cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The biologic responses to orthopedic implants and their wear debris.

Abstract The use of artificial materials in the treatment of orthopaedic conditions, most notably arthritis, over the past few decades has been increasing dramatically. Such use makes an understanding of the tissue responses to the various materials necessary to determine their effectiveness and acceptability. This review concentrates on the studies of the biological responses to the materials that are used mainly in joint replacements and fixation of fractures. In-vivo and in-vitro experimental studies of various metals, polymers and ceramics and their constituents are first presented with discussions regarding their clinical importance. Studies of clinically successful implants are then presented to illustrate the expected morphological features of incorporation and acceptance by the host tissues. The local and systemic effects complicating the use of the implanted materials as well as the failure of the implant are then presented.
The Nickel and Dime Decade: American Popular Culture During the 1930s

Introduction The Setting Fads and Crazes Comics and Popular Literature Newspapers and Radio Music, Movies, and the Arts Sports Style and Life Coping Conclusion Notes Bibliography
Fuzzy adaptive networks in machining process modeling: surface roughness prediction for turning operations

Due to the complexity of the machine tool structure and the cutting process, the dynamics of machining processes are still not completely understood. This is especially true due to the demand of high-speed machining to increase productivity. In order to model and control these complex processes, new approaches, which can represent complex phenomenon combined with learning ability, are needed. The combined neural–fuzzy approach appears to be ideally suited for this purpose. In this paper, the recently developed fuzzy adaptive network (FAN) is used to model surface roughness in turning operations. The FAN network has both the learning ability of neural network and linguistic representation of complex, not well-understood, vague phenomenon. Furthermore, it can continuously improve the initially obtained rough model based on the daily operating data. To illustrate this approach, a model representing the influences of machining parameters on surface roughness is established and then the model is verified by the use of the results of pilot experiments. Finally, a comparison with the results based on statistical regression is provided.
The Role of Collagen Bioscaffolds, Foamed Collagen, and Living Skin Equivalents in Wound Healing

Collagen is one of the fundamental building blocks of skin and plays a critical role in wound healing. This article looks at the wide array of collagen and living skin equivalent products containing collagen and living cells, and at how these may be used in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. Solid collagen, foamed collagen, living skin equivalents, and living cadaveric skin are considered. Clinical examples are included, along with a brief discussion of wound dressings that may help to enhance the incorporation of these materials.
Why Potential Vorticity Is Not Conserved along Mean Streamlines in a Numerical Southern Ocean

Potential vorticity (PV) is used as an indicator of the forcing processes and dissipation at work in the Southern Ocean. Output from the Semtner‐Chervin model run with quarter-degree resolution is considered on isopycnal surfaces along Montgomery streamfunctions. Numerical results are compared with hydrographic measurements. Although simple hypotheses might suggest that subsurface PV should be unaffected by wind forcing and constant along streamlines, these results indicate that even at about 1000-m depth, PV varies along mean streamlines in both the numerical model output and in the in situ observations. The changes in PV are largely represented by stratification changes rather than shifts in the Coriolis parameter or in relative vorticity. In the numerical model output, a combination of mechanisms is responsible for these changes in PV, including transient tracer fluxes, transient momentum fluxes, diffusive processes, and long-term tracer drift.
Quantitative Comparison of Algorithms for Tracking Single Fluorescent Particles

Single particle tracking has seen numerous applications in biophysics, ranging from the diffusion of proteins in cell membranes to the movement of molecular motors. A plethora of computer algorithms have been developed to monitor the sub-pixel displacement of fluorescent objects between successive video frames, and some have been claimed to have "nanometer" resolution. To date, there has been no rigorous comparison of these algorithms under realistic conditions. In this paper, we quantitatively compare specific implementations of four commonly used tracking algorithms: cross-correlation, sum-absolute difference, centroid, and direct Gaussian fit. Images of fluorescent objects ranging in size from point sources to 5 microm were computer generated with known sub-pixel displacements. Realistic noise was added and the above four algorithms were compared for accuracy and precision. We found that cross-correlation is the most accurate algorithm for large particles. However, for point sources, direct Gaussian fit to the intensity distribution is the superior algorithm in terms of both accuracy and precision, and is the most robust at low signal-to-noise. Most significantly, all four algorithms fail as the signal-to-noise ratio approaches 4. We judge direct Gaussian fit to be the best algorithm when tracking single fluorophores, where the signal-to-noise is frequently near 4.
Natives Making Nation: Gender, Indigeneity, and the State in the Andes

In Bolivia today, the ability to speak an indigenous language is highly valued among educated urbanites as a useful job skill, but a rural person who speaks a native language is branded with lower social status. Likewise, chewing coca in the countryside spells "inferior indian," but in La Paz jazz bars it's decidedly cool. In the Andes and elsewhere, the commodification of indianness has impacted urban lifestyles as people co-opt indigenous cultures for qualities that emphasize the uniqueness of their national culture. This volume looks at how metropolitan ideas of nation employed by politicians, the media and education are produced, reproduced, and contested by people of the rural Andes-people who have long been regarded as ethnically and racially distinct from more culturally European urban citizens. Yet these peripheral "natives" are shown to be actively engaged with the idea of the nation in their own communities, forcing us to re-think the ways in which indigeneity is defined by its marginality. The contributors examine the ways in which numerous identities-racial, generational, ethnic, regional, national, gender, and sexual-are both mutually informing and contradictory among subaltern Andean people who are more likely now to claim an allegiance to a nation than ever before. Although indians are less often confronted with crude assimilationist policies, they continue to face racism and discrimination as they struggle to assert an identity that is more than a mere refraction of the dominant culture. Yet despite the language of multiculturalism employed even in constitutional reform, any assertion of indian identity is likely to be resisted. By exploring topics as varied as nation-building in the 1930s or the chuqila dance, these authors expose a paradox in the relation between indians and the nation: that the nation can be claimed as a source of power and distinct identity while simultaneously making some types of national imaginings unattainable. Whether dancing together or simply talking to one another, the people described in these essays are shown creating identity through processes that are inherently social and interactive. To sing, to eat, to weave . . . In the performance of these simple acts, bodies move in particular spaces and contexts and do so within certain understandings of gender, race and nation. Through its presentation of this rich variety of ethnographic and historical contexts, Natives Making Nation provides a finely nuanced view of contemporary Andean life.
Prefrontal Cortex Activity Associated with Source Monitoring in a Working Memory Task

Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we investigated prefrontal cortex (PFC) activity during remembering specific source information (format, location judgments) versus remembering that could be based on undifferentiated information, such as familiarity (old/new recognition [ON], recency judgments). A working memory (WM) paradigm with an immediate test yielded greater activation in the lateral PFC for format and location source memory (SM) tasks than ON recognition; this SM-related activity was left lateralized. The same regions of PFC were recruited in Experiment 2 when information was tested immediately and after a filled delay. Substituting recency for location judgments (Experiment 3) resulted in an overall shift in task context that produced greater right PFC activity associated with ON and recency tasks compared to the format task, in addition to left SM-related activity. These data extend to WM previous findings from long-term memory (LTM) indicating that the left and right PFC may be differentially involved in memory attributions depending on the specificity of information evaluated. The findings also provide evidence for the continuity of evaluative processes recruited in WM and LTM.
Some Ionic and Bioelectric Properties of the Ameba Chaos chaos

Ionic relationships in the giant ameba Chaos chaos were studied by analyzing bulk preparations of ground cytoplasm for K, Na, and Cl. Ion levels under normal conditions were compared with the levels in cells exposed to varying concentrations of different ions, for varying times and at different temperatures. By standard intracellular electrode techniques, the bioelectric potential, electrical resistance, and rectifying properties of the plasmalemma were studied on intact cells in media of different composition. The results obtained, when related to evidence from other studies on ion fluxes and osmotic relationships, suggest the following concept of ionic regulation in Chaos chaos. In the absence of active membrane uptake, the plasmalemma is essentially impermeable to anions but permeable to both K and Na, which enter passively. In the cold the cell does not discriminate between K and Na, the cytoplasmic level of K + Na is determined by a Donnan distribution, and osmotic imbalance leads to slow swelling. At normal temperatures active processes are added: Na and water are pumped out by the contractile vacuole system; Cl is accumulated, along with the colloid components of the cytoplasm, only during feeding and growth, which depend upon membrane uptake and intracellular membrane transformations. There is no evidence for active transport of any ion species directly across the plasmalemma.
Under-table mounting for AESOP robot for laparoscopic flank surgery

Summary. Background and objectives: A new method of mounting the AESOP (Automated Endoscopic System for Optimal Positioning-Computer Motion Inc., Goleta, CA) robotic arm for use in laparoscopic flank procedures is described. Methods: The AESOP robotic arm was mounted on a specially developed bracket to allow under-table positioning of the device on a specially-designed radiolucent laparoscopic urology table (Orthopedic Systems Inc., Union City, CA). With the AESOP device controlling the laparoscope, laparoscopic right total nephrectomy was performed in a patient with renal failure and a lower pole renal mass. Results: The operative time was 315 min. The robotic arm was able to control the camera with the patient in the flank position, providing a stable, clear view during the procedure. Conclusions: The use of a robotic arm to manipulate the laparoscope can significantly assist laparoscopic surgery. The AESOP device, intended for attachment to a standard operating table to provide for robotic control of t...
Nonlinear interactions between convection, rotation and flows with vertical shear

The effects of a mean flow with vertical shear on the convective motions in a rotating layer are examined using a three-dimensional and time-dependent numerical model. In the absence of rotation, the convective motions are shown to be dominated by the shear flow when the Richardson number becomes greater than about -1.0. Both heat and momentum are carried down their respective gradients. For rotating cases with vertical rotation vectors, the Coriolis force turns the flow induced by the convection to produce a more complicated shear that changes direction with height. For rotating cases with tilted rotation vectors, the results depend on the direction of the shear. When the imposed flow is in the opposite direction, the convection motions are less energetic and are even suppressed entirely when the shear is strong. When the imposed flow is in the same direction, as that produced by the rotation, the convective motions are enhanced and a countergradient flux of momentum can be produced.
Retention-Oriented Curricular Design

This paper presents a retention-oriented approach to the educational value stream within the STEM undergraduate area. Faced with several strategic challenges and opportunities, a Flex Advantage Plan was developed to enhance the undergraduate engineering technology programs and better utilize the curricular flexibilities inherent in the current structure. FAP provides distinction and uniqueness to these majors by presenting students with educational choices that add depth in a chosen discipline and/or another concentration. Flex Advantage has expanded awareness and increased enrollment in secondary degrees, minors and concentrations. In the next phase, the linkages between undergraduate and graduate studies will be addressed to provide a smoother transition for current undergraduate students and more relevant alternatives for part-time students.
Review of trust research from an interdisciplinary perspective - psychology, sociology, economics, and cyberspace

Trust and trustworthiness apply to a wide range of applications in automation and human interactions. Their definitions and characteristics vary depending on the context and the situation. Nevertheless, they are significant because of risk, vulnerability, uncertainty, and confidence. In this paper we review past work to converge our understanding of Trust (human centric and subjective) and trustworthiness (hardware/software centric and objective) across fields including literature from psychological, sociological, economic, automation, and cyberspace perspectives of trust. We expect to create a more rigorous definition of trust and trustworthiness that leads to finding the appropriate metrics to measure trust and trustworthiness dynamically.
Isolation and Maintenance of Brachyspira Species

Brachyspira species are anaerobic spirochetes inhabiting intestinal tracts of animals and humans. Several species cause transmissible intestinal diseases of swine and birds. This unit describes methods for the isolation of Brachyspira from fecal samples, cultivation on liquid and solid media, and long term and short term preservation of Brachyspira species. Curr. Protoc. Microbiol. 22:12D.1.1-12D.1.14. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Keywords: Brachyspira hyodysenteriae; spirochete; anaerobic; pathogen; intestine; swine; poultry; human
Bimolecular integrin–ligand interactions quantified using peptide-functionalized dextran-coated microparticles

Integrins play a key role in cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions. Artificial surfaces grafted with integrin ligands, mimicking natural interfaces, have been used to study integrin-mediated cell adhesion. Here we report the use of a new chemical engineering technology in combination with single-molecule nanomechanical measurements to quantify peptide binding to integrins. We prepared latex beads with covalently-attached dextran. The beads were then functionalized with the bioactive peptides, cyclic RGDFK (cRGD) and the fibrinogen γC-dodecapeptide (H12), corresponding to the active sites for fibrinogen binding to the platelet integrin αIIbβ3. Using optical tweezers-based force spectroscopy to measure non-specific protein–protein interactions, we found the dextran-coated beads nonreactive towards fibrinogen, thus providing an inert platform for biospecific modifications. Using periodate oxidation followed by reductive amination, we functionalized the bead-attached dextran with either cRGD or H12 and used the peptide-grafted beads to measure single-molecule interactions with the purified αIIbβ3. Bimolecular force spectroscopy revealed that the peptide-functionalized beads were highly and specifically reactive with the immobilized αIIbβ3. Further, the cRGD- and H12-functionalized beads displayed a remarkable interaction profile with a bimodal force distribution up to 90 pN. The cRGD–αIIbβ3 interactions had greater binding strength than that of H12–αIIbβ3, indicating that they are more stable and resistant mechanically, consistent with the platelet reactivity of RGD-containing ligands. Thus, the results reported here describe the mechanistic characteristics of αIIbβ3–ligand interactions, confirming the utility of peptide-functionalized latex beads for the quantitative analysis of molecular recognition.
Environmental controls of phenology of high-latitude Chinook salmon populations of the Yukon River, North America, with application to fishery management

Mundy, P. R., and Evenson, D. F. 2011. Environmental controls of phenology of high-latitude Chinook salmon populations of the Yukon River, North America, with application to fishery management. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 68: 1155–1164.Phenologies of a number of anadromous fish species have been demonstrated to vary in concert with environmental factors that change with global warming, such as water and air temperatures. Anadromous fishery managers will need advice from models of phenology, or migratory timing, as functions of environmental factors in those harvest areas where annual migratory timing can vary sharply. Such models are also necessary to advise fishery managers on how and when global warming projections of the IPCC model ensemble should be factored into regulatory decisions. Specifically, we demonstrate that the annual timing of marine exit of Yukon River Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) at 63°N 165°W for 1961–2009 varied in close concert with modelled sea surface temperature, air temperature, and sea ice cover. The best linear model for 1961–2009 combines sea surface and air temperatures to explain 59% of the annual variability in migratory timing (ice cover is available only for 1970–2009). Changes in phenology of high-latitude Chinook salmon are expected in response to global warming. As average temperatures increase, the frequency of earlier migrations is expected to increase, making management of the fishery more challenging.
TSOP solder joint reliability

This article reports the results on assessment of TSOP (thin small outline package) solder joint reliability. Several accelerated thermal cycling test data of various TSOPs under different cyclic temperature profiles, tested in our lab and reported by others, were analyzed in the context of the AT&T thermal fatigue database of a broad spectrum of surface mount packages-Comprehensive Surface Mount Reliability (CSMR) model. It was found that our TSOP data fitted well with the AT&T database. Four models of calculating the acceleration factor (AF) were compared for their suitability for TSOP solder joints. The failure analysis of few field returned TSOP indicated that the failure mechanism of the field returned TSOP might be different from TSOPs cycled in an accelerated thermal chamber. These observations provide explanations for discrepancy between the predicted service lives based on the accelerated thermal cycling tests and the actual service lives.
The Church on the Margins: The Religious Context of the New Atheism

Stahl’s contribution points to a decline in membership in previously hegemonic Canadian churches (Catholic in Quebec, Anglican, United), which has placed them on the margins of society, as symptomatic of the end of Christendom. He highlights three narratives which have been used to address the decline in church membership: the secularization thesis; a narrative of renewal (religions fluctuate between decline and renewal); and Charles Taylor’s work on the changes in the nature of social solidarity in the contemporary world. Stahl argues that an extension of Taylor’s work helps us to understand both the decline of mainstream churches as institutions which have failed to adapt to these changes and the rise of fundamentalism and the New Atheism as protest movements against them.
Copper Delivery to Chloroplast Proteins and its Regulation

Copper is required for photosynthesis in chloroplasts of plants because it is a cofactor of plastocyanin, an essential electron carrier in the thylakoid lumen. Other chloroplast copper proteins are copper/zinc superoxide dismutase and polyphenol oxidase, but these proteins seem to be dispensable under conditions of low copper supply when transcripts for these proteins undergo microRNA-mediated down regulation. Two ATP-driven copper transporters function in tandem to deliver copper to chloroplast compartments. This review seeks to summarize the mechanisms of copper delivery to chloroplast proteins and its regulation. We also delineate some of the unanswered questions that still remain in this field.
A molecular genetic method for genotyping fatty (fa/fa) rats

After three decades of physiological research, the precise nature of the genetic lesion in Zucker fatty (fa/fa) rats remains unknown. Several methods have been used to identify preobese rats to detect the earliest phenotypic effects of the fa mutation. Most of these methods have used phenotypic characteristics that are not reliable until the second week of life, when increased adiposity is already evident. We have used a restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) for a human genomic DNA probe (VC85) that is tightly linked to the fa locus on rat chromosome 5 to genotype the F2 progeny of a Zucker (13M) x Brown Norway (BN) fa/+ F1 intercross. Sixty-four rats, comprising five litters, were killed at 5-6 wk of age. DNA was isolated either from tail at age 4-7 days (36 rats) or from organs at the time of death (28 rats). Adiposity was scored using inguinal fat pad weight as a percentage of body weight. RFLP analysis was > 99% accurate in identifying obese (fa/fa) rats. This molecular genetic method can be used to genotype fatty rats from an appropriate genetic cross at any age, even prenatally. Moreover, this method can distinguish heterozygous from homozygous littermates, enabling an analysis of gene dosage effects.
Interaction Between Linear Furanocoumarins Found in Celery and a Commercial Bacillus thuringiensis Formulation on Spodoptera exigua (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Larval Feeding Behavior

The effect of linear furanocoumarins and Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. aizawai toxins on feeding behavior of beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hubner), larvae was quantified by giving larvae a choice between a control diet and a treated diet (diets contained linear furanocoumarins, B. thuringiensis , or linear furanocoumarins plus B. thuringiensis ). Linear furanocoumarins were tested at concentrations found in the outer leaves of celery, Apium graveolens L., plants. Diet consumption and diet preference were quantified by recording the position of the larvae twice daily for 4 d and analyzed using analysis of variance and loglinear models of a 2 ✕ 2 factorial with B. thuringiensis and linear furanocoumarins as main effects. Both main effects and their interaction were significant for diet consumption and preference data. The interaction between these 2 factors on larval diet preference indicated a mildly antagonistic effect causing increased deterrence and reduced diet consumption by S. exigua larvae; however, by not as much as predicted if B. thuringiensis and linear furanocoumarins acted independently. These laboratory results document the combined effect of secondary plant compounds and an entomopathogen on larval behavior. Our results indicate the importance of considering the behavioral ecology of insect herbivores in estimating the compatibility of secondary plant compounds and entomopathogens for the development of integrated pest management programs.
NGO-Ization and Human Rights Law: The CRPD’s Civil Society Mandate

The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) is unique among international human rights instruments for including a “civil society mandate”. Within the convention, disabled persons organizations (DPOs) are identified as having the responsibility to “be involved and participate fully in the monitoring process” of the CRPD. In response to this mandate, international funders, NGOs (non-governmental organizations), and networks committed to the CPRD have begun to implement capacity-building programs that target grassroots DPOs with the goal of ensuring they become advocates and monitors of the CRPD. While the goals of these capacity-building programs are admirable, they must be critically assessed. The NGO-ization theory within development studies offers a framework for analyzing the potential unintended consequences of donors providing new funding, NGOs providing training, and global networks integrating local partners. NGO-ization studies have identified how grassroots associations are co-opted by outside actors through formalization and professionalization processes that significantly alter local groups and alienate members, thus making those associations less representative and less responsive to local needs and interests. Human rights scholars and international organizations focused on the CRPD should incorporate an NGO-ization perspective into their research and project-implementation to ensure that grassroots voices are heard and local needs addressed.
Improvement of Cold-conjunction Compensation of Thermocouple

On the basis of discussing cold-conjunction compensation of thermocouple measurement circuit,an improving solution was provided which was based on the A/D converter ADS1224 with internal high accuracy temperature sensor.The absolute cold-conjunction temperature was measured separately.At last the temperature of heating-conjunction of thermocouple was calculated through software.The circuit,suiting to any types of thermocouple,is more optimized and the temperature is measured more accurately.The solution has the advantage such as simple hardware,low cost,high accuracy and stability.
Patterns of exercise and fatigue in physically active cancer survivors.

Purpose/objectives To examine the physical activity patterns of cancer survivors who identify themselves as athletes to assess how much exercise athletic patients with cancer engaged in during treatment; to determine how cancer-related fatigue (CRF) affects athletic patients' ability to exercise, and to determine common problems and patterns associated with CRF experienced by athletic patients. Design Cross-sectional, descriptive survey. Setting International. Sample 219 cancer survivors who responded to a call for subjects in four sports magazines. Methods Investigator-developed, mailed survey. Findings The majority of respondents were physically active before diagnosis and continued to exercise during their treatments with modifications in their activity level. Respondents exercised an average of nine hours per week. Sixty-nine percent of the respondents experienced problems with CRF during treatment, with 52% describing their CRF as affecting their whole body. Although 26% of the respondents felt most fatigued before exercise, exercise and rest were the most commonly used strategies for managing their symptoms. Patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma experienced significantly different CRF than patients with breast or prostate cancer and reported fewer benefits from exercise. Conclusions The majority of respondents reported decreasing their activity level during treatment, but they believed that regular exercise would make them less likely to have health problems. Respondents used exercise both as an intervention to reduce CRF and as a means to have more energy. Patients with breast cancer reported more benefits from exercise than patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Implications for nursing practice The results provide indirect support for exercise as an intervention for CRF. Further research is needed to identify the optimal type and dose of exercise, clinical variables that influence the response to exercise, and the patients who will respond most favorably to exercise.
Embryo Cryopreservation in Breast Cancer Patients

Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer expected to occur in women in 2014, accounting for 29 % of incident cases among women. Approximately 11 % of all breast cancer cases occur in women <45 years. Most of those patients are likely to undergo adjuvant systemic chemotherapy with a significant impact on ovarian reserve and future reproductive potential. Embryo cryopreservation is the most established technique for fertility preservation. This procedure is an attractive strategy for fertility preservation in reproductive age breast cancer patients with available partner or willing to use donor semen. Some special considerations should be given to ovarian stimulation for fertility preservation in breast cancer patients. The development of ovarian stimulation protocols using aromatase inhibitor combined with gonadotropin appears to be effective and safe for breast cancer patients. In this chapter, we will appraise and summarize the current state of embryo cryopreservation in breast cancer patients in order to provide a better understanding of the efficacy and safety of this fertility preservation technique.
Getting to the Root of Chronic Inflammation: Ginger’s Antiinflammatory Properties

Abstract Zingiber officinale, most commonly known, as ginger, exhibits phytochemical properties that have given it timeless popularity. Traditionally, ginger has been used for a variety of conditions, including, treatment of colds, digestive maladies, fevers, nausea, and vomiting. This chapter aims to review 16 clinical trials using ginger supplementation as a preventative agent or treatment for inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis, Type 2 diabetes, cancer, dysmenorrhea, and respiratory conditions. The recent and abundant clinical trials reviewed here demonstrate compelling evidence for ginger’s antiinflammatory properties and potential use as a treatment for a variety of inflammatory diseases that plague industrialized nations. All 16 trials reviewed in this chapter, demonstrated powerful antiinflammatory properties. Future research needs to focus on determining the optimal dose, route of administration, and form of ginger supplementation to induce its antiinflammatory properties.
The quantum Hall effect branches out

It is surprising when five theoretical papers all concerned with a single experimental result appear in the same journal. It is perhaps even more surprising when the topic is the quantum Hall effect – a phenomenon that is now over two decades old and has already yielded two Nobel prizes. The great excitement stems from the fact that this experiment and the new theories elegantly intertwine the quantum Hall effect with ferromagnetism, Bose condensation, superfluidity and the Josephson effect.
Poisons and Drugs

Beneficial drugs and hazardous poisons are shades of one another. The old adage is entirely true: one man’s passion is another man’s poison. Poisons attack and destroy a key molecular machine, blocking one of the vital processes of life and killing cells. Antibiotic drugs do exactly the same thing: they block or destroy some key molecular machine. Antibiotics, however, are designed to poison only a microorganism trying to invade your body, without poisoning you at the same time. Antibiotics are specific poisons. They must selectively poison a molecular machine which is vital to the pathogenic organism, but which is not needed in our bodies.
From a Bold Youth to a Reflective Sage: A Reevaluation of Benjamin Franklin's Religion

IN EIGHTEENTH-CENTURY AMERICA religious beliefs defined the values which provided the basis for morality in public life, in the market place, and in social relations. Benjamin Franklin's own thoughts on religion remain difficult to fully understand. As one of the most complex figures in American history, Franklin serves as both the epitome of his age and its greatest anomaly. His religious beliefs illustrate this paradox. Some historians have emphasized Frank lin the iconoclast, but others prefer to dwell on his later, more conventional views.1 In the only book-length treatment of Franklin's religion, A. Owen Aldridge traces a shift from scientific rationalism to a religion of the heart, while still placing Franklin safely within the bounds of deism.2 A fresh examination of the evidence indicates that none of these
Factors prognostic of survival in advanced-stage uterine serous carcinoma

Abstract Objectives The study objective was to analyze the impact of prognostic factors, including treatment modality, on outcome in patients with advanced-stage uterine serous carcinoma (USC). Methods A retrospective review of patients diagnosed with stage III or IV USC between 1993 and 2012 was performed. Summary statistics were used to describe demographic and clinical characteristics. Overall survival (OS) and recurrence free survival (RFS) were estimated by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to model the association of potential prognostic factors with OS and RFS. Results The study included 260 patients with median follow-up of 26.6months (range 1–172.8). Median age was 63years (range 30–88) and 52.3% had stage III disease. In all, 60% were treated with surgery followed by chemotherapy, 18.1% received surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, 11.5% had surgery and radiotherapy, and 10.4% had neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The overall complete response rate was 68.9%, and the cumulative incidence of recurrence was 82.7%. Treatment that included surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation and stage III disease were associated with improved RFS on multivariate analysis. For OS, therapy with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, mixed histology, and stage III disease were associated with better OS on multivariate analysis. Conclusions Patients with advanced-stage USC have a poor prognosis, regardless of clinical factors or treatment received. However, combination therapy that includes chemotherapy and radiation appears to be associated with improved survival in these women.
Formation of WC powders using carbon coated precursors

This paper deals with the formation of tungsten carbide from carbon coated tungstic oxide precursors. This study makes use of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). DSC and TGA data for both coated and mixed 17.2 wt% carbon containing tungstic oxide demonstrate the superiority of the coated precursor in the formation of tungsten carbide, as conversion is initiated at lower temperature. XRD patterns of products from each 100°C isotherm from 900–1400°C, inclusive, illustrate the formation as it proceeds through lower oxides into tungsten then carburizes into tungsten carbide for both the mixed and coated samples.
REGISTERED NURSE DELEGATION IN NURSING HOMES: THE ROLE OF DIRECTORS OF NURSING

The need for improved care in U.S. nursing homes continues, and the role of RN delegation in nursing home quality is an area of ongoing interest. Nursing home RNs routinely lead nursing teams, with licensed practical/vocational nurses and unlicensed nursing personnel providing the majority of direct nursing care. Effective RN delegation of nursing activities is an essential component of nursing home care; yet, evidence suggests gaps in delegation practices, with implications for the quality of care. Directors of Nursing (DONs) are in key leadership positions to address gaps in delegation practices; however, few resources are available to guide DONs in this regard. As part of larger study to develop and test a delegation resource for DONs, this paper describes challenges DONs face in addressing gaps in RN delegation practices by the nursing staff under their charge. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, audio-taped semi-structured interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of 28 current/previous DONs and nursing home leaders. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the interview transcripts, revealing two key themes. First, DONs are commonly unprepared for the demands they face in this leadership position, in general and specific to RN delegation. Second, perceived and actual resource limitations in the DON’s work environment (i.e., staffing, time) challenge their capacity to ensure effective and safe RN delegation practices. These findings provide directions for further research to understand and address the challenges faced by DONs as the nursing home leaders charged with ensuring effective and safe nursing practice and improved resident outcomes.
Express FRET Labeling and Analysis of Phagocytic Clearance

Lysosomal DNase II in phagocytic digestion produces DNA ends with 3'PO4/5'OH, which differ from those created in apoptotic DNA fragmentation, and can be used to label phagocytic clearance of cell death. Here, we describe the use of these specific DNA ends as selective markers of phagocytic reaction in cell suspensions. The approach does not require cell fixation. It selectively labels blunt-ended DNA breaks with terminal 5'OH. The detection is performed by ultra-fast FRET probes in a single step, closed-tube procedure. It takes 3 min and is signaled by fluorescence. The full step-by-step protocol is presented as well as instructions on analysis and representation of the results.The described DNA-end-based phagocytosis marker and the new rapid FRET assay can be useful in studies of phagocytosis, apoptosis and in immune system assessments.
The Effect of Endoscopic Surveillance in Patients With Barrett’s Esophagus: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background & Aims Guidelines recommend endoscopic surveillance of patients with Barrett's esophagus (BE) to identify those with dysplasia (a precursor of carcinoma) or early-stage esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) who can be treated endoscopically. However, it is unclear whether surveillance increases survival times of patients with BE. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to qualitatively and quantitatively examine evidence for the association of endoscopic surveillance in patients with BE with survival and other outcomes. Methods We searched publication databases for studies reporting the effects of endoscopic surveillance on mortality and other EAC-related outcomes. We reviewed randomized controlled trials, case-control studies, studies comparing patients with BE who received regular surveillance with those who did not receive regular surveillance, and studies comparing outcomes of patients with surveillance-detected EAC vs symptom-detected EACs. We performed a meta-analysis of surveillance studies to generate summary estimates using a random effects model. The primary aim was to examine the association of BE surveillance on EAC-related mortality. Secondary aims were to examine the association of BE surveillance with all-cause mortality and EAC stage at time of diagnosis. Results A single case-control study did not show any association between surveillance and EAC-related mortality. A meta-analysis of 4 cohort studies found that lower EAC-related and all-cause mortality were associated with regular surveillance (relative risk, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.50–0.71; hazard ratio, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.59–0.94). Meta-analysis of 12 cohort studies showed lower EAC-related and all-cause mortality among patients with surveillance-detected EAC vs symptom-detected EAC (relative risk, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.57–0.94; hazard ratio, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.45–0.76). Lead- and length-time bias adjustment substantially attenuated/eliminated the observed benefits. Surveillance was associated with detection of EAC at earlier stages. A randomized trial is underway to evaluate the effects of endoscopic surveillance on mortality in patients with BE. Conclusions In a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of surveillance in patients with BE, surveillance as currently performed was associated with detection of earlier-stage EAC and may provide a small survival benefit. However, the effects of confounding biases on these estimates are not fully defined and may completely or partially explain the observed differences between surveyed and unsurveyed patients.
Hemodynamic Assessment in the Contemporary Intensive Care Unit: A Review of Circulatory Monitoring Devices

The assessment of the circulating volume and efficiency of tissue perfusion is necessary in the management of critically ill patients. The controversy surrounding pulmonary artery catheterization has led to a new wave of minimally invasive hemodynamic monitoring technologies, including echocardiographic and Doppler imaging, pulse wave analysis, and bioimpedance. This article reviews the principles, advantages, and limitations of these technologies and the clinical contexts in which they may be clinically useful.
Phosphorylation-directed antibodies in high-flux screens for compounds that modulate signal transduction

Synthetic tyrosine phosphopeptides were used to generate antibodies that recognize phosphotyrosine in the context of a defined sequence of flanking amino acids. Using phosphopeptide immunogens derived from regulatory or signal-generating motifs, "phosphorylation-directed antibodies" can be targeted to specific growth factor receptors or signal-generating proteins. In his paper, we show how phosphorylation-directed antibodies can be used in a colorimetric, high-throughput screen for drugs that modulate the function of specific growth factor receptors or signal-generating proteins.
Dance Competition Culture and Commercial Dance: Intertwined Aesthetics, Values, and Practices.

In the United States dance competition culture and commercial dance are both highly visible. Although connections between the two distinct dance worlds are implicitly present, they remain largely u...
The “Black Box”: How Students Use a Single Search Box to Search for Music Materials

Given the inherent challenges music materials present to systems and searchers (formats, title forms and languages, and the presence of additional metadata such as work numbers and keys), it is reasonable that those searching for music develop distinctive search habits compared to patrons in other subject areas. This study uses transaction log analysis of the music and performing arts module of a library’s federated discovery tool to determine how patrons search for music materials. It also makes a top-level comparison of searches done using other broadly defined subject disciplines’ modules in the same discovery tool. It seeks to determine, to the extent possible, whether users in each group have different search behaviors in this search environment. The study also looks more closely at searches in the music module to identify other search characteristics such as type of search conducted, use of advanced search techniques, and any other patterns of search behavior.
Diagnostic exercise: retinal lesions in a mouse.

Abstract : Inherited retinal degeneration was identified in a Swiss-derived mouse strain. The histological lesions are described and the pathogenesis of the condition is discussed. A group of 16-22 g, female, ICR Swiss mice was obtained from a commercial supplier for a toxinology experiment. One mouse of this group was submitted for routine necropsy and histologic examination as part of the quality control program at the research institute. No abnormalities were noted clinically. Gross lesions were not seen at necropsy. Histologic lesions were limited to the eyes. Changes were present and similar in the retina of both eyes. The outer layers of the retina were characterized by attenuation and loss of the outer plexiform, outer nuclear, and photoreceptor layers. The outer nuclear layer was reduced to a discontinuous single row of nuclei. The photoreceptor layer was represented by an eosinophilic, granular coagulum or was absent altogether. An outer limiting membrane could not be defined by the use of special stains. The (nonpigmented) retinal pigment epithelium was unaffected.
Placental DNA methylation changes in detection of tetralogy of Fallot.

OBJECTIVES To determine whether the methylation level of cytosine nucleotides in placental DNA can be used to predict tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) and provide insights into the developmental mechanism of this condition. METHODS Tissue sections were obtained from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens of placental tissue obtained at birth from eight cases with non-chromosomal, non-syndromic TOF and 10 unaffected newborns. The Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip assay was used to measure cytosine ('CpG' or 'cg') methylation levels at loci throughout the placental genome. Differential methylation was assessed by comparing the β-values (a measure of the extent of cytosine methylation) for individual CpG loci in fetuses with TOF vs in controls. The most discriminating CpG sites were determined based on a preset cut-off of ≥ 2.0-fold change in the methylation level. The predictive accuracy of CpG loci with significant methylation changes for TOF was determined by the area under the receiver-operating-characteristics curve (AUC). A false-discovery-rate (FDR) P-value < 0.05 was used to define a statistically significant difference in the methylation level. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) (Qiagen) was used to identify gene pathways that were significantly overexpressed, and thus altered, in TOF cases compared with controls. RESULTS We found a total of 165 significantly differentially methylated CpG loci in TOF cases compared with controls, in 165 separate genes. These biomarkers demonstrated from fair to excellent individual predictive accuracy for TOF detection, with AUCs ≥ 0.75 (FDR P-value < 0.001 for all). The following CpG loci (gene) had the highest predictive accuracy: cg05273049 (ARHGAP22; AUC = 1.00; 95% CI, 1.00-1.00), cg02540011 (CDK5; AUC = 0.96; 95% CI, 0.87-1.00), cg08404201 (TRIM27; AUC = 0.95; 95% CI, 0.84-1.00) and cg00687252 (IER3; AUC = 0.95; 95% CI, 0.84-1.00). IPA revealed over-representation (dysregulation) of 14 gene pathways involved in normal cardiac development, including cardiomyocyte differentiation via bone morphogenetic protein receptors, cardiac hypertrophy signaling and role of nuclear factor of activated T cells in cardiac hypertrophy. Cardiac hypertrophy is an important feature of TOF. CONCLUSIONS Analysis of placental DNA cytosine methylation changes yielded accurate markers for TOF detection and provided mechanistic information on TOF development. Our work appears to confirm the central role of epigenetic changes and of the placenta in the development of TOF. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.