cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The sRNA DicF integrates oxygen sensing to enhance enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli virulence via distinctive RNA control mechanisms

To establish infection, enteric pathogens integrate environmental cues to navigate the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and precisely control expression of virulence determinants. During passage through the GIT, pathogens encounter relatively high levels of oxygen in the small intestine before transit to the oxygen-limited environment of the colon. However, how bacterial pathogens sense oxygen availability and coordinate expression of virulence traits is not resolved. Here, we demonstrate that enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 (EHEC) regulates virulence via the oxygen-responsive small RNA DicF. Under oxygen-limited conditions, DicF enhances global expression of the EHEC type three secretion system, which is a key virulence factor required for host colonization, through the transcriptional activator PchA. Mechanistically, the pchA coding sequence (CDS) base pairs with the 5' untranslated region of the mRNA to sequester the ribosome binding site (RBS) and inhibit translation. DicF disrupts pchA cis-interactions by binding to the pchA CDS, thereby unmasking the pchA RBS and promoting PchA expression. These findings uncover a feed-forward regulatory pathway that involves distinctive mechanisms of RNA-based regulation and that provides spatiotemporal control of EHEC virulence.
“Then Alone Could the Morning Stars Sing Together for Joy”: Engendering Rhetorical Alliance in the Stone-Blackwell Courtship Correspondence

Historians of rhetoric have recently explored how nineteenth-century women’s personal and romantic letters have offered a venue for the rhetorical work of raising consciousness, building coalitions...
Altitudinal limits of Eastern Himalayan birds are created by competition past and present.

The degree to which interspecific competition structures diverse communities is an oft-debated topic. An approach to answering this question is to examine spatial patterns of coexistence among putatively competing species. The degree to which interspecies competition predominates in a community can have important effects on our ability predict the response of that community to perturbations, most notably climate change, when shifting species’ ranges may result in novel species assemblages. We present a study on the avifauna of the Eastern Himalayas. We hypothesize that in a community where competitive interactions predominate, there will be a relationship between pairwise altitudinal overlaps and morphological differences between species. Moreover, we hypothesize that both morphological traits and altitudinal traits depart from a Brownian motion evolution model, resulting in species trait covariances having a phylogenetic component. We find a significant relationship between morphological dissimilarity and altitudinal overlaps of species pairs. We also find that closely related species are significantly more altitudinally stratified than a null model would predict. However, as more distantly related species pairs are included in the analysis, this pattern disappears, indicating that competitive interactions predominate only in closely related species. This is further suggested by the fact that altitudinal ranges themselves are phylogenetically overdispersed at the genus level, as are morphological traits. This effect disappears when the entire phylogeny is examined, with morphology and altitude being phylogenetically underdispersed. Model fitting suggests that individual clades have evolved towards local clade-specific fitness peaks, while within-clade results show evidence of niche partitioning. We interpret these results as a tension between competition on shorter time scales and selection on longer time scales, where competition forces closely-related species away from fitness peaks in order to allow for niche separation and hence coexistence, suggesting that this effect is partially responsible for the recent diversification of Eastern Himalayan avifauna.
Computational Modeling of the Mechanical Behavior of 3D Hybrid Organic–Inorganic Nanocomposites

In this study, a computational model of a three-dimensional (3D) hybrid nanocomposite was analyzed using the cohesive finite element method. This model contains hard mineral nanograins bonded by a relatively soft and thin organic adhesive layer to mimic the ultrastructure of biological ceramics such as bone and nacre. The simulation results showed that the adhesive phase, which comprises only a few percent of the nanocomposite volume, significantly enhanced the toughness through widespread cohesive damage, diffuse nanocrack formation, and complex trajectories of crack growth. In addition, the 3D model revealed the strain-hardening/-softening behavior of the nanocomposite, which was not captured by two-dimensional models, highlighting the importance of 3D architecture in the mechanical behavior of the natural materials. The mechanical properties of the nanocomposite were comparable to those of bone and nacre, indicating that a damage-tolerant behavior of the natural materials can be attained by using only small amount of a tough adhesive within the 3D microstructure of brittle minerals.
Role of the Ankle Brachial Index

Lower extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD) affects 8.5 million men and women in the United States and more than 200 million people worldwide. People with PAD have a two- to threefold increased rate of cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality compared to people without PAD. People with PAD also have greater functional impairment and faster functional decline than people without PAD. The ankle brachial index (ABI) is a reliable, sensitive, and highly specific noninvasive test for PAD and can be used to diagnose and assess the severity of PAD. This chapter provides an overview of the role of the ABI in diagnosing PAD and in assessing risk of cardiovascular outcomes, lower extremity outcomes, and functional decline.
Increasing Nursing Scholarship Through Dedicated Human Resources: Creating a Culture of Nursing Inquiry

As the role of nursing grows in healthcare, the engagement of frontline nurses in evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and research is becoming the expectation and no longer the exception. Clinical nurses are in a unique position to inform and implement scholarly projects. The purpose of this staff development and capacity-building project was to increase the output of scholarly work among frontline nurses through the formalization of nursing inquiry support via designated nursing inquiry project coordinators.
Associations among the home language environment and neural activity during infancy.

Abstract Characteristics of the home language environment, independent of socioeconomic background, may account for disparities in early language abilities. Past studies have reported links between the quantity of language input within the home and differences in brain function during early childhood. The current study examined associations between home language input and EEG brain activity in a socioeconomically diverse sample of 6- to 12-month-old infants (N = 94). Replicating past studies, a positive correlation was found between measures of socioeconomic status and language input. Examining links between language input and brain activity, analyses yielded a negative association, with children who heard more adult words in the home demonstrating reduced EEG beta power (13–19 Hz) in the parietal region. Exploratory analyses revealed a significant interaction between language input and the amount of chaos and disorganization in the home. Specifically, among children living in high-chaos households, children who heard more adult words tended to have reduced EEG activity. Among children living in low-chaos homes, there was no link between adult word count and children’s EEG activity. These findings demonstrate the importance of the early home environment context in shaping neurocognitive trajectories.
Complex Pain Management and Goals of Care in a Debilitated Cancer Patient

A cancer patient debilitated from multiple complications, on TPN for nourishment, comes in because of underdosing pain meds. Pain is complex in a cancer patient, and other medications like ketamine may be useful. Exploring goals of care with her in the ED makes all the difference for debunking myths about palliative chemotherapy and hospice care.
A Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Model for Naphthalene With Inhalation and Skin Routes of Exposure

Naphthalene, a volatile organic compound present in moth repellants and petroleum-based fuels, has been shown to induce toxicity in mice and rats during chronic inhalation exposures. Although simpler default methods exist for extrapolating toxicity points of departure from animals to humans, using a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model to perform such extrapolations is generally preferred. Confidence in PBPK models increases when they have been validated using both animal and human in vivo pharmacokinetic (PK) data. A published inhalation PBPK model for naphthalene was previously shown to predict rodent PK data well, so we sought to evaluate this model using human PK data. The most reliable human data available come from a controlled skin exposure study, but the inhalation PBPK model does not include a skin exposure route; therefore, we extended the model by incorporating compartments representing the stratum corneum and the viable epidermis and parameters that determine absorption and rate of transport through the skin. The human data revealed measurable blood concentrations of naphthalene present in the subjects prior to skin exposure, so we also introduced a continuous dose-rate parameter to account for these baseline blood concentration levels. We calibrated the three new parameters in the modified PBPK model using data from the controlled skin exposure study but did not modify values for any other parameters. Model predictions then fell within a factor of 2 of most (96%) of the human PK observations, demonstrating that this model can accurately predict internal doses of naphthalene and is thus a viable tool for use in human health risk assessment.
Chemical Compatibility of Battery Electrolytes with Rapid Prototyping Materials and Adhesives

Custom electrochemical cells are necessary for fundamental in situ characterization experiments and applied transport studies of next-generation batteries. Limited data on the chemical compatibilit...
Abstract 12715: Administration of Activated Protein C Stabilizes Membrane EPCR and Increases Resistance of Heart to Ischemic Insult in Aging

Introduction: Activated protein C (APC) is a circulating protease with anti-coagulant property. Endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) mediates APC's downstream events. We have revealed that APC exe...
Worshiping in Anger: Anger at God in Psalms and Liturgies

Where in our liturgies do we make space for human anger at God? A recent panel addressed the ethics of preaching the laments in the church at the 2018 Society of Biblical Literature Annual Meeting....
Comment on: Risk of gastrointestinal perforation in cancer patients receiving ramucirumab: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

To the editor:A meta-analysis recently published in The Journal of Chemotherapy concluded treatment with ramucirumab is associated with a significant increase in risk of gastrointestinal (GI) perfo...
The feasibility and efficacy of a serial reaction time task that measures motor learning of anticipatory stepping.

Abstract Background Motor learning has been investigated using various paradigms, including serial reaction time tasks (SRTT) that examine upper extremity reaching and pointing while seated. Few studies have used a stepping SRTT, which could offer additional insights into motor learning involving postural demands. For a task to measure motor learning, naive participants must demonstrate a) improved performance with task practice, and b) a dose-response relationship to learning the task. Research question Is a stepping SRTT feasible and efficacious for measuring motor learning? Methods In this prospective study, 20 participants stood on an instrumented mat and were presented with stimuli on a computer screen. They stepped to the corresponding positions on the mat as quickly as possible. Presented stimuli included random sequences and a blinded imbedded repeating sequence. Three days after completing the randomly assigned practice dose [high dose group (n = 10) performed 4320 steps; low dose group (n = 10) performed 144 steps], a retention test of 72 steps was performed. Feasibility was measured as the proportion of participants who completed the assigned practice dose without adverse events. Efficacy was measured as within-group performance improvement on the random sequences and on the repeating sequence (paired t-tests), as well as a dose-response relationship to learning both types of sequences (independent t-tests). Results All participants (mean age 26.8 years) completed all practice sessions without adverse events, indicating feasibility. High dose practice resulted in performance improvement while low dose did not; a dose-response relationship was found, with high dose practice resulting in greater learning of the task than low dose practice, indicating efficacy. Significance This stepping SRTT is a feasible and efficacious way to measure motor learning, which could provide critical insights into anticipatory stepping, postural control, and fall risk. Future research is needed to determine feasibility, efficacy, and optimal practice dosages for older and impaired populations.
Separating the Wheat from the Chaff: Intensive Deselection to Enable Preservation and Access

In 2014, the Marian Library at the University of Dayton completed a long overdue revision of its collection development policy. The new document more clearly defined the scope of the library’s collections, and was intended to guide new acquisition decisions. However, this new document had the unexpected benefit of providing a framework for deselection projects that enabled preservation and improved access to the collections. This paper will discuss and analyze two of these projects, and demonstrate how the revised collection development policy laid the foundation for successful deselection outcomes. In the first case study, legacy collections of genre-based ephemera were heavily weeded to remove photocopies, internet printouts, duplicates, and other out-of-scope materials. Both the challenges and benefits of weeding legacy reference files will be discussed. The second case study will examine a comprehensive review of the library’s inactive periodical holdings, consisting of over five hundred titles that were largely uncatalogued. Removing titles outside of the library’s collection scope transformed the collection into a manageable project for the cataloging staff to tackle. This formerly hidden collection, including rare periodicals not found elsewhere in the United States, is now in the process of being cataloged. Both projects transformed local practices and improved utilization of the library’s limited resources in staffing, time, space, and funding. Faced with legacy practices that compromised physical and intellectual control of materials, librarians leveraged a well-defined collection development policy to undertake two successful deselection projects. The policy was used to justify and guide deselection, ultimately improving both preservation and access.
PARP inhibitors decrease response to subsequent platinum-based chemotherapy in BRCA mutated ovarian cancer patients

Objectives: To determine the impact of treatment with poly-adenosine ribose phosphatase inhibitors (PARPi) on the response to subsequent platinum-based chemotherapy in recurrent, platinum-sensitive BRCA-mutated epithelial ovarian, peritoneal, or fallopian cancer (BRCAm) patients. Methods: A retrospective, single-institution cohort study of patients with BRCAm who received treatment with multiple platinum regimens. Electronic medical records were reviewed to identify BRCAm patients who received subsequent platinum-based chemotherapy following PARPis from 12/15/2011-5/5/2020. Response to subsequent therapy and progression-free survival (PFS) was determined. The PFS of BRCAm patients was compared to non-BRCAm who were treated with platinum following a PARPi. Results: Among 241 BRCAm patients 152 recurred. One hundred and fifteen platinum sensitive BRCAm patients received a second-line platinum regimen with 108 being PARPi naive and 7 PARPi exposed. The median PFS was 2.4 times longer after 2nd line platinum-based therapy for patients who did not receive a PARPi, p=0.005. Fifty-five platinum-sensitive BRCAm patients received a third-line platinum regimen with 42 PARPi naive and 13 PARPi exposed. The median PFS was 2.3 times longer for 3rd line platinum regimens for BRCAm patients who did not receive a PARPi, p 24 months (Figure 2). The response and PFS to a platinum regimen following a PARPi were similar between BRCA mutated and non-mutated patients (Figure 3). Download : Download high-res image (63KB) Download : Download full-size image Conclusions: Among BRCAm patients, PARPi exposure significantly reduced PFS following 2nd and 3rd line platinum based chemotherapy. Prior exposure to PARPi nullifies well established predictors of response to subsequent platinum-based chemotherapy (platinum-free interval and BRCA mutational status. The routine use of PARP for maintenance should be questioned until PARPi overall survival data is mature. Download : Download high-res image (103KB) Download : Download full-size image
Growth Dynamics of Colloidal Silver–Gold Core–Shell Nanoparticles Studied by In Situ Second Harmonic Generation and Extinction Spectroscopy

The in situ growth dynamics of colloidal silver–gold core–shell (Ag@Au CS) nanoparticles (NPs) in water are monitored in a stepwise synthesis approach using time-dependent second harmonic generatio...
RNA Profiling of Neuropathic Pain-Associated Human DRGs Reveal Sex-differences in Neuro-immune Interactions Promoting Pain

Neuropathic pain is a leading cause of high impact pain, is often disabling and is poorly managed by current therapeutics. Here we focused on a unique group of neuropathic pain patients undergoing thoracic vertebrectomy where the DRG is removed as part of the surgery allowing for molecular characterization and identification of mechanistic drivers of neuropathic pain independently of preclinical models. Our goal was to quantify whole transcriptome RNA abundances using RNA-seq in pain-associated human DRGs from these patients, allowing comprehensive identification of molecular changes in these samples by contrasting them with non-pain associated DRGs. We sequenced 70 human DRGs, including over 50 having mRNA libraries with neuronal mRNA. Our expression analysis revealed profound sex differences in differentially expressed genes including increase of IL1B, TNF, CXCL14, and OSM in male and including CCL1, CCL21, PENK and TLR3 in female DRGs associated with neuropathic pain. Co-expression modules revealed enrichment in members of JUN-FOS signaling in males, and centromere protein coding genes in females. Neuro-immune signaling pathways revealed distinct cytokine signaling pathways associated with neuropathic pain in males (OSM, LIF, SOCS1) and females (CCL1, CCL19, CCL21). We validated cellular expression profiles of a subset of these findings using RNAscope in situ hybridization. Our findings give direct support for sex differences in underlying mechanisms of neuropathic pain in patient populations.
Epistemic and Intuitionistic Arithmetic

Publisher Summary This chapter illustrates the development of a language and deductive system of epistemic logic for arithmetic. In addition to the usual connectives and quantifiers, the language contains an epistemic operator K. The epistemic system can essentially help illuminate the understanding and formalization of mathematical practice. Essentially, the language of intuitionistic arithmetic can be translated into the language, and thus, the system is capable of expressing formulas of both classical and intuitionistic arithmetic, as well as formulas of mixed constructivity. This also indicates that the system can contribute to an understanding of the difference between classical and constructive arithmetic and help understand the constructive and epistemic aspects of normal, non-intuitionistic mathematical practice. The chapter discusses possible understandings and interpretations of the operator K. Further, the chapter provides brief illustration on the possibility of applying Hintikka's semantics for ideal knowledge to the present language. The chapter concludes with a description of development of some further applications of language and deductive system to the formalization of mathematical practice.
Adverse effects of plasma transfusion

Plasma utilization has increased over the past two decades, and there is a growing concern that many plasma transfusions are inappropriate. Plasma transfusion is not without risk, and certain complications are more likely with plasma than other blood components. Clinical and laboratory investigations of the patients suffering reactions after infusion of fresh-frozen plasma (FFP) define the etiology and pathogenesis of the panoply of adverse effects. We review here the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of the risks associated with plasma transfusion. Risks commonly associated with FFP include: 1) transfusion-related acute lung injury, 2) transfusion-associated circulatory overload, and 3) allergic and/or anaphylactic reactions. Other less common risks include 1) transmission of infections, 2) febrile nonhemolytic transfusion reactions, 3) red blood cell alloimmunization, and 4) hemolytic transfusion reactions. The effects of pathogen inactivation or reduction methods on these risks are also discussed. Fortunately, a majority of the adverse effects are not lethal and are adequately treated in clinical practice.
Operation of Strings of Single Flux-Quantum Memory Cells using Josephson Junctions

Experimental and theoretical investigations have been carried out on strings with 98 series-connected memory cells with Josephson junctions. The cells store binary information in single flux quanta. These strings can be considered as basic building blocks of a memory array. Our results indicate that such arrays are feasible electrically.
The Rule of Law as a Law of Standards: Interpreting the Internal Revenue Code

Although fields of law ordinarily comprise both rules and standards, and foundational tax scholars such as Professors Surrey, Warren, and Bittker understood the importance of standards in tax law, many tax scholars and professionals have come to regard federal tax law as “the paradigmatic system of rules.” The vision of tax-as-rules is particularly alluring because rules have been associated with rule-of-law values, and it seems that the rule of law might be especially important in the field of taxation. The rule of law constrains the coercive power of government, and perhaps few powers are viewed with as much suspicion as the taxing power. Our claim that the existence of many rules in the tax law does not dictate the interpretation of all tax formulations as rules seems to threaten critical rule-of-law values. Nevertheless, we believe with Surrey and Warren that tax, like other areas of law, can flourish only if the IRS and the courts are able to respond to “unforeseen cases as they arise” and that this flexibility demands that many Code provisions be interpreted as standards. We also believe that this use of standards does not threaten rule-of-law values. In this essay we defend both propositions. To do so we engage pointedly with Professor Larry Zelenak’s critique of the position we took in our earlier article, Defining Income, where we claimed that the category of “gross income” in the Internal Revenue Code is best understood as a standard, not a rule. In Custom and the Rule of Law in the Administration of the Income Tax, Professor Zelenak worried that our position threatened the rule of law by “stretch[ing] beyond the breaking point” the concept of interpretation. This essay, which elaborates the argument made in Defining Income, engages directly with Professor Zelenak’s critique and further develops our position that although there are both correct and incorrect interpretations, interpreting a legal formulation as a flexible standard rather than a rigid rule is not lawless. Like Professor Zelenak, we draw on examples from the world of corporate taxation, including iconic cases such as Gregory v. Helvering, as well as more recent controversial pronouncements such as Notice 2008-83, in which the IRS concluded that section 382 did not apply to banks, only to be sharply rebuked by Congress.
Long-Term Climate Monitoring by the Global Climate Observing System

The documentation of long-term climate variations and changes is important for several reasons. The early detection of anthropogenicallyinduced climate change, as well as the sensitivity of the climate system to a variety of human and natural causes, rests upon an observing system capable of delivering adequate long-term data. Additionally, such information is essential to understand impacts on managed and unmanaged social and biophysical systems. So in IPCC (1995) several questions have been posed to the scientific community regarding the present and past states of the climate. However, our present observing system and data management practices have failed to deliver the quality of data required to deduce unequivocal information about the rates and often even the sign of multi-decadal changes and variations.
Transportable data from non-target arthropod field studies for the environmental risk assessment of genetically modified maize expressing an insecticidal double-stranded RNA

As part of an environmental risk assessment, the potential impact of genetically modified (GM) maize MON 87411 on non-target arthropods (NTAs) was evaluated in the field. MON 87411 confers resistance to corn rootworm (CRW; Diabrotica spp.) by expressing an insecticidal double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) transcript and the Cry3Bb1 protein and tolerance to the herbicide glyphosate by producing the CP4 EPSPS protein. Field trials were conducted at 14 sites providing high geographic and environmental diversity within maize production areas from three geographic regions including the U.S., Argentina, and Brazil. MON 87411, the conventional control, and four commercial conventional reference hybrids were evaluated for NTA abundance and damage. Twenty arthropod taxa met minimum abundance criteria for valid statistical analysis. Nine of these taxa occurred in at least two of the three regions and in at least four sites across regions. These nine taxa included: aphid, predatory earwig, lacewing, ladybird beetle, leafhopper, minute pirate bug, parasitic wasp, sap beetle, and spider. In addition to wide regional distribution, these taxa encompass the ecological functions of herbivores, predators and parasitoids in maize agro-ecosystems. Thus, the nine arthropods may serve as representative taxa of maize agro-ecosystems, and thereby support that analysis of relevant data generated in one region can be transportable for the risk assessment of the same or similar GM crop products in another region. Across the 20 taxa analyzed, no statistically significant differences in abundance were detected between MON 87411 and the conventional control for 123 of the 128 individual-site comparisons (96.1 %). For the nine widely distributed taxa, no statistically significant differences in abundance were detected between MON 87411 and the conventional control. Furthermore, no statistically significant differences were detected between MON 87411 and the conventional control for 53 out of 56 individual-site comparisons (94.6 %) of NTA pest damage to the crop. In each case where a significant difference was observed in arthropod abundance or damage, the mean value for MON 87411 was within the reference range and/or the difference was not consistently observed across collection methods and/or sites. Thus, the differences were not representative of an adverse effect unfamiliar to maize and/or were not indicative of a consistent plant response associated with the GM traits. Results from this study support a conclusion of no adverse environmental impact of MON 87411 on NTAs compared to conventional maize and demonstrate the utility of relevant transportable data across regions for the ERA of GM crops.
Extended boost converter boundary control law based on natural switching surfaces

This paper extends the boundary control law for conventional boost converters based on natural switching surfaces, and improves both the steady state and transient response. Additional switching zones on the normalized state plane are defined to decide switching behavior. Operation with state limitations, capacitor equivalent series resistance, and parasitic losses is examined and verified in simulation. The transient bandwidth for the load disturbance rejection and command tracking approaches the physical limits of boost converters. Simulation and experimental results are presented to illustrate the major benefits of the extended boundary control law.
Research Spotlight: New emissions scenarios say 2°C warming may be unavoidable

[1] When it comes to modeling climate change, researchers rely on the specification of plausible emissions scenarios to explore how climate will change over the coming century. Using a standardized set of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas scenarios, researchers from different modeling centers can compare results and more methodically assess uncertainty in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports. The emissions scenarios used in the past two IPCC reports were published in 2001 and need to be updated to take into account more recent socioeconomic modeling results. In a new study, Arora et al. use a completely new set of scenarios, referred to as representative concentration pathways (RCPs). These will form the basis for new climate projections to be assessed in the IPCC's Fifth Assessment Report (due out in 2014). Using an upgraded Earth system model—which takes into account carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, aerosols, land use change, and the flow of carbon between the atmosphere and the underlying ocean and land surface—the researchers are able to calculate the carbon dioxide emissions compatible with each RCP and, in particular, the emissions reductions required to meet certain levels of global warming. (Geophysical Research Letters, doi:10.1029/2010GL046270, 2011)
Common set of proteins in Aplysia sensory neurons affected by an in vitro analogue of long-term sensitization training, 5-HT and cAMP.

Abstract An in vitro analogue of long-term behavioral training in Aplysia was developed to simulate the intensity and timing of shocks delivered to the body wall of animals during sensitization training. The in vitro training analogue consisted of electrical stimulation of peripheral nerves of isolated pleural-pedal ganglia. We found that the in vitro training analogue led to long-term (24 h) changes in the membrane currents of sensory neurons; these changes were similar to those produced by behavioral training. Using two dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, we examined early effects on protein synthesis in pleural sensory neurons induced by the training analogue. Incorporation of amino acid into 5 proteins was affected at the end of training. Incorporation of amino acid into some of these proteins was also affected by serotonin (5-HT) and by an analogue of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). These results suggest that the effects on protein synthesis that are produced by the in vitro training analogue are mediated, at least in part, by release of 5-HT and an increase in the level of cAMP in the sensory neurons.
Is partial cystectomy the treatment of choice for mucinous adenocarcinoma of the urachus

Abstract Objectives. To determine if well-differentiated colonic-type adenocarcinoma of the urachus behaves in a benign fashion, and thus might be treated by segmental rather than radical cystectomy. Methods. A retrospective review of the literature since 1863 with one added case review is presented here. Only cases with photomicrograph confirmation were accepted. Results. Sixteen previously reported patients with well-differentiated colonic-type adenocarcinoma of the urachus were treated by partial cystectomy. None were treated by radical cystectomy. Most (88%) of these patients were cured, whereas all patients (100%) treated in the last 45 years were cured. Conclusions. These data support a more limited approach to the surgical excision of these benign-appearing tumors. The influence of this histologic type on the prognosis of patients with urachal tumors has not been previously reported.
Performance Stability of the Harvard Ambient Particle Concentrator

The Harvard Ambient Particle Concentrator (HAPC) has been used routinely for exposure testing for a period of approximately three years. The stability of concentrator performance has been investigated as a function of local meteorological conditions, ambient particle concentrations, composition, and size distribution. Concentrator performance is characterized by the concentration enrichment factor (CEF), a ratio of concentrated particle mass (or sulfate) concentration to the ambient concentration. Over three years of normal operation, the mass and sulfate CEFs averaged 27.9 and 28.6, respectively. The majority of variability in the CEF was found to be related to the mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) of ambient particles and to the HAPC's total operating pressure drop. The 50% cutpoint of the HAPC is 0.15 μ m. Between 0.15 and 2.5 μ m, the HAPC concentrates ambient particle mass by approximately a factor of 28. It is logical that changes in particle CEF should be influenced by the amount of ambient p...
Prevalence of depressive symptoms and obsessive–compulsive personality traits among pharmacy students

Abstract Objective To survey current pharmacy students to determine the rates of depressive and obsessive–compulsive personality symptoms. Methods Approximately 320 students currently enrolled at a school of pharmacy were sent an online survey. Symptoms of depression were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Symptoms of Obsessive–Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD) were evaluated using questions derived from the diagnostic criteria of OCPD as found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV-TR (DSM-IV-TR). Results A total of 166 students (51.8%) completed the survey. The prevalence of any type of depressive symptom (≥5 points on the PHQ-9 Scale) was 52.4% ( n = 87). The majority of students (80.1%; n = 133) declared they had never been diagnosed with a mental health condition; 13.9% ( n = 23) had been diagnosed with depression. Of those sampled, 30% ( n = 50) of students indicated the presence of at least four out of eight symptoms of OCPD. Conclusion The prevalence of depressive symptoms, OCPD symptoms, and other mental health disorders in a school of pharmacy appears to be relatively high. Continued recognition and awareness of these disorders is critical to the overall health and well-being of pharmacy students.
Multilayer Scaling and Universal Behavior of Molecular Beam Epitaxy Grown Surfaces

Extensive kinetic Monte Carlo simulations have been used to model the growth of epitaxial films by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). We allow both deposition and diffusion (single particle hopping events) to occur simultaneously and have investigated several different rules for hopping. Simple solid-on-solid models have been used with L x L substrate sizes and with nearest neighbor interactions only. Interfacial width and reflection high energy electron diffraction (RHEED) intensity have been determined as measures of the roughness of the surface. We find that in the long time limit the interfacial width has a logarithmic dependence on time and substrate size, although there is a pronounced crossover region for moderate times which depends on both temperature and flux. These results suggest that these models fall in the universality class of the Edwards-Wilkinson model. Comparison with experimental results shows similar behavior up to intermediate times and suggests that experimental data are needed over longer time scales.
Constrictive pericarditis presenting as pleural effusion of unknown origin.

• Despite the known association of pleural effusion with constrictive pericarditis, the presentation of constrictive pericarditis as pleural effusion of unknown origin has, to our knowledge, never been described. After evaluating such a case, we retrospectively analyzed all cases of established constrictive pericarditis seen in this institution in the last six years. The clinical and laboratory features of this cohort of 30 patients are similar to those of other reported series. Pleural effusion was present in 18 (60%) of 30 cases. In six (12%) of the 18 cases, pleural effusion was a major component of the clinical presentation, and in three (10%) of these six cases, the persistence of pleural effusion of unknown origin was the indication for referral to this institution. Analysis of pleural fluid in four cases revealed three exudates and one transudate. We believe this is the first report of unexplained pleural effusion as the presenting manifestation of constrictive pericarditis, and this diagnosis should be added to the list of causes of unexplained pleural effusion. ( Arch Intern Med 1989;149:201-203)
Up Against the Boards: An Analysis of the Visual Production of the 2010 Olympic Ice Hockey Games

This study represents an analysis of eight games from National Broadcasting Company’s broadcast of the 2010 Olympic ice hockey coverage. Since ice hockey is a sport considered to be “masculine,” the study is ground in hegemonic masculinity. The visual production techniques were analyzed using Zettl’s applied media aesthetics approach to analyze camera shots, angles, motion, and replays. Results show the women’s games to be more visually exciting through the use of camera shots, angles, and slow-motion replay effects. These findings, a departure from previous research, still reinforce notions of hegemonic masculinity, portraying women’s ice hockey as the “inferior” event.
Mammillary fistula as a manifestation of acne inversa (hidradenitis suppurativa):: Report of two cases1

Mammillary fistula (MF), or Zuska’s disease, is a recognized and well-documented clinical entity. Among the many articles on MF, none makes a comment on, much less a survey of, extramammary physical findings, although authors from Zuska onward have noted the similarity of MF to anal fistula in presentation and treatment. In the cases presented here, we noted hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) lesions on physical examination in two consecutive patients with bilateral MF at a veterans’ surgical clinic. These cases raise the question of whether such lesions might be found if looked for in other patients with MF, and whether MF might be associated with HS.
Self-blame, social introversion, and male suicides: Prospective data from a longitudinal study.

This study examines the use of 7 Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI; Hathaway & Briggs, 1940) subscales in their ability to differentiate between male suicide completers and 1) clinically depressed men, and 2) a deceased control group consisting of men who have died of medical causes. Data were collected from a nonclinical student population that was followed longitudinally. The 7 scales, chosen to reflect aspects of coping and emotional resources include two of the original scales, Defensiveness (K), Social Introversion (Si), and supplementary scales: Ego Strength (Es; Barron, 1953), Blaming Self (Bs; Finney, 1965), Impulsivity (Imp; Gough, 1957), Suppression and Outburst of Hostility (Soh; Finney, 1965), and Motivation to Change (Mtc; Volsky, Magom, Norman & Hoyt, 1965). Results indicated that suicide completers had significantly higher scores on Bs and Si when compared with deceased controls. These scales were near significant in differentiating between suicide completers and depressed c...
Reporting practices: potential lessons from Cendant Corporation

Abstract A case analysis of Cendant, the American business and consumer services corporation, generates guidelines for enhancing managers' evaluation of risk. Specific hints of problem areas that can be addressed through future control design are detailed. Of particular import to managers are risk exposures associated with non-recurring `opportunities' for mis-statement and the use of outsourcing within the accounting and reporting process.
Hyaluronan enhances cartilage repair through low grade tissue remodeling involving cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases.

Objective and design: To determine whether the ability of high molecular weight hyaluronan (HA) to reverse cartilage damage caused by specific catabolic mediators of cartilage damage, fibronectin fragments (Fn-fs), occurs through a low grade of enhanced catabolic events such as enhanced matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression or cytokine activities.
What Terrorists Really Want: Terrorist Motives and Counterterrorism Strategy

What do terrorists want? No question is more fundamental for devising an effective counterterrorism strategy. The international community cannot expect to make terrorism unprofitable and thus scarce without knowing the incentive structure of its practitioners. The strategic model—the dominant paradigm in terrorism studies—posits that terrorists are political utility maximizers. According to this view, individuals resort to terrorism when the expected political gains minus the expected costs outweigh the net expected benefits of alternative forms of protest. The strategic model has widespread currency in the policy community; extant counterterrorism strategies seek to defeat terrorism by reducing its political utility. The most common strategies are to fight terrorism by decreasing its political benefits via a strict no concessions policy; decreasing its prospective political benefits via appeasement; or decreasing its political benefits relative to nonviolence via democracy promotion. Despite its policy r...
SURGICAL PROCEDURES DURING ANCIENT EGYPTIAN MUMMIFICATION

Los autores intentaron replicar el sistema de momificacion egipcia en un cadaver humano actual y en un trabajo anterior, los autores publicaron sus resultados sobre el uso de natron en la momificacion antigua. Este informe presenta los procedimientos quirurgicos utilizados durante el proceso de momificacion
Immunochemical detection of a human species--specific esterase in interspecies hybrid cells.

Abstract An esterase isoenzyme detected by enzymo-immunoelectrophoresis served as a species marker for human and monkey tissue culture cells. Interspecies hybrids of human-mouse or monkey-mouse were examined for this isoenzyme in order to relate the esterase to the primate chromosome complement.
Does the cost of polygyny in house wrens include reduced male assistance in defending offspring

This study investigated whether reduced male aid in defending offspring potentially reduces the fitness of females choosing already-mated males in the house wren (Troglodytes aedon), a small, territorial songbird. Frozen snakes were placed at 23 nests of monogamously mated males and 12 “secondary” nests of bigamously mated males. All presentations were made during incubation stages of females attending focal nests. Snakes were placed at nests of secondary females when nests of their primary counterparts contained young 5–9 days old. Males are most attentive to primary nests during this period and should therefore be relatively inattentive to secondary mates and nests. Nevertheless, an equal proportion of monogamous and bigamous males discovered snakes within 15 min, and mean time to discovery, when discovery occurred, did not differ with nest status. Monogamous and bigamous males were also equally likely to attack snakes physically once discovered. Monogamous males appeared no more likely to discover snakes than bigamous males for two main reasons. First, although monogamous males were near focal nests (i.e., < 10 m) more often than bigamous males, monogamous males tended to stay out of view of nests for long periods. In contrast, bigamous males always went immediately to focal nests upon arriving in their vicinity. Second, about one-third of monogamous males in this study spent much of their time during trials at the far edges of their territories advertising for secondary mates. Our experiment suggests that reduced male aid in defending nests against small, diurnal predators probably does not contribute to the cost of polygyny in house wrens.
Nitric oxide inhibition of IGF-1 stimulated proteoglycan synthesis: role of cGMP.

Insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) is critical for normal development and maintenance of cartilage, however arthritic cartilage responds poorly to IGF-1; part of this insensitivity is mediated by nitric oxide (NO). These studies test if cGMP is responsible for NO dependent insensitivity to IGF-1 in chondrocytes in situ in organ culture and in monolayer culture. Lapine cartilage and chondrocytes in monolayer culture and cartilage from osteoarthritic human knees were used. Tissues were exposed to NO from iNOS induced by IL-1, and proteoglycan synthesis in response to IGF-1 was evaluated in the presence and absence of cGMP dependent protein kinase (PKG) inhibitors. PKG activators inhibited IGF-1 responses in cartilage but not chondrocytes in monolayer. IL-1 stimulated cGMP synthesis in both monolayer and organ cultures. However, PKG inhibitors in cartilage slices but not in monolayer cultures restored response to IGF-1. PKG activity was detected in both fresh and monolayer chondrocytes, confirming this part of the cGMP signal cascade is intact in both of the preparations evaluated. Arthritic cartilage response to IGF-1 was restored by both NG-monomethyl-l-arginine inhibition of NO synthesis and PKG inhibitors. The data suggests that cGMP mediated effects are critical to NO actions on chondrocytes in situ in the cartilage matrix and supports a role for cGMP in the pathophysiologic effects of NO in osteoarthritis.
Exercise training normalizes glucose metabolism in a rat model of impaired glucose tolerance.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to characterize an animal model of impaired glucose tolerance produced by streptozocin treatment of rats (45 mg/kg, intravenously [IV]) and selection of animals with plasma glucose concentrations less than 150 mg/dL. In addition, we determined the effects of physical training on glucose tolerance and metabolism in these animals. During 10 weeks of monitoring, it was determined that these animals have nearly normal plasma glucose concentrations; however, they have an impaired glucose tolerance when challenged with an oral glucose load. They also have normal fasting insulin, free fatty acid, and triglyceride concentrations, normal body weight and food consumption patterns, and normal rates of skeletal muscle glucose uptake, but impaired basal and insulin-stimulated glucose metabolism in isolated adipose cells. Ten weeks of exercise training normalized both the impaired glucose tolerance and adipose cell function present in the untrained streptozocin-treated rats. Low-dose streptozocin treatment of rats with appropriate selection of animals based on plasma glucose concentrations appears to be an excellent model of impaired glucose tolerance for studies of factors affecting insulin resistance and altered glucose metabolism.