cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Using the protein folding literature to teach biophysical chemistry to undergraduates

Abstract An understanding of physical chemistry principles enhances student understanding of biochemical phenomena; however, the application of these principles to biological examples is frequently missing in the standard undergraduate physical chemistry curriculum. The topics of protein folding and stability are based in thermodynamics and can serve as a vehicle for presenting essential thermodynamics in a context that is highly relevant to undergraduate biochemistry majors. The outline of a course that replaces the standard thermodynamics offering in physical chemistry is described. The protein folding literature is used to illustrate thermodynamic concepts in this course and students are expected to read and comprehend the assigned literature. The course is offered as a separate biophysical chemistry course for B.S. Biochemistry majors; however, elements of this course may be useful in crafting a more standard thermodynamics course for B.S. Chemistry majors in chemistry departments seeking to fulfill ACS guidelines for approved B.S. Chemistry majors.
The clinical and immunologic specificity of immunotherapy

Abstract In order to study the specificity of immunotherapy for respiratory allergy, a group of patients sensitive to both ragweed and grass pollens were selected. From 87 volunteers with a history of both spring and fall hay fever, 42 patients with evidence of strong sensitivity by basophil histamine release to both ragweed pollen and mixed grass pollen extracts were selected for study. On the basis of the histamine release data, the patients were divided into two groups matched for sensitivity to both grass and ragweed pollens. In 1970, May and June symptom diaries showed the two groups to suffer quite similar severity of symptoms during the grass pollination season. One group of patients was started on a preseasonal course of immunotherapy with alum-precipitated aqueous extract of ragweed pollen while the other group received placebos containing histamine. By fall there had been a considerable rise in IgG-blocking antibodies to ragweed in the treated group. Symptom diaries in August and September showed that the treated group showed significantly less severe symptoms than the placebo group. Both groups received booster injections at 2-wk intervals from the fall of 1970 to the fall of 1971. Doses in the treated group were raised to attempt to administer the largest possible dose. Again there was no difference in the symptoms reported by the two groups during the grass pollination season, but an even greater difference emerged between the two groups during the ragweed season. The following year 1972 the same results were obtained. These data demonstrate that treatment with ragweed pollen extracts has little or no effect on grass pollen symptoms and confirm that immunotherapy is clinically as well as immunologically specific. Antibody responses to the second year of high-dosage booster injections was not greater than responses to a comparatively short preseasonal course given the first year.
In Search of Treatment for Tardive Dyskinesia: Review of the Literature

Studies on the treatments for neuroleptic-induced tardive dyskinesia published in the English literature until August 1978 are reviewed. There is a yet no single satisfactory method of treatment for tardive dyskinesia. Withdrawal of neuroleptics results in a remission of symptoms in younger and non-brain-damaged patients. Paradoxically, the most effective treatment for suppressing dyskinesia is administration of neuroleptics. The possibility that continued use of neuroleptics in dyskinesia patients produces irreversible brain damage remains to be validated (or invalidated). Anticholinergic and dopaminergic drugs are of no value in the treatment of tardive dyskinesia. Cholinergic drugs have not lived up to their initial promising results in this condition. About one third of the dyskinetic subjects seem to respond to various nonspecific measures. Tardive dyskinesia probably consists of at least two subtypes-- reversible and persistent. Methodological aspects of earlier studies and possibilities for future research in this field are discussed. Suggestions for treatment of individual cases are also outlined.
In vivo antiplaque activity of a sanguinarine-containing dentifrice: Comparison with conventional toothpastes

This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of a sanguinarine-containing dentifrice on supragingival and subgingival plaque in response to suggestions that sanguinarine extract has antiplaque activity. Volunteer dental students were randomly assigned to a control or an experimental group. During an initial examination, plaque scores and samples of subgingival plaque were obtained. The students were given oral hygiene instructions and were told to floss once and brush twice daily, using either the experimental (sanguinarine-containing) or control (any other) dentifrice for a period of 1 month, following which they were once more examined. Plaque scores and samples of subgingival plaque were again obtained. Examination of subgingival plaque was performed using a phase-contrast microscope to determine the distribution of bacterial morphotypes. Comparison of the data from the initial examination with that at the completion of the study showed a significant reduction of supragingival plaque within each group. However, there was no significant difference in the amount of supragingival plaque between groups. There were no significant between-group differences for any bacterial morpho-type. It was concluded that sanguinarine extract had no detectable antiplaque activity when used in a dentifrice.
PUBLIC OPINION ABOUT AIDS POLICIES THE ROLE OF MISINFORMATION AND ATTITUDES TOWARD HOMOSEXUALS

In an effort to better understand the cognitive and attitudinal factors underlying public opinion on AIDS-related issues, this article proposes and empirically tests a model of the relationships between (1) knowledge of HIV transmission, specifically the misinformation that AIDS can be transmitted easily through casual contact with HIV-infected persons; (2) attitudes toward homosexuals, the most prominent of the social groups presently affected by the AIDS crisis; and (3) support for restrictive public policies aimed at HIV-infected persons. Data from two nationally representative surveys conducted in December of 1985 (N = 2,308) and in July of 1987 (N = 2,095) provide evidence that misinformation about AIDS transmission and negative attitudes toward homosexuals are strong predictors of support for stringent restrictions of persons with AIDS. The findings also suggest that several background factors, in particular, education and political liberalism, may also play decisive roles in influencing levels of support for restricting those infected with the AIDS virus.
Finite size scaling of domain chaos.

Numerical studies of the domain chaos state in a model of rotating Rayleigh-Benard convection suggest that finite size effects may account for the discrepancy between experimentally measured values of the correlation length and the predicted divergence near onset.
Indirect Land Use Emissions in the Life Cycle of Biofuels: Regulations vs. Science

Recent legislative mandates have been enacted at state and federal levels with the purpose of reducing life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from transportation fuels. This legislation encourages the substitution of fos- sil fuels with 'low-carbon' fuels. The burden is put on regulatory agencies to determine the GHG-intensity of various fuels, and those agencies naturally look to science for guidance. Even though much progress has been made in de- termining the direct life cycle emissions from the production of biofuels, the science underpinning the estimation of potentially signifi cant emissions from indirect land use change (ILUC) is in its infancy. As legislation requires inclusion of ILUC emissions in the biofuel life cycle, regulators are in a quandary over accurate implementation. In this article, we review these circumstances and offer some suggestions for how to proceed with the science of indirect effects and regulation in the face of uncertain science. Besides investigating indirect deforestation and grassland conver- sion alone, a more comprehensive assessment of the total GHG emissions implications of substituting biofuels for petroleum needs to be completed before indirect effects can be accurately determined. This review fi nds that indi- rect emissions from livestock and military security are particularly important, and deserve further research. © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Stress inoculation training in the control of THC toxicities.

Fifty-four marijuana-naive cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and about to use THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) as an antiemetic for the first time were randomly assigned to one of two conditions: stress inoculation or placebo/information training. It was hypothesized that subjects exposed to stress inoculation training would (1) experience fewer adverse subjective effects of THC, (2) experience less stressful nausea and vomiting, and (3) be less likely to voluntarily withdraw from subsequent THC trials. None of the hypotheses was confirmed.
Clopidogrel resistance: a new chapter in a fast-moving story.

Although platelets lack nuclei and are the smallest circulating human cells, they play an integral and complex role in the process of thrombosis, both physiological and pathophysiological. Activation and aggregation of platelets play a central role in the propagation of intracoronary thrombi after (1) spontaneous atherosclerotic plaque disruption that results in myocardial ischemia or infarction in the acute coronary syndromes (ACS), or (2) the mechanical disruption that results from percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Platelets initially adhere to collagen and von Willebrand factor at the site of the disrupted plaque, resulting in an initial platelet monolayer. After activation, platelets release secondary agonists such as thromboxane A2 and adenosine diphosphate (ADP), which in combination with thrombin generated by the coagulation cascade result in stimulation and recruitment of additional platelets.1,2 With this pathophysiological background, it is not surprising that antiplatelet therapy is a cornerstone of the management of patients with ACS, especially those undergoing PCI.3–5 See p 3171 Aspirin inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) by irreversible acetylation, which prevents the production of thromboxane A2. The antithrombotic effect of aspirin results from the decreased production of this prothrombotic, vasoconstrictive substance. Aspirin is effective in the short- and long-term prevention of adverse vascular events in high-risk patient groups, including those with ACS, stroke and peripheral arterial disease.6 Aspirin also has been shown to reduce the frequency of ischemic complications after PCI.7,8 Despite the impressive and consistent effects of aspirin in reducing adverse events in a variety of ischemic heart disease states, a significant rate of such events persists, and more potent antiplatelet agents, glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors, and thienopyridines have been developed. The thienopyridines irreversibly inhibit ADP binding to the P2Y12 receptor on the platelet surface. By blocking this receptor, these agents interfere with platelet activation, degranulation, and—by inhibiting the …
Derivation of Petri net models of Ada tasking constructs involving time

Ada tasking constructs involving time are modeled by timed Petri nets. Such modeling is helpful in interpreting the (often) ambiguous semantics described in the Ada reference manual. Timed and conditional entry call models that shed light on determining implementable interpretations are presented. From a general selective wait model, it is shown how to apply Petri net reduction operations to derive other selective wait models. >
Neurotrophic corneal defects after diode laser cycloablation.

Abstract PURPOSE: To report the occurrence of neurotrophic corneal defects after ciliary body ablation with the diode laser. METHODS: Case reports. RESULT: Neurotrophic keratitis, previously associated with cyclocryotherapy, may also be associated with ciliary body ablation with a contact diode laser. CONCLUSION: Practitioners who use the diode laser for ciliary body ablation should be aware of neurotrophic keratitis as a possible complication, especially because the patient population receiving this therapy may have diabetes, chronic eye inflammation, or other conditions predisposing to compromised corneal innervation, which is necessary for epithelial integrity.
A unification of small‐ and large‐crack growth laws

A generalized model enhancement is proposed to link small- and large-crack growth laws. The enhancement is based on crack growth rate laws with crack tip plastic zone size formulations. Transition functions are used to transform small-crack plastic zone sizes and crack growth law exponents to those predicted by linear-elastic fracture mechanics. In doing so, influences on crack growth, e.g. constraint, crack aspect ratio and specimen geometry are accounted for. The applicability of the enhancement is directed toward instances where small cracks start from geometric features and grow through stress gradients to eventually become large cracks under nominal LEFM conditions. The enhancement is applied to the Wang model, and crack growth rate and fatigue lifetime predictions are made. The enhancement is shown to provide a good correlation to experimental results for Ti-6Al-4V under various maximum stresses at a stress ratio of R = 0.4.
Grinding Force Model for Low-Speed Grinding Based on Impact Principle

In the low-speed grinding process, the force generated when the wheel grinding the workpiece is the result of sliding friction, plough and cutting. While in the actual study, the cutting process has attracted extensive attention. Impact effect to the entire grinding process on the contact is ignored so that the error exists between the calculation grinding force and the measured grinding force. Basing on the shock effect to the grinding process, the paper divides the contact area into impact area and cutting area. And the model of impact load generated from single grit is built. Moreover, the grinding force theoretical calculation model and total grinding force mathematical model is also constructed by analyzing the impact load affecting on the grinding force mechanism. Finally experimental study verifies the correctness of theoretical analysis.
Elongation by RNA polymerase II on chromatin templates requires topoisomerase activity

Transcription on chromatin by RNA polymerase II (pol II) is repressed as compared with transcription on histone-free DNA. In this study, we show that human topoisomerase I (topo I) and yeast topoisomerase II (topo II), each of which relax both positive and negative superhelical tension, reverse the transcriptional repression by chromatin. In the presence of bacterial topo I, which can relax only negative superhelical tension, the transcription is repressed on chromatin templates. The data together show that the relaxation of positive superhelical tension by these enzymes was the key property required for RNA synthesis from chromatin templates. In the absence of topoisomerase, transcriptional repression on chromatin depended on RNA length. The synthesis of transcripts of 100 nt or shorter was unaffected by chromatin, but repression was apparent when the RNA transcript was 200 nt or longer. These findings suggest that transcription on chromatin templates results in the accumulation of positive superhelical tension by the elongating polymerase, which in turn inhibits further elongation in the absence of topoisomerase activity.
A New Material and Technic in the Art of Somato-Prosthesis

The search for materials to be employed in the fabrication of a somato-prosthesis dates back to the days of Pierre Fauchard (1541). In reporting this and other historical facts relative to this art, Kazanjian,' in an early work, describes the use of vulcanite rubber as a base material, the surface of which was covered with celluloid paints to match skin color. At a later date, Bulbulian2 tells of his use of latex and methyl methacrylate as materials in prosthetic reconstruction of the congenital or postoperative loss of the ear. Seeking also to replace lost anatomical parts, Heron3 and Bigelow4 used acrylic resin to advantage, while Clarke5 outlines his work with vulcanized latex in conjunction with oil-soluble dyes as coloring agents. In 1955 Ackerman6 and Fonder7 published work telling of the use of vinyl plastics and self-curing acrylic resin, respectively. While the previously reported work dealt with both resilient and hard substances to achieve their results, the research herein recorded combines the physical and chemical features of both types.
Thermally triggered purification and immobilization of elastin-OPH fusions.

A bifunctional fusion protein consisting of organophosphorus hydrolase (OPH) and elastin-like polypeptide (ELP) was synthesized for the detoxification of organophosphorus compounds. ELPs undergo a reversible phase transition upon an increase in temperature, forming hydrophobic aggregates. This thermally triggered property of phase transition allows for a simple and rapid means of purifying the fusion protein. Over 1,300-fold purification was achieved after only 2 cycles of inverse phase transition. The purified fusion protein showed identical kinetic properties as the native OPH with only a modest 10% increase in K(m) and a 5% decrease of K(cat). The ability of the ELP domain to form collapsed aggregates also improved long-term stability of the fusion enzyme. Aggregated ELP-OPH retained nearly 100% activity over a span of three weeks. In addition to facilitating purification and stability, the ELP moiety served as a hydrophobic tag for one-step immobilization of the fusion protein onto hydrophobic surfaces. The ELP-OPH was capable of rapidly degrading paraoxon while immobilized. The protein also retained ELP functionality of reversible phase transition thereby allowing for the regeneration of the treated surface. This technology offers a swift and convenient means for purification, immobilization, and regeneration of OPH onto a variety of hydrophobic surfaces by simple environmental triggers.
Performance of the NbTiN hot electron bolometer mixer with AlN buffer layer at terahertz frequency range

We present recent measurements of receiver noise temperature and intermediate frequency (IF) bandwidth in the frequency range 0.8-1.3 THz for waveguide NbTiN HEB mixers of various dimensions. These devices are fabricated from an NbTiN film deposited on crystalline quartz substrates with AlN buffer layer. The lengths of the mixer elements vary from 0.3 to 0.5 /spl mu/m and their widths vary from 3 to 10 /spl mu/m. Critical temperatures are typically at 8.5 K, and the measured normal state resistance of the devices is about 1000 ohms per square. All the device DC parameters demonstrate a high degree of uniformity. A double side band noise temperature at 0.8 THz as low as 550 K has been measured at an IF frequency of 1.8 GHz, with a conversion loss of around 14 dB. At an IF of 3 GHz, the noise temperature increases to 750 K. We have also made extensive measurements of the IF bandwidth as a function of bias voltages and currents. At the optimal low-noise operation point, a 3-dB IF bandwidth of 1.2 GHz is obtained for a wide variety of device dimensions and bath temperature.
The Politics of Industrial Change in Hollywood

Hollyworld: Space, Power, and Fantasy in the American Economy. By Aida Hozic. Cornell University Press, 2001. 256 pp., $29.95 (ISBN: 0-8014-3926-4). The film industry is relatively unexplored territory for most political scientists. Despite decades of global dominance and Hollywood's archetypal centrality in projecting images of the United States to the world, very few scholars have used the industry to understand more general political patterns. None to date have situated the film industry adequately in the politics of global cultural production. This lack of attention is surprising, given that the film industry's intersection with politics, economics, and culture creates an opportunity to illuminate the interconnections between these areas. In recent years, moreover, the industry has become a prominent and dynamic focal point in the new economy and in the process of globalization, allied with key strategic sectors that require a much better understanding. In this light, Aida Hozic's Hollyworld takes a valuable first step to explore a new frontier. This innovative, absorbing, and multilayered work is much more than a narrow sectoral analysis, a conventional historical account, or a general discussion of cultural production and state regulation. Hollyworld unites substantive and disciplinary concerns from several areas—including political economy, economic and social geography, and film studies—to examine the causes of industrial change in filmmaking and to reveal their implications for the world economy, political authority, and cultural representation as a whole. Wrestling with filmmaking's fundamental ambiguity, it considers the seventh art to be essentially similar to but unmistakably different from other industries. In so doing, it treats Hollywood as both emblematic of a range of larger concerns and influential in the construction …
Switching motor control: toward an integrated amplifier design with position feedback

In this paper we investigate the advantages and feasibility of motor control using very fast (MHz) switching in place of traditional amplifiers. We also propose an integrated motion-control architecture based on a third-order motor model to be implemented in digital logic at an equally high rate. A switching controller combines the current and position feedback paths into a single loop. A model-based observer estimates the unsensed motor velocity. When compared to second-order controllers implemented with traditional amplifiers, the proposed design promises increased performance, better efficiency, and improved velocity estimation. Advances in semiconductor technology provide the required fast switching and logic with relatively standard components. Preliminary experiments characterized nonlinearities in the motor electrical dynamics and verified good performance at frequencies up to 5 MHz.
Use of Echocardiography in Olmsted County Outpatients With Chest Pain and Normal Resting Electrocardiograms Seen at Mayo Clinic Rochester

Abstract Objective To determine how often unnecessary resting echocardiograms that are "not recommended" by clinical practice guidelines are performed in patients with stable chest pain and normal resting electrocardiograms (ECGs). Patients and Methods We performed a retrospective search of electronic medical records of all outpatients seen at Mayo Clinic Rochester from January 1, 2010, through December 31, 2013, to identify residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota, with stable chest pain and known or suspected coronary artery disease who underwent resting echocardiography and had normal resting ECGs and no other indication for echocardiography. Results Of the 8280 outpatients from Olmsted County who were evaluated at Mayo Clinic Rochester with chest pain, 590 (7.1%) had resting echocardiograms. Ninety-two of these 590 patients (15.6%) had normal resting ECGs. Thirty-three of these 92 patients (35.9%) had other indications for echocardiography. The remaining 59 patients (10.0% of all echocardiograms and 0.7% of all patients) had normal resting ECGs and no other indication for echocardiography. Fifty-seven of these 59 patients (96.6%) had normal echocardiograms. Thirteen of these 59 echocardiograms (22.0%) were "preordered" before the provider (physicians, nurses, physician assistants) visit. Conclusion The overall rate of echocardiography in Olmsted County outpatients with chest pain seen at Mayo Clinic Rochester is low. Only 1 in 10 of these echocardiograms was performed in violation of the class III recommendation in the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association guidelines for the management of stable angina. These unnecessary echocardiograms were almost always normal. The rate of unnecessary echocardiograms could be decreased by eliminating preordering.
Toll like receptor 7- and 8-dependent double-stranded DNA antibodies in a Lupus mouse model

A recognizing self RNA and dsDNA are implicated in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Anti-RNA and anti-dsDNA IgG are thought to be TLR 7/8and TLR 9-dependent, respectively. Paradoxically, recent results show TLR 9 is protective in murine models of SLE, calling into question the pathogenicity and/or the mechanism of anti-dsDNA antibody generation. We study SLE “564Igi” mice that express knocked-in immunoglobulin (Ig) heavy (H) and light (L) chain genes that encode an RNAspecific antibody. Our preliminary results indicate that aged 564Igi mice shift their antibody repertoire from anti-RNA IgG to antidsDNA IgG. Surprisingly, the production of this anti-dsDNA antibody is TLR 7/8-dependent and TLR 9-independent. Our hypothesis is that these anti-dsDNA antibodies arise via somatic hypermutation (SHM) of Ig genes in B cells that are activated via the RNA-sensing TLR 7/8 pathway yet are polyreactive to dsDNA in addition to RNA. This work defines a novel mechanism for the generation of selfreactive IgG antibodies and may explain why RNA reactivity precedes polyreactivity in SLE, as is suggested by human data.
Glucose Management in Newborns With Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy

Perinatal asphyxia is associated with decreased delivery of oxygen and glucose to the brain. The goal of resuscitation is to provide adequate substrate delivery to restore brain function. However, studies in children and adults suggest that excessive glucose supply after an episode of hypoxic-ischemia may result in further brain injury. Thus, the optimal level of glucose to provide during and after resuscitation has not been determined. In this review, we summarize the available data from animal and human studies and discuss the role of glucose in recovery from asphyxia.
Predictors of smokeless tobacco initiation in a young adult military cohort

OBJECTIVE To identify predictors of smokeless tobacco (ST) initiation among young adults. METHODS A military cohort (N=28,229) was analyzed to identify variables associated with ST initiation. RESULTS Baseline current cigarette smoking at baseline was a strong predictor for any ST use (OR 3.88; 95% CI: 3.33-4.52) and daily ST use (OR 3.01, 2.34-3.88) as was experimental ST use for any (OR 2.39, 2.09-2.73) and daily ST use (OR 2.41, 1.93-3.01). CONCLUSIONS Smoking and previous ST use are strong predictors for ST use in adults. Research is needed to characterize ST initiation and changes in smoking behavior over time.
The Analysis of Means Techniques

The theoretical basis for the Analysis of Means Technique is discussed. In addition, a simplified working procedure is outlined, step-by-step for an actual problem. The data for the problem are analyzed by the analysis of means techniques, which compares differences between means instead of population variances estimates. The data are also analyzed by the analysis of variance technique. The conclusions reached by both techniques are the same. The graphical representation of the ANOM is helpful in understanding data. The ANOM technique is usually used in conjunction with the analysis of variance, either as an initial analysis of data or to augment the analysis of variance.
Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder: Overview and Current Perspective

Rapid eye movement (REM) stage of sleep in normal circumstances is composed of vivid dream mentation associated with physiological skeletal muscle paralysis and thus, quiescence of motor activity. REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is a parasomnia characterized by disinhibition of motor control facilitating dream enactment behaviors. These nocturnal motoric behaviors due to lack of REM atonia range from benign limb movements to complex aggressive actions but are often manifested by violent, aggressive flailing, punching and kicking with vocalizations enacting action-filled hostile dreams. Polysomnographic evidence of increased electromyographic tone during REM with or without capturing clinical dream enactment together with careful history helps diagnose RBD. It is considered a prodromal feature of neurodegenerative alpha-synucleinopathies with high rate of eventual phenoconversion. The mainstay of treatment is to first ensure physical safety. When medications are necessary, options include either low-dose clonazepam, high-dose melatonin or both. Yearly surveillance with detailed neurological evaluation is vital for early detection and eventual management of neurodegenerative disorder.
NOSOCOMIAL INFECTION WITH HIGHLY RESISTANT PROTEUS RETTGERI

Over 22-1/2 months an epidemic of at least 127 cases of nosocomial infection developed from a strain of Proteus rettgeri resistant to all antibiotics commonly tested in hospital laboratories. Although there were at least four cases of septicemia and one related death, the majority of cases consisted of asymptomatic bacteriuria or clinically mild urinary tract infection. Indwelling urinary tract devices and antibiotic therapy were important predisposing factors. Data supported an association between increasing use of gentamicin and increasing rates of resistant infection. No common source was found, and contact spread appeared more likely. Control measures included efforts to reduce unnecessary exposure to the incriminated risk factors and to improve asepsis in the management of catheterized patients. An additional 36 cases and one related death were identified in the 7-1/2 months following the investigation and institution of control measures. Nosocomial infection with extremely resistant organisms may pose a serious hazard wherever indwelling urinary tract devices and antibiotics are used together intensively.
Fertility status of patients with clinical stage I testis tumors on a surveillance protocol.

AbstractA potential benefit of a surveillance protocol for the management of patients with clinical stage I testis tumors is the avoidance of ejaculatory disturbances and infertility resulting from retroperitoneal lymph node dissection, the standard treatment for patients with this stage of disease. To address this issue we evaluated 22 patients with clinical stage I testis tumors on a surveillance protocol with history, physical examination and semen analysis. Previous fertility was unknown or it had not been tested in the majority of the patients (74 per cent). Ten patients (45 per cent) had abnormal spermatogenesis on the basis of a low sperm count or sperm motility. Of 6 patients with oligospermia or azoospermia 3 had recovered normal spermatogenesis when they were re-evaluated 4 to 19 months later. Although in this group of carefully staged cases the incidence of subfertile sperm counts seems to be similar to those with higher stage disease, some patients with abnormal counts clearly recover. The avo...
Diagnostic Approach to Exercise Intolerance in Racehorses

Exercise intolerance is a common clinical problem in race track practice. Retrospective data that have been generated from multimodality treadmill examinations can provide the general practitioner with a better-directed diagnostic approach to this problem. The major body systems that are usually responsible for the exercise intolerance include the musculoskeletal, respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurologic systems. This article places emphasis on the collection of historical clinical data as well as the performance of a sound physical examination.
Heterotypic adherence between human B-lymphoblastic and pre-B-lymphoblastic cells and marrow stromal cells is a biphasic event: integrin very late antigen-4 alpha mediates only the early phase of the heterotypic adhesion.

Heterotypic adherence between marrow stromal cells (MSC) and lymphoblastic cells is essential for normal lymphopoiesis and malignant lymphoblastic development. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms by which this heterotypic adherence occurs are poorly understood. The cell-cell interactions between a B-lymphoblastic cell line (UTMB-460) and a pre-B-cell line (NALM-6) with MSC were chosen as models to investigate potential mechanisms and adhesion molecules involved in the apposition between normal and malignant lymphoblastic cells and MSC. A parallel-flow detachment assay (PFDA) and a 51Cr detachment assay, coupled with monoclonal antibody (MoAb) blocking experiments, were used to quantify the attachment of lymphoblastic cells to confluent monolayers of MSC. The apposition between MSC and B-lymphoblastic cells (UTMB-460 cells) was investigated for variable time periods, ranging from 1 minute to 4 hours. Results from the temporal study suggest that the heterotypic adherence of the B-lymphoblastic cells to MSC is a biphasic event and the interactions occur rapidly ( or = 30 minutes) proceeds despite the continuous presence of anti-VLA-4 alpha. In addition, the late-phase adherence is not affected by MoAbs to LFA-1, CD44, VCAM-1, E-selectin, or L-selectin, which suggests the possible involvement of other adhesion molecules. Adherence of pre-B-lymphoblastic cells (NALM-6) to MSC is also biphasic. Integrin VLA-4 is again a major player in the early phase of pre-B-lymphoblastic cell/MSC interactions. The early phase of adherence may be important in homing of the malignant lymphoblastic cells to the MSC and the late phase in retention of malignant lymphoblastic cells in the bone marrow.
Ethics and efficiency in persuasion

(1960). Ethics and efficiency in persuasion. The Southern Speech Journal: Vol. 26, No. 1, pp. 10-15.
Patient-Reported Offers of Alcohol Treatment for Primary Care Patients at High-Risk for an Alcohol Use Disorder.

Background: This study assessed patient-reported alcohol treatment offers by health care providers following routine annual screening for alcohol use in primary care. Methods: A telephone interview within 30 days of the annual screen assessed demographics, alcohol and other drug use, mental health symptoms, and offers of formal treatment for alcohol by a Veterans Affairs health care provider. We included male patients (n = 349) at high risk for an alcohol use disorder (AUD) who had not received alcohol treatment in the past 3 months. We assessed self-reported receipt of any offers of formal treatment for alcohol use and associations of offers of formal treatment for alcohol with demographic and clinical variables. Results: A total of 145 patients (41.5%) reported an offer of at least 1 type of formal treatment for alcohol use. More severe alcohol misuse (odds ratio, 1.07; 95% confidence interval, 1.03–1.11) and younger age (odds ratio, 0.97, 95% confidence interval, 0.95–0.99) were associated with reporting an offer of formal treatment. Conclusion: Most primary care patients at high risk for an AUD were not offered treatment following annual screening. Our results highlight the importance of training primary care providers in what constitutes appropriate medical treatment for this population and the most effective ways of offering treatment.
Sepsis-Induced Coagulation in the Baboon Lung Is Associated with Decreased Endothelial Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor.

Abstract Activation of tissue factor (TF)-dependent coagulation is an early event in the pathogenesis of sepsis, responsible for microvascular thrombosis and consequent organ injury. We hypothesized that sepsis-induced TF procoagulant activity may be paralleled by a decreased expression or function of its natural inhibitor, tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI). To test this hypothesis we used a non-human primate sepsis model in which adult baboons were infused with live E. coli at 109 CFU/kg (sublethal dose), 1010 CFU/kg (lethal dose) or saline (control group) and the animals were sacrified after 2, 8, or 24 hours. Lung tissue was snap frozen for protein and mRNA extraction or fixed and processed for light and electron microscopy. Tissue cryosections were immunostained using double/multiple fluorescence labeling approaches for TF, TFPI, factor VII/FVIIa and fibrin, in conjunction with cell markers for endothelial cells (CD31 or von Willebrand factor), leukocytes (PSGL-1), macrophages (CD68), PMN (myeloperoxidase) and platelets (gpIIb/IIIa). Large amounts of TF were detected in leukocytes, endothelial cells and platelet-rich microthrombi, starting from 2 hours and throughout the examined period. Concomitantly, confocal and electron microscopy analysis revealed increased leukocyte infiltration, platelet aggregates and fibrin deposition in the intravascular and interstitial compartments. In addition, TF induction was documented by semiquantitative RT-PCR, ELISA, western blot and factor Xa activation assays. Whereas TFPI mRNA showed only a modest increase, tissue-associated TFPI protein was found considerably decreased, especially during the first eight hours post E. coli infusion. Moreover, TFPI inhibitory activity of lung extracts from septic animals was 6–8 fold lower comparing to controls. TF activity measurements in the presence of inhibitory anti TFPI antibodies showed that only a very small fraction of endogenous TF was inhibited by tissue-associated TFPI, suggesting that most of the active TFPI available in the vascular compartment was depleted. The decrease of TFPI inhibitory potency cannot be exclusively explained by its proteolytic degradation, as we did not find significant amounts of truncated TFPI on western blots. In conclusion, our studies demonstrate that the exposure to septic and inflammatory stimuli lead to a decrease of TFPI-dependent endothelial anticoagulant potential, simultaneous with a strong TF-dependent procoagulant response. Activation of TF-dependent coagulation pathway not adequately countered by TFPI may have important roles in the pathogenesis of sepsis-associated disseminated intravascular coagulation. Strategies aimed to restore the physiological anticoagulant function of TFPI may help preventing sepsis-induced multiple organ dysfunction syndrome and death.
Understanding the Effect of Metal Centers on Charge Transport and Delocalization in Conducting Metallopolymers

A series of conducting polymers, formed from an electropolymerizable Schiff-base ligand, N,N′-((2,2′-dimethyl)propyl)bis(2-thiophenyl)salcylidenimine, and the corresponding metal complexes (i.e., Ni(II), Cu(II), V(IV)═O, Co(II), and Zn(II)) have been prepared, characterized, and studied in detail. Our successful synthesis of the ligand polymer helps to make a direct comparison between the properties of metal-free conducting polymers and the corresponding metallopolymers. This enables the role of metal centers in these Schiff-base conducting metallopolymers (CMPs) in particular, and in Wolf type III CMPs in general, to be unambiguously elucidated. Vis–NIR absorption spectroelectrochemical studies show that longer distances for charge delocalization were found in the CMPs when compared to the metal-free counterpart, an indication of the contribution of the metal centers in extending the effective conjugation length of these electroactive polymers. The systematic use of both redox-active and redox-inactive f...
SOIL DYNAMICS AND THE PRODUCTIVITY OF SPARTINA ALTERNIFLORA

Abstract The striking heterogeneity in standing stock and productivity of Spartina alterniflora has been explained in a number of ways. Elevation, interstitial salinity, tidal inundation, nitrogen availability and oxygenation of the root zone have each been suggested as the key variable. In fact, there is a great deal of interaction between them. The relationship between elevation and tidal inundation is obvious; both can influence soil salinity. Both salinity and rhizosphere oxygenation can affect nitrogen uptake. There can be a positive feedback between productivity and rhizosphere oxygenation and, conversely, a negative feedback between productivity and soil salinity. Increasing subsurface drainage in an intermediate-height S. alterniflora zone can result in increased aboveground growth and can also produce soil conditions similar to those found in the low marsh. No single soil characteristic appears to control S. alterniflora productivity; rather, a complex of factors are all affected by subsurface drainage.
Real-time R-spike detection in the cardiac waveform through independent component analysis

Electrocardiograms (EKGs) are the most common diagnosis tools used for the detection and diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases and abnormalities. In this paper, we proposed a method that uses independent component analysis (ICA) for the real-time detection of the most distinct component of the cardiac electrical signal, the R-peak. This approach will open the door to real-time analysis and decomposition of the complete cardiac signal and the online diagnosis of cardiac abnormalities. The potential benefits of such real-time implementation are far reaching, from the online diagnosis of diseases and abnormalities to its use in tracking heart functioning during the testing and development of cutting edge research and treatments, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).
La cuestión de la tierra: el despojo y la posesión en el trabajo etnográfico

The concept of dispossession has taken on new force in Colombia, across social, bureaucratic, and academic spaces. In this article, I follow Gillian Hart’s (2006) call for an engagement with dispossession that considers its disparate meanings and material facts together, in order to build concepts that help understand complexity through ethnography. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork conducted in Uraba, a site often considered to be “emblematic” of dispossession, I consider the possibilities and limits of dispossession as a conceptual tool for understanding the complexities of the conflict in the region. I suggest that complementing dispossession with other conceptual tools, such as possession, could allow for a deeper understanding of the question of land in a region like Uraba, and the construction of more lasting political outcomes.
Cross-Validated Targeted Minimum-Loss-Based Estimation

In previous chapters, we introduced targeted maximum likelihood estimation in semiparametric models, which incorporates adaptive estimation (e.g., loss-based super learning) of the relevant part of the data-generating distribution and subsequently carries out a targeted bias reduction by maximizing the log-likelihood, or minimizing another loss-specific empirical risk, over a “clever” parametric working model through the initial estimator, treating the initial estimator as offset. This updating process may need to be iterated to convergence. The target parameter of the resulting updated estimator is then evaluated, and is called the targeted minimum-loss- based estimator (also TMLE) of the target parameter of the data-generating distribution. This estimator is, by definition, a substitution estimator, and, under regularity conditions, is a double robust semiparametric efficient estimator.
Quantile Residual Life Under Competing Risks

Competing risks data are often encountered in many research areas such as medicine, engineering, and econometrics whenever one type of events precludes other types of events from being observed. For example, in cancer research, investigators might want to know a drug effect that would only affect a disease-specific endpoint, say time-to-death due to breast cancer. In this case, any death due to other causes that occurs first would preclude a breast-cancer-related death from being observed. In this chapter, we extend the results developed in Chapter 3 to both parametric and nonparametric competing risks settings.
Survival and Transport of Enteric Viruses and Bacteria in Groundwater

Abstract Microbial contamination of groundwater is responsible for large outbreaks of water-borne disease. The most important pathogens that may enter groundwater are viruses and bacteria. Environmental factors affecting their survival and migration in groundwater have only recently come under study and have proven to be highly complex. Only by understanding these factors will it be possible to control or prevent microbial contamination of groundwater.
Automatic Generation Control

Automatic generation control (AGC), is a major control function within a utility’s energy control center, whose purpose is the tracking of load variations while maintaining system frequency, net tie-line interchanges, and optimal generation levels close to scheduled (or specified) values. When several utilities are interconnected, each will perform its own AGC independently of the others. This decentralized control system has worked quite well since its introduction in the fifties, in spite of the fact that at that time, the only control theory tools available were those of classical frequency-domain, single-input single-output, systems. Thus AGC is a true predecessor of the much highlighted recent approaches of hierarchical modern control theory.
Acute hyperoxaluria, renal injury and calcium oxalate urolithiasis

AbstractSingle intraperitoneal injections of three, seven, or 10mg. of sodium oxalate per 100 gm. of rat body weight were administered to male Sprague-Dawley rats. At various times after the injection, urine samples were analyzed for oxalate, and urinary enzymes, alkaline phosphatase, leucine aminopeptidase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, and N-acetyl-s-glucosaminidase. The kidneys were processed for light microscopy and renal calcium and oxalate determination. Oxalate administration resulted in an increase in urinary oxalate and formation of calcium oxalate crystals in the kidneys. The amount and duration of urinary excretion of excess oxalate and retention of crystals in the kidneys correlated with the dose of sodium oxalate administered. At a low oxalate dose of three mg./100gm., crystals moved rapidly down the nephron and cleared the kidneys. At higher doses crystals were retained in kidneys and at a dose of 10mg./100gm.were still there seven days post-injection. Crystal retention was associated with ...
Hotspot geopolitics versus geosocial solidarity: Contending constructions of safe space for migrants in Europe:

This article examines how contending constructions of safe space for migrants reflect the geopoliticization of humanitarianism and its geosocial discontents. It contrasts geopolitical constructions...
The Politics of Quantified Relationships

“The Quantified Relationship” (Danaher, Nyholm, and Earp 2018) develops a comprehensive taxonomy of ethical problems that might emerge in so-called quantified relationships (QR), which can be under...
Maps, silence, and Standing Rock: seeking a visuality for the age of environmental crisis

In 2016, the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe founded the Sacred Stone Camp to protest Dakota Access Pipeline construction. The ensuing conflict was constructed both physically and digitally --- especially through maps. These maps made strategic inclusions and exclusions, which in turn offered differing concepts of civic, national, and historical identity. In this study, I trace some of these stories, inviting technical and professional communicators to rethink how they visualize systemic issues involving human and nonhuman ecologies. Finally, I suggest the idea of a 'folded rhetoric' to describe a strategic, ethical goal for technical communication in the age of environmental crisis.
Human factors and safe prescribing

The aim of this article is to discuss the professional issues and complex factors that can contribute to prescribing errors. It will review the need for a focus on pharmacovigilance and human facto...