cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Safety and efficacy of thromboelastography guidance of antifibrinolytic therapy in trauma patients: An observational cohort analysis.

Background Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an antifibrinolytic therapy intended to decrease blood loss and improve hemostasis in traumatic hemorrhage. Viscoelastic assays, such as thromboelastography (TEG), allow for the identification of a patient's specific hemostasis. The purpose of this research study was to explore the safety and efficacy of TEG-guided antifibrinolytic therapy in trauma patients. Methods This study was a retrospective review of trauma patients meeting institution-specific inclusion criteria for TXA. Patients were assigned to fibrinolytic groups per TEG LY30 data. Safety outcomes (24-h mortality, overall in-hospital mortality, and thromboembolic events) were compared between patients who did or did not receive TXA and within fibrinolytic groups. Mortality outcomes were adjusted for baseline Injury Severity Score (ISS). Secondary aims included blood product utilization, length of hospital, and intensive care unit stay. Results Hypofibrinolysis was the most common fibrinolytic phenotype. Adjusting for ISS, there were no significant differences in mortality. A 30.7% thromboembolism incidence was identified in the TXA group compared to 16.6% not receiving TXA (P = 0.26), with 72.7% of these patients experiencing fibrinolytic shutdown. Conclusions There were no differences in 24-h mortality, all-cause mortality, or secondary outcomes. The difference in thromboembolic rates between patients receiving TXA and those who did not, while not statistically significant, poses clinical concern.
Justice and Charity: An Introduction to Aquinas’s Moral, Economic, and Political Thought: by Michael P. Krom, Grand Rapids, Ada, MI: Baker Academic (2020), 256 pp., $29.99, ISBN: 9781540962249

The thought of St. Thomas Aquinas is an invaluable point of entry to the whole Catholic tradition, including Catholic social doctrine. But we have needed an introduction to Aquinas’s political thou...
Isochoric p–ρ–T and Heat Capacity Cv Measurements for Ternary Refrigerant Mixtures Containing Difluoromethane (R32), Pentafluoroethane (R125), and 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane (R134a) from 200 to 400 K at Pressures to 35 MPa

The p–ρ–T relationships and constant volume heat capacity Cv were measured for ternary refrigerant mixtures by isochoric methods with gravimetric determinations of the amount of substance. Temperatures ranged from 200 to 400 K for p–ρ–T and from 203 to 345 K for Cv, while for both data types pressures extended to 35 MPa. Measurements of p–ρ–T were carried out on compressed gas and liquid samples with the following mole fraction compositions: 0.3337 R32+0.3333 R125+0.3330 R134a and 0.3808 R32+0.1798 R125+0.4394 R134a. Measurements of Cv were carried out on liquid samples for the same two compositions. Published p–ρ–T data are in good agreement with this study. For the p–ρ–T apparatus, the uncertainty is 0.03 K for temperature and is 0.01% for pressure at p>3 MPa and 0.05% at p<3 MPa. The principal source of uncertainty is the cell volume (∼28.5 cm3), with a standard uncertainty of 0.003 cm3. When all components of experimental uncertainty are considered, the expanded relative uncertainty (with a coverage factor k=2 and, thus, a two-standard deviation estimate) of the density measurements is estimated to be 0.05%. For the Cv calorimeter, the uncertainty of the temperature rise is 0.002 K and for the change-of-volume work it is 0.2%; the latter is the principal source of uncertainty. When all components of experimental uncertainty are considered, the expanded relative uncertainty of the heat capacity measurements is estimated to be 0.7%.
Introducing Locality-Aware Computation into OpenMP

This paper presents our idea to introduce data locality feature into OpenMP. Given the facts that the memory systems are hierarchical while OpenMP is at, we believe that it is important to introduce new features to OpenMF to provide Open MP programmer capability to manage the data layout and align tasks and data as close as possible in modern architectures. We present the syntax and examples of the proposed features in this paper, and hope to enable further discussion of useful language features to keep OpenMP scalable in emerging architectures.
Endoscopic management of colonic perforations: clips versus suturing closure (with videos)

Background and Aims Perforation during colonoscopy remains the most worrisome adverse event and usually requires urgent surgical rescue. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of endoscopic closure of full-thickness colonic perforations. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of all consecutive patients with endoscopically closed colonic perforations over the past 6 years (2009-2014). Colonic perforations were closed by using endoscopic clips or an endoscopic suturing device. Most patients were admitted for treatment with intravenous antibiotics and kept on bowel rest. If their clinical condition deteriorated, urgent surgery was performed. If patients remained stable, oral feeding was resumed, and patients were discharged with subsequent clinical and endoscopic follow-up. Results Twenty-one patients had iatrogenic colonic perforations closed with an endoscopic suturing device or endoscopic clips during the study period. Primary closure of a colonic perforation was performed with endoscopic clips in 5 patients and sutured with an endoscopic suturing device in 16 patients. All 5 patients after clip closure had worsening of abdominal pain and required laparoscopy (4 patients) or rescue colonoscopy with endoscopic suturing closure (1 patient). Two patients had abdominal pain after endoscopic suturing closure, but diagnostic laparoscopy confirmed complete and adequate endoscopic closure of the perforations. The other 15 patients did not require any rescue surgery or laparoscopy after endoscopic suturing. The main limitation of our study is its retrospective, single-center design and relatively small number of patients. Conclusion Endoscopic suturing closure of colonic perforations is technically feasible, eliminates the need for rescue surgery, and appears more effective than closure with hemostatic endoscopic clips.
The blood vessels of the myomatous uterus

Abstract Employing anatomical methods which allow the direct inspection of the blood supply of the myomatous uterus, the distortions in the blood vessels of the uterus caused by these tumors and the intrinsic vessels of the tumors themselves were studied. The fact that most myomas are a mass of proliferating arteries and contain few or no veins within their substance is confirmed. No normal myoma has only one nutrient artery. The frequent arteriolar tufts seen in corrosion specimens are pointed out as evidence that a rich capillary bed probably exists, emptying toward the periphery of the tumor. No evidence of blood entering and leaving a myoma by arterial channels was found. Free arteriovenous anastomoses were encountered four times in sixty speciment but probably were tumors injured at operation. Even overinjection of arteries does not fill lymphatics in or around myomas.
A Cationic Channel in the Guard Cell Tonoplast of Allium cepa.

Stomatal movements depend on an osmoregulation process in which swelling or shrinking of the guard cells opens or closes the stomatal pore. Ions and water fluxes are an essential aspect of guard cell osmoregulation. Thus far, studies of these fluxes have focused on the guard cell plasma membrane. Guard cells, however, are a multi-compartment system that includes a prominent vacuole, which has a primary role in turgor regulation. This study reports on a detailed characterization of an ion channel at the guard cell tonoplast of Allium cepa (onion). We used patch-clamp methodology with isolated tonoplast patches to study conduction and gating at the single channel level. A voltage-dependent outward-rectifying cationic channel (210 picosiemens) was the dominant conductance. In symmetrical solutions the channel displayed an ohmic behavior in its current-voltage relationship. It also showed a very large rectification in the open probability. The channel was predominantly cationic and its sequence of ionic selectivity was weak (Na+ = K+ = Rb+ =2 Cs+). The channel conductance was not affected by intravacuolar pH. Analysis of membrane patches with multiple channels showed that the probability of a channel to open was independent of the opening of the other channels present in the patch and that there was a conservation of the open probability for different channels. Ensemble records generated using a pulse protocol showed slow activation and deactivation kinetics. A first-latency analysis of single-channel records in response to protocols with different prepulse duration indicated that this channel has more than one closed state.
Where Not to Eat? Improving Public Policy by Predicting Hygiene Inspections Using Online Reviews

This paper offers an approach for governments to harness the information contained in social media in order to make public inspections and disclosure more efficient. As a case study, we turn to restaurant hygiene inspections – which are done for restaurants throughout the United States and in most of the world and are a frequently cited example of public inspections and disclosure. We present the first empirical study that shows the viability of statistical models that learn the mapping between textual signals in restaurant reviews and the hygiene inspection records from the Department of Public Health. The learned model achieves over 82% accuracy in discriminating severe offenders from places with no violation, and provides insights into salient cues in reviews that are indicative of the restaurant’s sanitary conditions. Our study suggests that public disclosure policy can be improved by mining public opinions from social media to target inspections and to provide alternative forms of disclosure to customers.
Citizen complaints and problem officers. Examining officer behavior

Citizen complaints toward the police are generally understood to represent the identification of problem officers. Citizen complaints, however, may actually be an indicator of officer productivity. Officers who receive repeated complaints may not actually be so-called problem officers, but rather productive officers. This calls into question the inherent meaning of citizen complaints. This article examines the relationship between citizen complaints and officer behavior in day-to-day encounters with the public. High-complaint officers are compared to low-complaint officers to determine how their behavior differs. Partial support for both conceptions toward the meaning of citizen complaints is found. Officers with high complaint histories concerning excessive force and discourtesy engage in these behaviors more readily than those with few to no complaints for such activities. Such officers, however, are also more likely to engage and question suspected law breakers, bolstering the productivity argument. The implications of these findings are considered.
Observation of stratospheric ozone depletion in rocket exhaust plumes

Although modelling studies have predicted1,2,3,4,5,6,7 that particulate and reactive gas-phase species in the exhaust plume of large rockets might cause significant local ozone depletion, the actual response of the stratosphere after rocket launches has never been directly determined. Here we report comprehensive measurements that follow the evolution of stratospheric ozone in the wake of two Titan IV rockets launched on 12 May and 20 December 1996. In both cases, ozone concentrations dropped to near-zero values in the plume wake, across regions four to eight kilometres wide, within 30 minutes after launch; intense ozone loss persisted for 30 minutes after which time concentrations recovered to ambient levels. Our data indicate that the number of ozone molecules lost in the plume regions significantly exceed the number of chlorine molecules deposited by the two rockets. This suggests that a catalytic cycle based on Cl2O2, other than Cl2, and unique to solid rocket motor (SRM) plumes might be responsible for our observations. However, the limited spatial and temporal extent of the observed ozone losses implies that neither the catalytic Cl2O2 cycle nor other reactions involving exhaust compounds from large solid-fuelled rockets have a globally significant impact on stratospheric chemistry.
Cyber-physical risk assessment for smart grid System Protection Scheme

System Protection Schemes (SPS) being widely used in smart grid often involve multiple geographically distributed devices that cooperate in a timely manner which relies highly on the wide area communication. Due to this functional nature, SPSs are extremely vulnerable when cyber-attacks take place and significant impacts and losses might follow. Under such circumstances, risk assessment for SPS has become critical. A novel cyber-physical SPS risk assessment method is proposed in this paper which takes into account both the possible cyber-attacks and SPS physical responses. Cyber-physical SPS system is modeled based on Deterministic and Stochastic Petri-Net (DSPN), and the risk is measured as the expected value of social welfare decrease. IEEE 9-bus model equipped with generation rejection protection scheme is selected as a study case to demonstrate the risk assessment method. According to the assessment results, critical scheme components are pinpointed so that mitigation actions can be taken correspondingly.
Mechanism of Mn(II)-mediated dysregulation of glutamine-glutamate cycle: Focus on glutamate turnover

Manganese (Mn) has been implicated in the impairment of the glutamate-glutamine cycling (GGC) by deregulation of Glu and glutamine (Gln) turnover in astrocytes. Here we have examined possible mechanisms involved in the Mn(II)-mediated disruption of Glu turnover, including those related to protein degradation, such as the proteasomal and lysosomal machinery. Our study revealed that lysosome, but not proteasomal inhibition is responsible for downregulation of the Glu transporter after Mn(II) treatment. Because protein kinase C (PKC) activation leads to the downregulation of Glu carriers, and Mn(II) increases PKC activity, we hypothesized that the PKC signalling contributes to the Mn(II)-mediated disruption of Glu turnover. Our results show that PKC activation causes a decrease in Glu uptake and that inhibition of PKC reverses Mn(II)–dependent downregulation of Glu influx as well as glutamate transporter 1 (GLT1) and glutamate–aspartate transporter (GLAST) protein level. Co-immunoprecipitation studies show association of GLT1 with the PKCδ and PKCα isoforms and Mn(II)–induced specific increase in PKCδ-GLT1 interaction. Additionally, astrocytes transfected with shRNA against PKCδ show decreased sensitivity to Mn(II) compared to those transfected with control shRNA or shRNA targeted against PKCα. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that PKCδ signalling is involved in the Mn(II)-induced deregulation of Glu turnover in astrocytes.
Neuroadaptations in Nucleus Accumbens Neurons Resulting from Repeated Cocaine Administration

Publisher Summary Neuroadaptations within the nucleus accumbens (NAc) appear to be most responsible for the expression of many indices of cocaine withdrawal, including behavioral sensitization. In this chapter a close temporal relationship between the persistence of behavioral sensitization and enhanced responsiveness of NAc neurons to DA D1-receptor stimulation has been demonstrated. Cocaine-pretreated NAc neurons exhibit a number of significant alterations in passive and active membrane properties, as compared with saline-pretreated controls. Depolarization of NAc neurons by intracellular current injection revealed additional significant differences between cocaine-pretreated and control neurons. Accordingly, neuromodulation of PKC activity might also be altered by repeated cocaine administration in such a way as to enhance basal states of phosphorylation. Several of the effects produced by repeated cocaine administration, in particular the increased threshold, decreased action potential amplitude, and reduction in repetitive firing, might be indicative of alterations in voltagesensitive sodium channels (VSSCs). The reduction in peak Na+ current produced by repeated cocaine treatment is consistent with enhanced phosphorylation of VSSCs. The level of VSSC activity is subject to tonic modulation by the levels of protein kinase (PKA), an enzyme that is known to be increased within the NAc by repeated cocaine administration. Although alterations in transmission at specific synapses are certain to modify the responsiveness of NAc neurons to selected inputs, the marked reduction of VSSC function can produce a more profound and indiscriminate decrease in the responsiveness of the NAc to exitatory commands.
Acute modulation of active carrier-mediated brain-to-blood transport of corticotropin-releasing hormone

The unidirectional brain-to-blood transport system for corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) across the blood-brain barrier could be instrumental in the homeostasis of central CRH. To characterize this system, the intracerebroventricular injection of 125I-CRH was used in mice. CRH was rapidly transported out of the brain with a half-time disappearance (t1/2) of 15 min, much faster than albumin (t1/2 = 50 min). Kinetic analysis revealed a saturable component with a low maximum velocity (apaproximately 0.020 nmol x min(-1) x brain(-1)) and low capacity (Michaelis constant approximately 1.4 nmol/brain). Transport was inhibited by verapamil, ouabain, and colchicine but not by cyclosporin. Transport was increased by corticosterone and inhibited by tumor necrosis factor-alpha and beta-endorphin. These results suggest that the specific unidirectional brain-to-blood transport system for CRH is dependent on energy and calcium channels, involves microtubules, is independent of the P-glycoprotein transporter, and is acutely modulated by adrenal steroids, cytokines, and endogenous opiates. This suggests its participation in the control of the stress response.
The effect of legal abortion on the rate of septic abortion at a large county hospital

Abstract Between 1966 and 1971, the number of legal abortions performed at LAC/USC Medical Center increased from zero to over three thousand per year. During that same time, the number of admissions for treatment of septic abortion decreased from 646 to under 150 per year. There was no compensatory increase to infections in patients receiving in-hospital abortions, and there were no deaths. Possible explanations for this phenomenon include: (1) that legal abortion may be associated with less morbidity than illegal abortion, and (2) legal abortions are increasing concurrently in Los Angeles County and physicians performing legal abortions in the community are less likely to refer their patients with complications to the County facility than the illegal abortionist. In either case, the revised California abortion law has clearly been associated with both an increase in abortions performed in our facility and a decrease in admissions for complications of abortions performed elsewhere.
Mentors Offering Maternal Support: A Support Intervention for Military Mothers

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of the Mentors Offering Maternal Support (MOMS) program to promote maternal fetal attachment, maternal adaptation to pregnancy, self‐esteem, and perceived community support in women within a military environment. Design A randomized, controlled, repeated measured pilot study compared two groups of pregnant military wives, a control group receiving standard prenatal care and an intervention group receiving a structured eight‐session MOMS program. Setting The study was conducted at two Air Force installations in Florida having joint (Air Force, Army, and Navy) operations and high deployment requirements. Participants Sixty‐five military wives in their first trimester of pregnancy (control group, n = 36 and intervention group, n = 29) completed all aspects of the study. Methods Women randomized to the MOMS program received eight structured classes starting in the first trimester of pregnancy and occurring every other week until the third trimester. Outcome measures were obtained in each trimester. The women in the control group received usual prenatal care. Results No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups for any of the outcome variables. The interaction of the amount of contact the women had with their deployed husbands and group assignment was statistically different for two variables, the Relationship with Husband Scale and the Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Inventory.
The horizon of a new discipline: Inventing book studies

Apparition d'une nouvelle discipline scientifique: Etudes sur le livre, incluant l'histoire du livre et de l'ecrit, l'edition, l'economie du livre...
Superdeformed shapes and configurations in thallium nuclei

Superdeformation studies in {sup 189,191,192}Tl at Gammasphere are discussed. New results on {sup 191}Tl are the observation of interband transitions between the signature partner E2 bands and the measurement of an average quadrupole moment (Q{sub 0} = 18 {+-} 1 eb) for these superdeformed structures. These data enable them to derive absolute M1 strengths and confirm that the 81st proton occupies the [642]5/2 orbital. Tentative data for one superdeformed sequence in {sup 189}Tl are consistent with the prediction of a decrease in quadrupole deformation for the lightest nuclei at the limit of this island of superdeformation.
Differential mobility and spatially heterogeneous dynamics of oxygen atoms in a supercooled glass-forming network liquid

Site-specific dynamics of oxygen atoms in a network silicate liquid $(6.4%{\text{K}}_{2}\text{O-}93.6%{\text{SiO}}_{2})$ has been studied in the glass transition region using high-temperature (up to 973 K) $^{17}\text{O}$ nuclear-magnetic-resonance spectroscopy. Chemical exchange between bridging and nonbridging oxygen environments is observed at a timescale that is orders of magnitude faster than that of shear relaxation. However, no significant self-exchange is observed at this timescale between the bridging oxygen environments. Implications of these results are discussed in relation to transport properties and glass transition in strong network liquids.
Correspondences of isomorphism types of irreducible modules in finite group block theory

Abstract Let k be an algebraically closed field of prime characteristic p > 1 , let G be a finite group, let M G and let B be a block of kM with defect group P . Set H = N G ( P ) so that B ⁎ = Br P ( B ) is a block of k ( H ∩ M ) with defect group P . Assume that M is p -solvable. We prove that there is a Stab H ( B ) -bijection, φ ( B , P ) , between the isomorphism types of irreducible k ( H ∩ M ) B ⁎ -modules with vertex P and ( k M ) B -modules with vertex P . Moreover, for each block L of G that covers B , so that L ⁎ = Br P ( L ) is a block of kH , there is a bijection between isomorphism types of irreducible ( k H ) L ⁎ -modules and ( k G ) L -modules that “cover” the isomorphic module types in the domain and target of φ ( B , P ) that is “consistent” with φ ( B , P ) and preserves vertices.
Volumetric analysis of abdominal aortic aneurysm

The purpose of this study was to develop a valid, reliable and accurate system of measurement of abdominal aortic aneurysms, using volumetric analysis of x-ray computed tomographic data. This study evaluates illustrative cases, and compares measurements of AAA phantoms, using standard 2D versus volumetric methods. To validate the volumetric analysis, four phantom aneurysms were constructed in a range of diameters (4.5 - 7.0 cm) which presents the greatest management challenge to the clinician. These phantoms were imaged using a Toshiba Xpress SX helical CT. Separate scans were obtained at conventional (10 mm X 10 mm) and thin slice (5 mm X 5 mm) collimations. The thin slices were reconstructed at 2 mm intervals. Data from each of the 96 scans were interpreted using a standard 2D approach, then analyzed using task-oriented volumetric software. We evaluate patient assessments, and compare greatest outer diameters of phantoms, by standard versus volumetric methods. Qualitative differences between solutions based on standard versus volumetric analysis of illustrative patient cases are substantial. Expert radiologists' standard measurements of phantom aneurysms are highly reliable (r2 equals 0.901 - 0.958; p < 0.001), but biased toward significant overestimation of aneurysm diameters in the range of clinical interest. For the same phantoms, volumetric analysis was both more reliable (r2 equals 0.986 - 0.996; p < 0.001), and more accurate, with no significant bias in the range of interest. Volumetric analysis promotes selection of more valid management strategies, by providing vital information not otherwise available, and allowing more reliable and accurate assessment of abdominal aortic aneurysms. It is particularly valuable in the presence of aortic tortuosity, vessel eccentricity, and uncertain involvement of critical vessels.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Fine structure of the adrenal gland in the duck (Anas platyrhynchos).

Adrenal glands of the domestic duck (Anas platyrhynchos) were fixed in formaldehyde-glutaraldehyde for light and electron microscopical examination. Each gland is encapsulated by a layer of connective tissue and consists of two major secretory cell types, the interrenal cells and the medullary cells. In section, the medullary cells appear as islands of tissue dispersed throughout the gland. The interrenal cells are characterized by numerous lipid droplets and abundant mitochondria having mainly tubular cristae. They have an extensive Golgi apparatus, moderate amounts of smooth endoplasmic reticulum and a lesser amount of rough endoplasmic reticulum. Lipid droplets and mitochondria in interrenal cells were seen frequently in association with the endoplasmic reticulum. Adjacent interrenal cells had numerous regions of pentalaminar fusion and intermediate junctions. Medullary cells were characterized by a large population of electron opaque neurosecretory granules. These cells contained fewer mitochondria and cisternae of endoplasmic reticulum than the interrenal cells. In many cases the medullary cells and interrenal cells were closely juxtaposed and were separated by a thin band of extracellular matrix.
Aztecs Before and After the Conquest

Aztecs: An Interpretation. By INGA CLENDINNEN. New York: Cambridge University Press, 1991. Pp. xiii, 398. The Slippery Earth: Nahua‐christian Moral Dialogue in Sixteenth‐century Mexico. By LOUISE M. BURKHART. Tucson: The University of Arizona Press, 1989. Pp. xii, 242.
Non-newtonian boundary-layer flow

The approximate boundary-layer treatment originally due to Pohlhausen has been extended both for two-dimensional and for axially symmetric bodies to fluids whose behaviours may be described by the Ostwald-de Waele model. The form of the velocity profile chosen (a fourth-order polynomial) limits the development to 0·7356 ⩽ n ⩽ 1·0 for axially symmetric, blunt bodies and to n ⩽ 1·0 for two-dimensional flows. The results are presented in a parallel of a form standard for Newtonian fluids and in a form more suitable for machine computation. A simple quadrature based upon a linear approximation is given as well. As an example, the boundary layer on a sphere is analysed; the calculated point of separation increases with n in qualitative agreement with previously reported experimental data.
Waldenström's macroglobulinemia and large B-cell central nervous system lymphoma: a case report.

Abstract Background Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia is a low-grade B-cell lymphoma characterized by monoclonal synthesis and secretion of IgM antibodies [3] . The classic symptoms of WM result from blood hyperviscosity. Neurologic symptoms, such as fatigue, dizziness, and blurred vision, are common. The metastatic spread to the CNS, which rarely has been reported, can occur either diffusely or in the form of a mass lesion. Case Description We present the case of a 73-year-old woman with intracerebral large B-cell lymphoma and concurrent WM. Conclusion This case illustrates the importance of histopathologic diagnosis by brain biopsy despite an existing diagnosis of systemic neoplasm.
Tracer gas applications in mining and implications for improved ventilation characterisation

Tracer gases have been an invaluable tool for analysis of airflow, especially in the mining industry as they are powerful techniques for evaluating many aspects of the ventilation system. This article highlights applications of tracer gases in coal and non-coal mines, in addition to the developing technology and the future role of tracer gases as a tool for ventilation analysis. Depending on the application, there are many characteristics that aid in the selection of an appropriate tracer gas. Other important considerations in tracer gas studies involve releasing and sampling techniques as well as methods of analysis. In addition to current sampling techniques, solid-phase microextraction (SPME) is introduced as a potential alternative sampling method for underground tracer gas applications.
Pushing the frontiers of science: reflections on an Institute of Medicine study

A women-centered contraceptive research agenda was the focus of a 1996 Institute of Medicine Committee report. Priority was given to research on methods that act as a chemical or physical barrier to conception and to STDs including HIV; to menses inducers and once-per-month methods; and to male contraceptive methods. Much progress has been made since the 1996 report. This paper summarizes this progress. New research has been developed in the three priority areas, collaboration activities have been developed between the public and private sectors, and emergency contraception has been introduced to the US. Controversies are discussed in relation to immunocontraception, stem cell research and fetal tissue research. Finally there is a brief report on the lessons to be learned from the experience of the introduction of the implant, Norplant, in the US.
The effect of an unstructured, moderate to vigorous, before-school physical activity program in elementary school children on academics, behavior, and health

Background Physical inactivity has been deemed a significant, contributing factor to childhood overweight and obesity. In recent years, many school systems removed recess and/or physical education from their curriculum due to growing pressure to increase academic scores. With the vast majority of children’s time spent in school, alternative strategies to re-introduce physical activity back into schools are necessary. A creative yet underutilized solution to engage children in physical activity may be in before-school programs. The objective of the proposed study is to examine the effect of an unstructured, moderate to vigorous, before-school physical activity program on academic performance, classroom behavior, emotions, and other health related measures.
Hepatitis C virus core protein binds to a DEAD box RNA helicase.

Abstract Approximately 4 million Americans are infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV), making it a major cause of chronic liver disease. Because of the lack of an efficient cell culture system, little is known about the interaction between HCV and host cells. We performed a yeast two-hybrid screen of a human liver cell cDNA library with HCV core protein as bait and isolated the DEAD box protein DBX. DBX has significant amino acid sequence identity to mouse PL10, an ATP-dependent RNA helicase. The binding of DBX to HCV core protein occurred in an in vitro binding assay in the presence of 1 m NaCl or detergent. When expressed in mammalian cells, HCV core protein and DBX were co-localized at the endoplasmic reticulum. In a mutant strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, DBX complemented the function of Ded1p, an essential DEAD box RNA helicase. HCV core protein inhibited the growth of DBX-complemented mutant yeast but not Ded1p-expressing yeast. HCV core protein also inhibited the in vitro translation of capped but not uncapped RNA. These findings demonstrate an interaction between HCV core protein and a host cell protein involved in RNA translation and suggest a mechanism by which HCV may inhibit host cell mRNA translation.
Nuclear shaping in marsupial spermatids

Nuclear shaping was investigated in two species of American opossum, Didelphus virginiana and Marmosa mitus. The mature spermatozoan head achieves its “U” shaped form by the progressive flattening of the posterior margin of the nucleus and the development of a protrusion on one side of the nucleus. These processes occur independent of interaction with either of two sequentially appearing and morphologically distinct manchette forms or any other cytoplasmic components. The shaping process is, however, correlated with the sequential condensation of the chromatin and the distribution of adjacent cytoplasmic and nuclear components, therefore suggesting that nuclear shape may be specified by the condensing chromatin within the restrictions of adjacent cytoplasmic structures.
Plato's Lesser Hippias

A LTHOUGH THE two propositions of the Lesser Hippias that the truthful individual is one and the same as the liar; and that a person who commits injustice voluntarily is superior to one who does so unwillingly might prove puzzling to readers unversed in Socratic dialectic, there should be no doubt concerning the genuineness of the treatise. Even the generally sceptical scholars of the nineteenth century, such as Stallbaum, Steinhart, and Socher, agreed to its authenticity. Ast and Schleiermacher are the only Platonists of that era who rejected the composition as spurious especially because of its sophistry. I Scholars of the current century agree with the majority of previous Platonists in accepting the Lesser Hippias as a genuine work of Plato, no doubt because Aristotle cites the dialogue in no uncertain terms.2 Both the dramatic date and time of composition, however, are questions which cannot be resolved with any degree of certainty. The consensus of opinion is that the Lesser Hippias is an early work of Plato; possibly the brevity of the treatise and the absence of metaphysical concepts have pointed Platonists in that direction. 3 Since absolute proof, or even concrete evidence, to the contrary are lacking, we may assume that the consensus of scholars is probably correct. Only two Platonists have risked an opinion on the dramatic date of the dialogue and that
What ultrasonography can tell in breast masses that mammography and physical examination cannot

The capability of ultrasonography to provide additional information to the physical and mammographic examination for therapeutic decision was investigated in a prospective study. Four hundred patients with palpable or radiologic breast masses requiring surgical biopsy were studied. The high resolution and accuracy of ultrasonography vs. mammography in the diagnosis of cystic masses (96%, 63/66 vs. 42%, 20/48) (p less than 0.001) and fibrocystic masses (84%, 131/156 vs. 74%, 80/108) (p less than 0.10), led to a substantial reduction of surgical biopsies in favor of aspiration or follow-up policy, particularly when physical examination and mammography were inconclusive. Breast cancers were accurately diagnosed in 73% (88/120) by sonography and 84% (98/116) by mammography (p greater than 0.10). The major limitation of ultrasonography was noticed in the diagnosis of minimal breast cancer (23%, 5/21) due to its inability to visualize microcalcifications. Our study validates the importance of ultrasonography in the diagnosis and therapeutic decision of cystic and fibrocystic masses but cannot substitute mammography in early detection of breast carcinoma.
Point defect thermodynamics and diffusion in Fe3C: A first-principles study

Abstract The point defect structure of cementite (Fe 3 C) is investigated using a combination of the statistical mechanical Wagner–Schottky model and first-principles calculations within the generalized gradient approximation. Large 128-atom supercells are employed to obtain fully converged point defect formation energies. The present study unambiguously shows that carbon vacancies and octahedral carbon interstitials are the structural defects in C-depleted and C-rich cementite, respectively. The dominant thermal defects in C-depleted and stoichiometric cementite are found to be carbon Frenkel pairs. In C-rich cementite, however, the primary thermal excitations are strongly temperature-dependent: interbranch, Schottky and Frenkel defects dominate successively with increasing temperature. Using the nudged elastic band technique, the migration barriers of major point defects in cementite are also determined and compared with available experiments in the literature.
Characterization of distributions by a property of discrete order statistics

Let be a set of order statistics from a random sample of size n with distribution function F(∗). In this note we prove that, in the discrete case, E(X1) or E(Xn,n) for all n characterizes the distribution completely.
Green's function for the elastic field of an edge dislocation in a finite orthotropic medium

A fundamental solution of plane elasticity in a finite domain is developed in this paper. A closed-form Green's function for the elastic field of an edge dislocation of arbitrary Burger's vector at an arbitrary point in an orthotropic finite elastic domain, that is free of traction, is presented. The method is based on the classical theory of potential fields, with an additional distribution of surface dislocations to satisfy the free traction boundary condition. A solution is first developed for a dislocation in a semi-infinite half-plane. The resulting field is composed of two parts: a singular contribution from the original dislocation, and a regular component associated with the surface distribution. The Schwarz-Christoffel transformation is then utilized to map the field quantities to a finite, polygonal domain. A closed form solution containing Jacobi elliptic functions is developed for rectangular domains, and applications of the method to problems of fracture and plasticity are emphasized.
The effect of medroxyprogesterone acetate on adrenocortical function in children with precocious puberty.

Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal function of 8 girls and 3 boys with true sexual precocity, treated with weekly or biweekly injections of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) for 6 to 61 months, was evaluated. The studies were done twice, prior to the onset of therapy and again during the treatment period. Base-line studies were normal in all. During MPA therapy, 8 of the 11 patients showed varying degrees of adrenal suppression. The data suggest that in addition to its action on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, MPA has glucocorticoid-like properties in man which decrease the secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone and causes adrenal suppression.
A simple technique for determining yield strength of thin films

A technique to measure the yield strength of thin films has been developed which combines experimental observations of deflection and plastic deformation with finite element predictions of stress. This technique relies on integrated circuit technology to build bridge and cross beam test structures with a range of dimensions. Each structure is deflected in increments of 1 μm until the structure no longer elastically recovers upon release. In tandem with experimentally verified numerical predictions of force and stress, the yield strength of the thin film can be bounded between the highest elastic stress result and the lowest plastic stress result. For our test material of copper, this method provides a yield strength between 2.80 and 3.09 GPa, a value significantly larger than that for bulk copper, but consistent with thin film theory.
Alterations in the behavioral effects of LSD by pretreatment with p-chlorophenylalanine and α-methyl-p-tyrosine

The bar-pressing behavior of hungry rats was maintained by a fixed-ratio schedule of food reinforcement. At 5 and 12 days after pretreatment with p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA), a subtreshold dose (20 μg/kg) of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) was found to disrupt this behavior. No such disruption occurred when PCPA pretreatment was followed by either a distracting external stimulus (tone) or a low dose of D-amphetamine (0.3 mg/kg). Sensitivity to LSD was apparently unaffected by pretreatment with α-methyl-p-tyrosine (AMPT).
Nonreductive, spontaneous deintercalation of graphite nitrate

Abstract The stability under static vacuum of graphite nitrate produced from Grade 2135 and Micro 250 graphite has been monitored gravimetrically and via mass spectrometry of the evolved products. The gasses contain CO and CO 2 , indicating that the graphite has been oxidized. The percentages of CO x and H 2 O found in the gaseous products imply that HNO 3 , and not merely the ionic intercalant, NO 3 − , participates in the oxidation reactions. Removal of gasses under static vacuum from even low stage compounds gave little HNO 3 yet did release carbon oxides. Possible reactions and their effects on the intercalation compound are discussed. Deintercalation under vacuum at room temperature did not return the compound to its pristine graphite weight and chemical analysis of the final product revealed traces of N, O, and H. The gravimetric data demonstrates the effect of particle size on intercalate uptake and removal.
Effect of Electrostatic Field on Film Rupture

Nonlinear thin film rupture has been analyzed by investigating the stability of films under the influence of a nonuniform electrostatic field to finite amplitude disturbances. The dynamics of the liquid film is formulated using the Navier-Stokes equations including a body force term due to van der Waals attractions. The effect of the electric field is included in the analysis only in the boundary condition at the liquid vapor interface. The governing equation was solved by finite difference method as part of an initial value problem for spatial periodic boundary conditions. The electric field stabilizes the film and increases the time to rupture when a long wavelength perturbation is introduced
Synthesis and evaluation of conformationally restricted pyridino N-alkylated nicotine analogs as nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonists

Previous work has shown that quaternization of the pyridine-N atom of S-(–)-nicotine (NIC) affords compounds such as N-n-octylnicotinium iodide (NONI) and N-n-decylnicotinium iodide (NDNI) that act as competitive nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) antagonists at α3β2* and α4β2* subtypes, respectively. To ascertain the rotameric preference about the C3-C2′ bond of NONI and NDNI for interaction with several nAChR subtypes, two classes of bridged analogs representing extreme rotameric conformations (syn and anti) of NONI and NDNI were synthesized. NIC-evoked [3H]dopamine ([3H]DA) release from superfused rat striatal slices was used to determine the activity of the analogs at the α3β2* nAChR. [3H]NIC and [3H]methyllycaconitine ([3H]MLA) binding to rat brain membranes were used to determine affinity for α4β2* and α7* nAChRs, respectively. With the exception of BCDD (IC50 value = 1,580 nM), all analogs potently and selectively inhibited NIC-evoked [3H]DA release (IC50 values = 30–660 nM), indicating antagonism of α3β2* nAChRs. None of the analogs inhibited either [3H]NIC or [3H]MLA binding, indicating a lack of interaction with α4β2* and α7* nAChR subtypes. Interestingly, the C10 N-alkyl chain analogs, ACD and BCD, had negligible affinity for the α4β2* subtype compared to the high affinity exhibited by NDNI, suggesting that the α4β2* subtype does not recognize the unique stereochemistry of these conformationally restricted analogs. Thus, conformational restriction of N-n-alkylnicotinium iodides eliminated inhibitory activity at α4β2* nAChRs, but more importantly afforded high affinity and selectivity for α3β2* nAChRs. Conformational restriction of N-n-alkyl analogs of NIC appears to be a viable approach for the development of α3β2*-selective nAChR antagonists. Drug Dev. Res. 55:172–186, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Polarization of light scattered by vegetation

The potential information in polarization data of both single leaves and plant canopies is investigated. Measurements demonstrate the relationship between polarization data and various optical and botanical properties of both pieces of foliage and plant canopies. The results provide a basis for gaining fundamental understanding of how light is scattered and polarized by a plant canopy. The results show the polarized and nonpolarized portions of the light scattered by a remotely sensed ground scene potentially are independent sources of information for discriminating species and assessing the condition of plant canopies.
A formal total synthesis of (-)-isoavenaciolide

Abstract Starting from D-ribose, a formal total synthesis of the antifungal mold metabolite (-)-isoavenaciolide is described.
A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Multicenter Trial Comparing Stapled Hemorrhoidopexy and Ferguson Hemorrhoidectomy: Perioperative and One-Year Results

PURPOSE:There is a growing body of evidence supporting the lesser degrees of pain with stapled hemorrhoidopexy, also called the procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids. However, there have been few randomized comparisons assessing both perioperative and long-term outcomes of the procedure for prolaps
Impacts of sea ice retreat, thinning, and melt-pond proliferation on the summer phytoplankton bloom in the Chukchi Sea, Arctic Ocean

Abstract In 2011, a massive phytoplankton bloom was observed in the Chukchi Sea under first-year sea ice (FYI), an environment in which primary productivity (PP) has historically been low. In this paper, we use a 1-D biological model of the Chukchi shelf ecosystem, in conjunction with in situ chemical and physiological data, to better understand the conditions that facilitated the development of such an unprecedented bloom. In addition, to assess the effects of changing Arctic environmental conditions on net PP (NPP), we perform model runs with varying sea ice and snow thickness, timing of melt, melt ponds, and biological parameters. Results from model runs with conditions similar to 2011 indicate that first-year ice (FYI) with at least 10% melt pond coverage transmits sufficient light to support the growth of shade-adapted Arctic phytoplankton. Increasing pond fraction by 20% enhanced peak under-ice NPP by 26% and produced rates more comparable to those measured during the 2011 bloom, but there was no effect of further increasing pond fraction. One of the important consequences of large under-ice blooms is that they consume a substantial fraction of surface nutrients such that NPP is greatly diminished in the marginal ice zone (MIZ) following ice retreat, where NPP has historically been the highest. In contrast, in model runs with
Ubiquitin is attached to membranes of baculovirus particles by a novel type of phospholipid anchor

Abstract Purified budded virions of Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcNPV) contain abundant amounts of free ubiquitin, which has an altered electrophoretic mobility on SIDS gels as compared with standard ubiquitin. Phase extraction of virion proteins with Triton X-114 indicated that the modified form of ubiquitin behaved as an integral membrane protein. The membrane-bound form of ubiquitin was labeled with both phosphate and palmitate, and its electrophoretic mobility was altered by treatment with phospholipase A2 and a phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase D. Mild trypsin digestion indicated that the acyl group was not linked to the C-terminus of the protein. Acylated ubiquitin could not be radiolabeled with a membrane-impermeable Bolton-Hunter reagent unless virus was pretreated with detergent. Together, these experiments suggest that ubiquitin is attached to the inner face of the viral membrane by a novel type of phospholipid anchor.