cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stereochemistry of, and kinetics of environmental averaging processes in some organogermanium(IV) and organosilicon(IV) chelates

The stereochemistry of (C6H5)ClM(acac)2 (M = Ge, Si; acac = CH3COCHCOCH3−), (C6H5)2Ge(acac)2, and (CH3)ClSi(acac)2 complexes has been investigated in CDCl3/CCl4 solutions by dynamic proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The phenylchloro complexes adopt predominantly a cis(C6H5, Cl) structure in solution with a small amount of the trans (C6H5, Cl) form (≲ 5%); while methylchlorosilicon acetylacetonate is cis (CH3, Cl) in solution. The structure of the diphenylgermanium complex cannot be unequivocally assigned. Environmental averaging of the acetylacetonate ring protons (-CH=) in the C1-type cis-phenylchloro complexes has also been studied by total lineshape line-broadening techniques in CDCl3/CCl4 solutions in the temperature range: (C6H5)ClGe(acac)2, 13.2–62.2°; and (C6H5)ClSi(acac)2, −69.6 to −49.3°. Activation parameters are: for (C6H5)ClGe(acac)2, Ea = 12.8 ± 1.2 kcal/mol, ΔS≠ = −13 ± 4 eu, k298 = 9.4 sec−1; and for (C6H5)ClSi(acac)2, Ea = 6.4 ± 1.0 kcal/mol, ΔS≠ = −22 ± 5 eu, and k298 = 4.2 X 103 sec−1. It is argued, on the basis of the order of lability (PhClSi > PhGlGe > PhClSn), that the exchange phenomena probably proceed via a twist mechanism if environmental averaging occurs by a sole reaction pathway.
Biochemical identification and immunolocalizaton of aggrecan, ADAMTS5 and inter‐alpha‐trypsin–inhibitor in equine degenerative suspensory ligament desmitis

We describe analysis of suspensory ligaments from horses with advanced degenerative suspensory ligament desmitis (DSLD) to identify the major proteoglycans (PGs), ADAMTS-aggrecanases and inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor (IαI) components associated with ligament degeneration. Specific anatomical regions of suspensory ligaments from two normal horses and four diagnosed with DSLD were analyzed by Western blot and immunohistochemistry for the following: aggrecan, aggrecan fragments, decorin, ADAMTS4, ADAMTS5, and IαI components. When compared to normal, DSLD ligaments showed about a 15-fold increase (P < 0.0014) in aggrecan levels and markedly enhanced staining with Safranin O. The aggrecan was composed of two distinct high molecular weight core protein species. The largest species was found only in DSLD samples and it co-migrated with aggrecan synthesized by equine mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). Many of the DSLD samples also contained abnormally high concentrations of ADAMTS4, ADAMTS5, and IαI. Notably, the ADAMTS5 in DSLD samples, but not normals, was present largely as a high molecular weight complex. We conclude that ligament degeneration in DSLD is associated with matrix changes characteristic of an inflammatory nonhealing wound, specifically containing chondrogenic progenitor cells. Since aggrecan accumulation is a major feature of incomplete healing in tendon and skin of the ADAMTS5 knockout mouse, we propose that ligament failure in DSLD results from a process involving tissue inflammation and the complexation of ADAMTS5.
The Ties That Bind. Informal and Formal Sector Linkages in Streetvending: The Case of Peru's Ambulantes

The nature of the various and diverse linkages that bind informal traders in Peru to the institutional, economic, and social contexts in which they work and live is examined. Ground-level analysis is related to broad-based processes occurring at the national and international scales and the importance of integrating contextual information into broader analytical conceptualizations is stressed. It is argued that informality in Peru must be conceptualized as an historically and culturally rooted process that interacts dynamically with contemporary forces operating at the local, national, and international scales.
Dominance, aggression and reproduction in primate societies

Abstract Dominance relationships in primate societies are generally inferred by analyses of agonistic interactions. This aspect of social organization is so striking in macaque and baboon societies that many theoreticians have postulated selective mechanisms operating on the genetic attributes which contribute to high dominance rank. Alpha males were hypothesized to increase their genetic fitness by successfully competing with other males for access to ovulating females. Evidence relevant to these speculations has been mixed. Whereas some investigators found alpha males had near exclusive sexual access to females, others failed to confirm preferential access to ovulating females. Indeed, considerable variability in competition for females existed not only among species, but also among troops of the same species living in different habitats. Further, partner selection was not an exclusive male prerogative; females proved to express active preferences for particular males as sexual partners, and these preferences were not related to high male aggressivity. Alpha males, however, were noted to maintain their positions through social skills as members of a central core or alliance, and high rank was related primarily to seniority. Moreover, alpha males responded actively to challenges to the troop and were judged to contribute significantly to the survival of infants. It was therefore hypothesized that increased genetic fitness related to the increased survival of immature animals in the troop, most of which would already be the offspring of senior (and hence alpha) males. Selection would then be for the social skills leading to successful alliances in troop defense. Such skills might also relate to female partner preferences thus increasing the reproductive effectiveness of alpha males at any point in their careers, including years prior to and following their assumption of alpha rank.
Intracranial arteriovenous malformations in childhood

During the 13-year period 1964 through 1976, 37 patients less than 20 years old with an intracranial, parenchymal arteriovenous fistula were seen at the Mayo Clinic. The most frequent mode of presentation was hemorrhage or seizure. Other than angiography, computed tomography with contrast enhancement was the most helpful diagnostic test. Surgery was restricted to patients with intraparenchymal hematomas, intractable seizures, or subarachnoid hemorrhage with accessible lesions and to 1 infant with a massive, symptomatic malformation. Surgery generally was tolerated well, with reversal of most acute focal neurological deficits related to hematomas. In the nonsurgical group, follow-up revealed a fairly stable neurological status during the period of the study.
A theoretical comparison of macroscopic and microscopic modeling of singlet oxygen during Photofrin and HPPH mediated-PDT

Mathematic models were developed to simulate the complex dynamic process of photodynamic therapy (PDT). Macroscopic or microscopic modeling of singlet oxygen ( 1 O 2 ) is particularly of interest because it is the major cytotoxic agent causing biological effects during PDT. Our previously introduced macroscopic PDT model incorporates the diffusion equation for the light propagation in tissue and the macroscopic kinetic equations for the production of the 1 O 2 . The distance-dependent distribution of 3 O 2 and reacted 1 O 2 can be numerically calculated using finite-element method (FEM). We recently improved the model to include microscopic kinetic equations of oxygen diffusion from uniformly distributed blood vessels and within tissue. In the model, the cylindrical blood capillary has radius in the range of 2-5 μm and a mean length of 300 μm, and supplies oxygen into tissue. The blood vessel network is assumed to form a 2-D square grid perpendicular to a linear light source. The spacing of the grid is 60 μm. Oxygen can also diffuse along the radius and the longitudinal axial of the cylinder within tissue. The oxygen depletion during Photofrin-PDT PDT can be simulated using both macroscopic and microscopic approaches. The comparison of the simulation results have reasonable agreements when velocity of blood flow is reduced during PDT.
Evaluation of a short form of the POMS-Depression scale.

This study evaluated Shacham's 8-item short form of the original 15-item POMS-Depression scale (N = 131). The study found that the short form (a) did not have significantly lower concurrent validity than the original form; (b) had only slightly lower internal consistency; and (c) had a mean and a standard deviation close enough to those of the original form to allow prorating of short-form scores for interpretation with original form norms. It was concluded that the short form is roughly equivalent psychometrically to the previously validated original form. The short form of the POMS- Depression scale was identified as apparently the shortest available validated measure of depression.
System-level performance/power analysis for platform-based design of multimedia applications

The objective of this article is to introduce the use of Stochastic Automata Networks (SANs) as an effective formalism for application-architecture modeling in system-level average-case analysis for platform-based design. By platform, we mean a family of heterogeneous architectures that satisfy a set of architectural constraints imposed to allow re-use of hardware and software components. More precisely, we show how SANs can be used early in the design cycle to identify the best performance/power trade-offs among several application-architecture combinations. Having this information available not only helps avoid lengthy simulations for predicting power and performance figures, but also enables efficient mapping of different applications onto a chosen platform. We illustrate the benefits of our methodology by using the “Picture-in-Picture” video decoder as a driver application.
Screening effects on branched upward leaders

A qualitative model of a branched, positive upward leader is discussed that explains observations of the current cutoff of base current before the end of leader structure development and the fast recovery of nearby electric fields. Screening of cloud electric fields by branching is a powerful mechanism to influence branch cutoffs a well as the birth of recoil leaders on old dead channels. The analysis is based on well established physics principles of leader behavior in thunderstorms like the theory of Kasemir [2] on leader charge relation to environmental potential and [3] the formation of static charges by the streamer process.
Application of an active alginate coating to control the growth of Listeria monocytogenes on poached and deli turkey products

The relatively high prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat (RTE) turkey products is of great concern. The overall objective of this study was to develop antimicrobial edible coating formulations to effectively control the growth of this pathogen. The antimicrobials studied were nisin (500IU/g), Novagard CB 1 (0.25%), Guardian NR100 (500ppm), sodium lactate (SL, 2.4%), sodium diacetate (SD, 0.25%), and potassium sorbate (PS, 0.3%). These were incorporated alone or in binary combinations into five edible coatings: alginate, kappa-carrageenan, pectin, xanthan gum, and starch. The coatings were applied onto the surface of home-style poached and processed deli turkey discs inoculated with ~3log CFU/g of L. monocytogenes. The turkey samples were then stored at 22 degrees C for 7days. For poached and processed deli turkey, the coatings were found to be equally effective, with pectin being slightly less effective than the others. The most effective poached turkey treatments seemed to be SL (2.4%)/SD (0.25%) and Nisin (500IU/g)/SL (2.4%), which yielded final populations of 3.0 and 4.9log CFU/g respectively compared to the control which was 7.9log CFU/g. For processed deli turkey, the most effective antimicrobial treatments seemed to be Nisin (500IU/g)/SD (0.25%) and Nisin (500IU/g)/SL (2.4%) with final populations of 1.5 and 1.7log CFU/g respectively compared to the control which was 6.5log CFU/g. In the second phase of the study, home-style poached and store-purchased roasted (deli) turkey inoculated with the pathogen at a level of ~3log CFU/g were coated with alginate incorporating selected antimicrobial combinations and stored for 8weeks at 4 degrees C. Alginate coatings supplemented with SL (2.4%)/PS (0.3%) delayed the growth of L. monocytogenes with final counts reaching 4.3log CFU/g (home-style poached turkey) and 6.5log CFU/g (roasted deli turkey) respectively while the counts in their untreated counterparts were significantly higher (P<0.05) reaching 9.9 and 7.9log CFU/g, respectively. This study therefore demonstrates the effectiveness of using alginate-based antimicrobial coatings to enhance the microbiological safety and quality of RTE poultry products during chilled storage.
Hypofractionation for prostate cancer: a critical review.

In ideal circumstances, the fractionation schedule of radiotherapy should match the fractionation sensitivity of the tumor relative to the nearby normal tissues. A number of recent publications have suggested that the alpha-beta ratio (α/β) for prostate is low, in the range of 1 to 3 Gy. If α/β is truly low, then hypofractionated schedules using fewer, larger fractions should improve the therapeutic ratio. This critical review examines the clinical experience with hypofractionation. Several prospective trials indicate that toxicity is limited with sophisticated dose delivery and compact clinical target volume to planning target volume margins, but the single-arm nature of these trials precludes definitive statements on efficacy. Several large randomized trials comparing conventional fractionation to hypofractionation are ongoing and are described. Until these trials are completed and the results submitted for rigorous peer review, the notion that α/β for prostate cancer is low remains an unconfirmed hypothesis.
Age-distribution estimation for karst groundwater: Issues of parameterization and complexity in inverse modeling by convolution

summary Convolution modeling is useful for investigating the temporal distribution of groundwater age based on environmental tracers. The framework of a quasi-transient convolution model that is applicable to twodomain flow in karst aquifers is presented. The model was designed to provide an acceptable level of statistical confidence in parameter estimates when only chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) and tritium ( 3 H) data are available. We show how inverse modeling and uncertainty assessment can be used to constrain model parameterization to a level warranted by available data while allowing major aspects of the flow system to be examined. As an example, the model was applied to water from a pumped well open to the Madison aquifer in central USA with input functions of CFC-11, CFC-12, CFC-113, and 3 H, and was calibrated to several samples collected during a 16-year period. A bimodal age distribution was modeled to represent quick and slow flow less than 50 years old. The effects of pumping and hydraulic head on the relative volumetric fractions of these domains were found to be influential factors for transient flow. Quick flow and slow flow were estimated to be distributed mainly within the age ranges of 0–2 and 26–41 years, respectively. The fraction of long-term flow (>50 years) was estimated but was not dateable. The different tracers had different degrees of influence on parameter estimation and uncertainty assessments, where
Production and maintenance of high poloidal beta tokamak plasmas by means of rf current drive

It is shown that in tokamak plasmas sustained by rf current drive, the contribution of the suprathermal rf-driven electron population to the poloidal beta (${\ensuremath{\beta}}_{p}$) can be substantial if the total current is comparable to the Alfv\'en critical current, ${I}_{A}$=(4\ensuremath{\pi}mcv/${\ensuremath{\mu}}_{0}$ec)\ensuremath{\gamma}. Equilibria with values of \ensuremath{\epsilon}${\ensuremath{\beta}}_{p}$ up to approximately 1.3 were obtained, and no equilibrium or gross stability limits were observed.
Effect of protease inhibitors on mitogen stimulation of hamster lymphoid cells

Abstract Incorporation of [ 3 H]thymidine ([ 3 H]TdR) into normal and mitogen-stimulated MHA hamster lymphoid cells was suppressed by addition of certain protease inhibitors to the cultures. Phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF) and e-aminocaproic acid (EACA) were not effective in suppressing stimulation. N -α-tosyl- l -phenylalanyl-chloromethane (TPCK) inhibited both concanavalin A (ConA) stimulation and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation when added at the initiation of cultures and after 24 h. However, N -α-tosyl- l -lysyl- l -chloromethane (TLCK) differentially inhibited LPS stimulation. At high concentrations, TLCK inhibited ConA stimulation but this inhibition, unlike the inhibition of LPS stimulation, was reversible by adding reduced glutathione or l -systeine. In addition, similar concentrations of TLCK were not effective in inhibiting either ConA or LPS stimulation when added 24 h after stimulation, as assayed by l -leucine and [ 3 H]TdR incorporation. These results add to the evidence that a proteolytic event may be involved in an early activation event in B-cells.
A “hands-on” approach to computer literacy

Computer science departments face an overwhelming demand from the university community for computer literacy courses. In 1982 at Rutgers University we began to offer a “hands-on” literacy course for non-computer science majors. The students learn the rudiments of BASIC, study “how the computer works” by learning a small pseudo-assembly language and experiment with a variety of applications software packages. Applications include text processing, modelling, game playing, CAI and spreadsheets. Our experiences with this course have been positive, although the logistics of handling 960 students per semester are formidable.
Appropriateness and effectiveness of image repair strategies

This study investigates utterances designed to restore a damaged reputation. A typology of image repair strategies is described and perceptions of the appropriateness and effectiveness of these strategies in face‐threatening interpersonal situations are investigated. Specifically, this study helps to correct a limitation of previous studies. Rather than compare accounts at a general level (excuses, justifications) using examples of particular strategies, this study compared fourteen specific image restoration strategies. Mortification (apologies, concessions) and corrective action were perceived as more effective and appropriate than other strategies. Bolstering, minimization, provocation, and denial were rated as least effective and appropriate.
Epidural steroid injections for chronic back pain: piecing the puzzle together

307 ISSN 1758-1869 10.2217/PMT.12.32 © 2012 Future Medicine Ltd Pain Manage. (2012) 2(4), 307–309 Solutions containing steroids have been injected into the epidural space for the treatment of chronic back pain for over 50 years. Currently, epidural steroid injections (ESIs) are the most commonly performed intervention in pain clinics worldwide [1]. However, despite the widespread use of ESIs, the efficacy of this procedure remains controversial. Whereas a wealth of controlled and anecdotal evidence supports their use, dozens of other studies have attempted and failed to conclusively prove that ESIs are an effective means of analgesia in patients with chronic back pain [2]. This poses a dilemma for the modern pain practitioner and begs the question as to why the efficacy of such a ubiquitous intervention remains unproven in the literature. In all likelihood, this apparent paradox arises partly from an oversimplification of the question itself. As most practitioners are aware, the term ‘chronic back pain’ is one that encompasses a vast array of etiologies that are often difficult to distinguish from one another due to significant overlap in symptoms [3]. Even in patients with classical radiculopathy, these symptoms rarely occur in isolation (i.e., without concomitant mechanical low back pain). From a pathophysiological standpoint, the theoretical benefit of ESIs is in patients with neuropathic spinal pain (NSP). The most widely supported mechanism of analgesia in these patients is ascribed to the anti-inflammatory properties of cortico steroids counteracting the high concentrations of inflammatory enzymes that are often found at the site of pathology [4]. Although other mechanisms have been postulated, such as a direct anti nociceptive action [5] and osmotic dilution of inflammatory cytokines [6], epidural steroids should not be expected to be as efficacious in patients without an inflammatory component to their pain. Even differentiating between NSP and mechanical back pain can be difficult, as factors that predispose to NSP also result in changes in regional biomechanics leading to nociceptive pain [7]. For example, the presence of facet joint arthritis predisposes patients to radiculopathy secondary
Specificity and nature of the rapid steroid-stimulated increase in Sertoli cell nuclear RNA polymerase activity.

Abstract This report explores the ability or various steroids to rapidly stimulate Sertoli cell RNA polymerase II activity and to compete with [ 3 H]-androgens for nuclear and cytosol binding sites. Nuclear RNA polymerase II activity was significantly stimulated by a 1 nM concentration of the androgenic compounds testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (17β-hydroxy-5α-androstan-3-one), R1881 (methyltrienolone) and 5α-androstan-3α,17β-diol and also by the potent progestins 6-αmethylprogesterone and R5020 (17,21-dimethyl-19-nor-4-pregna-3,20-dione). Progesterone, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone, estradiol, androsterone, and 5α-androstan-3β,17β-diol were ineffective at 1 nM. Cytosol binding and nuclear accumulation of [ 3 H]-androgen was effectively reduced by 100 fold molar excess of those androgens and progestins which stimulated RNA polymerase II activity. These data suggest that androgens and progestins bind to at least some of the same proteins in the Sertoli cell and may elicit the rapid stimulation of RNA polymerase II activity via a common mechanism. Agarose gel electrophoresis of the nuclear RNA synthesized as a result of exposure to testosterone indicated that it was heterodisperse and in part polyadenylated. Electrophoresis of the poly A + -RNA demonstrated that testosterone administration increased the incorporation of [ 3 H]-UTP into RNA that was larger than 28 S.
Paleoflood hydrology: Origin, progress, prospects

From an origin in diverse studies of flood geomorphology and Quaternary geology, paleoflood hydrology emerged as a geophysical and an applied hydrological science during the 1970s and 1980s. Since acquiring its formal name in 1982, the most productive approach in paleoflood hydrology has become energy-based inverse hydraulic modeling of discrete paleoflood events, recorded in appropriate settings as slackwater deposits and other paleostage indicators (SWD-PSI), or as various threshold indicators of non-exceedence. Technological advances, particularly in hydraulic modeling and geochronology, were instrumental in moving the discipline to its present status. The most recent advances include (1) new techniques for the accurate geochronology of flood sediments, notably TAMS radiocarbon analyses and OSL dating, and (2) the phenomenal increase in computer power that allows complex hydraulic calculations to become feasible for routine studies. From its initial demonstration in the southwestern United States, SWD-PSI paleoflood hydrology proved its widespread applicability to various landscape environments. Particularly important studies have been accomplished in Australia, China, India, Israel, South Africa, Spain, and Thailand. Paleoflood hydrology has also generated its share of controversy, in part because of the differing viewpoints and attitudes of the two scientific traditions from which it emerged: Quaternary geology/geomorphology versus applied hydrologic/hydraulic engineering. Nevertheless, the future growth of the discipline is assured, given the rapid pace of discoveries that it engenders. Indeed, so many international studies exist that it is appropriate to pursue global syntheses to address interesting and timely questions of extreme flood phenomena in relation to global climatic change.
SEATBELT USE AMONG DRUNK DRIVERS IN DIFFERENT LEGISLATIVE SETTINGS

We present evidence from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System and Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System that shows increased seatbelt use following the concurrent presence of stricter blood alcohol content thresholds and primarily enforced seatbelt laws. This suggests that inebriated drivers may use their seat belts more judiciously to avoid being identified as a drunk driver by law enforcement. The interactive effect of stricter drunk driving laws and primary seatbelt laws are also shown to be more effective than either law passed in isolation in terms of reducing traffic fatalities. (JEL K4, I18)
Packet Transmission over a Fixed Wireless Loop Using Adaptive Rate Techniques

In this paper a rate-adaptive transmission scheme is used to ensure reliable and efficient transmission of packets over a fixed wireless link. The scheme is based on a stationary, memoryless, and blockfading channel model with perfect knowledge of channel fading state, available at transmitters. Information, in our proposed system, is transmitted in the form of packets that each may potentially consist of several conventional ATM cells along with a rate-identifier preamble that contains the information needed by a receiver, allowing for proper demodulation/decoding of packets. In this application, because of the short physical length of a radio link, a simple go-back-N ARQ protocol can provide a reliable communications system with an acceptable throughput. Analytical results for spectral efficiency, throughput and queuing delay show that adaptive-rate systems can achieve significant improvements over those using fixed-rate schemes.
In Utero Gene Therapy Rescues Vision in a Murine Model of Congenital Blindness

The congenital retinal blindness known as Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) can be caused by mutations in the RPE65 gene. RPE65 plays a critical role in the visual cycle that produces the photosensitive pigment rhodopsin. Recent evidence from human studies of LCA indicates that earlier rather than later intervention may be more likely to restore vision. We determined the impact of in utero delivery of the human RPE65 cDNA to retinal pigment epithelium cells in a murine model of LCA, the Rpe65(-/-) mouse, using a serotype 2 adeno-associated virus packaged within an AAV1 capsid (AAV2/1). Delivery of AAV2/1-CMV-hRPE65 to fetuses (embryonic day 14) resulted in efficient transduction of retinal pigment epithelium, restoration of visual function, and measurable rhodopsin. The results demonstrate AAV-mediated correction of the deficit and suggest that in utero retinal gene delivery may be a useful approach for treating a variety of blinding congenital retinal diseases.
Polymorphisms in estrogen bioactivation, detoxification and oxidative DNA base excision repair genes and prostate cancer risk

To date, the potential impact of hormones on prostate cancer has predominantly focused on receptor-mediated events. However, catechol estrogens, if not inactivated by catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), can generate large quantities of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS may cause a spectrum of damage including oxidative DNA base lesions, which can lead to irreversible mutation(s) if they are not repaired by base excision repair (BER) systems. hOGG1 is a key enzyme in short patch BER because it recognizes and performs initial excision of the most common form of oxidative DNA base damage, 8-hydroxyguanine (8-oxo-dG). To investigate potential non-receptor-mediated estrogen effects, we evaluated the association between COMT Vall58Met and hOGGI Ser326Cys polymorphisms and prostate cancer in a family-based case-control study (439 prostate cancer cases, 479 brother controls). We observed no noteworthy associations between these polymorphisms and prostate cancer risk in the total study population. However, among men with more aggressive prostate cancer, the hOGG1 326 Cys/Cys genotype was inversely associated with disease (OR = 0.30; 95% CI = 0.09-0.98). Combining the lower activity CYP1B1 432 Leu/Leu or Leu/Val genotypes (which may decrease the level of catechol estrogens and ROS generated) with the hOGG1 326 Cys/Cys genotype and the XRCC1 399 Arg/ Arg or Arg/Gln genotypes (which may enhance BER) resulted in an even further reduced risk in Caucasians with more aggressive disease (OR = 0.09; 95% CI = 0.01-0.56). Including the high-activity COMT 158Val allele to this combination also lowered aggressive prostate cancer risk but the effect was not as strong (OR = 0.20; 95% CI = 0.05-0.88). The decreased risk we observed with the hOGG1 326 Cys/Cys genotype confirms an earlier report and the further reduced risk found with the CYP1B1 (432 Leu/Leu or Leu/Val)-hOGG1 (326 Cys/Cys)-XRCC1 (Arg/ Arg or Arg/Gln) genotype combination may lend new insights to the importance of ROS generated from non-receptor-mediated estrogenic mechanisms in more aggressive prostate cancer.
Effects of Crude Oil, Dispersant, and Oil-Dispersant Mixtures on Human Fecal Microbiota in an In Vitro Culture System

The Deepwater Horizon oil spill of 2010 raised concerns that dispersant and dispersed oil, as well as crude oil itself, could contaminate shellfish and seafood habitats with hazardous residues that had potential implications for human health and the ecosystem. However, little is known about the effects of crude oil and dispersant on the human fecal microbiota. The aim of this research was to evaluate the potential effects of Deepwater Horizon crude oil, Corexit 9500 dispersant, and their combination on human fecal microbial communities, using an in vitro culture test system. Fecal specimens from healthy adult volunteers were made into suspensions, which were then treated with oil, dispersant, or oil-dispersant mixtures under anaerobic conditions in an in vitro culture test system. Perturbations of the microbial community, compared to untreated control cultures, were assessed using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE), real-time PCR, and pyrosequencing methods. DGGE and pyrosequencing analysis showed that oil-dispersant mixtures reduced the diversity of fecal microbiota from all individuals. Real-time PCR results indicated that the copy numbers of 16S rRNA genes in cultures treated with dispersed oil or oil alone were significantly lower than those in control incubations. The abundance of the Bacteroidetes decreased in crude oil-treated and dispersed-oil-treated cultures, while the Proteobacteria increased in cultures treated with dispersed oil. In conclusion, the human fecal microbiota was affected differently by oil and dispersed oil, and the influence of dispersed oil was significantly greater than that of either oil or dispersant alone compared to control cultures. IMPORTANCE There have been concerns whether human health is adversely affected by exposure to spilled crude oil, which contains regulated carcinogens, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. In this study, we determined the effect of BP Deepwater Horizon crude oil and oil dispersant on the human intestinal microbiota, since there is the potential that low-level residues of petrochemicals could contaminate seafood. The results of this study will increase our understanding of the ecophysiological changes in the microbial communities of the human gastrointestinal tract with respect to crude oil exposure.
Allylsilane-based annulations. Direct stereoselective syntheses of (.+-.)-graveolide and (.+-.)-aromaticin

Abstract An Allylsilane-Based Annulation Was Used To Construct A Functionalized Perhydroazulene. The C(1), C(5) And C(10) Stereocenters, Characteristic Of The Helenanolides, Were Established Using A Reductive Alkylation Strategy. Stereo-Selective Syntheses Of Two Pseudoguaianolides Were Achieved.
The Electronic Countermeasures Problem for Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) Communications

An extremely low frequency (ELF) communication system for military purposes needs specialized engineering techniques, in particular signal bandwidth spreading in order to protect against enemy electronic countermeasures (ECM). Qualitative discussion is presented of the processing which the system must have to make jamming difficult, with qualitative discussion of predictive jamming, repeat-back jamming, and high power brute force jamming by adapting electric power systems.
Clarity: an open-source manager for laboratory automation

Software to manage automated laboratories, when interfaced with hardware instruments, gives users a way to specify experimental protocols and schedule activities to avoid hardware conflicts. In addition to these basics, modern laboratories need software that can run multiple different protocols in parallel and that can be easily extended to interface with a constantly growing diversity of techniques and instruments. We present Clarity, a laboratory automation manager that is hardware agnostic, portable, extensible, and open source. Clarity provides critical features including remote monitoring, robust error reporting by phone or email, and full state recovery in the event of a system crash. We discuss the basic organization of Clarity, demonstrate an example of its implementation for the automated analysis of bacterial growth, and describe how the program can be extended to manage new hardware. Clarity is mature, well documented, actively developed, written in C# for the Common Language Infrastructure, and is free and open-source software. These advantages set Clarity apart from currently available laboratory automation programs. The source code and documentation for Clarity is available at http://code.google.com/p/osla/.
Risk factors for adverse drug events among older adults in the ambulatory setting.

Objectives: To gather information on patient-level factors associated with risk of adverse drug events (ADEs) that may allow focus of prevention efforts on patients at high risk. Design: Nested case-control study. Setting: Large multispecialty group practice in New England. Participants: All Medicare enrollees cared for by a multispecialty group practice during 1 year (N=30,397 person-years from July 1, 1999, through June 30, 2000). For each patient with an ADE, a control was randomly selected. Measurements: Data were abstracted from medical records on age, sex, comorbidities, and medication use at the time of the event. Results: ADEs were identified in 1,299 older adults. Independent risk factors included being female and aged 80 and older. There were dose-response associations with the Charlson Comorbidity Index and number of scheduled medications. Patients taking anticoagulants, antidepressants, antibiotics, cardiovascular drugs, diuretics, hormones, and corticosteroids were at increased risk. In the analysis of preventable ADEs, the dose-response relationship with comorbidity and number of medications remained. Patients taking nonopioid analgesics (predominantly nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs and acetaminophen), anticoagulants, diuretics, and anti-seizure medications were at increased risk. Conclusion: Prevention efforts to reduce ADEs should be targeted toward older adults with multiple medical conditions or taking multiple medications, nonopioid analgesics, anticoagulants, diuretics, and antiseizure medications.
Estimation of abnormalities in a human gait using sensor-embedded shoes

Systems that assist patients require a means for detecting and quantifying abnormalities in human motions. In the previous work, we introduced a fuzzy logic algorithm that detects phases in a human gait using Smart Shoes. In this paper, a new method for estimating abnormalities in the gait phases is proposed. The proposed method detects two major abnormalities: 1) when the sensors measure improper foot pressure patterns, and 2) when the human does not follow a natural sequence of gait phases. For mathematical realization of the algorithm, a vector analysis method is applied. The proposed method is verified by experiments on abnormal gaits as well as normal gaits.
Pharmacists’ Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Herbal Medicine

OBJECTIVE:The use and sales of herbal medications have increased dramatically over the past several years. Pharmacists are in an ideal position to educate patients about herbal medicines. This study was intended to determine the knowledge and attitudes of pharmacists regarding herbal medications.METHODS:A survey was distributed to pharmacists at several state and regional meetings in Virginia and North Carolina between August and October 1998. The survey evaluated demographic data, attitudinal scales, and a 15-item herbal medicine knowledge test. Pharmacists immediately returned the surveys to the distributor on completion.RESULTS:Of the 217 surveys distributed, 164 met the inclusion criteria for further evaluation. Of the pharmacists surveyed, 68.0 % practiced in a community pharmacy, 45.1% had previous continuing education on herbal medications, and 73.6% sold herbal medications in their practice settings. The average score on the herbal knowledge test was 6.3 (maximum score of 15). Pharmacists with pre...
Altered monocyte chemotactic and activating factor gene expression in human glioblastoma cell lines increased their susceptibility to cytotoxicity

A cDNA encoding for human monocyte chemotactic and activating factor (MCAF) was ligated into the retroviral vector pLXSN. These pMCAF-LXSN and antisense p-antiMCAF-LXSN vectors were transfected into HBT20 and HBT28 human brain tumor cells. HBT28 cells constitutively express high amounts of MCAF, whereas HBT20 cells express much less MCAF. HBT20 cells transfected with pMCAF-LXSN (HBT20-MCAF) showed significantly higher MCAF mRNA expression and MCAF protein production than the HBT20-parent or HBT20 cells transfected with control vector (HBT20-LXSN). In contrast, supernatant from HBT28 cells transfected with p-antiMCAF-LXSN (HBT28-antiMCAF) contained less MCAF than HBT28-parent, HBT28-LXSN, and HBT28-MCAF cells. Activated human monocytes killed HBT20-MCAF cells more efficiently compared with HBT20-parent, HBT20-LXSN, and HBT20-antiMCAF cells (P< 0.02), whereas HBT28-antiMCAF cells were killed more efficiently by activated monocytes compared with HBT28-parent, HBT28-LXSN, and HBT28-MCAF cells (P< 0.05). Cultured supernatants from activated monocytes plus HBT20-MCAF cells or from activated monocytes plus HBT28-antiMCAF cells inhibited the growth of HBT20 and HBT28 cells, respectively. Altered MCAF expression can therefore enhance the ability of activated monocytes to kill brain tumor cells. This increased cytotoxicity is partially dependent upon the basal state of MCAF in the individual tumor cells.
Presidential Appointments and Personnel

This article reviews some recent advances in research on presidential appointments and personnel. I focus specifically on research analyzing changes in the institutional environment of presidential personnel, how presidents make decisions about whom to appoint, and the effects of presidential appointees on outputs. I explore what we know about how presidents have worked to change institutions surrounding presidential personnel by increasing the number of appointees and augmenting White House personnel operations. I examine how presidents decide what factors to value when choosing personnel. When do presidents value loyalty, competence, campaign support, or other characteristics of potential appointees? Finally, I examine the effects of appointees on outputs. What influence do appointees have over outputs and why do some have more influence than others? I describe the general trajectory of research in each area as well as some emerging issues confronting scholars in these areas.
Cost and cost-effectiveness of standard methadone maintenance treatment compared to enriched 180-day methadone detoxification

AIMS: To compare the cost and cost-effectiveness of methadone maintenance treatment and 180-day methadone detoxification enriched with psychosocial services. DESIGN: Randomized controlled study conducted from May 1995 to April 1999. SETTING: Research clinic in an established drug treatment program. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred and seventy-nine adults with diagnosed opioid dependence. Intervention Patients were randomized to methadone maintenance (n = 91), which required monthly 1 hour/week of psychosocial therapy during the first 6 months or 180-day detoxification (n = 88), which required 3 hours/week of psychosocial therapy and 14 education sessions during the first 6 months. MEASUREMENTS: Total health-care costs and self-reported injection drug use. A two-state Markov model was used to estimate quality-adjusted years of survival. Findings Methadone maintenance produced significantly greater reductions in illicit opioid use than 180-day detoxification during the last 6 months of treatment. Total health-care costs were greater for maintenance than detoxification treatment ($7564 versus $6687; P < 0.001). Although study costs were significantly higher for methadone maintenance than detoxification patients ($4739 versus $2855, P < 0.001), detoxification patients incurred significantly higher costs for substance abuse and mental health care received outside the study. Methadone maintenance may provide a modest survival advantage compared with detoxification. The cost per life-year gained is $16 967. Sensitivity analysis revealed a cost-effectiveness ratio of less than $20 000 per quality-adjusted life-year over a wide range of modeling assumptions. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with enriched detoxification services, methadone maintenance is more effective than enriched detoxification services with a cost-effectiveness ratio within the range of many accepted medical interventions and may provide a survival advantage. Results provide additional support for the use of sustained methadone therapy as opposed to detoxification for treating opioid addiction.
Mass transfer in dilute turbulent and non‐turbulent systems with rapid irreversible reactions and equal diffusivities

Studies of mass transfer with rapid, homogeneous, irreversible reactions between dilute species with equal difusivities are carried out with a device which reduces the system of mass transfer-reaction equations to the equations for mass transfer in the absence of reaction. A relationship which gives the rate of transfer into stagnant, laminar, or turbulent reacting systems is developed. Under some conditions the reaction increases the transfer rates by a constant factor, while under other conditions the reaction increases the individual or over-all mass transfer coefficients by a constant factor. Calculations of concentration profiles, conversion, etc. are carried out for the Graetz problem with a homogeneous reaction between a dilute species in the fluid and a dilute species diffusing from the tube wall. Reaction completion times for various stagnant elements in infinite media are given. Although the flux into a turbulent reacting fluid is related to the time average behavior in the absence of reaction, the time average concentrations depend also upon the relative intensity of the concentration fluctuations in the absence of reaction. This latter dependence is obtained from a relationship of Hawthorne, et al. Surfaces on which the time average composition is stoichiometric and the reactant concentrations are proportional to the relative intensity of the concentration fluctuations in the absence of reaction are obtained for turbulent flow in a tube with a homogeneous reaction between the fluid and wall. Distances for almost complete reaction are estimated. The time average conversion is related to the accomplished mixing for the case in which two dilute reactants are turbulently mixed. In a uniform, stoichiometric mixture the fractional conversion equals the accomplished mixing. Calculations are carried out for uniform, nonstoichiometric mixtures.
Statin use is associated with improved overall survival without affecting patency and limb salvage rates following open or endovascular revascularization

The aim of the study was to determine statin drug association with patency, limb salvage rates and survival after revascularization in patients with chronic limb ischemia. We retrospectively review...
Investigation of the Effects of Sliding on Wheel Tread Damage

Wheel tread spalling is the main source of damage to wheel treads and a primary cause for wheel removals from service. Severe frictional heating of the wheel-rail contact patch during sliding causes the formation of martensite, a hard, brittle microstructure. The martensite patches break away from the more resilient bulk of the wheel tread when subjected to contact loads, resulting in spall formation. Prolonged sliding allows a greater volume of wheel tread material to reach extremely high temperatures, which will lead to material ablation and the formation of a slid flat. Such flats are the cause of wheel impact loads, which are extremely damaging to truck components and rail. This paper outlines an approach developed to estimate the effects of sliding on wheel flat formation and the potential severity of spalling. The methodology is described and preliminary results are presented using an intentionally simplified idealization of the wheel-rail contact geometry. Material characterization (temperature-dependent properties and failure criteria) and management of model size are of equal importance to geometric fidelity and are the focus in the early stages of the development of the qualitative model present here.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Depression Screening on a Maternity Unit: A Mixed-Methods Evaluation of Nurses’ Views and Implementation Strategies

Postpartum women often suffer clinically significant depressive symptoms, a problem addressed by nurse-delivered screening programs. In the past, success of these identification programs was measured in terms of screening rates; however, merely evaluating the screening rate does little to inform how to implement depression screening in clinical practice. This article describes the experiences of nurses in implementing depression screening on a maternity unit. We evaluate the practice qualitatively, by asking nurses to describe their screening strategies and their views about implementation, as well as quantitatively by assessing their screening rates and the number of women identified. Utilizing a framework of program evaluation, 20 maternity unit nurses completed qualitative assessments investigating their day-to-day experiences with this practice. To include the perspectives of nurses that declined to participate in qualitative assessments, 14 additional maternity unit nurses completed a brief survey assessing their views. We also assessed screening rates, defined as the number of women screened divided by the number eligible for screening. Maternity unit nurses viewed depression screening positively and were able
Nucleosome dynamics regulates DNA processing

Double-strand-break repair by homologous recombination requires processing of the DNA ends by resection. In vitro and in vivo analysis of the Exo1 and Sgs1–Dna2 resection pathways in budding yeast demonstrates that both resection pathways are hindered by the presence of nucleosomes and require distinct chromatin remodeling events to navigate the chromatin structure.