cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rivaroxaban Use for Thrombosis Prophylaxis Is Associated With Early Periprosthetic Joint Infection

Abstract Background Periprosthetic joint infection is a disastrous complication after total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The use of certain agents to prevent deep vein thrombosis after arthroplasty has been linked to an increased risk of adverse effects including wound drainage and infection. Adverse effects of one alternative, rivaroxaban, was studied in a single community hospital. Methods International Classification of Diseases, Clinical Modification 9 codes were used to identify primary THAs and TKAs in an administrative database at one large-volume community hospital performed in 2012. Patients were divided into 2 groups: the study group received rivaroxaban, whereas the control group received another form of chemical thromboprophylaxis for at least 2 weeks postoperative. Demographics, risk factors, and illness severity scores were collected for each group. The primary measured outcome was the incidence of deep surgical site infection (SSI) within 30 days postoperative. Results A total of 639 TKA or THA patients were included, with 159 patients who received rivaroxaban and 480 who received another form of chemical thromboprophylaxis. There were no significant differences between groups regarding demographics, risk factors, or illness severity scores. Incidence of early deep SSI in the rivaroxaban group was higher than in the control group (2.5% vs 0.2%; P Conclusion The use of rivaroxaban for thromboprophylaxis led to a significantly increased incidence of deep SSI in a continuous series of patients undergoing primary THA and TKA in a single institution.
Transport of macromolecules in malnourished animals

Abstract It has been demonstrated that increased quantities of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and/or its large molecular weight breakdown products are present in the serum of malnourished rats after its instillation into the duodenum. However, it has not been established whether this increased circulating BSA is related to enhanced intestinal permeability due to changes in the mucosal barrier or to other factors associated with malnutrition such as impaired intravenous clearance of the protein after it has crossed the mucosal barrier. To determine if altered clearance of intravascular antigens occurred. 125 I-BSA was injected intravenously into 4 malnourished and 4 control rats and total serum radioactivity measured both before and after precipitation with TCA at intervals for 4 hours. Uptake and degradation of 125 I-BSA by the liver were also measured. Both total and TCA precipitable serum radioactivity did not differ significantly between study groups at any of the times tested. Furthermore, the rate of BSA uptake by the liver was nearly identical for both groups although the malnourished degraded it to a slightly lesser extent than the controls. These findings appear to eliminate the possibility that delayed intravascular clearance accounts for increased serum levels of antigen in malnourished animals and supports the hypothesis of increased intestinal permeability to macromolecules in malnutrition.
Stressing Lipid Membranes: Effects of Polymers on Membrane Structural Integrity

Disruption of cell membranes triggers rapid metabolic energy exhaustion, then acute cellular necrosis. Cell membrane dysfunction due to loss of structure integrity is the pathology of tissue death in trauma, muscular dystrophies, reperfusion injuries and common diseases. It is now established that certain PEG-based biocompatible polymers, such as Poloxamer 188, Poloxamine 1107 and PEG, are effective in sealing of injured cell membranes, and thus can prevent acute necrosis if delivered within a few hours after injury. Despite these broad applications of PEG-based polymers for human health, the fundamental mechanisms of how PEG-based polymers interact with cell membranes are still under debate. Here, the effects of PEG-based biocompatible polymers on phospholipid membrane integrity under external stimuli (osmotic stress and oxidative stress) were explored using giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) as model cell membranes. Through fluorescence leakage assays and time-lapse fluorescence microscopy, we directly observed that the surface-adsorbed P188 can efficiently inhibits the loss of structural integrity of giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) under hypo-osmotic stress. We propose that the adsorption of polymers on the membrane surface is responsible for the cell membrane resealing process, while the insertion of the hydrophobic portion of the polymers increases membrane permeability. To elucidate the mechanism by which hydrophilic polymers help restore membrane integrity while their hydrophobic counterparts disrupt it, 1H Overhauser Dynamic Nuclear Polarization (ODNP)-NMR spectroscopy, a newly developed NMR technique that provides unprecedented resolution for differentiating weak surface adsorption versus translocation of polymers to membranes, was employed to sensitively detect polymer-lipid membrane interactions through the modulation of local hydration dynamics in lipid membranes. Our study shows that P188—the most hydrophilic poloxamer known as a membrane sealant—weakly adsorbs onto the membrane surface, yet effectively retards membrane hydration dynamics. Contrarily, P181—the most hydrophobic poloxamer known as a membrane permeabilizer—initially penetrates past lipid headgroups and enhances intrabilayer water diffusivity. Consequently, our results illustrate that the relative hydrophilic/hydrophobic ratio of the polymer dictates its functions. These findings gleaned from local hydration dynamics are well supported by our thermodynamics and fluorescence data.
Sexual Fantasies, Attitudes and Behavior as a Function of Race, Gender and Religiosity:

Race, gender, socioeconomic status (SES), and religiosity factors were examined as influence of sexual fantasies and their behavioral expression. Four groups of fifty undergraduate college students...
Monitoring and analysis of finished water quality of rural water plants in Zhejiang province in 2013

Objective To investigate the quality,health status and changes of finished water from rural drinking water purifying plants of Zhejiang province,so as to prevent the intestinal infectious diseases and poisoning,ensuring drinking water safety in rural areas. Methods Forty representative counties( cities) were randomly selected to investigate the basic information of drinking water purification plants by questionnaire. Finished water samples were collected from water plants with different purification processing modes and different water sources in wet season and dry season. Then 40 routine indicators of water quality were detected in these finished water samples,and the results were evaluated according to " Hygienic standard for drinking water"(GB5749-2006). Results The rural water plants with fully-processed technology accounted for 45. 51% in Zhejiang province,and those with surface water as the main water source accounted for 80. 24%. The total pass rates of finished water in dry season and wet season were 96. 71% and 95. 71%,respectively. The pass rate of fully-processed water was obviously higher than that of partly-processed water. Effective disinfection could significantly improve the pass rate of microbiological indicators in water. Conclusion The pass rate of the finished water from rural water plants is relatively low,which is mainly related to microbiological pollution induced by low disinfection rate and irregular disinfection. It is suggested to improve disinfection rate and standardize the disinfection process,thus improving the water quality and preventing the waterborne diseases.
Helicobacter pylori infection. When and in whom is treatment important

Preview Since the discovery of Helicobacter pylori 10 years ago, its role in peptic ulcer disease has been recognized. Now the questions are, What is the best way to eradicate the organism, and which patients should receive treatment? Dr Anderson explores the issues concerning H pylori infection in patients with recurrent ulcers and describes the most reliable treatment regimens available.
The Affordable Care Act and electronic health care records: can technology help reduce the cost of health care?

In the previous issue, we reviewed the ways in which the Affordable Care Act (ACA) promotes the continued development of electronic health records (EHRs) to improve the quality of health care. In this companion article, we’ll focus on the cost-saving arguments behind the development of a digital health care system by contrasting the utopian vision of the mid1990s with its real-world implementation. The entire concept of health care reform embodied in the ACA is dependent upon the generation, collection and sharing of information made possible by the advancement of health care information technology (HIT). Widespread adoption of digital information throughout the system is pivotal for the success of many of the ACA’s goals, including: comparative effectiveness research to yield cost-efficient, effective treatment protocols; reducing waste in the system; curbing hospital readmissions; and encouraging the development of Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs).1 Many directives contained in the ACA implement HIT to promote cost savings, as first envisioned when the possibilities of computerized records and transactions were identified in the early 1990s. However, as HIT has been implemented over the past two decades expectations have often been thwarted by other forces, suggesting that any future results in the reduction in health care costs will not be automatic or easy.
Hospital and health planning

We presently have a private-practice medical care system which has developed good care for much of our population and which at the same time gives great freedom to professionals. Today it is challenged, as never before, to organize to meet the problems of the system. Government has demonstrated readiness, not only to finance the planning agencies, hut the programs needed to supplement this system.
Modifying Graphics Images

ABSTRACT This paper reports on the development of a text understanding program for a minicomputer with 8K memory to facilitate modifying graphics images. Two versions of an interactive language are described. An early system used a non-linguistic method for picture variation. Later emphasis was placed on conversational linguistic structure. The early language used regular decomposition to approximately locate standard display templates. The later language allowed conversational dialogues between the user and image modification routines. We present an implementation of it that retains context during a dialogue and enables relational adjustments of facial features. Imprecise feature judgements issued by the user are used to modify images. Ambiguities encountered by the program are resolved by interrogating short term memory buffers and hash table data. Language and hardware features are combined by data structures that interface display processor instructions and requests generated by the interpreted text. Updating these structures is discussed in terms of relationships between structure elements.
Gay and Lesbian Pride Day

Gay and Lesbian Pride Day is an official event around which lesbians, gays, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people organize and celebrate their identities and relationships in a public space that might normally be hostile. Usually typified by a parade, street party, community information booths, and rainbow flags, “Pride” has become an international phenomenon, spreading from gay-friendly European and American cities to numerous locations across the world. The globalization of Pride and LGBT identity has, however, resulted in critiques from both anti-gay and radical queer positions. Keywords: globalization; homosexuality; intersectionality; LGBTQ; movements
SIN3A and SIN3B differentially regulate breast cancer metastasis.

// Monica J. Lewis 1 , Jianzhong Liu 1 , Emily Falk Libby 1 , Minnkyong Lee 2 , Nigel P.S. Crawford 2 , Douglas R. Hurst 1 1 Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA 2 Genetics and Molecular Biology Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA Correspondence to: Douglas R. Hurst, email: dhurst@uab.edu Keywords: SIN3A, SIN3B, breast cancer, invasion, metastasis Received: April 04, 2016 Accepted: October 16, 2016 Published: October 21, 2016 ABSTRACT SIN3 corepressor complexes play important roles in both normal development and breast cancer. Mammalian cells have two paralogs of SIN3 (SIN3A and SIN3B) that are encoded by distinct genes and have unique functions in many developmental processes. However, specific roles for SIN3A and SIN3B in breast cancer progression have not been characterized. We generated stable knockdown cells of SIN3 paralogs individually and in combination using three non-overlapping shRNA. Stable knockdown of SIN3B caused a significant decrease in transwell invasion through Matrigel and decreased the number of invasive colonies when grown in a 3D extracellular matrix. Conversely, stable knockdown of SIN3A significantly increased transwell invasion and increased the number of invasive colonies. These results were corroborated in vivo in which SIN3B knockdown significantly decreased and SIN3A knockdown increased experimental lung metastases. RNA sequencing was used to identify unique targets and biological pathways that were altered upon knockdown of SIN3A compared to SIN3B. Additionally, we analyzed microarray data sets to identify correlations of SIN3A and SIN3B expression with survival in patients with breast cancer. These data sets indicated that high mRNA expression of SIN3A as well as low mRNA expression of SIN3B correlates with longer relapse free survival specifically in patients with triple negative breast cancer which corresponds with our in vitro and in vivo data. These results demonstrate key functional differences between SIN3 paralogs in regulating the process of breast cancer metastasis and suggest metastasis suppressive roles of SIN3A and metastasis promoting roles of SIN3B.
Chronic Alcoholism, Malnutrition, and Folate Deficiency

The association between chronic alcoholism and malnutrition, long a matter of controversy, depends upon the population under study. Thus, surveys of alcoholic patients admitted to US Veterans Administration hospitals indicated a high prevalence of protein-calorie malnutrition, associated with consumption of protein-deficient diets and/or with alcoholic liver disease (Patek et al, 1975; Mendenhall et al., 1984; Mezey et al., 1988). On the other hand, studies of economically self-sufficient chronic alcoholics suggested a low incidence of malnutrition (Neville et al., 1968; Hurt et al., 1979; Morgan and Levine, 1988), often associated with deficiency of a single nutrient (Camilo et al., 1981). Studies of derelict alcoholics admitted to municipal hospitals in the USA demonstrated a high prevalence of vitamin deficiencies, in particular those of folate, thiamin, and pyridoxine (Leevy et al., 1970), and hepatic levels of these vitamins appeared to decrease in proportion to severity of alcoholic liver disease (Baker et al., 1964). More recent studies indicate that vitamin A deficiency is predictable in alcoholic liver disease, as reflected by serum and hepatic levels that decrease according to severity of the histopathology (Leo and Lieber, 1982).
Quality assurance tool for organ at risk delineation in radiation therapy using a parametric statistical approach.

Purpose To develop a quality assurance (QA) tool that identifies inaccurate organ at risk (OAR) delineations. Methods The QA tool computed volumetric features from prior OAR delineation data from 73 thoracic patients to construct a reference database. All volumetric features of the OAR delineation are computed in three-dimensional space. Volumetric features of a new OAR are compared with respect to those in the reference database to discern delineation outliers. A multicriteria outlier detection system warns users of specific delineation outliers based on combinations of deviant features. Fifteen independent experimental sets including automatic, propagated, and clinically approved manual delineation sets were used for verification. The verification OARs included manipulations to mimic common errors. Three experts reviewed the experimental sets to identify and classify errors, first without; and then 1 week after with the QA tool. Results In the cohort of manual delineations with manual manipulations, the QA tool detected 94% of the mimicked errors. Overall, it detected 37% of the minor and 85% of the major errors. The QA tool improved reviewer error detection sensitivity from 61% to 68% for minor errors (P = 0.17), and from 78% to 87% for major errors (P = 0.02). Conclusions The QA tool assists users to detect potential delineation errors. QA tool integration into clinical procedures may reduce the frequency of inaccurate OAR delineation, and potentially improve safety and quality of radiation treatment planning.
A Distinctly Rhetorical Space; Eusynoptos and the Greek Council-House

The original research of Johnstone and Graff on the bouleuteria of ancient Greece and their physical and acoustic features will, I predict, have a significant impact on future work in the history o...
A Green's function parabolic equation description of infrasound propagation in an inhomogeneous and moving atmosphere

Accurate atmospheric infrasound propagation models must account for variations in local sound speed and ambient flow. This paper describes and demonstrates a method to extend the Green’s function parabolic equation (GFPE) to account for 3D high Mach number ambient flow in addition to an inhomogeneous atmosphere. Predictions of infrasonic propagation using the resulting GFPE model are then compared with predictions using other models.
Fundamentals of Stable Isotope Chemistry and Measurement

Understanding the power of stable isotopes in research requires general knowledge of the fundamental principles of stable isotope chemistry as well as, more specifically, how the ratios of biologically relevant lighter stable isotopes of H, C, N, O, and S in the biosphere are measured using modern isotope ratio mass spectrometers (IRMS). Here, we provide a primer to these topics. The chapter serves as a springboard to the following chapters in this book. We make no attempt to be comprehensive. For more detailed reading on stable isotope chemistry or geochemistry we encourage readers to see treatments by Criss (1999), Hoefs (1997), Faure (1986) or Gat and Gonfiantini (1981). For in-depth discussions on particular topics we refer you to recent works by Kendall and McDonnell (1998; hydrology), Griffiths (1998; biology, ecology, atmospheric science, biogeochemistry), Clark and Fritz (1997; hydrogeology), Boutton and Yamasaki (1996; soils), Lajtha and Michener (1994; environmental sciences), Ehleringer et al. (1993; plant ecophysiology) and Rundel et al. (1989; ecology).
International Human Rights and National Discretion

This paper argues that the EuropeanCourt of Human Rights couldserve as a model for an international court ofhuman rights to be builtupon the United Nations Committee on HumanRights. It argues that theconcerns states might have over the surrenderof a significant portion oftheir national sovereignity might be lessenedif such an internationalcourt were to incorporate the margin ofappreciation doctrine employed bythe European Court of Human Rights. Thisdoctrine is intended to respectthe customs and traditions of sovereign statesin dealing with humanrights issues, while maintaining that somerights such as the right not tobe tortured will be considered as basic andwill stand independently ofthe customs and traditions of sovereignstates.
Regulation of advanced nursing practice: Part One--Second licensure.

Purpose To present an overview of the issues relating to second licensure and advanced nursing practice in oncology and to summarize recommendations regarding second licensure from the State-of-the-Knowledge Conference on Advanced Practice in Oncology Nursing. Data sources Published journal articles, a position paper and survey prepared by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, and papers presented at the conference. Data synthesis The use of second licensure to regulate advanced nursing practice is controversial and has advantages and disadvantages. Conclusions The Oncology Nursing Society should not adopt a position on second licensure until more is known about its advantages and disadvantages. Implications for nursing practice Advanced practice nurses must understand how licensure laws affect their scope of practice, their prescriptive authority, reimbursement, and other practice issues.
Solar Cycle Variability of Nonmigrating Tides in the 5.3 and 15 μm Infrared Cooling of the Thermosphere (100–150 km) from SABER

This paper discusses the solar cycle variation of the DE3 and DE2 nonmigrating tides in the nitric oxide (NO) 5.3 μm and carbon dioxide (CO2) 15 μm infrared cooling between 100 and 150 km altitude and ±40° latitude. Tidal diagnostics of SABER NO and CO2 cooling rate data (2002–2013) indicate DE3 (DE2) amplitudes during solar maximum are on the order of 1 (0.5) nW/m3 in NO near 125 km, and on the order of 60 (30) nW/m3 in CO2 at 100 km, which translates into roughly 15–30% relative to the monthly zonal mean. The NO cooling shows a pronounced (factor of 10) solar cycle dependence (lower during solar minimum) while the CO2 cooling does not vary much from solar min to solar max. Photochemical modeling reproduces the observed solar cycle variability and allows one to delineate the physical reasons for the observed solar flux dependence of the tides in the infrared cooling, particularly in terms of warmer/colder background temperature versus smaller/larger tidal temperatures during solar max/min, in addition to cooling rate variations due to vertical tidal advection and tidal density variations. Our results suggest that (i) tides caused by tropospheric weather impose a substantial—and in the NO 5.3 μm case solar cycle dependent—modulation of the infrared cooling, mainly due to tidal temperature, and (ii) observed tides in the infrared cooling are a suitable proxy for tidal activity including its solar cycle dependence in a part of Earth's atmosphere where direct global temperature observations are lacking.
Comparing Direct Challenge to Penicillin Skin Testing for the Outpatient Evaluation of Penicillin Allergy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background Direct challenge (DC) may be a safe and effective alternative to penicillin skin testing (PST) in low-risk patients. Objective To complete a prospective, randomized, controlled trial comparing PST followed by a challenge to amoxicillin versus a 2-step DC to amoxicillin without preceding skin testing in a predefined low-risk patient population. Methods Penicillin allergy histories were reviewed in patients presenting to an outpatient allergy/immunology practice from April 2018 to August 2018. Patients 5 years or older with a cutaneous-only or unknown reaction (>1 year ago for those aged 5-17 years, >10 years ago for those 18 years or older) were randomized 1:1 to PST or 2-step DC. All children younger than 5 years underwent DC, and patients with extracutaneous reaction histories underwent PST. All groups were monitored 30 minutes after administration of amoxicillin. Results Penicillin allergy was reported in 363 of 2465 (14.7%) patients, of which 185 consented to further evaluation. Thirteen patients younger than 5 years underwent DC; all were negative. Thirteen patients with angioedema and/or extracutaneous symptoms underwent PST; 2 of 13 patients had positive PST result. A total of 159 patients were randomized to DC (49.7%) or PST (50.3%). PST result was negative in 70 of 80 (87.5%) patients. All 70 patients had a negative amoxicillin challenge. DC was negative in 76 of 79 (96.2%) patients; positive DC reactions were minor. Average time for patients undergoing PST was 72.7 ± 5.3 minutes and for patients undergoing DC was 66.7 ± 4.8 minutes. Conclusions In low-risk patients, DC provided a safe and effective alternative to PST in delabeling penicillin allergy. Compared with PST, DC may also take less time, cost less money, and lead to fewer penicillin allergy evaluations with false-positive results.
Positive Behavior Support: A Paternalistic Utopian Delusion

The credo of liberal science imposes upon us two moral obligations: to allow everybody to err and criticize, even obnoxiously, and to submit everybody’s beliefs-including our own-to public checking before claiming that they deserve to be accepted as knowledge. Today, activists and moralists are assailing both halves of the creed. They are assailing the right to err and criticize, when the error seems outrageous or the criticism seems hurtful; they are assailing the requirements for public checking, when the result is to reject someone’s belief. They have a right to pursue their attack (nonviolently), but they, and we, should understand that they are enemies of science itself, and even ultimately, of freedom of thought. And those of us who hold sacred the right to err and the duty to check need to understand that our defense of liberal science must preach not only toleration but discipline: the hard self-discipline which requires us to live with offense.
Are We Cutting Ourselves Short? Laser Lithotripsy Performance Based on Differences in Fiber-tip Preparation.

Abstract Objective To better understand the impact of laser fiber-tip configuration on lithotripsy performance, we undertook an in vitro study comparing 3 fiber-tip configurations: (1) new (single-use), (2) cleaved (reusable), and (3) coated (cut with scissors). Methods Lithotripsy was performed using a Ho:YAG laser utilizing fragmentation (1 J × 10 Hz) and dusting (0.5 J × 20 Hz) settings. BegoStones were fragmented with a laser fiber advancing at a speed of 1 mm/s (220 seconds of activation). Three fiber-tip configurations were tested: new single-use standard (242 μm core) and cleaved (272 μm core), compared to the same fiber-tip coated/cut flush with scissors, respectively. Study outcome was difference in stone mass before and after each experiment. Power output was measured using a power meter. Results Fragmentation for new or cleaved fibers was greater than the coated/cut flush fiber-tip (P Conclusion New and cleaved laser fibers demonstrated superior lithotripsy performance compared to fibers that were coated/cut flush with scissors. Cutting single-use laser fibers risks damaging the fiber-tip which can disperse the energy and reduce lithotripsy efficiency.
Dyspareunia Related to GSM: Association of Total Vaginal Thickness via Transabdominal Ultrasound.

Abstract Introduction It has previously been suggested in the literature that ultrasound measurement of total vaginal wall thickness (TVT) differs significantly between pre- and postmenopausal women, indicating that it may be a useful and noninvasive objective assessment to correlate the degree of vaginal atrophy to patient-reported symptoms. Aim The purpose of this cross-sectional pilot study was to determine whether TVT in postmenopausal women, as measured with transabdominal ultrasound, is associated with patient-reported dyspareunia and symptoms related to genitourinary symptomatology. Methods Postmenopausal women presenting for pelvic ultrasound had TVT and total mucosal thickness (TMT) measured via transabdominal ultrasound. A questionnaire also was administered assessing menopausal status, relevant medical history, and self-report of dyspareunia and other symptoms related to the genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). This questionnaire was derived from the Vulvovaginal Symptom Questionnaire, which has been validated in the literature. Main Outcome Measure The main outcome measures included the average TVT and TMT for postmenopausal women reporting any symptom of GSM and average TVT and TMT of women reporting no symptoms of GSM. Results Data from 44 postmenopausal women showed no significant association between transabdominal ultrasound-measured TVT or TMT and patient report of dyspareunia or other genitourinary symptoms. Data were stratified by individual GSM symptoms, sexual symptoms as an aggregate, and individual sexual symptoms. Neither of these subgroups showed a statistically significant difference in TVT or TMT between symptomatic and asymptomatic women. Clinical Implications Although no statistically significant data were derived from this study, we propose that future studies investigating the longitudinal relationship between TVT and GSM symptomatology may show an association between total vaginal thickness measurement change over time as determined by ultrasound with the presence of patient-reported dyspareunia and other GSM symptoms. Strengths & Limitations This study is limited by its small sample size as well as the patient population, which was restricted to postmenopausal women with a clinical indication for ultrasound. A major strength of this investigation is that it is the first study to look at the relationship between sexual pain and other GSM symptoms and TVT using transabdominal ultrasound, which is a readily available, non-invasive tool in most clinical settings. Conclusion Based on the results of this small pilot study, transabdominal pelvic ultrasound cannot be used at this time to objectively quantify the presence of sexual pain or other GSM symptoms; however, future studies should continue to investigate the longitudinal relationship between these 2 variables. Balica AC, Cooper AM, McKevitt MK, et al. Dyspareunia Related to GSM: Association of Total Vaginal Thickness via Transabdominal Ultrasound. J Sex Med 2019; 16:2038–2042.
The Effects of a Pain Psychology and Neuroscience Self-Evaluation Internet Intervention: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objectives Many patients' chronic musculoskeletal pain is strongly influenced by central nervous system processes such as sensitization or amplification. Education about pain neuroscience can change patients' beliefs but has less consistent effects on pain outcomes. Patients may have greater clinical benefits if the educational intervention is personalized, and they evaluate various psychosocial risk factors with respect to their pain. We developed and tested a brief, internet-based Pain Psychology and Neuroscience (PPN) self-evaluation intervention. Materials and methods From a patient registry, 104 adults reporting chronic musculoskeletal pain were randomized to the PPN intervention or a matched, active, education control condition. At baseline and 1-month (primary endpoint) and 10-month follow-ups, participants reported pain severity (primary outcome) and multiple secondary outcomes. Primary analyses compared the 2 experimental conditions using analyses of covariances; post hoc exploratory analyses compared the effects of PPN in subgroups of patients who met criteria for fibromyalgia (FM; n=50) or who did not (n=54; primarily spinal pain). Results At 1-month follow-up, compared with the control condition, PPN led to significantly lower pain severity (ηp =0.05) and interference (ηp =0.04), greater brain (ηp =0.07) and psychological (ηp =0.07) attributions for pain, and greater readiness for pain self-management (ηp =0.08). Effects on distress, pain catastrophizing, kinesiophobia, and life satisfaction were not significant. Exploratory analyses showed that the PPN intervention was especially beneficial for patients without FM but was of less benefit for those with FM. Most of the effects (except attributions) were lost at 10 months. Discussion A brief PPN self-evaluation intervention, presented on-line, can yield short-term improvements in musculoskeletal pain severity and interference, especially for people with spinal/localized pain rather than FM, perhaps because the psychology/neuroscience perspective is more novel for such patients.
Optimally Chiral Light: Upper Bound of Helicity Density of Structured Light for Chirality Detection of Matter at Nanoscale

We introduce the universal upper bound of helicity density that is the maximum helicity light can have at a given light energy density. Helicity maximization as discussed here is applicable to any ...
Structure-Activity Relationship Analysis of Potential New Vapor-Active Insect Repellents

A total of 115 aryl amides were synthesized and screened for vapor repellency against the Orlando (OR) strain of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Of these compounds, 29 had 1 h repellency EC50 values comparable to or better than N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET, 1 h EC50 value of 35 μg/cm2), with 2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoro-N-(4-fluorophenyl)propenamide (53) and 2,2,3,3,4,4,4-heptafluoro-N-(3,4,5-trifluorophenyl)butanamide (101) exhibiting the most potent EC50 values of 4.5 and 2.9 μg/cm2, respectively. The cross-resistance of select, highly potent, derivatives against the pyrethroid-resistant Puerto Rico (PR) strain of A. aegypti was also investigated, and little to no resistance was observed. When synergized with 1R-trans-permethrinic acid (TFA), compound 101 had a 1 h EC50 value 6 times lower than metofluthrin against OR and 40 times lower against PR mosquitoes. Additionally, preliminary mammalian oral toxicity was screened for compounds 69 and 101, and both exhibited LD50 values of >2000 mg/kg. The structure-activity relationship analysis, which guided the synthesis of these derivatives, is given, and key trends are highlighted to inform future analogue design.
Supramolecular Recognition in Crystalline Nanocavities through Monte Carlo and Voronoi Network Algorithms

Computational screening of templating molecules enables the discovery of new synthesis routes for zeolites. Despite decades of work in molecular modeling of organic structure-directing agents (OSDA...
Valve endothelial-interstitial interactions drive emergent complex calcific lesion formation in vitro.

Abstract Objective Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is an actively regulated degenerative disease process. Clinical lesions exhibit marked 3D complexity not represented in current in vitro systems. We here present a unique mechanically stressed 3D culture system that recapitulates valve interstitial cell (VIC) induced matrix calcification through myofibroblastic activation and osteoblastic differentiation. We test the hypothesis that valve endothelial (VEC) – interstitial collaborative interactions modulate the risk and complexity of calcific pathogenesis within mechanically stressed and pro-inflammatory environments. Approach and results Porcine aortic valve endothelial and interstitial cells (VEC and VIC) were seeded in a mechanically constrained collagen hydrogels alone or in co-culture configurations. Raised 3D VIC-filled lesions formed within 7 days when cultured in osteogenic media (OGM), and surprisingly exacerbated by endothelial coculture. We identified a spatially coordinated pro-endochondral vs. pro-osteogenic signaling program within the lesion. VEC underwent Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transformation (EndMT) and populated the lesion center. The spatial complexity of molecular and cellular signatures of this 3D in vitro CAVD system were consistent with human diseased aortic valve histology. SNAI1 was highly expressed in the VEC and subendothelial direct VIC corroborates with human CAVD lesions. Spatial distribution of Sox9 vs. Runx2 expression within the developed lesions (Sox9 peri-lesion vs. Runx2 predominantly within lesions) mirrored their expression in heavily calcified human aortic valves. Finally, we demonstrate the applicability of this platform for screening potential pharmacologic therapies through blocking the canonical NFκB pathway via BAY 11–7082. Conclusions Our results establish that VEC actively induce VIC pathological remodeling and calcification via EndMT and paracrine signaling. This mechanically constrained culture platform enables the interrogation of accelerated cell-mediated matrix remodeling behavior underpinned by this cellular feedback circuit. The high fidelity of this complex 3D model system to human CAVD mechanisms supports its use to test mechanisms of intercellular communication in valves and their pharmacological control.
Political Connections, Access to Bond Capital, and Cost of Debt

In this study, we find evidence that firms in China with stronger political connections get easier access to the bond market, offer larger size issues, and obtain higher credit ratings; however, strong political connections do not lead to lower bond costs. Our results suggest that as government control weakens and market forces strengthen, the role of political connections becomes less important. We also explore how rent-seeking behavior influences the relationship between political connections and bond costs. We find that political connections established through personal relationships are subject to the rent-seeking of government officials, and lead to an increased level of bond costs.
Systems, States, and Processes

The state of a system is the numerical specification of the circumstance in which it is found. There are two important kinds of states of macroscopic systems: the macroscopic state, which concerns only variables pertaining to the system as a whole, and the microscopic state, which pertains to the mechanical variables of individual molecules. The equilibrium macroscopic state of a one-phase fluid system of one component is specified by the values of three independent state variables. All other macroscopic state variables are dependent variables, with values given by mathematical functions of the independent variables. If the microscopic state of a macroscopic system is specified, the macroscopic state is completely determined. Many microscopic states can correspond to a single macroscopic state, and a macroscopic state can be represented as an average over very many microscopic states of the system. Processes are the means by which the state of the system changes. Microscopic processes are governed by Newton's second law if classical mechanics is an adequate approximation. The two principal kinds of macroscopic processes are reversible processes and irreversible processes. The direction of a reversible process can be changed by an infinitesimal change in the surroundings. The system passes through equilibrium states during a reversible process.
Survival patterns and hemopathological responses of dogs under continuous gamma irradiation

Survival curves were constructed and analyzed relative to contributing hematopathological responses for groups of beagles exposed continuously for duration of life to low daily doses of whole body 60Co gamma irradiation (27.3 rads/day to 4 rads/day). The survival curves versus time were progressively displaced toward longer survival as rates of exposure were reduced from the relatively high dose rate of 27.3 rads/day to the low dose rate of 4.0 rads/day. Average survival times increased from 57 days at 27.3 rads/day to 1830 days at 4.0 rads/day, representing fractional increased life-spans from 1.5% to 50.8%, respectively. Survival curves versus total dose were markedly displaced along the cumulative radiation dose axis at the extreme dose rates (i.e., 27.3 and 4.0 rads/day), but not at the intermediate dose rates (i.e., 13.4 and 7.9 rads/day) in which the upper linear portions of the survival curves are superimposed. From these dose-dependent survival curves, LD 50 values for whole body gamma irradiation, delivered chronically at 27.3, 13.4, 7.9, and 4.0 rads per day were estimated to be 1442, 2124, 2039, and 7161 rads, respectively. Both time- and dose-dependent survival curves for the intermediate dose rates, in contrast to the extreme dose rates, exhibited pronounced transitions in the lethality rate below the 50% survival level. These lethality rate transitions occurred at ~ 2500 rads of accumulated dose and were attributed to a shift in the spectrum of developing hematopathologies: namely, from a predominance of the acutely ablative radiation-induced lymphohematopoietic syndromes (i.e., septicemias and aplastic anemias) to a predominance of the late arising hematopoietic neoplasias (myelogenous leukemia and related myeloproliferative disorders). Based on the concept that these lethality rate transitions and shifts in the spectrum of developing pathologies reflect distinct subgroups of dogs of varying radiosensitivities and pathological tendencies, estimates of LD values for subgroups with specific pathologies are given (e.g., 1850 rads for the subgroup with aplasia; 5500 rads for the subgroup with myeloproliferative diseases). Sequential analyses of blood and marrow responses indicated that this shift in hematopathologic spectrum (and in turn the lethality rate transition) is due to an early reparative hematological event that is prerequisite to prolonged survival and, in turn, to the expression of late arising neoplasias. The cellular basis of this repair appears to be mediated, in part, by an acquisition of radioresistance by early hematopoietic progenitors.
The Pyruvate Formate-lyase System of Streptococcus faecalis I. PURIFICATION AND PROPERTIES OF THE FORMATE-PYRUVATE EXCHANGE ENZYME

Abstract The enzyme exchanging formate with the carboxyl of pyruvate was purified 195-fold from extracts of Streptococcus faecalis by a procedure involving protamine treatment, dialysis, and gradient centrifugation. Centrifugation of protamine-treated extract in a 10 to 40% potassium tartrate gradient provided a 65-fold purification and separated the exchange enzyme from pyruvate decarboxylase, acetolactate synthetase, acetolactate decarboxylase, and phosphate-acetyltransferase. A second centrifugation in a 20 to 30% potassium tartrate gradient provided an additional 3-fold purification. The purified preparation contains diphosphothiamine but not coenzyme A, folate, lipoate, biotin, pyridoxal, pyridoxamine, Vitamin B12, or flavin. The enzyme has an average molecular weight of 268,000 to 288,000 as estimated by gradient centrifugation and by gel filtration. Purified preparations do not degrade pyruvate. S-Adenosyl-l-methionine has no effect on the purified enzyme; the apparent stimulation of activity with crude extracts apparently results from inhibition of competing reactions. The purified enzyme is rapidly oxidized and inactivated, but it can be stabilized in 30% potassium tartrate containing a reducing complex of 0.001 m FeSO4 and 0.003 m 2,3-dimercaptopropanol. Tris, maleate, and imidazole acetate buffers will substitute for phosphate buffer and phosphate ion is not required for the reaction. Optimal activity is observed over a range between pH 6.7 and 8.7. Purified extracts will exchange formate-14C with the carboxyl group of oxalacetate, α-ketoglutarate, and α-ketobutyrate. The velocities relative to the formate-pyruvate exchange rate of 100% were 100%, 9.9%, and 0.9%, respectively. Purified extracts give Michaelis constants of 0.02 m for pyruvate and 0.058 m for formate. Chloride ion produces an irreversible inhibition of exchange activity. Arsenite (3 x 10-5 m), p-chloromercuribenzoate (2 x 10-3 m), and sodium hypophosphite (6 x 10-6 m) inhibit exchange activity of the crude extract to the extent of 41%, 55%, and 47%, respectively.
Characterization of the cysJIH regions of Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli B. DNA sequences of cysI and cysH and a model for the siroheme-Fe4S4 active center of sulfite reductase hemoprotein based on amino acid homology with spinach nitrite reductase.

The hemoprotein component of Salmonella typhimurium sulfite reductase (NADPH) (EC 1.8.1.2) was purified to homogeneity from cysJ266, a mutant strain lacking sulfite reductase flavoprotein. The sirohemeand Fe4S4-containing enzyme was isolated as a monomeric 63-kDa polypeptide and consisted of a mixture of unligated enzyme and a complex with sulfite. Following reduction with 5′-deazaflavin-EDTA and reoxidation, the complex was converted to the uncomplexed, high spin ferri-siroheme state seen previously with Escherichia coli sulfite reductase hemoprotein preparations. The S. typhimurium hemoprotein exhibited catalytic and physical properties identical to the hemoprotein prepared by urea dissociation of E. coli sulfite reductase holoenzyme and was fully competent in reconstituting NADPH-sulfite reductase activity when combined with excess purified sulfite reductase flavoprotein. The DNA sequences of cysI and cysH from S. typhimurium and E. coli B were determined and, together with previously reported data, confirmed the organization of this region as promoter-cysJ-cysI-cysHwith all three genes oriented in the same direction from the promoter. Molecular weights deduced for the cysI-encoded sulfite reductase hemoprotein and for the cysH-encoded 3′-phosphoadenosine 5′-phosphosulfate sulfotransferase were approximately 64,000 and 28,000, respectively. Comparison of the deduced amino acid sequence of sulfite reductase hemoprotein with that of spinach nitrite reductase (Back, E., Burkhart, W., Moyer, M., Privalle, L., and Rothstein, S. (1988) Mol. Gen. Genet.212, 20–26), which also contains siroheme and an Fe4S4 cluster, showed two groups of cysteine-containing sequences with the structures Cys-(X)3-Cys and Cys-(X)5-Cys, which are homologous in the two enzymes and are postulated to provide the ligands of the Fe4S4 cluster in both proteins. From these sequences and from crystallographic (McRee, D. E., Richardson, D. C., Richardson, J. S., and Siegel, L. M. (1986) J. Biol. Chem. 261, 10277–10281) and spectroscopic data in the literature, a model is proposed for the structure of the active center of these two enzymes.
Changing Family Patterns

All societies have families, but their form varies greatly across time and space. The history of the family is thus one of changing family forms, which result from the interplay of shifting social and economic conditions, diverse and contested ideals, and the attempts of ordinary people to build their lives amid the constraints of their particular time and place. Because the family is a site of our most intimate experiences, the study of families tends to prompt heated theoretical and empirical debate. From the early anthropological charting of kinship systems to current analyses of proliferating family forms, studying the family has been a contested terrain. If the 1950s produced a short-lived consensus on the “ideal nuclear family,” the current context of rapid family change poses a series of puzzles and paradoxes. What is a family, and why has its definition become so controversial? What are the emerging contours of adult commitment, and what is the future of marriage? How is family life linked to institutions outside the home, and how are the boundaries between public and private spheres blurring? What role does family life play in the structuring of social inequality? In addition, what are the prospects for creating social policies that meet the needs of diverse family forms? These questions draw our attention to the dislocations and contradictions of family change, but they also point to new opportunities to build more just and humane family forms. The challenge will be to find common ground for addressing the needs of diverse families and realigning both public and private institutions to better fit the circumstances of family life in the twenty-first century. Keywords: family change; family form; kinship system; structural-functionalism; conflict theory; social constructionist; family diversity; transition to adulthood; deinstitutionalization of marriage; family process; work-family conflict; gender
The Contract Management Body of Knowledge: Understanding an Essential Tool for the Acquisition Profession

The collective knowledge of any profession is commonly referred to as its body of knowledge. In the acquisition, procurement, or government contracting profession, the collective wisdom of the National Contract Management Association (NCMA) organizes, and periodically updates, a broadly accepted conceptual inventory of the profession’s acquired knowledge. This article describes the NCMA Guide to the Body of Knowledge, how it was developed and is maintained, and its importance and relevance to people concerned with the contract management profession.