cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Trends in Pubuc Urban Psychiatry in the United States

In the context of trends in the social and economic life of the United States, a nascent model of public urban psychiatry is presented as a prediction. The model is presented as a set of propositions: (1) Public psychiatry is urban based and urban oriented. (2) Public urban psychiatry is pragmatic, eclectic, and existential. (3) Public urban psychiatry takes on the character of a mass service and mass transit system. (4) Public urban psychiatry is conceptually and operationally integrated into a human services and resources industry. (5) Public urban psychiatry is universally accessible and acceptable. (6) Public urban psychiatry is rationally organized according to the requirements of a communications network. These propositions describe the structure of public psychiatry as anticipated by the end of this century.
Neutron imaging using the anisotropic response of crystalline organic scintillators

An anisotropy in a scintillator's response to neutron elastic scattering interactions can in principle be used to gather directional information about a neutron source using interactions in a single detector. In crystalline organic scintillators, such as anthracene, both the amplitude and the time structure of the scintillation light pulse vary with the direction of the proton recoil with respect to the crystalline axes. Therefore, we have investigated the exploitation of this effect to enable compact, high-efficiency fast neutron detectors that have directional sensitivity via a precise measurement of the pulse shape. We report measurements of the pulse height and shape dependence on proton recoil angle in anthracene, stilbene, p-terphenyl, diphenyl anthracene (DPA), and tetraphenyl butadiene (TPB). Image reconstruction for simulated neutron sources is demonstrated using maximum likelihood methods for optimal directional sensitivity.
Purification and characterization of allophanate hydrolase (AtzF) from Pseudomonas sp. strain ADP.

AtzF, allophanate hydrolase, is a recently discovered member of the amidase signature family that catalyzes the terminal reaction during metabolism of s -triazine ring compounds by bacteria. In the present study, the atzF gene from Pseudomonas sp. strain ADP was cloned and expressed as a His-tagged protein, and the protein was purified and characterized. AtzF had a deduced subunit molecular mass of 66,223, based on the gene sequence, and an estimated holoenzyme molecular mass of 260,000. The active protein did not contain detectable metals or organic cofactors. Purified AtzF hydrolyzed allophanate with a k cat / K m of 1.1 × 10 4 s −1 M −1 , and 2 mol of ammonia was released per mol allophanate. The substrate range of AtzF was very narrow. Urea, biuret, hydroxyurea, methylcarbamate, and other structurally analogous compounds were not substrates for AtzF. Only malonamate, which strongly inhibited allophanate hydrolysis, was an alternative substrate, with a greatly reduced k cat / K m of 21 s −1 M −1 . Data suggested that the AtzF catalytic cycle proceeds through a covalent substrate-enzyme intermediate. AtzF reacts with malonamate and hydroxylamine to generate malonohydroxamate, potentially derived from hydroxylamine capture of an enzyme-tethered acyl group. Three putative catalytically important residues, one lysine and two serines, were altered by site-directed mutagenesis, each with complete loss of enzyme activity. The identity of a putative serine nucleophile was probed using phenyl phosphorodiamidate that was shown to be a time-dependent inhibitor of AtzF. Inhibition was due to phosphoroamidation of Ser189 as shown by liquid chromatography/matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry. The modified residue corresponds in sequence alignments to the nucleophilic serine previously identified in other members of the amidase signature family. Thus, AtzF affects the cleavage of three carbon-to-nitrogen bonds via a mechanism similar to that of enzymes catalyzing single-amide-bond cleavage reactions. AtzF orthologs appear to be widespread among bacteria.
Viridans streptococcal isolates from patients with septic shock induce tumor necrosis factor-α production by murine macrophages

Viridans streptococci are an important cause of bacteremia and septic shock in neutropenic patients, especially patients receiving chemotherapeutic agents that induce severe mucositis. The mechanisms by which viridans streptococci cause septic shock are unclear. We hypothesized that septic shock due to viridans streptococci is attributable to host cytokine production. Three clinical isolates of viridans streptococci were evaluated for their ability to induce production of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) by RAW 264.7 murine macrophages. These three strains of viridans streptococci induced TNF-α in a dose-dependent fashion, and the kinetics of TNF-α induction were similar to those observed with a clinical isolate of Escherichia coli.
Sodium butyrate-treated embryonic stem cells yield hepatocyte-like cells expressing a glycolytic phenotype

Embryonic stem cells serve as a promising technology to obtain specific cell types for a number of biomedical applications. Because traditional techniques, such as embryoid body formation result in a wide array of differentiated cells such as hepatic, neuronal, and cardiac lineages, strategies have been utilized which favor cell-specific differentiation to generate more uniformity. In the present study, we have investigated the use of sodium butyrate in a monolayer culture configuration to mediate hepatocyte differentiation of murine embryonic stem cells. Several functional assays used to characterize hepatocyte function (viz. urea secretion, intracellular albumin content, cytokeratin 18, and glycogen staining) were used to analyze the differentiating cell population, suggesting the presence of an enriched population of hepatocyte-like cells. Since mature hepatocytes mediate energy metabolism predominantly through oxidative means as opposed to hepatocyte precursors, which are primarily glycolytic, we have performed a kinetic analysis of glycolytic and functional capacity to characterize the differentiated cells. In conjunction with mitochondrial mass and activity measurements, we show that Na-butyrate-mediated differentiated cells mediate energy metabolism predominantly through glycolysis. This metabolic and mitochondrial characterization can assist in evaluating stem cell differentiation and may prove useful in identifying key regulatory molecules in mediating further differentiation.
A facile 3-alkyl butenolide annulation sequence

Abstract Spiro 3-alkyl 3-chloro oxetan-2-ones, derived from cycloalkanones, rearrange under the influence of Lewis acids to ring-fused alkyl butenolides.
Vasoactive Substances and Their Effects on Nutrition in the Critically Ill Patient

Critically ill patients often require specialized nutrition via the enteral route. The benefits of enteral feeding, particularly early in the care of the critically ill patient, are well documented. Controversy exists regarding the provision of enteral nutrition (EN) in critically ill patients with hemodynamic instability who require vasopressors or inotropes. Concerns center on the potential for gut ischemia that may develop in the face of an imbalance between oxygen supply and demand. Current guidelines offer some guidance as to when to it is safe to initiate enteral feeding in patients on vasopressors, but the decision on when to start EN in hemodynamically unstable patients requiring vasoactive substances remains a clinical dilemma for most critical care practitioners. This review focuses on the effects of vasoactive substances such as pressors and inotropes on the gastrointestinal tract, as well as their use in combination with EN.
Fluid and Protein Motion in Monomolecular and Bilayer Films Overlying Sublayers of Finite Depth

Motion of a monolayer, bilayer or other surface film is affected by the presence of a surrounding fluid phase. Several recent experimental and theoretical studies have examined this viscous coupling with particular attention given to situations where the subphase provides the dominant resistance to motion. This research is summarized and the translation of a membrane-bound particle over a sublayer of finite depth is considered.
Control of the ccd operon in plasmid F.

The F sex factor plasmid of Escherichia coli contains a pair of genes, ccdA and ccdB, whose protein gene products are involved in an unusual feature of plasmid maintenance. The CcdB protein is a cytotoxin that becomes activated when the F plasmid is lost, thereby killing the F- segregant cells. In F+ cells, the CcdA protein protects against the lethal effects of CcdB. In the present study we show that ccdA and ccdB expressions are negatively autoregulated at the level of transcription. Genetic studies showed that repression required at least ccdB; ccdA alone was without effect, and ccdB alone was not examined because it is lethal. Ccd-operator complexes were purified and contained a mixture of both CcdA and CcdB proteins; however, we could not conclude from our results whether CcdA was necessary for DNA binding or autorepression. By using restriction fragments of the promoter-operator region, we obtained results indicating that at least two DNA-binding sites existed for the Ccd protein(s). Subsequent footprinting of the binding sites showed protection over about a 113-base-pair region encompassing the putative promoter-operator and the beginning of the ccdA gene. Images
Selective regional myocardial infiltration by the percutaneous coronary venous route: A novel technique for local drug delivery

Recent advances in the treatment of heart disease, in particular cardiovascular gene therapy and therapeutic angiogenesis, highlight the need for efficient and practical local delivery methods for the heart. We assessed the feasibility of percutaneous selective coronary venous cannulation and injection as a novel approach to local myocardial drug delivery. In anesthetized swine, the coronary sinus was cannulated percutaneously and a balloon-tipped catheter advanced to the anterior interventricular vein (AIV) or middle cardiac vein (MCV). During balloon occlusion, venous injection of radiographic contrast caused regional infiltration of targeted myocardial regions. Complete AIV occlusion had no impact on LAD flow parameters. Videodensitometric analysis following venous injection showed that radiographic contrast persisted for at least 30 min. Selective regional myocardial infiltration is feasible by this approach, targeting selected myocardial beds, including the apex, anterior wall, septum, and inferoposterior wall. This novel technique has potential application for local myocardial drug or growth factor delivery. Cathet. Cardiovasc. Intervent. 51:358-363, 2000.
L-rhamnose is often an important part of immunodominant epitope for pneumococcal serotype 23F polysaccharide antibodies in human sera immunized with PPV23.

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major human pathogen which expresses more than 90 serologically distinct capsular polysaccharides (PS) on the surface. Since pneumococcal PSs elicit protective antibodies against pneumococcal diseases, it is important to identify the immunological epitope eliciting anti-pneumococcal PS antibodies. L-rhamnose is a part of the 23F PS repeating unit and is known to be a critical part of immunodominant epitope which elicits antibodies against pneumococcal serotype 23F PS. In order to determine if L-rhamnose is a part of epitope recognized by functional antibodies specific for serotype 23F PS in human serum samples, we evaluated the opsonophagocytic killing of serotype 23F pneumococci by serum antibodies specific for L-rhamnose. Using 10 mM L-rhamnose, opsonic capacities (opsonic indices) of serum antibodies were inhibited by 60% in 19 sera (36%) and 30–60% in 16 sera (30%) out of 53 sera from young and old adults immunized with 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23). Interestingly, when IgM antibodies were depleted from immune sera in order to preferentially study IgG antibodies, the proportion of young adult sera showing more than 60% inhibition in opsonic capacity by 10 mM of L-rhamnose increased from 33% (11/31) to 68% (21/31). On the other hand, IgM depletion did not alter the proportion for old adult sera. Therefore, young and old adults may produce different antigen binding profiles of IgG antibodies against serotype 23F PS.
Stored Retinoids in Populations of the Estuarine Fish Fundulus heteroclitus Indigenous to PCB-Contaminated and Reference Sites

Concentrations of retinoids, derivatives of vitamin A, were measured in populations of the nonmigratory estuarine fish Fundulus heteroclitus, indigenous to a reference site and a site highly contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) to address the hypothesis that contaminant exposure causes depletion of stored retinoids in native fish populations. To assess differences related to chemical exposure, as well as season and diet, hepatic retinoid analyses were conducted using fish collected early and late in the natural spawning season and after laboratory holding. Though hepatic retinoid composition was generally similar among groups, hepatic retinoid concentrations differed. Laboratory-held fish had higher hepatic retinyl ester concentrations than field-collected fish. Among field-collected fish, those collected early in the spawning season had higher hepatic retinyl ester concentrations than those collected later in the spawning season. Although there was no evidence of the dramatic retinoid depletions that have been reported in highly exposed populations of other fish species, hepatic retinoid stores were consistently lower in F. heteroclitus indigenous to the highly PCB-contaminated site. These results are consistent with prior findings that fish from this contaminated site are relatively insensitive to some of the toxic effects of PCB exposures, including retinoid depletion.
Obliteration of a tentorial dural arteriovenous fistula causing spinal cord myelopathy using the cranio-orbito zygomatic approach.

Abstract Background Intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas account for 10 to 15% of all intracranial arteriovenous malformations. Tentorial dural arteriovenous fistulas with spinal medullary venous drainage causing spinal cord myelopathy are very rare, but have been previously described. We describe a case using a cranio-orbito zygomatic approach with intraoperative angiography for the surgical treatment of a tentorial artery dural arteriovenous fistula causing spinal cord myelopathy. Case presentation A 42-year-old male presented complaining of a 1-year history of incoordination and dizziness and a 2-month history of progressive myelopathy with bowel and bladder incontinence. The patient had magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed along with cerebral and spinal angiography that revealed a right tentorial artery dural arteriovenous fistula with spinal medullary venous involvement down to T11. Angiographic embolization was attempted, but selective catheterization was unsuccessful. The patient underwent a cranio-orbito zygomatic approach with obliteration of the dural arteriovenous fistula. An intraoperative angiogram confirmed complete obliteration of the dural arteriovenous fistula. Conclusion Intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas are a rare cause of spinal cord myelopathy. When a patient presents with suspicion of spinal dural fistula and negative spinal angiography, an intracranial origin should be suspected and a cerebral angiogram performed. Skull base approaches along with intraoperative angiography provide an alternative modality for obliteration of the dural arteriovenous fistula nidus, thereby eliminating the venous congestion and hence the spinal cord ischemia.
Monocular activation of V1 and V2 in amblyopic adults measured with functional magnetic resonance imaging.

Purpose Although previous neuroimaging efforts clearly indicate visual cortical dysfunction in adults with amblyopia, the extent of abnormalities remains unclear. Methods This functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study directly compared activity in visual cortex produced by monocular stimulation in 18 adults (six esotropic strabismics, six anisometropes, and six controls). Measures were made in three cortical regions-of-interest, individually defined using standard retinotopic mapping techniques in the nonamblyopic eye, corresponding to extrafoveal V1, extrafoveal V2, and the foveal representation at the occipital pole. Fixation stability was monitored and found not to differ significantly between subject groups. Results Overall results showed depressed fMRI signal magnitude for amblyopic eyes compared with sound eyes, although a few subjects did not show this trend. Assessment of the spatial extent of activation using an ocular dominance index did show significantly larger interocular differences for both strabismics and anisometropes compared with control subjects for whom eye dominance was carefully defined. In addition, both amblyopic groups showed less cortical area able to be significantly driven by either eye. The magnitude of these effects was equivalent in V1, V2, and the foveal representation, as well as between amblyopic groups. No difference was detected in the strength of signal from the nasal versus temporal retina in either amblyopic group. Conclusions Asymmetries in magnitude of monocular activation do occur in subjects with amblyopia, but these basic measures are limited in terms of sensitivity for mild to moderate amblyopia and for specificity between subtypes.
The LEISA/Atmospheric Corrector (LAC) on EO-1

The LEISA (Linear Etalon Imaging Spectral Array) Atmospheric Corrector (LAC or AC) on EO-1 is a hyperspectral imager providing 256 channel continuous spectra in the wavelength range from 0.93 to 1.58 microns. It has a single pixel spatial resolution of 250 meters, a 185 km swath-width and a spectral resolving power (/spl lambda///spl Delta//spl lambda/) of 200 or greater (<10 nm) throughout its spectral range. The imager employs a wedged filter, a sophisticated 2-dimensional filter whose transmission wavelength varies along one of the dimensions, to provide its spectral resolution. The use of the wedged filter greatly. simplifies the optical/mechanical design, so that the instrument is adaptable to a wide variety of platforms (i.e. it is a "bolt on" imager). In this paper we shall present an overview of the camera highlighting its unique features from both a design and data standpoint. We shall discuss the pre-launch instrument characterization process and on-orbit performance. This shall include the use of solar and lunar calibration techniques to obtain absolute radiometric calibration. The application of the data to the problem of atmospheric correction of high-spatial resolution multi-spectral satellite images (e.g. Landsat-type) shall be discussed.
Supply chain models for small agricultural enterprises

Small agricultural production enterprises have been under immense economic pressures for many years. It is our belief that a favorable impact can be made on small farm enterprises through the development and implementation of models that address their basic needs and open new markets and production initiatives. In this paper, we develop models for supply chain issues facing small farmers, solve them, and suggest their uses and future considerations. In particular, we consider B2C and B2B aspects of an agricultural supply chain model. The B2C aspect is considered in direct farmer to consumer sales in retail markets, while the B2B aspect is represented by transactions through agricultural cooperatives. We evaluate key strategic decisions such as whether to form cooperative agreements with other farmers and if so, how large to make the cooperative, and the production quantities at which farmers would like to sell directly to customers with or without using the cooperative.
Genetic analysis of myoblast fusion: blown fuse is required for progression beyond the prefusion complex.

The events of myoblast fusion in Drosophila are dissected here by combining genetic analysis with light and electron microscopy. We describe a new and essential intermediate step in the process, the forma- tion of a prefusion complex consisting of "paired vesi- cles." These pairs of vesicles from different cells align with each other across apposed plasma membranes. This prefusion complex resolves into dense membrane plaques between apposed cells; these cells then estab- lish cytoplasmic continuity by fusion of small areas of plasma membrane followed by vesiculation of apposed membranes. Different steps in this process are specifi- cally blocked by mutations in four genes required for myoblast fusion. One of these genes, blown fuse , en- codes a novel cytoplasmic protein expressed in unfused myoblasts that is essential for progression beyond the prefusion complex stage.
Analytical Target Setting: An Enterprise Context in Optimal Product Design

In this article the process of rigorously setting supersystem targets in an enterprise context is explored as a model-based approach termed “analytical target setting.” Engineering design decisions have more value and lasting impact if they are made in the context of the enterprise that produces the designed product. Setting targets that the designer must meet is often done at a high level within the enterprise, however, with inadequate consideration of the engineering design embodiment and associated cost. For complex artifacts produced by compartmentalized hierarchical enterprises, the challenge of linking the target setting rationale with the product instantiation is particularly demanding. The previously developed analytical target cascading process addresses the problem of translating top level design targets into design targets for all systems in a multilevel hierarchically structured product, so that local targets are consistent with each other and top targets can be met as closely as possible. The effectiveness of linking analytical target setting and target cascading is demonstrated in a hybrid electric automotive truck vehicle example. The manufacturer introduces a new product (hybrid electric truck) in the market under uncertainty in fuel prices during the life cycle of the vehicle. The example demonstrates a clear interaction between the enterprise decision making and the engineering product development. DOI: 10.1115/1.2125972
Molecular dielectric multilayers for ultra-low-voltage organic thin film transistors

Very thin (2.3 – 5.5 nm) self-assembled organic dielectric multilayers have been integrated into organic thin-film transistor (OTFT) structures to achieve sub-1 V operating characteristics. These new dielectrics are fabricated via layer-by-layer solution phase deposition of molecular silicon precursors, resulting in smooth, nanostructurally well-defined, strongly-adherent, thermally stable, virtually pinhole-free, organosiloxane thin films having exceptionally large electrical capacitances (400-700 nFcm -2 ). These multilayers enable OTFT function at very low source-drain, gate, and threshold voltages, and are compatible with a broad variety of vapor- or solution-deposited p- and n-channel organic semiconductors.
A comparison of six enrichment media for isolating Salmonella pullorum from egg-products.

Various enrichment fluids have been developed to facilitate the isolation of small nujmbers of Salmonella from feces, urine, infected tissues and water. Since no media have been designed for use with egg products, investigators interested in determining the incidence of Salmonella in these products have employed broths meant for the enrichment of other materials. The addition of egg, with its proteinaceous matter and antibacterial agents (for example, lysozyme, avidin, conalbumin and antitrypsin) rather than the usual specimens, results in a considerably changed substrate for enrichment. The effect that the resulting alteration has upon the selectivity of the enrichment media has not been studied. Salmonella have been isolated from spray-dried egg by British (Medical Research Council, 1947), Swedish (Swedish Medical Board, 1947), and American (Solowey, et al., 1947) bacteriologists and from the feces of persons who had become ill following the consumption of foods containing uncooked egg (Watt, 1945; Crowe, 1946; Mitchell, et al., 1946). Data such as those provided by McCullough and Eisele (1951a, b, c) leave little doubt as to the pathogenicity of the Salmonella or the public health hazard of egg products infected with these organisms. Since it is important that egg processors obtain evideffdeto show that Salmonella are not present in their product, the methods and media employed must permit the detection of very small numbers of the pathogens. Often in the past, a medium which provided more isolations of Salmonella was judged superior to others from which fewer organisms were found during routine analyses. Such findings may have been incidental and dependent upon sampling variation rather than on the efficacy of the broths. An ideal enrichment medium supports prolific growth of Salmonella, inhibits the growth of other bacterial
WTO Disciplines on Agricultural Support: The difficult task of disciplining domestic support

When the WTO was launched at the conclusion of the Uruguay Round negotiations its members committed to a new set of disciplines for agricultural domestic support, market access and export competition. It was recognized at the time that the domestic support disciplines were rather porous. Their architecture was consistent with the modest objectives that WTO members had collectively agreed to reduce distortions in world markets. What was uncertain at that point was just how the agreed-upon disciplines would interact with subsequent domestic agricultural policy decisions. In particular, it was not known to what extent the new rules and commitments would motivate countries to shift their policies in the less trade-distorting direction envisioned by the Agreement on Agriculture…
FPGA Implementation of Baseband OFDM Transmitter and Receiver Using Modified IFFT/FFT to Reduce Latency

The key component of any OFDM system is the IFFT/FFT block; moreover it is the most computationally complex block. In order to support 4G standard specified speeds, in mobile handheld devices it is necessary to reduce the computational complexity and the time taken to perform IFFT/FFT functions. The IFFT/ FFT block in the transmitter/ receiver is preceded by a serial to parallel convertor; the latency in this conversion is reduced by a novel approach. This approach presented in this paper modifies the radix-2 FFT algorithm, by evaluating the contribution by every complex input to every output on its arrival. This reduction in the latency is carried forward by allowing the outputs of IFFT/FFT block to stream out even as concurrent outputs are being calculated. In order to analyse the reduction in the complexity of the OFDM system using this approach, it is simulated for a target Xilinx device using Verilog HDL. It was observed that the device utilization was significantly reduced.
A study of loop evolution during inert ambient annealing and reaction between point defects and dislocation loops during oxidation of silicon

In the first part of this work, a plan-view TEM study has been made of the time-dependent annealing behavior of end of range (type II) dislocation loops introduced by 1 {times} 10{sup 15}/cm{sup 2} 50 KeV Si{sup +} implantation into silicon. The activation energy for loop growth was determined to be 1.0 {+-} 0.2 eV from the Arrhenius plot of loop growth rate versus the reciprocal of annealing temperature. In the second part of this study, a thin boron layer was used as a diffusion monitor. The number of injected interstitials as a result of oxidation was measured by TEM. The diffusivity of boron with and without the presence of loops was studied by fitting experimental SIMS profiles with FLOOPS simulations. The interaction between loops and interstitials was determined to be diffusion limited.
Advances in Molecular Biology: Potential Impact on Diagnosis and Treatment of Disorders of the Thyroid

Advances in molecular biology research continue to have a major impact on clinical medicine. These advances have provided a means to produce proteins previously available in limited supply and allow for the production of novel proteins that are improved agonists or else antagonists with greater specificity for therapeutic targets. Newer drug delivery systems should facilitate delivery of these proteins. By combining the capabilities to produce drug targets in acceptable quantities with improved methods for determining the three-dimensional structures of these targets, novel organic therapeutic molecules that act on these targets will be designed. Gene transfer therapy using genes that express important proteins or that encode "antisense" RNAs that inhibit the translation of specific mRNAs will soon become a reality. The use of RFLPs and PCR methodologies promises increased means to diagnose specific genetic diseases and infections. Most importantly, molecular biology is helping to understand the mechanisms of disease such that novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches can be described. These advances are providing an understanding of the mechanisms involved in cancers of the thyroid gland. They have already led to an enhanced understanding of (1) the growth factors that control proliferation of the thyroid gland, (2) the potential steps in thyroid nodule and neoplasia development, (3) particular mutations that may occur as thyroid cancers develop, (4) oncogenes that are expressed in thyroid cancers, and (5) the genetic defects that are responsible for thyroid gland malignancies in the multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) syndromes. With the latter, the RFLP technology has already provided an enhanced means to diagnose the disorder. With further progress, enhanced means for diagnosis and treatment should emerge. Molecular biology techniques are contributing to an increased understanding of the mechanisms of development of autoimmune thyroid disease as with Graves' disease and Hashimoto's thyroiditis. The potential role of infections, histocompatibility antigens, thyroid gland and extraglandular antigens, immune modulators, subpopulations of T-cells such as suppressor and helper cells, other cells involved in immune responses, and a combination of influences of several different functions on the thyroid gland are being defined. This knowledge should soon suggest improved means for diagnosis and treatment. Understanding of the function of the thyroid hormone receptors should have clinical importance. This knowledge suggests a means to develop thyroid hormone antagonists that may be used to more rapidly ameliorate the effects of hyperthyroidism and could be useful in nonthyroidal disorders such as cardiac arrhythmias.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Big enough for an aromatase inhibitor? How adiposity affects male fertility.

Obesity is a pandemic and is associated with multiple medical problems including subfertility. Male obesity has been associated with altered semen parameters and reproductive hormonal levels, including a reduced testosterone:estradiol (T:E 2 ) ratio. Treatment methods employed for obesity-related male subfertility include gonadotropin administration, weight loss, and aromatase inhibitors. Letrozole is a highly effective nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor that has been used to treat male subfertility in several case series with promising results. Adequately designed randomized controlled studies are needed to produce evidence-based data on the role of aromatase inhibitors in male subfertility management and evaluate the side-effect profile.
A Comparison of X-Ray Diffraction and Infrared Technics for Identifying Kidney Stones

Mixtures of the common constituents of kidney stones were analyzed by x-ray diffraction and infrared absorption. The roentgenographic technic was more sensitive for detecting the minor constituent in eight mixtures and infrared was more sensitive in two. When the minor constituent makes up less than 10% of the sample, probably neither technic will identify it.
Organising for knowledge and technology-related outcomes in industry-university relationships

Knowledge creation and technological innovation are important for firms of all sizes to create and sustain competitive advantage. Building on the dynamic capabilities framework we examine certain key characteristics crucial for dynamic capabilities and knowledge-related and technology-related outcomes within the context of industry-university relationships. Our data is a diverse sample of 189 large and small-sized industrial firms from over 20 different industries collaborating with university research centres affiliated with prominent research-oriented universities in the USA. In-depth interview exploratory data were used to substantiate our conceptual framework while survey questionnaire and secondary quantitative data were used for hypotheses testing. Results show effective university communications and close geographic proximity between the industrial firm and its university partner are vital for advancing knowledge and new technologies. We also found that while the length of I/U relationship alone is not a significant factor, length of relationship moderates the effect of university communications, geographic proximity, and an organic firm structure on these outcomes. We conclude with implications for theory development, future research, and management practice.
Application of Dexmedetomidine Combined with Propofol in Children undergoing Laparoscopic Surgery for indirect Inguinal Hernia

Objective:To investigate the effect of dexmedetomidine combined with propofol in children undergoing laparoscopic herniotomy for indirect inguinal hernia.Methods:Sixty cases undergoing selective laparoscopic indirect inguinal hernia surgery were randomly divided into two groups:dexmedetomidine combined with propofol group(group D),propofol group(group P).All patients were induced with propofol 2.5mg/kg、fentanyl 2.5ug/kg、 inhalation of 4% sevoflurane(4L/min flow oxygen).Group D also received dexmedetomidine 0.8ug/kg(over five minutes) as part of the premedication regime.MAP、SpO2、HR at the following time point: before administration 、laryngeal mask airway(LMA) insertion、LMA extubation and total dose of propofol were recorded.Time of operation and recovery、adverse reaction、restlessness were recorded too.Results:There were no significant difference in SpO2、time of recovery between two groups.MAP、HR after anesthesia,the total dose of propofol,the percentage of adverse reaction and restlessness were lower in group D than those of group P(P0.05).Conclusion:Dexmedetomidine combined with propofol during general anesthesia induction can decrease the percentage of adverse reaction and restlessness.
Failure of Attapulgite to Produce Tumors: Prediction of this Result by in Vitro Cytotoxicity test

Using a technique described in detail elsewhere [1], the effect of fibrous minerals on macrophage-1ike cells has been demonstrated to parallel, thus far without exception, the probability that the fiber will induce a pleural sarcoma (mesothelioma) in rats [2]. The purpose of the present experiment was to investigate the behavior of American and French attapulgite (both of which consists of only short fibers) in this model and to compare the outcome to in vivo experiments.
Teaching medical faculty how to apply continuous quality improvement to medical education.

Article-at-a-Glance Background An eight-hour workshop was conducted at a professional meeting in 1996 to introduce medical faculty to the principles of continuous quality improvement (CQI) as they relate to change in medical education and to provide participants with opportunities to use specific tools for applications to education. Four two-hour sessions focused on an introduction to CQI, understanding and mapping processes, identifying change ideas, and testing a change for improvement. Testing a change for improvement The goals of the final session were to plan a pilot test of an improvement, identify the steps of the plan-do-study-act (PDSA) cycle, and consider change for improvement in the context of one's own organization. Working in small groups, participants chose a specific change one might try in the following example: improving student performance in a neuroscience course. Postsession evaluation and follow-up Immediately following the workshop sessions, participants represented by administrators in medical education and clinical and basic science teaching faculty completed evaluations on the usefulness and likelihood of their using CQI tools. One year later, of the 32 workshop registrants who were mailed surveys, 15 respondents rated their change in understanding of CQI and their use of CQI techniques. More than 60% of the respondents reported application of CQI principles at their organizations. CQI methods used most frequently included structured team meetings, prioritizing opportunities, and brainstorming. Conclusion The significant application of CQI principles and methods reported by participants one year after a brief intervention supports a need and utility for CQI principles and tools in medical education.
The Activities of Interlocutory Coalitions: Mediation, Rule-Making and Implementation

This chapter illustrates the activities in which the supranational coalitions of civil society actors are engaged. These activities include mediation, rule-making and implementation. Mediation consists of the discussion of the diverging positions carried out by the coalitions’ participants and the promotion of policy alternatives to supranational decision-makers. From an early stage, coalitions of civil society actors mediate “internally” between the interests of the diverging members; later, they mediate between these interests and the representatives of supranational regulators. The lobbying pursued by the coalitions described herein into the official negotiations of supranational regulator – and/or into the other phases of the policy cycle – often results in them influencing the policies and shaping the strategic direction of European and global regulatory bodies. Coalitions of civil society, for instance, may influence the agenda setting of the supranational regulators; they may work as catalysts in calling for the revocation of rules that no longer work in the common interest; or they may deliberately shift from one legal regime to another (a practice known as “forum shopping”) to stake their claims and influence the building of more amenable policies. Finally, the coalitions of civil society actors may have enforcement powers. They may monitor the compliance of specific norms and rules, they may evaluate the degree to which these rules are successful, and they may report the possible breaches of these rules to the competent bodies.
Approximate Analysis of Nonstationary Random Vibrations of MDOF Systems

This paper considers the nonstationary response of classically-damped MDOF linear systems to a general class of nonstationary non-white excitations. A new approximate method is developed to considerably simplify the equations for the covariance of the response. The method of analysis provides the general conditions involving the system and excitation characteristics for which the approximations are reliable. The derived simplified equations reveal the similarities between the nonstationary and stationary response, and they provide valuable insight into the nonstationary response characteristics. The performance of the new method is demonstrated by numerical examples.
Jin Shin Jyutsu and Ameliorating Emotion, Enhancing Mindfulness, and Sustaining Productive Learning Environments

In a context of graduate education, we study intuitive uses of Jin Shin Jyutsu, a complementary theory of wellness that involves harmony and universal energy flow through the body. We adopt a multilogical approach to research in which we study events selected from videotapes of a doctoral class and two doctoral students critiquing presentations at a seminar. The research incorporates numerous sociocultural theories together with Jin Shin Jyutsu – adopting a standpoint that different theoretical perspectives illuminate experiences in ways that are synergistic, having the potential to reveal radically different research foci, associated research outcomes, and potential implications. What we learned is that those we studied continuously used touches, holds, and sequences of touches and holds (i.e., flows) that involved those parts of their body that were accessible to them. The prevalence of JSJ-like touches, holds, and flows are consistent with an assertion that emotions and well-being are controlled intuitively in an ongoing manner that harmonizes universal energy flow and contributes to maintaining good health. Our exploratory study sets the stage for further research involving interventions to ameliorate excess emotions and ensure that teacher and student roles do not adversely impact health.
Self-Assembly for Me

I have the grating feeling that the subject of self-assembly of complex biological structures may not always amass the level of respect it deserves. I reckon that its importance is generally appreciated but, as topics go, it tends at times to be set aside. Yet, this is one of the most magnificent aspects of biology, one that beautifully combines logic with mechanics and attests forcibly to the power of evolution. And it goes back a ways. The pioneering study on the self-assembly of phages played an integral role in the development of molecular biology.
Corneal Epithelium: Wound Healing Junctions, Attachment to Stroma Receptors, Matrix Metalloproteinases, Intracellular Communications

The corneal epithelial wound healing process is a multifaceted process that alters intracellular and extracellular microenvironments with the overall goal of complete tissue regeneration. This is accomplished by the coordinated assembly and/or dismantling of various cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions as well as the alteration of secreted factors in order to alter cellular phenotypes. This article provides a general overview of the corneal epithelial wound healing process, including the various stages of wound healing, cell types involved, altered expression patterns of intracellular and extracellularly secreted factors, and factors that can affect the regeneration capacity of the cornea.
Minnesota healthcare providers’ breast cancer screening practices at the extremes of age.

e13037Background: Breast cancer screening guidelines disagree on the age to initiate and discontinue screening. We sought to determine the age at which Minnesota providers initiate and discontinue ...
Making the Transition to an Object-Oriented System

In this chapter we describe a common problem when making the transition to an object-oriented system–what to do with a “legacy system.” We use the term legacy system to mean a system that was developed before the current software development methodology of the organization. Frequently such systems have little available documentation and are hard to understand. Hence any change, especially to a new methodology such as object orientation, involves a great deal of effort just to understand the existing system.
The effects of spironolactone on adrenal steroidogenesis in hirsute women

The effect of spironolactone on adrenal androgen and cortisol production was studied in six hirsute women. Hirsute women were evaluated before and 1 month after receiving 200mg of spironolactone daily. Basal levels of serum androgens, 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), cortisol (F), corticosteroid-binding globulin, and plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) were normal and did not change with therapy. The delta maximum ( Δ max ) responses after dexamethasone suppression and ACTH administration of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), androstenedione ( Δ 4 A), 17-hydroxypregnenolone, and 17-OHP were similar in hirsute women and ovulatory control subjects. After spironolactone administration, the Δ max DHEA response was unchanged, whereas the Δ max Δ 4 A response was decreased ( P Δ max ratios of DHEA/ Δ 4 A and 17-OHP/ Δ 4 A were significantly increased after spironolactone in hirsute women, which suggested inhibitions of 3 β -ol-dehydrogenase-isomerase and Δ 4 17,20 desmotase activities. A significant reduction in Δ max F occurred after spironolactone administration ( P Δ max S/F ratio increased after treatment ( P β -hydroxylase activity. Inhibition of adrenal androgen production occurs with spironolactone, but only serum levels of Δ 4 A are decreased, whereas DHEA and its sulfate (DHEA-S) levels remain unchanged.
Understanding quantum confinement and ligand removal in solution-based ZnO thin films from highly stable nanocrystal ink

We report a synthesis procedure for dodecanethiol capped wurtzite ZnO nanocrystals with an average diameter of 4 nm that are monodisperse, highly soluble, and shelf-stable for many months. Compared to previous ZnO ink recipes, we demonstrate improved particle solubility and excellent ink stability, resulting in ZnO nanocrystal inks that are optimized for printed electronics applications. The ZnO nanocrystal solution exhibits an absorption peak at 341 nm (3.63 eV), which represents a blue-shift of approximately 0.3 eV from the bulk ZnO bandgap (∼3.3 eV). This blue shift is consistent with previously reported models for an increased bandgap due to quantum confinement. We used variable-angle spectroscopic ellipsometry (VASE) to determine the optical properties of solution-processed thin films of ZnO nanocrystals, which provides valuable insight into the changes in film composition and morphology that occur during thermal annealing treatments ranging from 150–300 °C. The ZnO nanocrystals maintain their quantum confinement when deposited into a thin film, and the degree of quantum confinement is gradually reduced as the thermal annealing temperature increases. Using infrared absorption measurements (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), we show that the dodecanethiol ligands are removed from the ZnO films during annealing, resulting in a high-purity semiconductor film with very low carbon contamination. Furthermore, we show that annealing at 300 °C results in complete ligand removal with only a slight increase in grain size. Thin-film transistors (TFT) using ZnO nanocrystals as the channel material annealed at 300 °C show moderate mobility (∼0.002 cm2 V−1 s−1) and good on/off ratio >104. These results demonstrate the distinct advantages of colloidal nanocrystals for printed electronics applications: the composition and morphology of the solution-processed film can be carefully tuned by controlling the size and surface coating of the nanocrystals in the ink.
Peptide-Based Catalysts Reach the Outer Sphere through Remote Desymmetrization and Atroposelectivity.

ConspectusNature’s catalytic machinery has provided endless inspiration for chemists. While the enzymatic ideal has yet to be fully realized, the field has made tremendous strides toward synthetic, small-molecule catalysts for a wide array of transformations, often drawing upon biological concepts in their design. One strategy that has been particularly influenced by enzymology is peptide catalysis, wherein oligopeptides are implemented as chiral catalysts in synthetically relevant reactions. The fundamental goal has been to mimic enzymatic active sites by taking advantage of secondary structures that allow for multifunctional activation of substrates within a framework of significantly reduced molecular complexity.Our group has now been studying peptide-based catalysis for over two decades. At the outset, there were many reasons to be concerned that general contributions might not be possible. Precedents existed, including the Julia–Colonna epoxidations mediated by helical oligopeptides, among others. Ho...
Evaluation of a spherical video-based virtual reality intervention designed to teach adaptive skills for adults with autism: a preliminary report

ABSTRACTInformation and communication technologies (ICT) have been widely adopted in the intervention literature for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The systematic and predictable ...
Entrepreneurial Uncertainty and Expert Evaluation: An Empirical Analysis

This paper empirically examines the evaluations of 537 ventures in high-growth industries performed by 251 experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and executives. These experts evaluated ventures by ...