cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Steganacin: An inhibitor of HeLa cell growth and microtubule assembly in vitro

Abstract The plant derivative steganacin, an antitumor compound, blocks the replication of HeLa cells in mitosis. Steganacin inhibits microtubule assembly in vitro (ID 50 = 1.5 μM) and is a competitive inhibitor of colchicine binding to purified tubulin (Ki = 3.1 μM). The structure-activity relationships of steganacin and a series of analogues are reported.
Parameter-space survey of linear G-mode and interchange in extended magnetohydrodynamics

The extended magnetohydrodynamic stability of interchange modes is studied in two configurations. In slab geometry, a local dispersion relation for the gravitational interchange mode (g-mode) with three different extensions of the MHD model [Zhu et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 101, 085005 (2008)] is analyzed. Our results delineate where drifts stablize the g-mode with gyroviscosity alone and with a two-fluid Ohm's law alone. The two-fluid Ohm's law produces an ion drift wave that interacts with the g-mode. This interaction gives rise to a second instability at finite ky. A second instability is also observed in numerical extended MHD computations of linear interchange in cylindrical screw-pinch equilibria, the second configuration. Particularly with incomplete models, this mode limits the regions of stability for physically realistic conditions. However, applying a consistent two-temperature extended MHD model that includes the diamagnetic heat flux density ( q→*) makes the onset of the second mode occur at a la...
Effect of Meaningful Recognition on Critical Care Nurses’ Compassion Fatigue

Background As caregivers in high-pressure environments, critical care nurses are at risk for burnout and secondary trauma-components of compassion fatigue. Recent findings have increased understanding of the phenomena, specifically that satisfaction and meaningful recognition may play a role in reducing burnout and raising compassion satisfaction; however, no large multisite studies of compassion fatigue have been conducted. Objectives To examine the effect of meaningful recognition and other predictors on compassion fatigue in a multicenter national sample of critical care nurses. Methods A quantitative, descriptive online survey was completed by 726 intensive care unit nurses in 14 hospitals with an established meaningful recognition program and 410 nurses in 10 hospitals without such a program. Site coordinators at each hospital coordinated distribution of the survey to nurses to assess multiple predictors against outcomes, measured by the Professional Quality of Life Scale. Cross-validation and linear regression modeling were conducted to determine significant predictors of burnout, secondary traumatic stress, and compassion satisfaction. Results Similar levels of burnout, secondary traumatic stress, compassion satisfaction, overall satisfaction, and intent to leave were reported by nurses in hospitals with and without meaningful recognition programs. Meaningful recognition was a significant predictor of decreased burnout and increased compassion satisfaction. Additionally, job satisfaction and job enjoyment were highly predictive of decreased burnout, decreased secondary traumatic stress, and increased compassion satisfaction. Conclusions In addition to acknowledging and valuing nurses' contributions to care, meaningful recognition could reduce burnout and boost compassion satisfaction.
Youth Revolts, Neoliberal Memorialization, and the Contradictions of Consumable Peace

Examining popular media discourses, toys, clothing, and tourism opportunities, this chapter shows how the meaning of The Hunger Games has been subverted and gradually changed. Sparked by the translation of Collins’ series from books to films, discussions of race, gender, adolescent development, war, and global youth revolts unfolded online and from geographically diverse sources. The evolution of Katniss and Peeta as cultural icons prompts further thinking about youth as both agents of change and as dangers to be contained in world politics. Both of these views of youth are entangled in the workings of global capitalism and entertainment franchises; neoliberal militarism and liberal peace are doppelgangers, interwoven in the pop cultural apparatuses of world politics. Yet, the arenas of consumption are also spaces of reflection and dialogue about the sources and dynamics of injustice and peacebuilding.
Effects of Lycra suits in children with cerebral palsy.

Lycra garments have recently been used for children with cerebral palsy (CP), with favorable effects on alignment, biomechanics and neuromuscular activity. The aim of the present study is to determine the efficacy of a Lycra suit in improving motor function and static balance in children with CP. Five children with CP wore the Lycra suit for more than 4 h per day for 6 months. They were all assessed at baseline and 6 months after with an evaluation of static balance, using a "seated stabilometry exam", and a motor function assessment, using the Gross Motor Function Measure and Gross Motor function Classification System. The assessment of static balance was performed with and without the suit. Another 5 children with CP performed the same assessments and were used as a control group. An immediate improvement of static balance was observed at baseline, with the first use of the Lycra suit. Further improvement was observed at the 6 month follow up, with a statistical significance for the parameters assessing the antero-posterior axis. Both parents and children also reported functional benefits. Further studies are needed on long-term functional effects in a large cohort of children.
Facial Laser Hair Removal

In the last couple of decades, a number of laser and light-based technologies have been developed for hair removal that specifically target hair follicles and allow for the potential treatment of large areas with long-lasting results. Laser hair removal works by sending a beam of laser light to a group of hair follicles. The light energy causes thermal injury to the follicles. This occurs because laser light is converted into heat as it passes through the skin and is absorbed in the target pigment melanin found in the hair follicle. This process is called selective photothermolysis. The procedure is described and possible complications discussed.
Classical and First-Order Shear Deformation Analysis of Sandwich Plates

This chapter will present classical laminated plate theory (CLPT) analysis of composite face sheets and sandwich plates. It is recognized that the transverse shear deformation is not incorporated in CLPT. Shear deformation of sandwich plates is important and first-order shear deformation analysis will be outlined. Applications of CLPT and first-order shear deformation analysis to sandwich panels will be presented. Two experimental sandwich plate tests, viz. bending under transverse pressure load and twisting, will be described. Experimental data generated from such tests will be compared to predictions from plate theory analysis and finite elements.
Characteristics of operative shoulder injuries in the National Collegiate Athletic Association, 2009-2010 through 2013-2014

Background:Injuries to the upper extremity among collegiate athletes are reported to account for approximately 20% of all injuries; however, little is known about the proportion of these injuries t...
Place attachment and social–ecological system sustainability examined through the voices of indigenous Guatemalan women

Through a social–ecological systems (SES) lens, this qualitative study investigates how place attachment is manifested among young Q’eqchi’ Maya women of Guatemala. Q’eqchi’ women have positive and negative feelings toward social and ecological attributes of their SES, conceptualized as “magnets” and “anchors.” This research was part of a larger project that also studied the impacts of a program called “Women, Agroecology, and Leadership for Conservation” (WALC), which seeks to promote female empowerment and build capacity among Q’eqchi’ women. We analyze findings related to both place attachment and WALC impacts on participants. This analysis is then used to explore implications for long-term sustainability of the biocultural diversity within the Q’eqchi’ Maya SES. Examinations of international development efforts such as WALC cannot fully transcend embedded issues related to the perpetuation of historical colonialist narratives, the imposition of foreign worldviews and assumptions, and power. We argue that while we must better confront these issues, it is equally important that we do not neglect the prevalence and positive impacts of these programs.
Using Campus Presidential Debate Watch Events to Nudge: Enlisting Reference Group Leaders and Incentives in the Quest for Increasing Student Political Participation and Efficacy

In presidential election years such as 2016, colleges and universities across the country devote substantial time and resources to student debate watch events in hopes of engaging students in the e...
Development and validation of a tool to assess the readiness of a clinical teaching site for interprofessional education (InSITE)

Interprofessional education within clinical teaching sites is a key part of training for pre-professional students. However, the necessary characteristics of these interprofessional clinical teaching sites is unclear. We developed a tool, the Interprofessional Education Site Readiness, or InSITE, tool, for individuals at a site to use as a self-assessment of the site's current readiness for providing interprofessional education. The tool progressed through six stages of development, collecting evidence for validity and reliability, resulting in a final tool with 23 questions distributed across five domains. Data from 94 respondents from a variety of national sites were used for the item analysis showing acceptable item-to-total correlations. Internal reliability testing gave a Cronbach's coefficient alpha of more than 0.70 for each group level comparison. Known groups validity testing provides strong evidence for its responsiveness in detecting differences in sites where IPE is implemented. The results of the testing lead us to conclude that the InSITE tool has acceptable psychometric properties. Additionally, we discovered that the process in which the InSITE tool was used demonstrated that it can facilitate learning in practice for the health professionals and can help make implicit, informal workplace learning and the hidden curriculum explicit.
Carbon replicas reveal double stranded structure of tight junctions in phase-contrast electron microscopy

Replica-based freeze-fracture and freeze-etching electron microscopy methods provide surface topography information, particularly suited to studying membrane protein complexes in their native context. The fidelity and resolution of metal replicas is limited by the inherent property of metal atoms to crystallize. To overcome the limitations of metal replicas, we combined amorphous carbon replicas with phase-contrast electron microscopy. Using this approach, tight junction intramembrane fibrils were shown to have a double stranded morphology. Krystofiak et al. combined carbon replicas with phase-contrast electron microscopy to overcome the limited fidelity and resolution of metal replicas. This method reveals a double stranded morphology of the tight junction intramembrane fibrils, demonstrating its superiority over conventional freeze-fracture methods.
Global Health: A Review of Concepts, Players, and Publications

Introduction: The increasing number of global health initiatives have contributed to improving access to health services and building knowledge platforms. However, the distribution of activities and knowledge produced has been uneven. To scope the scientific output in global health, publications from 2008-2017 were reviewed to identify major players, assess the extent of involvement of low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), and map areas of research interest. Methods: A total of 3153 Web of Science (WoS) publications were retrieved, of which 2423 were selected for this review. The country of origin, institutions involved, types of documents, language of publication, journal titles, content categories, authorship, themes, and characteristics of collaboration were examined. Results: Over the years, the number of global health publications from both high-income countries (HIC) and LMIC has increased. Authors from LMIC were engaged in 19.3% of the publications, representing 10.3% of first authors and 9.7% of single-author articles. Collaboration across World Health Organization (WHO) regions ranged from 29.6% to 64.6%. Themes of greatest research interest were capacity development, health policy and systems, and disease control. Conclusion: Global health research is experiencing rapid expansion, but LMIC authors continue to have limited involvement. The current study revealed diversity in publications, journals, and actors with a marked influence from developed countries. As north-south and south-south research partnerships are increasing across the world, it is important to ensure open collaboration between partners and alignment with public health research priorities and needs.
Simulating disc formation in tidal disruption events

A star coming too close to a supermassive black hole gets disrupted by the tidal force of the compact object in a tidal disruption event, or TDE. Following this encounter, the debris evolves into an elongated stream, half of which coming back to pericentre. Relativistic apsidal precession then leads to a self-crossing shock that initiates the formation of an accretion disc. We perform the first simulation of this process considering a parabolic encounter with a supermassive black hole, which has so far eluded investigations for computational reasons. This numerical issue is alleviated by using as initial conditions the outflow launched by the self-crossing shock according the local simulation of Lu & Bonnerot (2020). We find that the gas leaving the intersection point experiences numerous secondary shocks that result in the rapid formation of a thick and marginally bound disc. The mass distribution features two overdensities identified as spiral shocks that drive slow gas inflow along the mid-plane. Inward motion primarily takes place along the funnels of the newly formed torus, from which a fraction of the matter can get accreted. Further out, the gas moves outward forming an extended envelope completely surrounding the accretion flow. Secondary shocks heat the debris at a rate of a few times 10⁴⁴ erg s⁻¹ with a large fraction likely participating to the bolometric luminosity. These results pave the way towards a complete understanding of the early radiation from TDEs that progressively becomes accessible from observations.
On Being Known: God and the Private-I

Given recent discussions of personal privacy, or more particularly, its invasion via the internet, it is not surprising to find the issue of personal privacy emerging regarding God’s relation to our private lives. Two different and opposing views of this God-person relation have surfaced in the literature: (A) ‘God and Privacy’ by Falls-Corbitt and Michael McLain, and (B) ‘Privacy and Control’ by Scott Davison. I discuss key elements in both sides of this debate. Even though I will register my sympathy with both sides, I claim that both fail to grasp what I call the existential depth of the God-person relationship.
Immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced inflammatory arthritis persists after immunotherapy cessation

Objective We sought to investigate the long-term outcomes of patients who develop immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-induced inflammatory arthritis (IA), to define factors associated with IA persistence after ICI cessation, the need for immunosuppressants and the impact of these medications on underlying malignancies. Methods We conducted a prospective observational study of patients referred for IA associated with ICIs. Patients were recruited from June 2015 to December 2018. Information was obtained at the baseline visit, and follow-up visits occurred at varying intervals for up to 24 months from ICI cessation. Kaplan-Meier curves were developed to characterise IA persistence. Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the influence of various factors on IA persistence. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the impact of IA treatment on tumour response. Results Sixty patients were monitored with a median follow-up after ICI cessation of 9 months. A majority (53.3%) had active IA at their most recent follow-up. IA was less likely to improve in those with longer duration of ICI use, in those receiving combination ICI therapy, and in patients with multiple other immune-related adverse events. Tumour response did not appear to be impacted by immunosuppression. Although not statistically significant, persistent IA was correlated with a better tumour response (complete or partial response). Conclusion ICI-induced IA can become a long-term disease necessitating management by rheumatology for immunomodulatory treatment. Importantly, the use of immunomodulatory treatment has not been shown to impact cancer outcomes in this study.
First-order statistics of the phase in optical vortex speckles

We present the theoretical analysis of first-order statistics of the phase in a far-field speckle field, which originates from an optical vortex passing through a random phase screen. By using the concept of the equiprobability density ellipse, we show that the standard deviation of the phase in a speckle field varies non-monotonically in the radial direction and, more interestingly, it exhibits a minimum at a certain radial position determined by the topological charge. In the limit of zero topological charge, the phase statistics naturally converges to the expectation corresponding to the incident Gaussian beam.
Isolation and mutational assessment of pancreatic cancer extracellular vesicles using a microfluidic platform

Cancer cells release extracellular vesicles known as extracellular vesicles (EVs), containing tumor-derived DNA, RNA and proteins within their cargo, into the circulation. Circulating tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (TEV) can be used in the context of serial “liquid biopsies” for early detection of cancer, for monitoring disease burden in patients, and for assessing recurrence in the post-resection setting. Nonetheless, isolating sufficient TEV by ultracentrifugation-based approaches, in order to enable molecular assessment of EVs cargo, can be an arduous, time-consuming process and is inconsistent in the context of yield and purity among institutions. Herein, we describe a microfluidic platform, which we have named MITEV (Microfluidic Isolation of Tumor-derived Extracellular Vesicles) for the rapid isolation of TEV from the plasma of pancreatic cancer patients. The device, which has ~100,000 pillars placed in a zigzag pattern and is coated with antibodies against generic EV surface proteins (anti-CD63, -CD9, and -CD81 antibodies) or the TEV specific anti-Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule (EpCAM) antibody, is capable of high-throughput EVs isolation and yields sufficient DNA (total of ~2–14 ng from 2-ml plasma) for downstream genomic analysis. Using two independent quantitative platforms, droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) and molecular barcoding using nanoString nCounter® technology, we can reliably identify KRAS mutations within isolated TEV of treatment-naive metastatic pancreatic cancer patients. Our study suggests that the MITEV device can be used for point-of-care applications, such as in the context of monitoring residual or recurrent tumor presence in pancreatic cancer patients undergoing therapy.
Multivariate use of MRI biomarkers to classify histologically confirmed necrosis in symptomatic total hip arthroplasty.

The failure of total hip arthroplasty (THA) is commonly associated with the necrosis of the periprosthetic tissue. To date, there is no established method to noninvasively quantify the progression of such necrosis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of soft tissues near implants has undergone a recent renaissance due to the development of multispectral metal-artifact reduction techniques. Advanced analysis of multispectral MRI has been shown capable of detecting small magnetism effects of metallic debris in periprosthetic tissue. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the diagnostic utility of these MRI-based tissue-magnetism signatures. Together with morphological MRI metrics, such as synovial volume and thickness, these measurements are utilized as biomarkers to noninvasively detect soft-tissue necrosis in symptomatic THA patients ( N=78 ). All subjects underwent an advanced MRI scan before revision surgery and tissue biopsies utilized for necrosis grading. Statistical analyses demonstrated a weak, but significant positive correlation (P = .04) between MRI magnetism signatures and necrosis scores, while indicating no meaningful association between the latter and serum cobalt and chromium ion levels. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were then performed based on uni- and multivariate logistic regression models utilizing the measured MRI biomarkers as predictors of severe necrosis. The area under the curve of the ROC plots for MRI biomarkers as combined predictors were found to be 0.70 and 0.84 for cross-validation and precision-recall tests, respectively.
Toy models for gravitational and scalar QED decoherence

We investigate the dynamics of two quantum mechanical oscillator system-bath toy models obtained by dimensionally truncating linearized gravity coupled to a massive scalar field and scalar QED. The scalar-gravity toy model maps onto the phase damped oscillator, while the scalar QED toy model approximately maps onto an oscillator system subject to two-photon damping. The toy models provide potentially useful insights into solving for open system quantum dynamics relevant to the full scalar QED and weak gravitational field systems, in particular the decoherence of initial scalar field system superposition states.
What Is the Role of Emotions in Educational Leaders’ Decision Making? Proposing an Organizing Framework:

Purpose: Emotions have a pervasive, predictable, sometimes deleterious but other times instrumental effect on decision making. Yet the influence of emotions on educational leaders’ decision making ...
Resilience and Burnout Among Physicians and the General US Working Population

Importance The prevalence of physician burnout is well documented, and resilience training has been proposed as an option to support physician well-being. However, the resilience of physicians compared with that of the US working population is not established, and the association between resilience and physician burnout is not well understood. Objectives To evaluate resilience among physicians and US workers, and to determine the association between resilience and burnout among US physicians. Design, Setting, and Participants A cross-sectional national survey study of 5445 US physicians and a probability-based sample of 5198 individuals in the US working population was conducted between October 12, 2017, and March 15, 2018. Main Outcomes and Measures Resilience was measured using the 2-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (total scores range from 0-8; higher scores indicate greater resilience); burnout was measured using the full Maslach Burnout Inventory with overall burnout indicated by a score of at least 27 on the 0 to 54 emotional exhaustion subscale and/or at least 10 on the depersonalization subscale (higher scores indicate greater burnout). Results Of 30 456 physicians who received an invitation to participate, 5445 (17.9%) completed surveys (2995 men [62.1%]; median [IQR] age of 53 [42-62] years). In multivariable analysis, mean (SD) resilience scores were higher among physicians than the general employed population (6.49 [1.30] vs 6.25 [1.37]; adjusted mean difference, 0.25 points; 95% CI, 0.19-0.32;P Conclusions and Relevance The findings of this national survey study suggest that physicians exhibited higher levels of resilience than the general working population in the US. Resilience was inversely associated with burnout symptoms, but burnout rates were substantial even among the most resilient physicians. Additional solutions, including efforts to address system issues in the clinical care environment, are needed to reduce burnout and promote physician well-being.
Disrupting the Narrative of Universality of Inclusive Education: The New Marginalization of Low-Income, English Language Learners in India.

The assumption that educational policies and practices in the global North are viable in the global South has promoted a universal template for inclusive education, or Education For All. In India, ...
Synthesis of Vixotrigine, a Use-Dependent Sodium Channel Blocker. Part 1: Development of Bulk Supply Routes to Enable Proof of Concept

Two syntheses of vixotrigine are reported. Route 1, adapted from the medicinal chemistry route, enabled rapid delivery of drug substance for clinical development. Route 2, which was developed to ad...
TeachLivE™ and Teach Well: Simulations in Teacher Education

Novice teachers need to develop foundation teaching skills to effectively address student behavior and academics in the classroom. The TLE TeachLivE™ simulation laboratory (TLE) is a virtual classroom used to supplement traditional instruction and field experiences in teacher preparation programs. The TLE platform is an innovative means of providing preservice and novice teachers with means to meet the needs of students from academically, behaviorally, and culturally diverse backgrounds by providing rehearsal opportunities to acquire and master high-leverage teaching practices. This chapter contextualizes the impetus for the development of TLE and its significance as a tool that teacher educators can use in the preparation of their candidates. The chapter further describes the procedural use of TLE sessions when used within teacher preparation programs, highlighting the aspects of individualized clinical coaching and reflective practice, and perceived value among users. An overview of the developments and iterations of the logistics and technologies associated with the lab is also provided. Caveats and recommendations for use conclude the chapter.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Presenting as Acute Lupus Pneumonitis during Pregnancy

Introduction This is a case of new-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) manifesting as acute pneumonitis during pregnancy. No prior reports have documented pneumonitis as the presenting manifestation of SLE in pregnant women. Case Presentation. A 23-year-old pregnant female presented with high-grade fever, cough, arthralgias, and respiratory failure. Infectious workup was negative. She was positive for ANA, anti-dsDNA, anti-SSA, hypocomplementemia, and pulmonary infiltrates, supporting the diagnosis of SLE and pneumonitis. The patient received methylprednisolone achieving adequate clinical and serological response. Conclusion When SLE patients present with fever, cough, and respiratory failure, pulmonary infiltrates should raise the suspicion of pneumonitis in the absence of infection and hemorrhage. Even though acute lupus pneumonitis (ALP) is rare and seen only in 2% of SLE patients, a high index of suspicion aids in prompt diagnosis of this life-threatening condition. Also, positive anti-SSA antibodies may be associated with lupus pneumonitis.
Understanding occipital and parietal contributions to visual working memory: Commentary on Xu (2020)

In her commentary, Xu [2020. Revisit once more the sensory storage account of visual working memory. Visual Cognition, 28(5–8), 433–446] admonishes the reader that “To have a full understanding of ...
Distinct Patterns of Impaired Cognitive Control Among Boys and Girls with ADHD Across Development

This study examined whether girls and boys with ADHD show similar impairments in cognitive control from childhood into adolescence and the developmental relationship between cognitive control and ADHD symptoms. Participants include 8–17-year-old children with ADHD (n = 353, 104 girls) and typically developing (TD) controls (n = 241, 86 girls) with longitudinal data obtained from n = 137. Participants completed two go/no-go (GNG) tasks that varied in working memory demand. Linear mixed-effects models were applied to compare age-related changes in cognitive control for each GNG task among girls and boys with ADHD and TD controls and in relation to ADHD symptoms. Boys with ADHD showed impaired response inhibition and increased response variability across tasks. In contrast, girls with ADHD showed impaired response inhibition only with greater working memory demands whereas they displayed increased response variability regardless of working memory demands. Analysis of age-related change revealed that deficits in cognitive control under minimal working memory demands increase with age among girls with ADHD and decrease with age among boys with ADHD. In contrast, deficits in cognitive control with greater working memory demands decrease with age among both boys and girls with ADHD compared to TD peers. Among children with ADHD poor response inhibition during childhood predicted inattentive symptoms in adolescence and was associated with less age-related improvement in inattentive symptoms. These findings suggest that girls and boys with ADHD show differential impairment in cognitive control across development and response inhibition in childhood may be an important predictor of ADHD symptoms in adolescence.
Tissue Engineering Scaffolds

Abstract In recent years, the field of tissue engineering has seen significant advances in the development of biomaterials that regenerate injured or missing tissues. Since its infancy in creating polymeric films and scaffolds via solvent casting and particulate leaching, strategies for synthesizing and manufacturing tissue engineering scaffolds have improved exponentially. This chapter summarizes recent advances in the development of biodegradable tissue engineering scaffolds, such as synthesis and processing approaches, characterization techniques, and applications. New processing techniques such as additive manufacturing have enabled the fabrication of biomaterial-based systems from hydrogels to thermoplastic polymers with high resolution and reproducibility. Furthermore, new crosslinking and network-forming strategies utilize click chemistry and noncovalent self-assembly to prepare safer and more robust biocompatible scaffolds. Along with the development of biomaterials, cell-encapsulated biomaterial systems have also been investigated so that single or multiple cell populations can be incorporated into scaffolds during fabrication. In summary, tissue engineering shows promise in shedding light on development, creation of disease models, and regeneration and will continue to shape the fields of science, technology, engineering and medicine for years to come.
Energy Evaluation of Electron Beam Treatment of Perfluoroalkyl Substances in Water: A Critical Review

Due to their recalcitrant nature and ubiquitous use, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) will continue to be major water treatment hurdles. Although effective water treatment technologies ex...
The Aryl hydrocarbon receptor mediates reproductive toxicity of polychlorinated biphenyl congener 126 in rats

Abstract Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are endocrine disrupting chemicals with documented, though mechanistically ill-defined, reproductive toxicity. The toxicity of dioxin-like PCBs, such as PCB126, is mediated via the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) in non-ovarian tissues. The goal of this study was to examine the uterine and ovarian effects of PCB126 and test the hypothesis that the AHR is required for PCB126-induced reproductive toxicity. Female Holzman-Sprague Dawley wild type (n = 14; WT) and Ahr knock out (n = 11; AHR−/−) rats received a single intraperitoneal injection of either corn oil vehicle (5 ml/kg: WT_O and AHR−/−_O) or PCB126 (1.63 mg/kg in corn oil: WT_PCB and AHR−/−_PCB) at four weeks of age. The estrous cycle was synchronized and ovary and uterus were collected 28 days after exposure. In WT rats, PCB126 exposure reduced (P
Addiction as an Attachment Disorder

Chapter 1 Foreword Chapter 2 Addiction as an Attachment Disorder Chapter 3 Substance Abuse as a Consequence of and Solution for Impaired Attachment Relationships Chapter 4 Attachment Theory: Implications for Treatment Chapter 5 Addiction: An Attempt at Self-Repair that Fails Chapter 6 Neurophysiology and Attachment Chapter 7 Avoidant Society: Cultural Roots of Impaired Attachment Chapter 8 Rules for Effective Treatment: An Attachment Perspective Chapter 9 Early Treatment: Creating the Capacity for Attachment Chapter 10 Late-Stage Treatment Issues Chapter 11 Attachment and Group Therapy Chapter 12 Attachment and the Therapeutic Alliance Chapter 13 Addiction and Attachment-Oriented Therapy: Long-Term Implications Chapter 14 Conclusions Chapter 15 References
NON-INVASIVE QUANTITATIVE 31P MRS ASSAY OF MITOCHONDRIAL FUNCTION IN SKELETAL MUSCLE IN SITU

A method for non-invasive, quantitative 31P NMR spectroscopic investigation of mitochondrial function in human skeletal muscle in situ is described. High time resolution 31 NMR measurements of phosphocreatine, inorganic phosphate and ATP resonances were conducted on human forearm flexor muscle during involuntary twitch contraction at eight different frequencies. Mitochondrial and glyco(geno)lytic ATP synthesis fluxes, and the cytosolic free energy of ATP hydrolysis (ΔGp ) were calculated at incremental steady-states of energy balance. The covariation of mitochondrial ATP synthesis flux,Jp MOP, and ΔGp was quasi-linear over the physiological range of free energy values. Curve-fit analysis of the covariation yielded a maximal sustainable of 0.24 ± 0.06 mmol ATP 1-1·s-1 and a midpoint potential, (ΔGp)0.5, of 58.1 ± 1.2 kJ/mole in the muscle cells. (Mol Cell Biochem 174: 17–22, 1997)
Long‐term efficacy and safety of fluphenazine in patients with Tourette syndrome

Objectives Haloperidol and pimozide are the only drugs currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treatment of Tourette syndrome (TS), but their potential side effects, which include tardive dyskinesia (TD), limit their use. Methods We performed a retrospective chart review of patients with TS treated with fluphenazine over a 26-year period. Results Among 268 patients with TS, fluphenazine was initiated at a mean age of 15.8 ± 10.7 years (range, 4.1–70.2) and titrated to an optimal dose of 3.24 ± 2.3 mg/day (range, 0.5–12.0), which was continued for an average of 2.6 ± 3.2 years (range, 0.01–16.8). Marked to moderate improvement was noted in 211 (80.5%). The most common side effects included drowsiness, fatigue, or both, observed in 70 (26.1%) patients. There were no cases of TD. Conclusions Fluphenazine appears to be safe and effective in the treatment of TS, and there were no cases of TD in this cohort treated up to 16.8 years. © 2013 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Rapid destruction of newly synthesized excess beta-globin chains in HbH disease

A subject with HbG Philadelphia-HbH disease exhibited an unusually high alpha/beta synthesis ratio; when peripheral blood was tested in vitro on several occasions, ratios of 0.63 - 0.89 were obtained after incubations of 30-120 min. HbH amounted to 5%-8% of the circulating hemoglobin. Rapid destruction of excess newly synthesized beta-globin was demonstrated in kinetic and pulse-chase experiments. After 2 min of incubation, the alpha/beta synthesis ratio was 0.48; this figure rose to 0.89 by 30 min. The zero time alpha/beta ratio was estimated to be 0.35. The degradation of beta-chains was calculated to proceed at approximately one-half the rate of beta-globin synthesis; this result was confirmed by the loss of 50% of the specific activity in beta-chains during 9 min of a chase experiment following a 10-min radioactive pulse. The results suggest that efficient proteolysis may be responsible, in some blacks, for the low levels of excess beta-globin chains in HbH disease as well as for the mildness of the clinical disorder.
Preliminary QCSEE program test results

The QCSEE (Quiet, Clean, Short-Haul Experimental Engine) program has entered the engine test phase. Overall design and advanced technology incorporated into the two engines in the program were described. In addition, preliminary engine test results are presented and compared to the technical requirements the engines were designed to meet.
Continuous-time and discrete-time cellular neural networks

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the design of cellular neural network (CNN) for different local and global tasks. Many features of CNN are based on state-of the-art VLSI technology. CNN promises tremendous parallel computation power and local connectedness, which is, in nature, a suitable tool for image processing. The chapter presents a detailed analysis of different types of CNNs for the same task class and discusses several aspects of applications of CNNs to image processing. The organization of references is based on their contributions to the applications of CNN to image processing problems. The chapter presents a set of standard boundary conditions. Some CNNs may fail to work correctly without specified boundary conditions, while others are independent of boundary conditions. Propagating CNNs are usually sensitive to boundary conditions. Boundary conditions were neglected by many authors, resulting occasionally in misleading results.
Response to Coomes & Allen (2009)‘Testing the metabolic scaling theory of tree growth’

Summary 1. Coomes & Allen (2009) propose a new statistical method to test the Metabolic Scaling Theory prediction for tree growth rate size scaling (scaling constant α = 1/3) presented in Enquist et al. (1999). This method finds values of the scaling constant that yield standardized major axis (SMA) slopes of one in a comparison of allometrically transformed diameter census data. This SMA ‘slope-of-one’ method produces results that contrast with those generated by maximum-likelihood estimation (MLE; Russo, Wiser & Coomes 2007; Coomes & Allen 2009). 2. We hypothesize that the SMA slope-of-one method is inappropriate for this application because it assumes, unrealistically, that there is no biological or error variance in tree growth size scaling. To test our hypothesis, we simulate ‘allometric’ tree growth with biological and error variance in parameters and measurements. We find that the SMA slope-of-one method is sensitive to the amount of biological and error variance and consistently returns biassed parameter estimates, while the MLE method displays relatively little bias, particularly at larger sample sizes. 3. Synthesis. The conclusions of Coomes & Allen (2009) should be reconsidered in the light of our findings. Investigations of tree growth rate size scaling must consider the influence of biological and error variance in model-fitting procedures to ultimately unravel the effects of tree architecture and ecological factors on patterns of size-dependent growth.
Prestress as an Optimal Biomechanical Parameter for Needle Penetration and Formulation Injection

Intradermal and subcutaneous needle injections have long been used as a means to deliver vital medication subcutaneously across a range of applications from vaccines to insulin [1]. In order to optimize the efficacy of these injections, the needle must penetrate precisely to a targeted depth. However, the actual net penetration of the needle beneath the surface of the skin is confounded by the deflection of the skin. With the rise of the use of auto-injectors in such fields as diabetes care, achieving the actual required penetration becomes exceedingly important. There have been previous attempts to characterize this deflection [2–4], but these were limited in that they did not account for a range of factors that play a role in the penetration mechanics, and many were based on mathematical models, synthetic skin substitutes, or other tissues. The purpose of our work was to investigate the multiple factors that govern needle penetration and injection, including velocity, needle gauge, depth of insertion, and skin prestress.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Human neutralizing antibodies against MERS coronavirus: implications for future immunotherapy

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) was first reported in September 2012 [1]. Dromedary camels are a putative source for human MERS-CoV since dromedaries have shown high rates of seropositivity (>90%) in serum samples collected over 30 years ago and virus was recently isolated from camels [2]. The high prevalence of MERS-CoV infection in camels and the difficulty of eliminating this virus reservoir suggest that the recurrence of MERS is very likely to occur. Indeed, during early 2015 an increasing number of MERS cases in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have been seen. As of 11 March 2015, 1060 confirmed cases, including at least 394 related deaths have officially been reported to WHO [3]. The high mortality rate (∼37%) and ongoing epidemic have raised concern of a more widespread regional outbreak or even global spread. Since this virus was reported, tremendous efforts have been made in the search for effective anti-MERS-CoV agents. Combinations of treatment with IFN-α2b and ribavirin were reported to improve clinical outcomes in MERS-CoV-infected rhesus macaques [4]. A synthesized peptide (HR2P) was found to inhibit MERS-CoV replication and its S protein mediated cell–cell fusion [5]. Some compounds with anti-MERS-CoV activity in cell culture were found by screening small libraries of US FDA approved drugs [6,7]. Neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) could be used in an outbreak setting for the prophylaxis and early treatment of emerging viral pathogens. During SARS outbreak, convalescent plasma from recovered SARS patients have been shown to help clearing SARSCoV efficiently [8,9]. Convalescent sera were recommended for MERS treatment by the International Severe Acute Respiratory and Emerging Infection Consortium [10]. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have demonstrated host protection against viral infections [11]. In this review, we summarize the recent progress in potential therapeutic mAbs and animal models for MERS.
Detrimental effects of high ambient temperature on fertility and early embryo survival in sheep.

Percent of ova fertilized was significantly (P<0.01)lower in ewes exposed to 32‡C temperature on the twelfth day of the cycle before breeding (40.7.% vs 94.2% for controls). The average rectal temperature of the ewes was increased 1.7‡C within 24 hr after exposure to the elevated temperature. Morphologically abnormal ova were increased from 3.8% in control ewes to 55.6% in treated ewes. In ewes exposed to the 32‡C one day after breeding all ova were cleaved,but 30.8% were morphologically abnormal. In control ewes 87.5% lambed,but none of the ewes exposed to 32‡C before or at time of breeding lambed. In ewes exposed to 32‡C at 1, 3,5 or 8 days after breeding, 20%, 35%, 40% and 70%, respectively, lambed.Embryo mortality was significantly (P<0.01) higher for all treated ewes except those in the 8-day group.The sheep zygote is most sensitive to the harmful effects of high ambient temperature during the initial stages of cleavage before it enters the uterus.
1972 values for international geochemical reference samples

Abstract Best values for constituents determined in a rock analysis and for trace elements are collected for samples prepared by the Centre de Recherches Petrographiqueset Geochimiques, France, the Canadian Standard Reference Materials Project (formerly SSC), the Geological Survey of Japan, the National Institute for Metallurgy, South Africa, the U.S. Geological Survey and the Zentrales Geologisches Institut, D.D.R.
Numerical study of the flow-structure interactions in an air- or helium-filled simulated hard disk drive

Since its invention, the Hard Disk Drive (HDD) has been the most widely-used device for data storage. Recently, the volume of data is getting larger and the corresponding rotation speed of the HDD is increasing to allow for better data transfer. The decreasing size of the disk is increasing the density of data on the disk surface. As a result, the positioning accuracy of the Suspension Slider Unit (SSU), where the magnetic head is mounted, is the problem that has to be overcome for better performance of the HDD. Additionally, the increased rotating speed of the disk induces unsteady flow between each pair of disks. This unsteady flow becomes turbulent around the SSU and induces vibrations on the SSU which deteriorate the performance of the HDD. There have been many investigations to understand the fluid mechanics phenomena inside the HDD filled with air. Additionally, many modifications have been tried to minimize the flow-induced vibration on the SSU by placing a blockage upstream of the arm to generate a low velocity region. However, none of these investigations have explored the effect of using gases other than air. In this work, the flow physics in the HDD is investigated numerically with the drive filled with air or helium. Numerical analyses were performed using the commercial code (ANSYS/CFX) with an expanded 2 × model simulating Seagate cheetah 2.5-inch drive. Despite obvious un-addressed issues in sealing the HDD, the unsteady characteristics of the flow are dissipated sufficiently faster in helium than in air so as to warrant further studies addressing the more practical issues of working with helium. Of particular importance is the unsteady flow around the SSU. This leads to lower levels of flow-induced vibration in the case of helium flow. As such, HDD performance may be improved by using helium to improve the dynamics of the HDD at higher rotation speeds. For both air- and helium-filled drives, calculations have been performed with two different locations of the SSU and two different angular velocities, 1,000 and 3,000 rpm corresponding to 5,000 and 15,000 rpm in 3.5-inch commercial drive. Not only is it shown that the helium-filled drive suffers lower positioning errors, but also the underlying flow physics responsible for such improvement are explained.
An avian experimental environment for the study of social behavior.

Abstract A multiple purpose experimental environment is described that allows the study of the behavior of two pigeons within the same space. The three simple modifications provide for the independent presentation of pellet reinforcers and visual stimuli to each bird as well as the visual and automatic monitoring of behavior.
Near-infrared laser operation of Cr 3+ centers in chromium-doped LiInGeO 4 and LiScGeO 4 crystals

Laser action has been demonstrated in two new tunable Cr3+-doped crystals. Absorption, emission, and excitation measurements for various crystal orientations have been performed for chromium-doped LiInGeO4 and LiScGeO4 single crystals. From the spectroscopic measurements, two optical active centers were identified: tetrahedrally coordinated Cr4+ and octahedrally coordinated Cr3+. Gain-switched, tunable laser operation of Cr3+ centers has been demonstrated in both crystals. An ultrawide tuning range from 1150 to 1480 nm for LiInGeO4 and 1220-1380 nm for LiScGeO4 has been achieved. To our knowledge this is the widest bandwidth and the most near-infrared shifted wavelength range for lasing ever demonstrated for Cr3+ ions.
Development of an automated dual ion beam assisted process for superconducting oxide film deposition

Abstract An automated dual ion beam sputter deposition system has been developed, in which individual targets of Y, Cu, and BaF2 are sequentially sputtered to produce Y-Ba-Cu-O films with controlled composition. The dwell time of the ion beam on each target is determined by a computer controlled feedback loop using the signal of a quartz crystal resonator. Each individual target is exposed to the ion beam at the same spatial location, which optimizes compositional and thickness homogeneity across the substrate surface. As deposited superconducting Y-Ba-Cu-O films have been successfully grown at temperatures in the range 700–720°C using either an oxygen ion beam or an ozone jet directed at the substrate. Oxygenation effects by the two sources on film stoichiometry and microstructure are discussed.