cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Racial disparities in bladder management in veterans with spinal cord injury and disorders.

Aims Neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction is common in individuals with spinal cord injury and disorders (SCI/D). The purpose of this study was to identify specific demographic, neurologic, and urologic factors associated with different bladder management methods (BMMs) in individuals with SCI/D. Methods A retrospective review of BMMs at a large Veterans Affairs SCI/D center was performed to identify associated risk factors including demographics, neurologic factors, and urologic factors. Bivariate analysis was performed to identify factors associated with specific BMMs. Then, a propensity-matched racial group analysis was performed to identify independent factors associated with differences in BMM. Results Data from 833 patients with SCI/D were reviewed and included 52.1% Caucasians and 39.6% African Americans. On bivariate analysis, current age, years since the injury, the severity of functional impairment, nonmedical mechanism of injury, and Caucasian race were associated with increased rates of indwelling catheter use. In an analysis of propensity-matched racial groups, African-American race was found to be an independent risk factor for not using indwelling catheters on multivariate analysis (odds ratio = 0.55). This finding was not related to access to care, as the rate of urodynamic testing was similar between races ( P = 0.174). Conclusions Caucasians were more likely to use indwelling catheters and less likely to use conservative BMMs despite proper urodynamic evaluation. The racial discrepancy suggests a need for future research aimed at identifying unknown psychosocial factors associated with the use of indwelling catheters in individuals with SCI/D.
Fasudil or genetic depletion of ROCK1 or ROCK2 induces anxiety-like behaviors

Twenty-nine protein kinase inhibitors have been used to treat human diseases. Out of these, two are Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) 1 and 2 inhibitors. The ROCKs heavily influence neuronal architecture and structural plasticity, and ROCKs are putative drug targets for various brain disorders. While the pan-ROCK inhibitor Fasudil has been clinically approved to treat hypertension, heart failure, glaucoma, spinal cord injury, and stroke, a barrier to progress on this therapeutic avenue is the lack of experimental comparisons between pharmacologic and genetic manipulation of ROCKs. Our study begins to address this question using parallel approaches to study behavior in mice that were treated with Fasudil or were heterozygous for ROCK1 or ROCK2. Adult mice treated with Fasudil for thirty days displayed reduced time spent in the open arms of the elevated plus maze, whereas activity in the open field was more analogous to mock-treated animals. Both male and female adult ROCK1+/- and ROCK2+/- mice exhibited reduced time spent in open arms of the elevated plus maze compared to littermate controls. However, ROCK1 or ROCK2 heterozygosity did not alter performance in the open field or Y-maze. These results indicate that chronic treatment with Fasudil induces anxiety-like behaviors that are likely the consequence of ROCK1 and/or ROCK2 inhibition. Our findings may have implications for several ongoing clinical trials using Fasudil or other ROCK-based therapeutics.
Hepatitis Testing Performance of an Analyzer Integrated into Another Manufacturer’s Automation System

BACKGROUND The capacity to integrate platforms across vendors and disciplines has become an essential feature in the design of total laboratory automation (TLA) due space and test menu constraints. However, data on its performance are lacking. We aim to evaluate an integrated third-party immunoassay platform to the TLA system for the performance of hepatitis testing using turnaround time (TAT). METHODS We use the Beckman Power Express (PE) system with linked 2 Beckman AU5800, 2 Beckman DxI 800, 2 Abbott Architect i2000, and other accessory components. The PE system is managed and interfaced to the laboratory information system (LIS) through Beckman Remisol (middleware) and Cennexus (track software). The hepatitis tests are performed on the Abbott Architect i2000 using Abbott Instrument Manager (middleware) for test results and this is interfaced with LIS and Cennexus. Using Viewics and Microsoft Excel, the test volumes and TAT of hepatitis results were analyzed before (February 2017 to January 2018) and after (February 2018 to January 2019) integration. RESULTS The TAT for each hepatitis test has decreased significantly, ranging from 13 to 81-minute reductions (P value <0.0001 for all tests) after instrument integration. The standard deviations of the TAT also decreased for each test. In addition, savings in labor expenditure of around 2 hours per day were observed. There were no laboratory space savings identified. Instead, 47.6 square foot more of space was utilized by the track connection lines. CONCLUSIONS Our findings show significant improvement of TAT of hepatitis testing with the integration of the third-party Abbott Architect i2000 to Beckman PE system. In addition, the synchronization of multiple middleware for specimen management and result reporting allow the laboratory to achieve new efficiencies handling reflex tests and managing human resources.
Prevalence and Predictors of Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease in Nonlow-risk Acute Chest Pain Patients Who Rule Out for Myocardial Infarction in the High-sensitivity Troponin Era.

Objectives The best management approach for chest pain patients who rule out for myocardial infarction (MI) in the high-sensitivity troponin (hsTn) era remains elusive. Patients, especially those with nonlow clinical risk scores, are often referred for inpatient ischemic testing to uncover obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). Whether the prevalence of obstructive CAD in this cohort is high enough to justify routine testing is not known. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of 1517 emergency department chest pain patients who ruled out for MI by virtue of a stable high-sensitivity troponin T (hsTnT) levels (defined as Results Abnormal ischemia evaluation (including 5.9% with evidence of fixed wall motion or perfusion defects) was 11.9%. Of those undergoing invasive angiography (n = 292), significant coronary stenoses (≥70% or unstable lesions) and multivessel CAD occurred in 16.8% and 5.5%, respectively. In a multivariate logistic regression model, known CAD, prior MI, chest pain character, mildly elevated hsTnT, and left ventricular ejection fraction 90%) of patients scoring intermediate or high on the modified HEART score. Conclusions A considerable percentage of acute chest pain patients who rule out for MI by hsTn had evidence of obstructive CAD, and the modified HEART score was not predictive of an abnormal ischemia evaluation.
Evaluation of root traits and water use efficiency of different cotton genotypes in the presence or absence of a soil-hardpan

Abstract Cotton (Gossypium spp.) is an important fiber and oil crop grown worldwide. Water and nutrient stresses are major issues affecting cotton production globally. Root traits are critical in improving water and nutrient uptake and maintaining plant productivity under optimal as well as drought conditions. However, root traits have rarely been utilized in cotton breeding programs, a major reason being the lack of information regarding genetic variability for root traits. The objective of this research was to evaluate ten selected cotton genotypes for root traits and water use efficiency. The tested genotypes included germplasm lines (PD 1 and PD 695) and cultivars that are currently grown in the southeastern USA (PHY 499WRF, PHY 444WRF, PHY 430W3FE, DP 1646B2XF, DP 1538B2XF, DP 1851B3XF, NG 5007B2XF, and ST 5020GLT). Experiments were conducted under controlled environmental conditions in 2018 and 2019. A hardpan treatment was included in the second year to evaluate the effect of a soil hardpan on root traits and water use efficiency. Genotype PHY 499WRF ranked at the top and NG 5007B2XF ranked at the bottom for root morphological traits (total and fine root length, surface area, and volume) and root weight. PHY 499WRF was also one of the best biomass producers and had high water use efficiency. PHY 444WRF, PHY 430W3FE, and PD-1 were the other best genotypes in terms of root traits and water use efficiency. All genotypes had higher values for root traits and water use efficiency under hardpan conditions. This trend indicates a horizontal proliferation of root systems when they incur a stress imposed by a hardpan. The genotypic differences identified in this research for root traits and water use efficiency would be valuable for selecting genotypes for cotton breeding programs.
Exploring Ambiguity Tolerance during the Adoption of Maker-Centered Learning Tools and Strategies

Maker-centered learning is a creative hands-on educational strategy that uses a variety of tools and materials to support the iterative design of physical or digital artifacts. It involves the “messy” process of trial and error; therefore, authentic integration of maker-centered learning requires teachers to embrace ambiguity. This descriptive case study explores how two in-service teacher participants tolerate ambiguity through unpacking the ways that they process, interpret, and react to ambiguous stimuli. The study uses participants’ weekly reflections during a 15-week course focused on tools and strategies to support maker-centered learning. Findings highlight examples of how participants’ experiences connect to the four ambiguity constructs (i.e., complexity, insolubility, uncertainty, unfamiliarity) and the dual roles of ambiguity as a learner and ambiguity as a teacher. Implications for teacher educators who design maker-centered learning professional development experiences are also discussed.
Parental Stress of Korean Immigrants in the U.S.: Meeting Child and Youth’s Educational Needs amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

This study investigates Korean immigrants' parental stress amid the COVID-19 pandemic, especially when they experience difficulties trying to meet their children's educational needs. Korean immigrant parents residing in the U.S. were invited to complete an online survey through purposive sampling. The final sample included a total of 341 Korean immigrant parents from 42 U.S. states. Three models of Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regressions were conducted to examine the associations between parent-reported difficulties meeting the children's educational needs, parental stress, and the immigrant parents' resilience and social support. Findings indicate that parents' difficulties meeting their children's educational needs in general as well as language barriers were associated with increased parental stress. Moreover, parents' resilience and social support also significantly decreased parental stress levels. Implications for practice, policy, and future research are presented.
A Tool Adaptation Workshop for Moral Distress in Military Critical Care Nurses.

Purpose The US military healthcare services provide the highest level of trusted medical care to its members and to the world population during catastrophic events. These services can be difficult, making moral and ethical situations commonplace. Moral distress results when actions are inconsistent with personal or professional beliefs, resulting in a loss of moral integrity. Moral distress research is well established in the civilian literature and results in poor outcomes and increased expenses. There is little research studying moral distress in military providers. Description of the project A clinical nurse specialist-led workshop was conducted with military and civilian experts. The expert panel reviewed the literature, examined instruments, and reviewed tool items for applicability to military healthcare providers. Outcome The team determined the existing civilian moral distress tool was applicable to military providers. Twelve additional items were added to the modified tool. A tool testing plan was developed to test the tool in military critical care nurses on the last day of the workshop for the next phase of this project. Conclusion The civilian moral distress tool was adapted for a military version and will be tested in the next phase of the project.
Public choice principles of redistricting

This paper uses fundamental principles of public choice, mainly the median voter theorem, to develop a simple theory of redistricting. The focus is on how closely policy outcomes correspond to majority rule. The main results are: (1) Potential policy bias in favor of nonmajority groups is structurally linked to the number of legislative seats and the population, and the structure of most states puts them very close to the theoretically maximum bias. (2) Random districting, which might seem like the essence of neutrality, does not eliminate policy bias on average. (3) Traditional principles of compact, contiguous districts that respect existing political boundaries, stressed in the Supreme Court's Shaw v. Reno decision, minimize the chance of nonmajoritarian outcomes. Our analysis also offers a gerrymandering explanation for the positive relation between seats and spending that is usually taken as support for the "Law of 1/n."
Walking through Dumbarton Oaks: Early Twentieth-century Bourgeois Bodily Techniques and Kinesthetic Experience of Landscape

Walking through Dumbarton Oaks: Early Twentieth-century Bourgeois Bodily Techniques and Kinesthetic Experience of Landscape places landscape architect Beatrix Farrand’s design for rhythmic steps and landings at Dumbarton Oaks in Washington, D.C., into the contexts of early twentieth-century practices of walking and notions of aesthetic muscular response. Robin Veder argues that in this period kinesthesia was a recognized sixth sense and a significant aesthetic concern in landscape design and reception. The essay is structured to demonstrate methodologically how the history of the body can be employed to denaturalize and historicize phenomenology, and thus enrich explanations of built environments. Veder explores four frames for understanding the kinesthetic experience of walking through landscape. They are choreographic dictates for how designers wanted bodies to move, individual performances of movement through space, the clothing and muscular habits that constituted bodily techniques for walking, as well as the psychological and physiological aesthetics of kinesthetic empathy.
Chapter 12 Studies of Information-Purchase Processes

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews and attempts to integrate several recent lines of research on information purchase and related phenomena. It also evaluates the main formal models of the process that guided laboratory work, and placed them within a general Brunswikian framework. The chapter also describes some of the main empirical results from laboratory studies, with particular attention to convergences of alternative paradigms. In extending Brunswik's imagery of the lens model to information purchase tasks, the only significant modification is to relax the implicit assumption that cue sets are fixed and complete. Instead, the possibility that the subject can select subsets of the available cues in a given judgment task, acquiring and attending to some and declining or ignoring others is allowed. If a cost of some sort is incurred for each cue the subject acquires, the generic lens model becomes a general conceptual model of information purchase in judgment tasks. The initial purchase decision controls which cues appear in the subject's cue set.
Parental and Others’ Responses to Physical Sibling Violence: a Descriptive Analysis of Victims’ Retrospective Accounts

Although sibling abuse may be the most common form of family violence, relatively few studies have been conducted on this topic. The current exploratory study addressed this gap in the literature through analyses of thematic categories in sibling abuse narratives gathered from an online survey of sibling violence victims. All data was collected via an online survey. Participants who reported being victimized by physical sibling violence were asked to reflect on how others—family members, professionals, and friends—responded to knowledge of the abuse. Results demonstrate a need for general education about sibling violence, particularly for parents who might minimize or normalize their children’s violent conflicts. Additionally, parents need assistance in developing appropriate responses to sibling violence, as participants often perceived their parents to be ineffective at preventing or stopping the abuse. Finally, this study suggests that negative or unhelpful parental responses can be as harmful as the sibling violence itself.
Learning to Teach and Teaching to Learn Mathematics: Getting Students to Read the Textbook

Observing textbooks on introductory collegiate mathematics, and instructors who use these textbooks, one notices that there is little consensus on the role or function of a mathematics textbook. Some textbooks attempt to provide a narrative that tries to access concepts through intuition, application, and explanation. Others attempt to provide an exhaustive resource and reference. Yet others function primarily as a repository of worked examples. In addition, there are the ubiquitous tensions between rigor and accessibility, and between conceptual understanding and skill acquisition. In our experience, many students use mathematics textbooks as little more than large collections of homework problems, templates for the “types” of problem encountered in the homework, and lists of answers (usually to the odd-numbered exercises). In some of the classes that we have taught, students clearly believed that their textbooks were dry, boring, expensive, and not at all to be read! We both base our philosophies of the role of the textbook in a mathematics course on the assumption that such an expensive investment ought to, in fact, be read. Much more than economic considerations drive our intent to have our students read their textbooks—we feel that the textbook can and should be a vital part of the course that contributes to the learning goals that we have set for our students. Many of these specific goals are mentioned in this meeting.
Talking About Sexual Assault: Society's Response to Survivors, by S. E. Ullman

In Talking About Sexual Assault: Society's Response to Survivors, Sarah E. Ullman provides an enlightening account of how American society responds to sexual violence. Ullman's book is engaging and...
Effect of Debonded Interfaces On Corrosion of Mild Steel Composites In Supercritical CO2-saturated Brines

The geologic sequestration of CO{sub 2} is a proposed method to limit greenhouse gas emissions and has been the subject of many studies in the last decade. Wellbore systems achieve isolation of the storage reservoir through a combination of steel (generally carbon steel) and Portland cement. CO{sub 2} leakage along the steel-cement interface has the potential to accelerate corrosion. We conduct experiments to assess the corrosion risk at cement-steel interface under in situ wellbore conditions. Wellbore interfaces were simulated by assemblies constructed of J55 mild steel and Portland class G (Epoxy was used in this study to separate) cement and corrosion was investigated in supercritical CO{sub 2} saturated brines, (NaCl = 1 wt%) at T = 50 C, pCO{sub 2} = 1200 psi with interface gap size = 100 {micro}m and {infinity} (open surface). The experiments were carried out in a high-pressure, 1.8 L autoclave. The corrosion kinetics were measured employing electrochemical techniques including linear polarization resistance and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques. The corrosion scales were analyzed using secondary electron microscopy, back scattering electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction. Corrosion rates decreased as time with or without interface gap. In this case corrosion rates are controlled by scalemore » protectivity through the interface gap. Scaled steel corrosion rates were two orders of magnitude less compared with fresh steel. The corrosion scale is pseudo crystalline at the open interface. Well-crystallized scale was observed at interface gap sizes 100 {micro}m. All corrosion scales were composed of iron carbonates.« less
AST/RO: A submillimetre-wave telescope for the South Pole

The Antarctic submillimetre Telescope and Remote Observatory (AST/RO), a 1.7 m offset Gregorian, is scheduled for installation at the South Pole in November 1993. It is a collaboration including the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, ATT Dragovan et al 1990) and modeling (Bally 1990) of atmospheric transparency over the Pole indicate that it is the best accessible submillimetre-wave site in the world. The immediate scientific goals are heterodyne spectroscopy of galactic molecular clouds and molecular lines in the earth’s stratosphere at wavelengths near 600 μm. Two early observational programs are a large-scale survey of the CI line at 609 μm and monitoring of the 2.8 mm O 3 line arising in the stratosphere. Under the newly-formed Center for Astrophysical Research in Antarctica (centred at Yerkes Observatory), AST/RO will become a general-purpose instrument for the millimetre, sub-millimetre and far-infrared.
Effects of physiological aging on cardiac electrophysiology in perfused Fischer 344 rat hearts.

Aging effects on heart rate and atrioventricular (AV) conduction were studied in Langendorff-perfused hearts from 18 mature (4-6 mo), 12 middle-aged (12-14 mo), and 18 senescent (24-26 mo) Fischer 344 rats. Heart rate decreased with increasing age from 218 +/- 18 in mature to 196 +/- 27 (mean +/- SD) beats/min in middle-aged rats to 183 +/- 22 beats/min in senescent rats (analysis of variance, P less than 0.001). Spontaneous AV conduction time increased from 43 +/- 7 to 49 +/- 5 to 62 +/- 9 ms with aging (P less than 0.0001). Paced AV conduction time also lengthened with aging, and AV Wenckebach block cycle length increased from 122 +/- 10 to 133 +/- 9 to 152 +/- 16 ms (P less than 0.005). Intra-atrial conduction time was unaffected by age. Age differences in heart rate and AV conduction responses to isoproterenol (0.5 x 10(-9) to 1 x 10(-7) M) were noted with greater sensitivity at lower doses in hearts from younger rats. In separate experiments, 18 mature and 19 senescent Fischer 344 rats received reserpine (0.25 mg.kg-1.day-1 ip) for 6 days before study. Age differences in heart rate and AV conduction persisted (P less than 0.0001). Histopathological examination of AV nodal and His-bundle tissues in three hearts from each age group showed increased intercellular collagen with advancing age.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Effective Danio rerio Endurance Exercise Training Model

Exercise training as a stimulus for increased exercise performance is well studied in humans. Scientists also have used model organisms: cats, rodents, and famously; shrimp, to study exercise adapt...
Effects of localized temperature and precipitation on historic Walleye recruitment in Wisconsin, USA with implications for climate change

Walleye (Sander vitreus) populations in Wisconsin are near the center of their geographical range and support valuable fisheries. The role of seasonal temperature and precipitation in Walleye recruitment was examined using regression tree analysis. Climatological variables were estimated at the 8 km2 scale and Walleye recruitment was estimated based on 298 individual electrofishing surveys. Estimated changes in Walleye recruitment between 1950 and 2006 were examined based on changes in explanatory climatological variables. Spring precipitation and summer maximum temperature were significant predictors of age-0 Walleye density and mean estimated changes in these variables between 1950 and 2006 were used to estimate changes in Walleye recruitment. The model predicted a small overall increase in Walleye recruitment and provides insight into the direct role of climatological variables in Walleye recruitment. However, given the low explanatory power (R2 = 0.103), it is likely that historic climatological chang...
Attracting students to the field of measurement

To address the shortage of professionals in measurement, it is essential that we make young career-seekers aware that measurement is an option as a profession. In this paper, we discuss how creating a strong pipeline of students into our field involves personal interactions between faculty representing the graduate programs in measurement and undergraduate students, in addition to the equally important task of educating instructors of undergraduates about our field. We describe advertising strategies that, in our experience, catch and hold the attention of undergraduates, resulting in many of them investigating graduate training in measurement. After attracting students to the field, we must engage them in practice, enabling them to build an identity as a measurement professional. In general, we believe that although it is possible to attract some students via non-personal advertising strategies (e.g., articles, websites), measurement professionals must personally reach out to young people to connect them with the field.
Studies on the metabolism of the neurotoxic tri-o-cresyl phosphate. Distribution, excretion, and metabolism in male cats after a single, dermal application

The metabolism of a single, dermal dose of 50 mg/kg of [14C]tri-o-cresyl phosphate (TOCP) was studied in male rats. TOCP was applied to an unprotected, preclipped area on the back of the neck. Three animals were sacrificed on each of 0.5, 1, 2, 5 and 10 days following application. Radioactivity disappeared biexopentially from the dosing site with a faster initial rate; 73% of the dose disappeared in the first 12 h followed by a slower phase with a half-life of 2.03 days. No radioactivity was detected in the expired air. TOCP was absorbed from the skin and subsequently distributed throughout the body. Generally, the highest concentrations of radioactivity were associated with bile, gall bladder, urinary bladder, kidneys, and liver; the lowest were found in the neural tissues, muscle, and spleen. Within the 10-day experimental period, approximately 28% and 20% of the applied dose were recovered in the urine and feces, respectively. TOCP and its metabolites in the urine, feces, bile, and plasma were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography and liquid scintillation counting. TOCP was the predominant compound in the feces (26.3% of total fecal radioactivity); it was detected in a smaller percentage in the urine (2.3% of total urinary radioactivity). The major metabolite in the urine was o-cresol followed by di-o-cresyl hydrogen phosphate and o-cresyl dihydrogen phosphate; in the feces di-o-cresyl hydrogen phosphate was the predominant metabolite followed by o-cresyl dihydrogen phosphate. Trace amounts of saligenin cyclic-o-tolyl phosphate, hydroxymethyl, and di(hydroxymethyl) TOCP were also detected in the urine and feces. Other metabolites identified in the urine and feces were the stepwise oxidation products of the methyl group of o-cresol. Unlike the feces, the bile contained mostly metabolites with only trace amounts of TOCP detected at 12 h and 24 h following application. o-Cresyl dihydrogen phosphate and di-o-cresyl hydrogen phosphate were the prevalent metabolites in the bile and plasma. While di(hydroxymethyl) TOCP was present in trace amounts in plasma, an appreciable amount of saligenin cyclic-o-tolyl phosphate, believed to be the active neurotoxic metabolite, was detected. This study shows that skin is an important port of entry for TOCP. Since TOCP represents organophosphorous chemicals capable of producing delayed neurotoxicity in test animals and in humans, it is essential that industrial hygiene control prevents skin contamination of workers handling these chemicals.
Integrated Genomic and Proteomic Analysis of Signaling Pathways in Dendritic Cell Differentiation and Maturation

Dendritic cells (DCs) are antigen-presenting cells that play a major role in initiating primary immune responses. Their phenotypic and functional characteristics are intimately linked to their stage of maturation. The specific biochemical pathways and genes whose expression mediates differentiation of progenitors to DCs and their maturation are largely undefined. We recently utilized two approaches, DNA microarrays and proteomics, to analyze the expression profile of human CD14(+) blood monocytes and their derived DCs. Approximately 4% of the genes or proteins expressed were found to be regulated during DC differentiation. Most of these genes were not previously associated with DCs and included genes highly relevant to DC functions (genes involved in antigen presentation, cell adhesion and motility, lipid metabolism). Genes involved in specific signaling pathways, including IkappaBalpha, PPAR-gamma and C/EBPalpha as well as two members of the family of transcription factors, interferon regulatory factors (IRFs), were also modified. Modulation of IRF gene expression is of particular interest because of their functional roles in innate and adaptive immune responses. IRF-family members control the expression of proteins that include type-1 interferons, interleukin-12, interleukin-15, MHC molecules and adhesion molecules. They have also been found to play an important role in lymphocyte development. In contrast to DC differentiation, very few genes were modified at the transcript level during DC maturation as determined by microarray experiments. Further analysis suggested that DC maturation is largely controlled by posttranscriptional and posttranslational modifications. The use of proteomics is therefore necessary for a full comprehension of DC maturation process.
Influence of Water Immersion Treatment on Tensile Strength of Glass: Effect of Temperature

An earlier investigation showed that marked increases in the tensile strength of glass could be achieved by soaking the specimens in water at 90°C. Increases in strength for the three glasses studied (soda-lime, lead, and borosili-cate) were shown to depend on time of soaking. The present investigation was an extension of this earlier work and dealt with the effect of soaking temperature on strength. A constant soaking period of 24 hours and soaking temperatures of 30° and 60°C. were used. Results were consistent with the view that chemical reaction between water and glass under proper conditions may result in strength increases due to reduction in stress-concentration potentials of flaws.
Effects of carcinogenic agents on aquatic animals: An environmental and experimental overview

(1985). Effects of carcinogenic agents on aquatic animals: An environmental and experimental overview. Journal of Environmental Science and Health. Part C: Environmental Carcinogenesis Reviews: Vol. 3, No. 1, pp. 63-105.
Inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis by SQ 28,852, A 7-oxabicyclo-[2.2.1]heptane analog

Abstract 7-Oxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane analogs of prostaglandin (PG) H2 can act as thromboxane (Tx) A2 receptor antagonists or agonists, PGI2 and/rr PGD2 receptor agonists, or exhibit a mixture of the above activities. SQ 28,852, a new analog with a hexyloxymethyl omega side chain, is a potent inhibitor of PG synthesis. SQ 28,852 inhibited collagen and arachidonic acid (AA)-induced platelet aggregation and TxB2 and PGE2 formation, but did not block platelet aggregation induced by ADP or the TxA2 mimics, 9,11-azoPGH2, SQ 26,655, and U-46,619. It also blocked conversion of AA to TxB2, PGE2, and 6-ketoPGF1α by microsomal preparations of human platelets, bovine seminal vesicles, and bovine aortas, respectively, but did not inhibit the conversion of PGH2 to TxA2 by the platelet microsomal preparation. SQ 28,852 (p.o.) protected mice against the lethal effects of AA (75 mg/kg, i.v.). The I50 values for SQ 28,852, indomethacin and aspirin were 0.025, 0.05 and 15 mg/kg, respectively. Neither SQ 28.852 nor indomethacin protected mice from death caused by 9,11-azoPGH2. SQ 28,852 (0.01 to 1 mg/kg, i.v.) inhibited AA-induced bronchoconstriction in anesthetized guinea pigs for at least 60 min. As an inhibitor of AA-induced bronchoconstriction, SQ 28,852 was 16- and 45-times more potent than indomethacin at 3 and 60 min after i.v. administration, respectively. SQ 28,852 did not inhibit brochoconstriction induced by histamine or 9.11-azoPGH2, indicating its specificity of action in vivo . SQ 28,852 is the first example of a new class of cyclooxygenase inhibitors whose structure is similar to that of the naturally occurring endoperoxide, PGH2.
Exploration of Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition as a Method for Thin-Film Fabrication with Biological Applications

Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) has been used historically for the fabrication of thin films composed of inorganic materials. But the advent of specialized techniques such as plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) has extended this deposition technique to various monomers. More specifically, the deposition of polymers of responsive materials, biocompatible polymers, and biomaterials has made PECVD attractive for the integration of biotic and abiotic systems. This review focuses on the mechanisms of thin-film growth using low-pressure PECVD and current applications of classic PECVD thin films of organic and inorganic materials in biological environments. The last part of the review explores the novel application of low-pressure PECVD in the deposition of biological materials.
Towards a Frugal Framework for Monitoring Road Quality

Rapid urbanization of developing cities creates challenges for governments to update and maintain the city infrastructure. One particular challenge is to plan for road capacities that will sustain the growing demand for surface transportation on the road network. For these cities, a sophisticated road infrastructure that includes sensors (e.g., loop detectors and traffic cameras) and/or probe vehicles equipped to detect pavement roughness are ideal for traffic infrastructure management. However, the cost of such tools for developing cities is often prohibitively expensive. For these reasons, road infrastructure management strategies that are able to leverage low-cost technologies and data resources are highly sought after in these areas. The authors refer to these strategies as frugal innovations. In this paper the authors explore a frugal approach for monitoring road quality in Nairobi, Kenya. The authors aim is to use characteristics of speed distributions to detect the presence of pavement distresses (including speed bumps) for Nairobi, Kenya's road network. The authors first derive link speeds from mobile global positioning system (GPS) traces, and then perform graphical as well as quantitative distributional comparisons of the speed distributions on travel network links with speed bumps present, compared to links without speed bumps present. The authors results support the hypotheses that distributional comparisons on travel speeds can indeed serve as useful tools to detect the presence of speed bumps and other road distresses.
Watershed-based management strategies for the prevention and abatement of polluted agricultural runoff.

An increase in the average size of individual livestock production operations coupled with local and regional concentrations of these operations tend to increase negative environmental impacts in many watersheds. Environmental compliance strategies developed by the Texas Institute for Applied Environmental Research (TIAER) can be applied to reduce the negative impacts caused by livestock production and other types of agricultural activities. Further, the Institute's “planned intervention/micro-watershed approach” may provide the foundation for comprehensive solutions to environmental problems within a broad ecosystem management context.
COST, VALUE AND FOREIGN MARKET ENTRY MODE: THE TRANSACTION AND THE FIRM

This paper compares and contrasts the mode of foreign market entry decision from the transaction cost/internalization and organizational capability perspectives. Each of these perspectives operates at a different level of analysis, respectively the transaction and the firm, and consequently differs in the primary arena of attention, namely transaction characteristics and the capabilities of firms. In making the comparison, a key distinction is made between the cost and the value aspects in the management of know-how, based on which issues pertaining to the transfer of knowledge within and across firm boundaries and the exploitation and enhancement of competitive advantage are closely examined. The main purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the implications of a shift in frame from cost to value in the analysis of decisions related to firm boundaries. Entry into foreign markets is used primarily as a vehicle for the accomplishment of this purpose. The paper shows how the value-based framework of the organizational capability perspective radically and fundamentally shifts the approach towards the governance of firm boundaries and argues that, even though TC/internalization theory raises some valid concerns, the organizational capability framework may be more in tune with today’s business context. Some of the assumptions of the TC/internalization perspective, both direct— ‐opportunism, exploitation of existing advantage—and indirect—preservation of the value of know-how across locational contexts, asymmetry between bounded rationality for transaction and production purposes—are critically examined and questioned. Implications of a shift from a cost to a value-based framework are discussed and the need for a shift in research focus is emphasized.
Effect of coupled anthropogenic perturbations on stratospheric ozone

Since 1976 the greatest concern about potential perturbations to stratospheric ozone has been in regard to the atmospheric release of chlorofluorocarbons. Consequently, atmospheric measurements of ozone have usually been compared with model calculations in which only chlorocarbon perturbations are considered. However, in order to compare theoretical calculations with recent measurements of ozone and to project expected changes to atmospheric ozone levels over the next few decades, one must consider the effect from other perturbations as well. In this paper, we consider the coupling between several possible anthropogenic atmospheric perturbations. Namely, we examine the effects of past and possible future increases of chlorocarbons, CO/sub 2/, N/sub 2/O, and NO/sub x/. The focus of these calculations is on the potential changes in ozone due to chlorocarbon emissions, how other anthropogenic perturbations may have influenced the actual change in ozone over the last decade, and how these perturbations may influence future changes in ozone. Although calculations including future chlorocarbon emissions alone result in significant reductions in ozone, there is very little change in total ozone over the coming decades when other anthropogenic sources are included. Increasing CO/sub 2/ concentrations have the largest offsetting effect on the change in total ozone due to chlorocarbons.more » Owing to the necessity of considering emissions from a number of trace gases simultaneously, determining expected global-scale chemical and climatic effects is more complex than was previously recognized.« less
New Evidence Relating the Pilose Allele and Micronaire Reading in Cotton

Experiments were undertaken to determine whether close linkage between the pilose allele and a locus influencing cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) fiber fineness had been misinterpreted as pleiotropy. Pilose (T 1 ), the dominant allele to the t 1 locus, is phenotypically described by a high density of trichomes on the leaf surface, the presence of trichomes on the carpel wall, and increased micronaire. Two lines, 239-17/6 and 250-14/2, were derived from single plant selections of pilose plants in an Empire genetic background (.)
Influence of handling conditions on the establishment and propagation of head and neck cancer patient derived xenografts.

Background Patient derived xenografts (PDXs) for head and neck cancer (HNC) and other cancers represent powerful research platforms. Most groups implant patient tissue into immunodeficient mice immediately although the significance of this time interval is anecdotal. We tested the hypothesis that the time from tumor excision to implantation is crucial for PDX passaging and establishment. Methods We examined whether time or storage medium affected PDX viability for passaging two established HNC PDXs (UW-SCC34, UW-SCC52). Tumors were harvested, stored in ice-cold media or saline for 0–48 hours, and implanted into new mice. Tumor growth was compared by two-way ANOVA with respect to time and storage condition. Three new HNC PDXs (UW-SCC63-65) were generated by implanting patient tissue into mice immediately (Time 0) and 24 hours after receiving tissue from the operating room. Results Similar quantities of tumor were implanted into each mouse. At the end of the experiment, no significant difference was seen in mean tumor weight between the media and saline storage conditions for UW-SCC34 or UW-SCC52 (p = 0.650 and p = 0.177, respectively). No difference in tumor formation prevalence was seen on the basis of time from harvest to implantation (≥13 of 16 tumors grew at every time point). Histological analysis showed strong similarity to the initial tumor across all groups. Tumors developed at both Time 0 and 24 hours for UW-SCC63 and UW-SCC64. Conclusions We demonstrated that neither storage medium nor time from tumor excision to implantation (up to 48 hours) affected viability or histological differentiation in a subsequent passage for two HNC PDXs. Moreover, we revealed that fresh patient tissue is viable up to 24 hours post-resection. This information is important as it applies to the development and sharing of PDXs.
Mulches Reduce Weeds, Maintain Yield, and Promote Soil Quality in a Continental-Climate Vineyard

Weeds reduce vineyard productivity by competing with grapevines for water and nutrients. To manage weeds, growers commonly apply herbicides and/or cultivate, which compromise soil quality. With the expansion of continental-climate viticulture, such as in the Midwest, there is a need for sustainable weed management strategies that maintain grapevine productivity, fruit quality, and soil quality. Our objective was to evaluate four weed management strategies in a Midwestern vineyard. Data were collected from an established vineyard in Iowa planted with Marechal Foch grapevines (an interspecific hybrid). Treatments were established in a randomized complete block design. Treatments were replicated four times and included: (1) cultivation, (2) herbicide application, (3) straw mulch, and (4) a living mulch of creeping red fescue (Festuca rubra L. Pennlawn). Weed control, grapevine productivity, fruit quality, and soil quality were measured from 2004 to 2010. Straw and living mulches provided greater weed control than cultivation and herbicides. Grapevine yield was unaffected by the treatments, although pruning weights were reduced in cultivated and living mulch plots. Excluding titratable acidity and pH, no differences in fruit quality were detected. Straw mulch plots tended to have more phosphorus and potassium in analyzed soil samples. Water-filled pore space and water content were also higher in plots mulched with straw. Both types of mulched plots had higher organic matter, total organic carbon, and stable aggregate content. Biological activity, measured as soil enzymatic activity and earthworm counts, was enhanced in mulched plots. Our results demonstrate that straw and living mulch reduce weed populations, maintain grapevine productivity, improve several indicators of soil quality, and are viable weed management strategies for continental-climate viticulture.
Ligand Regulates Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Kinase Specificity ACTIVATION INCREASES PREFERENCE FOR GAB1 AND SHC VERSUS AUTOPHOSPHORYLATION SITES

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) kinase catalyzes phosphorylation of tyrosines in its C terminus and in other cellular targets upon epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulation. Here, by using peptides derived from EGFR autophosphorylation sites and cellular substrates, we tested the hypothesis that ligand may function to regulate EGFR kinase specificity by modulating the binding affinity of peptide sequences to the active site. Measurement of the steady-state kinetic parameters, Km and kcat, revealed that EGF did not affect the binding of EGFR peptides but increased the binding affinity for peptides corresponding to the major EGFR-mediated phosphorylation sites of the adaptor proteins Gab1 (Tyr-627) and Shc (Tyr-317), and for peptides containing the previously identified optimal EGFR kinase substrate sequence EEEEYFELV (3–7-fold). Conversely, EGF stimulation increased kcat ∼5-fold for all peptides. Thus, ligand changed the relative preference of the EGFR kinase for substrates as evidenced by EGF increases of ∼5-fold in the specificity constants (kcat/Km) for EGFR peptides, whereas ∼15–40-fold increases were observed for other peptides, such as Gab1 Tyr-627. Furthermore, we demonstrate that EGF (i) increased the binding affinity of EGFR to Gab1 Tyr-627 and Shc Tyr-317 sites in purified GST fusion proteins ∼4–6-fold, and (ii) EGF significantly enhanced the phosphorylation of these sites, relative to EGFR autophosphorylation, in cell lysates containing the full-length Gab1 and Shc proteins. Analysis of peptides containing amino acid substitutions indicated that residues C-terminal to the target tyrosine were critical for EGF-stimulated increases in substrate binding and regulation of kinase specificity. To our knowledge, this represents the first demonstration that ligand can alter specificity of a receptor kinase toward physiologically relevant targets.
Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) reduces small bowel, rectum, and bladder doses in patients with cervical cancer receiving pelvic and para-aortic irradiation.

Abstract Purpose: The emergent use of combined modality approach (chemotherapy and radiation therapy) for the treatment of patients with cervical cancer is associated with significant gastrointestinal and genitourinary toxicity. Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) has the potential to deliver adequate dose to the target structures while sparing the normal organs and could also allow for dose escalation to grossly enlarged metastatic lymph node in pelvic or para-aortic area without increasing gastrointestinal/genitourinary complications. We conducted a dosimetric analysis to determine if IMRT can meet these objectives in the treatment of cervical cancer. Methods and Materials: Computed tomography scan studies of 10 patients with cervical cancer were retrieved and used as anatomic references for planning. Upon the completion of target and critical structure delineation, the imaging and contour data were transferred to both an IMRT planning system (Corvus, Nomos) and a three-dimensional planning system (Focus, CMS) on which IMRT as well as conventional planning with two- and four-field techniques were derived. Treatment planning was done on these two systems with uniform prescription, 45 Gy in 25 fractions to the uterus, the cervix, and the pelvic and para-aortic lymph nodes. Normalization was done to all IMRT plans to obtain a full coverage of the cervix with the 95% isodose curve. Dose-volume histograms were obtained for all the plans. A Student's t test was performed to compute the statistical significance. Results: The volume of small bowel receiving the prescribed dose (45 Gy) with IMRT technique was as follows: four fields, 11.01 ± 5.67%; seven fields, 15.05 ± 6.76%; and nine fields, 13.56 ± 5.30%. These were all significantly better than with two-field (35.58 ± 13.84%) and four-field (34.24 ± 17.82%) conventional techniques ( p p p Conclusion: In this dosimetric study, we demonstrated that with similar target coverage, normal tissue sparing is superior with IMRT in the treatment of cervical cancer.