cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Psychotropic Medication Experiences of Incarcerated Women: A Qualitative Inquiry into Conundrums of Access and Identity

The study examines narrative data from in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 25 women in a medium security prison with the hope of deepening the knowledge base related to women’s beliefs about ...
Analysis of Multiplexed Nanosensor Arrays Based on Near-Infrared Fluorescent Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

The high-throughput, label-free detection of biomolecules remains an important challenge in analytical chemistry with the potential of nanosensors to significantly increase the ability to multiplex such assays. In this work, we develop an optical sensor array, printable from a single-walled carbon nanotube/chitosan ink and functionalized to enable a divalent ion-based proximity quenching mechanism for transducing binding between a capture protein or an antibody with the target analyte. Arrays of 5 × 6, 200 μm near-infrared (nIR) spots at a density of ≈300 spots/cm2 are conjugated with immunoglobulin-binding proteins (proteins A, G, and L) for the detection of human IgG, mouse IgM, rat IgG2a, and human IgD. Binding kinetics are measured in a parallel, multiplexed fashion from each sensor spot using a custom laser scanning imaging configuration with an nIR photomultiplier tube detector. These arrays are used to examine cross-reactivity, competitive and nonspecific binding of analyte mixtures. We find that p...
Student Attitudes and Approaches to Online Homework

Over the past two decades there has been increasing movement toward the use of computers and the internet in conjunction with many courses across the educational spectrum. In addition to having consequences for course delivery, both inside and outside of the classroom, this movement has had an impact on the coursework that is required of students. In this study we consider the use of online homework as an alternative to the traditional medium of pencil and paper. Surveys were conducted to gather data on students' attitudes and practices related to online homework, and these data have been linked to course outcomes. In this paper we present the survey results and examine relationships between student characteristics, study behaviors, and the perceived benefits of online homework systems. In general we find a positive reaction to the use of online homework, with little variance across the particular platforms being used.
Mating and fecundity of Dermatophagoides farinae.

Studies of the life cycle of cultured Dermatophagoides farinae found that after an initial mating D. farinae females lived for 63.3 ± 64.6 (SD) dafter their egg production period ended .The long period after cessation of egg production for D. farinae suggested D. farinae females could mate multiple times and produce eggs continuously for a longer period. The purpose of this study was to determine if female D. farinae could mate at least two times, and subsequently increase the production of viable eggs over a longer period of time compared to a single mating. Female D. farinae were randomly selected from thriving cultures and isolated in cages. When the females had ceased to lay eggs a male was added to the cage. Fifty-seven percent of the isolated females mated again and produced a second batch of viable eggs. In natural or culture populations, females have continuous availability of males. Therefore, in another experiment, females that emerged from the tritonymphal stages were continuously exposed to fresh males and fecundity and lengths of the reproductive and post reproductive periods were determined. These females had a 11 d longer reproductive period and produced 30.7% more eggs compared to females that only mated one time after they emerged from the tritonymphal stage. However, the post reproductive period was still long (58.6 ± 11.4 [SE] d) the significance of which is not clear. In conclusion, this study revealed that D. farinae females are capable of more than one successful mating that results in increased egg production compared to that of a single mating. It is likely that females mate multiple times in natural and culture populations. It was observed that females actively attract males during the reproductive period but not afterward even though she continues to live a long time.
Epidemiology, Screening, and Clinical Staging

In this chapter, we discuss the epidemiology of renal cell carcinoma including its risk factors and current demographic composition. Additionally, changes over time in particular with the increasing use of CT scanning are discussed. Evidence for screening protocols for specific populations at risk, such as those with genetic syndromes, is analyzed. Finally, the literature that led to the development and continued refinement of the TNM and other staging systems is reviewed.
Divergent Approaches to Uncertainty in Risk Assessment: Mathematical Expression Compared to Circumstantial Evidence

Several cliches disguise a serious structural weakness in the process by which society makes regulatory decisions. First, regulatory decisions are multi-disciplinary. Science and law are critically involved. Next, these decisions are highly uncertain. This cliche has a different operational meaning for each of the two disciplines. Finally, dissatisfaction with the regulatory process raises a question of whether greater reliance upon analytical techniques can help.
Abstract 1151: Delivery of Angiotensin II Type 2 Receptor cDNA with Adeno-Associated Virus Type 2 by Intravenous Route Decreases Atherosclerosis in the LDLR Knockout Mice Fed with High Cholesterol Diet

Background: Angiotensin II (Ang II) type 1 receptor (AT1R) is upregulated in atherosclerosis and plays a major role in its genesis in both animals and humans. Since Ang II type 2 receptor (AT2R) counter-regulates the activity of AT1R (oxidant stress and pro-inflammatory pathways), we hypothesized that AT2R delivery (upregulation) may inhibit atherogenesis. This study was performed to examine this hypothesis. Methods: We studied 4 groups of mice, wild-type C57BL/6J mice, LDLR KO mice, LDLR KO mice given AT2R cDNA with adeno-associated virus (AAV2), and LDLR KO mice given AAV2/Neo (n=10–12 mice in each group). AAV2/AT2R and AAV/Neo were given by tail vein injection at 8 –10 weeks of age. All animals were fed with high cholesterol diet (4% cholesterol in vegetable oil) for 18 weeks. Extent of atherosclerosis was determined by Sudan IV staining of the aorta as well as by cross-section analysis of aortic sections. Results: Plasma LDL levels were markedly and similarly elevated in all LDLR KO mice. AT2R upregulation in the AAV2/AT2R-treated mice was confirmed by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. AT2R mRNA was upregulated (P2 fold) in all LDLR KO mice and was unaffected by AT2R treatment. Atherosclerosis covered 61±2% of the aorta in the LDLR KO mice, and 31±2% of the aorta of LDLR KO mice given AAV/AT2R (P Conclusion: These data show that AT2R cDNA delivered with AAV2 results in sustained AT2R over-expression in the mice. Further, AT2R upregulation can limit oxidant stress and atherogenesis, independent of alterations in AT1R expression.
The potential role of folate metabolism in interstitial cystitis

The topic of interstitial cystitis (IC), also known as painful bladder syndrome (PBS), and folate/one carbon metabolism has previously been unaddressed in research. This narrative review highlights a potential connection for those with mast cell-related IC and histamine-mediated pain that is explored through four conceptual sections. The first section focuses on the nature of mast cell involvement and histamine-mediated pain in some interstitial cystitis patients. The second section reviews the literature on folate status in wider allergic conditions. The third section addresses the role of folate and methylation in general in histamine excretion. Finally, folate metabolism and vascular function are addressed because of the vascular abnormalities present in some IC bladders.
Sin, Iniquity, and Transgression: A Case for Using Psalm 51 as Prayer

In this paper, I argue that Psalm 51 is a paradigmatic penitential prayer that is uniquely fitting for prayers of repentance and spiritual reflection, especially in the context of the recent sex abuse scandals in the Catholic Church. I begin by giving a treatment of the tripartite concept of sin in the Old Testament that is central for the psalm through exploration of the three Hebrew root words ḥṭ ’, ʿ wn and ps ʿ , which are commonly translated as “sin,” “iniquity” and “transgression.” Following that, I identify five remedies for sin in the psalm and discuss them in light of other books in the Old Testament. I conclude by showing how the psalm is paradigmatic, and I offer a brief theological implication for the Catholic Church in the context of the scandal.
Training experiences regarding pain management, addiction, and drug diversion of dentists enrolled in the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network

AbstractBackground: The purpose of this study was to describe dentists’ training experiences relevant to pain management, addiction, and prescription opioid drug diversion and examine associations ...
Teaching test-drive development using Dojo

Teaching Test-Driven Development (TDD) to the students is challenging. TDD is best learned when it is actually performed rather than read about. Especially when the students are novice to TDD, starting by writing a test first seems to be extremely hard, and proceeding with the small steps that the TDD cycle requires often demands explicit guidance. Coding Dojo is a dynamic and collaborative activity where people can practice programming, especially techniques related to agile methods. This paper discusses the two experiments conducted to find out how Coding Dojo methodology improves the code coverage of students programming and how it improves motivation in students to learn TDD.
Quantum interference of currents in an atomtronic SQUID.

Quantum interference of currents is the most important and well known quantum phenomenon in a conventional superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID). Here, we report the observation of quantum interference of currents in an atomtronic SQUID. Analogous to a conventional SQUID, currents flowing through two junctions in an atomtronic SQUID interfere due to the phase difference from rotation. This interference results in modulation of critical currents. This modulation was observed for three different radii with clear modulation periods which were measured to be consistent with fundamental rotation rates. This observation shows the possibility of studying various interesting SQUID physics with an atomtronic SQUID and especially, macroscopic quantum phenomena with currents may be realized with an atomtronic SQUID toward the goal of quantum metrology of rotation sensing. Quantum interference of currents was first observed in a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID). Here, the authors demonstrate quantum interference of currents in the atomtronic analog of a SQUID using Bose-Einstein condensates of 87Rb atoms.
The Last Train Traces in Beirut: Towards an Ecological Urbanism Perspective

The last train journeys tying Damascus to Beirut stopped operating gradually during the Lebanese Civil war. While many parts of the railway were subjected to vandalism by militiamen, the last section in Beirut still keeps tangible fragments. It is with a renewed perspective that this last railway segment adjacent to the Mar Mikhayel train station is studied. The train track passing across a rather underprivileged residential Armenian settlement in Badawi neighbourhood, represents a terrain vague (Sola-Morales Rubio in Terrain vagues. MIT Press, Cambridge, pp 118–123, 1995), where informal greenery wildly established itself along the railway, over decades of abandonment. This neglected space undergoes a different urban metabolism, in tandem between the dual informalities of both the social and natural appropriations. The paper problematic outlook doesn’t consider the natural recovery phenomenon as a threat, but rather as an opportunity for thinking paradigms for urban regeneration. While this is not a new idea in rethinking from the perspective of ecological urbanism, it presents a real situation for understanding new flows between human existence and the natural recovery phenomenon in urban settings. In this case study, Google Earth maps serve as the main tool in mapping the growth of greenery over time and the study of the social practices informality reveals a realistic first-hand depiction of this urban landscape. Though this paper doesn’t claim to offer an urban solution for similar landscapes, it however sheds the light on identifying opportunities out of the natural recovery phenomenon and paving the way for a new form of designing in more ecological urban environments.
Constructions of E and Eℱℬ for groups acting on CAT(0) spaces

If  is a group acting properly by semisimple isometries on a proper CAT.0/ space X , then we build models for the classifying spaces EVC and EFBC under the additional assumption that the action of  has a well-behaved collection of axes in X . We verify that the latter assumption is satisfied in two cases: (i) when X has isolated flats, and (ii) when X is a simply connected real analytic manifold of nonpositive sectional curvature. We conjecture that  has a well-behaved collection of axes in the great majority of cases.
HPV-16-associated lymphoepithelial-like carcinoma mimicking rectal tonsil

Lymphoepithelial-like carcinoma is a rare malignancy characterized by lack of cellular differentiation and associated nonneoplastic lymphoplasmacytic cell infiltrate that is rarely seen in the colon. Although many cases are associated with EBV infection, HPV may be present in LELC arising in sites known for HPV-driven malignancies, like the anogenital region. We report a case of lymphoepithelial-like carcinoma mimicking a rectal tonsil in a 51-year-old female. Attentive evaluation must be taken to identify this tumor in locations where prominent lymphoid stroma is an expected finding.
Giant Coronary Artery Aneurysms.

We present the case of a patient with giant coronary artery aneurysm. He has underlying severe coronary atherosclerosis and concomitant aneurysms of the abdominal aorta and popliteal artery. Our patient was treated surgically in the past due to underlying severe atherosclerosis. Despite bypass, his coronary aneurysms continued to enlarge. There is a lack of randomized trials regarding management to guide the decision-making process. Our case describes the work-up and treatment of a patient with giant coronary artery aneurysm requiring urgent orthopedic surgery.
Life after mild traumatic brain injury: Widespread structural brain changes associated with psychological distress revealed with multimodal magnetic resonance imaging

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can alter brain structure and lead to onset of persistent neuropsychological symptoms. This study investigates the relationship between brain damage and psychological distress after mild TBI (mTBI) using multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods: Eighty-nine mTBI patients from the TRACK-TBI (Transforming Research and Clinical Knowledge in Traumatic Brain Injury) pilot study were included. Subscales of the Brief Symptoms Inventory 18 for depression, anxiety, and somatization were used as outcome measures of psychological distress ~6 months after the traumatic event. Glasgow Coma Scale scores were used to evaluate recovery. MRIs were acquired within 2 weeks post-injury. Perivascular spaces (PVS) were segmented using an enhanced PVS segmentation method, and the volume fraction was calculated for the whole brain and white matter regions. Cortical thickness and gray matter structures volumes were calculated in Freesurfer; diffusion imaging indices and multi-fiber tracts were extracted using the Quantitative Imaging Toolkit. The analysis was performed considering age, sex, intracranial volume, educational attainment, and improvement level upon discharge as covariates. Results: Perivascular space fractions in the posterior cingulate, fusiform, and postcentral areas were found to be associated with somatization symptoms. Depression, anxiety, and somatization symptoms were associated with the cortical thickness of the frontal-opercularis and occipital pole, putamen and amygdala volumes, and corticospinal tract and superior thalamic radiation. Analyses were also performed on the two hemispheres separately to explore lateralization. Conclusions: This study shows how PVS, cortical, and microstructural damages can predict the onset of depression, anxiety, and somatization symptoms in mTBI patients.
Antenatal detection of hereditary disorders.

Amniotic fluid cells obtained by transabdominal amniocentesis at various stages of pregnancy were successfully cultivated. The intra-uterine detection of Down9s syndrome, galactosemia, and mucopolysaccharidosis was established utilizing the cultivated amniotic fluid cells. The use of this procedure increases the precision of genetic counseling and should stimulate the development of new approaches for the intra-uterine management of genetic defects. However, until considerably more experience is gained with these techniques, these procedures should be considered experimental in nature.
Oscillatory signals with nonlinear frequencies for control of nonholonomic systems

This paper considers the construction of amplitude-modulated oscillatory controls with nonlinear frequency for the purposes of trajectory tracking in second order nonholonomic systems. Solutions of an optimization problem show that, for a class of second order nonholonomic systems, this choice results in a lower quadratic control cost while producing the same net system motion as linear frequencies. Motivated by these results, we consider the choice where the frequency of oscillation is quadratic in time. The optimization and trajectory tracking results are demonstrated in simulation.
Hyperuricemic syndromes in cancer patients.

Background/Aims: Tumor lysis syndrome is a challenging complication of cancer therapy. This review focuses on the risk factors and pathologies of patients at risk for hyperuricemic complications. Me
cis-acting sites in the transcript of the Bacillus subtilis trp operon regulate expression of the operon.

Abstract Transcription of the trp operon of Bacillus subtilis is regulated by attenuation. A trpE'-'lacZ gene fusion preceded by the wild-type trp promoter-leader region was used to analyze regulation. Overproduction of the trp leader transcript in trans from a multicopy plasmid caused constitutive expression of the chromosomal trpE'-'lacZ fusion, presumably by titrating a negative regulatory factor encoded by the mtr locus. Subsegments of the trp leader region cloned onto the multicopy plasmid were examined for their abilities to elevate beta-galactosidase activity. An RNA segment spanning the portion of the leader transcript that forms the promoter-proximal strand of the proposed antiterminator structure was most active in this trans test. The data suggest that the mtr gene product, when activated by tryptophan, binds to this RNA segment and prevents formation of the antiterminator. In this manner, the trans-acting factor promotes formation of the RNA structure that causes transcription termination. Secondary-structure predictions for the leader segment of the trp operon transcript suggest that if the mtr factor bound this RNA segment in a nonterminated transcript, the ribosome-binding site for the first structural gene, trpE, could be sequestered in a stable RNA structure. We tested this possibility by comparing transcriptional and translational fusions containing the initial segments of the trp operon. Our findings suggest that the mtr product causes both transcription attenuation and inhibition of translation of trpE mRNA. Inhibition of translation initiation would reduce ribosome density on trpE mRNA, perhaps making it more labile. Consistent with this interpretation, the addition of tryptophan to mtr+ cultures increased the rate of trpE'-'lacZ mRNA decay.
Pilot study of high-dose thiotepa and etoposide with autologous bone marrow rescue in children and young adults with recurrent CNS tumors. The Children's Cancer Group.

PURPOSEThis study was designed to determine the toxicity, radiographic response rate, and outcome following high-dose thiotepa, etoposide, and autologous bone marrow rescue (ABMR) for young patients with recurrent malignant brain tumors.METHODSEligibility criteria required adequate renal, hepatic, and pulmonary function, and no bone marrow infiltration. Thiotepa 300 mg/m2 and etoposide 500 mg/ m2 were infused on 3 consecutive days, and autologous bone marrow was infused 72 hours following chemotherapy.RESULTSForty-five patients with recurrent high-grade brain tumors, aged 8 months to 36 years (median, 8 years), were treated. Seven patients (16%) died of treatment-related toxicities within 56 days of marrow reinfusion. Delayed platelet engraftment occurred in 44% of patients who survived beyond day 56. Of 35 patients with radiographically measurable disease who survived at least 28 days following ABMR, there were two complete responses (CRs) and six partial responses (PRs), for an overall response (CRs plu...
If You Build It, They Will Come, but Then What: A Look at Issues Related to Using Online Course Software to Provide Specialized Reference Services

SUMMARY A superior learning environment provides students with an opportunity to benefit from the knowledge and experience of an instructor and to engage in research into the subject matter. Librarians can collaborate with faculty in online courses to enhance the learning environment. The authors describe a project that enabled a librarian to have direct interaction with students in online courses. Responses from students regarding this project were gathered each semester for five years and are the basis for suggestions for continued experimentation and assessment of this model of information literacy instruction.
Capture Efficiency of Local Exhaust Ventilation Systems

A new technique to measure the performance of local exhaust ventilation systems has been developed and tested in both the laboratory and the field. The technique involves the measurement of the capture efficiency of exterior hoods, defined to be the fraction of contaminants given off by a process captured by the exhaust system serving that process. Capture efficiency measurement can be a powerful tool in the evaluation of local exhaust systems, since it is a direct, quantitative measure of system performance; in contrast, indices of performance now in use are either qualitative or measure quantities which may not be related directly to system performance. A basic theory for capture efficiency has been developed, and a prototype system for measuring capture efficiency has been constructed and tested. Preliminary laboratory and field measurements using the system have demonstrated the power of the method, which should find widespread use in the design of new ventilation systems and the evaluation of existin...
Old Evidence and New Explanation III

Additional results are reported on the author's earlier generalization of Richard Jeffrey's solution to the problem of old evidence and new explanation.
Incorporation of carbohydrate into protein of human platelets.

Abstract Human platelets incorporated glucosamine and mannose into protein. Incorporation in whole or disrupted cells was reduced considerably by incubation with thrombin. The effect of thrombin appeared to be due to hydrolysis of glycoprotein. Cyanide and fluoride also markedly inhibited incorporation; concanavalin A, prostaglandin E1, aspirin, ADP, and puromycin had no effect. Neither concanavalin A, ADP or prostaglandin E1 blocked the inhibition of incorporation by thrombin. The experiments indicate that human platelets add carbohydrate onto pre-existing protein by an energy-dependent process and that this glycoprotein is hydrolyzed by thrombin.
Adenosine receptor activation by adenine nucleotides requires conversion of the nucleotides to adenosine

Adenine nucleotides cause adenosine receptor-mediated increases in cyclic AMP in the VA13 human fibroblast line. Levels of adenosine accumulated in the medium are insufficient to account for the responses to adenine nucleotides. Since rapid conversion of the nucleotides to adenosine by 5′-nucleotidase in the vicinity of the receptor might account for the responses, six experimental methods were developed to distinguish between “local conversion” and direct action of the nucleotides. Results of all six methods favored local conversion. (1) 5′-Nucleotidase inhibitors blocked the accumulations of cyclic AMP elicited by AMP, ADP, and ATP, but did not affect the response to adenosine. The most potent inhibitor of both conversion of AMP and response to AMP was α,β-methylene-ADP (APCP). (2) Adenosine deaminase blocked the responses to AMP, ADP, ATP, and adenosine-containing coenzymes. (3) Theophylline, a specific competitive adenosine antagonist, was an insurmountable inhibitor of the increases in cyclic AMP caused by AMP, ADP, and ATP. The insurmountability was presumably due to substrate sataration of the converting enzyme 5′-nucleotidase. (4) Although ADP and ATP had partial agonist-like dose-response curves, they did not inhibit the response to adenosine. (5) Nine cell lines which responded to adenosine were tested for response to AMP. Cell lines with high levels of 5′-nucleotidase had large responses to AMP, those with intermediate levels of 5′-nucleotidase had large or intermediate responses to AMP, and those with low 5′-nucleotidase levels did not respond to AMP. (6) Inhibition of the uptake of labelled adenosine was used as an indicator of unlabelled adenosine concentrations near the cell membrane. Unlabelled AMP inhibited uptake nearly as effectively as unlabelled adenosine. APCP reversed the inhibition by AMP but not the inhibition by adenosine.
E2F1 regulation of the human myo-inositol 1-phosphate synthase (ISYNA1) gene promoter.

Abstract Human myo -inositol 1-phosphate synthase (IP synthase; E.C. 5.5.1.4), encoded by ISYNA1 , catalyzes the de novo synthesis of inositol 1-phosphate from glucose 6-phosphate. It is a potential target for mood-stabilizing drugs such as lithium and valproate. But, very little is known about the regulation of human IP synthase. Here, we have characterized the minimal promoter of ISYNA1 and show that it is upregulated by E2F1. Upregulation occurs in a dose-dependent fashion and can be suppressed by ectopic expression of Rb. EMSA and antibody supershift analysis identified a functional E2F binding motif at −117. Complex formation at this site was competed by an excess of unlabeled Sp1 oligo consistent with the −117 E2F site overlapping an Sp1 motif. Because the −117 E2F motif is not a high-affinity binding site, we propose that the upregulation of ISYNA1 occurs through the cooperative interaction of several low-affinity E2F binding motifs present in the minimal promoter.
Historicizing a Racialized Jesus: Case Studies in the "Black Christ," the "Mestizo Christ," and White Critique

This article examines the interaction between the quest for the historical Jesus in modern biblical scholarship and contemporary theologies in which race and ethnicity play a major role. While ideologies of race have certainly been formative of modern biblical scholarship, such scholarship has in turn had an important influence on the construction of various modern Jesuses, where race becomes the determinative contemporary marker for articulating the continuing reality of the historical Jesus. This essay looks at how modern biblical scholarship has contributed to the historicizing and retrojection of a racialized Jesus. In particular, two case studies of such historicizing racialization are presented: Jesus as the "black Christ," and Jesus as the "mestizo Christ." The focus here is on the important work of James Cone and Virgilio Elizondo, with attention to how the historical Jesus is idealized with a "black" or "mestizo" identity. The essentializing character of historical Jesus studies provides a springboard for Cone's parallel essentializing of Jesus as "black" while Elizondo's Hegelianesque portrait of Jesus as the "mestizo" bridge between the borderlands of Jewish and Gentile territory relies on modern biblical scholarship's construction of the historical Jesus as somehow the synthesis of both Galilean peasant and urban Greek sophisticate. Finally, attention is devoted to the role of white privilege and "white critique" when it comes to racializing the historical Jesus.
Immunoreactive prolactin in subcellular fractions from bovine mammary tissue.

Abstract Mammary tissue from lactaring Holsteins at slaughter was homogenized and fractionated into subcellular compartments. Bovine prolactin was quantified in each subcellular fraction and in pre-slaughter milk by radioimmunoassay procedures validated for this purpose. Prolactin concentrations were ng prolactin/mg protein for all samples. Immuno-reactive prolactin was in rough endoplasmic reticulum (24.8 ng/mg), Golgi apparatus (18.8 ng/mg), and secretory vesicle (10.2 ng/mg). All of these concentrations exceeded that in samples of milk (2.7 ng/mg). Nuclear fractions contained a material that reacted in the prolactin radioimmunoassay, but criteria for valid quantification could not be satisfied. These results confirm prolactin inside bovine mammary cells, and they are consistent with an intracellular pathway for transfer of prolactin from plasma into milk.
The Association of Individual Spirituality on Employee Engagement: The Spirit at Work

Employee engagement and spirituality have both been the focus of increasing interest by researchers and practitioners, and both are still early stage theories with ill-defined constructs and definitions. Emergent empirical work related to engagement and spirituality has supported the promise of improving both organizational performance and employee conditions. Responding to the call by theorists to examine engagement antecedents and specifically, the relationship between spirituality and employee engagement, a cross-sectional study was performed to examine self-reported individual spirituality as measured by the DSES and employee engagement measured using the UWES-9 including the dimensions of vigor, dedication, and absorption. 124 usable surveys were collected from a snowballing convenience sample and after confirming demographic representativeness and identifying the individual’s organizational role as a potential influential variable, analyses of the relationships between individual spirituality, overall engagement, and three individual engagement dimensions were performed using multiple regression controlling for organizational role. Empirical support was found for relationships between individual spirituality and engagement, vigor, and dedication but not for the engagement dimension of absorption. The findings should encourage further future exploration of the relationship between spirituality and engagement and inquiry into why results differ across engagement’s dimensions; specifically, why the relationship was not supported for absorption. The empirical support for spirituality as a predictor of engagement informs practical decisions for addressing workplace spirituality and concerns with the potential to assist in countering the declining engagement trend.
Tomography at the Louisiana State University CAMD synchrotron: applications to polymer blends

A tomography beamline has been built recently at the LSU CAMD synchrotron. The instrument consists of a Linux/LabVIEW-controlled CCD and Macintosh/LabVIEW controlled positioning stages. The two computers communicate via LabVIEW/TCP/IP. A Macintosh G4/Linux cluster has been installed for the purpose of on-site reconstruction. Instrument alignment and reconstruction programs are written in LabView, Matlab, and IDL. Applications to date are many. The blending of flame retardants (brominated aromatics, phosphates, and antimony oxide) in high-impact polystyrene is being studied with tomography; this work complements solid-state 81Br NMR. Also, several biological samples are to be studied as part of a multi-investigator project on biological visualization and computational studies. This project gives the tomography workers close access to an ImmersaDesk R2 and other computational resources.
Advancing cessation research by integrating EMA and geospatial methodologies: Associations between tobacco retail outlets and real-time smoking urges during a quit attempt

INTRODUCTION Residential tobacco retail outlet (TRO) density and proximity have been associated with smoking behaviors. More research is needed to understand the mechanisms underlying these relations and their potential relevance outside of the residential setting. This study integrates ecological momentary assessment (EMA) and geo-location tracking to explore real-time associations between exposure to TROs and smoking urges among 47 economically disadvantaged smokers in a cessation trial (59.6% female; 36.2% White). METHODS EMA data were collected for 1 week postquit via smartphone, which recorded smoking urge strength ≤ 4 random times daily along with real-time participant location data. For each assessment, the participants' proximity to the closest TRO and the density of TROs surrounding the participant were calculated. Linear mixed model regressions examined associations between TRO variables and smoking urges and whether relations varied based on participants' distance from their home. Covariates included sociodemographics, prequit tobacco dependence, treatment group, and daily smoking status. RESULTS Main effects were nonsignificant; however, the interaction between TRO proximity and distance from home was considered significant (p = .056). Specifically, closer proximity to TROs was associated with stronger smoking urges ≤ 1 mile of home (p = .001) but not >1 mile from home (p = .307). Significant associations were attributable to assessments completed at participants' home addresses. All density analyses were nonsignificant. CONCLUSIONS Technological challenges encountered in this study resulted in a significant amount of missing data, highlighting the preliminary nature of these findings and limiting the inferences that can be drawn. However, results suggest that closer residential proximity to tobacco outlets may trigger stronger urges to smoke among economically disadvantaged smokers trying to quit, perhaps due to enhanced cigarette availability and accessibility. Therefore, limiting tobacco sales in close proximity to residential areas may complement existing tobacco control efforts and facilitate cessation.
The relationship of blood lead levels to blood pressure in the U.S. population.

Numerous observations have indicated a relationship between moderate or heavy lead exposure and high blood pressure. To determine whether low-level lead exposure is related to blood pressure in the U.S. population, we analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey II for persons 12 to 74 years of age. Significant correlations were found between blood lead and blood pressure for each race-gender group, and blood lead levels were significantly higher in groups with high diastolic blood pressure (greater than 90 mm Hg). Multiple stepwise regression models were developed to predict blood pressure. After adjusting for age, race, and body mass index, blood lead levels were significantly related to systolic and diastolic pressures in males but not in females. These findings and those from other studies confirm the relationship of blood lead and blood pressure at relatively low levels commonly observed in the general population. The strength and importance of this relationship require further study through epidemiologic and metabolic investigations.
Midgut volvulus causing fetal demise in utero

Intestinal malrotation has an incidence of 1 per 6000 live births. The most serious consequence of malrotation is volvulus. Midgut volvulus is a rare condition in which the small bowel and proximal colon twist around the superior mesenteric artery, leading to a high-grade proximal bowel obstruction and vascular compromise of the intestine, thereby leading to infarction of the involved intestine. Midgut volvulus rarely occurs antenatally and is usually not lethal in utero. There are only 7 cases of intrauterine fetal demise caused by midgut volvulus reported in the literature. We report a case of intrauterine fetal demise at 38 weeks of gestation, due to cardiovascular failure and shock from midgut volvulus. Non-specific abnormalities, including ascites and dilated bowel, had been seen on the antenatal ultrasound from the 15th week of gestation. In addition to the volvulus, the fetus had intestinal atresia and arthrogryposis.
The Kar3p Kinesin-related Protein Forms a Novel Heterodimeric Structure with Its Associated Protein Cik1p

Proteins that physically associate with members of the kinesin superfamily are critical for the functional diversity observed for these microtubule motor proteins. However, quaternary structures of complexes between kinesins and kinesin-associated proteins are poorly defined. We have analyzed the nature of the interaction between the Kar3 motor protein, a minus-end-directed kinesin from yeast, and its associated protein Cik1. Extraction experiments demonstrate that Kar3p and Cik1p are tightly associated. Mapping of the interaction domains of the two proteins by two-hybrid analyses indicates that Kar3p and Cik1p associate in a highly specific manner along the lengths of their respective coiled-coil domains. Sucrose gradient velocity centrifugation and gel filtration experiments were used to determine the size of the Kar3-Cik1 complex from both mating pheromone-treated cells and vegetatively growing cells. These experiments predict a size for this complex that is consistent with that of a heterodimer containing one Kar3p subunit and one Cik1p subunit. Finally, immunoprecipitation of epitope-tagged and untagged proteins confirms that only one subunit of Kar3p and Cik1p are present in the Kar3-Cik1 complex. These findings demonstrate that the Kar3-Cik1 complex has a novel heterodimeric structure not observed previously for kinesin complexes.
Risk factors for the progression of coronary artery calcification in asymptomatic subjects: results from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA).

Background— The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) provides an opportunity to study the association of traditional cardiovascular risk factors with the incidence and progression of coronary artery calcium (CAC) in a large community-based cohort with no evidence of clinical cardiovascular disease. Methods and Results— Follow-up CAC measurements were available for 5756 participants with an average of 2.4 years between scans. The incidence of newly detectable CAC averaged 6.6% per year. Incidence increased steadily across age, ranging from 12% in those >80 years of age. Median annual change in CAC for those with existing calcification at baseline was 14 Agatston units for women and 21 Agatston units for men. Most traditional cardiovascular risk factors were associated with both the risk of developing new incident coronary calcium and increases in existing calcification. These included age, male gender, white race/ethnicity, hypertension, body mass index, d...
Suture Anchor Repair of Quadriceps Tendon Rupture After Total Knee Arthroplasty

Disruption of the extensor mechanism after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a devastating complication, usually requiring surgical repair. Although suture anchor fixation is well described for repair of the ruptured native knee quadriceps tendon, no study has discussed the use of suture anchors in quadriceps repair after TKA. We present an illustrative case of successful suture anchor fixation of the quadriceps mechanism after TKA. The procedure has been performed in a total of 3 patients. A surgical technique and brief review of the literature follows. Suture anchor fixation of the quadriceps tendon is a viable option in the setting of rupture after TKA.
Innovation in optical imaging: Looking inside the heart

e p p p b R v h b The evolution of cardiovascular physiology, as in all atural sciences, swings like a pendulum between the wo extremes: reductionist and integrative approaches. n the first case, investigators attempt to dissect a comlex phenomenon and rigorously quantify their simplified odels of a physiologic system. This approach yields reakthroughs in technology development and an undertanding of individual components of the system. Howver, eventually a reductionist model fails to grasp the ystemic complexity of the studied phenomenon and ends p being overwhelmed by the sheer number of complex uantitative relationships involved in the system. After hat, the pendulum swings to the integrative approach, hich follows and reestablishes the systemic view. It ynthesizes the wealth of knowledge accumulated by eductionists of the preceding period and identifies new eedbacks and regulatory networks. However, it too ventually fails because of its inherent qualitative nature. The second half of the 19th century was the era of udwig’s integration, which was followed by the reductionst views of Starling. The pendulum again swung toward the ntegrative approach at the turn of the 20th century with the ork of Wiggers, who dominated US physiology for nearly alf a century. The discovery of ion channels has led to the ominance of the reductionist paradigm for the past half entury and produced the channelopathy hypothesis of cariac arrhythmias. However, this triumph also has signaled he end of the cycle. Whereas in some cases single moleclar abnormalities have been linked to arrhythmias in a articular population of patients, limited progress has been ade in addressing such gigantic problems as atrial fibrilation and heart failure. Currently, new synthesis is needed o integrate the wealth of knowledge accumulated by the eductionist efforts of several generations. It appears that he period of paradigm shift is approximately 50 years, and he time has come to reestablish the synthetic complexity f the cardiovascular system using integration approaches. One of the major obstacles in advancing our understandng of the mechanisms of cardiovascular disease is a lack of omprehensive technologies to address the structure–func-
Functional responses of Trichogramma ostriniae (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) to Ostrinia nubilalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) under laboratory and field conditions

Laboratory tests and field experiments were conducted to determine the functional response of Trichogramma ostriniae Pang & Chen to its host, eggs of the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubner), under different conditions. Individual female wasps were offered different densities of host eggs for 16 h at 17, 20, and 27°C. Field experiments were carried out in a sweet corn field that was divided into 6 plots of equal size (120 m2). Sentinel European corn borer egg masses were exposed to wasps for 3 d, from day 0 to 3 and day 4 to 7 after releasing wasps. Both the laboratory study and field experiments indicated that egg parasitism was positively correlated with egg density. However, this relationship differed significantly for the 3 temperatures in the laboratory study and varied considerably for the different days of exposures (days 0–3 versus days 4–7) and for different replicates (time of the year). The Gompertz equation and a modified disc equation were fitted to the laboratory data categorized based on temperatures. The results showed that female T. ostriniae might exhibit the type II or type III functional response depending on temperature. The field data suggested a type II functional response when data were pooled for all replicates.
Percutaneous Fiducial Localization for Thoracoscopic Wedge Resection of Small Pulmonary Nodules

Background The advent of high-resolution computed tomography scanning and increase in use of chest imaging for high-risk patients has led to an increase in the identification of small pulmonary nodules. The ability to locate and remove these nodules through a thoracoscopic approach is difficult. The purpose of this study is to report our experience with fiducial localization and percutaneous thoracoscopic wedge resection of small pulmonary nodules. Methods This is a retrospective analysis of our patients who underwent computed tomography–guided fiducial localization of pulmonary nodules. Nodules were identified with intraoperative fluoroscopy and removed by thoracoscopic wedge resection. Results Sixty-five nodules were removed in 58 patients. Removal was successful in 98% of patients (57 of 58); 79% of the nodules (53 of 65) were cancers; 20% of these were primary lung cancers of which 9 were pure ground-glass opacities. Mean size of the nodules was 9.9 ± 4.6 mm (range, 3 to 24 mm). Mean depth from visceral pleural surface was 18.7 ± 12 mm (range, 2 to 35 mm). Mean procedure time was 58.7 ± 20.1 minutes (range, 30 to 120), and mean length of stay was 2 days (range, 1 to 6). Complications occurred in 3 patients and included fiducial embolization, fiducial migration, and parenchymal hematoma. Conclusions Fiducial localization facilitates identification and removal of small pulmonary nodules and alleviates the need for direct nodule palpation. As shown by our series, thoracoscopic wedge resection with fiducial localization is an accurate and efficient technique. This method provides a standardized means by which to resect small and deep pulmonary nodules or ground-glass opacities.
Organismic sets and biological epimorphism.

It is shown that the principle of biological epimorphism (Rashevsky,Mathematical Principles in Biology and Their Applications, Springfield, Ill.: Charles Thomas, 1960) is contained in the theory of organismic sets (Bull. Math. Biophysics,29, 139–152, 1967) if an additional postulate not directly connected to mappings is made.
Impact Parameter Dependent Electronic Energy Losses

Electronic stopping power for an ion traveling through a cloud of electrons is calculated in the linear approximation. The formalism allows for an explicit dependence of the stopping power on the impact parameter between the ion and the electron in the medium. This will facilitate the calculation of stopping power for semiconductors where the electronic density varies appreciably. Comparison is made with Firsov, Oen-Robinson, and Lindhard formulas by averaging over a Thomas-Fermi electron density distribution. The consistency of the approach with those mentioned above is clearly demonstrated. Die elektronische Bremsleistung fur ein Ion, das sich durch eine Elektronenwolke bewegt, wird in der linearen Naherung berechnet. Der Formalismus ergibt eine explizite Abhangigkeit der Bremsleistung vom Stosparameter zwischen dem Ion und dem Elektron im Medium. Dies ermoglicht die Berechnung der Bremsleistung fur Halbleiter, wenn die Elektronendichte sich wesentlich andert. Ein Vergleich mit den Formeln von Firsov, Oen-Robinson und Lindhard wird durch Mittelung uber eine Thomas-Fermi-Elektronendichteverteilung durchgefuhrt. Der Konsistenz des Verfahrens mit den oben erwahnten wird klar gezeigt.