cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dexmedetomidine for hyperactive delirium: worth further study

In their recent work, reported in Critical Care Medicine , Carrasco et al . have investigated dexmedetomidine as a rescue agent for treatment of hyperactive delirium refractory to continuous intravenous haloperidol in non-intubated intensive care unit (ICU) patients. The authors address a highly significant critical care issue of delirium with a medical ICU incidence of 50% to 80% (1). A variety of risk factors have been identified for delirium; the most well established risk factors include pre-existing dementia, severity of illness, history of alcoholism, history of hypertension and ICU medications such as benzodiazepines (1). Ultimately, delirium portends poor ICU outcomes of worsened long term cognition, increased length of ICU and hospital stay, increased length of mechanical ventilation, higher mortality and higher healthcare costs (2-10). Despite best efforts, the field, as of the 2013 Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Pain, Agitation and Delirium in Adult Patients in the ICU (PAD guidelines), continues to lack definitive data regarding prevention and treatment methods for ICU delirium.
Occupational Therapy in Client-Centered Pain Management

Occupation has been defined as, “activity in which one engages that is meaningful and central to one’s identity (Hussey et al. 2008).” The role of an occupational therapist in assessing, treating, and collaborating with clients who experience pain of a psychological or physical origin has a primary focus on the client’s ability to function in his/her everyday life in those activities or “occupations” that hold meaning for the client.
Readability by the Numbers

Salkin and Shenkel located student handbooks or codes of conduct for three randomly selected high schools from 15 states, resulting in an overall sample of 45. These handbooks were plugged into a readability calculator in order to reveal Fog index, Coleman–Liau index, Flesch–Kincaid, and Automated Readability Index. Key takeaways from the numerical analysis showed that text discussing student’s rights to expression or media is infrequently included and often crafted at a grade level higher than high school. Qualitative analysis of the content showed that there is strong deference to Supreme Court precedents in the rationale behind student speech policies.
Analyzing the Function of Cartilage Replacements: A Laboratory Activity to Teach High School Students Chemical and Tissue Engineering Concepts.

A cartilage tissue engineering laboratory activity was developed as part of the Exciting Discoveries for Girls in Engineering (EDGE) Summer Camp sponsored by the Women In Engineering Program (WIEP) at Purdue University. Our goal was to increase awareness of chemical engineering and tissue engineering in female high school students through a laboratory activity that incorporated a number of National Research Council learning objectives for science and engineering. This manuscript describes the context of the activity, detailed instructions to perform the activity, and a summary of the feedback. As a result of the activity, participants knew more about the chemical engineering profession and were able to form stronger and more educated opinions about their career interests.
Surgical Case Order Has an Effect on the Risk of Subsequent Periprosthetic Joint Infection

Abstract Background Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) after total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is a serious complication with multiple etiologies. Prior spine literature has shown that later cases in the day were more likely to develop surgical site infection. However, the effect of case order on PJI after TJA is unknown. This study aims to determine the influence of case order, prior infected case, and terminal cleaning on the risk for a subsequent PJI. Methods A retrospective, single-institution study was conducted on 31,499 TJAs performed from 2000 to 2014. Case order was determined by case start times per date within the same operating room. PJI was defined by the Musculoskeletal Infection Society criteria. Logistic regression was used to determine risk factors for a subsequent PJI. Results Noninfected cases followed an infected case in 92 of 31,499 cases (0.29%) and were more likely to develop PJI (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 2.43; P = .029). However, terminal cleaning after infected cases did not affect the risk for PJI in cases the following morning (OR, 1.42; P = .066). Case order had an OR of 0.98 ( P = .655), implying that later cases did not have a higher likelihood of infection. Conclusion Although surgical case order is not an independent risk factor for subsequent PJI, TJA cases following an infected case in the same room on the same day have a higher infection risk. Despite improved sterile technique and clean air operating rooms, the risk of contaminating a TJA with pathogens from a prior infected case appears to be high. Terminal cleaning appears to be effective in reducing the bioburden in the operating room.
Paradoxical cerebrovascular hemodynamic changes with nicardipine

OBJECTIVE Intravenous nicardipine is commonly used for blood pressure reduction in patients with acute stroke. However, few studies have described its effects on cerebrovascular hemodynamics as measured by transcranial Doppler (TCD) waveform analysis and pulsatility index (PI). In this study, the authors report examples of a consistent but paradoxical finding associated with nicardipine that suggests intracranial vasoconstriction, contrary to what is expected from a vasodilator. METHODS The data presented are from a convenience sample of patients who underwent TCD monitoring before, after, or during nicardipine administration. In each case, TCD waveform morphologies and PIs were compared. RESULTS The TCD waveforms during nicardipine infusion are characterized by a prominent systolic peak and dicrotic notch. Systolic deceleration was more pronounced and PIs were significantly elevated in patients who were on nicardipine (p < 0.001). This finding was not evident when patients were not on nicardipine. CONCLUSIONS This study provides the first evidence of paradoxical intracranial vasoconstriction associated with intravenous nicardipine. In the authors' experience, this finding is consistently encountered in the vast majority of patients who are treated with intravenous nicardipine, and is contradictory to what is expected from a vasodilator. Future studies are needed to confirm this finding in larger populations and diverse clinical settings and to examine mechanisms that explain this phenomenon.
Peroxiredoxins and the Pro-inflammatory Immune Response in Drosophila

Accumulating evidence suggests that compromised redox signaling enhances the development of hyperactive, pro-inflammatory immune response, which ultimately reduces health- and lifespan. Either underexpression of Peroxiredoxins in the mitochondria (dPrx3 and dPrx5) or overexpression in the ER (dPrx4) has life span shortening effects. Here we show that these effects are associated with activation of the NF-κB –dependent immunity-related/inflammatory genes, which are normally induced in response to infection and ER stress, and constitutively overproduced in old animals. In transgenic flies expressing the ER-localized dPrx4 in the absence of Relish, a Drosophila NF-κB ortholog, the pro-inflammatory effects typically elicited by dPrx4 overexpression were absent. The absence of Relish also significantly rescued the severe shortening of lifespan normally observed in dPrx4 overexpressors. Epistatic analysis also revealed that the dPrx-4 driven overactivation of immune/inflammatory responses was mediated by JAK/STAT signaling. Finally we determined that the activity of dPrx4 in the ER is required to mediate the pro-inflammatory response caused by reduced Prx activity in mitochondria. Thus this study provides evidence for cross-talk between the ER- and mitochondrially-localized peroxiredoxins in regulating the immune response.
When birds flock together: an identification of the destination social servicescape

While servicescapes have been studied in a variety of travel and tourism domains, the phenomenon has been largely ignored at the destination level. This is especially true when it comes to consider...
Silicon photonics for microwave photonics

Characteristics of silicon photonic integrated circuits that have enabled their inclusion in digitial communication systems are discussed. Frequencies and wavelengths of operation of microwave and optical/infrared systems of interest are defined. The uses of optical components in microwave systems are motivated and demonstrations of such microwave optical systems are reviewed. The literature that discusses silicon photonic devices for generation, shaping and processing of microwave signals is overviewed. Microwave photonic applications in which components developed for digital communication can serve as building blocks are discussed.
Effects of Lidocaine and Articaine on Neuronal Survival and Recovery

The local anesthetics lidocaine and articaine are among the most widely used drugs in the dentist's arsenal, relieving pain by blocking voltage-dependent Na+ channels and thus preventing transmissi...
The waiting list for organs is not necessary.

The implementation of breakthrough quality improvement initiatives has been successful in closing the gap between the number of organs that are available and the number of patients who need them. Virtual Mentor is a monthly bioethics journal published by the American Medical Association.
Recall of Brand Placements in Computer/Video Games

ABSTRACT Product placements have become popular across media, including computer and video games, as a way to increase brand awareness. This paper explores effectiveness of placing brands in a racing game across two preliminary studies by asking respondents which brand they recalled directly after game-play and at a five month delay. Game players were readily abe to recall about 25 to 30 percent of brands in the short term and about 10 to 15 percent at a delay. Brands demonstrated recall superiority when they were a major prt of game-play or when they were local or new brands, atypical of brands found in games, or relevant to the consumer. When asked their attitudes towards product placements, players were generally positive, indicating that they did not consider the practice deceptive and that brands can enhance game -realism. Open-ended comments revealed that players9 attitudes, however, depended upon the game genre and how and where the brand appeared.
Evolution of fine needle aspiration cytology in the accurate diagnosis of pancreatic neoplasms.

In the era of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA), a minimally invasive, safe, and accurate cytologic examination of a variety of intra-abdominal neoplasms has become possible. To assess the efficacy of EUS-FNA for diagnosis of primary pancreatic tumors, a 10-year retrospective review of a consecutive series of patients diagnosed between 1996 and 2005 was undertaken. Comparisons were made between early (1996-2000) and late (2001-2005) periods regarding diagnostic modalities used and the concordance of EUS-FNA cytology with macroscopic tissue histology. Although macroscopic biopsy diagnostic yield did not change over time, yield from EUS-FNA increased from 40 per cent to 95 per cent (P = 0.001). Because of improved accuracy of FNA cytology, only six per cent of tumors required additional macroscopic tissue histology in the late period versus 35 per cent in the early period (P = 0.001). There was 100 per cent concordance between the cytologic and histologic diagnoses in the late period versus only 33 per cent in the early period (P = 0.032). We conclude that 1) the frequency of pathologically diagnosed pancreatic tumors doubled over 10 years, 2) utilization of EUS-FNA significantly increased the accuracy of cytologic diagnosis, and 3) as a result, the need for macroscopic tissue biopsy for diagnosis of pancreatic neoplasms has been obviated.
Use of Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor Prior to Chemotherapy of Newly Diagnosed AML

A body of in vitro evidence suggests that use of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) might increase the in vivo sensitivity of leukemic myeloblasts to daunorubicin-cytosine arabinoside (ara-C) chemotherapy [1–4]. If so, administration of GM-CSF prior to and during administration of daunorubicin/ara-C might overcome the resistance to therapy that is characteristic of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This resistance is most obvious in patients with abnormalities of chromosomes 5, 7, (−5, −7, 5q-, 7q-) who frequently fail even to enter initial complete remission (CR), but it is also a major problem in patients with other aneuploidies (except INV(16), t (15; 17), or t (8; 21)), or with a normal karyotype or insufficient metaphases for analysis [5].While the majority of these patients enter CR, their remissions rarely last more than 2 years.
World’s Simplest Materials Lab

There exists a very simple materials laboratory activity that can measure the elasticity and yield stress of steel using only a paper clip, ruler, and small weight. It is the World’s Simplest Materials Laboratory and utilizes items common to any science classroom. In addition to steel, the elasticity and yield stress of any metal wire can be measured.
Sleep Duration and Cognition in a Nationally Representative Sample of U.S. Older Adults.

Abstract Objective Excessive and insufficient sleep have been associated with cognitive dysfunction in older adults in U.S. and non-U.S. studies. However, the U.S. studies were not in nationally representative samples. The authors investigated the association between sleep duration and cognitive performance in a nationally representative sample of U.S. older adults. Participants The authors studied 1,496 survey participants aged 60 years or older from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013–2014 dataset. Measurements Our primary predictor was weekday (or workday) nighttime sleep duration, categorized as 2–4, 5, 6, 7 (reference), 8, 9, and 10 hours or more. The authors studied five cognitive outcomes: Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease Word Learning (CERAD-WL) immediate recall, CERAD-WL delayed recall, Animal Fluency Test (AFT), Digital Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), and subjective cognitive problems (SCP). Results After adjusting for age, sex, race, education, depressive symptoms, and sedative-hypnotic use, sleep duration of 10 hours or more was significantly associated with lower scores on CERAD-WL immediate recall, CERAD-WL delayed recall, AFT, and DSST, and greater odds of SCP; sleep duration of 8 hours or more was associated with lower CERAD-WL delayed recall scores: 8, 9, and 10 hours or more. After adjustment, there were no significant associations of shorter sleep duration with cognition. Conclusion In U.S. adults aged 60 years or older, long nighttime weekday or workday sleep duration is associated with poorer verbal memory, semantic fluency, working memory, and processing speed in addition to greater odds of self-reported cognitive problems. Long sleep duration may be a marker of fragmented sleep or neurodegeneration in U.S. older adults.
The Shaykhī School and Wilāya

The conceptualization of wilāya, nubuwwa, imamate, the stations of gnosis, and the sealing was not confined to Ibn ʿArabi. As the author discusses in this chapter, the Shaykhi ʿulem ā formed their philosophy around the question of authority, focusing on wilāya of the imāms and of the Prophet. Although Akbarian mysticism and Shaykhism have resemblances in this regard, and a plethora of literature produced by the Shaykhi ʿulemā testifies to the fact that wilāya was one of their main questions, these similarities are nominal. Wilāya was a signifier with two totally different signs, a pure kalāmi one which was conceptualized by Aḥsāʾi and his followers, and an ʿirfāni one theorized by Ibn ʿArabi and his students. The kalāmi narrative of wilāya was inspired by the teachings of the imāms, whose realm was more sublime than the misunderstandings of Ibn ʿArabi and his school.
Genetic Screens to Study GAA/TTC and Inverted Repeat Instability in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Instability of trinucleotide and inverted repeats is a causative factor in the development of a number of neurological diseases, hereditary syndromes, and cancer. To understand the mechanisms that lead to repeat-induced genome destabilization it is important to identify factors that affect repeat metabolism. Here we present an approach that utilizes systematic and unbiased genome-wide screen in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae aimed to find genes that govern GAA/TTC and inverted repeat instability. These screens allowed for the identification of more than 30 mutants with increased fragility of both repeat motifs.
Cuban/US Research Interactions Since 1995

Interactions between Cuban physicists and researchers in the United States are difficult, to say the least. The complexities associated with communication and travel between Cuba and the US greatly hamper these efforts. Nevertheless, scientific interactions are permitted within the limits of the US embargo, and travel to Cuba to attend international scientific conferences or for well-documented research and educational purposes is allowed.
Challenges In Ensuring The Quality Of Generic Medicines

A refill of a generic attention deficit hyperactivity disorder prescription leads to new side effects and raises questions about the quality of generic drugs.
Principles of Technical and Public Communication as a Provisional Framework for Undergraduate Students Writing with and About Indigenous Peoples

After conducting field research within local Indigenous communities in Bocas del Toro, Panama, I grew aware of the inevitable biases and preconceived assumptions within my privileged position, and how they pervade my research and writing processes. Relying on existing technical and public communication (TPC) frameworks and principles on social justice methodology, this project seeks to develop a preliminary framework for undergraduate students looking to engage with Indigenous communication design.
Developing Treatment Integrity Measures for Teacher-Delivered Interventions: Progress, Recommendations and Future Directions

While the measurement of treatment integrity is important to determine how much, and how well, interventions are delivered in schools, the science of treatment integrity is not well developed in education research. The purpose of this paper is to describe a program of research that has developed treatment integrity measures over the past 10 years to assess teacher delivery of an indicated program targeting reductions in problem behavior in early childhood and elementary school classrooms. Specifically, this paper will highlight the importance of active use of conceptual models to guide treatment integrity measure development, multidimensional assessment of treatment integrity and training procedures for observers, using several studies to illustrate the evolution and refinement of our measurement approach. Recommendations for researchers developing and evaluating interventions in schools are provided, as are recommendations to help the field move toward a more rigorous science of treatment integrity.
Quality Improvement in the Evaluation and Diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Adolescent Girls

Abstract Study Objective Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can be challenging to diagnose in adolescents because the diagnostic criteria for adult women overlap with normal features of pubertal development. Previous studies have highlighted inconsistencies in diagnostic criteria used by health care providers. International consensus groups have introduced recommendations to aid diagnosis of this disorder among adolescents. In this study we explored diagnostic inconsistencies and provided education for providers regarding these consensus recommendations. Design Quality improvement. Setting Teaching hospital-affiliated adolescent medicine clinic. Participants Adolescent medicine providers (n = 14) participated in the intervention. Interventions Educational intervention on the basis of the 2015 international consensus recommendations was implemented to address provider inconsistencies. Main Outcome Measures Use of laboratory assessment and documentation for diagnosis of girls evaluated for possible PCOS. Results Preintervention, providers used diverse diagnostic criteria including obesity, insulin resistance, mild acne, and minimal hirsutism with no reference to published criteria. Laboratory studies to exclude other disorders were obtained in 24/87 (28%) preintervention patients. Postintervention, the percentage of laboratory studies increased to 40/65 (62%). Oral glucose tolerance tests performed to assess for glycemic comorbidities increased from 6/87 (7%) to 16/65 (25%). After this intervention, providers included more documentation of features associated with PCOS yet did not use “at risk for PCOS” terminology. Conclusion After our educational intervention, providers showed greater awareness of diagnostic criteria for PCOS in adolescent girls. Medical record documentation and use of “at risk for PCOS” terminology needs improvement. Integration of specific PCOS templates in the electronic medical record might improve medical record documentation and appropriate diagnosis.
Economic viability of proactive harmful algal bloom mitigation through attached algal growth

Abstract Harmful algal blooms (HABs) affect fresh and saltwater bodies around the world, causing a variety of damages to the surrounding communities. The primary driver of HABs is nutrient pollution. One novel HAB mitigation solution is to employ large-scale attached algal growth systems that consume nutrients from the water and prevent downstream nutrient accumulation and large scale HAB events. The feasibility of technology deployment is dependent on the economic viability. A model was created to estimate HAB-related economic damages, with or without non-point source nutrient reduction solutions, using Lake Erie as a case study. In the model, HAB severity is predicted based on nutrient loads and is tied to economic indicators to estimate the HAB-related economic losses. Results show that on average, Lake Erie communities lose $142 M (± $29 M) year−1 from HABs without mitigation technology. Use of attached algal systems show an average net savings ranging between $29–42 M year−1 from HAB mitigation depending on the system configuration. Attached algal systems show greater positive cash flows when compared to farm-based best management practices, thus warranting additional testing and consideration as a potential HAB mitigation strategy. Additional considerations included stochastic uncertainty and increasing dissolved reactive phosphorus concentrations, which increased the effectiveness of attached algal systems.
Segmental Absence of Intestinal Musculature in a Child with Type IV Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Patients with vascular Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (vEDS) have a defect in the formation of type III collagen. This defect puts patients at risk of vascular rupture, uterine rupture, and bowel perforations. The segmental absence of intestinal musculature is a rare histopathologic finding, wherein there is a lack of a muscularis propria layer in the intestinal wall. Although typically documented in the literature in neonates or adults, it can be seen in children of other ages. This is a case report of a patient who exhibits both rare entities, which has not been described in the literature to date.
Gellan gum-gelatin viscoelastic hydrogels as scaffolds to promote fibroblast differentiation.

Abstract Fabricating hydrogel scaffolds that are both bioreactive toward fibroblasts while still mechanically compatible with surrounding tissue is a major challenge in tissue engineering. This is because the outcome of scaffold implantation is largely determined by fibroblasts differentiating toward myofibroblasts, which is characterized by the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Previous studies promoted fibroblasts differentiation by increasing scaffold substrate stiffness. However, the stiffness of scaffold has to be compatible with surrounding tissue, as mismatched stiffness may cause initial hyperplasia and inappropriate endothelial layer development. Therefore, we adjusted the hydrogel chemical component, and thus viscoelasticity to affect the mechano-signaling of fibroblasts and promote fibroblasts differentiation. Elastic gellan gum and viscoelastic gelatin were hybridized at different ratios to fabricate hydrogel scaffold with varied stress-relaxation. Vitronectin (VN) was used to further regulate the interaction between fibroblasts and the substrate. Fibroblast differentiation, characterized by α-SMA area per cell, increased from~3000–4000 μm2/cell on less viscoelastic gels to ~5000 μm2/cell on the most viscoelastic gel. Fibroblasts seeded on hydrogels had a slower migration rate on more viscoelastic hydrogels (slowest at 38 ± 14 μm/h) compared to the migration speed on less viscoelastic hydrogels (74 ± 20 μm/h). VN slowed the migration speed on all hydrogels. The organization of collagen deposited by fibroblasts cultured on the hydrogels was characterized by second harmonic generation (SHG), which showed that collagen was more organized (parallel) on more viscoelastic hydrogels. In summary, we provided a novel strategy to fabricate hydrogel scaffolds that can promote fibroblasts differentiation while keeping the stiffness compatible with blood vessels. The most viscoelastic hydrogel studied here meets these requirements best.
rmc-discord: reverse Monte Carlo refinement of diffuse scattering and correlated disorder from single crystals

A user-friendly program has been developed to analyze diffuse scattering from single crystals with the reverse Monte Carlo method. The approach allows for refinement of correlated disorder from atomistic supercells with magnetic or structural (occupational and/or displacive) disorder. The program is written in Python and optimized for performance and efficiency. Refinements of two user cases obtained with legacy neutron-scattering data demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach and the developed program. It is shown with bixbyite, a naturally occurring magnetic mineral, that the calculated three-dimensional spin-pair correlations are resolved with finer real-space resolution compared with the pair distribution function calculated directly from the reciprocal-space pattern. With the triangular lattice Ba3Co2O6(CO3)0.7, refinements of occupational and displacive disorder are combined to extract the one-dimensional intra-chain correlations of carbonate molecules that move toward neighboring vacant sites to accommodate strain induced by electrostatic interactions. The program is packaged with a graphical user interface and extensible to serve the needs of single-crystal diffractometer instruments that collect diffuse-scattering data.
Redefining the concept of protease-activated receptors: cathepsin S evokes itch via activation of Mrgprs

Sensory neurons expressing Mas-related G-protein-coupled receptors (Mrgprs) mediate histamine-independent itch. We show that the cysteine protease cathepsin S activates MrgprC11 and evokes receptor-dependent scratching in mice. In contrast to its activation of conventional protease-activated receptors, cathepsin S-mediated activation of MrgprC11 did not involve the generation of a tethered ligand. We demonstrate further that different cysteine proteases selectively activate specific mouse and human Mrgpr family members. This expansion of our understanding by which proteases interact with G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) redefines the concept of what constitutes a protease-activated receptor. The findings also implicate proteases as ligands to members of this orphan receptor family while providing new insights into how cysteine proteases contribute to itch.
Abstract 3571: Furin activity: A driver of rhabdomyosarcoma progression

Proceedings: AACR 106th Annual Meeting 2015; April 18-22, 2015; Philadelphia, PA Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft tissue sarcoma in children. The prognosis and survival rate is often very poor and therefore new therapy approaches are required. Thus, we focus on 1) employing RMS-specific peptides for targeted delivery of chemotherapeutics to the tumor site and 2) identifying novel therapeutic targets. In a previous study we discovered that RMS-homing peptides bind preferably to the proprotein convertase furin. Initial investigations confirmed a high expression of furin throughout different pediatric soft tissue sarcoma types and hinted that furin promotes the tumorigenic phenotype of RMS cells in vitro as well as in corresponding xenografts in vivo. Here we present a novel approach of tetracycline-induced shRNA-based silencing of furin in vitro and in vivo in order to investigate in depth the role of furin in RMS progression. Furin depletion was confirmed at mRNA, protein and activity level and led to impaired maturation furin substrates insulin like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ-1). We found that loss of furin activity suppresses the malignant phenotype of Rh30 cells by decreasing proliferation and affecting formation of colonies. Furthermore, we observed increased caspase 3/7 activity and enrichment of nucleosomes in the cytoplasm upon furin depletion, thus hinting initiation of apoptotic processes. Induction of furin silencing in RMS xenografts in NOD/SCID mice delayed tumour growth, indicating a crucial role of furin in early phases of tumour growth. Taken together, our data underscore the importance of furin for RMS progression and therefore targeting the activity of furin represents a promising tool for treatment of RMS. Citation Format: Patricia AIM Jaaks, Gianmarco Meier, Beat W. Schafer, Michele Bernasconi. Furin activity: A driver of rhabdomyosarcoma progression. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 3571. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-3571
Chapter 14 Electron Microscopy of Hydrated Samples

Conventional electron microscopy offers a substantial resolution advantage over light microscopy, but requires difficult and often destructive preparation techniques. Recent advances in electron microscopy allow for imaging of hydrated samples, retaining the resolution advantage while removing the difficulty in preparation. Two new techniques, environmental scanning electron microscopy and wet electron microscopy offer this advantage, allowing for new possibilities in biological imaging.
Greek Tragic Theatre

Preface Acknowledgements A note on translations and editions Part I: The social and theatrical background 1. The Performance Culture of Athens 2. The Festival Context 3. Production as Participation 4. The Theatre of Dionysus 5. Conventions of Production Part II: Exemplary plays 6. Aeschylus' Oresteia Trilogy 7. Sophocles' Oedipus Tyrannus 8. Euripides' Suppliant Women 9. Euripides' Ion Notes Select bibliography Index
Microstructural Influence on the Work Hardening of Aluminum-Lithium Alloy 2090 at Cryogenic Temperatures

Previous studies indicate that the work hardening characteristics of a Vintage III 2090-T81 12.7-mm (0.5-in.) plate is highly dependent on the through-thickness position.[1,2] This dependency has been linked to two distinctly different microstructures existing as laminates within the plate.[3] An investigation of the two microstructures by both optical and transmission electron microscopy reveal a difference in the distribution of grains and subgrains. It is believed that these factors affect the work hardening characteristics by governing the manner in which slip is transmitted from grain to grain. The findings are positive as they suggest a practical means by which improvements in work hardening can be obtained through modifications of the microstructure at the polygranular level.
Differential Roles of Apamin- and Charybdotoxin-Sensitive K+ Conductances in the Generation of Inferior Olive Rhythmicity In Vivo

The basic electrical rhythmicity of the olivocerebellar system was investigated in vivo using multiple electrode recordings of Purkinje cell (PC) complex spike (CS) activity. CSs demonstrate a 10 Hz rhythmicity, thought to result from the interaction of Ca2+ and Ca2+-dependent K+conductances present in inferior olivary (IO) neurons. To assess the roles of different K+ channels in generating this rhythmicity, intraolivary microinjections of charybdotoxin (CTX) and apamin were used. Both K+ channel blockers increased average CS spike-firing rates. However, apamin produced a tonic increase in firing with a decrement in the CS rhythmicity. In contrast, after CTX administration, highly rhythmic CS discharges were interleaved with silent periods, suggesting that apamin- and CTX-sensitive K+ channels have distinct rhythmogenic roles in IO neurons. CTX-sensitive channels seem to be functionally coupled to low threshold Ca2+ channels, whereas the apamin-sensitive channels relate to high threshold Ca2+channels. Blocking intraolivary GABAA receptors increases IO excitability and the spatial distribution of synchronized CS activity while disrupting its rostrocaudal banding pattern ([Lang et al., 1996][1]). The present experiments show that K+ channel blockers increase IO excitability without causing widespread synchronization of CS activity. Thus, changes in the IO excitability have relatively little effect in determining the spatial organization of CS synchrony. In contrast, the degree of CS rhythmicity seemed to influence the patterns of CS synchrony. Thus, after CTX, increased CS rhythmicity was associated with increased intraband synchrony and decreased interband synchrony, whereas apamin had the opposite effects on intra- and interband synchronization. [1]: #ref-20
Interaction of Endotoxic Lipid A and Lipid X with Purified Human Platelet Protein Kinase C

Lipid A, the toxic principle of endotoxic lipopolysaccharide, and its precursor, Lipid X, interact with human platelets and modulate protein kinase C therein (Grabarek, J., Timmons, S., and Hawiger, J. (1988) J. Clin. Invest. 82, 964-971). We have now purified protein kinase C from human platelets and studied its interaction with endotoxic Lipids A and X. Protein kinase C-dependent phosphorylation of histone III-S was increased 15 times in the presence of Lipid A and 300 microM Ca2+. The Ca2+ requirement for such activation was lower when 4 beta-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) or 1,2-diolein were added. Lipid A also induced autophosphorylation of protein kinase C, and its activation was enhanced by phosphatidylserine without reducing the Ca2+ requirement. Kinetic analysis of protein kinase C activation induced by Lipid A, in regard to ATP as a substrate, demonstrated that Lipid A increased the rate of the reaction (Vmax) without modifying the affinity of the enzyme (Km) for the substrate. Lipid X inhibited the activation of the enzyme induced by Lipid A. Lipid X also inhibited protein kinase C activation by phosphatidylserine, 1,2-diolein, and PMA. However, 10 times more of Lipid X was required for 50% inhibition (IC50) when PMA was used as an activator of protein kinase C in the presence of phosphatidylserine than when Lipid A and 1,2-diolein were used. These results support the hypothesis that endotoxic Lipid A and Lipid X exert their biological effect in platelets through direct interactions with protein kinase C.
In vitro methylation of inorganic arsenic in mouse intestinal cecum.

Abstract The capacity of mouse intestinal cecal microflora to methylate inorganic arsenicals (iAs) was examinedin vitrounder conditions of restricted bacterial growth. Cecal contents incubated under anaerobic conditions at 37°C for 21 hr methylated up to 40% of either 0.1 μ m arsenite (iAsIII) or 0.1 μ m arsenate (iAsV). Methylarsenic (MAs) was the predominant metabolite; however, about 3% of either substrate was converted to dimethylarsenic (DMAs). Over the first 6 hr, the rate of methylation was several times greater for iAsIIIthan for iAsV. There was a 3-hr delay in the production of methylated metabolites from iAsV, suggesting that reduction of iAsVto iAsIIIbefore methylation could be rate limiting. Over the concentration range of 0.1 to 10 μ m of iAsIIIor iAsV, there was an approximately linear increase in the production of MAs and DMAs. There was evidence of saturation or inhibition of methylation at 100 μ m of either substrate. Substrate concentration had little effect on MAs/DMAs ratio. Incubation of cecal contents at 0°C abolished methylation of either arsenical. Under aerobic or anaerobic conditions, cecal tissue homogenates produced little MAs or DMAs from either arsenical. Addition of potential methyl group donors, l -methionine and methylcobalamin, into cecal contents significantly increased the rate of methylation, especially for iAsV. Addition of glutathione, but not l -cysteine, had a similar effect. Selenite, a recognized inhibitor of iAs methylation in mammalian tissues, inhibited methylation of either substrate by cecal contents. These data suggest that cecal microflora are a high capacity methylation system that might contribute significantly to methylation of iAs in intact animals.
The use of the Kugel mesh in ventral hernia repairs.

Abstract Background: The management of ventral hernias is a common problem. Goals of hernia repair include reduction of the contents, reperitonealization of the abdomen, repair of the fascial defect, and restoration of the normal abdominal wall contour. Repairs frequently require the use of mesh to reduce the incidence of recurrence. A variety of repair techniques have been described, often associated with significant pain, prolonged recovery, and complications. Methods: We describe a technique using a partial component separation, reperitonealization of the abdominal cavity with the hernia sack, and insertion of the Kugel mesh for bridging the gap. Results: We have used this technique on 65 ventral hernias. Fifty-two patients went home from the recovery room and 11 stayed less than 23 hours. One patient had a wound infection and 2 had seromas. There have been no recurrences to date. Conclusions: Repair of ventral hernias with the Kugel mesh using a partial component separation is safe, effective and durable.
Alcohol research: at the cutting edge.

IT IS a happy coincidence that the Archives of General Psychiatry is presenting a superb group of articles on alcoholism in this issue. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) is celebrating its 25th anniversary during this academic year, and much of the research described in these articles was supported by the NIAAA. The Editorial Board has kindly invited me to introduce this issue. I think the best way of doing that is to comment on major conceptual advances made during the last decades, with some illustrations from current research. A SIGNIFICANT FRACTION OF VULNERABILITY TO ALCOHOLISM IS INHERITED That alcoholism runs in families has long been known, but only since the 1970s has a mix of twin and adoption studies demonstrated that much of this vulnerability is inherited. The important Swedish adoption study of Cloninger et al 1 has recently been replicated. 2 What is inherited is
Numerical solution of diffusion-convection equations☆

Abstract A finite-difference scheme is described for solving an ordinary differential equation with a thin diffusion region. The approach takes advantage of the change in character of the governing equation from the inner to the outer region where the convection dominates. The resulting difference scheme is pseudo-second-order accurate and when reasonably accurate results are desired, the stability restrictions are not important. The difference scheme is compared to other methods and is used to solve two example problems.
Agreement between company-recorded and self-reported estimates of duration and frequency of occupational fumigant exposure.

Investigators must often rely on self-reported work history information collected with questionnaires. However, little is known about the agreement between self-reported estimates of exposure and records kept by companies. As part of a cross-sectional medical study of structural fumigation workers, self-reported work history information was collected on both duration and frequency of exposure using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. All company records available on these workers were also collected. Only 15 of 81 structural fumigation companies identified by study participants as current or past structural fumigation employers had records suitable for comparison. These 15 companies employed 32 of the workers who participated in the cross-sectional medical study. The exposure information provided by the 32 workers was compared to information obtained from company records. By examining the agreement between these two data sources, potential limitations were identified in both the self-reported and company-recorded exposure data. By recognizing these limitations in the exposure data, we identified the most appropriate exposure measures to be used in subsequent data analyses. This exercise also demonstrated the difficulties in undertaking these exposure comparisons in an industry consisting of many small, independent companies. Similar difficulties with assessing exposures may be experienced by investigators studying other service industries consisting of many small, independent companies (e.g., dry cleaning, auto repair). Am. J. Ind. Med. 32:364–368, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The effects of 2-deoxyglucose and tunicamycin on the biosynthesis of the murine mammary tumor virus proteins, and on the assembly and release of the virus.

Abstract The role of glycosylation in the biosynthesis, processing, and shedding of the murine mammary tumor virus (MuMTV) glycoproteins and in virus production was investigated in a clonal mammary tumor cell line, GR-3A, using two inhibitors of protein glycosylation, 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) and tunicamycin (TM). It was found that both 2-DG and TM completely inhibited the synthesis of the MuMTV envelope precursor polyprotein, Pr70env, and, as a consequence, the synthesis of the viral glycoproteins gp52 and gp36. By contrast, the synthesis of Pr73gag, the polyprotein precursor of the internal structural proteins of the virus, was only inhibited by 10–15% by 2-DG and TM. Although 2-DG and TM blocked the synthesis of Pr70env, a new polypeptide, related to gp52 and gp36, with a mol wt of 60,000 (P60env) was found to be synthesized in the treated cells. The P60env molecules appeared to be degraded intracellularly since they were not found to (1) undergo site-specific cleavage; (2) accumulate inside the cell or on the cell surface; (3) be secreted into the culture medium; and (4) be incorporated into the virions produced during the drug treatment. In spite of the lack of gp52 and gp36 synthesis in the presence of TM and 2-DG, mature MuMTV particles containing the characteristic surface projections known to be composed of gp52 and gp36 continued to be assembled and released at a reduced rate for at least 30 hr. In addition, the buoyant density and the polypeptide composition of the particles were found to be identical to virions produced by untreated cells. Thus, the virions assembled and released during 2-DG and TM treatment were not defective. Our investigations into the origin of gp52 and gp36 in these particles revealed that both molecules were synthesized prior to 2-DG and TM treatment and continued to be incorporated, along with the newly synthesized viral core proteins, into budding virions during the drug treatment. Furthermore, we found that gp52 and P75env (an aberrant form of Pr70env) that were not incorporated into virions continued to be shed normally from the cell during drug treatment. In conclusion, our results suggest that MuMTV assembly is not dependent on the synchronized synthesis of the viral core and envelope polypeptides, and that the assembled virions contain the correct ratio of these polypeptides, even when their ratio in the cell varies.
Cognitive Performance Appraisal — Mapping Managers' Category Structures Using the Grid Technique

A very promising development in research on performance appraisal has been the increased emphasis on the cognitive processes that underlie raters' performance judgements. This shift in research emphasis was brought about by disillusionment with classical psychometric research that focused primarily on the rating instrument. For example, research has consistently shown that rating accuracy does not vary significantly, irrespective of the type of instrument used.
The Integration of Web2Quest Technology into Multicultural Curriculum in Teacher Education: A Potential for Globalization

The study examines the attitudes and past experiences of pre-service teachers and teacher educators in Taiwan and the U.S. regarding the use of Web2Quests to promote multicultural education. The demographics in many countries are increasingly changing, especially regarding the growth of students from diverse backgrounds. In all classrooms, teachers need to have high levels of multicultural competency to create welcoming and equitable learning environments. However, multicultural education in the curriculum of many teacher education programs is still limited. Technology is an extremely useful tool that can enhance learning experiences for both teachers and students. Technology can be implemented to foster multicultural education in interesting and engaging ways. The study shows that the majority (about 93%) of the pre-service teachers and teacher educators who responded to the survey both in Taiwan and the United States enjoyed the Web2Quest strategy and viewed it to be effective in promoting higher-level thinking and social constructivist activities. Participants suggested that professional development is needed to help teachers design effective WebQuests, especially using the new version of WebQuests which utilizes Web 2.0 technologies. This professional development may have a significant impact when preparing teachers and, ultimately, students to be productive global citizens.
Graphics and the symbolization of ideas

I work in a very arcane area of mathematical physics. It begins with Einstein's theory of gravitation and adds in the ideas of Sir Roger Penrose.
The Rhythms of a Teacher Research Group

This paper presents an inside look at the rhythms of a year-long teacher research group by highlighting the experiences of four alternatively certified urban middle school teachers of color as they engaged in practitioner research about issues of gender equity, racial identity, and culturally relevant teaching. Using examples from “data dilemma” discussions about research issues and examples from their research, the article illustrates three distinct types of dilemmas that occurred over time and shows how the collective worked to solve research problems and improve the teaching practices of the participants in the group. Suggestions for creating and sustaining teacher research groups that examine issues related to diversity are included.
WHAT LIES AHEAD FOR MERGER ACTIVITIES IN THE 1980s

A number of factors ranging from economic conditions to managerial self‐interest have contributed to today's unprecedented merger boom. But the tide may be turning as the public policy debate over mergers heats up. Most scenarios show a long‐range drop in merger activity. However, the need for an informed, rational national policy on mergers remains.
State estimation and control for systems with delayed off-line measurements

An extended Kalman filter is described as part of a control system for a simulation of a fedbatch biochemical reactor. The estimator utilizes noisy measurements of oxygen concentration and oxygen uptake rate with infrequent and time-delayed measurements of biomass and substrate concentrations to estimate the state of the system. The state estimates are used with a feedback controller to track the optimal trajectory for biomass production.