cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the development of an image-matching navigation algorithm for aerial vehicles

Today's aerial vehicles are equipped with relatively inexpensive vision sensors that can contribute to the navigation solution providing high-rate position, velocity and attitude navigational fixes. This paper focuses on preliminary results of computer simulations of a monocular vision-based system that is based on the image matching technique. Specifically, this system relies on high-definition satellite imagery that has become available in recent years. The paper presents the overall concept, discusses imagery data that was available for testing the suggested concept, and finally shows some preliminary results exhibiting satisfactory match between the estimated and true states.
Chromosome Conformation Capture for Research on Innate Antiviral Immunity

Chromosome conformation capture (3C) technology has revolutionized our knowledge on chromatin folding and nuclear organization. This cis-loop detection approach can be used to identify candidate regulatory elements interacting with target gene of interest. This chapter introduces the application of 3C technique to investigate a dynamic alteration in the chromosome folding structure or genomic architecture resulting from interaction changes between the enhancer and its target gene. Innate antiviral immunity is one of the well-known gene induction systems, involving rapid first-line response to virus or pathogen to trigger gene expression changes in order﻿ to protect cells and to limit further infection. Thus, the 3C technique can be a powerful tool for exploring how enhancers control expression of immunity genes during virus infection. 3C assay consists of four major steps: Cross-linking with formaldehyde, restriction enzyme digestion, ligation of cross-linked DNA fragments, and quantitative data analysis. Here, we discuss in detail the design, application, and data analysis of a 3C experiment.
A Critical Discussion of the English-Vernacular Divide in India

This chapter offers a critical discussion of ELT-related practices in India to show how the middle class, with its relatively easy access to English, represents an inner circle of power and privilege that, for a variety of reasons, remains inaccessible to entire groups of people in India. Based on my extended seven-year project with English and vernacular-medium teachers in the city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat, India, the chapter offers a synthesized account of three inter-related local factors impacting English and vernacular educational scenes in Gujarat, namely: nation and state-wide educational policies regarding medium of instruction, a preference for teaching English literature vs. the English language, and some curricular practices as partially evidenced in English language textbooks in Gujarat. Each of these factors plays a crucial role in maintaining the status quo with the English-medium middle class and in shutting out the Gujarati-medium students from fully participating in schooling-related transactions.
Alarme noturno e enurese: uma revisão baseada na evidência

Introduction: Nocturnal enuresis is a common problem, affecting about 15% of children between the ages of five and six years. Different treatments have been studied in order to diminish the potentially stigmatizing impact of NE, both for the child and the family. These include nocturnal alarms and behavior modification affecting sleep. Aim: The aim of this review was to assess the evidence for the effectiveness of nocturnal alarms in the treatment of nocturnal enuresis. Methods: A bibliographic review of international databases was conducted, using the MeSH terms ‘Nocturnal enuresis’ AND ‘Clinical alarms’. We also consulted the Index RMP database using the search terms Enurese noturna and Alarme. We selected meta-analyses, systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and clinical guidelines written in Portuguese and English that were published between January 2005 and January 2015. The Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine criteria were used to establish the Level of Evidence (LE). Results: From a total of 52 articles found, nine met the inclusion criteria. These included three systematic reviews, three clinical trials, and three guidelines. Most studies found that NA is more beneficial than other non-pharmacologic options. When compared to desmopressin, the use of NA has shown equivalent effectiveness. Its use is associated with less risk of relapse and a better response when NE occurs due to diminished nocturnal bladder capacity. However, beneficial results take longer to appear with NA, parental collaboration is needed, and there is a risk of decreased adherence to this treatment. Clinical guidelines agree with the results of published trials. Discussion: Given the potential benefits of nocturnal alarms in the treatment of nocturnal enuresis (Level of Evidence 1, Strength of Recommendation A), the family doctor should consider this treatment for NE resistant to initial measures, thus avoiding the need for pharmacologic intervention or premature referral.
Progress in the Full-Text Publication Rate of Orthopaedic and Sport Physical Therapy Abstracts Presented at the American Physical Therapy Association's Combined Sections Meeting.

Study Design Descriptive study. Background Professional meetings, such as the American Physical Therapy Association's (APTA's) Combined Sections Meeting (CSM), provide forums for sharing information. However, it was reported that only one quarter of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy Sections abstracts presented at the CSM between 2000 and 2004 went on to full-text publication. This low conversion rate raises a number of concerns regarding the full dissemination of work within the profession. Objectives The purpose of this study was to determine the full-text publication rate of work presented in abstract form at subsequent CSMs and investigate factors influencing the rate. Methods A systematic search was undertaken to locate full-text publications of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy Sections abstracts presented at CSMs between 2005 and 2011. Eligible publications were published within 5 years following abstract presentation. The influences of year of abstract presentation, APTA section, prese...
Tinnitus, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in the Military

Acoustic trauma is more prevalent in military settings, especially among individuals with combat-related military occupational specialties. Gunfire, improvised explosive devices, and mortar explosions are a few examples that may cause hearing degradation and tinnitus. It is possible that the same events that are associated with auditory problems can cause traumatic brain injury (TBI) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This paper reviews the distinct and overlapping symptoms of tinnitus, TBI, and PTSD, and how these disorders interact to synergistically promote negative outcomes. Tinnitus may serve as a significant contributor to symptoms of TBI and PTSD. Therefore, tinnitus subtypes could be identified as physiologically or psychologically based, or both. Additional research is warranted to determine the common and unique symptoms and associated neurological pathways of tinnitus, TBI, and PTSD. Brief treatment recommendations are provided, including a multidisciplinary approach for the physical and psychological distress associated with tinnitus.
Accelerated Time Domain Quantitative Photoacoustic Tomography (TD-qPAT) based on Graphic Processing Units (GPU) for Clinical Application of Breast Cancer Imaging

We present a GPU-based method to accelerate the image reconstruction using TD-qPAT, reducing the reconstruction time from days to minutes and making it feasible as a powerful tool in clinical applications of breast cancer imaging.
TREATMENTS (NON-ANTIEPILEPTIC DRUGS) | Herbal Therapies for Epilepsy

Herbal medicines with a tradition of use for convulsive disorders, and compounds isolated from them, are attractive targets for evaluation as potential new treatments for epilepsy. The Harvard Medical School epilepsy botanical program has developed a list of high priority herbal medicines to be considered for evaluation. We have tested crude extracts and selected fractions of these herbal medicines, as well as pure compounds isolated from those fractions, in well-validated animal models of epilepsy. We have also evaluated those fractions and compounds using in vitro assays to evaluate mechanisms of action. A clinical trial of the lead compound is planned.
PET — A Global Perspective

I would like to begin my remarks with a disclaimer. The title of my speech -- “PET: A Global Perspective” -- was provided by our public relations people and frankly covers more ground than I am prepared for today or, for that matter, ever. I will, however, try to cover some of the ideas implied by that ambitious title, including: A brief update on where PET technology stands today, and where it is headed; An account of the events leading to the invention of the PET bottle which spanned nearly two decades and, I am afraid, are far less glamorous than I care to admit; And finally, I’d like to offer a few concluding thoughts about creativity and engineering -- two subjects I am still learning about.
Bladder Filling and Storage: “(Involuntary) Contractions”

Urodynamics (UDS) is the dynamic study of the storage and evacuation of urine. Its role is to provide the clinician with information about a patient’s lower urinary tract function. Ideally, the patient’s symptoms are reproduced during the study to provide objective measurements which correlate with the patient’s symptoms. UDS should be considered as an adjunct to a detailed history and physical exam to better characterize the clinical picture and facilitate optimal treatment planning. An important portion of the UDS is the bladder filling and storage phase. Involuntary detrusor contractions (IDCs) may occur during this portion of the study and may provide insight into the pathophysiology of the patient’s complaints. This chapter will focus on the different UDS manifestations of IDCs by investigating the UDS tracings of neurogenic and idiopathic detrusor overactivity, stress-induced overactivity, phasic overactivity, detrusor overactivity incontinence, detrusor after-contractions, and terminal detrusor overactivity.
Modeling of Cavitation Erosion Resistance in Polymeric Materials Based on Strain Accumulation

Cavitation erosion damage in elastomeric coatings is inherently different than in metallic surfaces. Low cycle fatigue appears as a reasonable underlying mechanism for initiation and progression of cavitation erosion in metallic surfaces. Therefore, the actual time rate of bubble collapses is somewhat irrelevant, while their total number determines the state of the surface. This not only allows for observation of the progressive damage, it also enables accelerated testing. In contrast, polymeric coatings may essentially show no signs of damage in one regime, while deteriorating rapidly and uncontrollably in a slightly higher intensity of testing. This threshold behavior may not be explained by low cycle fatigue. Instead an approach inspired by strain accumulation analysis in viscoelastic polymers was adapted to include post-yield behavior of polyureas. In this approach, the strain recovery in the polymer after an impact load representative of a bubble collapse may not be fully completed before the next cycle of loading. Therefore at high loading frequency, the un-recovered strain tends to accumulate faster. On the other hand, at very high frequencies, the viscoelastic material may not allow as much initial deformation due to higher stiffness affected by the rate of loading. The competition of these two effects leads to critical loading scenarios that may induce catastrophic damage. When the material may be loaded beyond its yielding limit, this effect is a lot more important and sensitive, as the larger strains induced post-yield will need longer times to recover. A computational model is presented to show the distinct thresholds in loading frequency and loading level in contrast with coating material characteristics, including both stiffness and relaxation spectrum. The results are compared with the observations of cavitation erosion damage in polyurea coatings.
The Health Literacy of U.S. Immigrant Adolescents: A Neglected Research Priority in a Changing World.

Immigrant adolescents are the fastest-growing sector among U.S. youth, but they receive little attention in health literacy research. Immigrant adolescents are a diverse population tasked with mastering new literacies while also navigating new social systems. Many immigrant adolescents serve as important linguistic and cultural resources in their families and local communities, and yet their contributions (and struggles) as new navigators of our health care system remain invisible. In this commentary article, we argue that health literacy researchers need to devote more attention to immigrant adolescents and the pathways by which they learn new language and literacy skills while also developing their own health habits and behaviors. We contend that the study of immigrant adolescents provides a critical window into health literacy as a socially and historically situated practice, specifically how immigrant adolescents’ transnational experiences shape their learning of new health literacy practices. With a coordinated interdisciplinary research agenda on immigrant adolescents, the health literacy field will expand its empirical base for what becoming “health literate” looks like in today’s globalizing world.
Gene signatures common to allograft rejection are associated with lymphocytic bronchitis

Lymphocytic bronchitis (LB) precedes chronic lung allograft dysfunction. The relationships of LB (classified here as Endobronchial or E-grade rejection) to small airway (A- and B-grade) pathologies are unclear. We hypothesized that gene signatures common to allograft rejection would be present in LB. We studied LB in two partially overlapping lung transplant recipient cohorts: Cohort 1 included large airway brushes (6 LB cases and 18 post-transplant referents). Differential expression using DESeq2 was used for pathway analysis and to define an LB-associated metagene. In Cohort 2, eight biopsies for each pathology subtype were matched with pathology-free biopsies from the same subject (totaling 48 samples from 24 subjects). These biopsies were analyzed by multiplexed digital counting of immune transcripts. Metagene score differences were compared by paired t tests. Compared to referents in Cohort 1, LB demonstrated upregulation of allograft rejection pathways, and upregulated genes in these cases characterized an LB-associated metagene. We observed statistically increased expression in Cohort 2 for this LB-associated metagene and four other established allograft rejection metagenes in rejection vs paired non-rejection biopsies for both E-grade and A-grade subtypes, but not B-grade pathology. Gene expression-based categorization of allograft rejection may prove useful in monitoring lung allograft health.
The Social False Dilemma: Perpetuating Conflicts between Liberals and Conservatives

This essay addresses the establishment of a social false dilemma in the form of the socially-constructed categories of liberals and conservatives. The illogical positioning of only two options for solving a problem reduces an audience’s ability for developing creative solutions. The dichotomous nature of this political positioning undercuts critical thought through politicians’ usage of entrenched either-or thinking. In turn, the people struggle with a deliberative process that is underscored by an acceptance of a false dilemma. In particular, this essay focuses on an American dichotomous political climate by acknowledging the existence of the dichotomy, the promotion of Dissoi Logoi to avoid the false dilemma, and the repercussions of compromised deliberative functions of democracy.
Sensor Placement for Multi-Fidelity Dynamics Model Calibration

This paper studies a multi-fidelity resource optimization methodology for sensor location in the calibration of dynamics model parameters. Effective calibration can only be achieved if the information collection in the experiments is successful. This requires a thoughtful study of the sensor configuration to maximize information gain in the calibration of system parameters. This paper proposes a framework for optimizing the sensor number and locations to maximize information gain in the calibration of damping parameters for non-linear dynamics problems. Further, we extend the basic framework to the case of multi-fidelity modeling. In the presence of models of multiple fidelity, runs from the high-fidelity model can be used to correct the low-fidelity surrogate and result in stronger physics-informed priors for calibration with experimental data. This multi-fidelity calibration allows the fusion of information from low and high-fidelity models in inverse problems. The proposed sensor optimization methodology is illustrated for a curved panel subjected to acoustic and non-uniform thermal loading. Two models of different fidelity (a time history analysis and a frequency domain analysis) are employed to calibrate the structure’s damping parameters and model errors. The optimization methodology considers two complicating factors: (1) the damping behavior is input-dependent, and (2) the sensor uncertainty is affected by temperature.
Kinetics and Mechanism of the Early Stages of Polymerization in the Styrene-Polybutadiene System

The polymerization of an unsaturated rubber dissolved in a monomer has been practiced commercially for over two decades. A common example is the polymerization of styrene in the presence of 5–20% dissolved polybutadiene rubber to produce high-impact polystyrene. The commercial product consists of a dispersion of rubber particles in a continuous glassy phase. These rubber particles enhance the toughness of the otherwise brittle glassy phase. By carrying out the polymerization of the monomer in the presence of the rubber, it is generally agreed that some of the polymerized monomer is grafted to the rubber. The compatibilizing action of this graft copolymer is felt to be important in obtaining the desired mechanical properties. These two-phase polymer systems have been extensively reviewed(l–3).
Reply to Peiretti et al.: Effect of CAGE on fat uptake and food intake.

We thank Peiretti et al. (1) for their interest in our work (2) and for the suggestions for follow-up research. Peiretti et al. (1) ask about the role of reduced food consumption in the observed effect on reduced weight gain. We respectfully acknowledge this question. In our work (2), the effect of choline and geranate (CAGE) on fat uptake is hypothesized to occur primarily through a physical phenomenon. Specifically, the amphiphilic nature of CAGE enables its interactions with the lipophilic fat molecules … [↵][1]1To whom correspondence may be addressed. Email: mitragotri{at}seas.harvard.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
Addition of Wendler Glottoplasty to Voice Therapy Improves Trans Female Voice Outcomes.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS VT is often considered the preferred treatment for vocal feminization in transgender patients. However, Wendler glottoplasty offers a surgical option for increasing fundamental frequency and perception of vocal femininity. We aimed to determine whether the addition of glottoplasty to VT results in greater fundamental frequency elevation and improvement in quality-of-life measures. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective case series. METHODS Forty-eight trans female patients were treated for vocal feminization. Twenty-seven patients underwent VT, and 21 patients underwent VT with additional glottoplasty (VTWG). Pre- and posttreatment acoustic measures, Trans Woman Voice Questionnaire (TWVQ), and Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) data were compared. RESULTS Glottoplasty in combination with VT elevated average speaking fundamental frequency (SF0) to a greater extent than VT alone (P < .0001). The VTWG group achieved a 42-Hz increase in SF0, whereas the VT group achieved a 15-Hz increase in SF0. In both the VT and VTWG groups, the lower bound of physiologic range increased by 18 Hz (P = .0008 and P = .016, respectively). The addition of glottoplasty also resulted in greater improvement in voice-related quality of life. Improvement in TWVQ and VHI-10 was significantly greater in the VTWG group than the VT group (P = .007 and P = .029, respectively). TWVQ showed statistically significant improvement in the VTWG group only. CONCLUSIONS VT results in SF0 elevation and improvement in VHI-10. The addition of glottoplasty to VT results in further improvements in SF0 and VHI-10 and statistically significant improvement in TWVQ. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4 Laryngoscope, 131:1588-1593, 2021.
Evidence on how different interventions affect juror assessment of auditor legal culpability and responsibility for damages after auditor failure to detect fraud

Abstract Prior research shows that, under realistic conditions, jurors overly harshly evaluate audit firm culpability when financial statement fraud emerges after issuance of a clean audit opinion. In two experiments, we test theory-based predictions that three topical regulatory factors can reduce jurors’ assessments of audit firm culpability as well as predictions about two key mediators through which these factors effectively operate. The three factors are an auditor judgment rule (AJR) prohibiting juror second-guessing of auditor judgments made in good faith and with a reasonable basis, a critical audit matter (CAM) disclosure in the audit report that pertains to the disputed area, and a juror negligence training (JNT) in which jurors learn and apply legal concepts before the case evaluation. The two mediators are jurors’ perceptions that the audit firm missed a readily detectable fraud (detectability) and tacitly assented to management’s potentially fraudulent actions (acquiescence). Finally, we also test a “reactance-effects” prediction whereby, even while the AJR and JNT interventions decrease assessed auditor culpability on average, we expect the interventions will simultaneously increase assessed damages among the relatively small subset of jurors finding against the audit firm in their presence relative to jurors finding against the audit firm in their absence. Results support our predictions and also demonstrate that the mediators of perceived detectability and acquiescence can underlie these effects.
Tweeting in the midst of disaster: A comparative case study of journalists’ practices following four crises:

This comparative case study examines how local journalists used Twitter as a crisis communication tool during four emergency situations in the United States. The public’s retweeting and liking patt...
The Sociology of Surviving the Coronavirus

The much-maligned social media realm can help people avoid the detrimental effects of social isolation during this pandemic. Otherwise, the psychological effects of isolation could further compound the multi-faceted damage caused by the deadly virus.
Beyond Murphy’s Law: Applying Wider Human Factors Behavioural Science Approaches in Cyber-Security Resilience

Traditional approaches to cyber-security resilience, assuring the overall socio-technical system is secure from immediate known attacks and routes to potential future attacks, have relied on three pillars of people, process, and technology.
Environmentally Relevant Levels of Depleted Uranium Impacts Dermal Fibroblast Proliferation, Viability, Metabolic Activity, and Scratch Closure

Uranium (U) is a heavy metal used in military and industrial settings, with a large portion being mined from the Southwest region of the United States. Uranium has uses in energy and military weaponry, but the mining process has released U into soil and surface waters that may pose threats to human and environmental health. The majority of literature regarding U’s human health concern focuses on outcomes based on unintentional ingestion or inhalation, and limited data are available about its influence via cutaneous contact. Utilizing skin dermis cells, we evaluated U’s topical chemotoxicity. Employing soluble depleted uranium (DU) in the form of uranyl nitrate (UN), we hypothesized that in vitro exposure of UN will have cytotoxic effects on primary dermal fibroblasts by affecting cell viability and metabolic activity and, further, may delay wound healing aspects via altering cell proliferation and migration. Using environmentally relevant levels of U found in water (0.1 μM to 100 μM [UN]; 23.8–23,800 ppb [U]), we quantified cellular mitosis and migration through growth curves and in vitro scratch assays. Cells were exposed from 24 h to 144 h for a time-course evaluation of UN chemical toxicity. The effects of UN were observed at concentrations above and below the Environmental Protection Agency threshold for safe exposure limits. UN exposure resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in the viable cell count; however, it produced an increase in metabolism when corrected for the viable cells present. Furthermore, cellular proliferation, population doubling, and percent closure was hindered at levels ≥10 μM UN. Therefore, inadvertent exposure may exacerbate pre-existing skin diseases in at-risk demographics, and additionally, it may substantially interfere in cutaneous tissue repair processes.
Power Converter Topologies for Electrolyzer Applications to Enable Electric Grid Services

Hydrogen electrolyzers, with their operational flexibility, can be configured as smart dynamic loads which can provide grid services and facilitate the integration of more renewable energy sources into the electrical grid. However, to enable this ability, the electrolyzer system should be able to control both active and reactive power in coordination with the low-level controller of the electrolyzer via the power electronics system interface between the utility grid and electrolyzer. This paper discusses power converter topologies and the control scheme of this power electronics interface for electrolyzer applications to enable electricity grid services. For the sake of unity, in this paper, we consider the power converter system interfacing the utility grid at the line-to-line root mean square (RMS) value of 480 VAC-60 Hz and supplying to the 3500 A-750 kW PEM electrolyzer stack.
Task-Optimal Registration Cost Functions

In this paper, we propose a framework for learning the parameters of registration cost functions --- such as the tradeoff between the regularization and image similiarity term --- with respect to a specific task. Assuming the existence of labeled training data, we specialize the framework for the task of localizing hidden labels via image registration. We learn the parameters of the weighted sum of squared differences (wSSD) image similarity term that are optimal for the localization of Brodmann areas (BAs) in a new subject based on cortical geometry. We demonstrate state-of-the-art localization of V1, V2, BA44 and BA45.
Effect of Scattering on the Combined Reflection and Thermal Radiation Emission of a Typical Semitransparent TBC Material

A parametric study was undertaken to examine the effects of scattering on the combined reflection and thermal radiation emission of a typical semi-transparent thermal barrier coating material. A one dimensional model was used.
Use of active surveillance to validate international classification of diseases code estimates of rotavirus hospitalizations in children.

Objective. National estimates of hospi- talizations for rotavirus, the leading cause of acute gas- troenteritis (AGE) in children, have been used to estab- lish the need for rotavirus vaccines. A previous method directly estimated discharges by using the rotavirus-spe- cific International Classification of Diseases (ICD) code, but this method has not been validated. Our study eval- uated the sensitivity of the rotavirus ICD code among children hospitalized for AGE by using active surveil- lance for rotavirus at a tertiary children's hospital. Design. We compared data for rotavirus-coded hospi- tal discharges in 2000-2001 at Cincinnati Children's Hos- pital Medical Center with data on laboratory-confirmed cases of rotavirus obtained from active surveillance. We estimated additional rotavirus hospitalizations by ex- trapolating the proportion of rotavirus-positive results from active-surveillance cases to those with an unknown rotavirus status. Results. Of 767 cases of AGE-related discharge codes, 103 (13%) were coded as rotavirus, 91% (94 of 103) of which were laboratory-confirmed diagnoses. Among all children discharged with an AGE-related illness, 260 (34%) were enrolled in active surveillance, of whom 155 (60%) tested positive for rotavirus. An additional 47 lab- oratory-confirmed rotavirus-case patients not enrolled in active surveillance yielded a total of 202 rotavirus cases and a maximum sensitivity of the rotavirus code of 47%. Extrapolation indicated that an additional 170 untested children might be rotavirus-positive, yielding a total of 372 rotavirus hospitalizations and a minimum sensitivity of the rotavirus code of 25%. Conclusions. Measurement of rotavirus-coded hospi- tal discharges alone seems to greatly underestimate the true burden of rotavirus-associated hospitalizations. The numbers of national rotavirus hospitalization discharges may be substantially greater than previously estimated. Pediatrics 2005;115:78-82; acute gastroenteritis, United States, child, surveillance, hospitalization, ICD codes, sensitivity, specificity.
The Effects of Spinal Cord Injury on the Status of Messenger Ribonucleic Acid for TRPM 2 and Androgen Receptor in the Prostate of the Rat

The prostate is one of the male accessory sex glands that produce fluid components of the seminal plasma. In addition to androgen, a normal innervation of the prostate is believed to be important for maintaining normal function of the prostate. Previously we noted that, in the rat, the weight of the prostate decreased following surgically induced spinal cord injury (SCI). This observation suggests that growth, and possibly function, of the prostate may be compromised after SCI. To explore this possibility, we examined the effects of SCI on the androgen-related biochemical properties and morphology of the prostate in the rat at various times after surgically induced SCI. SCI resulted in an acute decrease in prostate weight and an increase in steady state level of mRNA for testosterone-repressed prostate message 2 (TRPM 2) during the first 2 weeks postinjury. These changes perhaps relate to an increase in cell death or a decrease in secretory activity due to an acute suppression of serum testosterone after the injury. Concomitantly, there was a transient, but significant, decrease in the steady state level of androgen receptor (AR) mRNA in the prostate during the first 2 weeks after SCI, an indication of an altered autoregulation of AR by its own ligand. Despite the fact that growth of the prostate, as indicated by weight increase, in SCI rats resumed 2 weeks postinjury, prostate weights were persistently lower in SCI rats than sham-operated controls for at least 3 months. Furthermore, prostate TRPM 2 mRNA levels remained elevated throughout the recovery period even after a normal prostate weight had been restored. In addition, a decrease in the height of ventral prostate epithelial cells was noted in SCI rats 28 and 90 days postinjury. These results demonstrate a prolonged effect of SCI on prostate function. These findings and our unreported observation of persistently smaller seminal vesicles in the same groups of SCI rats suggest that functions of male accessory sex glands may also be compromised after SCI. These changes may affect biochemical properties of the secretory products of these glands and may provide some explanation for the reported changes in the composition of the seminal plasma and abnormal sperm motility seen in the semen of SCI men.
Comparative Immunological Studies of Two Pseudomonas Enzymes

Abstract Crystalline preparations of muconate lactonizing enzyme and muconolactone isomerase, two inducible enzymes that catalyze successive steps in the catechol branch of the β-ketoadipate pathway, were used to prepare antisera. Both enzymes were isolated from a strain of Pseudomonas putida biotype A. The antisera did not cross-react with enzymes of the same bacterial strain that catalyze the chemically analogous steps in the protocatechuate branch of the β-ketoadipate pathway, carboxymuconate lactonizing enzyme and carboxymuconolactone decarboxylase. The antisera gave heterologous cross-reactions of varying intensities with the muconate lactonizing enzymes and muconolactone isomerases of P. putida biotype B, P. aeruginosa, P. stutzeri, and all biotypes of P. fluorescens, but did not cross-react with the isofunctional enzymes of P. acidovorans, of P. multivorans, and of two bacterial species that belong to other genera. The evolutionary and taxonomic implications of the findings are discussed.
Latent growth, latent growth mixture, and group-based models

Chapter 13 provides an account of the latent growth modeling techniques. To familiarize the reader with latent growth methodology, I first provide a brief overview of structural equation modeling (SEM), based on which various latent growth models were developed. Next, I delineate the specification and statistical inference of the latent growth model (LGM). It is emphasized that in many ways, LGM is an SEM expression of linear mixed modeling in the context of longitudinal analysis. The latent growth mixture model (LGMM) is an extension of LGM with introducing latent classes in the model specification and statistical inference for modeling the developmental trajectory of individuals. The group-based model provides an alternative approach to identify distinctive growth patterns with the assumption that repeated measurements of the response are assumed to be serially uncorrelated given the specification of a finite number of latent groups. An empirical example is provided to illustrate the application of the latent growth model in SAS.
Precision lattice constants of the rare earth sulfofluorides of the type LnSF

Abstract All LnSF compounds for Ln=La to Lu (including Y) have been prepared by the interaction of H2S and the appropriate LnF3 rare earth fluoride between 900 and 1000°C. Only EuSF could not be prepared this way and the new Eu+2 defect sulfofluoride of the type Euф0.5S0.5F was obtained. Using this technique the LnSF compounds to and including Ho are tetragonal, space group P4/nmm, whereas those of Er to Lu are hexagonal, space group P6322. Refined cell constants of all compounds are reported.
Modulation of acute inflammation by targeting glycosaminoglycan–cytokine interactions

Abstract Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) located on cellular membranes and the extracellular matrix (ECM) are able to interact with chemokines and pro-inflammatory cytokines, leading to local cytokine/chemokine accumulation. The tissue-bound cytokines/chemokines function in promoting leukocyte migration and activation, contributing to local inflammation. Hence, targeting of GAG–cytokine interactions may provide an avenue for the attenuation of inflammatory responses. A cationic peptide (MC2) derived from the heparin-binding sequence of mouse IFN-γ was previously shown by our laboratory to delay allograft rejection in an animal model. In order to further investigate potential anti-inflammatory properties of the MC2 peptide, we have studied its activity in an acute peritoneal inflammation model. Groups of C57Bl/6 mice were injected intraperitoneally with either ConA or thioglycollate and treated with saline (control), the MC2 peptide or two control cationic peptides, poly- l -lysine (PLL) and poly- l -arginine (PLA). Treatment with the MC2 peptide, but not PLA or PLL, resulted in statistically significant reductions in total cell numbers, concentration of total proteins and concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNFα, IL-6 or IL-1β) in peritoneal lavage fluids, without alterations to the qualitative cellular composition of the exudate. These results suggest that targeting GAG–cytokine interaction is a viable approach to reduce inflammation.
A cleavable cross-linking reaction for protein carboxyl groups.

l-(+)-tartaric acid dihydrazide was coupled to the purple membrane from Halobacterium halobium with a water soluble carbodiimide. Gel electrophoresis analysis of the product revealed the formation of bacteriorhodopsin dimers, trimers and higher polymers. Most of the cross-links were removed by treatment with papain, demonstrating involvement of the carboxyl-rich carboxyl-terminal region of bacteriorhodopsin in the reaction. The cross-links were cleavable by periodate oxidation.
Comparison of three outpatient regimens in the management of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: This study compares pyridoxine–metoclopramide combination therapy to prochlorperazine and promethazine monotherapies in the outpatient treatment of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN: In total, 174 first trimester, singleton pregnancies were evaluated for nausea and vomiting. Patients were prospectively randomized into three treatment groups: pyridoxine–metoclopramide, prochlorperazine, or promethazine. Prior to, and on the third day, patients recorded their subjective responses to the given treatment and their number of emesis episodes. The three treatment groups were compared for therapy response. RESULTS: There were no differences in the number of emesis episodes prior to treatment. Both subjective and objective responses to treatment differed among the three groups when comparing the combination therapy to the monotherapies (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Combination therapy with pyridoxine and metoclopramide appears to be superior to either monotherapy in the treatment of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy.
Long-latency corticocortical evoked responses in squirrel monkey frontal cortex

Abstract Early (5 to 15 msec) and late (120 to 180 msec) responses are evoked bilaterally in postarcuate cortex of unanesthetized squirrel monkeys by electrical stimulation of postcentral somatosensory cortex. Sectioning the precentral corpus callosum abolishes both early and late responses to contralateral stimulation and leaves unchanged the responses recorded at the same site to ipsilateral stimulation, suggesting that generation of the late response depends on generation of the early response in the same frontal lobe. Units in postarcuate cortex fire in relation to the early and late responses, but are silent in the period between them. Other investigators have suggested that late components of the direct cortical response and postinhibitory rebound of cortical neurons are dependent on input to cortex from the thalamus. Our data indicate, rather, that it is input to cortex from the mesencephalon, probably feeding through the thalamus, which is necessary. Late responses are selectively depressed or even abolished by bilateral lesions in and near the mesencephalic reticular formation (MRF) and by general anesthetic agents, but the convulsant stimulants, picrotoxin and pentylenetetrazol, can induce recovery of late responses after lesions or administration of anesthetic agents. The data are consistent with the interpretation that neurons in postarcuate cortex are excited to fire during the early surface response, undergo long-duration postsynaptic inhibition such as is generated in cortical neurons by activation of many cortical afferents, and then show postinhibitory rebound if input from the mesencephalic reticular formation has not been interrupted by lesions or anesthetic agents, or if the convulsants substitute for this input.
Inactivation of Mycobacterium avium with chlorine dioxide

Abstract The effects of pH (6–10), temperature (5–30 °C), and disinfectant concentration (0.5–5 mg ClO 2 /L) on the kinetics of Mycobacterium avium inactivation with chlorine dioxide were investigated by performing batch experiments in synthetic 0.01 M phosphate and borate buffer solutions. The resulting inactivation curves were generally characterized by a lag phase followed by two subsequent stages, fast and then slow, of pseudo-first-order kinetics consistent with two-population (susceptible and tolerant) kinetics. However, variability that was uncorrelated to experimental conditions was observed; some inactivation curves did not have a lag phase and/or the susceptible population was absent. The inactivation kinetics of the tolerant population was found to be independent of pH and to have temperature dependence according to Arrhenius law with an activation energy of 74.1 kJ/mole. Conservative CT requirements for the inactivation of M. avium with chlorine dioxide were estimated using the most pronounced lag phase observed and absence of the susceptible population.
Abstract 2112: COLD-PCR -based deep sequencing identifies novel mutations and intratumor TP53 mutational heterogeneity in lung adenocarcinoma

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC TP53 is frequently mutated in lung adenocarcinoma, a major type of lung cancer, and certain TP53 mutations correlate with prognosis and multidrug resistance. Reliable identification of the type and position of TP53 mutations is problematic as the mutations are scattered over numerous codons while their abundance in clinical samples can fall below the sensitivity limits of conventional sequencing methods. Here we employ COLD-PCR, a new form of PCR that selectively amplifies mutation-containing sequences such that the resulting PCR products contain high percentages of mutant alleles. To ensure the highest sensitivity, we adapted the method to employ two consecutive rounds of COLD-PCR followed by Sanger sequencing. Using this highly sensitive new approach for ‘deep-sequencing’ we screened 48 lung adenocarcinoma samples to identify presence and type/position of low-level TP53 mutations. Missense/frame-shift TP53 mutations throughout exons 5-8 were identified in 23 out of 48 (48%) lung adenocarcinoma samples examined, including 8 low-level mutations with an abundance of 1-17% and 3 with an abundance below 1%. 3 novel lung adenocarcinoma mutations were discovered. We identified disruptive mutations that are undocumented in the lung cancer TP53 mutation database and samples harboring low-level (2%-abundance) putative driver mutations concurrently with passenger clonal TP53 mutations (80%-abundance). Our data reveal the presence of widespread intra-tumoral TP53 mutation heterogeneity, and a spectrum of numerous protein-altering mutations at low abundance, that were missed in previous investigations. The implications of using deep-TP53-sequencing as a prognostic/predictive biomarker, evaluation of cancer risk, recurrence, and further understanding of cancer biology are discussed. In addition, we evaluate the use of whole genome-amplification prior to mutation screening in situations when the source of genomic DNA is limited, which can be critical for early cancer detection from biopsy, the assessment of minimal residual disease following surgery, disease staging, and monitoring of cancer progression. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2112.
Baking quality of hard winter wheat: Response of cultivars to environment in the Great Plains

Inconsistency of wheat end-use quality has long been a problem for the milling and baking industries, which require high levels of uniformity for modern, high speed, processing. Extensive research was conducted to characterise genetic, environmental, and biochemical factors that contribute to variation in wheat quality. Samples from 17 locations of trials with 30 cultivars grown over two years were evaluated for grain quality, milling yield, mixograph parameters and baking properties. Protein quality and composition of flour samples were determined by SDS sedimentation and size-exclusion chromatography. Test sites were monitored for soil fertility, and meteorological data was collected hourly during grain fill. Additional grain samples and data were collected from six cultivars grown at 11 locations in 1993. Significant variation in end-use quality was observed among samples; variation was attributed to environmental effects, genotype, and their interactions. For many mixograph and baking parameters, variation attributed to environmental effects was of greater magnitude than for genotype. Increasing levels of low molecular weight (LMW) saline soluble proteins were related to a general decline in dough mixing properties and loaf characteristics. However, correlations of protein components with baking parameters were generally low, suggesting limited predictive value. Hours of high temperature stress (>32 °C) during grain fill were associated with loaf volume and SDS sedimentation volume, although in a curvilinear fashion. Increasing temperature stress initially had a positive influence on loaf volume and protein quality; however, when temperature stress exceeded 90 hours, there was a strong negative influence on baking quality. Variation among cultivars for environmental stability was indicated and cultivar responses to temperature stress varied. Relationships with meteorological data suggest opportunities to predict wheat end-use quality through environmental modelling.
Operational utility evaluation of helmet-mounted trackers and displays (HMT/Ds)

Current Air Force aircraft, such as the F-15 and F-16, and future aircraft, have a need to leverage improving technologies such as helmet-mounted trackers and displays (HMT/Ds) to maintain superior air combat capability in future conflicts. HMT/Ds can allow the pilot to point weapons and to quickly slew sensors at short visual range targets in either an air-to-air or air-to-ground environment. Flight and weapons parameters commonly displayed on ahead-up display can be provided on HMT/Ds, allowing the pilot to remain 'head out' of the cockpit for longer time periods while maintaining better situational awareness. If the hMT/D systems are designed and then tested early, the result can then be used to transfer technology, and reduce risk, for follow-on programs such as the Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System.
Are There Acyl-Homoserine Lactones within Mammalian Intestines?

Many Proteobacteria are capable of quorum sensing using N-acyl-homoserine lactone (acyl-HSL) signaling molecules that are synthesized by LuxI or LuxM homologs and detected by transcription factors of the LuxR family. Most quorum-sensing species have at least one LuxR and one LuxI homolog. However, members of the Escherichia, Salmonella, Klebsiella, and Enterobacter genera possess only a single LuxR homolog, SdiA, and no acyl-HSL synthase. The most obvious hypothesis is that these organisms are eavesdropping on acyl-HSL production within the complex microbial communities of the mammalian intestinal tract. However, there is currently no evidence of acyl-HSLs being produced within normal intestinal communities. A few intestinal pathogens, including Yersinia enterocolitica, do produce acyl-HSLs, and Salmonella can detect them during infection. Therefore, a more refined hypothesis is that SdiA orthologs are used for eavesdropping on other quorum-sensing pathogens in the host. However, the lack of acyl-HSL signaling among the normal intestinal residents is a surprising finding given the complexity of intestinal communities. In this review, we examine the evidence for and against the possibility of acyl-HSL signaling molecules in the mammalian intestine and discuss the possibility that related signaling molecules might be present and awaiting discovery.
Building Capacity in Gerontological Social Work for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Older Adults and Their Loved Ones

We express our sincere gratitude to Dr. Amanda Barusch, former Editor-in-Chief, and Dr. Carmen Morano, Managing Editor, for their dedication and support of this special issue in the Journal of Gero...
Ring size effects. III. Carbonium ion stability as a factor in the course of the pinacol rearrangement

Abstract The formation of the initial carbonium ion in the pinacol rearrangement will be the major factor in determining product composition when the reaction is carried out at 0°C with concentrated sulfuric acid.