cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sepsis in the Elderly

Sepsis and organ failure are significant causes of morbidity and mortality in the geriatric patient. A number of factors contribute to increased risk of septic complications in the elderly. Age-related reduction in host defense and immune competence increase susceptibility of the elderly to a wide variety of pathogens. Atypical presentation is also common with infection in the elderly. The key to blunting the effects of severe infection in the elderly is rapid diagnosis and aggressive resuscitation.
Predicting failure to rescue after abdominal aortic aneurysm repair in elderly patients.

Abstract Background We aim to describe trends in failure to rescue (FTR) among elderly patients undergoing elective open aortic aneurysm repair (OAR) and endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR). Materials and methods All patients aged ≥80 y recorded in the Vascular Quality Initiative database (2002-2014) undergoing nonruptured infrarenal AAA repair were included. Primary outcome was FTR, defined as percentage of deaths in patients who had a complication within 30 d of surgery. Univariable and multivariable statistics were used to identify risk factors for FTR following OAR and EVAR procedures. Results 975 elderly patients underwent AAA repair during the study period (EVAR = 667, OAR = 308). Overall FTR was 10%, most commonly related to acute kidney injury (62%) and respiratory failure (53%). Independent predictors of FTR included female gender (odds ratio [OR] 1.95), multiple comorbidities (OR 1.98), renal insufficiency (OR 1.97), peripheral vascular disease (OR 2.42), and perioperative vasopressor use (OR 4.49) (all, P Conclusions FTR after AAA repair is not uncommon among elderly patients and could explain the higher mortality observed in this group compared to the general population. Overall health status should be carefully considered when weighing the risks versus benefits of performing AAA repair in patients aged ≥80 y.
MRI of Native Knee Cartilage Delamination Injuries.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article is to describe the normal imaging appearance of cartilage and the pathophysiologic findings, imaging appearance, and surgical management of cartilage delamina...
Murdering an Accident Victim: A New Objection to the Bare-Difference Argument

Many philosophers, psychologists, and medical practitioners believe that killing is no worse than letting die on the basis of James Rachels's Bare-Difference Argument. I show that his argument is u...
Bound Compound, Interfacial Water, and Phenyl Ring Rotation Dynamics of a Compound in the DNA Minor Groove

DB2277, a heterocyclic diamidine, is a successful design for mixed base pair (bp) DNA sequence recognition. The compound has a central aza-benzimidazole group that forms two H-bonds with a GC bp that has flanking AT bps. The nuclear magnetic resonance structure of the DB2277-DNA complex with an AAGATA recognition site sequence was determined, and here we report extended molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the structure. DB2277 has two terminal phenyl-amidine groups, one of which is directly linked to the DB2277 heterocyclic core and the other through a flexible -OCH2- group. The flexibly linked phenyl is too far from the minor groove floor to make direct H-bonds but is linked to an AT bp through water-mediated H-bonds. The flexibly linked phenyl-amidine with water-mediated H-bonds to the bases at the floor of the minor groove suggested that it might rotate in time spans accessible in MD. To test this idea, we conducted multimicrosecond MD simulations to determine if these phenyl rotations could be observed for a bound compound. In a 3 μs simulation, highly dynamic torsional motions were observed for the -OCH2-linked phenyl but not for the other phenyl. The dynamics periodically reached a level to allow 180° rotation of the phenyl while it was still bound in the minor groove. This is the first observation of rotation of a phenyl bound to DNA, and the results provide mechanistic details about how a rotation can occur as well as how mixed bp recognition can occur for monomer compounds bound to the minor groove.
Assessment of the Meaning of Work

Researchers have long been interested in the meaning derived from paid employment. One conceptualization of meaning is work orientation. A person’s work orientation is a function of both personalit...
What causes deforestation in Indonesia

We investigate the causes of deforestation in Indonesia, a country with one of the highest rates of primary natural forest loss in the tropics, annually between 2001 and 2016. We use high spatial resolution imagery made available on Google Earth to characterize the land cover types following a random selection of deforestation events, drawn from the Global Forest Change dataset. Notorious in the region, large-scale oil palm and timber plantations together contributed more than two-fifths of nationwide deforestation over our study period, with a peak in late aughts followed by a notable decline up to 2016. Conversion of forests to grasslands, which comprised an average of one-fifth of national deforestation, rose sharply in dominance in years following periods of considerable fire activity, particularly in 2016. Small-scale agriculture and small-scale plantations also contributed one-fifth of nationwide forest loss and were the dominant drivers of loss outside the major islands of Indonesia. Although relatively small contributors to total deforestation, logging roads were responsible for a declining share of deforestation, and mining activities were responsible for an increasing share, over the study period. Direct drivers of deforestation in Indonesia are thus spatially and temporally dynamic, suggesting the need for forest conservation policy responses tailored at the subnational level, and new methods for monitoring the causes of deforestation over time.
Frontiers in Latent Variable Analysis

Advances in computing have made possible new latent variable methods that were not possible even 5 years ago. Network analysis and machine learning offer some of the most compelling computationally intensive approaches to data analysis. They have achieved objectives—playing chess and go, face and voice recognition, intelligent response to queries, and more—that statisticians might only have dreamt of 20 years ago. One surprising consequence of this intense investment in computationally intensive data analytics has been the surprise appearance of latent constructs that researchers had not hypothesized in advance. These emergent properties represent a whole new landscape for inquiry, theory-building, and latent variable analysis.
Complex Clover Cross-Sectioned Nanotubes Exist in the Structure of the First Uranium Borate Phosphate.

Ba5 [(UO2)(PO4)3(B5O9)] (H2O)0.125 is synthesized by solid state reaction of H3BO3, BPO4, UO2(NO3)2·6H2O, and BaCO3 (Pt crucible, 1000 °C, slow cooling to room temperature, 8—10% yield).
War can harm intimacy: consequences for refugees who escaped Syria.

Author(s): Rizkalla, Niveen; Segal, Steven P | Abstract: BackgroundSyrians seeking refuge have been exposed to atrocities and trauma beyond comprehension. This study examines how personal, interpersonal, displacement and war-related factors have impacted married refugees' intimate lives.MethodsData included 158 married Syrian refugee individuals who live in the host communities of Jordan. Refugees reported on their personal, interpersonal, current-displacement and past-war related experiences. Traumatic impacts were assessed using the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (HTQ), K6 screening scale for serious mental illness (SMI), The War Events Questionnaire (WEQ), and Personal Assessment of Intimacy in Relationships (PAIR). Stepwise multiple regressions were used to determine the factors associated with refugees' intimacy-total score and its six dimensions.ResultsMost refugees (94.2%) experienced war events, and 34% screened positive on the PTSD-HTQ scale. Overall intimacy scores were low, scoring M (±standard deviation) = 2.4 (±1.1) of a possible five on average. Intimacy scores were lower for refugees who screened positive on the PTSD-HTQ (M = 1.95 ± 65) compared to the ones screening negative, respectively (M = 2.23 ± 66). Furthermore, the higher the PTSD symptoms reported, the lower the couples' intimacy. PTSD and forced marriage were the strongest factors to predict decreased total-intimacy scores (β = -0.23, P = 0.002; β = -0.32, P l 0.001), and decreased scores on four dimensions of intimacy (emotional, sexual, intellectual and recreational). Whereas gender was the second strongest factor associated with decreased total-intimacy scores (β = -0.29, P l 0.001), and decreased scores on three dimensions of intimacy (emotional, social and anger), meaning that women reported suffering more than men from deteriorated intimacy in their marital relationships. Other displacement and war-related factors associated with intimacy were: decreased sexual intimacy associated with having been raped; increased intellectual intimacy associated with escaped from Syria with one's spouse; decreased recreational intimacy associated with the number of family members lived with; decreased sexual, emotional and total-intimacy scores associated with number of children; and years of education as a seemingly personal protective factor associated with increased intellectual and recreational intimacy.ConclusionsAddressing Syrian refugees' intimacy issues in interventions is essential, as well as raising the awareness of stakeholders and community leaders to the negative impacts of PTSD, forced marriage, rape, and displacement difficulties endured by the already challenged and distressed married refugees.
Effect of Common U.S. Ground Motion Selection Methods on the Structural Response of Steel Moment Frame Buildings

This study quantifies the impact of two common ground motion (GM) selection methods, included in U.S. standards, on the seismic performance evaluation of steel special moment frames. The methods in...
The Skeptic Doth Protest Too Much, Methinks: Shaw’s Saint Joan —Concluding Thoughts on Joan in the Twentieth and Twenty-First Centuries

This chapter considers Shaw’s Joan of Arc play and considers how all the works discussed in the book compare to Schiller’s original conception. Following Joan’s canonization in 1920, Shaw’s Saint Joan recasts her in a new dramatic mold. Shaw dismisses Schiller and Shakespeare: the former for “beglamored sentimentality”; the latter for inconsistent scurrility. He is either not aware or chooses not to see that much of what he rejects in Schiller’s Idealist Romanticism is based on philosophical principles that are strikingly similar to the tenets of his own philosophy of Creative Evolution and Vitalism. Pendergast asserts that the depictions of Joan in Shakespeare, Schiller, and Shaw reveal almost mystically inevitable parallels with Euripides’s Iphigeneia. Despite his protestations to have been distancing himself as far as possible from Shakespeare and Schiller, an analysis comparing the works and their underlying ideas suggests that Shaw produces a version of Joan that is consistent with the features of Schiller’s Euripidean sublime sanctity.
Chapter 6 – Combining Mass-Integration Strategies

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an outlook on the combination of different integration tools, such as systematic mass-integration tools, direct recycle, and mass-exchange networks as a mass-integration strategy. Once an overall mass target is determined, it is necessary to develop cost-effective strategies to reach the target. Mass integration is a holistic and systematic methodology that provides a fundamental understanding of the global flow of mass within the process and employs this understanding in identifying performance targets and optimizing the allocation, separation, and generation of streams and species. Mass integration is based on fundamental principles of chemical engineering combined with system analysis using graphical and optimization-based tools. Interception denotes the utilization of new unit operations to adjust the composition, flow rate, and other properties of certain process streams to make them acceptable for existing process sinks. A particularly important class of interception devices is separation systems that may be induced by the use of mass-separating agents (MSAs) and/or energy-separating agents (ESAs). The combination of mass-integration tools is demonstrated through the applicability to a case study on the production of acrylonitrile. Application of mass integration to debottleneck an acrylonitrile process reduced water usage and discharge. The first step in the analysis is to identify the target for debottlenecking the biotreatment facility. An overall water balance for the plant has to be calculated. It is beneficial to detail the direct-recycle strategies to attain the identified targets. Fresh-water usage and influent to the biotreatment facility were decreased by 7.2 kg/s. The value of fresh water and the avoidance of treatment cost are additional benefits.
Fetal counseling for congenital heart disease: is communication effective?

To assess the accuracy of maternal understanding of fetal cardiac defects following initial fetal counseling. Pregnant women with a fetal diagnosis of congenital heart disease (CHD) were surveyed r...
Strategically reactive and maybe not thinking big enough

Only recently has the Academy of Management begun to discuss the grand challenges that the world faces and the role that researchers should play in addressing societal issues such as poverty, climate change, and decent work for all (George etal., 2016;United Nations, 2020). [...]our profession tends to focus on efficiency (Lefkowitz, 2008) and in turn often reinforces processes that replicate past systems that could perpetuate the “haves” and “have nots,” such as separating the world into “high potentials” versus all of those other people that I-O pyschologists categorize as, well let’s be honest, “less valuable” in organizations (Yost & Chang, 2009). The far-reaching effects of COVID-19 and other potential crises necessitate that I-O psychologists work across disciplines (e.g., political science, education, business, health care) and demonstrate a willingness to collaborate and to pursue complementary research.
Bayesian Hierarchical/Multilevel Models for Inference and Prediction Using Cross-System Lake Data

Cross-system data have been extensively used to estimate models for predicting lake responses to management actions. Using data from many lakes for model estimation is based on an implicit assumption that all lakes in the data set behave similarly. A common strategy to help meet this assumption is to group the data by common lake features, such as geography, landscape setting or morphometry, and estimate separate models for each lake group. Multilevel/hierarchical models offer a rigorous approach to combine data from many lakes and/or groups of lakes for inference at multiple levels of aggregation. We use data from 382 Michigan lakes and reservoirs to develop and evaluate several alternative multilevel models for predicting chlorophyll a concentration from total phosphorus concentration. Working in a Bayesian framework provides measures of uncertainty that can be used to evaluate probability that management objectives can be achieved under differing strategies.
Electric Vehicles and the Grid: Interactions and Environmental and Health Impacts

The societal benefit of electric vehicles depends heavily on how they interact with the electric power system. In this thesis, I investigate the impact of electric vehicles based on this interaction in order to determine the possible benefits of controlling electric vehicle charging and how they compare to other vehicle options based on optimization models of electricity systems. I estimate the cost reductions from controlled charging of electric vehicles in the New York power system both with and without a high wind penetration and with and without the need for capacity expansion. In this power system, controlled charging can reduce the generation costs associated with charging the vehicles in half, with slightly higher cost reductions in high wind scenarios. I also estimate the cost reductions along with the changes in carbon and criteria air pollutant emissions due to controlled charging in the PJM power system. I examine both current and future grid scenarios, several plug-in vehicles types, and a high wind penetration scenario. Again I find that controlled charging can significantly reduce the costs of charging the vehicles, on the order of 30% of the generation costs to meet the charging demand. However, the environmental and health damages from the emissions cause total social costs to be higher with controlled charging in most cases. Finally, using the charging emissions from PJM, I evaluate the lifecycle emissions of plug-in, hybrid, and conventional vehicles in this region to determine which has lower environmental and health damages. I find that given the representative vehicles studied, plug-in electric vehicles have higher lifecycle damages than hybrids in PJM in 2010 but have lower lifecycle damages in a forecasted 2018 PJM power system.
Using organizational communication to manage technical change

It is pointed out that implementation of a new technology within a company can cause dynamic changes in the corporate culture. Often such change meets with resistance that undermines the effort. Therefore, the success of new technology implementation can depend on how well the cultural change is managed. One key to managing change is a thorough and extensive communications program. The author provides a case study of a successful communications program. Specifically, the development of an effective plan for organizational communications in connection with the implementation of computer-aided software engineering is discussed. >
Snow on Silk: A NodeOS in the Linux Kernel

Transferring active networking technology from the research arena to everyday deployment on desktop and edge router nodes, requires a NodeOS design that simultaneously meets three goals: (1) be embedded within a wide-spread, open source operating system; (2) allow non-active applications and regular operating system operation to proceed in a regular manner, unhindered by the active networking component; (3) offer performance competitive with that of networking stacks of general purpose operating systems. Previous NodeOS systems, Bowman, Janos, AMP and Scout, only partially addressed these goals. Our contribution lies in the design and implementation of such a system, a NodeOS within the Linux kernel, and the demonstration of competitive performance for medium and larger packet sizes. We also illustrate how such a design easily renders to the deployment of other networking architectures, such as peer-to-peer networks and extensible routers.
Parents and Course Leaders' Experiences of the ComAlong Augmentative and Alternative Communication Early Intervention Course

Keywords early intervention, parental education, communication development, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), parents' experiences Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate parents and course leaders' experiences of the ComAlong early intervention course; a parental course about communication, communication development, play, responsive communication strategies and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). ComAlong targets parents of pre-school children with extensive communication difficulties and, at times, additional disabilities. Data consisted of course evaluation surveys filled out by 86 parents (57 mothers and 29 fathers) and one grandmother and interviews of four parents and four course leaders. Overall, parents were positive about the course. This was shown in ratings of 21 statements, in written answers to seven open questions and in the interviews. The total mean value for all statements was 4.4 (max 5) and the median was 4 or 5. The means for the 20 statements varied between 3.9 and 4.8 and half of all statements had mean values of 4.5 or higher. The mean value for the course (parents’ rating of the course on a 1 to 10 scale where 10 was the best) was 8.5 (Mdn and mode = 8, SD = 1.1). On the whole, parents and course leaders were satisfied. Parents learned about communication and AAC and experienced that communication with the child had changed to the better. In particular, parents appreciated meeting respectful and competent course leaders and other parents to children with varying disabilities. Information about the course before it started was a problematic issue. These and other findings are discussed with regard to early intervention for parents of children who use augmentative and alternative communication.
The Variable Value of U.S. Legal Education in the Global Legal Services Market

Many U.S. law firms now claim to be global organizations, and they seek to occupy the same high status everywhere they work. In part, simply supporting overseas offices is an indication of status for U.S.-based firms. But firms want more than this and they strive for recognition as elite advisors around the world. In this pursuit, have firms identified a set of common characteristics and credentials that define a "global lawyer?" That is, is there a uniform and universal profile, or perhaps a set of assets that comprise global professional capital, which are emerging as the indicia of credibility and legitimacy apart from location? Given the U.S. identity of the firms, perhaps U.S. legal education is an element of the professional capital necessary to succeed on a global level.In this Article, U.S. legal education, specifically the U.S. LL.M. degree - a one-year post-graduate degree aimed at foreign law graduates - serves as an entry-point for unpacking the meaning of professional capital in the market for global legal services. This paper uses original data to develop a framework for analyzing the currency of U.S. legal education by focusing on two case studies, Germany and China. While the U.S. LL.M. signals value in each jurisdiction, the strength and shape of the signal is determined by host country context. "Global lawyers" become global only in context.
Counting Fixed-Length Permutation Patterns

We consider the problem of packing fixed-length patterns into a permutation, and develop a connection between the number of large patterns and the number of bonds in a permutation. Improving upon a result of Kaplansky and Wolfowitz, we obtain exact values for the expectation and variance for the number of large patterns in a random permutation. Finally, we are able to generalize the idea of bonds to obtain results on fixed-length patterns of any size, and present a construction that maximizes the number of distinct large patterns.
Mean magnetic susceptibility regularized susceptibility tensor imaging (MMSR-STI) for estimating orientations of white matter fibers in human brain.

Purpose An increasing number of studies show that magnetic susceptibility in white matter fibers is anisotropic and may be described by a tensor. However, the limited head rotation possible for in vivo human studies leads to an ill-conditioned inverse problem in susceptibility tensor imaging (STI). Here we suggest the combined use of limiting the susceptibility anisotropy to white matter and imposing morphology constraints on the mean magnetic susceptibility (MMS) for regularizing the STI inverse problem. Methods The proposed MMS regularized STI (MMSR-STI) method was tested using computer simulations and in vivo human data collected at 3T. The fiber orientation estimated from both the STI and MMSR-STI methods was compared to that from diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Results Computer simulations show that the MMSR-STI method provides a more accurate estimation of the susceptibility tensor than the conventional STI approach. Similarly, in vivo data show that use of the MMSR-STI method leads to a smaller difference between the fiber orientation estimated from STI and DTI for most selected white matter fibers. Conclusion The proposed regularization strategy for STI can improve estimation of the susceptibility tensor in white matter. Magn Reson Med 72:610–619, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The relative contribution of interaural time and magnitude cues to dynamic sound localization

This paper presents preliminary data from a study examining the relative contribution of interaural time differences (ITDs) and interaural level differences (ILDs) to the localization of virtual sound sources both with and without head motion. The listeners' task was to estimate the apparent direction and distance of virtual sources presented over headphones. Stimuli were synthesized from minimum phase representations of nonindividualized directional transfer functions. During dynamic conditions, listeners were encouraged to move their heads; the position of the listener's head was tracked and the stimuli were synthesized in real time using a Convolvotron to simulate a stationary external sound source. ILDs and ITDs were either correctly or incorrectly correlated with head motion: (1) both ILDs and ITDs correctly correlated, (2) ILDs correct, ITD fixed at 0/spl deg/ azimuth and 0/spl deg/ elevation, (3) ITDs correct, ILDs fixed at 0/spl deg/, 0/spl deg/. Similar conditions were run for static conditions except that none of the cues changed with head motion. The data indicated that, compared to static conditions, head movements helped listeners to resolve confusions primarily when ILDs were correctly correlated, although a smaller effect was also seen far correct ITDs. Together with the results for static conditions, the data suggest that localization tends to be dominated by the cue that is most reliable or consistent, when reliability is defined by consistency over time as well as across frequency.
Androgens regulate aromatase cytochrome P450 messenger ribonucleic acid in rat brain.

The conversion of androgens to estrogens by aromatase cytochrome P450 (P450AROM) is an important step in the mechanism of androgen action in the brain. In adult rats, P450AROM activity (AA) is regulated by androgens in the preoptic area and medial basal hypothalamus, but is constitutive in the amygdala. This study was undertaken to determine the distribution of P450AROM messenger RNA (mRNA) and AA in adult rat brain and examine the effects of steroid treatments on their concentrations in various brain regions. AA was determined by a sensitive assay that measures the production of 3H2O during the conversion of [1 beta-3H]androstenedione to estrone. P450AROM mRNA was measured by a ribonuclease protection assay using a RNA probe complementary to the 5'-coding region of rat P450AROM mRNA. The 32P-labeled P450AROM probe protected two mRNA fragments in brain tissues that expressed AA (preoptic area, medial basal hypothalamus, amygdala, and hippocampus). The larger protected RNA fragment was 430 nucleotides (nt)...
The nation's health objectives - a means to school-wide fitness advocacy.

Abstract Given the capacity of the nations' public schools to address the American public, schools have been singled out as a primary vehicle through which children can, ultimately, improve their health status
Grief and Loss: Issues for Abortion

I had my first abortion just after my seventeenth birthday; in 1966 abortions were legal only to save the mother's life. My parents took me to Mexico, under the guidance of their psychoanalyst. But...
Split hypoglossal-facial nerve neurorrhaphy for treatment of the paralyzed face.

Abstract Background Several methods of neural rehabilitation for facial paralysis using 12-7 transfers have been described. The purpose of this study is to report on a series for dynamic reinnervation of the paralyzed face by using a split 12-7 nerve transposition. The goals of this procedure are to minimize tongue morbidity and to provide good facial reinnervation. Methods Prospective case series. Melolabial crease discursion, overall facial movement, and degree of tongue atrophy and mobility were recorded. Results Thirteen patients underwent facial reanimation using a split hypoglossal-facial nerve transfer with postoperative follow-up to 58 months (range, 6–58 months). All patients achieved excellent rest symmetry and facial tone. Of 13 patients, 10 had measurable coordinated movement and discursion of their melolabial crease. Of 13 patients, 12 had mild to moderate ipsilateral tongue atrophy. The mean time to onset of visible reinnervation was 3 months. Conclusion Split hypoglossal-facial nerve transposition provides good rehabilitation of facial nerve paralysis with reduced lingual morbidity. Long-term rest symmetry and potential learned movement can be achieved. This technique may provide a favorable alternative to the traditional method of complete hypoglossal sacrifice or jump grafting.
Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy of atmosphere with different humidity

Water, at both the liquid and gas phase, maintains a high absorption coefficient in the terahertz (THz) frequency range. As a result, a major limitation of THz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) for real-world applications is water attenuation. The humidity in the atmosphere affects THz waves (T-ray) for long distance measurement and tracing materials, such as explosive materials. We measure air at various humidity and we report how humidity affects THz-TDS measurement. We also report the changes to spectrum amplitudes by measuring water vapor absorption in a vacuum chamber.
Sexually dimorphic behavioral and brain asymmetries in neonatal rats: effects of prenatal alcohol exposure

Behavioral and neuroanatomical asymmetries were assessed in 3-day-old male and female rat pups chosen from litters whose dams had received one of 3 prenatal treatments: 35% ethanol-derived calories, pair-fed control, or lab chow control. Behavioral laterality was assessed by observing the preferred tail bias on postnatal (PN) day 1. On PN day 3, brains were sectioned and morphometric analyses conducted for total brain volume, left and right neocortical volumes, and left and right hippocampal volumes. Prenatal alcohol exposure altered the population proportions of left, right and neutral tail biases in male pups on PN day 1. Female pups were affected by both prenatal alcohol exposure and maternal undernutrition/stress of pair-feeding. Prenatal alcohol exposure decreased body weight and total brain volume, but increased the brain volume/body weight ratio compared to both control groups. Prenatal alcohol exposure also reduced the volumes of the hippocampus and neocortex, with the greatest proportional reduction found in the volume of the anterior neocortex. A left-right anterior neocortical asymmetry was observed, with tail bias, prenatal treatment and sex all significant factors. Alcohol-exposed males showed a 'feminized' asymmetry. These results demonstrate that a sexually dimorphic cerebral asymmetry can be detected at birth in rats; this asymmetry appears to be related to a postural position bias. The reversal of normal interhemispheric relations by prenatal alcohol exposure in male offspring suggested that the in utero hormonal milieu modulates the development of cerebral lateralization.
PEGylated nanoparticles: protein corona and secondary structure

Nanoparticles have important biological and biomedical applications ranging from drug and gene delivery to biosensing. In the presence of extracellular proteins, a “corona” of proteins adsorbs on the surface of the nanoparticles, altering their interaction with cells, including immune cells. Nanoparticles are often functionalized with polyethylene glycol (PEG) to reduce this non-specific adsorption of proteins. To understand the change in protein corona that occurs following PEGylation, we first quantified the adsorption of blood serum proteins on bare and PEGylated gold nanoparticles using gel electrophoresis. We find a threefold decrease in the amount of protein adsorbed on PEGylated gold nanoparticles compared to the bare gold nanoparticles, showing that PEG reduces, but does not prevent, corona formation. To determine if the secondary structure of corona proteins was altered upon adsorption onto the bare and PEGylated gold nanoparticles, we use CD spectroscopy to characterize the secondary structure of bovine serum albumin following incubation with the nanoparticles. Our results show no significant change in protein secondary structure following incubation with bare or PEGylated nanoparticles. Further examination of the secondary structure of bovine serum albumin, α2-macroglobulin, and transferrin in the presence of free PEG showed similar results. These findings provide important insights for the use of PEGylated gold nanoparticles under physiological conditions.
Report on use of a methodology for commissioning and quality assurance of a VMAT system.

Introduction Results of use of methodology for VMAT commissioning and quality assurance, utilizing both control point tests and dosimetric measurements are presented. Methods and Materials A generalizable, phantom measurement approach is used to characterize the accuracy of the measurement system. Correction for angular response of the measurement system and inclusion of couch structures are used to characterize the full range gantry angles desirable for clinical plans. A dose based daily QA measurement approach is defined. Results Agreement in the static vs. VMAT picket fence control point test was better than 0.5 mm. Control point tests varying gantry rotation speed, leaf speed and dose rate, demonstrated agreement with predicted values better than 1%. Angular dependence of the MatriXX array, varied over a range of 0.94–1.06, with respect to the calibration condition. Phantom measurements demonstrated central axis dose accuracy for un-modulated four field box plans was ≥2.5% vs. 1% with and without angular correction respectively with better results for VMAT (0.4%) vs. IMRT (1.6%) plans. Daily QA results demonstrated average agreement all three chambers within 0.4% over 9 month period with no false positives at a 3% threshold. Discussion The methodology described is simple in design and characterizes both the inherit limitations of the measurement system as well at the dose based measurements that may be directly related to patient plan QA.
Acoustically driven thermal-identified neurons in the preoptic area of unanesthetized rabbits

The convergence of acoustically stimulated neural activity onto central and peripheral thermal-stimulated neurons in the preoptic/anterior hypothalamus (POAH) was studied in the unanesthetized rabbit. POAH single units were either directly thermally stimulated with a water-perfused thermode, or indirectly stimulated by warming the ears with an infrared lamp. There was no statistical distinction in the way central thermal-stimulated neurons responded to an 89 dB, 510 Hz sound pulse. There was a significant interaction in the response of neurons inhibited by skin heating (cold-responsive) to acoustic stimulation with 52% facilitated, 33% inhibited and 15% unaffected. It is possible that some neurons in the POAH are part of a common pathway leading to an activation of thermal- and acoustically-induced changes in motor activity.
High-resolution, temperature-dependent spectra of calcite

Abstract High-resolution absorption spectra of the 2.0–3.5 μ region of a basal section of calcite are reported and analyzed. The resolution was accomplished with a 7500 ruling per inch “Merton-N.P.L.” replica grating mounted in place of the Littrow mirror of a Perkin-Elmer Model 13 Spectrometer, with a KBr prism left in place. A new explanation of some of the observed “splittings” in the 2.0–3.5 μ region is presented and tested. This analysis is similar to that suggested previously as an explanation of observed fine structure in the spectra of crystalline iodoform and brucite. Spectra of calcite were obtained from 78 to 873°K; the observed modifications in the spectra confirm the hypothesis of “librational interaction”.
Recent developments in the biologic production of ammonia and the use of ammonia and carbamide in caries prevention.

Abstract 1. 1. More ammonia is formed in saliva than can be derived from the conversion of salivary urea. 2. 2. Amino acids are an important source of ammonia, and seventeen have been found to occur in saliva. 3. 3. Sugar in saliva has a depressing effect on ammonia production as well as a stimulating effect on acid formation. 4. 4. The salivary content of four amino acids was influenced by the nitrogen content of the diet. 5. 5. Dibasic ammonium phosphate (5 per cent) and urea (3 per cent) when in combination have a synergistic effect in inactivating glycolytic bacterial enzyme systems in saliva that produce lactic acid and in inhibiting the growth of lactobacilli and yeasts. 6. 6. Clinical studies indicate that the conscientious use of a dentifrice containing these agents produces a reduction in caries activity, but a larger number of young individuals must be studied before conclusions can be drawn.
Modeling Patient Flows Through the Health care System

The system of health care can be evaluated from four perspectives: macro, regional, center, and department. In each case, reduction of patient delay depends on improving interfaces as patients are transferred from activity to activity or department to department. This chapter presents basic tools for resolving delays at interfaces, through mapping the processes by which patients are served, and by developing and implementing measures of system performance. These tools are demonstrated through a case study of the Los Angeles County/University of Southern California Hospital.
[60]Fullerene–acene chemistry: a review

Abstract Acenes represent interesting platforms on which to add [60]fullerenes via Diels–Alder cycloaddition reactions. For unsubstituted acenes, the most reactive positions are the center-most rings. Large acenes can accommodate more than one [60]fullerene cycloaddition and these reactions become facile once suitable directing substituents (e.g. phenyl groups) are added to the acene. In these cases, [60]fullerenes add in a syn-diastereoselective fashion due to favorable π–π stacking interactions between adjacent [60]fullerene moieties. The π–π stacking interactions provide further stabilization to these adducts. Several cis-bis[60]fullerene–acene adducts have been prepared in modest to excellent yield and one cis,cis-tris[60]fullerene–heptacene adduct has also been prepared. To cite this article: J.B. Briggs and G.P. Miller, C. R. Chimie 9 (2006).
Endocrine and receptor pharmacology of serotonergic anxiolytics, antipsychotics and antidepressants

Several classes of drugs that modify serotonin (5-HT) neurotransmission are either currently used, or are being evaluated for their potential use in the treatment of anxiety, schizophrenia, and depression. 5-HT1A agonists are considered potential anxiolytics, while some atypical antipsychotics are potent 5-HT2 antagonists (and also have modest dopamine D2 affinity). Furthermore, there is a diverse group of serotonergic drugs that may be effective antidepressants. Secretion of ACTH, corticosterone/cortisol, prolactin, renin, oxytocin and vasopressin are stimulated by activation of different 5-HT receptor subtypes, while other neurotransmitter receptors also influence the secretion of these hormones. We compared the receptor binding profiles of 5-HT anxiolytics, antipsychotics and antidepressants with their endocrine effects. These comparisons could aid in understanding both the therapeutic and side effects of these drugs.
New ligand selection rule for quantum dot functionalization

Hard Soft Acid Base (HSAB) theory is introduced as a new tool to select ligands (molecules) for quantum dot covalent functionalization. According to HSAB, only soft acid-soft base bond is covalent. Since most of the transition metal semiconductor cations on the surface of the quantum dots are soft acids, the approach we propose is to select anchors which are soft bases. Following this strategy, the suitable anchors for surface modification of the quantum dots are selected. Moreover, a plethora of bifunctional ligands for assembling quantum dots onto the surface of titania are identified among the existing molecules. The functionalization of a semiconducting organic polymer backbone with HSAB-adequate anchors for the design of polymer-quantum dot hybrid interface is presented. In addition, our new approach coherently explains the heuristic approaches described in the literature.
INTRAOPERATIVE LOCAL ANESTHESIA DECREASES POSTOPERATIVE PARENTERAL OPIOID REQUIREMENTS FOR TRANSPERITONEAL LAPAROSCOPIC RENAL AND ADRENAL SURGERY: A RANDOMIZED, DOUBLE-BLIND, PLACEBO CONTROLLED INVESTIGATION

ABSTRACTPurpose: To determine if local anesthesia decreases discomfort following laparoscopic upper retroperitoneal surgery, we performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study in which the port sites and hand assist incision were infiltrated with bupivacaine or placebo prior to surgery.Materials and Methods: A total of 72 patients undergoing transperitoneal laparoscopic renal or adrenal surgery were randomly assigned to the treatment (0.5% bupivacaine) or placebo (0.9% normal saline) arm. Port and hand assist port sites were infiltrated at the outset of the procedure. Postoperative pain and opioid use were measured at consistent intervals.Results: A total of 37 individuals were treated with placebo (standard laparoscopy [SL] in 15 and hand assisted laparoscopy [HALS] in 22) and 35 were treated with bupivacaine (SL in 16 and HALS in 19). Mean parenteral morphine equivalents use for the placebo vs bupivacaine groups were 29.6 vs 20.0 mg at 12 hours, 50.2 vs 34.5 mg at 24 hours and 57.1 vs 36....
Strategies for Conducting Research on Language in Autism

Several different methodological approaches that have been used in studying language in children with autism are outlined. In classic studies, children with autism are compared to comparison groups typically matched on age, IQ, or mental age in order to identify which aspects of language are uniquely impaired in autism. Several methodological problems are noted with this approach including (a) heterogeneity of the autism population, (b) mental retardation, (c) developmental change with age, and (d) sample size and ascertainment. An alternative strategy is suggested which focuses on identifying the complex expression of the language phenotype in autism across the full range of the syndrome. This approach explores within-group individual differences in language functioning, and recently identified distinct language phenotypic subgroups within the autism population that are relevant to understanding the underlying genetic and neurobiological etiology of autism.
Detecting shape variation in oak leaf morphology: a comparison of rotational-fit methods.

Rotational-fit methods were used to examine shape variation in oak leaf morphology by reference to a set of 14 landmarks for each leaf. Within-tree, between-tree, and between-species variations were examined. Generalized least-squares and generalized resistant-fit analyses revealed patterns of landmark variation that could be related to leaf architecture. The two species (Quercus palustris and Q. velutina) did not illustrate the same patterns of within-tree variability nor did they reveal similar degrees of between-tree variability. Incorporating an affine transformation algorithm resulted in little insight in some comparisons but suggested strong uniform shape change in other comparisons (especially between species). Resistant-fit mean square statistics were equally variable 1) in upper vs. lower crown samples within trees, 2) between trees within each species, and 3) between species. In addition, resistant-fit mean square statistics were found to be a poor measure of similarity, whether derived by comparison to a single reference object or by way of pairwise comparisons. Fundamental species differences in leaf shape are suggested by relationships among particular sets of landmarks, although overall shape differences cannot be explained fully by these analyses.
Diagnosis and management of intrauterine growth restriction

The growth-restricted fetus is a fetus who fails to reach his growth potential and is at risk for perinatal morbidity and mortality. When a fetus has an estimated weight below the 10th percentile, in the absence of congenital anomalies and in the presence of a normal amount of amniotic fluid, Doppler velocimetry gives the most important information to differentiate the truly growth-restricted fetus from the fetus that is constitutionally small but otherwise normal. One area of debate and research is whether Doppler velocimetry can help in timing the delivery of the growth-restricted fetus. Data appear to support the use of ductus venosus velocimetry in deciding when to deliver, but randomized data on this point are still lacking.
Real-Time Associations Between Engaging in Leisure and Daily Health and Well-Being

Background Engagement in leisure has a wide range of beneficial health effects. Yet, this evidence is derived from between-person methods that do not examine the momentary within-person processes theorized to explain leisure’s benefits.
Abrupt, severe hypertension associated with dissection of a renal artery during selective catheterization.

A 23-year-old woman with longstanding renovascular disease associated with intimal dysplasia presented with stage I-II hypertension 6 years following bilateral percutaneous renal artery angioplasties (associated with normotension after antihypertensive agents). Following the diagnostic selective left renal arteriogram, blood pressure (BP) rose from 140/90 mm Hg to 200/130 mm Hg over 30-40 min. Reassessment angiography revealed a proximal intimal dissection with the development of a lengthy false lumen. Attempts to cross the dissected area for stent placement were unsuccessful. To avoid the consequences of severe and accelerated hypertension, intravenous enalaprilat was administered (which lowered BP to 160-170/100 mm Hg) and the patient underwent emergency aortorenal bypass surgery. Fortunately, the BP normalised post-operatively and renal function remained normal. This case illustrates the possibility that catheterisation of a renal artery may lead to acute, severe hypertension by creating an acutely ischaemic kidney through intimal or medial arterial dissection. In such cases, pharmacologic blockade with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors may provide stabilisation of BP to allow surgical revascularisation to proceed safely.
Short- and long-term effects of silodosin, a selective α1A-adrenoceptor antagonist, on ejaculatory function in rats

OBJECTIVE To investigate the short- and long-term effects of silodosin, a selective α1A-adrenoceptor antagonist, on spontaneous seminal emission by isolated rats and on the properties of α1-adrenoceptor subtypes in the rat seminal vesicle, as silodosin produces a relatively high incidence rate of abnormal ejaculation and chronic administration of receptor antagonists causes an up-regulation in the targeted receptor. MATERIALS AND METHODS Rats were treated with two doses (0.1 and 3 mg/kg/day) of silodosin orally for 3 or 30 days. Spontaneous seminal emission was studied during the 3-day observation period before completing treatment. The expression levels of α1A, α1B and α1D-adrenoceptor mRNAs in the rat seminal vesicle and prostate were quantified by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction using SYBR Green I. RESULTS The administration of two doses of silodosin for 3 or 30 days caused a significant dose-dependent reduction in the number of ejaculatory plugs and in their dry weight. However, in rats receiving the low dose of silodosin the inhibitory effect of the drug on spontaneous seminal emission diminished significantly with chronic usage over time. Although short-term administration of silodosin did not affect expression levels of any α1-adrenoceptor subtype mRNAs in the rat seminal vesicle and prostate, long-term administration of silodosin caused a significant up-regulation in the mRNA expression of α1A-adrenoceptor in a tissue-dependent manner. CONCLUSION Silodosin-induced up-regulation of α1A-adrenoceptor mRNA in the rat seminal vesicle might indicate potential differences in the inhibitory effect of this drug on ejaculatory function with chronic usage over time.