ages ranged from newborn to 29 years (1 study described pharmacokinetics in children and adults together). Dosing schema varied and were either a fixed dose (6 [29%]) or based on body weight (10 [48%]) and body surface area (4 [19%]). Clinically significant pharmacokinetic alterations were observed in obese children for 65% (11 of 17) of the studied drugs. Pharmacokinetic alterations resulted in substantial differences in exposure between obese and nonobese children for 38% (5 of 13) of the drugs. We found no association between drug lipophilicity or Biopharmaceutical Drug Disposition Classification System class and changes in volume of distribution or clearance due to obesity. Conclusions and Relevance Consensus is lacking on the most appropriate weight-based dosing strategy for obese children. Prospective pharmacokinetic trials in obese children are needed to ensure therapeutic efficacy and enhance drug safety.
Reactive Co-Evaporation of YBCO as a Low-Cost Process for Fabricating Coated Conductors

We discuss implementation of reactive co-evaporation (RCE) to deposit high temperature superconducting films on metal tapes. Our method utilizes alternating high-rate deposition and oxygenation and can be extended to coating of moving tape in a continuous fashion. We have demonstrated our method with YBa2Cu3O7 films on 8 cm long ion-beam assisted deposition textured template tapes. Critical current densities of approximately 2.5 MA/cm2 at 75.5 K were achieved in HTS films with 2 mum in thickness, and a maximum measured self-field critical current of 950 A/cm-width was achieved in a 6 mum thick film. We discuss some practical possibilities for manufacturing superconducting wire and discuss a cost model for this RCE process. We make the case that the cost of HTS deposition using RCE in manufacturing can be less than $5/kAmiddotm.
Unique Components For Photonics Diagnostic Systems Using Fiber Optics

Progress in the field of fiber optics depends heavily on innovation, invention, and the careful use of pretested, commercially available components. A component or device is considered to be one unit of a complete experimental diagnostic system that performs a single function and that can be used in other systems.
Part-Time Farming: Productivity and Some Implications of Off-Farm Work by Farmers

The technological revolution in agriculture has produced a structural transformation in fanning that has changed the face of rural America. With improved technology and long-term U.S. economic growth, one major adjustment has been a reallocation of labor between farm and non-farm labor markets. After 1948, long-term economic forces created prospects of higher incomes in the non-farm sector. As a result, a large proportion of both white and black families ceased farming and took non-farm jobs. However, a number of other farm families have continued to work their farms, but have also taken off-farm jobs to supplement their income. Krasovec describes part-time farming as a regular two-fold occupation of the head of the family. That person may, on the one hand, be working permanently in non-agricultural industries either as an employee or as an independent craftsman, merchant or member of a profession, and on the other, in agriculture on a holding not large enough to justify a full-time occupation.
Disruption of PKB signaling restores polarity to cells lacking tumor suppressor PTEN

We demonstrate that the key target of increased PIP3 on cell polarity and migration is the excessive Akt signaling. In Dictyostelium, the defects in cells lacking PTEN are suppressed by the seconda...
Language assessment in Wada test: comparison of methohexital and amobarbital.

Abstract Introduction Methohexital has replaced amobarbital during Wada testing at many centers. The objective of our study was to compare the use of methohexital and amobarbital during Wada testing regarding language and memory lateralization quotients as well as speech arrest times. Methods A chart review of 582 consecutive patients undergoing 1041 Wada-procedures was performed (left=60, right=63, bilateral=459). Language lateralization was calculated based on duration of speech arrest using a laterality index, defined as ( L − R )/( L + R ). Memory lateralization was expressed as percentage of retained objects and laterality quotient. Results Language and memory lateralization revealed a similar distribution with amobarbital and methohexital. Speech arrest after left and right-sided injection was significantly longer in the amobarbital group as compared to the methohexital group. Language lateralization did not differ in the two groups. Percentage of retained memory items was higher in the methohexital group and there were fewer presented test items in the methohexital group. Discussion Language and memory testing during the Wada test can successfully be performed with methohexital instead of amobarbital. The shorter half-life of methohexital allows repeated injections and shorter interhemispheric testing intervals, but also shortens the testing window.
Aristotle’S “Triventricular” Heart And The Relevant Early History Of The Cardiovascular System

Aristotle said that the human heart has three ventricles--right, left, and middle--a concept that has often been viewed as an astonishing error. But was it? Aristotle did not miscount ventricles. In the third century BC, all cardiac chambers were called "ventricles," meaning "cavities." The "ears" (auricles) were distinguished from the "cavities" (ventricles) by Herophilus of Alexandria (c 300 BC) and by Rufus and Ephesus (a contemporary of Jesus Christ). Aristotle regarded the right atrium as a venous dilatation, not as a part of the heart. Aristotle's "right ventricle" was our right ventricle. His "left ventricle" was our left atrium. His "middle ventricle" was our left ventricle. Because he did not count the right atrium, Aristotle considered the human heart to be three-chambered or "triventricular," consisting of the right ventricle, the left atrium, and the left ventricle. This report summarizes the relevant early history of the cardiovascular system.
Improving the I/O performance of real-time database systems with multiple-disk storage structures

Time-constrained I/O scheduling is one of the most critical issues in the design and implementation of real-time database systems (RTDBSs) because the I/O time usually dominates the total execution time of a transaction. The performance of single-disk storage systems may not be appropriate for RTDBSs due to the large discrepancy between the disk I/O access/waiting time and the processor/main memory processing time. This paper proposes a new disk system which uses a multiple-disk structure similar to a RAID (Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks) to improve the I/O performance for RTDBSs. We also propose a new disk scheduling algorithm called ED-PT (Earliest Deadline first-Prior Test) for determining the feasibility of I/O requests. This algorithm gives a priori knowledge about whether an arriving I/O request can meet its deadline, making it possible to reject an infeasible request before it is executed and thus this avoids wasted disk access effort if late completion of requests is not allowed. Our experimental results show that the percentage of requests missing deadlines decreases dramatically in a multiple-disk system when compared to a single disk system.
Strategies of Research on Economic Instability and Health

Impact research on important and complex social problems is seldom carried out in a setting of unanimity and consensus among the involved members of the research community. The reasons for such disagreements can be manifold; for example: 1) A single, feasible research design cannot encompass all aspects of the phenomenon which need studying and piecemeal studies are the inevitable consequence. 2) Absence of experimental control over possible confounding variables in the real-life field setting precludes clearcut causal interpretations. 3) Opportunistic research which depends on “natural experiments”, a sound and cost-effective strategy, yields studies which have unique strengths and unique weaknesses but are difficult to compare. 4) Considerations of cost, manpower, and interdisciplinary expertise lead to varying research design compromises, which inevitably impose limitations on the generalizability and interpretability of the results.
The Relationship between Severe Storm Reports and Cloud-to-Ground Lightning Polarity in the Contiguous United States from 1989 to 1998

Abstract The majority (61%) of severe storm reports (i.e., large hail and tornado) during the 1989–98 warm seasons (April–September) were associated with predominantly (>90%) negative cloud-to-ground (PNCG) lightning. Across the contiguous United States, only 15% of severe storm reports were characterized by predominantly (>50%) positive CG (PPCG) lightning activity. However, significant regional variability occurred in the relationship between warm season severe storm reports and CG lightning polarity. In the eastern United States, a significant fraction (81%) of severe storm reports occurred nearby PNCG lightning while only 2% of severe storms were associated with PPCG lightning. The CG lightning behavior was quite different over the northern plains; only 28% of severe storm reports were linked with PNCG lightning while 43% were characterized by PPCG lightning. Although the direct physical relationship is still not evident, this regional variability appears to be at least partially explained by differen...
Measuring the Multifaceted Nature of Infant and Toddler Care Quality

ABSTRACTResearch Findings: The quality of group care infants and toddlers experience relates to their concurrent and later development. Recent quality improvement initiatives point to the need for ecologically valid measures that assess the multifaceted nature of child care quality. In this article, we present the psychometric properties of an infant and toddler quality assessment tool, the Program for Infant and Toddler Care Program Assessment Rating Scale (PITC PARS). Descriptive data on 222 center-based classrooms and family child care programs were used to examine concurrent validity, and a subsample of 101 center-based classrooms serving infants was used to examine the factor structure of this measure. Examination of the bivariate correlations with other commonly used measures of infant and toddler child care quality provided evidence of concurrent validity. Factor analysis suggested that the PITC PARS measures 3 distinct yet related dimensions of global child care quality. Practice or Policy: The re...
SRI-Shibboleth or Canard (Socially Responsible Investing, that is)

In this article the author reviews the state of the law and practice of socially responsible investing, or SRI, by private trustees, nonprofit trustees and other fiduciaries and makes suggestions for and predictions about the future of SRI. The paper includes discussion of mission investing and environmental, social, and [corporate] governance (ESG) matters in an SRI context.
Computational Modeling of Fluid Flow through A Fractured Media under Overburden Pressures

Computational analyses were conducted to investigate fluid flow characteristics of a real fractured media. Finite element (FE) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analyses were implemented to carry out these computational analyses. The fractured media was exposed to external pressurization to predict permeability and asperity deformation. Furthermore, a series of CFD-FE analyses were also conducted to determine the reduction in permeability of the fractured media under the external pressure. An elastic-plastic model was embedded into the FE analyses to model the permeability hysteresis of the experimental data. A Newtonian viscous incompressible flow model was also implemented to quantify the effect of the flow properties. It was shown that the simulated permeability results captured the trend of the experiments; however, quantitative discrepancies were found. Finally, simulation results for the case of high pore pressures that may find application to hydraulic fracturing (fracking) were also reported. Keywords : Fracture permeability, confining pressure, finite element analysis, computational fluid dynamics analysis, permeability hysteresis Cite this Article: Roman A, Ahmadi G. Computational Modeling of Fluid Flow through a Fractured Media under Overburden Pressures. Journal of Petroleum Engineering & Technology. 2015; 5(1): 25-43p.
The polls-trends: terrorism in the United States.

Realisee avant les evenements tragiques du 11 septembre 2001, cette etude examine la perception qu'ont les Americains de la menace terroriste. Si celle-ci est consideree comme serieuse, elle demeure diffuse, collective, peu personnalisee. La source du terrorisme est percue autant comme exterieure que comme interieure, en raison notamment de l'attentat d'Oklahoma City, commis par des extremistes americains. Les personnes interrogees placent une confiance limitee dans la politique gouvernementale de lutte contre le terrorisme, moins en raison des politiques elles-memes que de la nature du terrorisme. Enfin, une majorite est prete a conceder des pans de liberte individuelle au profit d'une securite accrue
Structural Studies of Nucleation and the Initial Stages of Growth of Epitaxial Gaas on Si(100) Substrates

Nucleation and growth of GaAs fIlms deposited by Molecular Beam Epitaxy upon Si(l00) substrates are studied by transmission electron microscopy. The initial nucleation of GaAs consists of approximately hemispherical islands associated with steps upon the substratesurface and coherently strained to the substrate lattice. As the island size increases, crystalline defects relax the strain between epilayer and substrate. Island coalescence is a secondary defect generation mechanism. Subsequent growth of the epitaxial GaAs layer reveals a progressive deterioration of the GaAs/Si interface planarity and the growth and eventual dissolution of amorphous or misoriented crystalline regions at the GaAs/Si interface.