cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Psychosocial rehabilitation after war trauma with adaptive disclosure: Design and rationale of a comparative efficacy trial.

Abstract Background Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from warzone exposure is associated with chronic and disabling social and occupational problems. However, functional impairment is rarely assessed or targeted directly in PTSD treatments, which instead focus on symptom reduction. Trauma-related contributors to diminished functioning, including guilt, shame, and anger resulting from morally compromising or loss-based war experiences, are also underemphasized. The goal of this clinical trial is to fill a substantial gap in the treatment of military-related PTSD by testing a modified Adaptive Disclosure (AD) therapy for war-related PTSD stemming from moral injury and traumatic loss focused on improving psychosocial functioning AD. Method and design This paper describes the rationale and design of a multi-site randomized controlled trial comparing AD to Present-Centered Therapy (PCT). We will recruit 186 veterans with PTSD, who will be assessed at baseline, post-treatment, and 3- and 6-months post-treatment. Primary outcomes are functional changes (i.e., functioning/disability and quality of life). Secondary outcomes are mental health variables (i.e., PTSD, depression, guilt, shame). We hypothesize that veterans treated with AD will experience greater improvements in all outcomes compared to those treated with PCT. Discussion This trial will advance knowledge in rehabilitation research by testing the first therapy specifically designed to address psychosocial functioning among veterans with war-related PTSD. The results may improve the quality of mental health care for veterans by offering an ecologically sound treatment for experiences that are uniquely impactful for war veterans.
Abstract 1960: Upregulation of MCP-1 regulates invasiveness in triple negative breast cancer

Background: Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) poses a critical problem for targeted therapy due to lack of significant expression of estrogen, progesterone receptor or Her2/neu oncogene. Hence, it is imperative to identify novel therapeutic strategies to target TNBC. Our study is aimed to examine whether Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein -1 (MCP-1) is a specific marker for TNBC metastasis. Experimental Design: We employed ELISA to determine secreted MCP-1 in cell conditioned media, as well as Real-time PCR to determine the status of MCP-1 in TNBC cell lines. Boyden chamber assay was used to determine the effect of recombinant MCP-1 on cellular metastasis. Cellular proliferation was measured with MTT assay. Immunofluorescence staining was utilized for protein of interest in breast cancer cells. MCP-1 knockdown was performed using lentiviral vector with shRNA targeting MCP-1 coding regions. Results: Our data show that the key inflammatory chemokine MCP-1 is upregulated in TNBC cell lines both transcriptionally as well as in terms of secretion compared to ER-positive cell line, MCF-7. MCP-1 stimulation in MDA-MB231 and MCF-7cells does not affect cellular proliferation. However, MCP-1 enhances metastatic properties of MDA-MB-231 cells along with BT-549 cells. Inhibiting Chemokine receptor 2/4 (CCR2/4), cognate receptor for MCP-1, with small molecule antagonists negatively affects invasiveness in MDA-MB-231 cells as evidenced by Boyden chamber assay. Knocking down MCP-1 by shRNA decreases cell invasion in TNBC cell line, BT-549 along with downregulation of key epithelial to mesenchymal transition markers, N-cadherin and Vimentin. MCP-1 induced cell invasion in TNBC may involve activation of p44/p42 MAPK Thr202/Tyr204. Conclusion: Our study suggests that high MCP-1 levels in TNBC is driving up metastasis potential in cells. Thus MCP-1 and its mediated pathways could be potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of TNBC. Citation Format: Pranabananda Dutta, Kimberly Paico, Inez Yuwanita, Yanyuan Wu, Marianna Sarkissyan, Jaydutt Vadgama. Upregulation of MCP-1 regulates invasiveness in triple negative breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 1960. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-1960
Longitudinal Combustion Instability in a Rocket Engine with a Single Coaxial Injector

Longitudinal combustion instability in liquid-propellant rocket engines is investigated using an in-house axisymmetric, multispecies compressible flow solver. Turbulence is treated using a hybrid R...
Teaching data science fundamentals through realistic synthetic clinical cardiovascular data

Objective: Our goal was to create a synthetic dataset and curricular materials to assist in teaching fundamentals of translational data science. Materials and Methods: A literature review was conducted to extract current cardiovascular risk score logic, data elements, and population characteristics. Then, clinical data elements in the models were pulled from clinical data and transformed to the Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership (OMOP) common data model; genetic data elements were added based on population rates. A hybrid Bayesian network was used to create synthetic data from the logical elements of the risk scores and the underlying population frequencies of the clinical data. Results: A synthetic dataset of 446,000 patients was created. A two-day curriculum was created based on this synthetic data with exploratory data analysis and machine learning components. The curriculum was offered on two separate occasions; the two groups of learners were given the curriculum and data, and results were tallied, summarized, and compared. Students9 ability to complete the challenge was mixed; more experienced students achieved a range of 70%-85% in balanced accuracy, but many others did not perform better than the baseline model. Discussion: Overall, students enjoyed the course and dataset, but some struggled to consistently apply machine learning techniques. The curriculum, data set, techniques for generation, and results are available for others to use for their own training. Conclusion: A realistic synthetic data with clinical and genetic components helps students learn issues in cardiovascular risk scoring, practice data science skills, and compete in a challenge to improve identification of risk.
Finite-volume homogenization and localization of nanoporous materials with cylindrical voids. Part 1: Theory and validation

Abstract Surface elasticity effects based on the Gurtin-Murdoch model are incorporated for the first time into a finite-volume based homogenization theory to enable analysis of materials with nanoscale cylindrical voids of circular and ellipsoidal cross-section in periodic arrays. In a departure from the previously employed enforcement of traction and displacement continuity conditions in a surface-average sense applied locally to each subvolume of the unit cell, the Young-Laplace equilibrium equations are implemented using a central-difference approach involving adjacent subvolumes, an approach both new to the finite-volume theory as well as necessary. In Part 1, the new computational capability is validated by published results on homogenized moduli, stress concentrations and full-field stress distributions in nanoporous aluminum obtained using elasticity-based and numerical approaches. Notably, numerical problems associated with singular-like stresses and associated instabilities experienced in finite-element solutions (as well as the elasticity solution of an elliptical void in an infinite matrix) are not as pronounced in the proposed approach, enabling determination of surface and full-field stresses in a wider range of pore radii. New results are generated in Part 2 aimed at demonstrating the effects of nanopore array type and aspect ratio of elliptical voids on homogenized moduli and local stress fields in a wide range of porosity volume fractions and radii. These results highlight the importance of adjacent pore interactions neglected in the classical micromechanics models , that remains to be quantified by numerical homogenization techniques.
Skp2-dependent reactivation of AKT drives resistance to PI3K inhibitors

The PI3K-AKT kinase signaling pathway is frequently deregulated in human cancers, particularly breast cancer, where amplification and somatic mutations of PIK3CA occur with high frequency in patients. Numerous small-molecule inhibitors targeting both PI3K and AKT are under clinical evaluation, but dose-limiting toxicities and the emergence of resistance limit therapeutic efficacy. Various resistance mechanisms to PI3K inhibitors have been identified, including de novo mutations, feedback activation of AKT, or cross-talk pathways. We found a previously unknown resistance mechanism to PI3K pathway inhibition that results in AKT rebound activation. In a subset of triple-negative breast cancer cell lines, treatment with a PI3K inhibitor or depletion of PIK3CA expression ultimately promoted AKT reactivation in a manner dependent on the E3 ubiquitin ligase Skp2, the kinases IGF-1R (insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor) and PDK-1 (phosphoinositide-dependent kinase-1), and the cell growth and metabolism-regulating complex mTORC2 (mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 2), but was independent of PI3K activity or PIP3 production. Resistance to PI3K inhibitors correlated with the increased abundance of Skp2, ubiquitylation of AKT, cell proliferation in culture, and xenograft tumor growth in mice. These findings reveal a ubiquitin signaling feedback mechanism by which PI3K inhibitor resistance may emerge in aggressive breast cancer cells.
Pulse Response of an Ultracompact Grating-Based Monolithic Optical Compressor

The pulse response of a novel monolithic optical compressor is computationally simulated using the finite-difference time-domain method of electromagnetism. This compact and robust compressor can be made from a solid block of fused silica with all necessary optical components integrated into it. A beam folding mechanism implemented through use of integral Bragg reflectors serves to further reduce the volume of the device. The monolithic compressor is shown to successfully compress dispersion precompensated 0.6-ps Gaussian input pulses to output pulses with a duration of 25 fs.
DIGITAL HARDWARE VERIFICATION METHODS

The ultimate goal of system-on-chip (SoC) verification is to obtain the highest possible level of confidence in the correctness of a design. But the complexity of SoCs is growing exponentially, even as the market is pressuring design cycle times to decrease. The dual challenges of increasing complexity and decreasing time are creating an urgent need for the application of advanced verification methods. With this in mind, we present a technique for identifying both existing and unexplored applications of digital hardware verification methods. The technique is patterned after the periodic table of chemical elements and is applicable to verification of other types of hardware and software as well. Our periodic table indicates which methods are the most broadly applicable and hence the most worthwhile to learn. The table also suggests which applications have potential for research.
The Sudden Development of Multi-Organ Lesions in a Patient With Pulmonary Sarcoidosis: A Case Report.

Introduction. Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous inflammatory disease that can involve almost any organ system in the human body. It most frequently presents with pulmonary infiltrates, hilar ...
The Limited Usefulness of Ultrasound Surveillance after Radical and Partial Nephrectomy for Renal Cell Carcinoma

AbstractIntroduction:We determined the usefulness of ultrasound compared to cross-sectional imaging in the detection of intra-abdominal recurrences after radical or partial nephrectomy for localize...
Electronic chest tube drainage devices and low suction following video-assisted thoracoscopic pulmonary lobectomy

In an effort to improve patient outcomes and shorten hospital length of stay for patients undergoing pulmonary lobectomy, clinicians have focused on standardizing the postoperative management of chest tubes.
Failure Rates and Failure Reduction Efforts in the U.S. National Deep Submergence Facility’s Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Sentry

The Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) Sentry is a part of the U.S. National Deep Submergence Facility (NDSF) and is deployed on scientific missions 120 – 200 days per year. Here we present a detailed analysis of failures, failure tracking methods, and failure reduction techniques as used within the Sentry program between 2009 and 2016. We have tabulated data from more than 400 dives conducted on dozens of expeditions with a wide variety of mission objectives that are used to describe a detailed picture of failures, failure rates, and initiatives to address failures. We begin by discussing the nature of Sentry and the missions it is tasked with. We then define metrics for failures and reliability. AUVs are complex systems often comprising both the vehicle and tens of sensors and ancillary systems. Because the vehicle is expected to deliver data for scientific users, we adopt a mission focused view of failure. After defining metrics, we discuss overall reliability rates and the breakdown of when failures occur relative to cruises, overhauls, and major vehicle changes. We present failure pareto charts and discuss the changes in major failure modes as the system has matured.
Overexpression of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator partially rescues fetoplacental angiogenesis in severe fetal growth restriction.

Pregnancies complicated by severe fetal growth restriction with a bnormal umbilical artery D oppler v elocimetry (FGRadv) are at substantial risk for adverse perinatal and long-term outcomes. Impaired angiogenesis of the placental vasculature in these pregnancies results in a sparse, poorly branched vascular tree, which structurally contributes to the abnormally elevated fetoplacental vascular resistance that is clinically manifested by absent or reversed umbilical artery Doppler indices. Previous studies have shown that aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator (ARNT) is a key mediator of proper placental angiogenesis, and within placental endothelial cells (ECs) from human FGRadv pregnancies, low expression of ARNT leads to decreased vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) expression and deficient tube formation. Thus, the aim of the present study was to determine the effect of VEGFA administration or ARNT overexpression on angiogenic potential of FGRadv ECs. ECs were isolated and cultured from FGRadv or gestational age-matched control placentas and subjected to either vehicle vs VEGFA treatment or transduction with adenoviral-CMV (ad-CMV) vs adenoviral-ARNT (ad-ARNT) constructs. They were then assessed via wound scratch and tube formation assays. We found that VEGFA administration nominally improved FGRadv EC migration (P<0.01) and tube formation (P<0.05). ARNT overexpression led to significantly enhanced ARNT expression in FGRadv ECs (P<0.01), to a level similar to control ECs. Despite this, FGRadv EC migration (P<0.05) and tube formation (P<0.05) were still only partially rescued. This suggests that although ARNT does play a role in fetoplacental EC migration, other factors in addition to ARNT are likely also important in placental angiogenesis.
Improving delivery performance for gamma distributed delivery time

This paper investigates strategies for improving delivery performance to the end customer in a two-stage supply chain. A cost-based analytical model is used to evaluate how the expected penalty cost resulting from early and late delivery can be reduced. The effects of the width of the delivery window and the shape and scale parameters of the gamma distributed delivery time distribution on the expected penalty cost are explored. The model can guide practitioners who are attempting to cost-justify a program to improve delivery performance. It can also be used to estimate cost reduction over several deliveries and compare cost savings with required investments into delivery performance improvement. The model overcomes the limitations of previous delivery improvement studies which did not used an optimally positioned delivery window and were limited to symmetric delivery time distributions.
THE ROLE OF HETEROPLASMY IN THE DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF MATERNALLY INHERITED DIABETES AND DEAFNESS.

ABSTRACT Objective: Maternally inherited diabetes and deafness (MIDD) is a rare diabetic syndrome mainly caused by a point mutation in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), mt3243 adenine to guanine (A>G). The objective of this paper is to review the genetic inheritance, clinical manifestations, and treatment of patients with MIDD. Methods: The current review used a literature search of scientific papers on this rare syndrome. Results: mtDNA is primarily inherited through the maternal oocyte; therefore, the genetic abnormalities in MIDD are associated with maternal inheritance. Mitochondria contain circular mtDNA, which codes for various mitochondrial genes. The mtDNA can be heteroplasmic, containing more than one type of mtDNA sequence; if one of the mtDNAs contains the mt3243 A>G mutation, a patient may develop MIDD. Patients can inherit different amounts of mutated mtDNA and normal mtDNA that affect the severity of the clinical manifestations of MIDD. The most common clinical manifestations include diabetes mellitus, deafness, ophthalmic disease, cardiac disease, renal disease, gastrointestinal disease, short stature, and myopathies. In order to effectively treat patients with MIDD, it is important to recognize the underlying pathophysiology of this specific form of diabetes and the pathophysiology associated with the organ-specific complications present in this disease. Conclusion: The heteroplasmic inheritance of mutated mtDNA plays an important role in the clinical manifestations of various mitochondrial diseases, specifically MIDD. This review will alert endocrinologists of the signs and symptoms of MIDD and important clinical considerations when managing this disease. Abbreviations: ATP = adenosine triphosphate; CoQ10 = coenzyme Q10; MELAS = mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke; MIDD = maternally inherited diabetes and deafness; mtDNA = mitochondrial DNA; tRNA = transfer ribonucleic acid; ROS = reactive oxygen species; T2DM = type 2 diabetes mellitus
Conditions for combining gene therapy with bone marrow transplantation in murine Krabbe disease

Introduction: Krabbe disease (KD) is an autosomal recessive lysosomal disorder caused by mutations in the galactocerebrosidase (GALC) gene. This results in defective myelination in the peripheral and central nervous systems due to low GALC activity. Treatment at this time is limited to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in pre-symptomatic individuals. While this treatment extends the lives of treated individuals, most have difficulty walking by the end of the first decade due to peripheral neuropathy. Studies in the murine model of KD, twitcher (twi) combining bone marrow transplantation (BMT) with AAVrh10-mGALC showed a great extension of life from 40 days to about 400 days, with some living a full life time. Methods: In order to find the optimum conditions for dosing and timing of this combined treatment, twi mice were injected with five doses of AAVrh10-mGALC at different times after BMT. Survival, as well as GALC expression were monitored along with studies of sciatic nerve myelination and possible liver pathology. Results: Dosing had a pronounced effect on survival and measured GALC activity. There was window of time after BMT to inject the viral vector and see similar results, however delaying both the BMT and the viral injection shortened the lifespans of the treated mice. Lowering the viral dose too much decreased the correction of the sciatic nerve myelination. There was no evidence for hepatic neoplasia. Conclusion: These studies provide the conditions optimum for successfully treating the murine model of KD. There is some flexibility in dosing and timing to obtain a satisfactory outcome. These studies are critical to the planning of a human trial combining the "standard of care", HSCT, with a single iv injection of AAVrh10-GALC.
Chapter 19 – Disorders of Sex Development

Disorders of sex development (DSD) are rare disorders occurring when there is a discordance between chromosomal, gonadal, or phenotypic sex. These occur in the presence of genetic mutations that affect one of the two major processes in sex development: sex determination or sex differentiation. In sex determination, the bipotential gonad is genetically programmed based on the sex chromosome complement to become either a testis or ovary. Sex differentiation occurs in the presence of a formed testis or ovary, and is dependent upon the ability of the gonad to produce hormonal factors and/or the presence of the appropriate receptors in extragonadal tissues.
Functional Impacts of Aminoglycoside Treatment on Speech Perception and Extended High-Frequency Hearing Loss in a Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis Cohort

Purpose The purpose of this study is to better understand the prevalence of ototoxicity-related hearing loss and its functional impact on communication in a pediatric and young adult cohort with cystic fibrosis (CF) and individuals without CF (controls). Method We did an observational, cross-sectional investigation of hearing function in children, teens, and young adults with CF (n = 57, M = 15.0 years) who received intravenous aminoglycoside antibiotics and age- and gender-matched controls (n = 61, M = 14.6 years). Participants completed standard and extended high-frequency audiometry, middle ear measures, speech perception tests, and a hearing and balance questionnaire. Results Individuals with CF were 3-4 times more likely to report issues with hearing, balance, and tinnitus and performed significantly poorer on speech perception tasks compared to controls. A higher prevalence of hearing loss was observed in individuals with CF (57%) compared to controls (37%). CF and control groups had similar proportions of slight and mild hearing losses; however, individuals with CF were 7.6 times more likely to have moderate and greater degrees of hearing loss. Older participants displayed higher average extended high-frequency thresholds, with no effect of age on average standard frequency thresholds. Although middle ear dysfunction has not previously been reported to be more prevalent in CF, this study showed that 16% had conductive or mixed hearing loss and higher rates of previous otitis media and pressure equalization tube surgeries compared to controls. Conclusions Individuals with CF have a higher prevalence of conductive, mixed, and sensorineural hearing loss; poorer speech-in-noise performance; and higher rates of multiple symptoms associated with otologic disorders (tinnitus, hearing difficulty, dizziness, imbalance, and otitis media) compared to controls. Accordingly, children with CF should be asked about these symptoms and receive baseline hearing assessment(s) prior to treatment with potentially ototoxic medications and at regular intervals thereafter in order to provide otologic and audiologic treatment for hearing- and ear-related problems to improve communication functioning.
Use of Geographic Information Systems to Explore Associations between Neighborhood Attributes and Mental Health Outcomes in Adults: A Systematic Review.

Background: Neighborhood attributes are increasingly recognized as factors shaping mental health in adults. Geographic information systems (GIS) offer an innovative approach for quantifying neighborhood attributes and studying their influence on mental health outcomes. Our aim was to describe GIS applications used in neighborhood-related mental health research and how neighborhood attributes are related to depressive symptoms or psychological distress in community-residing adults. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of studies published in English that included GIS techniques and a validated questionnaire of depressive symptoms or psychological distress. Medline, PsycInfo, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, GEOBASE, and Compedex were searched to June 2020. Study quality was assessed by a modification of the Joanna Briggs Institute’s Checklist for Analytical Cross-sectional Studies. Results: Thirty-two studies met the inclusion criteria. Studies varied in definitions of neighborhood and GIS-derived measurements of neighborhood attributes. Neighborhood attributes were significantly associated with mental health outcomes, although findings were not consistent. Moderating factors (e.g., gender, living conditions) significantly influenced depressive symptoms or psychological distress. Conclusion: Neighborhood attributes are important factors influencing mental health in adults. Consensus may be needed on how to standardize the neighborhood unit or GIS-derived measures of neighborhoods in order to explain depression or psychological distress in diverse adult populations.
The Effect of the Student Success Skills Small Group Intervention on Factors Associated with Dropout Potential

The focus of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the Student Success Skills group counseling (SSSGC) intervention with grade 9 students identified as at risk to dropout. This study analy...
Technology transfer in the space sector: an international perspective.

The following articles represent extremely interesting examples of how four different nations1 have attempted to augment the returns on their investments in space missions through government programs to encourage commercial uses of advanced technologies. Each entity’s approach to the problem recognizes the vast potential of space technology and each approach clearly reflects the way the space sector developed in that nation and the unique cultural, economic, and social situation within. The article on the European space sector is the most comprehensive, tracking the results of studies on technology transfer since the late 1970’s and summarizing more recent trends as the European space programs have evolved from infant industries into fully mature and capable space enterprises. The Canadian article emphasizes the perspective of a relatively small nation (in terms of gross domestic product) with a space program fine-tuned to a very selective set of technologies, industries, and capabilities. These reflect both the industrial expertise of Canada as well as the practical needs of a nation with a sparsely populated large land mass. The Russian article emphasizes the dramatic changes resulting from the collapse of the enormously well funded and successful Soviet space program. Russia today, with a vast portfolio of human and physical space capital, is trying to develop a technology transfer program under conditions of market insecurity, insufficient funding, and the lack of a welldeveloped legal and market-oriented economic
An evolution of experts: MEDLINE in the library school.

Question: What is the real value that medical librarians bring to the health care environment? How have library science educators, frequently former practitioners themselves, responded to the challenge of expert searching? Methods: In this paper, I give an historical introduction to the landscape of medical information retrieval through the development of MEDLINE. I then look at the evolution of training in online searching and its place in the context of library school education and particularly the effect of generalist education on future specialists. Finally, I acknowledge the new role of the informationist as another assertion of our professional expertise. Conclusions: The three interdependent subsystems of our professional machine-our schools, our association, and our professional peers-must all respond to this challenge by asserting our expertise in our curricula, in our continuing education, and in our dialogues with each other. Only by acknowledging the interaction of these subsystems will real and positive changes be effected to benefit our profession and our constituencies.
COLD-SAT orbital experiment configured for Atlas launch

A study was done of the feasibility of conducting liquid hydrogen orbital storage, acquisition, and transfer experiments aboard a spacecraft launched by a commercial Atlas launch vehicle. Such experiments are needed to acquire engineering data, correlate analytical models, and demonstrate enabling technologies for a new generation of cryogenic space transportation missions. The various experiments are grouped into either high-priority Class I or lower priority Class II categories, and will require between six to twelve months of orbital operations to complete. Three hydrogen tanks are mated to a spacecraft bus that is similar to that used for three-axis-controlled satellites. The bus provides power, communications, and attitude control along with acceleration levels ranging from 10−6 to 10−4 g. At launch all the liquid hydrogen is contained in the largest tank, which has an insulation system designed for both space operation and the short-term launch pad and ascent environment. This tank is much lighter and lower in cost than a vacuum-jacketed design, and is made possible by the experiment tanking options available due to the hydrogen-fueled Centaur upper stage of the Atlas I.
A growth factor for animal cells derived from peptone: II. Effect of the growth factor on cellular metabolism☆

Abstract The effect of the growth factor from peptone on cellular metabolism was studied. Four hours after addition of the growth factor to cells that had been maintained in minimum medium for 48 h there was a wave of cell division resulting in a 50% increase in cell numbers. During this 4 h interval there was no stimulation in DNA, RNA and protein synthesis, and the cellular protein content remained unchanged; however, gel electrophoretic analyses of cell constituents demonstrated that certain species of nucleus-associated proteins were selectively synthesized in this period. In view of the rapid increase in cell numbers without a relative increase in the rate of DNA, RNA and protein synthesis or protein content after addition of the growth factor compared to cells in minimum medium, it would appear that cells in the minimum medium were blocked at the end of G2 just prior to mitosis resulting in the delay of cell division. The selective synthesis of certain species of nucleus-associated proteins soon after the addition of growth factor suggested that one or more of these proteins might be involved in stimulating the cells to enter mitosis. In the absence of the growth factor the synthesis of these proteins may be delayed or partially inhibited resulting in an elongated or blocked G2. Within 1 h after addition of growth factor cells became more fibroblastic-like and these morphological changes suggest that the factor may act at the cell surface inducing the changes that led to cell division.
The Role of Spirochetes in Periodontal Disease

The spirochetal accumulation in subgingival plaque appears to be a function of the clinical severity of periodontal disease. It is not known how many different spirochetal species colonize the plaque, but based upon size alone, there are small, intermediate-sized, and large spirochetes. Four species of small spirochetes are cultivable, and of these, T. denticola has been shown to possess proteolytic and keratinolytic enzymes as well as factors or mechanisms which suppress lymphocyte blastogenesis and inhibit fibroblast and polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMNL) function. All of these attributes could contribute to periodontal tissue insult. Yet independent of these potential virulence mechanisms, the overgrowth of spirochetes can be clinically useful if simply interpreted as indicating the result of tissue damage. In this case, the spirochetes would be indicators of disease and could be easily monitored by microscopic examination of plaque, or possibly by the measurement of benzoyl-DL-arginine-2-naphthylamide...
Investigation of the deficiencies of parallel manipulators in singular configurations through the Jacobian nullspace

It is well known that parallel manipulators may encounter singular configurations that can result in a loss of full constraint. The nature of the kinematic deficiency at such a singular configuration can be analyzed by calculating the nullspace of the Jacobian matrix at that configuration. The result is a set of one or more screws, called the EE deficiency twists, representing the unconstrained instantaneous motion of the end-effector that cannot be controlled through the actuators. This article discusses the importance of the EE deficiency twists: 1) to identify singular configurations whose unconstrained motion leads directly into a new singular configuration; and 2) for the synthesis of redundant actuation in order to eliminate singular configurations.
Synthesis of polymer organogelators using hydrogen bonding as physical cross-links

The synthesis of a monomer containing fourfold hydrogen bonding groups 2-(((6-(6-methyl-4[1H]pyrimidionylureido)hexyl)carbamoyl)oxy)ethyl methacrylate (UPyEMA) and its copolymerization with either n-butyl acrylate, tert-butyl acrylate, or styrene using reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization is reported. The copolymers possessed high molecular weight and narrow molecular weight distributions and formed stable organogels in both chloroform and 1,2-dichlorobezene. Critical gelation concentrations were determined and the rheology of the organogels characterized. A novel monomer containing pyrene was prepared, and its polymerization under RAFT control was demonstrated. The pyrene-containing monomer was copolymerized with the polymer organogelators forming fluorescent organogels. It is proposed that these gels are suitable for two-photon upconversion applications.
Validation of a Fruit, Juice, and Vegetable Availability Questionnaire

Abstract Objective To assess the validity of a self-reported fruit, juice, and vegetable home availability measure. Design Cross-sectional. Setting In-home interviews. Participants Forty-eight parents of fourth to sixth grade children. Main Outcome Measures Scales assessing self-reported home availability of fruit, 100% fruit juice, and vegetables over the past 7 days compared with an observed home inventory conducted on the interview day. Analyses Cohen's kappa of agreement, specificity and sensitivity, and correlations, with significance level Results There was substantial agreement between self-reported and observed home inventories of many fruit, 100% fruit juice, and vegetables among participating families in this study. Conclusions and Implications Self-reported shelf inventories can be an effective tool for use in assessing the availability of fruit, juice, and vegetables in the home.
Oseen flow past a semi-infinite flat plate and a force singularity

Fur die stationare Oseen-Stromung langs einer halb-unendlichen ebenen Platte unter Einfluss einer an einem beliebigen Punkte angreifenden und in einer beliebigen Richtung wirkenden Kraft-Singularitat wird eine analytische Losung angegeben. Es wird gezeigt, dass dieses Problem sich auf zwei unabhangige Integralgleichungen zuruckfuhren lasst. Die Losung einer dieser Gleichungen ist schon bekannt, wahrend die Auflosung der anderen, bis jetzt noch ungelosten, Gleichung in diesem Aufsatz entwickelt wird. Es wird angenommen, dass durch eine Kraft-Singularitat von endlicher Grosse an der Platte ein Auftrib von endlicher Grosse hervorgerufen wird. Diese Annahme garantiert die Eindeutigkeit der Losung des Problems.
The effect of the delay phenomenon on the vascularity of rabbit rectus abdominis muscles

The transverse rectus abdominis muscle (TRAM) flap has become the "gold standard" for autogenous breast tissue reconstruction. Complications are reported in 10 to 40 percent of patients undergoing this procedure, and many are related to soft-tissue necrosis secondary to ischemia. Various methods have been proposed to improve TRAM flap survival, including surgical delay of the flap. The beneficial effects of the delay phenomenon have been well established in laboratory studies and clinical evaluations. Many investigators agree that the delay phenomenon will enhance arterial inflow and venous outflow from the TRAM flap. No study has quantified the changes seen in the rectus abdominis muscle following a delay procedure. In this prospective, controlled, and blinded experiment, we evaluate the effect of a unilateral superficial inferior epigastric and deep inferior epigastric artery and vein ligation on the vascularity of the rectus abdominis muscles in rabbits. Thirty-eight rabbits underwent a left superficial inferior epigastric and deep inferior epigastric pedicle ligation as a delay procedure. The rectus abdominis muscle vasculature was then evaluated by lead oxide microangiography at 0, 5, 10, 15, 21, and 27 days following the delay procedure. Magnification (x 2) was used to count the number of vessels at the periphery of the deep inferior epigastric artery angiosomes in the microangiograms. An increase in the number of vessels from day 0 to day 27 was seen on both the ligated and nonligated sides in all the following: the number of large (> 0.5 mm) "choke" vessels and total number of vessels (all sizes) crossing the abdominal wall midline and the total number of vessels (all sizes) at the medial, superior, and lateral aspects of the right and left deep inferior epigastric artery angiosomes. A statistically significant increase in these vessels was not seen until day 21. The effect of the delay phenomenon was significantly greater on the ligated side compared with the nonligated side. The areas of the rectus abdominis muscles that were relatively more ischemic following left deep inferior epigastric pedicle ligation (medial aspect of the left deep inferior epigastric artery angiosome) showed greater increases in vascularity with the delay procedure than did areas of lesser ischemia (lateral aspect of the right deep inferior epigastric artery angiosome).
A Framework for Analyzing Service Operations

Abstract Gabriel Bitran and Maureen Lojo develop a framework for analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of firms engaged in providing services, synthesizing and building on the literature addressing service operations. First, they summarize the distinguishing characteristics of service products, as compared to manufactured goods. They then partition the context in which firms operate into three segments. The external environment encompasses product definition and differentiation, as well as competitive forces. The internal environment concerns issues similar to those in traditional management of manufacturing operations. The customer interface is the most critical segment, representing the service firm's ‘moment of truth.’ They discuss each environment in turn in the first part of a two-part article.
Determination of the presence of morphine in urine.

Four different analytical approaches were used in an attempt to detect and confirm the presence of morphine in urine specimens. Urine from 90 patients undergoing medical treatment for heroin addiction and 9 urine controls were screened for morphine (and other drugs) by thin-layer chromatography (TLC). Each specimen was then examined for the presence of morphine by gas-liquid chromatography (GLC), spectrophotofluorometry (SPF), and radioimmunoassay (RIA). Sixty-five (66%) of the specimens assayed by TLC were confirmed positive or negative by all of the other methods. Eight specimens (8%) gave negative results by TLC, GLC and SPF; however, positive values were obtained by RIA. Twenty-five samples (25% of the total) yielded questionable results by TLC. Nearly all of these (23) were positive for morphine by RIA. However, only 7 by SPF and 11 by GLC gave positive results for morphine.
A 59 Amino Acid Insertion Increases Ca2+ Sensitivity of rbslo1, a Ca2+-Activated K+ Channel in Renal Epithelia

We previously cloned a MaxiK channel α-subunit isoform, rbslo1, from rabbit kidney with an amino acid sequence highly homologous to mslo but with a 59 amino acid insertion between S8 and S9 (Morita et al., 1997. Am. J. Physiol. 273:F615–F624). rbslo1 activation properties differed substantially from mslo with much greater Ca2+ sensitivity, half-activation potential of −49 mV in 1 μm Ca2+. We now report single-channel analysis of rbslo1 and delA, a construct produced by removal of the 59 amino acid insertion at site A. delA is identical to mslo from upstream of S1 to downstream of S10 with the exception of 8 amino acids. Slope of the steady-state Boltzmann voltage activation curve was 8.1 mV per e-fold change in probability of opening for both rbslo1 and delA. The apparent [Ca2+] i properties in delA were more like mslo but the voltage-activation properties remained distinctly rbslo1. Ca2+ affinity decreased and transmembrane voltage effects on apparent Ca2+ affinity increased in delA. The differences between rbslo1 and other cloned channels appear to be localized at insertion site A with both the insertion sequence and amino acid substitutions near site A being important. The steeper activation slope makes the channel more responsive to small changes in transmembrane voltage while the insertion sequence makes the channel functional at physiological low levels of [Ca2+] i .
Improvements to the relational fuzzy c-means clustering algorithm

Abstract Relational fuzzy c-means (RFCM) is an algorithm for clustering objects represented in a pairwise dissimilarity values in a dissimilarity data matrix D. RFCM is dual to the fuzzy c-means (FCM) object data algorithm when D is a Euclidean matrix. When D is not Euclidean, RFCM can fail to execute if it encounters negative relational distances. To overcome this problem we can Euclideanize the relation D prior to clustering. There are different ways to Euclideanize D such as the β-spread transformation. In this article we compare five methods for Euclideanizing D to D ˜ . The quality of D ˜ for our purpose is judged by the ability of RFCM to discover the apparent cluster structure of the objects underlying the data matrix D. The subdominant ultrametric transformation is a clear winner, producing much better partitions of D ˜ than the other four methods. This leads to a new algorithm which we call the improved RFCM (iRFCM).
Synthesis and Structure Determination of a New Au20 Nanocluster Protected by Tripodal Tetraphosphine Ligands

We report the synthesis and structure determination of a new Au20 nanocluster coordinated by four tripodal tetraphosphine (PP3) ligands {PP3 = tris[2-(diphenylphosphino)ethyl]phosphine}. Single-crystal X-ray crystallography and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry show that the cluster assembly can be formulated as [Au20(PP3)4]Cl4. The Au20 cluster consists of an icosahedral Au13 core and a seven-Au-atom partial outer shell arranged in a local C3 symmetry. One PP3 ligand coordinates to four Au atoms in the outer shell, while the other three PP3 ligands coordinate to one Au atom from the outer shell and three Au atoms from the surface of the Au13 core, giving rise to an overall chiral 16-electron Au cluster core with C3 symmetry.
Medicare hospice care in US nursing homes: a 2006 update.

Introduction: This research examines 2006 population-based data on persons who died in US nursing homes (NHs) and received hospice in the NH.Methods: We compared dying persons characteristics and lengths of hospice stay in five US states between 1992 and 1996 and in 2006. We also compared characteristics of dying persons in 2006 by whether they first entered hospice in the community (i.e. ‘community-NH’, N = 12,950) or the NH (i.e. ‘NH-only’, N = 159,065).Results: In five US states, dying persons who received NH hospice in 2006, compared to 1992–1996, were older, had more short hospice stays (≤7 days), and were less frequently diagnosed with cancer. Also, in 2006, dying persons receiving ‘NH-only’ versus ‘community-NH’ hospice were older, had more short stays, and were less frequently diagnosed with cancer.Discussion: Persons in 2006 who received hospice in the community and in the NH (vs. ‘NH-only’) were strikingly similar to hospice participants in 1992–1996. 2006 ‘NH-only’ vs. ‘community-NH’ dying pers...
Secretory Phospholipase A2 Activity Is Required for Permeability Barrier Homeostasis

The extracellular bilayers which mediate the epidermal permeability barrier are enriched in ceramides, free fatty acids, and cholesterol. Yet, the epidermal lamellar body, the source of these lipids, is enriched in a more polar mixture; i.e., glucosylceramides and phospholipids, which it delivers to the stratum corneum (SC) interstices. Whereas the extracellular processing of glucosylceramides to ceramides has been shown to be required for barrier homeostasis, the requirement for phospholipid degradation to free fatty acids is not yet established. In this study, we ascertained that topical applications of two chemically unrelated inhibitors of secretory phospholipase A2 (PLA2), bromphenacyl bromide and MJ-33, produced a progressive perturbation in barrier function in intact murine skin, first appearing at 5 d, preceded by the development of epidermal hyperplasia. Moreover, the defect in barrier homeostasis could be reversed by topical co-applications of the nonessential fatty acid, and of palmitic acid, but not by linoleic acid, both products of phospholipid catabolism. Furthermore, the barrier abnormality was accompanied by a reduction in free fatty acid levels in the stratum corneum, while phospholipid levels remained unchanged. These biochemical alterations were accompanied by the appearance of immature, incompletely processed lamellar body-derived membranes in the SC interstices, and depletion of histochemically detectable neutral lipid. Both the abnormalities and the epidermal hyperplasia were reversed by co-applications of palmitic acid (but not linoleic acid) with either inhibitor. These results demonstrate that processing of phospholipids to nonessential free fatty acids, by a yet-to-be-identified extracellular phospholipase, is required for the maintenance of barrier homeostasis in intact skin. Furthermore, our studies show that the barrier abnormalities induced by the PLA2 inhibitors are due to a failure to generate free fatty acids rather than to phospholipid accumulation.
Examining the historical and present energy metabolism of a Rust Belt City: Syracuse, NY 1840–2005

Early cities depended on local, solar-based energy resources for their metabolism. Over time, cities have become increasingly dependent on fossil fuels, both directly and indirectly, as they facilitate exploitation of solar resources from much farther away. Alternatives to fossil fuels, typically generated locally, often provide lower surplus energy to society. As cities consider the transition back to solar-based energy resources, it becomes necessary to understand the capability of the solar-based economy to provide e.g. energy (including food) from nearby lands. To do so, we compared the energy metabolism (respiration) of a typical rust-belt city, Syracuse, NY, with the net primary production in the surrounding county (production) over its development (1840–2005). We calculated the ratio of respiration to production (R:P) and examined how this ratio changed during the periods of industrialization, shifts in major fuel types, and deindustrialization. We found that from 1840 to 1950 respiration became increasingly centralized in the urban core; since then it has become more diffused. Urban respiration exceeded production in the county by 9:1 in 1930, and it remains just under 2:1 today. Respiration reached an absolute (67 PJ) and a per capita (339 GJ) maximum in 1970, then fell by 40 % and 20 % respectively, due to deindustrialization and population losses. Conversely, production increased 480 % from its lows in 1930 because of reforestation and improved agricultural yields. What this means is that to achieve a higher P:R ratio requires either increased production of food and fuels in areas surrounding the city, or decreased per capita energy consumption.