cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Calculation of Viscous EHL Traction for Squalane Using Molecular Simulation and Rheometry

Recently, remarkable agreement was reported between nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulation and high-pressure Couette rheometry on squalane. We have utilized the viscosity-strain rate relationship obtained from this unique combination of experimental and simulation data along with high-pressure viscometer measurements to calculate the viscous traction curve in the elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) regime. A comparison with measured traction at 0.57 and 1.29 GPa shows excellent agreement, confirming the validity of the measurements and simulations. Thus, we present for the first time, a successful calculation of EHL traction from the liquid shear response obtained from both molecular dynamics and rheometry.
Experimental Investigation of the Impact of BMI on Ultrawideband MIMO Body-to-Body Networks

Body-to-Body (B2B) communication has been envisioned for next- generation communication systems as it affords the ability to share information between co-located users with low energy consumption and high spectral efficiency. It is also anticipated that the bodies of the users on which the communication devices are located will strongly influence the signal propagation. Therefore, it is important that any B2B propagation channel characterization consider the effect of the human body and in particular the size/shape of the body. In this paper, we provide a detailed description of a measurement campaign for wireless B2B propagation channels. Measurements are done in an anechoic chamber to clearly work out the impact of the body. We use a self-developed 4 × 4 Ultrawideband (UWB) Multiple-Input-Multiple- Output (MIMO) array channel sounding system operating in the 2-10 GHz frequency band. The impact of body mass index (BMI) on the B2B propagation channels is investigated. Using a total of 9 test subjects, we determine the BMI- dependence of channel paramaters such as path gain, shadowing gain and rms delay spread. We find that parameters obtained from measurements on test subjects with BMIs corresponding to large body sizes show considerable difference to those of subjects with typical BMI.
Inhibition of autotaxin alleviates inflammation and increases the expression of sodium-dependent glucose cotransporter 1 and Na+/H+ exchanger 3 in SAMP1/Fc mice

This study is the first, to our knowledge, to determine whether autotoxin (ATX) inhibition improves inflammation and body weights in SAMP1/Fc mice, a mouse model of ileitis. ATX inhibition increase...
Does pyloric drainage have a role in the era of minimally invasive esophagectomy

Pyloric drainage during minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) may be more technically challenging than with an open approach. Alternatives to classic surgical drainage have increased in popularity; however, data are lacking to demonstrate whether one technique is superior in MIE. The purpose of this study was to compare post-operative outcomes after MIE between different pyloric drainage methods. We performed a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of patients undergoing MIE at a single academic institution. Patients were divided into three groups for analysis: no drainage, intrapyloric Botulinum Toxin injection, and surgical drainage (pyloroplasty or pyloromyotomy). The primary outcome was any complication within 90 days of surgery; secondary outcomes included reported symptoms and need for pyloric dilation at 6 and 12 months post-operatively. Comparisons among groups were conducted using the Kruskal Wallis and Chi Square tests. There were 283 MIE performed between 2011 and 2017; of these, 126 (45%) had drainage (53 Botulinum injection and 73 surgical). No significant difference in the rate of post-operative complications, pneumonia, or anastomotic leak was observed between groups. At 6 and 12 months, patients that received Botulinum injection and surgical drainage had significantly more symptoms than no drainage (p < 0.0001) and higher need for pyloric dilation at 6 months (p = 0.007). Pyloric drainage was not significantly associated with lower post-operative complications or long-term symptoms. While Botulinum injection appears safe post-operatively, it was associated with increased morbidity long-term. Pyloric drainage in MIE may be unnecessary.
Teacher Recognition, Concern, and Referral of Children’s Internalizing and Externalizing Behavior Problems

Identifying youth with mental health concerns and connecting them to effective intervention is important because poor mental health is related to lower educational achievements, substance abuse, violence, compromised health, and reduced life satisfaction. This study examined the ability of teachers (n = 153) to accurately identify mental health concerns among elementary children using vignettes scenarios depicting children with severe and moderate externalizing or internalizing behavior problems. Teachers were asked to rate the seriousness of the problem, their concern for the child’s well-being, and whether they felt the student needed school-based or community mental health services. Findings indicated that teachers can accurately identify students with severe externalizing and internalizing problems. However, they were less accurate and less likely to think students with moderate or subclinical symptoms needed services. Additionally, teachers perceived externalizing problems to be more serious and more concerning, than internalizing problems. In most cases, teachers’ concern for the child’s well-being, but not their perceived seriousness of the problem, predicted endorsement of referral to school and/or community-based mental health professionals, even when controlling for the child’s gender. Implications for practice and future research areas are discussed.
Progesterone receptor membrane component 1 and 2 regulate granulosa cell mitosis and survival through a NFΚB-dependent mechanism†.

Progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1) interacts with PGRMC2, and disrupting this interaction in spontaneously immortalized granulosa cells (SIGCS) leads to an inappropriate entry into the cell cycle, mitotic arrest, and ultimately cell death. The present study revealed that PGRMC1 and PGRMC2 localize to the cytoplasm of murine granulosa cells of nonatretric follicles with their staining intensity being somewhat diminished in granulosa cells of atretic follicles. Compared to controls (Pgrmc1fl/fl), the rate at which granulosa cells entered the cell cycle increased in nonatretic and atretic follicles of mice in which Pgrmc1 was conditionally deleted (Pgrmc1d/d) from granulosa cells. This increased rate of entry into the cell cycle was associated with a ≥ 2-fold increase in follicular atresia and the nuclear localization of nuclear factor-kappa-B transcription factor P65; (NFΚB/p65, or RELA). GTPase activating protein binding protein 2 (G3BP2) binds NFΚB/p65 through an interaction with NFΚB inhibitor alpha (IκBα), thereby maintaining NFΚB/p65's cytoplasmic localization and restricting its transcriptional activity. Since PGRMC1 and PGRMC2 bind G3BP2, studies were designed to assess the functional relationship between PGRMC1, PGRMC2, and NFΚB/p65 in SIGCs. In these studies, disrupting the interaction between PGRMC1 and PGRMC2 increased the nuclear localization of NFΚB/p65, and depleting PGRMC1, PGRMC2, or G3BP2 increased NFΚB transcriptional activity and the progression into the cell cycle. Taken together, these studies suggest that PGRMC1 and 2 regulate granulosa cell cycle entry in follicles by precisely controlling the localization and thereby the transcriptional activity of NFΚB/p65.
Spatial and temporal variability of inherent and apparent optical properties in western Lake Erie: Implications for water quality remote sensing

Abstract Lake Erie has experienced dramatic changes in water quality over the past several decades requiring extensive monitoring to assess effectiveness of adaptive management strategies. Remote sensing offers a unique potential to provide synoptic monitoring at daily time scales complementing in-situ sampling activities occurring in Lake Erie. Bio-optical remote sensing algorithms require knowledge about the inherent optical properties (IOPs) of the water for parameterization to produce robust water quality products. This study reports new IOP and apparent optical property (AOP) datasets for western Lake Erie that encapsulate the May–October period for 2015 and 2016 at weekly sampling intervals. Previously reported IOP and AOP observations have been temporally limited and have not assessed statistical differences between IOPs over spatial and temporal gradients. The objective of this study is to assess trends in IOPs over variable spatial and temporal scales. Large spatio-temporal variability in IOPs was observed between 2015 and 2016 likely due to the difference in the extent and duration of mid-summer cyanobacteria blooms. Differences in the seasonal trends of the specific phytoplankton absorption coefficient between 2015 and 2016 suggest differing algal assemblages between the years. Other IOP variables, including chromophoric, dissolved organic matter (CDOM) and beam attenuation spectral slopes, suggest variability is influenced by river discharge and sediment re-suspension. The datasets presented in this study show how these IOPs and AOPs change over a season and between years, and are useful in advancing the applicability and robustness of remote sensing methods to retrieve water quality information in western Lake Erie.
Increased Violence Involvement and Other Behavioral and Mental Health Factors Among Youth With Firearm Access

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine multiple ways youth may access firearms among a sample of urban, mountain west youth, and explore whether youth reporting various types of violence involvement and other behavioral or mental health factors have differential access to firearms compared with youth who do not report these issues. Methods A cross-sectional community-based survey was conducted among adolescents aged 10–17 years and one of their parents. The main outcomes were youth firearm access and possession and associated violence and behavioral and mental health factors. Bivariate and binomial logistic regression, controlling for demographic factors, was used to determine associations and predictors. Results One thousand one hundred youth and 730 parents participated. Nearly half of youth were male; 58.2% were Hispanic, 24.7% non-Hispanic black, 10.5% multiracial, 3.9% other, and 2.5% white. About 20% were categorized as having potential access to firearms (i.e., youth knows how and/or where to access firearms); 1.9% possessed a firearm. Analyses revealed that being physically aggressive (odds ratio [OR] 2.7), risk for future violence perpetration (OR 2.6), using alcohol (OR 2.0), having internalizing symptoms (OR 1.9), peer problems (OR 1.9), and older age (OR 1.26) predicted youth's possible access to firearms. Marijuana use (OR 9.9), parental gun ownership (OR 6.5), and reported delinquency (OR 8.3) predicted youth's firearm possession. Conclusions Youth with potential firearm access demonstrate more violence risk and involvement, and other behavioral or mental health issues than youth without potential firearm access. Parental firearm ownership predicts youth firearm possession. It is important for both health-care providers and parents to recognize these potentially lethal associations to provide appropriate counseling.
Associations between prevalent multimorbidity combinations and prospective disability and self-rated health among older adults in Europe

Multimorbidity is associated with greater likelihood of disability, health-related quality of life, and mortality, greater than the risk attributable to individual diseases. The objective of this study is to examine the association between unique multimorbidity combinations and prospective disability and poor self-rated health (SRH) in older adults in Europe. We conducted a prospective analysis using data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe in 2013 and 2015. We used hierarchical models to compare respondents with multiple chronic conditions to healthy respondents and respondents reporting only one chronic condition and made within-group comparisons to examine the marginal contribution of specific chronic condition combinations. Less than 20% of the study population reported having zero chronic conditions, while 50% reported having at least two chronic conditions. We identified 380 unique disease combinations among people who reported having at least two chronic conditions. Over 35% of multimorbidity could be attributed to five specific multimorbidity combinations, and over 50% to ten specific combinations. Overall, multimorbidity combinations that included high depressive symptoms were associated with increased odds of reporting poor SRH, and increased rates of ADL-IADL disability. Multimorbidity groups that include high depressive symptoms may be more disabling than combinations that include only somatic conditions. These findings argue for a continued integration of both mental and somatic chronic conditions in the conceptualization of multimorbidity, with important implications for clinical practice and healthcare delivery.
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement for patients with severe bicuspid aortic stenosis.

Background Patients with bicuspid aortic valve stenosis (BAV) were excluded from all the trileaflet aortic valve stenosis (TAV) pivotal trials, and therefore, their outcomes are not clearly defined. The aim of the study was to evaluate the outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in patients with BAV and compared them with those of TAV. Methods We evaluated the outcomes following TAVR of patients with BAV at our institution between April 2011 and November 2016 and compared them with the outcomes of patients with TAV treated with TAVR. The χ2 and the Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare the groups, and a Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to estimate long-term survival. Results TAVR was performed in a total of 567 patients, from which 50 (8.8%) had BAV and 517 (91.2%) had TAV. Patients with BAV were younger and had higher prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lower prevalence of coronary artery disease, higher body mass index, and lower Society of Thoracic Surgeons score (STS PROM). Patients with BAV had a slightly higher mean aortic valve gradient postoperatively (median 12 mm Hg [10-15] vs 10 [7-13], P mild 4.0% vs 3.5%, P = .541). Clinical outcomes were not different between the groups, including stroke (2.0% vs 1.5, P = .567) and the 30-day all-cause mortality (6.0% vs 1.5, P = .064). The 2-year survival (82.0% vs 83.4, P = .476) was similar between the groups. Conclusions This initial experience suggests that TAVR can be safely performed in patients with BAV, achieving similar short-term procedural and clinical outcomes when compared with patients with TAV.
Medical Reversals in Family Practice: A Review.

ABSTRACT Background Primary care physicians are challenged by the need to stay abreast of current research on a wide variety of topics in an environment of time constraints, evolving literature, and misinformation on health topics that are sometimes promulgated to the public. Objective We sought to identify and discuss common clinical situations encountered in primary care for which medical reversals have occurred. Methods We recently identified almost 400 medical practices that were used in clinical care before they were tested in well-done randomized controlled trials and subsequently were found to be ineffective or harmful. Results We review several of these practices commonly used in family medicine, which include arthroscopy for osteoarthritis of the knee, opioids for common causes of pain, and aspirin and continuous positive airway pressure for the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Conclusions Although these practices were implemented because of sound biologic plausibility or encouraging observational data, well done randomized controlled trials have failed to show evidence of effectiveness. These examples raise caution in introducing new clinical interventions into widespread clinical practice without sufficient high-quality evidence demonstrating efficacy.
Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Domestic Policies, Executive Orders, and the Home Front During World War II

Transforming the US economy from producing consumer packaged goods (CPGs; e.g., food, beverages, cosmetics, and cleaning products), clothing, shoes, refrigerators, washing machines, etc., to manufacturing B-17 heavy bombers, tanks, warships, munitions, etc., was a gigantic undertaking. This chapter evaluates: the efforts of President Roosevelt, through a series of his Executive Orders, and his administration to create of a number of major agencies and commissions to remake the entire US economy; and to convince Americans on the home front to accept rationing, censorship, wage and rent and price controls, etc. This was, clearly, a daunting task never undertaken in the history of the United States on such a massive scale.
Sounding the Alarm on Sleep: A Negative Association Between Inadequate Sleep and Flourishing

Objective To assess the national prevalence of inadequate sleep among school-age children and its relationship with childhood flourishing. Study design This cross-sectional study analyzed 49 050 parental responses from the 2016-2017 National Survey of Children's Health for school-age children. Inadequate sleep duration was defined as Results Inadequate sleep was found in 36.4% of 6- to 12-year-olds and in 31.9% of 13- to 17-year-olds. Compared with children with adequate sleep, 6- to 12-year-olds with inadequate sleep had increased odds of not showing interest and curiosity in learning (aOR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.34-1.94), not caring about doing well in school (aOR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.23-1.71), not doing homework (aOR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.24-1.68), and not finishing tasks (aOR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.03-1.35). Children aged 13-17 years with inadequate sleep had increased odds of not doing homework (aOR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.17-1.58), not staying calm and in control when challenged (aOR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.16-1.54), not showing interest and curiosity in learning (aOR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.14-1.58), not finishing tasks (aOR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.03-1.40), and not demonstrating the combined flourishing measure (aOR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.17-1.56). Conclusions Nationally representative data show that one-third of school-age children have inadequate sleep. Inadequate sleep is associated with decreased flourishing. These data will help inform sleep policies and optimize child development.
Unraveling Endothelial Cell Phenotypic Regulation By Spatial Hemodynamic Flows With Microfluidics

Abstract Human endothelial cells (hECs) experience complex spatiotemporal hemodynamic flows and that directly regulate hEC function and susceptibility to cardiovascular disease. Recent medical imaging studies reveal that helical flows strongly correlate with lowered disease susceptibility, as contrasted to multidirectional disturbed flows. However, a lack of platforms to replicate these spatial profiles of flow (SPF) has prevented biological studies to investigate the role hECs play in tuning the observed SPF-correlated disease susceptibility. Here, we utilize microfluidic devices to apply varying SPF upon hECs for the first time, and discover that these flows can differentially impact hEC morphology, transcription, and polarization. Collectively, our platform and studies significantly advance our ability to delineate flow-regulated hEC function and disease susceptibility. Significance Statement In vivo, hECs experience complex hemodynamic flows, including those that are spatially helical or disturbed, which is in stark contrast to the unidirectional flows typically used to study hECs in vitro. Understanding the impact of SPF on hEC function informs our understanding of the pathophysiology of hEC dysfunction and can lead to interventional solutions that specifically perturb SPF to lower disease risk. Here, we leverage microfluidics to apply and discover the specific impact of SPF on hECs for the first time. Broadly, our platform bridges the mutual interests of the vascular biology and interventional cardiology communities to collectively understand how cardiovascular health is tied to the way blood flows upon the endothelium.
Deep Brain Electrode Externalization and Risk of Infection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND When evaluating deep brain stimulation (DBS) for newer indications, patients may benefit from trial stimulation prior to permanent implantation or for investigatory purposes. Although several case series have evaluated infectious complications among DBS patients who underwent trials with external hardware, outcomes have been inconsistent. OBJECTIVE To determine whether a period of lead externalization is associated with an increased risk of infection. METHODS We conducted a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses compliant systematic review of all studies that included rates of infection for patients who were externalized prior to DBS implantation. A meta-analysis of proportions was performed to estimate the pooled proportion of infection across studies, and a meta-analysis of relative risks was conducted on those studies that included a control group of nonexternalized patients. Heterogeneity across studies was assessed via I2 index. RESULTS Our search retrieved 23 articles, comprising 1354 patients who underwent lead externalization. The pooled proportion of infection was 6.9% (95% CI: 4.7%-9.5%), with a moderate to high level of heterogeneity between studies (I2 = 62.2%; 95% CI: 40.7-75.9; P < .0001). A total of 3 studies, comprising 212 externalized patients, included a control group. Rate of infection in externalized patients was 5.2% as compared to 6.0% in nonexternalized patients. However, meta-analysis was inadequately powered to determine whether there was indeed no difference in infection rate between the groups. CONCLUSION The rate of infection in patients with electrode externalization is comparable to that reported in the literature for DBS implantation without a trial period. Future studies are needed before this information can be confidently used in the clinical setting.
Implementation of a Hepatitis C Treatment Program Into a Primary Care Residency Clinic.

Background and objectives Hepatitis C (HCV) is a commonly diagnosed disease state in primary care. Regimen simplification has made eradication possible with improvements in treatment and improved access through primary care physician (PCP) education. Little has been published discussing the role of resident physicians in the treatment of HCV. We implemented an HCV treatment program to increase access to HCV care, identify effective training methods, and examine the efficacy of resident physician treatment. Objectives were to increase the number of patients treated, improve resident confidence in ability to treat HCV, and increase the likelihood that they will continue to treat patients after graduation. Methods A curriculum to train physicians to treat HCV was developed and implemented in a large family medicine residency program. This was a single-center implementation, with a retrospective chart review of patient data and anonymous survey of clinicians for curriculum assessment. We analyzed data using descriptive statistics. Results The resident physician survey had a 92.3% response rate (n=36). Precurriculum, 94.4% of residents were not confident in their ability to treat HCV. After program implementation, 25% of residents were confident in treating HCV. The most effective educational interventions involved the multidisciplinary team. To date, 30 patients have started treatment since 2017. Of the patients who completed treatment, 23 patients achieved a virologic cure. Conclusion Treating patients for HCV at a residency clinic increased physician confidence in evaluating and addressing this chronic disease and resulted in a cure of all patients treated.
One Window into the State of Insiders’ Arbitration Scholarship: A Review of Practicing Virtue: Inside International Arbitration

This book, dedicated to Charles Brower, a prominent internationl arbitrator, provides a window into the field of international commercial arbitration. It is a depiction and embodiment of the state of what can be called ‘insiders’ international arbitration. It purports to be about ‘practicing virtue,’ providing keys to the actual work of international arbitrators as depicted by an important segment of them. But the scholarship of arbitrators performs multiple functions, including self-promotion, criticism of competitors from outside, unification of the field, and bolstering the legitimacy of the field, among others. The book is therefore not only about the practice of virtue as this community sees it. It is also about ‘dealing in virtue’ – seeking to maintain the market for precisely what this group has to offer.
Effects of the ApoE ε4 allele on olfactory function in Down Syndrome

The present study investigated the effects of the apolipoprotein E (ApoE) epsilon4 allele, a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD), on olfactory function in Down syndrome (DS). Brain areas critical to olfactory processing, particularly the entorhinal cortex, show the earliest neuropathological changes in AD. Functionally, odor identification has been shown to be impaired in AD and in persons with the epsilon4 allele. DS is also a risk factor for AD. Thus, we hypothesized greater impairment in epsilon4 positive DS participants. Olfactory function was assessed with the San Diego Odor Identification Test in 34 participants with DS and 34 normal controls. Genomic DNA was prepared from blood samples to obtain ApoE status for the DS participants. Results indicate (1) that participants with DS had significant deficits in olfactory functioning; and (2) that among DS participants, those with an epsilon4 allele had poorer odor identification than those without an epsilon4 allele. The results support the hypothesis that individuals with DS who have an additional genetic risk factor for AD, the ApoE epsilon4 allele, exhibit greater deficits in odor identification. Areas of the brain involved in odor identification may be particularly affected in individuals with DS who carry the epsilon4 allele.
Are postoperative complications more common following colon and rectal surgery in patients with chronic kidney disease

Aim According to National Kidney Foundation guidelines, early stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) can be detected through the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). We assessed complications following colorectal surgery (CRS) in patients with CKD Stages 3 and 4, as defined by the eGFR. Method Patients with CKD were identified within our database. Patients with an eGFR of 15–59 ml/min (CKD Stages 3 and 4) formed the CKD group and were compared with American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) score-matched controls with an eGFR of ≥ 60 ml/min. Assessments included demographics, comorbidity, ASA score, operative details and 30-day postoperative outcome. Results Seventy patients in the CKD group were matched with 70 controls. ASA scores and length of stay did not differ significantly between the groups. CKD patients were older (mean age 76.5 years vs 71.1 years; P < 0.001) and had a lower mean body mass index (24.3 vs 28.2; P < 0.001) compared with controls. Compared with the CKD group, the mean operation time was longer in the control group (181.5 min vs 151.6 min; P = 0.02) and the estimated blood loss was greater (232 ml vs 165 ml; P = 0.004). Postoperative infection was more common in the CKD group (60%vs 40%; P = 0.01). There were no significant differences in reoperation rates, 30-day readmissions or the incidence of acute renal failure (ARF). Conclusion Patients with CKD Stages 3 and 4 had a higher incidence of postoperative infections than matched controls after colorectal surgery. ARF developed in 18.6% of patients. Preoperative optimization should include adequate hydration and assessment of potentially nephrotoxic substances for bowel preparation, preoperative antibiotics and pain control.
Economics of facial fracture reductions in the United States over 12 months

– Objective: The face is a complex architectural structure in the body and is a high-risk site for fractures. Hospitalization is necessary for adequate treatment. The objective of this study is to examine hospitalization outcomes associated with reduction in facial fractures in the United States. Methods: The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) of the health care cost and utilization project for 2008 was used. This database provides weighted estimates of all hospitalizations in the United States, which approximates 39.88 million admissions in the entire United States. Hospital discharges with primary procedure ICD-9-CM codes for reduction in facial fractures were selected. Outcomes examined included hospitalization charges, length of stay, and causes of injuries. All estimates obtained from the sample were projected to national levels. Results: Reduction in facial fractures was performed as primary procedure in 21 244 hospitalizations. The total hospitalization charges were about $1.06 billion, and total hospitalization days was 93 808. About 80% of all hospitalizations occurred among men. The frequently occurring external causes of injuries leading to hospitalization for reduction in facial fractures include assault (36.5% of all hospitalizations), motor vehicle traffic accidents (16%), falls (15%), and other transportation accidents (3.5%). The frequently performed procedures were open reduction in mandibular fractures (52.2%), open reduction in facial fractures including those of orbital rim or wall (14.7%), closed reduction in mandibular fractures (12.1%), and open reduction in malar and zygomatic fractures (11.8%). Conclusions: National hospitalization outcomes related to reduction in facial fractures indicate an extensive consumption of hospital resources. If hospital emergency room protocols and inpatient protocols relating to the most expensive fractures and longest hospital stays that we have identified can improve, this may lead to improved outcomes and a reduction in hospital charges for facial fractures.
Corporate Initiatives: A Second Human Rights Revolution?

This Essay examines the role of multinational corporations in protecting human rights around the globe. Part I analyzes the conduct of corporations, describes examples of corporations’ involvement in human rights violations, and discusses the merits of greater responsibility of corporations. Part II suggests that the level of responsibility for a multinational corporation depends on the proximity of the corporation’s operations to human rights violations, in combination with the seriousness of the violations, and proposes five gradations of responsibility. This Essay concludes that the evolving nature of the global economy is producing a shift in responsibilities from government to the private sector, particularly multinational corporations, and that those responsibilities may include the power and duty to safeguard human rights. CORPORATE INITIATIVES: A SECOND HUMAN RIGHTS REVOLUTION?
Transcriptional Regulation of Intracellular IL-1 Receptor Antagonist Gene by IL-1α in Primary Mouse Keratinocytes

The inflammatory cytokine IL-1α mediates inflammatory reactions in skin and up-regulates the expression of other proinflammatory genes. We previously found that IL-1α also increases steady state mRNA levels for intracellular IL-1 receptor antagonist (icIL-1Ra) in primary mouse keratinocytes; however, the mechanism for this was unknown. Here we show that increased expression in primary keratinocytes is due to increased rates of transcription. To study the transcriptional regulation of icIL-1Ra expression induced by IL-1α, we functionally characterized 4.5 kb of the 5′-flanking region of the human icIL-1Ra gene. Deletion analysis showed that regulatory elements were contained in the −598- and −288-bp region upstream of the transcription start site. Then we investigated cis- and trans -acting factors required for icIL-1Ra expression and found that a NF-IL-6 site and a NF-κB site in the icIL-1Ra promoter were responsible for IL-1α-induced icIL-1Ra expression. Moreover, gel shift assays and cotransfection experiments showed that CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteins α, β, and p65 bind to the NF-IL-6 site and NF-κB site, respectively, and functionally trans -activate the icIL-1Ra promoter. Finally, mutational analysis confirmed that these elements were both essential for maximal transcription induced by IL-1α.
Abstract T MP30: Cerebral Arteriogenesis and Angiogenesis: Distinct Angioarchitecture of Innate and EDAS Collaterals in Intracranial Arterial Steno-Occlusive Disease

Introduction: Patients with ICASD form various degrees of collateralization. However, those collaterals fail over time contributing to symptom progression. Indirect revascularization via encephaloduroarteriosynangiosis (EDAS) establishes collateral flow through new vessels formed from external carotid branches in both moyamoya disease (MMD) and non-moyamoya (NM) ICASD. We hypothesize that the EDAS neovascularization differs in terms of angioarchitecture when compared to spontaneously formed collaterals in ICASD. Methods: We analyze pre and post-operative digital subtraction angiograms (DSA) of patients enrolled in a prospective trial of EDAS surgery using ImageJ software (http://imagej.nih.gov/ij). Angioarchitectural differences between innate and post-EDAS collaterals were evaluated by comparing their branching angioscore (BA) and artery tortuosity index (ATI). Results: Images from 26 patients, ages 4 to 84 (mean: 37 SD+/-19.5) were evaluated. Patients included 13 MMD and 13 NM-ICASD. Postoperative mean ...
Use of the rep technique for allele replacement to construct new Escherichia coli hosts for maintenance of R6Kλ origin plasmids at different copy numbers

Escherichia coli hosts were constructed for maintenance of vectors containing the gamma replication origin of the R6K plasmid (oriRR6K gamma) at different copy numbers (15 or 250/cell). Such vectors require the trans-acting II protein (the pir gene product) for replication. New hosts carry pir+ or pir-116 on the chromosome within uidA, the E. coli gene encoding beta-glucuronidase. They were made using the rep technique for allele replacement and KmR M13 delta uid A::pir+ or M13 delta uidA::pir-116 phage. Because M13 cannot replicate in a rep mutant, KmR transductants arose by integration into the chromosomal uidA locus. Segregants lacking M13 sequences (which were selected as deoxycholate-resistant (DocR) ones) frequently contained delta uidA::pir+ or delta uidA::pir-116 on the chromosome. In principle, this procedure could be used for the introduction of any foreign gene into any nonessential gene on the E. coli chromosome. The delta uidA::pir+ and delta uidA::pir-116 loci were subsequently transferred to a variety of E. coli strains. One such strain is a suppressor-negative one that is especially useful for transposon (Tn) mutagenesis. This strain has an integrated RP4 derivative for conjugative transfer of oriRR6K gamma plasmids also containing oriT from RP4. In addition, new oriRR6K gamma, oriT+ vectors carrying the TcR-encoding genes tetAR from Tn10 are described. These can be used for allele replacement by conjugative transfer of an oriRR6K gamma, oriT+, tetAR plasmid containing a mutated gene into a non-pir recipient and by subsequent selection for Tc-sensitive exconjugants.
Fish-nursery use in Georgia salt-marsh estuaries: the influence of springtime freshwater conditions

Abstract The fish assemblage using shallow nursery habitats in the Ogeechee River-Ossabaw Sound salt-marsh estuary, Georgia, was investigated during the winter and spring of two successive years. High river discharges during these periods produced fully freshwater conditions (all tidal stages and amplitudes) in the upper portion of the study area for up to 4 months. Abundances of Atlantic croaker Micropogonias undulatus, southern flounder Paralichthys lethostigma, silver perch Bairdiella chrysoura, and hogchoker Trinectes maculatus recruits were highest in the upper estuary. Spots Leiostomus xanthurus were more evenly distributed, but continued to use upper-estuary nursery areas during periods of high river discharge. Although the recruitment of several species likely was inhibited during discharge peaks, only striped mullet Mugil cephalus avoided freshwater conditions. Spots, southern flounder, Atlantic menhaden, and silver perch utilized shallow nursery areas on a size-specific basis. Recruitment and ut...
Salmonid Fishes Differ in Their Cortisol and Glucose Responses to Handling and Transport Stress

Abstract Uniformly acclimated juvenile salmonid fishes subjected to 30-s handling or 2-h transport stressors showed differences in the magnitude of poststress plasma cortisol and glucose increases. Lake trout Salvelinus namaycush had the highest maximum plasma cortisol after handling (143 ng/mL), rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss had the lowest levels (43 ng/mL), and brown trout Salmo trutta and brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis had intermediate levels (111 and 89 ng/mL, respectively). Lake trout had the highest peak posttransport plasma cortisol (124 ng/mL) compared with brook trout (69 ng/mL) and rainbow trout (57 ng/mL). Peak posthandling plasma glucose levels were highest in brown trout (257 mg/dL) followed by brook, rainbow, and lake trout (177, 153, and 150 mg/dL, respectively). Rainbow trout, however, had the highest peak plasma glucose concentration (223 mg/dL) after transport, and lake trout the lowest (143 mg/dL). Species considered as most stressed based on plasma cortisol elevations were not n...
Biogeographic constraints for tectonic reconstructions of the Pacific region

Suspect terranes in western North America contain Permian and Triassic genera that were endemic to the Tethyan region. Trend-surface analysis of modern biogeographic data constitutes a new approach to understanding the origin of these exotic faunas. We use the generic diversity of living reef corals together with paleomagnetic results from Quaternary lavas to calculate the present locations of Easter Island, Hawaii, and Tahiti. The results demonstrate that the eastward decline in coral diversity may be used as a measure of longitude. Similar data from the fossil record should constrain paleogeographic reconstructions of the Pacific region.
Non relationship of climatologic factors and painful sickle cell anemia crisis.

Abstract Conflicting results have arisen from studies concerning the correlation (if any) between climatological changes and the frequency of painful episodes in the sickle cell population. During a 13 month period records of 71 patients with hemoglobin genotypes SS or SC were reviewed. Data analysis failed to reveal an association between the frequency of painful sickle cell crisis and a number of weather and environmental variables. We were unable to demonstrate relationships between the climatologic factors of temperature, humidity, carbon monoxide level and precipitation in the frequency of 362 pain crises in 71 sickle cell patients during a 13 month period.
Theiler's Murine Encephalomyelitis Virus as a Vaccine Candidate for Immunotherapy

The induction of sterilizing T-cell responses to tumors is a major goal in the development of T-cell vaccines for treating cancer. Although specific components of anti-viral CD8+ immunity are well characterized, we still lack the ability to mimic viral CD8+ T-cell responses in therapeutic settings for treating cancers. Infection with the picornavirus Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) induces a strong sterilizing CD8+ T-cell response. In the absence of sterilizing immunity, the virus causes a persistent infection. We capitalized on the ability of TMEV to induce strong cellular immunity even under conditions of immune deficiency by modifying the virus to evaluate its potential as a T-cell vaccine. The introduction of defined CD8+ T-cell epitopes into the leader sequence of the TMEV genome generates an attenuated vaccine strain that can efficiently drive CD8+ T-cell responses to the targeted antigen. This virus activates T-cells in a manner that is capable of inducing targeted tissue damage and glucose dysregulation in an adoptive T-cell transfer model of diabetes mellitus. As a therapeutic vaccine for the treatment of established melanoma, epitope-modified TMEV can induce strong cytotoxic T-cell responses and promote infiltration of the T-cells into established tumors, ultimately leading to a delay in tumor growth and improved survival of vaccinated animals. We propose that epitope-modified TMEV is an excellent candidate for further development as a human T-cell vaccine for use in immunotherapy.
Combinatorial codons: a computer program to approximate amino acid probabilities with biased nucleotide usage.

Using techniques from optimization theory, we have developed a computer program that approximates a desired probability distribution for amino acids by imposing a probability distribution on the four nucleotides in each of the three codon positions. These base probabilities allow for the generation of biased codons for use in mutational studies and in the design of biologically encoded libraries. The dependencies between codons in the genetic code often makes the exact generation of the desired probability distribution for amino acids impossible. Compromises are often necessary. The program, therefore, not only solves for the "optimal" approximation to the desired distribution (where the definition of "optimal" is influenced by several types of parameters entered by the user), but also solves for a number of "sub-optimal" solutions that are classified into families of similar solutions. A representative of each family is presented to the program user, who can then choose the type of approximation that is best for the intended application. The Combinatorial Codons program is available for use over the web from http://www.wi.mit.edu/kim/computing.html.
Enzyme inhibition and the toxic action of moniliformin and other vinylogous α-ketoacids

Abstract The inhibition of two thiamine-requiring enzymes by the potent mycotoxin, moniliformin (1-hydroxycyclobutene-3,4-dione), was investigated. Rat brain transketolase and pyruvate dehydrogenase were inhibited 25 percent by 10 −9 M moniliformin. Studies carried out to determine if moniliformin causes enzyme inhibition by reaction with thiamine were negative. Varying the hydroxycyclobutenedione structure by substitution or ring expansion resulted in loss of toxicity and inhibition.
The Rhode River Watershed: Phosphorus Distribution and Export in Forest and Agricultural Soils

To evaluate the effects of land use on P transport and transformation in the Atlantic coastal plain, we examined the distribution and fractionation of P in forested and agricultural soils of the Rhode River watershed and their export rates. Nearly 70% of P in forest soils was bound in organic forms. Fractionation studies reveal that cultivation and fertilizer P application increased total and inorganic P content and decreased organic P content of the soils. About half of the increase in the inorganic P content of the agricultural soils is due to the mineralization of organic P during cultivation and the rest is probably due to fertilizer P application(.)
Minimization of cost of recycling in chemical processes

Abstract This paper considers an important aspect of every chemical process. Most chemical processes have streams being recycled back to different process units. These streams have to meet certain process requirements such as flow rate and composition. Besides these material balance constraints, their relative costs have to be considered. There is a need to determine the global cheapest mixing and recycling scheme for a given process. A generic non-linear program formulation is given and a solution algorithm consisting of two different levels is proposed. The outer level consists of iterations among different variables while the inner level consists of solution of a linear program. In the case of lower number of sources and sinks, this paper introduces application of the simplex algorithm to derive frameworks wherein, the optimal flow rates of the different sources can be obtained as functions of relative costs and compositions. These frameworks make it possible to determine the cheapest recycling scheme for all available streams. Three cases with progressively increasing complexity are considered. These cases cover a large number of potential industrial applications. This methodology is equally applicable to liquid, solid and gaseous streams. It can handle streams coming from unit operations such as crystallization, condensation and adsorption. It requires basic information on flow rate and compositions of all the sources and sinks being considered and the unit costs of the various sources involved. It is easy to apply and is rigorous under the conditions listed for its use. Two different case studies are considered and the application of the proposed solution algorithm is demonstrated.
Description of two classes of proteinases from enamel extracellular matrix cleaving a recombinant amelogenin.

This paper is a short review of our recent studies on amelogenin proteolysis in vitro using a recombinant mouse amelogenin M179 as a substrate. The specific aims of this study were to identify, isolate and characterize the proteinases in the enamel extracellular matrix. We identified two classes of enamel proteinases; 1) the high molecular weight proteinase (60–68 kDa) cleaves the c-terminal segment of M179 and is a calcium dependent metalloproteinase with an optimum pH of 8. 2) The low molecular weight proteinase (-30 kDa) removes the TRAP (Tyrosine Rich Amelogenin Polypeptide) sequence and causes further degradation of M179. The latter was identified to be a serine proteinase with an optimal activity at pH 6. These data support the notion that enamel proteinases cleave amelogenin through specific and highly controlled mechanisms and that they may fulfill direct roles during enamel maturation.
Positive bilayer resists for 248- and 193-nm lithography

We have designed and developed new silicon containing methacrylate monomers that can be used in bilayer resist systems. New monomers were developed because the commercially available silicon monomers were found to be unsuitable for our applications. During the course of the investigation we determined that these monomers were acid labile. We have developed a high resolution DUV bilayer resist system based on these monomers. Although most of our work was concentrated on 248 nm lithography, we have demonstrated that this chemistry can be extended to 193 nm applications.
Deregulation and natural gas trade relationships: lessons from the Alberta-California experience

In 1978 the US government moved to deregulate the American natural gas industry. The market changes that resulted from this initial step took time to ripple their way out to regional and subnational gas trading relationships. This ripple effect required subnational governments (state and provincial regulators) to rethink their gas regulatory policies. This article examines the restructuring of the Alberta-California gas trade. It explores how changes in US policy forced California and Alberta regulators to recast their policies. It concludes with several lessons that can be drawn from this case about the complex challenge of restructuring international gas trading relationships.