cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The relationship of cocaine use to syphilis and human immunodeficiency virus infections among inner city parturient women

Abstract To study the relationship of cocaine use to syphilis and human immunodeficiency virus infections a blinded urine and serum survey was performed.among parturient women at an inner city hospital. Discarded urine samples of 1206 parturient women were saved and given code numbers that were also assigned to data sheets containing nonidentifying information, including prenatal care status and syphilis serologic results. In the latter part of the study blood remaining after syphilis serologic tests were performed ( n = 480) were tested for human immunodeficiency virus antibodies. Overall 12.9% of urine samples had cocaine derivatives, 1.4% opiates, 1.5% marijuana, 0.0% benzodiazepine, and 0.3% methadone. The prevalence of positive rapid plasma reagin tests was 18.7% among patients with positive urine toxicologic tests for cocaine and 2.41% for patients wtih negative urine tests (odds ratio = 9.3, 95% confidence interval 5.2 to 16.5, p p = 0.019). Cocaine patients with positive cocaine screens and with syphilis or human immunodeficiency virus had prenatal care in 6 of 21 (28.6%) and 0 of 4 (0%) cases, respectively, while patients with negative cocaine screens and syphilis or human immunodeficiency virus had prenatal care in 13 of 18 (72.2%) and 5 of 6 (83.3%) cases, respectively ( p = 0.010 and p = 0.048). Cocaine use appears to be associated with both the acquisition of human immunodeficiency virus and syphilis and the failure of infected individuals to utilize prenatal services.
COVARIANT VLASOV EQUATION BASED ON THE WALECKA MODEL

We show that the relativistic Vlasov equation derived recently by us from the Walecka model under the local density and the classical approximations is equivalent to the covariant Vlasov equation derived by Elze et al. via the Wigner operator.
Deletion of thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP) augments hyperoxia-induced vaso-obliteration in a mouse model of oxygen induced-retinopathy.

We have recently shown that thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP) is required for VEGF-mediated VEGFR2 receptor activation and angiogenic signal. Retinas from TXNIP knockout mice (TKO) exhibited higher cellular antioxidant defense compared to wild type (WT). This study aimed to examine the impact of TXNIP deletion on hyperoxia-induced vaso-obliteration in ischemic retinopathy. TKO and WT pups were subjected to oxygen-induced retinopathy model. Retinal central capillary dropout was measured at p12. Retinal redox and nitrative state were assessed by reduced-glutathione (GSH), thioredoxin reductase activity and nitrotyrosine formation. Western blot and QT-PCR were used to assess VEGF, VEGFR-2, Akt, iNOS and eNOS, thioredoxin expression, ASK-1 activation and downstream cleaved caspase-3 and PARP in retinal lysates. Retinas from TKO mice exposed to hyperoxia showed significant increases (1.5-fold) in vaso-obliteration as indicated by central capillary drop out area compared to WT. Retinas from TKO showed minimal nitrotyrosine levels (10% of WT) with no change in eNOS or iNOS mRNA expression. There was no change in levels of VEGF or activation of VEGFR2 and its downstream Akt in retinas from TKO and WT. In comparison to WT, retinas from TKO showed significantly higher level of GSH and thioredoxin reductase activity in normoxia but comparable levels under hyperoxia. Exposure of TKO to hyperoxia significantly decreased the anti-apoptotic thioredoxin protein (∼50%) level compared with WT. This effect was associated with a significant increase in activation of the apoptotic ASK-1, PARP and caspase-3 pathway. Our results showed that despite comparable VEGF level and signal in TKO, exposure to hyperoxia significantly decreased Trx expression compared to WT. This effect resulted in liberation and activation of the apoptotic ASK-1 signal. These findings suggest that TXNIP is required for endothelial cell survival and homeostasis especially under stress conditions including hyperoxia.
Newer oral inotropic agents: phosphodiesterase inhibitors

Phosphodiesterase inhibitors are potent inotropic and vasodilator agents that have attracted intense investigative interest in recent years as a potential treatment for congestive heart failure resulting from left ventricular dysfunction. These agents increase intracellular Ca availability by increasing cyclic AMP levels and improve cardiac performance by (a) enhancing contractility, (b) reducing left ventricular afterload, and (c) improving diastolic compliance of the left ventricle. Increased cardiac work leads to an increase in myocardial oxygen consumption, but increased coronary flow prevents an imbalance of myocardial oxygen supply and demand. Available data indicate that renal perfusion may increase as a result of the increase in cardiac output, but much of the decrease in systemic vascular resistance apparently occurs in musculoskeletal tissue. The hemodynamic improvements associated with these agents are well documented, but whether they actually affect the prognosis remains uncertain.
Studies of a Class of Covariance Structure Models

Abstract This article demonstrates the usefulness of analysis of covariance structure procedures for estimating variance components under more general assumptions than are provided in the typical mixed-model analysis of variance. A sequence of eight models is presented based on varying degrees of restrictive assumptions. Maximum likelihood procedures are employed in the estimation of the parameters of the models. The procedures are applied to simulated data and to an empirical example which shows the necessity of the more general assumptions.
Critical Function of a Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Putative Polyphosphate Polymerase Subunit during Nutrient Deprivation

Forward genetics was used to isolate Chlamydomonas reinhardtii mutants with altered abilities to acclimate to sulfur (S) deficiency. The ars76 mutant has a deletion that eliminates several genes, including VACUOLAR TRANSPORTER CHAPERONE1 (VTC1), which encodes a component of a polyphosphate polymerase complex. The ars76 mutant cannot accumulate arylsulfatase protein or mRNA and shows marked alterations in levels of many transcripts encoded by genes induced during S deprivation. The mutant also shows little acidocalcisome formation compared with wild-type, S-deprived cells and dies more rapidly than wild-type cells following exposure to S-, phosphorus-, or nitrogen (N)-deficient conditions. Furthermore, the mutant does not accumulate periplasmic l-amino acid oxidase during N deprivation. Introduction of the VTC1 gene specifically complements the ars76 phenotypes, suggesting that normal acidocalcisome formation in cells deprived of S requires VTC1. Our data also indicate that a deficiency in acidocalcisome function impacts trafficking of periplasmic proteins, which can then feed back on the transcription of the genes encoding these proteins. These results and the reported function of vacuoles in degradation processes suggest a major role of the acidocalcisome in reshaping the cell during acclimation to changing environmental conditions.
Aminothiotyrosine Disulfide, an Optical Trigger for Initiation of Protein Folding

The development of an optical trigger for protein folding is described. The optical trigger is an aryl disulfide embedded in a polypeptide such that the aryl disulfide constrains the peptide in a nonhelical conformation. Upon photocleavage of the SS bond, the peptide can then commence to fold into an α-helical conformation. Two thiotyrosine derivatives, (S)-4‘-mercaptophenylalanine (Tty) and 3-N-(4‘-mercaptophenyl)-(S)-2,3-diaminoproprionate (Aty), have been prepared and incorporated into polyalanine peptides. The ease of synthesis of protected forms of Tty and Aty amenable for solid phase synthesis, in four steps with 30% overall yield and six steps in 40% overall yield, respectively, make these attractive candidates as precursors of the optical trigger. CD and IR spectroscopy showed that the cyclic disulfide cross-linked peptides are much less helical than their linear counterparts. Following laser flash photolysis, peptide 7, which incorporates Tty, showed total recombination of the thiyl radicals with...
SU-E-T-545: The Accuracy of the Out-Of-Field Dose Calculations of a Commercial Treatment Planning System

Purpose: The accuracy of calculated out‐of‐field dose in a commercial radiotherapy treatment planning system receives less attention as the out‐of‐field dose is significantly lower compared to the prescribed target dose. However, it can be important as it relates to the dose to the organ‐at‐risk as well as the risk of a radiation‐induced secondary malignancy. This study evaluates out‐of‐field dose calculation accuracy of a commercial treatment planning system by using Monte Carlo techniques. Methods: The EGSnrc Monte Carlo codes was used to calculate dose distributions resulting from IMRT fields from a Varian Clinac accelerator delivered using sliding window with Millennium 120 multi‐leaf collimator. The out‐of‐field incident beams were simulated accurately in the Monte Carlo calculations. The dose distributions were calculated using real patient IMRT plans of a 6MV beam on a water phantom with different inhomogeneity geometry. The commercial treatment planning system evaluated is Varian Eclipse system (v.10) with AAA dose calculation algorithm. Results: The discrepancy of calculated dose profiles between Eclipse and the Monte Carlo showed a small dependency with depth. At depth of 10 cm, Eclipse calculations under‐estimates the out‐of‐field dose by 35% of local dose at the off‐axis location where the dose is only 1% of dose maximum. The maximum deviation occurred between 2 to 3 cm depths, where the discrepancy was up to 60% of local dose at 1% dose level. Conclusion: Based on Monte Carlo calculations, the uncertainty of out‐of‐field dose distributions predicted by the Eclipse system is less than 1% of maximum dose for highly modulated IMRT beams in regions where the dose relative to the maximum dose is less than 5%, although the uncertainties can be much larger relative to local doses.
Huntingtin and its role in neuronal degeneration.

Huntington’s disease results from a polyglutamine expansion in the N-terminal region of huntingtin (htt). This abnormality causes protein aggregation and leads to neurotoxicity. Despite its widespread expression in the brain and body, mutant htt causes selective neurodegeneration in Huntington’s disease patient brains. However, Huntington’s disease mouse models expressing mutant htt do not have obvious neurodegeneration despite significant neurological symptoms. Most Huntington’s disease mouse models display the accumulation of toxic N-terminal mutant htt fragments in both the nucleus and neuronal processes, suggesting that these subcellular sites are hotspots for the early neuropathology of Huntington’s disease. Intranuclear htt affects gene expression and may cause neuronal dysfunction. Mutant htt in neuronal processes affects axonal transport and induces degeneration, and these effects may be more relevant to the selective neurodegeneration in Huntington’s disease. Growing evidence has also suggested t...
Lack of Association between Common Polymorphisms in UGT1A9 and Gene Expression and Activity

Interindividual variability in the glucuronidation of xenobiotics metabolized by UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A9 (UGT1A9) suggests the presence of functional UGT1A9 variants. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the putative functionality of the UGT1A9 variants–118T9>10 (rs3832043), I399C>T (rs2741049), –275T>A (rs6714486), and–2152C>T (rs17868320) could be confirmed in an independent study. UGT1A9 genotypes and UGT1A9 activity (i.e., flavopiridol and mycophenolic acid glucuronidation) were determined in 46 Caucasian human livers. mRNA levels were quantitated by real-time polymerase chain reaction in 35 of these livers. In addition, samples from 60 unrelated Caucasians belonging to the HapMap Project were also genotyped to confirm the allele frequencies and linkage disequilibrium (LD) pattern observed in our Caucasian livers. The allele frequencies of the–118T9>10, I399C>T, –275T>A, and–2152C>T variants were 0.39, 0.39, 0.02, and 0.02 in the livers, respectively. The I399C>T variant was in complete LD (r2 = 1) with–118T9>10 (linked alleles: C and T9, respectively). Complete LD between these two variants was also found in the HapMap samples (frequencies of–118T9>10 and I399C>T = 0.38). I399C>T and–118T9>10 correlated with neither UGT1A9 activities nor mRNA levels. Because of the low frequencies of the–275T>A and–2152C>T variants, an effect on phenotype could not be evaluated. Our data demonstrate that the common I399C>T and–118T9>10 polymorphisms do not explain interindividual variation in hepatic UGT1A9 activity and mRNA expression and are in complete LD in the donor liver samples we studied.
Millikelvin cooling of an optically trapped microsphere in vacuum

Microscale resonators cooled so that their vibrational motion approaches the quantum limit enable the study of quantum effects in macroscopic systems. An approach that could probe the interface between quantum mechanics and general relativity is now demonstrated by using lasers to suspend a glass microsphere in a vacuum. Cooling of micromechanical resonators towards the quantum mechanical ground state in their centre-of-mass motion has advanced rapidly in recent years1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8. This work is an important step towards the creation of ‘Schrodinger cats’, quantum superpositions of macroscopic observables, and the study of their destruction by decoherence. Here we report optical trapping of glass microspheres in vacuum with high oscillation frequencies, and cooling of the centre-of-mass motion from room temperature to a minimum temperature of about 1.5 mK. This new system eliminates the physical contact inherent to clamped cantilevers, and can allow ground-state cooling from room temperature9,10,11,12,13,14,15. More importantly, the optical trap can be switched off, allowing a microsphere to undergo free-fall in vacuum after cooling15. This is ideal for studying the gravitational state reduction16,17,18,19, a manifestation of the apparent conflict between general relativity and quantum mechanics16,20. A cooled optically trapped object in vacuum can also be used to search for non-Newtonian gravity forces at small scales21, measure the impact of a single air molecule14 and even produce Schrodinger cats of living organisms9.
Preference for different amounts of visual complexity

In this article are reported two studies carried out to test the hypothesis that subjects prefer a specific degree of visual complexity. Angular patterns of increasing complexity were presented to subjects. Results of these tests showed that the average curve of preference increased up to a moderate degree of complexity and then decreased.
Condition monitoring of stator windings in induction motors. I. Experimental investigation of the effective negative-sequence impedance detector

The former US Bureau of Mines funded a research project aimed at developing the enabling technology for incipient failure prediction in electric power system components as a means of reducing the injuries and fatalities that sometimes occur when equipment malfunctions. Over the ensuing years, interest in this has waxed and waned, but interest has been growing for both civilian and military applications. This paper addresses the level of turn-to-turn insulation deterioration that can be resolved using an online monitoring technique based upon an effective negative-sequence impedance detector. The detection of turn-to-turn defects is especially important because they are believed to represent the beginning stage of most motor winding failures.
Valence-bond/coherent-states approach to the charge equilibration model I. Valence-bond models for diatomic molecules.

A valence-bond (VB)/coherent-states (CS) approach to the charge equilibration (CE) model for diatomic molecules is presented in this work (VB part) and its sequel (CS part). By emphasizing theoretical aspects, this approach obtains the classical-electrostatics CE model from a quantum VB model in conjunction with the CS theory. For the VB part, a VB generalized CE (VB/GCE) model, which contains the CE model as a subcase, is derived from a two-electron, three-state VB model via the sequential application of seven approximations. Unlike its CE subcase, the VB/GCE model provides a satisfactory charge-transfer description at dissociation as illustrated with HF(g) and other molecules. Through the previous derivation, CE charges and CE Coulomb interactions are elucidated in terms of VB Mulliken charges and VB atomic interactions, respectively. Modifications in the above derivation can generate a family of related VB/GCE models that includes the aforesaid VB/GCE model. Despite their classical appearance, all of t...
Identification of 50 kDa snake venom proteins which specifically inhibit platelet adhesion to collagen

Of 32 snake venoms tested, the crude venoms of four (B. atrox, B. jararaca, A. halys blomhoffil and C. basiliscus) showed strong inhibitory activity in an assay of platelet adhesion to collagen. Active 50 kDa proteins were purified to homogeneity from each venom and found to be rich in cysteine on amino acid analysis. A monoclonal antibody raised against the purified B. atrox protein crossreacted strongly with the 50 kDa proteins from B. jararaca and A. halys blomhoffil and weakly with the protein from C. basiliscus, indicating that all four proteins possess a similar epitope. The proteins inhibited platelet aggregation induced by collagen but not by other agonists.
A New Datum for use in the Body Wave Travel Time Inverse Problem

Summary The traditional seismological data set, consisting of seismic ray data, is considered in this report. A new dependent parameter, T-pA, is introduced to enable one to deal effectively with multiplicities in the T(A) data. When the independent parameter is chosen to be the ray parameter, p, the new dependent parameter can be calculated from existing seismic ray data with errors that are second order in p. 1. Traditional data The traditional seismological data used in the body wave travel time inverse problem are values of p(A) where (see Fig. 1) A is the angular distance separating the source and receiver, and p (p = u-' Y sin i) is called the ray parameter. By Snell's law, p is constant along the ray. It can be shown that p = dT/dA (Bullen 1963, p. 110) where T is the travel time from a source to a receiver. Given a set of data consisting of observed values of T(A) or p(A) for several seismic phases generated at a number of sources and measured by a number of receivers, what can be inferred about the seismic velocity u(r) within the Earth? To solve an inverse problem, it is necessary first to solve the direct problem. In this case, this amounts to calculating the travel time, Ti, for any model given a source-receiver separation Ai. The numerical computations involved in the direct
Current Directions in Personality Science and the Potential for Advances through Computing

The past 20 years have seen dramatic advances in personality science, both in theory and methodology. Some of these advances reflect a natural but incremental conceptual evolution in a maturing science, but others can be attributed in part to the ever cheaper, more ubiquitous, powerful, and mobile computing. As a result, personality science in the 21st century is a fast-moving field poised to answer important questions across diverse areas, but it is also facing increasingly complex challenges related to assessing and summarizing the important features of human behavior. Computer science and engineering may hold the key to the next advances in personality science. In what is intended to serve as a complement to Vinciarelli and Mohammadi's Survey on Personality Computing , contemporary thinking and research in personality are summarized, the mounting importance of computing in personality research is highlighted, and an outline for future directions in personality computing is offered.
Synchronization of oral primordia in Stentor coeruleus.

By grafting and other micrurgical operations, cells and cell-systems bearing two oral regeneration primordia initially in different phases of development can be produced. There is a strong tendency for the two anlagen to synchronize their developments and complete the later stages of oral differentiation together. The minority of cases, which failed to synchronize the developing primordia, indicated the limits of this coordination and always revealed prominent interaction between the graft components. A simple substrate hypothesis will probably not explain the results. Conclusions are that the oral primordium, once initiated, does not develop autonomously at its own intrinsic rate, and that a cell or fusion of cells performing the same process (elaboration of feeding organelles) in two different places within the system, strongly tends not to do so out of phase but synchronously.
Stratigraphic controls on eformation patterns in fault-related folds: a detachment fold example from the Sierra Madre Oriental, northeast Mexico

Abstract Deformation patterns are described by the style, intensity and distribution of structures throughout a volume of rock. In fault-related folds, presently observed deformation patterns are controlled by structural factors like kinematic history, environmental factors like burial history and stratigraphic factors like layer thickness and competence. To demonstrate the role of stratigraphy in controlling fold-related deformation patterns, we document the stratigraphic variability of mesostructures at one structural position on a map-scale detachment fold. Unique assemblages of faults, fractures and cleavages in certain stratigraphic intervals define a mechanical stratigraphy comprised of several units, each exhibiting a characteristic deformation response to the folding process. The varying response of each mechanical unit suggests that folding mechanisms such as orthogonal flexure, flexural slip or flexural flow, were sequentially or coevally operative in each of the units. Using the simple, theoretical strain distributions associated with each folding mechanism and the fact that each mechanical unit accommodates fold-related strain by developing a characteristic set of mesostructures, we are able to predict general deformation patterns elsewhere in the fold. The significance of this approach is that it recognizes that even in a single structure, fold kinematics and deformation response may be dramatically different in various parts of a stratigraphic section. Because of this, the quality and character of reservoir rocks in anticlinal traps may change markedly over short stratigraphic distances. Predictions of fold-related deformation based solely on fold kinematics are unlikely to resolve these variations.
In Vitro Susceptibility of Common Clinical Anaerobic and Aerobic Isolates Against Josamycin

The in vitro susceptibility of 145 anaerobic clinical isolates and 96 gram-positive aerobic clinical isolates to josamycin, a new macrolide antibiotic, was studied using the agar dilution technique. Ninety-five of the aerobes were susceptible to 1.56 μg or less of josamycin per ml. The median minimal inhibitory concentration of these organisms was ≤0.39 μg/ml. The in vitro activity of josamycin against the anaerobes was compared with that of erythromycin, clindamycin, penicillin, and chloramphenicol. At concentrations ≤3.12 μg/ml, 100% of strains of Bacteroides species and Bacteroides fragilis were susceptible to josamycin. At low concentrations (≤0.39 μg/ml), clindamycin was more active than josamycin against the anaerobes. However, at concentrations ≤3.12 μg/ml, the activities of josamycin and clindamycin were similar except against the Fusobacterium species, which was quite resistant to josamycin.
A verbal behavior analysis of auditory hallucinations.

A review of recent research on the non-medical control of auditory hallucinations is presented. It is suggested that the decreases in hallucinatory behavior obtained in studies using aversive contingencies may be attributable to the disruption of the chains of behavior involved. The results of several additional studies are interpreted as indicating that methods of stimulus control and the use of incompatible behaviors may be effective in reducing the rate of auditory hallucinations. Research relating auditory hallucinations to subvocalizations is presented in support of the view that hallucinatory phenomena are sometimes related to the subject’s own vocal productions. Skinner’s views (1934, 1936, 1953, 1957, 1980) are then presented as possible explanations of some hallucinatory behavior. It is suggested that some auditory hallucinations consit of the mishearing of environmental and physiological stimuli as voices in a fashion similar to that which Skinner observed in his work with the verbal summator. The maintenance of long chains of such responses may be largely attributable to self-intraverbal influences (such as are present during automatic writing). With some auditory hallucinations, this progression involves first mishearing ambiguous stimuli as voices and then attributing the voices to some cause (e.g., insanity, the television, radio, or God). Later, the frequent and ongoing chains of such behavior may contaminate other verbal responses. Such verbal behavior may be parasitic on “normal verbal behavior” (and hence, not directly dependent on consquences for maintenance), may be cued by various stimuli (including respiration), and may interfere with other covert and overt behavior. Several studies to investigate this view are presented. It is hoped that such research will lead to a better understanding of the major issues involved in the etiology and treatment of auditory hallucinations in particular and perhaps of psychosis in general.
Maximizing band gaps in two-dimensional photonic crystals by using level set methods

The optimal design of photonic band gaps for two-dimensional square lattices is considered. We use the level set method to represent the interface between two materials with two different dielectric constants. The interface is moved by a generalized gradient ascent method. The biggest gap of GaAs in air that we found is 0.4418 for TM (transverse magnetic field) and 0.2104 for TE (transverse electric field).
Being left out: rejecting outsiders and communicating group boundaries in childhood and adolescent peer groups

Although communication scholars have examined adult group processes, they have paid little attention to the peer group experiences of children and adolescents. Successfully gaining entry to peer groups is significant, in that rejection in childhood affects self‐concept, social skills, and school successes. Guided by a bona fide groups perspective, this study collected over 600 adolescent accounts of group rejection. Narrative accounts revealed five strategies peer groups used to communicate rejection (Ignoring, Disqualifying, Insulting, Blaming, and Creating New Rules). Rejection was stressful for observers as well as rejectees, with females, Caucasians, and regularly‐excluded students reporting highest levels. Females and those frequently rejected reported the most stress when observing the rejection of others. Specific interventions are discussed for primary and middle‐school teachers to stimulate prosocial group inclusion.
Renal afferent arteriolar and tubuloglomerular feedback reactivity in mice with conditional deletions of adenosine 1 receptors

Adenosine 1 receptors (A1AR) have been shown in previous experiments to play a major role in the tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) constrictor response of afferent arterioles (AA) to increased loop o...
Hypertrophy of arteriolar smooth muscle cells in the rat small intestine during maturation

Abstract The purpose of this study was to define structural characteristics for vascular smooth muscle (VSM) cells from the submucosal arteriolar system of the rat small intestine during maturation. Arterioles from 6- to 8-week-old and 10- to 12-week-old male WKY animals were selected from tissue prepared for scanning electron microscopy and mounted on end so that the entire circumference of each vessel could be observed by serial photography using scanning electron microscopy. From each vessel segment, the following measurements were made: (1) outer vessel diameter, (2) number of VSM cells occupying a length of vessel, (3) the number of resolutions each VSM cell makes around the vessel, (4) length of individual VSM cells, and (5) width of lateral processes along their length. At a given age, the length and width of the VSM cell was statistically similar for all types of arterioles. However, the VSM cell increased substantially in length and width from the 6–8- to 10–12-week time periods. The outer diameter for a particular arteriolar type also increased with age. These data suggest that the intestinal vasculature as a common population of smooth muscle cells at a given age in terms of their length, size, and process morphology for the various types of arterioles. Furthermore, maturation of the microvessels is associated with a uniform hypertrophy of the VSM cells from the majority of arterioles such that cells of young adult rats and those of juvenile animals represent distinctly different populations.
Breast cancer and sexual function.

As the most common malignancy affecting women within the United States, breast cancer can bring about multiple physical and psychological challenges. Among the greatest challenges are those associated with female sexual function. Chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, surgeries and radiation can all have a large effect in altering a woman’s sexual health and function. Sexual concerns result in significant emotional distress, including sadness/depression, issues related to personal appearance, stigma, and negative impacts on personal relationships. In this article, we discuss some of the specific challenges that present with each type of treatment and the socio-physical impact they have on survivorship. Among the most detrimental to sexual function, are the use of chemotherapy and endocrine therapy. Additionally, anatomical changes that transpire in patients who have undergone surgery or radiation therapy (RT), disrupt perceptions of body image. Here we will discuss and also review the contemporary literature to determine effective management and treatment of sexual dysfunction.
Femoral volumetric bone density and dimensions in relation to 25-hydroxy vitamin D in older men

v Introduction 1 Methods 3 Results 7 Discussion 8 References 11 Figures and Tables 13 Appendix A 20 Appendix B 23 Appendix C 25 Appendix D 26
Transurethral Surgery Using Intravesical Bupivacaine and Intravenous Sedation

We report our experience using intravesical 0.5% bupivacaine as a topical anesthetic along with intravenous fentanyl and midazolam sedation to perform a variety of transurethral procedures in 78 patients. We achieved adequate pain control in all patients and observed no anesthetic complications. Use of this combination of intravesical topical anesthesia and intravenous sedation provided safe, adequate anesthesia to our patients undergoing various transurethral procedures in an outpatient clinic setting.
Soybean Response to Simulated Green Cloverworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Defoliation: Progress Toward Determining Comprehensive Economic Injury Levels

Soybean vegetative and yield responses to simulated Plathypena scabra (F.) defoliation were investigated in Iowa from 1980 to 1982. Defoliation levels, ranging from 0 to 180 larval equivalents per m of row, were imposed during full bloom to simulate defoliation by first-generation P. scabra . Defoliation produced linear reductions in leaf area, height, and lodging susceptibility. Compensation through lower leaf retention was transitory and limited. Despite >30% defoliation, vegetative and reproductive phenology was not disrupted. Simulated P. scabra defoliation produced significant yield losses, primarily through reduced pod numbers and secondarily through decreased seed weight. The economic injury level for first-generation larvae was established at 23 larval equivalents per m of soybean row. In addition, comprehensive economic injury levels, which reflect rainfall variation, were derived.
Sex Pheromones of Noctuid Moths. III. Inhibition of Male Responses to the Sex Pheromone in Trichoplusia ni (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Resting males of Trichoplusia ni (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) exposed to the female sex pheromone respond by vibrating their wings for a short time before flying toward the odorous air source. Maximal responsiveness to the pheromone, as measured by the number of males that vibrated their wings after exposure, occurred between midnight and dawn, at a light intensity of approximately 0.3 lumen/m2, and for males 3 or more days old that had not previously been exposed. Under less optimal conditions, male responsiveness was greatly inhibited.
The Byrd Edition—in print and on disc

M OST readers of this review-article will know The Byrd Edition as the ongoing, second scholarly edition of the composer's works, successor to The Collected Vocal Works of William Byrd published by the Revd E. H. Fellowes in 1937-9 and renamed The Collected Works of William Byrd after the Second World War, when he was able to expand his original plan to include Byrd's keyboard music. The edition is published in London by Stainer & Bell; Philip Brett is the general editor. I shall be commenting below on the following volumes:
Photoresponsive Coumarin Polyesters That Exhibit Cross-Linking and Chain Scission Properties

The synthesis and properties of a new class of photoresponsive coumarin polyesters are described. Incorporation of the coumarin chromophore in the polymer chain provides interesting properties such as polymer chain cross-linking upon irradiation at 350 nm and chain un-cross-linking when irradiated at 254 nm. In addition, irradiation at 254 nm also results in polymer chain scission. The cross-linking, un-cross-linking, and chain scission properties were studied by ssNMR, ATR-IR, and GPC measurements. These properties enable the fabrication of 2D surfaces having complementary micropatterned features. Also, initial biocompatibility profiles of the polymers and their irradiation products were demonstrated using MTT assays.
Safety and Efficacy of Minimally Invasive Acetabular Stabilization for Periacetabular Metastatic Disease with Thermal Ablation and Augmented Screw Fixation

Abstract Purpose To evaluate minimally invasive acetabular stabilization (MIAS) with thermal ablation and augmented screw fixation for impending or minimally displaced fractures of the acetabulum secondary to metastatic disease. Materials and Methods Between February 2011 and July 2014, 13 consecutive patients underwent thermal ablation, percutaneous screw fixation, and polymethyl methacrylate augmentation for impending or nondisplaced fractures of the acetabulum secondary to metastatic disease. Functional outcomes were evaluated before and after the procedure using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) scoring system. Complications, hospital length of stay, and eligibility for chemotherapy and radiation therapy were assessed. Results All procedures were technically successful with no major periprocedural complications. The mean total MSTS score improved from 23% ± 11 before MIAS to 51% ± 21 after MIAS ( P P P Conclusions MIAS is feasible, improves pain and mobility, and offers a minimally invasive alternative to open surgical reconstruction.
Response to dopamine in prematurity: a biomarker for brain injury?

To identify factors associated with responsiveness to dopamine therapy for hypotension and the relationship to brain injury in a cohort of preterm infants. The pharmacy database at St Louis Children’s Hospital was retrospectively queried to identify infants who (a) were born 10 mm Hg) was associated with a reduction in risk of IVH (OR 0.1, 95% CI 0.01–0.8). Low–moderate dose dopamine administration results in modest blood pressure improvements. A lack of response to dopamine is associated with a greater risk of IVH, whereas a strong response is associated with a decreased risk. Further research into underlying mechanisms and management strategies is needed.
Surveillance and analysis on outbreak data of mumps in Changzhou City during 2004-2011

OBJECTIVE To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and outbreaks data of mumps in Changzhou from 2004 to 2011,and provide scientific evidences for mumps prevention and control strategies.METHODS The descriptive epidemiological method was used to analyze the incidence and outbreaks of mumps reported by "Information system for disease control and prevention" in Changzhou from 2004 to 2011.RESULTS A total of 4 622 new mumps cases were reported.The average annual incidence of mumps was 14.67 / 105.Mumps incidence in 2004(28.51 / 105) and 2008(22.19 / 105) were higher than that in other years obviously.The mumps cases occurred all year round,and the peak seasons were winter and spring.The incidence of mumps was higher in males(18.48 / 105) than that in females(10.08 / 105).In addition,mumps mainly affected students(61.4%),children in kindergartens(18.37%) and scattered children(12.66%).There were 8 mumps outbreaks,all of which occurred at schools.CONCLUSION Further observations are needed to demonstrate whether the mumps control could profit from the current one dose of MMR immunization strategy.School-age children are the high risk groups.It is difficult to control outbreak of mumps because of low immunization rate.
Modified Plastic-Hinge Method for Circular RC Bridge Columns

AbstractThis paper discusses a research program aimed at defining accurate limit-state displacements that relate to specific levels of damage in reinforced concrete bridge columns subjected to seismic hazards. In design, concrete compressive and steel tensile strain limits are related to column deformations through the use of an equivalent curvature distribution. An experimental study was carried out to assess the performance of 30 circular well-confined bridge columns. Material strains, cross-section curvatures, and fixed-end rotations attributed to strain penetration of reinforcement into the adjoining member were quantified by using a three-dimesional (3D) position monitoring system. An equivalent curvature distribution was created that reflects the measured spread of plasticity and components of deformation. When compared with the current approach, the proposed modified plastic-hinge method improved the accuracy of both tensile and compressive strain-displacement predictions, while maintaining similar...
Automated stacker system design and development: Structural support, end-effector, and control subsystems

In this paper, the results of a research and development project sponsored by Nucor Steel Corporation, Marion, Ohio, is presented. This project is conducted at Michigan Technological University with the objective to design and develop an automated robotic system for precise stacking of highway signposts, while complying with the required stacking pattern as well as time constraints. The design and development is fulfilled for the three main subsystems including structural support, end-effector, and control subsystems. The completed stacker system is tested at Michigan Technological University and delivered to Nucor Steel plant to be installed at Press #2 of the production line in highway products division.
Studies on the metabolism of adipose tissue. XXI. An evaluation of the major pathways of pyruvate metabolism.

Rat epididymal fat pads were incubated in vitro at 37° in bicarbonate buffer, pH 7.4, with uniformly labeled pyruvate-14C. The net gas exchange, total CO2 production, O2 consumption, pyruvate utilization, lactate and glycerol production, and radioactive carbon incorporation into CO2, fatty acids, and glyceride glycerol were measured. The results were used to estimate the quantitative flow of pyruvate into its major pathways of metabolism in adipose tissue. An exchange reaction between the CO2 phase of the medium and pyruvate occurs, which results in 14CO2 production from pyruvate-14C over and above that produced as a result of oxidation of the pyruvate. The extent of this exchange reaction was measured by incubation of tissue with unlabeled pyruvate and NaH14CO3. Radioactivity appeared in the medium in a product, presumably pyruvate, which was precipitated quantitatively as the 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazone derivative. Radioactivity was also found in glyceride glycerol, but not in fatty acids. Radioactive fatty acid formation was also measured from mixtures of pyruvate-14C with unlabeled acetate or lactate, and from unlabeled pyruvate and acetate-1,2-14C or lactate-2,314C. The results permit a calculation to be made of the total reduced coenzymes produced and utilized during the metabolism of pyruvate. Up to 30% of the reduced coenzymes formed by the oxidation of pyruvate may be utilized in reduction reactions that are generally accepted to occur in the extramitochondrial space of the cell. If it is assumed that production of reduced coenzymes from pyruvate occurs entirely within the mitochondria, then there arises the question of the form in which reducing equivalents are transported across the mitochondrial membrane. This question is discussed in relation to enzymatic reactions known to occur in adipose tissue and to the increased oxygen consumption that accompanies the conversion of pyruvate to fatty acids.
Virtual collaboration, satisfaction, and trust between nurses in the tele-ICU and ICUs: Results of a multilevel analysis.

Abstract Purpose The purpose of the study was to examine how tele–intensive care unit (tele-ICU) nurse characteristics and organizational characteristics influence tele-ICU nurses' trust and satisfaction of monitored bedside ICU nurses, and whether these influences are mediated by communication. Materials and methods Data of tele-ICU characteristics and characteristics of the ICUs they monitored were collected at 5 tele-ICUs located throughout the country. One hundred ten tele-ICU nurses at those tele-ICUs completed a questionnaire containing items related to their characteristics and their trust, satisfaction, and perceived communication with monitored bedside nurses. We analyzed the data using a hierarchical path model, with communication variables entered as mediators. Results Many of the tele-ICU nurse characteristics (age, currently or previously worked at the monitored ICU, hours worked per week, and years as a ICU nurse) had statistically significant direct effects on perception of communication timeliness, accuracy, and openness, as well as trust and satisfaction with monitored bedside ICU nurses. Communication openness mediated the relationships of both working at a monitored ICU and being older (≥55) on satisfaction. Communication accuracy mediated the relationships of both a specialized monitored ICU and working at a monitored ICU on trust. Conclusions Tele-ICUs and monitored ICUs should work to optimize communication so that trust can be established among the nurses.
Quantitative Fluorescence Microscopy Measures Vascular Pore Size in Primary and Metastatic Brain Tumors

Tumors residing in the central nervous system (CNS) compromise the blood-brain barrier (BBB) via increased vascular permeability, with the magnitude of changes dependent on the tumor type and location. Current studies determine penetrability of a cancer therapeutic by administering progressively larger molecules until cutoff is observed where little to no tumor accumulation occurs. However, decades-old experimental work and mathematical modeling document methods to calculate both the size of the vascular opening (pore) with solute permeability values. In this study, we updated this classic mathematical modeling approach with quantitative fluorescence microscopy in two preclinical tumor models, allowing simultaneous administration of multiple sized tracers to determine vascular permeability at a resolution of nearly one micron. We observed that three molecules ranging from 100 Da to 70 kDa permeated into a preclinical glioblastoma model at rates proportional to their diffusion in water. This suggests the solutes freely diffused from blood to glioma across vascular pores without steric restriction, which calculates to a pore size of >140 nm in diameter. In contrast, the calculated pore size of a brain metastasis of breast cancer was approximately 10-fold smaller than glioma vasculature. This difference explains why antibodies are effective against glioblastoma but generally fail in brain metastases of breast cancer. On the basis of our observations, we hypothesize that trastuzumab most likely fails in the treatment of brain metastases of breast cancer because of poor CNS penetration, while the similar sized antibody bevacizumab is effective in the same tumor type not because it penetrates the CNS degree better, but because it scavenges VEGF in the vascular compartment, which reduces edema and permeation. Cancer Res; 77(2); 238-46. ©2016 AACR.
Cis-trans Isomerism and UV Spectra

The intense color of carotenoids is caused by the strong extinction in the region, 400–500 mμ, where the spectral curve shows a massive band. If the latter exhibits vibrational fine structure, in most instances three maxima or two maxima and a shoulder appear, whereby the middle peak has the highest intensity.
Chalcogenide nanoparticles precursor in thin-film photovoltaics — Processing limitations

The operating hypothesis for using nanoparticle precursors to generate thin-film chalcogenide photovoltaics absorbers in Gen 2 PV is that the final crystalline film resulted from thermal treatment would mirror the original nanoprecursors composition. In addition, melting point depression as a result of the nano-confinement would enable relatively low processing temperatures. With nanoparticles melting occurring at several hundred degrees lower than the melting point in bulk, the thermal treatment of NP precursors enables fabrication of uniform, crystalline thin-films on inexpensive substrates that only sustain moderate annealing temperatures (such as soda lime glass, SLG). A narrow particle size distribution contributes to film uniformity and enables film thickness control. Therefore, tremendous efforts have been reported toward rigorous control of nanoparticles size and composition. Our efforts, focused on two iron chalcogenides: Fe 2 SiS 4 and Fe 2 GeS 4 , demonstrate that processing often compromises the compositional control and final film purity, given that the reactivity associated with nano-confinement also leads to elemental loss during annealing. We report our findings related to thermal processing (annealing) and discuss current strategies to mitigate the elemental loss during annealing.
Sharing Sudan's Burden: Options for Post-Secession Debt Apportionment

Sudan faces an exceedingly high debt burden for an economy of its size. Standing at 80% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Sudan’s external debt was US$43.6 billion in 2014, of which 87% was arrears. As part of the secession agreement, Sudan would take over all of the pre-secession debt provided Sudan would enter the HIPC process by October 2016, with support from South Sudan. If this fails, negotiations to apportion the debt would ensue. This paper explores potential options for dividing Sudan‘s external debt at the date of South Sudan secession that take into account different metrics of post-secession debt apportionments around the world. Based on debt division metrics — such as beneficiary rule, population size, GDP, and land size — Sudan’s external debt obligations could range between 94 percent of external debt (US$37 billion) and 67 percent of external debt (US$27 billion). South Sudan’s debt obligations could range from 6 percent of external debt (US$3 billion) to 33 percent of external debt (US$13 billion). The debt division estimates based on the beneficiary rule are derived utilizing World Bank Group loans as a proxy for evaluating options available for apportioning Sudan’s debt burden as it is exceedingly difficult to trace every single loan distributed to Sudan.