cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adult Attachment and Motivated Attention to Social Images: Attachment-Based Differences in Event-Related Brain Potentials to Emotional Images

Differences in adult attachment may concord with differences in social perception. The present study aimed to measure neural activity associated with the presentation of visual social stimuli. In an affective oddball paradigm, event-related brain potentials were recorded while participants viewed negative, positive, and neutral images of people and categorized them according to valence. Brain response amplitudes were examined across valence categories and across attachment groups. Results revealed differences between anxious and avoidant groups in "emotion bias." The avoidant group displayed a bias towards more neural activation in response to negative compared to positive images. The anxious group trended in the opposite direction. Results are discussed in terms of possible attachment-based differences in motivated attention to social stimuli.
Role of the Intestinal Flora in Major Trauma

The Limulus-lysate test revealed endotoxin in postmortem tissue homogenates of 20 of a random series of 35 patients. Data indicated that the finding of endotoxin in the livers of these patients signified an endotoxemia consequent on a failure of the endotoxin-detoxifying mechanisms. Endotoxemia was associated with a high incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding, hemorrhagic ulceration of the gastrointestinal mucosa, acute pulmonary pathology, and major injury to the liver. The absence of a septic focus as a source for endotoxemia in many of these patients is consistent with evidence that endotoxemia of intestinal origin commonly develops when the antibacterial defense mechanism has been depleted as a result of severe damage to the reticuloendothelial system. Circulating endotoxin has been identified in various septic and nonseptic disorders in man and in experimental animals by the Limulus-lysate technique, a specific and highly sensitive quantitative assay for endotoxin [1]. In the experimental animal, persisting endotoxemia produces an increase in vascular permeability, plasma and red-cell extravasation into the lung and intestine, and progressive vascular collapse. In this communication we shall present data to show that a similar syndrome occurs in man, and that the intraintestinal gram-negative flora are frequently responsible for the development of this syndrome.
A real-time node-based traffic anomaly detection algorithm for wireless sensor networks

We introduce a real-time, node-based anomaly detection algorithm that observes the arrival processes experienced by a sensor node. Sensor nodes are resource constrained from many aspects. However they have specific properties such as lack of mobility and relatively predictable traffic patterns that allows for detection of anomalies in their networking behavior We develop a new arrival model for the traffic that can be received by a sensor node and devise a scheme to detect anomalous changes in this arrival process. Our detection algorithm keeps short-term dynamic statistics using a multi-level, sliding window event storage scheme. In this algorithm, arrival processes at different time scales are compared using node resourcewise computable, low-complexity, aggregate features.
A Genetic Algorithm for Multiple Inspections with Multiple Objectives

This research presents a genetic algorithm to address the problem where multiple inspections are done to test conformity of multiple product characteristics. The genetic algorithm is employed to find an inspection plan where the multiple inspections are carried out, motivated to optimize two objectives: minimization of the total cost associated with the inspection; and maximization of probability of accepting conforming units. The genetic algorithm includes a constraint to induce variety into the characteristics being tested, so that the inspections are not dominated by “specialized” product characteristics. The resulting solutions are compared to optimal solutions, and it is determined that formidable solutions are found via the Genetic Algorithm approach.
Effect of Bilateral Internal Mammary Artery Ligation on Coronary Circulation in Dogs

The internal mammary arteries of dogs were ligated bilaterally subsequent to surgical narrowing of the circumflex arteries. Six weeks later measurements of retrograde circumflex flows were made to assess the extent of collateral development. The results when compared with control dogs indicated that internal mammary ligation did not significantly improve the blood supply to the myocardium.
Contribution of Fat-Free Mass and Fat Mass to Bone Mineral Density Among Reproductive-Aged Women of White, Black, and Hispanic Race/Ethnicity

The objective of the study was to evaluate the contribution of fat-free mass (FFM) and fat mass (FM) to bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral apparent density (BMAD) among reproductive-aged women. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans were performed on 708 healthy black, white, and Hispanic women, 16-33 yr of age. The independent effect of FFM and FM on BMD and BMAD and the interaction of body composition measurements with race/ethnicity and age, were evaluated. FFM correlated more strongly than FM with BMD at the lumbar spine (r=0.52 vs r=0.39, p<0.01) and the femoral neck (r=0.54 vs r=0.41, p<0.01). There was a significant positive association between bone density measures [ln(BMD) and ln(BMAD)] and both ln(FFM) and ln(FM). The association of FFM with spinal BMD was stronger in 16-24-yr-old women than in 25-33-yr-old women (p<0.006). The effect of FFM on femoral neck BMD was greater in blacks (p<0.043) than Hispanics, whereas the effect of FM on spinal BMD was less (p<0.047). Both FM and FFM are important contributors to bone density although the balance of importance is slightly different between BMD and BMAD.
“Peoples Quite Apart”: Americans, South Vietnamese, and the War in Vietnam

The interaction between Americans and South Vietnamese is one of the least developed areas in the burgeoning literature of the Vietnam War. In much of the writing on the war, the South Vietnamese are conspicuous by their absence, and virtually nothing has been done on their dealings with the United States. Yet analysis of the relations between these two allies“peoples quite apart,” former Ambassador to the United States Bui Diem once perceptively labeled them-an tell us much about why the war took the course it did.’ It can also tell us Americans a great deal about the way we relate to other peoples and about the impact of our intervention on other nations. The dilemmas and frustrations that would confront the United States and South Vietnam in their dealings with each other were painfully apparent in the hopelessly tangled and ultimately tragic relationship between the John F. Kennedy administration and Ngo Dinh Diem, president of the Republic of Vietnam from 1955 to 1963. In one sense, at least, Diem met the American criterion for leadership of South Vietnam: he was intensely nationalistic, certainly the most nationalistic of any South Vietnamese leader. Far more than his successors, he was wary of American influence and extremely sensitive to the dangers of a large-scale American presence in South Vietnam. He perceived that too great an American influence in his government would taint him in the eyes of his countrymen. He staunchly refused to accept conditions in return for U.S. assistance. He firmly resisted
Weekly Feedback vs. Daily Feedback: An Application in Retail.

Abstract Two experiments were conducted in a retail setting to (a) assess the effectiveness of a multi-component performance management intervention and (b) compare the effectiveness of weekly and daily feedback. During the first experiment, a multiple baseline design was used to evaluate the effectiveness of task clarification, goal setting, access to preferred items contingent upon goal attainment, and weekly graphic feedback on the completion of routine maintenance tasks in a framing and art store. During phase 1 of the second experiment, an AB design was used to replicate the effects of this intervention on similar tasks in a new store location with the same participants. During phase 2 of the second experiment, a multiple baseline design was used to assess the effectiveness of the intervention when daily feedback replaced weekly feedback. Results indicate that the multi-component intervention was effective in both experiments, and that daily feedback may have enhanced the effectiveness of the interve...
Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 deficiency does not affect steatosis or inflammation in livers of mice fed a methionine–choline-deficient diet

Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1, Ccl2) expression is increased in livers of patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and in murine models of steatohepatitis. Several studies in rodents indicate that MCP-1 contributes to liver steatosis induced by feeding a high-fat diet. However, the extent of MCP-1 involvement in the widely utilized methionine-choline-deficient (MCD) diet model of steatohepatitis has not been determined. We tested the hypothesis that MCP-1 contributes to steatohepatitis in mice fed the MCD diet. MCP-1-deficient mice on a C57Bl/6J background and age-matched C57Bl/6J mice were fed either MCD diet or control diet for 4 weeks. MCP-1 deficiency did not affect steatohepatitis, as indicated by liver histopathology, nor did it affect serum alanine aminotransferase activity, hepatic triglyceride levels, hepatic inflammatory gene induction, or macrophage accumulation in mice fed the MCD diet. MCP-1 deficiency reduced the expression of the profibrogenic genes, pro-collagen 1a1, connective tissue growth factor, and transforming growth factor-β, in mice fed the MCD diet. MCP-1 deficiency significantly reduced collagen deposition and α-smooth muscle actin protein levels in the livers of mice fed the MCD diet. The results indicate that MCP-1 does not contribute to liver steatosis or inflammation in the MCD diet model of steatohepatitis. Rather, the data suggest that MCP-1 contributes to fibrosis in mice fed the MCD diet, independent of effects on steatosis and inflammation.
The Employment of Veterans in State and Local Government Service

Has veterans’ preference been successful in increasing military veterans’ access to state and local government (SLG) jobs? U.S. Census data for 1980 through 2011 show that veterans are more likely ...
Structural Abnormalities in the Giant Cockroach, Blaberus giganteus (L.) (Blattaria: Blaberinae)

During the routine handling of a culture of Blaberus giganteus (Linn.) a nearly full-grown nymph with an asymmetrical abdomen (figures 1 and 2) was discovered. The anomaly consisted of a unilateral loss of the third abdominal segment from the left side. As can be seen from the photographs the third abdominal tergite and sternite are present on the right side only. Soon after the nymph was isolated it moulted to the last nymphal instar—presumably the sixth or seventh instar in this species, according to Nutting (1953)—at which time it was photographed by the junior author (figure 1). About 2 months later it emerged as an adult female with the anomaly still intact and unchanged.
Highly stable fluoride glass

A new family of modified ZBLAN glass compositions has been synthesized which provides better stability against crystallization. A preliminary study of the Hruby factor HR shows higher values as compared to a ZBLAN glass prepared under the same conditions, utilizing similar high purity starting materials. Large rods of clear glass with a 1.5 cm diameter and up to 17 cm in length were easily obtained. Results will be presented on the physical properties and crystallization behavior of these high stability glasses.
Open access to novel dual flow chamber technology for in vitro cell mechanotransduction, toxicity and pharamacokinetic studies

Background: A major stumbling block for researchers developing experimental models of mechanotransduction is the control of experimental variables, in particular the transmission of the mechanical forces at the cellular level. A previous evaluation of state of the art commercial perfusion chambers showed that flow regimes, applied to impart a defined mechanical stimulus to cells, are poorly controlled and that data from studies in which different chambers are utilized can not be compared, even if the target stress regimes are comparable. Methods: This study provides a novel chamber design to provide both physiologically-based flow regimes, improvements in control of experimental variables, as well as ease of use compared to commercial chambers. This novel design achieves controlled stresses through five gasket designs and both single- and dual-flow regimes. Results: The imparted shear stress within the gasket geometry is well controlled. Fifty percent of the entire area of the 10 × 21 mm universal gasket (Gasket I, designed to impart constant magnitude shear stresses in the center of the chamber where outcome measures are taken), is exposed to target stresses. In the 8 mm diameter circular area at the center of the chamber (where outcome measures are made), over 92% of the area is exposed to the target stress (± 2.5%). In addition, other gasket geometries provide specific gradients of stress that vary with distance from the chamber inlet. Bench-top testing of the novel chamber prototype shows improvements, in the ease of use as well as in performance, compared to the other commercial chambers. The design of the chamber eliminates flow deviations due to leakage and bubbles and allows actual flow profiles to better conform with those predicted in computational models. Conclusion: The novel flow chamber design provides predictable and well defined mechanical forces at the surface of a cell monolayer, showing improvement over previously tested commercial chambers. The predictability of the imparted stress improves both experiment repeatability as well as the accuracy of inter-study comparisons. Carefully controlling the stresses on cells is critical in effectively mimicking in vivo situations. Overall, the improved perfusion flow chamber provides the needed resolution, standardization and in vitro model analogous to in vivo conditions to make the step towards greater use in research and the opportunity to enter the diagnostic and therapeutic
Constructing Gene Regulatory Networks on Clusters of Cell Processors

Constructing genome-wide gene regulatory networks from a large number of gene expression profile measurements is an important problem in systems biology. While several techniques have been developed, none of them is parallel, and they lack the capability to scale to the whole-genome level or incorporate the largest data sets, particularly with rigorous statistical testing. To address this problem, we recently developed a mutual information theory based parallel method for gene network reconstruction. In this paper, we extend this work to a cluster of Cell processors. We use parallelization across multiple Cells, multiple cores within each Cell, and vector units within the cores to develop a high performance implementation that effectively addresses the scaling problem. We present experimental results comparing the Cell implementation with a standard uniprocessor implementation and an implementation on a conventional supercomputer. Finally, we report the construction of a large 15,203 gene network of the plant Arabidopsis thaliana from 2,996 microarray experiments on a 8-node Cell blade cluster in 2 hours and 24 minutes.
Selected advanced acceleration concepts

A precis is given of a critical review of a few advanced acceleration concepts that involve neither plasma nor periodic metallic slow-wave structures. These so-called "vacuum accelerators" are either externally driven using powerful rf or laser sources, or internally driven using strong wake fields set up by a train of drive bunches. Merits and limitations of each concept are given, and speculations are advanced on the potential of each to mature into a practical accelerator for use as a tool in high-energy physics or other scientific applications.
Noninvasive Measurement of Myocardial Activity Concentrations and Perfusion Defect Sizes in Rats With a New Small-Animal Positron Emission Tomograph

Background— We explored the feasibility of measuring regional tracer activity concentrations and flow defects in myocardium of rats with a high spatial resolution small-animal PET system (microPET). Methods and Results— Myocardial images were obtained after intravenous 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18FDG) in 11 normal rats (group 1) and assembled into polar maps. Regional 18F activity concentrations were measured in 9 regions of interest and compared with tissue activity concentrations measured by well counting. In another 9 rats (group 2), myocardial perfusion images were acquired with 13N-ammonia at baseline and during coronary occlusion. On the polar maps recorded during coronary occlusion, the size of perfusion defects was measured as the myocardium with <50% of maximum activity and expressed as percent total myocardium and was correlated with the area at risk defined by postmortem staining. The diagnostic quality of 18FDG and 13N-ammonia microPET images was good to excellent; the images were easily assembl...
On the Question of Absolute Undecidability

The incompleteness theorems show that for every sufficiently strong consistent formal system of mathematics there are mathematical statements undecided relative to the system. A natural and intriguing question is whether there are mathematical statements that are in some sense absolutely undecidable, that is, undecidable relative to any set of axioms that are justified. Godel was quick to point out that his original incompleteness theorems did not produce instances of absolute undecidability and hence did not undermine Hilbert’s conviction that for every precisely formulated mathematical question there is a definite and discoverable answer. However, in his subsequent work in set theory, Godel uncovered what he initially regarded as a plausible candidate for an absolutely undecidable statement. Furthermore, he expressed the hope that one might actually prove this. Eventually he came to reject this view and, moving to the other extreme, expressed the
Large scale synthesis of recombinant human thyrotropin using methotrexate amplification: chromatographic, immunological, and biological characterization.

Studies of human TSH (hTSH) structure and function have been limited by difficulties in producing large quantities of recombinant hormone. We describe a system for the stable expression of high levels of recombinant human TSH (rec hTSH) using a mutant form of dihydrofolate reductase (dhfr) as an amplifiable dominant selectable marker. A vector expressing both the hTSH alpha-subunit and the mutant dhfr was cotransfected with a hTSH beta-subunit expression vector into dhfr-deficient cells. Amplification of the transfected sequences by methotrexate selection, followed by cell culture in a hollow fiber perfusion system, yielded rec hTSH production as high as 100,000 microU/ mL. Immunoradiometric assays using five different antibodies revealed no differences in the immunological activities of rec hTSH and pituitary hTSH. Bioactivity was measured in a novel TSH bioassay coupling the generation of cAMP by a transfected hTSH receptor to the cAMP-dependent regulation of a luciferase reporter gene. The ED50 for bov...
Germ cell cancer presenting as gastrointestinal bleeding and developing brain metastases: case report and review of the literature

This paper describes a rare case of germ cell cancer with duodenum, brain and lung metastases. The patient presented with melena and left testicle enlargement. Orchiectomy revealed mixed germ cell cancer, enteroscopy revealed duodenal choriocarcinoma, and chest x-ray and computed tomography (CT) showed bilateral lung metastases. The patient received and tolerated cisplatinum-based chemotherapy, and responded well. However, he developed seizures 3 months later. MRI showed brain metastases and he was treated with whole-brain radiation. One month later, he developed progressive dyspnea. Chest CT showed worsening lung metastases. He received second-line chemotherapy, but died due to multiorgan failure. Germ cell cancer with nonpulmonary metastases has poor prognosis and the management of these patients requires a multimodal approach. Head CT should be considered as routine screening for all germ cell cancer patients on initial diagnosis and brain MRI should be considered for high-risk patients (with an embryo...
AAO Nanowells: Synthesis, in-situ Growth Study, and Applications in Ultra-sensitive Chemical Detection

Anodized aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes consist of locally highly ordered nanopores. The pore diameter (20-200 nm) and pore-to-pore distance are controlled through the anodizing voltage and the choice of etching solution. High aspect ratio over 1,000 can easily be achieved which makes AAO membranes the ideal templates for making nanowires and nanotubes. In this work, the early stage of nanopore formation was studied in-situ with the use of small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) and glazing incidence GISAXS techniques. The nanopores were found to grow as a function of the square root of growth time. The resulting short nanopores or nanowells with length below 200 nm were further characterized with use of SEM and AFM. These AAO nanowells showed interference color. Their reflectance UV-Vis spectra indicated strong angular dependence and can be understood with a simple single layer (nanoporous alumina over aluminum) model. These spectra are influenced by the nanowells thickness and diameter. Therefore, large array of interferometric AAO nanowells sensors are possible. When these nanowells are coated with Ag or Au thin films, in addition to enhanced interference color, highly sensitive surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) effect has been observed. These results will be presented.
Stenotarsus nigrivestis Shockley, a New Species of Endomychidae (Coleoptera: Cucujoidea) from the Dominican Republic

Abstract A new species of endomychid, Stenotarsus nigrivestis Shockley, is described from the Dominican Republic, representing the first description of a species of Stenotarsinae from the West Indies. A summary of the known West Indian Endomychidae is provided.
The interaction of Gα13 with integrin β1 mediates cell migration by dynamic regulation of RhoA

Heterotrimeric G protein Gα13 is known to transmit G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signals leading to activation of RhoA and plays a role in cell migration. The mechanism underlying the role of Gα13 in cell migration, however, remains unclear. Recently we found that Gα13 interacts with the cytoplasmic domain of integrin β3 subunits in platelets via a conserved ExE motif. Here we show that a similar direct interaction between Gα13 and the cytoplasmic domain of the integrin β1 subunit plays a critical role in β1-dependent cell migration. Point mutation of either glutamic acid in the Gα13-binding (767)EKE motif in β1 or treatment with a peptide derived from the Gα13-binding sequence of β1 abolished Gα13-β1 interaction and inhibited β1 integrin-dependent cell spreading and migration. We further show that the Gα13-β1 interaction mediates β1 integrin-dependent Src activation and transient RhoA inhibition during initial cell adhesion, which is in contrast to the role of Gα13 in mediating GPCR-dependent RhoA activation. These data indicate that Gα13 plays dynamic roles in both stimulating RhoA via a GPCR pathway and inhibiting RhoA via an integrin signaling pathway. This dynamic regulation of RhoA activity is critical for cell migration on β1 integrin ligands.
A family of second-order methods for convex $$\ell _1$$ℓ1-regularized optimization

This paper is concerned with the minimization of an objective that is the sum of a convex function f and an $$\ell _1$$l1 regularization term. Our interest is in active-set methods that incorporate second-order information about the function f to accelerate convergence. We describe a semismooth Newton framework that can be used to generate a variety of second-order methods, including block active set methods, orthant-based methods and a second-order iterative soft-thresholding method. The paper proposes a new active set method that performs multiple changes in the active manifold estimate at every iteration, and employs a mechanism for correcting these estimates, when needed. This corrective mechanism is also evaluated in an orthant-based method. Numerical tests comparing the performance of three active set methods are presented.
The Army “Mutiny” of 1946

A~..RTICLE 66 of the Articles of War during World War II defined a mutineer as "Any person subject to military law who attempts to create or who begins, excites, causes, or joins in any mutiny or sedition in any company, party, post, camp, detachment, guard, or other command." For such activity the guilty person would "suffer death or such other punishment as a court-martial may direct." Article 67 provided the same penalty for any officer or soldier who, being a witness of a mutiny, did not "use his utmost endeavor to suppress the same."' If these articles had been interpreted strictly, thousands of American soldiers would have been guilty of "mutiny" in January 1946 when they rioted and demonstrated in a desperate attempt to accelerate demobilization of the armed forces and to secure their speedy return to civilian life. These riots-occurring at a crucial point in the development of the Cold War-stemmed primarily from the insistent demand of the American public and the war-weary veterans to return immediately to peacetime conditions. But the administration, forced to consider the new role of the United States as a world leader, failed to develop a coherent demobilization policy adequate to meet military obligations and thus seriously weakened the military program, both in actual strength and in international prestige. Despite the basic American characteristic of abhorrence of war, the United States, once the determination was made to enter the conflicts, mobilized its forces with speed and decisiveness in both the great world wars of the twentieth century. But, as Harry S. Truman declared, "Once hostilities are over, Americans are as spontaneous and as headlong in their eagerness to return to civilian life"2 as they are to defeat totally their enemies in battle. Although the demobilization problem following World War I
Oxidative Conversion Mediates Antiproliferative Effects of tert-Butylhydroquinone: Structure and Activity Relationship Study.

Previous studies have shown that tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), a widely used food antioxidant, has cytotoxic effects at high doses; however, the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Here, we found that the effects of TBHQ on cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, and apoptosis are mainly mediated by its oxidative conversion to a quinone metabolite tert-butylquinone (TBQ). Co-addition of cupric ion (Cu2+) caused accelerated oxidative conversion of TBHQ to TBQ and enhanced the biological activities of TBHQ on cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, and apoptosis in MC38 colon cancer cells. In contrast, co-addition of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) suppressed TBHQ oxidation and inhibited the biological activities of TBHQ in MC38 cells. For example, after 24 h of treatment in basal medium, low-dose TBHQ (1.88–7.5 μM) had little effect on MC38 cell proliferation, while co-addition of 50 μM Cu2+ caused 30–70% inhibition of cell proliferation; in contrast, treatment with high-dose TBH...
An experimental study on the ignition and combustion characteristics of pasty propellant

The ignition and combustion characteristics of pasty propellant are important parameters for the motor design. An experimental study on the pasty propellant named PEPA/AP was carried out. The results show that the autoignition temperature of this propellant is about 150℃, so it is easy to ignite. As the chamber pressure is greater than 0.6MPa, the critical combustion diameter is less than 1mm. As the test motor is in operation, its propellant burning rate accords with the static burning rate. It is predicted that the propellant will be suitable for multiplestart motor.
Nuclear Weapons for Europe’s Defense: Norstad and the Eisenhower Administration

Having come to Europe as Commander-in-Chief, US Air Forces, Europe (CINCUSAFE), Norstad was all too familiar with the problems and possibilities of creating an effective “nuclear umbrella” for NATO. Even though, as pointed out earlier, nuclear weapons played no formal part in the early planning of NATO, Norstad had emphasized that NATO could not just ignore them. He was convinced that a way must be found to give the European Allies a sense of sharing in the formulation of the doctrine for their employment and, if deterrence were to fail, their possible use. The issue, in a nutshell, was whether NATO nuclear proliferation should be unilateral or multilateral. In this respect, he had to work closely with the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) as well as with France and Britain. As it was put: The relationship between the nuclearization of NATO and the settlement with the Federal Republic is not totally clear, but I suspect that there was an important link: nuclearization meant that the Americans, who controlled the most important forces and who in effect operated the strategy, would have to stay in Europe for a very considerable period of time, and as long as the Americans were in the French and many of the other allies could be relatively relaxed about a buildup of German power. Any possible German threat would be contained in a structure dominated by American power.2
Digital processing of signals produced by voltage-controlled-oscillator-based continuous-time ADCs

The use of voltage-controlled ring oscillators to implement analog integrators with high DC gain has been recently proposed and successfully demonstrated in analog filters and amplifiers. Such an implementation encodes an analog input in a pulse-width-modulated form. We consider direct processing of such signals with a clockless, event-driven, continuous-time DSP. We demonstrate through simulations that the resulting highly-digital system can have significantly relaxed DSP constraints over ones that encode analog signals using level-crossing sampling, potentially lowering the power dissipation and chip area of the processor significantly. Nonidealities and design considerations are also discussed.
Biodegradable Poly(Lactic Acid)/Perkalite Clay Nanocomposites: Gas Barrier Properties

Nanocomposite films based on poly (lactic) acid (PLA) and organically nanoclay Perkalite were prepared by solvent casting method. The incorporation of Perkalite clay in PLA film was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. Morphology of PLA/Perkalite film was investigated using scanning electron microscope (SEM). The gas barrier properties of PLA nanocomposite films were determined through oxygen transmission rate (OTR) and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) measurement. Results from FTIR analysis indicates that Perkalite clay was incorporated in PLA film. SEM images show that dispersion of Perkalite particle on the PLA matrix was good with the additional of clay up to 3 pph (parts of clay per hundred part of PLA). The maximum reduction in OTR and WVTR of that nanocomposite film with Perkalite loading of 3 pph are 76% and 37%, respectively compared with neat PLA film. This proves that gas barrier property of PLA film is improved significantly with incorporation of Perkalite clay. The PLA/Perkalite nanocomposite film is a promising as green based packaging materials.
Firearm Acquisition Without Background Checks: Results of a National Survey

Background In 1994, 40% of U.S. gun owners who had recently acquired a firearm did so without a background check. No contemporary estimates exist. Objective To estimate the proportion of current U.S. gun owners who acquired their most recent firearm without a background check, by time since and manner of acquisition, for the nation as a whole and separately in states with and without legislation regulating private sales. Design Probability-based online survey. Setting United States, 2015. Participants 1613 adult gun owners. Measurements Current gun owners were asked where and when they acquired their last firearm; if they purchased the firearm; and whether, as part of that acquisition, they had a background check (or were asked to show a firearm license or permit). Results 22% (95% CI, 16% to 27%) of gun owners who reported obtaining their most recent firearm within the previous 2 years reported doing so without a background check. For firearms purchased privately within the previous 2 years (that is, other than from a store or pawnshop, including sales between individuals in person, online, or at gun shows), 50% (CI, 35% to 65%) were obtained without a background check. This percentage was 26% (CI, 5% to 47%) for owners residing in states regulating private firearm sales and 57% (CI, 40% to 75%) for those living in states without regulations on private firearm sales. Limitation Potential inaccuracies due to recall and social desirability bias. Conclusion 22% of current U.S. gun owners who acquired a firearm within the past 2 years did so without a background check. Although this represents a smaller proportion of gun owners obtaining firearms without background checks than in the past, millions of U.S. adults continue to acquire guns without background checks, especially in states that do not regulate private firearm sales. Primary funding source Fund for a Safer Future and the Joyce Foundation.
CaO-matrix processing of MnBi alloys for permanent magnets

The possibility to suppress agglomeration of MnBi alloy particles during milling and their unwanted sintering during subsequent annealing was explored by embedding the particles in CaO through co-milling. A 15 h annealing of the micron-sized MnBi particles embedded in the CaO matrix at 300 °C is not accompanied by sintering or growth of the particles while it significantly increases their coercivity – presumably by healing the milling-induced crystal defects. After separation from the CaO matrix, the annealed MnBi powder combines a calculated energy product of 10 MGOe with a room-temperature coercivity of 14.4 kOe. At the same time, the partial loss and degradation of the MnBi low-temperature phase during warm compaction of the powders makes the effect of the CaO-matrix annealing less pronounced in the case of fully dense magnets; the residue from the solvents employed for the removal of the CaO might have contributed to the decline of the properties. Still, a relatively high room-temperature coercivity o...
Delays in door-to-needle time for acute ischemic stroke in the emergency department: A comprehensive stroke center experience.

Abstract Background Current American Stroke Association guidelines recommend initiating intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) within 60 min of patient arrival, given the benefits of IVT for AIS are time dependent. This study aimed to identify the delaying factors in door-to-needle time (DTN) in the emergency department of one of the largest comprehensive stroke centers in New York State. We also recommended measures to reduce the delays. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical charts of all AIS patients who received IVT in our emergency department patients between April 1, 2012 and December 31, 2015 to identify those with a DTN time of > 60 min. We categorized the factors causing the delay into different groups. For each group, we recommended measures to reduce the treatment delays. Results A total of 487 patients received IVT for AIS during the 3.7-year period. Of these, 96 patients (20.4%) met our DTN time delay criteria. Delays for obtaining stroke imaging and hypertension control were the most common factors. Thirty eight patients (39.5%) had delay in obtaining CT-based stroke imaging. Twenty-two patients (22.9%) required control of elevated blood pressure prior to IVT. Other causes for delay in DTN time included delay in stroke triage and paging (11.4%), fluctuating neurological symptoms (7.2%), uncertainty about diagnosis (12.5%), delays associated with obtaining consent (9.3%), and uncertainty about the time of symptom onset (5.2%). Conclusion Important and common causes of delay in IVT for AIS were identified in a review of charts at our comprehensive stroke center. The authors recommend strategies to achieve faster DTN time for each of the delaying factor categories including faster acquisition and interpretation of stroke imaging, more effective triage protocols and faster blood pressure control for AIS patients who are eligible for IVT.
Average Monthly Cost of Iron Chelator Treatment in Adult Patients with Sickle Cell Disease

Introduction: Iron overload in adult patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) can lead to variety of complications like liver dysfunction/cirrhosis, cardiac enlargement, diabetes mellitus, hypogonadism and arthropathy. These complication can be prevented by iron chelation therapy .We did retrospective analysis to find incidence of iron over load in this population and also did a survey to find the insurance status in this population. Methods: We take care of approximately 300 adult patients with SCD at out hematology clinic. We did retrospective analysis to investigate the prevalence of iron overload in this population. We also did survey on 100 adult patients with SCD to find out about the insurance converge for them. Web search was done to find out the average monthly cost of iron chelators. Results: On retrospective analysis of 458 adult patients with SCD, we found that 117/458(25.58%) had iron over load. Majority of them, 93/117 were SS type of SCD. Results of survey done on 100 adult patients with SCD showed that 61 had Medicaid, 2 were free care, 25 had Medicare and 12 had private insurance. The average monthly cost of Deferiprone is $ 18762, while that of Deferasirox is $ 13,082. Conclusions: Iron over load is a common complication affecting a quarter of the adult patients with SCD. The treatment of iron overload is expensive, as just the iron-chelator therapy costs approximately 160 to 220 K per year. In an attempt to minimize additional iron accumulation in our chronically transfused patient population we encourage the schedule of exchange of 1 unit phlebotomy and 1 unit of red cell infusion every two weeks. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Genetics of Alzheimer’s Disease: the Importance of Polygenic and Epistatic Components

Purpose of Review We aimed to summarize the recent advances in genetic findings of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), focusing on traditional single-marker and gene approaches and non-traditional ones, i.e., polygenic and epistatic components.
PREDICTION OF MICROSTRUCTURAL MODIFICATION IN DYNAMICALLY CONSOLIDATED METAL POWDERS

A model is presented which describes the deposition of energy at the surface of powder particles during shock-wave consolidation. Solution of the thermal transport equation subject to boundary conditions of constant surface flux yields thermal histories which can be used to predict the type and extent of microstructural modifications following compaction. The application of the model to compacts of several different metal powders is discussed.
Mining FDA resources to compute population-specific frequencies of adverse drug reactions

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) represent one of the main health and economic problems in the world. With increasing data on ADRs, there is an increased need for software tools capable of organizing and storing the information on drug-ADR associations in a form that is easy to use and understand. Here we present a step by step computational procedure capable of extracting drug-ADR frequency data from the large collection of patient safety reports stored in the Federal Drug Administration database. Our procedure is the first of its type capable of generating population specific drug-ADR frequencies. The drug-ADR data generated by our method can be made specific to a single patient population group (such as gender or age) or a single therapy characteristic (such as drug dosage, duration of therapy) or any combination of such.
Mechanisms underlying the occurrence of species in complex modified tropical landscapes: a case study of amphibians in the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica

The mechanisms underlying occupancy patterns of species in modified tropical landscapes are poorly understood. The presence of adults in a modified habitat may not necessarily indicate the quality of the habitat for sub-adult stages. These issues were addressed by examining patterns in breeding-site use by adult frogs and tadpole performance across a pasture-forest gradient in the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica. The use of artificial pools by adult frogs for breeding activity was quantified along three transects, with a pool located at the edge (0 m) and 10, 30 and 50 m into forest and pasture. Next, survival, size at metamorphosis and time to metamorphosis were quantified for tadpoles of Engyptomops pustulosus and Dendrobates auratus in artificial pools at the edge, pasture and forest. Adult frogs used breeding pools non-randomly; two species used pools only in pasture, whereas three species used pools only in forest. In addition, Smilisca phaeota used pools in pasture and at the edge while E. pustulosus used pools across the pasture-forest gradient. The habitat where adults used breeding pools generally also yielded high performance of their tadpoles, with some exceptions. Tadpole survival to metamorphosis was low in pastures ( 18%) for D. auratus; in contrast, survival of E. pustulosus was over 80% in each habitat. Metamorphs of D. auratus were largest in edges but larval period did not differ among habitats. Metamorphs of E. pustulosus were 18% larger and larval period was 27% shorter in pastures compared with forest. These results suggest that modified habitats represent an ecological jackpot for some species, such that offspring performance is enhanced compared with that in forest habitat. Populations of other species may be restricted to forest habitat because of intolerable abiotic conditions in modified habitats. The results of this study indicate that adult breeding site use and tadpole performance contribute to mechanisms that underlie patterns of species occupancy in modified tropical landscapes.
Obstetrical practice among new rural family physicians.

BACKGROUND Fewer family physicians now practice maternity care than a decade ago, a trend that is worsening access to obstetrical care in some rural areas. This study explores the effects of a wide range of factors on the likelihood of newly settled rural family physicians providing maternity care. METHODS Subjects included 782 family physicians who moved to nonmetropolitan areas nationwide during the years 1987 through 1990. Physicians who located in health professional shortage areas were oversampled. Questionnaires were mailed in 1991, with a 72% response rate. The final sample used in the analyses included 338 eligible respondents. RESULTS A total of 151 (45%) of these rural family physicians performed routine deliveries during the previous year. Family physicians more likely to provide maternity care worked in practices they owned and were not solo practitioners (P < or = .05). Maternity care by family physicians also was more common in counties that were less populated, had fewer obstetricians, and had more family physicians. State-by-state differences in the cost of medical malpractice insurance and Medicaid reimbursement rates for obstetrical care were not among the factors associated with the provision of maternity care for these rural family physicians. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that features of rural family physicians' practices and communities are the best predictors of whether they provide maternity care. Contrary to what family physicians often claim, we found that malpractice premium costs and Medicaid reimbursement rates were not associated with family physicians' likelihood of providing maternity care.
Cyclooxygenase-2 Gene Expression

Cyclooxygenases (COX) also known as prostaglandin (PG) synthases, are present in two forms, COX-1 and COX-2. Whereas COX-1 is responsible for cytoprotective functions in a number of organs, COX-2, which is normally absent at basal levels, is induced under certain conditions including pathophysiological states like acute inflammation, arthritis, as well as in cancer and cancer-related angiogenesis. Overexpression of COX-2 enhances PGE2 synthesis, thereby resulting in increased cellular proliferation, which is an important role for the molecule in cancer progression. In addition, increased PGE2 levels protect the cancer cells from the deleterious effects of ionization radiation (IR). COX-2 expression is tightly controlled under normal conditions. At the transcriptional level, COX-2 gene expression is controlled by multiple elements in a 800-bp region proximal to the transcription start site. Many cellular transcription factors bind these elements to regulate the COX-2 gene transcription. Among them, the key factors are NF-kB and b-catenin. Of these, b-catenin is especially interesting because it can egulate COX-2 both directly by binding to the promoter elements as a comples with either TCF-4/LEF or p300, or indirectly by inducing expression of PEA-3, which subsequently binds to its cognate element in the COX-2 promoter to induce transcription. COX-2 mRNA is also tightly regulated at the post-transcriptional levels of mRNA stability and translation. This is mediated by AU-rich sequence elements located in the 3¢UTR of the COX-2 mRNA. Multiple RNA binding proteins have been identified that bind to the AU-rich sequences in the COX-2 3¢-UTR to mediate this process. HuR, a ubiquitously expressed protein, is overexpressed in colon and other cancer cells, and it increases the stability and translation of COX-2 mRNA. In contrast, CUGBP2 is induced in cells undergoing apoptosis and it inhibits translation of COX-2 mRNA. Another protein that have been identified induce the translation is hnRNPA1, whereas those that inhibit the translation are TIA1, TTP, TIAR, and AUF1.
Basic Experimental Methods in the Rabbit

Publisher Summary This chapter describes humane methods for handling and restraining laboratory rabbits, as well as techniques for obtaining biological samples for administering substances and for specialized procedures. Rabbits have individual temperaments, and a gentle, calm, confident restraint method and demeanor in working with each animal will decrease stress for both the rabbit and the researcher. Rabbits can easily be injured, and can inflict injury on the handler if proper considerations are not followed to keep the animals secure and to minimize stress. Acclimating the animals in advance to procedure areas and restraint methods can be helpful. Whenever possible, use of anesthesia or tranquilizing medication can facilitate procedures. Analgesia is provided after procedures that may cause pain or discomfort after the anesthetic has worn off. Finally, each researcher must be willing to acknowledge when a particular method or procedure does not succeed, and seek assistance or an alternative method.
Deciding Not to Decide: Nuremberg and the Ambiguous History of the Tu Quoque Defense

Tu Quoque forged its historic legacy during the Nuremberg Tribunal following World War II when German Admiral Karl Doenitz used it as a defense to deflect war crime charges brought against him. By raising the Tu Quoque defense, Doenitz argued that he should be acquitted because other leaders and nations also committed the same crimes. Although many scholars note the Tu Quoque defense's importance, its history has largely been ignored. Using original court documents and personal papers from the Nuremberg Tribunal collection archived at Cornell University, this essay argues that the Tu Quoque defense's history is far from clear and that this ambiguous history clouds its legacy.