cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bond-switch defects in carbon allotropes: Stone-Wales and connected exchange

Abstract By analogy with the Stone–Wales rearrangement in sp 2 -hybridized carbon allotropes that involves turning one CC bond by 90° in a graphene sheet and reconnecting it cross-wise with two carbon atoms, the similar rearrangement for the diamond lattice was called connected exchange. In this case one C–C bond in the diamond lattice involving sp 3 -hybridized atoms is switched such that two anti bonds exchange one of their endpoints. As a result of this connected exchhange one obtains a defect in the diamond lattice with four 5-membered and four 7-membered rings. For the hydrocarbon pyracyclene with sp 2 -hybridized atoms, the Stone–Wales rearrangement is degenerate (automerization). By analogy, one can imagine a hydrocarbon having sp 3 -hybridized atoms that could undergo a degenerate connected exchange.
Wetting and electrowetting properties of carbon nanotube templated parylene films.

In this study, we compared the wetting and electrowetting properties of a planar parylene (poly(p-xylylene)) film to those of a nanostructured parylene film. To generate the nanostructured film, we used an aligned array of multiwalled carbon nanotubes as a template; a thin coating of parylene was deposited on the nanotube template to generate a parylene film with a nanoscale roughness structure. Static contact angle measurements indicated a very significant increase in the water contact angle from ∼73° for planar parylene to ∼110° for the nanotemplated parylene. In addition, we performed electrowetting experiments to dynamically tune the contact angle by application of electric potential. Interestingly, the flat parylene film showed contact angle saturation at an applied voltage of ∼40 V, while the nanotemplated parylene film did not experience saturation in the contact angle response even for voltages up to 80 V. These results show that engineering a nanoscale roughness structure to a polymer film result...
Starvation and famine: cross-cultural codes and some hypothesis tests

This article provides a set of codes that rate the starvation and famine experiences of societies in the Standard Cross-Cultural Sample. The codes are used to test several theoretical generaliza tions regarding the underlying cultural causes of famine. The results indicate that several changes arising from world systems involvements increase the likelihood of famine. They suggest fur ther that the extent to which societies experience famine depends on cultural definitions of property and exchange rights. In addition, results confirm the understanding that famine is especially prone to break out in environments of chronic hunger and recurrent starvation.
Isolation and characterization of ovine prolactin and growth-hormone messenger RNAs

Abstract Methods are described in this paper for obtaining and characterizing highly enriched preparations of ovine prolactin (PRL) and growth-hormone (GH) messenger RNAs. Purification steps include phenol extraction, oligo-(dT)-cellulose chromatography, sucrose-gradient ultracentrifugation and polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis. This sequence of procedures results in messenger preparations that are about 92% pure for prolactin mRNA and 78% pure for the growth-hormone mRNA species. Thus, these two closely related mRNAs can be isolated from the same tissue source at a purity adequate for cloning and nucleic acid hybridization experiments. Translation experiments with the cap analogue 7-methylguanosine and end-labeling of the nucleic acid before and after β-oxidation indicate that both messages possess blocked 5'-termini and that these are part of previously described cap structures. Polyadenosine tracts of 30–160 residues were found at the 3'-ends of both purified species. Finally, sizing experiments suggest both mRNAs contain approx. 30% more bases than accounted for by the coding regions and the poly(A)-tracts. Their physical characteristics thus agree with those of most eucaryotic messages to date.
Design and modeling of high-speed intracavity-contacted vertical cavity lasers

Intracavity contacted vertical-cavity lasers are a class of index-guided surface-emitting lasers which use thin p-type and n-type layers within the optical cavity to supply current to the active region. The design allows the use of two ring contacts on the same surface, top or bottom emission, and semi-insulating substrates. A dielectric aperture is used to provide both current constriction and optical confinement. The models used to design the laser's continuous wave characteristics are discussed and the calculated characteristics are compared with experimental measurements. The microwave modulation response of lasers of varying diameter has been measured with wafer-level probing techniques. The very high modulation efficiency of the lasers, up to 5.7 GHz/(root)mA, shows good agreement with theory. The analysis indicates the directions and challenges for the realization of very high-speed, low-power surface-emitting lasers.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Fibrosis of atria and great vessels in response to angiotensin II or aldosterone infusion

Objective: Myocardial fibrosis, associated with increased expression of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and bradykinin (BK) receptor binding at sites of tissue repair, accompanies chronic elevations in circulating angiotensin II (AngII) and/or aldosterone (ALDO) that simulate chronic cardiac failure. A role for increased ventricular wall stress, associated with arterial hypertension, that can accompany such neurohormonal activation when ventricular function is not compromised, has been held responsible for this structural remodeling. To address this proposition, we monitored morphology of right and left atria and pulmonary artery, where stress is not increased, and compared these structures with hypertensive aorta. Methods: Experimental groups included: (1) unoperated and untreated controls; (2) intact rats receiving AngII (9 μg/h) for 2 weeks and which causes arterial hypertension; (3) uninephrectomized control rats on a high sodium diet for 6 weeks; and (4) uninephrectomized rats receiving ALDO (0.75 μg/h) and a high sodium diet for 6 weeks and which results in gradual onset arterial hypertension. Fibrosis was identified by light microscopy in sections stained with collagen specific picrosirius red, while ACE, AngII and BK receptor binding were localized and quantitated by in vitro autoradiography using 125I-351A, 125I[Sar1,Ile8]AngII, and 125I[Tyr8]BK, respectively. AngII receptor subtype was defined by the presence of excess AT1 (losartan) or AT2 (PD123177) receptor antagonists, respectively. Results: With either AngII or ALDO administration, and compared to controls, we found: (1) microscopic scarring that replaced lost myocytes in both left and right atria; (2) an increase in adventitial collagen of both pulmonary artery and aorta (perivascular fibrosis); (3) markedly increased ACE binding at fibrous tissue sites in both atria and great vessels; (4) unchanged atrial and great vessel AT1 receptor binding; and (5) significantly increased BK receptor binding at sites of atrial and perivascular fibrosis. Conclusions: Thus, the appearance of atrial fibrosis and perivascular fibrosis of aorta and pulmonary artery, together with associated increase in ACE and BK receptor binding, in rats receiving AngII or ALDO suggests these responses are not related to altered ventricular wall stress or arterial hypertension, but rather to these effector hormones of the circulating renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system. Local BK, regulated by ACE found in fibrous tissue and BK receptor binding may play a role in structural remodeling of atria and great vessels in these rat models that simulate chronic cardiac failure.
Isolation of plasma membranes from purified mouse spermatogenic cells.

Plasma membranes have been prepared from purified pachytene spermatocytes, round spermatids and residual bodies of the adult mouse testis using procedures modified from other authors9. Isolated membranes have been examined using electron microscopy, lectin binding and enzymic assays. Ultrastructural observation reveals smooth unit-membrane vesicles from 0.4-1.7 micrometer diameter. No contamination by nuclei, mitochondria or lysosomes is detected microscopically. Radiolabelled lectin-binding experiments [125I-RCAI, 125I-green pea lectin] indicate that cell surface label cofractionates with material identified morphologically as plasma membrane. Estimates of total recovery of membrane, based upn the lectin data, average 33%. Biochemical analysis of subcellular markers reveal that no detectable DNA and only 1.2% of the total cellular RNA cofractionate with membranes. A variety of enzyme assays suggests little contamination by cytosol enzymes, Golgi material or mitochondria. Assays of 5′-nucleotidase (E.C. 3.1.3.5) indicate that this enzyme is not a major component of developing mouse spermatogenic cell membranes. Instead, Sertoli cells represent the most important source of this enzyme in the adult seminiferous tubule. Polyacrylamide gel analysis of membranes isolated from purified germ cells reveals significant differences in the protein compositions of pachytene spermatocyte and round spermatid membranes. The preparation of highly purified plasma membranes from homogeneous populations of spermatogenic cells should facilitate the biochemical characterization of cell surface antigens specific to developing male germ cells.
Female Epispadias Report of a Case and Review of the Literature

Female epispadias is a congenital anomaly representing a mild form of the spectrum of exstrophy of the bladder. Unrecognized and untreated, the handicap associated with the physical malformation can create overwhelming clinical and psychological problems for the affected female. Radiographic findings of spinal dysrhaphism with diastasis of the pubic bones are often associated with, and can afford the first clue to, the physical findings of absent clitoris, ununited labia and patulous and foreshortened urethra.
Neural Responses to Emotional Stimuli Are Associated with Childhood Family Stress

Background: An early family environment marked by harsh parenting has been related to risk for multiple mental disorders in adulthood, risks that may be mediated, in part, by deficits in emotion regulation skills. This study examined neural mechanisms underlying these consequences of “risky” families (RF) by exploring neural activity to tasks involving responses to emotional stimuli. Methods: Participants completed an assessment of RF and participated in a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) investigation that examined 1) amygdala reactivity to observation of fearful/angry faces; 2) amygdala and right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (RVLPFC) reactivity to labeling emotions displayed in these faces; and 3) the relation between RVLPFC and amygdala activity during the labeling task. Results: Offspring from nonrisky families showed expected amygdala reactivity to observing fearful/angry faces and expected activation of RVLPFC while labeling the emotions, which was significantly negatively correlated (.44) with amygdala activation. Offspring from risky families showed little amygdala activation during the observation task and a strong positive correlation (.66) between RVLPFC and amygdala activation in the labeling task, suggesting a possible dysregulation in the neural systems involved in responses to emotional stimuli. Conclusions: Offspring from risky families exhibit atypical responses to emotional stimuli that are evident at the neural level.
Phylogeography in coastal marine animals: a solution from California?

Aim Recently discovered deep phylogenetic gaps in coastal California marine taxa are geographically discordant with the provincial biogeographic boundary at Point Conception. This discordance runs contrary to the phylogeographic hypotheses that were derived from studies of coastal marine taxa in south-eastern North America. Here, I investigate the nature of the discrepant phylogeographic and biogeographic patterns in coastal California. Location Coastal south-western North America. Methods The scientific literature describing the phylogeography and biogeography of coastal California taxa was reviewed. Data describing life-history characteristics, habitat, and degree of phylogeographic structure were extracted and compared. The geographical distribution of phylogenetic breaks was compared with regional biogeographic data. Results All taxa were genetically variable. Those with greater dispersal ability generally had less phylogeographic structure. Although few taxa had very limited dispersal ability, many exhibited phylogeographic breaks within the California Transition Zone, a region of gradual species replacement between Oregonian and Californian biogeographic provinces. The most precisely resolved phylogeographic breaks were geographically concordant with peaks in the distribution of edge-effect species, which are strong indicators of environmental discontinuities, or ecotones. Moreover, these phylogeographic gaps, edge-effect species, and ecotones coincide geographically with Late Pleistocene faunal discontinuities and probable long-term physical barriers to gene flow. Main conclusions Contrary to prior inference, phylogeographic patterns in coastal California marine taxa are consistent with the phylogeographic hypotheses. The concordance of phylogeographic and biogeographic patterns in the coastal marine faunas of south-eastern and south-western North America, and also the Indo-Pacific, suggests that the phylogeographic hypotheses are generally applicable to many coastal marine settings. As such, they provide a framework for investigating and comparing patterns of evolution in disparate coastal marine faunas.
Conflict and Cooperation in Municipalities Do Variations in Form of Government Have an Effect

One measure of governance quality is the level of reported conflict and cooperation that is present between and among elected officials and administrators. High levels of conflict or low levels of cooperation can hinder the decision-making process. However, there are few attempts to assess the causes of conflict and cooperation in the existing literature. This study uses an expanded typology of local government form and additional independent variables to determine what factors are likely to lead to conditions conducive to cooperation and lower perceived conflict in the local governance process. Data on government performance and indicators of perceived conflict and cooperation were collected from a national survey of municipal mayors, council members, and chief administrators in cities with populations of 50,000 to 250,000. Our results suggest that form of government and proportion of council members elected by district are two factors that significantly influence governance at the local level.
Geophysical Observations on Northern Part of Georges Bank and Adjacent Basins of Gulf of Maine

Continuous-seismic-reflection and magnetic-intensity profiles provide data for inferences about the geology of the northern part of Georges Bank and the basins of the Gulf of Maine adjacent to the bank. Basement is inferred to be mostly sedimentary and volcanic rocks of Paleozoic age that were metamorphosed and intruded locally by felsic and mafic plutons near the end of the Paleozoic Era. During Late Triassic time, large fault basins formed within the Gulf of Maine and probably beneath Georges Bank. The fault basins and a possible major northeast-trending fault zone beneath the northern part of the bank probably formed as a result of the opening Atlantic during the Mesozoic. Nonmarine sediments, associated with mafic flows and intrusive rocks, were deposited in the fault basins as they formed. The upper surface of the Triassic and pre-Triassic rocks that comprise basement is an unconformity that makes up much of the bottom of the Gulf of Maine. Depths to the basement surface beneath the gulf differ greatly because of fluvial erosion in Tertiary time and glacial erosion in Pleistocene time. Beneath the northern part of Georges Bank the basement surface is smoother and slopes southward. Prominent valleys, cut before Late Cretaceous time, are present beneath this part of the bank. Cretaceous, Tertiary, and possibly Jurassic times were characterized by episodes of coastal-plain deposition and fluvial erosion. During this time a very thick wedge of sediment, mostly of Jurassic(?) and Cretaceous ages, was deposited on the shelf. Major periods of erosion took place at the close of the Cretaceous and during the Pliocene. Fluvial erosion during the Pliocene removed much of the coastal-plain sedimentary wedge and formed the Gulf of Maine. Pleistocene glaciers eroded all but a few remnants of the coastal-plain sediments within the gulf and deposited a thick section of drift against the north slope of Georges Bank and a thin veneer of outwash on the bank. Marine sediments were deposited in the basins of the Gulf of Maine during the retreat of the last ice and the postglacial rise in sea level.
Mechanisms Linking Early Experience and the Emergence of Emotions: Illustrations From the Study of Maltreated Children

Emotions are complex processes that are essential for survival and adaptation. Recent studies of children and animals are shedding light on how the developing brain learns to rapidly respond to signals in the environment, assess the emotional significance of this information, and in so doing adaptively regulate subsequent behavior. Here, I describe studies of children and nonhuman primates who are developing within emotionally aberrant environments. Examining these populations provides new insights on the ways in which social or interpersonal contexts influence development of the neural systems underlying emotional behavior.
Crime, minorities, and the social contract

(1990). Crime, minorities, and the social contract. Criminal Justice Ethics: Vol. 9, No. 2, pp. 16-24.
The Evolution of Human Emotions

Humans are, in essence, evolved apes carrying the genome that we shared our common ancestor with present-day great apes (chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans). Since the great apes are not highly social and, moreover, do not organize into permanent groups, it is likely that this low-level of sociality existed in humans’ common ancestor with the great apes, perhaps seven to 8 million years ago. It is argued that natural selection dramatically increased the hominin ancestors of human’s emotional capacities as a mechanism for getting around low sociality and lack of groups when these hominin ancestors were forced to begin living in open-country savanna conditions, where solidarity and groups would enhance fitness. Surprisingly, despite the many pro-social propensities evident in apes’ behavioral phenotype and underlying genotype, these were insufficient to increase sociality to the point of sustaining groups with high solidarity on the savanna. Hence, natural selection worked on the basic phenotype of hominins (and underlying genotype) to make them more emotional and, thereby, more social and group oriented. A methodology is outlined to test this basic hypothesis and is offered as a sociological alternative to either sociobiology or evolutionary psychology.
CAR'ing for the Skin

The innate immune system provides the first line of defense against pathogens through major barriers like the skin and mucosa. Specialized sentinel cells embedded in these barriers sound the alarm when they sense that the barrier has been breached ( 1 ). What these sentinel cells recognize and how they are activated have perplexed immunologists for over a decade. Two papers in this issue, by Verdino et al. on page 1210 ( 2 ) and by Witherden et al. on page 1205 ( 3 ), demonstrate that part of the mechanism involves the recognition of a tight junction protein expressed in the skin.
Effects of dialysate volume and flow on solute and water removal with different peritoneal dialysis schedules.

There exist both a strong rationale and convincing surface area rather than to total body water. Also, the evidence that the minimum weekly Kt/V urea should renal contributions of creatinine clearance are usually be 2.0 in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis estimated as creatinine clearance solely by glomerular (CAPD) patients [1‐12]. In this same issue, I have filtration rate. This is calculated as the mean of renal presented arguments for initiating dialysis and main- urea and creatinine clearances. Also, if creatinine cleartaining a peritoneal dialysis prescription so that the ances are to be used for prescription modelling, then weekly Kt/V urea with continuous peritoneal dialysis attention must be paid to the corrections for glucose does not fall below 2.0. The weekly Kt/V urea for interference on creatinine concentrations in the nightly intermittent peritoneal dialysis (NIPD) should dialysate. be slightly higher than that for CAPD since NIPD is If the numerator of the Kt/V urea remains constant, intermittent and there are fluctuations in serum urea than Kt/V urea decreases as V increases [12‐15]. We nitrogen concentrations. Such recommendations are previously have published the Kt/V urea expected in based on the assumption that the control of peak anephric patients using various peritoneal dialysis cycle serum urea nitrogen concentration is important for times and exchange volumes, and have also shown control of uraemic symptoms and that at the same those standard body weights at which the clearances urea nitrogen generation rate, an intermittent therapy with each plan fall below recommended targets [14,15]. requires greater clearance than a continuous therapy The rate at which small solutes approach equilibrium to maintain the serum urea nitrogen concentration at across the peritoneal membrane markedly influences or below the steady-state value of the continuous the clearance achieved with given cycle times [16‐18]. treatment [13]. Here I will summarize approaches The peritoneal dialysis equilibration test is very helpful to maintaining target levels for peritoneal dialysis in defining the type of membrane transport that a treatment. patient has and in predicting various clearances at given cycle times [16 ].
Moderating effects of social support in shiftworking and non-shiftworking nurses

Abstract The effects of social support on the job stress (role ambiguity)-strain (job dissatisfaction, intent-to-turnover, health problems) relationship were investigated in shiftworking (second and third shifts) and non-shiftworking (first shift) groups of nurses (N = 191). Previous research indicates that shiftworkers frequently report problems of social integration as a negative aspect of their jobs. Additionally, shiftworkers demonstrate a number of stress-related illnesses. Social support has been hypothesized to show its strongest stress-buffering (i.e. moderating) effects in high stress environments. In other words, persons with higher levels of social support are less likely to be negatively affected by high stress environments. It was hypothesized that individuals working on shiftwork would demonstrate stronger moderating effects of social support on the job stress-strain relationship than non-shiftworkers because of the stressful nature of shiftwork and the importance of social integration diffi...
Gonadal dysfunction due to cis‐platinum

Gonadal function was studied in 15 patients 12 pubertal or postpubertal, and three prepubertal, who had been treated during childhood for nonmetastatic osteosarcoma of the long bones by chemotherapy regimens that included cis-platinum and adriamycin. Of seven postpubertal female patients assessed (mean age at diagnosis 16.5 years), three were amenorrhoeic and showed evidence of ovarian damage with raised gonadotrophin levels and a low serum oestradiol concentration. One patient who had regular periods had a raised luteal-phase follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) concentration suggestive of gonadal dysfunction. Severe oligospermia or reduced testicular volumes in the presence of raised gonadotrophin levels were observed in three of the five pubertal males (mean age at diagnosis 13.25 years). A reliable assessment of gonadal function was not possible in three male patients who remained prepubertal at the time of study. The median total dose of cis-platinum received by those patients with gonadal damage (median dose, 490 mg) was significantly higher than in those patients with normal gonadal function (median dose, 300 mg) (P = 0.01). In the boys the damage to the testes was primarily directed at the germinal epithelium. Leydig cell function was intact and the males progressed spontaneously through puberty. In the girls, unlike the boys, there was evidence of reversibility of gonadal damage with time. This is the first study to show gonadal dysfunction due to cis-platinum and adriamycin therapy in childhood.
Normative Influences on Altruism

Publisher Summary Central to the theoretical model of personal normative influences on altruism presented in this chapter is the idea that altruistic behavior is causally influenced by feelings of moral obligation to act on one's personally held norms. Research supporting this central tenet of the model has demonstrated associations between personal norms and behavior rather than causal relations. These associations are partly causal because the associations appear primarily in the presence of personality conditions conducive to norm activation and are absent when personality conditions are conducive to deactivation, and attributes of personal norms (e.g., centrality, stability, and intensity) relate to altruism singly or in combination, in ways predicted when the causal impact of anticipated moral costs on behavior is assumed. Studies show that variations in situational conditions conducive to activation of moral obligation also influence the relationship between personal norms and behavior. There is ample evidence that variables that foster movement through the activation process—according to the theoretical model—are themselves related to altruistic behavior (e.g., seriousness of need and uniqueness of responsibility). The study of how personal norms are related to altruism is a part of a larger enterprise—the investigation of attitude–behavior relations in general.
Cognitive Behavioral and Psychodynamic Therapies: Points of Intersection and Divergence

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic therapy (PDT) are two major paradigms in the mental health care field. The present article reviews broad similarities and differences between each tradition while acknowledging that such generalizations may overlook heterogeneity within each. However, it is believed that a comparison between CBT and PDT is beneficial in dispelling myths about each tradition, fostering dialogue, encouraging further scholarship and research. While not an exhaustive account, this article will examine how CBT and PDT differ in how they view several topics such as the unconscious, the therapeutic alliance, the role of homework, symptom reduction, and therapeutic heuristics. Commentary is also offered on how research may be more effectively and collaboratively integrated with clinical work from both traditions. Future directions for partnership and improving mental health treatments are also discussed.
Alternative perspectives on penality under Sharia: A review essay

Due to its divine origins, the Sharia is a unique legal system when compared with other legal systems. It is based on divine laws that were revealed more than 1400 years ago and is an all‐encompassing system based on moral values. In the post‐colonial era, serious problems have arisen due to the implementation of foreign codes. Many Muslims believe that the renewal of society necessitates a return to Islam, which draws its inspiration directly from the Quran and the Hadith (traditions of the Prophet). Many further believe that in order to create a truly Islamic order, more Islamic codes need to replace the present Western‐ inspired legal codes. This paper examines the social, religious and philosophical bases of punishment under the Islamic criminal justice system. Each kind of punishment (Hudud, Qisas, and Taazir) is examined and the views of the Fuqaha (jurists) from the different schools of Islamic law are analyzed. The goals and policies of this system are also scrutinized. The Sharia is far more comp...
Crisis and Catastrophe in Science and Law: Mapping the Terrain

This paper, written to set the intellectual stage for a conference on the subject, attempts to conceptualize and frame the subject of catastrophe. Part I elaborates definitions and paradigmatic features: magnitude, pervasiveness, uncertainty, preventability, irreversibility, and crisis. Part II develops some additional variables or distinctions relating to catastrophe: public recognition, community of concern, identifiable vs. statistical victims, telegenicity, winners and losers, and buffering institutions. Part III presents four frameworks used to explain catastrophe. After a brief discussion of the religious framework, I discuss science, law, and politics at greater length. For each, I analyze its distinctive values, incentives and techniques, and biases and orientations. Part IV analyzes three different frameworks for regulating catastrophe: legal-governmental institutions (planning, research, regulation, tort law, and social insurance), markets, and social norms. The final Part discusses the inter-penetration of science into law, and of law into science, using examples drawn from different fields.
Extended-Release Niacin Versus Fenofibrate in HIV-Infected Participants With Low High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol: Effects on Endothelial Function, Lipoproteins, and Inflammation

In individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is very common and is associated with disease progression, greater immunosuppression, and immune activation [1]. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) generally increases HDL-C levels; however, HDL-C levels do not return to normal even with prolonged ART. In the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study, 55% of men had depressed HDL-C levels (<40 mg/dL) after 6–7 years of ART [2]. Depressed HDL-C levels predict future cardiovascular disease (CVD) events in HIV-infected patients [3, 4] and in the general population [5, 6]. However, current guidelines for managing dyslipidemia in the general [7] and in the HIV-infected population [8, 9] do not recommend drug intervention for low HDL-C; they focus on treating elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and severe hypertriglyceridemia. Indeed, the clinical benefits of HDL-increasing therapies such as niacin and fibrates are not proven. Trials of fenofibrate [10, 11] and niacin [12, 13] among non-HIV-infected participants with well-controlled LDL-C on statins have not demonstrated a benefit on CVD events, and genetic studies have questioned the relationship between HDL-C and CVD risk [14–16]. Extended-release niacin [17–19] and fenofibrate [20, 21] are well tolerated and increase HDL-C and HDL particles in HIV-infected persons. Both drugs also reduce apolipoprotein B [17, 21], non–HDL-C, and triglyceride levels [17, 21, 22]. A pilot study of niacin in HIV-infected individuals [18] suggested that its use improved brachial artery endothelial function. To determine if treatment with extended-release niacin or fenofibrate could improve arterial endothelial function and cardiovascular inflammatory biomarkers, we performed a 24-week, open-label randomized trial in HIV-infected participants with low HDL-C and elevated triglycerides.
Retinoic acid-receptor activation of SP-B gene transcription in respiratory epithelial cells.

Retinoids are known to play important roles in organ development of the lung. Retinoids exert their activity by modulating the expression of numerous genes, generally influencing gene transcription...
n , l distributions in A q + + H electron-capture collisions

The classical-trajectory Monte Carlo method has been used to determine product-state distributions in ${A}^{q+}+\mathrm{H}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{A}^{(q\ensuremath{-}1)+}(\mathrm{nl})+{\mathrm{H}}^{+}$ electron-capture collisions at energies 50 and 100 keV/amu for fully stripped ions in charge states $q=1 \mathrm{to} 20$. In the energy region studied, the electron-capture products are found to populate predominately principal quantum numbers around ${n}_{m}\ensuremath{\approx}{q}^{\frac{3}{4}}$. Such behavior implies the captured electron tries to preserve both its original orbital energy and dimensions after the electron-capture collision. The orbital-angular-momentum quantum numbers $l$ are more highly peaked than statistical to large $l$ values for $nl{n}_{m}$, while they are found to maximize around $l\ensuremath{\approx}{q}^{\frac{3}{4}}$ for $ng{n}_{m}$.
Temperature extremes: geographic patterns, recent changes, and implications for organismal vulnerabilities

Extreme temperatures can injure or kill organisms and can drive evolutionary patterns. Many indices of extremes have been proposed, but few attempts have been made to establish geographic patterns of extremes and to evaluate whether they align with geographic patterns in biological vulnerability and diversity. To examine these issues, we adopt the CLIMDEX indices of thermal extremes. We compute scores for each index on a geographic grid during a baseline period (1961-1990) and separately for the recent period (1991-2010). Heat extremes (temperatures above the 90th percentile during the baseline period) have become substantially more common during the recent period, particularly in the tropics. Importantly, the various indices show weak geographic concordance, implying that organisms in different regions will face different forms of thermal stress. The magnitude of recent shifts in indices is largely uncorrelated with baseline scores in those indices, suggesting that organisms are likely to face novel thermal stresses. Organismal tolerances correlate roughly with absolute metrics (mainly for cold), but poorly with metrics defined relative to local conditions. Regions with high extreme scores do not correlate closely with regions with high species diversity, human population density, or agricultural production. Even though frequency and intensity of extreme temperature events have - and are likely to have - major impacts on organisms, the impacts are likely to be geographically and taxonomically idiosyncratic and difficult to predict.
Research on Graphite and Mechanical Properties of Chilled Gray Iron Camshaft

According to the chilled gray iron camshaft casting producing technological test scheme,graphite and mechanical properties were researched before it start of production.As the statistical analysis on test data,the process was stable.Meanwhile, the quality risks that brought by E type graphite have been recognized,and then the process was optimized.Though the research,the method of investigate the camshaft casting process before start of production and the way of evaluating the camshaft were proposed.
Occupational Hazard Control in Some Chemical Building Materials Factory Construction Project

Objective To identify and analyze the occupational hazard in some chemical building materials factory construction project,evaluate the control effect.Methods On the basis of the occupational hygiene investigation,according to national standards and norms,the assessment for the operation points with major occupational hazard was counducted,and physical examination was conducted to the workers exposed to occupational harzard.Results A total of 102 samples were collected by chemical poisons fixed sampling,in which 3 samples didn't meet the limit values in the determination;12 samples from dust sampling point were all meet the standard;3 in 18 noise measurement points were over 85 dB(A) in the measurement.No contraindication career and occupational disease was found in occupational physical examination.Conclusion The status of occupational safety and hygiene in this project basically meet the national occupational stansards,and the control strategies were effective.However,chemical poisons control in some worksites should be strengthened.
Multiple Sclerosis: New Hypotheses Are Needed

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) was recognized as a distinct disease involving both the brain and spinal cord and associated with disseminated demyelinating plaques (“la sclerose en plaques”) and axonal damage more than 145 years ago by French neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot [1]. Since that time, the world has witnessed many remarkable discoveries. Due to progress in physics and mathematics, MRI has become a powerful tool in neurology allowing us to follow the progression of demyelinating lesions in living patients. Based on progress made in the field of immunology, a number of immunomodulatory drugs have been discovered, tested in clinical trials and become standards of care for the treatment of patients with relapsing-remitting form of MS. However, medications used in MS are called Disease-Modifying Treatments (DMTs) since they do not stop the disease but only delay its activity and progression. DMTs have limited clinical efficacy and may have significant adverse effects. At present, we do not know what causes MS and, therefore, we cannot develop the MS cure. It has been well documented that MS pathogenesis involves both inflammation and neurodegeneration. Inflammation is more common in relapsing-remitting form of MS compared to primaryprogressive form of MS and, in the past, was considered a primary feature of demyelination in MS. Surprisingly, myelin destruction has recently been reported to occur before inflammation at least in some patients [2]. It is believed that MS occurs as a result of a complex combination of genetic background and environmental factors. Studies show MS prevalence approximately 1 per 100,000
Clinical Application of Gasless Laparoscopy in Gynecological Operation:Forty-one Cases Analysis

Objective:To discuss the efficacy and advantage s of gasless laparoscopy in the treatment of gynecological disease.Methods:The clinical data of 41 cases with cardiopulmonary dysfunction and senile patients who received suspensory gasless laparoscopic surgery in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed,The operative condition and postoperative recovery were also analyzed.Results:Gasless laparoscopy was successfully finished in 41 cases. There were no significantly statistical difference among pre-operation,during operation and post-operation about blood gas analysis,condition of respiratory function and circulation function,condition of electrocardiographic monitor (P0.05). One case suffered from subcostal pain and one felt shoulder pain on both sides and both of them were recovered spontaneously.Conclusions:Gasless laparoscopy has the advantages for the treatment of gynecological disease in the senile patients or patients with cardiopulmonary dysfunction.
Effects of the lazaroid U74389G (21 aminosteroid) on skeletal muscle reperfusion injury in rabbits

The purpose of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of the aminosteroid U74389G on skeletal muscle reperfusion injury in rabbits. In 24 white New Zealand rabbits (weighing 7.0-8.0 lb), the rectus femoris muscle on both sides was completely isolated on a single vascular pedicle (artery and vein) and a major accessory vein. All muscles were weighed using a suspension spring balance and then underwent 4 hours of normothermic ischemia followed by 24 hours of reperfusion. Muscle ischemia was induced by the application of atraumatic vascular clamps to the vascular pedicles. Complete muscle ischemia and reperfusion were documented by a laser flow meter. The animals were divided into three groups; Group I (n = 8) served as control, Group II (n = 8) received an i.v. bolus of U74389G (1.5 mg/kg) five minutes prior to ischemia, Group III (n = 8) was given the same dose of lazaroid five minutes prior to reperfusion. Muscle biopsies were obtained before ischemia and after reperfusion for quantification of myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. At the completion of reperfusion, the muscles were excised, weighed and cut into slices along the longitudinal axis and then incubated for 30 minutes in 0.05% nitroblue tetrazolium. Areas of necrosis were determined by computerized planimetry. The following results indicate that reperfusion muscle necrosis in rabbits is significantly decreased by the administration of the lazaroid U74389G. Leukocyte sequestration was not affected by the lazaroid administration. These beneficial effects were observed whether the lazaroid was administered prior to ischemia or prior to reperfusion and were independent of leukocyte sequestration.
Current Treatment Outcomes Among Patients with Rheumatoid Hand and Wrist Deformities

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remains one of the most common inflammatory arthropathies and results in substantial disability owing to progressive destruction of both large and small joints. Despite intense interest in developing new treatment options, there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, and both medical and surgical strategies are directed instead toward curbing immune-mediated synovitis and alleviating joint pain and deformity. Disease-modifying antirheumatic agents have dramatically improved the prognosis of RA, but surgical intervention remains important, and a comprehensive algorithm that integrates both medical and surgical treatment has not yet been defined. This review will focus on current evidence drawn from clinical outcomes, research studies regarding treatment effectiveness, and remaining controversies in the management of RA.
Inertial head-tracker sensor fusion by a complementary separate-bias Kalman filter

Current virtual environment and teleoperator applications are hampered by the need for an accurate, quick-responding head-tracking system with a large working volume. Gyroscopic orientation sensors can overcome problems with jitter, latency, interference, line-of-sight obscurations and limited range, but suffer from slow drift. Gravimetric inclinometers can detect attitude without drifting, but are slow and sensitive to transverse accelerations. This paper describes the design of a Kalman filter to integrate the data from these two types of sensors in order to achieve the excellent dynamic response of an inertial system without drift, and without the acceleration sensitivity of inclinometers.
Non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer: Intravesical treatments beyond Bacille Calmette-Guérin

An unmet need exists for patients with high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer for whom bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) has failed and who seek further bladder-sparing approaches. This shortcoming poses difficult management dilemmas. This review explores previously investigated first-line intravesical therapies and discusses emerging second-line treatments for the heterogeneous group of patients for whom BCG has failed. The myriad of recently published and ongoing trials assessing novel salvage intravesical treatments offer promise to patients who both seek an effective cure and want to avoid radical surgery. However, these trials must carefully be contextualized by specific patient, tumor, and recurrence characteristics. As data continue to accumulate, there will potentially be a role for these agents as second-line or even first-line intravesical therapies. Cancer 2017;123:390-400. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
Critters, Cooties and Congress: Managing Health at the Wildlife-Livestock Interface

Wildlife disease processes can be described as the interaction between the three principles of the epidemiologic triad model: host, agent and environment. Increasing human populations decrease the size and quality of the environment, and increase the complexity of the wildlife - domestic animal disease interface. Additional levels of complexity are added by regulatory, political and socioeconomic perspectives. Diseases such as brucellosis, hemorrhagic disease, avian influenza, malignant catarrhal fever and Mycoplasma bovis disease are making big headlines during an era of small budgets. The “One Health” concept challenges wildlife managers to think critically, think outside the boundaries and to actively integrate animal health into wildlife management at the landscape level.
Variation in National ACGME Case Log Data for Pediatric Orthopaedic Fellowships: Are Fellow Coding Practices Responsible?

Background The introduction of the 80-hour work week for Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) accredited fellowship programs initiated many efforts to optimize surgical training. One particular area of interest is on recording and tracking surgical experiences. The current standard is logging cases based on Current Procedural Terminology codes, which are primarily designed for billing. Proposed guidelines from the ACGME regarding logging exist, but their implementation is unknown, as is the variation in case volume across fellowship programs. The purpose of this study was to investigate variability in the national case log data, and explore potential sources of variation using fellow surveys. Methods National ACGME case log data for pediatric orthopaedic fellowships from 2012 to 2015 were reviewed, with particular attention to the domains of spine, pelvis/hip, arthroscopy, trauma, and other (which includes clubfoot casting). To explore potential sources of case log variability, a survey on case logging behavior was distributed to all pediatric orthopaedic fellows for the academic year 2015 to 2016. Results Reported experiences based on ACGME case logs varied widely between fellows with percentage difference of up to 100% in all areas. Similarly, wide variability is present in coding practices of pediatric orthopaedic fellows, who often lack formal education on the topic of appropriate coding/logging. In the survey, hypothetical case scenarios had an absolute difference in recorded codes of up to 13 and a percentage difference of up to 100%. Conclusions ACGME case log data for pediatric orthopaedic fellowships demonstrates wide variability in reported surgical experiences. This variability may be due, in part, to differences in logging practices by individual fellows. This observation makes meaningful interpretation of national data on surgical volume challenging. Proposed surgical experience minimums should be interpreted in light of these data, and may not be advisable unless accompanied by standardized and specific guidelines for case log entry. Efforts to optimize training in the post 80-hour era will require accurate data to serve as a starting point for future educational efforts.
Alkenylboranes and Control of Olefinic Geometry

There are two fundamental ways in which boron compounds can be used for stereocontrolled olefin synthesis. One is via the β-elimination of boron and a nucleofuge, such as halide, alkoxide, amino, or alkylthio. The other is via direct electrophilic replacement of boron from an alkenylborane. Many known examples in the first category derive the stereospecifically β-substituted borane from an alkenylborane, though there are significant exceptions that will be noted.
High Versus Low Theoretical Fidelity Pedometer Intervention Using Social-Cognitive Theory on Steps and Self-Efficacy.

ABSTRACTPurpose: This study was designed to compare a low versus high theoretical fidelity pedometer intervention applying social-cognitive theory on step counts and self-efficacy. Method: Fifty-six public university employees participated in a 10-week randomized controlled trial with 2 conditions that varied in theoretical fidelity. Participants in the high theoretical fidelity condition wore a pedometer and participated in a weekly group walk followed by a meeting to discuss cognitive-behavioral strategies targeting self-efficacy. Participants in the low theoretical fidelity condition met for a group walk and also used a pedometer as a motivational tool and to monitor steps. Step counts were assessed throughout the 10-week intervention and after a no-treatment follow-up (20 weeks and 30 weeks). Self-efficacy was measured preintervention and postintervention. Results: Participants in the high theoretical fidelity condition increased daily steps by 2,283 from preintervention to postintervention, whereas p...