cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A score methodology to assess concept maps in medical education in the context of pathophysiology teaching

The main objective of pathophysiology teaching is to facilitate the learning of mechanisms of diseases and the understanding of their expressions in patients (symptoms, signs and tests). This objective requires the application of basic biomedical science to explain the abnormalities expressed by the patients. The capacity to integrate this new organization of knowledge is essential to the understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms, which explain expressions of specific diseases. Our group has a longstanding experience in the teaching of pathophysiology to medical students using problem-based learning (PBL) and concept mapping (CM). This semestral discipline has a yearly intake of 190 students, divided into 18 tutorial groups and supported by 14 tutors. The students’ learning progress is evaluated by their performance during the tutorial sessions and the CM methodology has been introduced as an additional tool to visualize the integration of knowledge and how it is displayed in the different pathophysiological mechanisms. Until now, the evaluation of CM has been qualitative and used as an additional assessment tool by the tutors. This study reports how we are changing this approach by training the tutors and developing a scoring methodology, which will be described in detail, together with a preliminary application in selected maps
The continuum of complications in survivors of necrotizing pancreatitis.

Abstract Background Necrotizing pancreatitis survivors develop complications beyond infected necrosis that often require invasive intervention. Remarkably few data have cataloged these late complications after acute necrotizing pancreatitis resolution. We sought to identify the types and incidence of complications after necrotizing pancreatitis. Design An observational study was performed evaluating 647 patients with necrotizing pancreatitis captured in a single-institution database between 2005 and 2017 at a tertiary care hospital. Retrospective review and analysis of newly diagnosed conditions attributable to necrotizing pancreatitis was performed. Exclusion criteria included the following: death before disease resolution (n = 57, 9%) and patients lost to follow-up (n = 12, 2%). Results A total of 578 patients were followed for a median of 46 months (range, 8 months to 15 y) after necrotizing pancreatitis. In 489 (85%) patients 1 or more complications developed and included symptomatic disconnected pancreatic duct syndrome (285 of 578, 49%), splanchnic vein thrombosis (257 of 572, 45%), new endocrine insufficiency (195 of 549, 35%), new exocrine insufficiency (108 of 571, 19%), symptomatic chronic pancreatitis (93 of 571, 16%), incisional hernia (89 of 420, 21%), biliary stricture (90 of 576, 16%), chronic pain (44 of 575, 8%), gastrointestinal fistula (44 of 578, 8%), pancreatic duct stricture (30 of 578, 5%), and duodenal stricture (28 of 578, 5%). During the follow-up period, a total of 340 (59%) patients required an invasive intervention after necrotizing pancreatitis resolution. Invasive pancreatobiliary intervention was required in 230 (40%) patients. Conclusion Late complications are common in necrotizing pancreatitis survivors. A broad variety of problems manifest themselves after resolution of the acute disease process and often require invasive intervention. Necrotizing pancreatitis patients should be followed lifelong by experienced clinicians.
SFAS No. 123 Stock‐Based Compensation Expense and Equity Market Values

This study investigates the relation between share price and stock‐based compensation expense that is disclosed but not recognized under SFAS No. 123, after controlling for net income, equity book value, and expected earnings growth. Our instrumental variables approach controls for the mechanical relation between share price and option values. We find that investors view SFAS No. 123 expense as an expense of the firm, and as sufficiently reliable to be reflected in their valuation assessments. Findings based on annual returns indicate SFAS No. 123 expense reflects on a timely basis changes in investor‐perceived costs associated with stock‐based compensation.
Nutritive value, silage fermentation characteristics, and aerobic stability of round-baled, alfalfa–grass forages ensiled at 2 moisture concentrations with or without a propionic-acid-based preservative

ABSTRACT Objective Propionic-acid-based products are used commonly for storage of dry hay but are not often considered when ensiling baled forages. The objectives for this study were to test several application rates of a propionic-acid-based preservative on the storage efficiency, nutrient preservation, fermentation characteristics, and aerobic stability of alfalfa–grass silages. Materials and Methods This study evaluated 4 preservative treatments applied to alfalfa–grass forages that had received 5.1 mm of unexpected rainfall during wilting. A propionic-acid-based preservative was applied at rates of 0.01 (control), 0.13, 0.44, or 0.80% of wet bale weight to 24 (1.2 × 1.2 m) round bales made at either 43.6 or 51.6% moisture. Aerobic stability was then evaluated by removing plastic film from all bales and monitoring surface bale temperatures for 11 d during spring. After exposure, surface and core samples were evaluated further for residual fermentation products and pH. Results and Discussion Before fermentation, forage pH declined linearly (P Implications and Applications Propionic-acid-based preservatives improved aerobic stability of round-bale silages, but the additional cost must be a critical component of any overall management strategy.
Dynamic risk modeling of complex hydrocarbon production systems

Abstract This study presents a dynamic risk modeling strategy for a hydrocarbon sub-surface production system under a gas lift mechanism. A data-driven probabilistic methodology is employed to conduct a risk analysis. The integrated approach comprises a multilayer perceptron (MLP) – artificial neural network (ANN) model and a Bayesian network (BN) technique. The MLP-ANN model performs the production forecast, and the BN model analyzes dynamic risks (the production response) and evaluates the impact of the sand face pressure on risks. The introduced model offers an effective strategy to avoid production failure and to monitor dynamic risks. The dynamic risk analysis yields predictive outcomes at any production time in the well’s production life. It offers field operators an early warning system based on the Bayesian model with prognostic capabilities. The proposed strategy effectively manages production risks and assists in production decision-making, especially in complex production systems.
Modeling Wind-Induced Mixing and Transport in Estuaries and Lakes

Wind-induced mixing and transport in estuaries and lakes is modeled by means of a time-dependent three-dimensional numerical model of estuarine and lake circulation, which allows the use of generalized curvilinear grids to resolve the complex shoreline geometry and bathymetry. Model formulation is briefly presented, followed by model applications to Chesapeake Bay and Lake Okeechobee.
Conformation and model membrane interactions of diphtheria toxin fragment A.

Low pH is believed to play a critical role in the penetration of membranes by diphtheria toxin in vivo. In this report, the pH dependence of the conformation of fragment A of diphtheria toxin has been studied using fluorescence techniques. As pH is decreased, fragment A in solution undergoes a reversible conformational change beginning below pH 5. The conformational change occurs rapidly upon exposure to low pH. It involves both an increase in the exposure of tryptophanyl residues to solution and a switch from a hydrophilic state to a hydrophobic state as judged by fragment A binding to micelles of a mild detergent (Brij 96). At low pH fragment A also rapidly and tightly binds to and penetrates model membranes. Binding is reversed when pH is neutralized. The transition pH, the apparent midpoint of the change between the hydrophilic state and the membrane-penetrating hydrophobic state, occurs at about pH 3.5 in the presence of Brij 96 micelles, pH 4 in the presence of small unilamellar vesicles (SUV) composed of zwitterionic phosphatidylcholine, and pH 5 in the presence of SUV composed of 25 mol % anionic phosphatidylglycerol and 75% phosphatidylcholine. The effects of high temperature provide an important clue as to the nature of the changes at low pH. At neutral pH and high temperature, i.e. in the thermally denatured state, a conformational change similar to that observed at low pH occurs, although fragment A does not become hydrophobic. In addition, the effects of low pH and high temperature on the stability of the native state are cumulative. This indicates that the changes in fragment A both at high temperature and at low pH involve denaturation, although there appears to be only partial unfolding under these conditions. Based on the results of this study, the role of fragment A in diphtheria toxin membrane penetration and translocation is evaluated.
Experimental investigation on the mechanical performance of helical ceramic springs

A series of helical ceramic springs were manufactured from MgO partially stabilized zirconia to investigate their mechanical properties. Nine springs were machined from zirconia tubing, initially one inch in length, with a rectangular pitch of 16, 14, or 12 turns per inch. An experimental apparatus that both supports and equalizes the applied loads on springs was developed. The spring deflection versus applied load was measured using an optical sight mounted on a micrometer. Deflection data on each spring were collected, plotted and successfully modeled using Hooke's Law. A more extensive model was used to calculate the shear modulus of rigidity and shear stress. This model incorporates the spring dimensions, pitch, applied load, and deflection and provides insight into the effects of the materials of construction and manufacturing technique on the effective shear modulus of spring. A specific manufacturing effect was observed in the initial deflection resulting from the mass of the spring as the pitch was increased.
Free-riding in BitTorrent Networks with the Large View Exploit.

This paper presents an experimental study on the behavior of BitTorrent networks when selfish peers attempt to maintain high download rates without uploading. We modified a BitTorrent client so that it acquires a larger than normal view of a BitTorrent swarm and connects to all peers in its view. At the same time, the modified client does not upload any data to its peers. Our experimental results show that: a) our modified freerider client can achieve better download rates than a compliant client in most common-case public torrents; b) when the percentage of our modified free-rider clients in PlanetLab-residing torrents with ∼300 leechers is less than 40%, free-riders on average outperform compliant clients; and c) as the number of free-riders increases, both free-riders and compliant clients incur substantial performance degradation. These results suggest that the large view exploit is effective, and it has the potential for wide adoption.
Novel Upcoming Therapies

Medical therapy remains the most popular treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). While interest in drug development for GERD has declined over the past few years, primarily due to the conversion of most proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to generic and over-the-counter compounds, there are still numerous areas of unmet needs in GERD. Drug development in GERD has been focused on potent histamine type 2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs), extended-release PPI’s, PPI combination, potassium-competitive acid blockers, transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation (TLESR) reducers, prokinetics, mucosal protectants, and esophageal-specific pain modulators. It is likely that further innovation in therapeutic options for GERD will continue to decline in the next decade, and the aforementioned compounds will be niched for specific areas of unmet needs in GERD, rather than compete with the presently available anti-reflux therapies for GERD.
The Effect of Legislative Diversity on Agenda Setting: Evidence from Six State Legislatures

I examine the relationship between increasing gender and racial diversity within legislatures and agenda setting and find important differences within and across minority groups (i.e., Blacks and women). Increasing gender diversity among Democrats is associated with an overall increase in the number of women’s interests measures introduced; the opposite effect is observed for Republicans. Increasing racial diversity among Democrats is associated with a transference phenomenon in which White legislators introduce fewer Black interest measures, and Black legislators share the role of bringing Black interests to the agenda. Moreover, evidence exists that increasing racial diversity among Democrats is associated with a higher number of bills sponsored by Republicans that are contrary to Black interests and with fewer such bills sponsored by Democrats. I conclude that although increasing diversity can be accompanied by an increased attention to group interests, it is important to take into account partisan dif...
Performance of pilot jamming on MIMO channels with imperfect synchronization

This paper explores effects of pilot based jamming attacks with synchronization mismatches on MIMO-OFDM systems. Both MIMO and OFDM based systems employ known data called pilot tones to estimate the channel frequency response and perform equalization. Jamming pilot tones can potentially disrupt the channel estimation and equalization, thus making the communication impossible. Our earlier research focused on efficient jamming algorithms, such as pilot jamming for OFDM systems and singularity attack for MIMO systems. It has been shown that pilot based jamming is more efficient than broadband attacks on entire signal. However, pilot based jamming may suffer from time and frequency synchronization mismatches that can degrade the efficacy of attacks. This paper presents channel and equalizer model, builds on various pilot based jamming attacks and further examines the cause and effect of mismatches in the jamming attack. Through simulation we demonstrate that singularity jamming achieves 3 dB gain over barrage jamming at 0.4 bit error rate. For 25% and 50% symbol time offset, singularity jamming loses about 0.25 dB and 1 dB gain, respectively, when perfect CSI is available for the jammer. At 0.2 bit error rate, 0.2 and 0.5 normalized frequency offset, singularity jamming loses about 1 dB and 3 dB over synchronized jamming, respectively, when CSI with 20% error is available at the jammer side.
Silicon RF MEMS based optical modulator

This paper reports on the co-fabrication of photonic whispering gallery mode disk resonators and RF MEMS radial contour mode resonators on the same SOI substrate. By mechanically coupling the MEMS and photonic resonators, we have demonstrated a silicon RF MEMS based optical modulator which can modulate light with wavelength 1560 nm at 288 MHz.
Phase relations of epidote-blueschists

Phase diagrams have been computed for minerals in the system NCMASH, using the optimised thermodynamic data-base of Berman (1988) augmented by data on glaucophane and pumpellyite, to illustrate the relationships between rocks containing epidote and sodic amphibole and those containing assemblages characteristic of neighbouring metamorphic facies. The stoichiometries of stable bounding equilibria yield a simple list of mineral parageneses that serves to define an epidote-blueschist facies and surrounding metamorphic facies. The calculations suggest that when iron-free the pairs zoisite+glaucophane and clinozoisite+glaucophane do not possess a stability field. The natural Fe-bearing paragenesis of epidote+sodic amphibole occupies a closed field in the PT-diagram, whose size increases dramatically as the ratio Fe3+/Al in the minerals is increased. Where garnet is involved in bounding reactions, such as with respect to eclogite and (garnet-bearing) albite-epidote-amphibolite, the epidote-blueschist field decreases in size as the ratio Fe2+/Mg is increased. The classic blueschist-to-greenschist transition reaction is best developed in rocks with large Fe3+ and Fe2+ contents and is possibly metastable in MgAl-rich rocks. In the latter, a wedge of albite-epidote-(actinolite/barroisite) amphibolite separates the epidote-blueschist from the greenschits paragenesis field. A first occurrence of garnet divides the epidote-blueschist field into a lower-temperature garnet-free zone and a higher-temperature garnet-bearing zone, although the temperatures calculated for this garnet “isograd” seem high. The locations of all the facies boundaries are influenced by H2O-activity; however, even minor amounts of CO2 in the fluid phase (X(CO2) > 0.005) render the epidote+sodic amphibole paragenesis metastable, so that facies boundaries cannot be shifted by varying the CO2-content of the fluid phase. Below 600°C no mutual boundaries exist between the amphibolite facies and the epidote-blueschist and eclogite facies respectively. The calculated low-pressure limit for the eclogite paragenesis pyralspite+omphacite (Jd 50%)+quartz typical metabasite compositions is 12 to 14 kbars, with H2O-activity=0.9 or 1.5 to 2 kbar lower for Jd 30%.
Subcellular localization of uric acid storage in the fat body of Manduca sexta during the larval-pupal transformation

Abstract The fat body of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta , serves as the major site for uric acid storage during metamorphosis. Light and electron microscopic examinations of fat body stained with reduced silver to show the location of stored uric acid have revealed that most, if not all, fat body cells store uric acid. The extent of specific staining is proportional to the increase in uric acid concentration in fat body during the initial stages of metamorphosis. Storage is associated with discrete membrane-bound structures, designated as uric acid storage vacuoles. In larval fat body, the structures are round or elliptical-shaped vacuoles with electron-dense fibrous interiors and are about the size of observed mitocondria (0.5–1.0 μm). During the larval-pupal transformation, the storage vacuoles double in size and appear as fibrous cores with spaces between the cores and the surrounding membranes. Before pupal ecdysis, the storage vacuoles are concentrated around the nucleus of each cell but after that event they are more uniformly distributed within fat body cells.
A refined method for assessing 99mTc-MDP whole body retention in prostate cancer patients.

Abstract Whole body retention (WBR) of 99m Tc labeled methylene diphosphonate (MDP) has been shown to significantly differentiate various clinical stages of prostate cancer. Whole body measurements, when performed at 5 min and 24 h after i.v. administration of 99m Tc-MDP, allows for the calculations of percentage whole body retention (% WBR) after one day. The latter can be expressed relative to either the anterior or posterior projection, or in combination as the geometric mean value. In an attempt to better describe the clinical course of prostate cancer patients with bone metastases we have refined the % WBR calculations to include a normalization factor. The latter consists of the mean 24-h value of WBR's as obtained from 10 prostate cancer patients without bony metastases as determined by bone scintigram. These values were determined for each projection to be: anterior = 26.5 ± 4.7%, posterior = 37.5 ± 7.4%, and geometric mean = 31.5 ± 5.7%. The % WBR is then divided by the normalization factor of choice and expressed as (% WBR) N . These data are used to better express 99m Tc MDP 24-h whole body retentions when following the clinical course of patients with metastatic carcinoma of the prostate. Caution should be exercised when interpreting these data when metabolic bone pathology is present. A false negative (% WBR) N value will result if an infiltration of the 99m Tc-MDP occurs during administration.
Nuclear Quadrupole spin-lattice relaxation in Rhombohedral Arsenic

Abstract The temperature dependence of the spin-lattice relaxation time T 1 in rhombohedral arsenic has been measured by nuclear quadrupole resonance. The relaxation time is inversely proportional to the temperature and of a magnitude which indicates that the relaxation results from the Fermi contact interaction of the conduction electrons and holes and the arsenic nuclei. The density of electrons and holes at the site of the nucleus, averaged over the Fermi surface is approximately 2.6 × 10 21 carriers cm −3 .
An ensemble recentering Kalman filter with an application to Argo temperature data assimilation into the NASA GEOS-5 coupled model

A two-step ensemble recentering Kalman filter (ERKF) analysis scheme is introduced. The algorithm consists of a recentering step followed by an ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) analysis step. The recentering step is formulated such as to adjust the prior distribution of an ensemble of model states so that the deviations of individual samples from the sample mean are unchanged but the original sample mean is shifted to the prior position of the most likely particle, where the likelihood of each particle is measured in terms of closeness to a chosen subset of the observations. The computational cost of the ERKF is essentially the same as that of a same size EnKF. The ERKF is applied to the assimilation of Argo temperature profiles into the OGCM component of an ensemble of NASA GEOS-5 coupled models. Unassimilated Argo salt data are used for validation. A surprisingly small number (16) of model trajectories is sufficient to significantly improve model estimates of salinity over estimates from an ensemble run without assimilation. The two-step algorithm also performs better than the EnKF although its performance is degraded in poorly observed regions.
Targeted Child Psychiatric Services: A New Model of Pediatric Primary Clinician—Child Psychiatry Collaborative Care

Between 15% and 25% of children and adolescents seen in pediatric primary care have a behavioral health disorder with significant psychopathology, high functional impairment, and frequent psychiatric diagnostic comorbidity. Because child psychiatry services are frequently unavailable, primary care clinicians are frequently left managing these children without access to child psychiatry consultation. We describe Targeted Child Psychiatric Services (TCPS), a new model of pediatric primary clinician-child psychiatry collaborative care, and describe program utilization and characteristics of children referred over the first 18 months of the program using a retrospective chart review. The TCPS model can serve a large number of pediatric primary care practices and provide collaborative help with the evaluation and treatment of complex attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, depression, anxiety disorders, and pediatric psychopharmacology.
Transient optical modulation with a disperse-red-1-doped polymer film.

Transient optical modulation properties of a disperse-red-1–doped polymer film are investigated by use of four-wave mixing with two-color light. Interesting behavior is observed for the transient modulation on variation of the two-color light intensities because of competition between the two mechanisms of one-photon (reorientation) and biphoton (isomerization) gratings. Positive and negative modulation as well as double-frequency modulation relative to blue-light input is observed in the experiment. The results may have applications in optical information processing.
Studies in intermittent heat sweats the chlorides and the acid-base balance

1. Excessive sweating results in a marked loss of chlorides from the tissues. 2. During repeated heat sweats the chloride concentration of the sweat increases while that of the urine decreases. 3. The pH of heat sweat tends to increase with succeeding periods of sweating. 4. In intermittent heat sweats the tissue chloride depletion is much greater than the blood chloride content would indicate.
The effect of human memory organization on code reviews under different single and pair code reviewing scenarios

Human memory organization has been shown to be related to how programmers understand programs. In recent years, agile methods brought the emphasis back on human and social aspects of software engineering with a set of new principles and practices. One of them, pair programming has been shown to improve quality and reduce the development costs. In this position paper, we propose a controlled experiment to evaluate the effect of human memory organization through chunking on code reviews under different single and pair code reviewing scenarios.
Patient non-compliance within the context of seeking medical care for arthritis.

Abstract The present study reveals that patients who subjectively experience a long wait when coming to see the doctor, particularly those who feel irritated over this situation tend to be poor compliers with regard to taking medications and continuing to come to the doctor as advised. Likewise, those who feel the doctor spends too little time with them, who perceive the doctor to be more businesslike than personal in the treatment relationship or who lack faith in the treatment regimen tend to be poor compliers. Collectively, these findings indicate that compliance is related to the patient's perception of temporal, relational, and treatment factors within the context of seeking medical help. The practical implication of these findings suggests that efforts to reduce prolonged waiting as well as efforts to personalize the treatment relationship and help patients overcome discouragement and pessimism may prove to be worthwhile investments on the part of those treating patients with rheumatoid arthritis. In any case, each of these factors needs further investigation under controlled conditions to more carefully determine their direct effects on compliance when some of the variables mentioned in this study are altered towards securing more compliant behavior.
Does Intramesorectal Proctectomy with Rectal Eversion Affect Postoperative Complications Compared to Standard Total Mesorectal Excision in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis

Introduction Proctectomy for ulcerative colitis (UC) can be performed via intramesorectal proctectomy with concomitant rectal eversion (IMP/RE) or total mesorectal excision (TME). No data exists comparing the outcomes of the two techniques.
A four coordinate parent imide via a titanium nitridyl

Treatment of d1 [(nacnac)TiCl(Ntol2)] with NaN3 results in NaCl formation and N2 ejection to yield the first four coordinate, parent imide [(nacnac)TiNH(Ntol2)] (nacnac−[ArNC(CH3)]2CH, Ar = 2,6-iPr2C6H3, tol = 4-CH3C6H4).
Mantle convection pattern and subcrustal stress field under Asia

Satellite tracking and surface gravity data are used to model the subcrustal stress fields in the terrestrial mantle beneath Asia; the results permit interpretation of the tectonic and seismic systems in China. The east and west China blocks, together with five seismic zones, are identified and related to metallogenic domains on the Chinese mainland. In addition, it is shown that the subcrustal stresses beneath China are arranged perpendicularly to the major fault systems and seismic belts. Stress calculations indicate a notable zone of compression in north China, associated with the Shansi Graben, the Linfen Basin Systems and, possibly, the high seismicity of the region.
Leptin Induces Phosphorylation of Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase in Defined Hypothalamic Neurons

Studies have indicated that the neurotransmitter nitric oxide (NO) mediates leptin's effects in the neuroendocrine reproductive axis. However, the neurons involved in these effects and their regulation by leptin is still unknown. We aimed to determine whether NO neurons are direct targets of leptin and by which mechanisms leptin may influence neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) activity. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate diaphorase activity and leptin-induced phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 immunoreactivity were coexpressed in subsets of neurons of the medial preoptic area, the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus, the arcuate nucleus (Arc), the dorsomedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (DMH), the posterior hypothalamic area, the ventral premammillary nucleus (PMV), the parabrachial nucleus, and the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve. Fasting blunted nNOS mRNA expression in the medial preoptic area, Arc, DMH, PMV, and posterior hypothalamic area, and this effect was not restored by acute leptin administration. No difference in the number of neurons expressing nNOS immunoreactivity was noticed comparing hypothalamic sections of fed (wild type and ob/ob), fasted, and fasted leptin-treated mice. However, we found that in states of low leptin levels, as in fasting, or lack of leptin, as in ob/ob mice, the number of neurons expressing the phosphorylated form of nNOS is decreased in the Arc, DMH, and PMV. Notably, acute leptin administration to fasted wild-type mice restored the number of phosphorylated form of nNOS neurons to that observed in fed wild-type mice. Herein we identified the first-order neurons potentially involved in NO-mediated effects of leptin and demonstrate that leptin regulates nNOS activity predominantly through posttranslational mechanisms.
Acupuncture for the alleviation of hot flashes in men treated with androgen ablation therapy.

Purpose Hot flashes are common side effect due to androgen ablation therapy (AAT). The utility of acupuncture for hot flashes in men has not been thoroughly studied. We prospectively studied the effect of acupuncture in men with hot flashes. Methods and Materials The study was approved by internal review board. Seventeen men with hot flashes and history of AAT for prostate cancer were enrolled. Three men declined participation before receiving any treatment. A hot flash score (HFS) was used to measure daily hot flashes. The composite daily score was calculated as the product of frequency × severity. The baseline daily scores were compared with scores taken at 2 and 6 weeks and at 8-month average follow-up. Results No side effects were encountered during, immediately after treatment, or at 8 months. The mean initial HFS was 28.3; it dropped to 10.3 ( p = 0.0001) at 2 weeks posttreatment, 7.5 ( p = 0.0001) at 6 weeks, and 7.0 ( p = 0.001) at 8 months. Clinical improvement for each patient is defined as the percent decrease in the mean HFS at each time point. The mean improvement at Weeks 2 and 6 was 68.4% (mean HFS decreased from 37.409 to 11.836, p = 0.001) and 89.2% (mean HFS decreased from 37.409 to 4.05, p = 0.0078) respectively. The improvement at 8 months was 80.3% (mean HFS decreased from 37.409 to 7.385, p = 0.002). Conclusions Acupuncture provides excellent control of hot flashes in men with a history of AAT. The absence of side effects and the durable response at 8 months are likely to be appealing to patients. Prospective randomized study is warranted to further evaluate this modality against medical therapy.
128-Slice dual source coronary CTA: Defining optimal arterial enhancement levels

This study aims to correlate coronary artery enhancement levels with quality of vessel visualization and calcified plaque visualization using a 128-slice dual-source CT (DSCT) scanner. Coronary CT angiography exams from 52 patients, mean age of 55 years (range, 22–90) and mean weight of 184 lbs (range, 120–320 lbs), were reviewed retrospectively. Contrast infusion rates ranged from 4.5 to 7 mL/s (mean, 5.8 mL/s). Postcontrast density of the largest calcified plaque and postcontrast density of the left main (LM) and right coronary arteries (RCA) were recorded. Enhancement quality was graded as 1 = suboptimal, 2 = adequate for diagnosis, and 3 = excellent. Pre- and postcontrast acquisitions were compared for calcified plaque conspicuity. The largest calcified plaque density was a mean of 862 HU (range, 376 to 1,384 HU) on the postcontrast scan. The mean LM and RCA coronary artery enhancement levels for studies of excellent enhancement quality (N = 43) were 468 and 457 HU, respectively, higher than mean enhancement levels of 320 and 322 HU for adequate enhancement quality (N = 8) (p < 0.0001 and 0.009). One study was graded as a nondiagnostic enhancement quality. Twenty-five subjects had calcified plaque, 3/8 with adequate and 22/43 with excellent enhancement quality. At least one calcified plaque measuring <2 mm was isodense to contrast enhancement on axial images in 5/25; all five were in the highest enhancement quality group. High coronary artery enhancement quality using 128-DSCT is associated with mean proximal coronary artery enhancement levels over 400 HU. High levels of enhancement may obscure small, calcified plaques.
Photoluminescence in UHV-CVD-grown Si1−xGex quantum wells on Si(100): band alignment variation with excitation density and applied uniaxial stress

Abstract New photoluminescence data are presented which show an intrinsic conduction band alignment in Si 1− x Ge x quantum wells grown by ultra-high vacuum chemical vapor deposition (UHV-CVD) on Si(001) such that the Si 1− x Ge x layers form electron barriers (type 11 band alignment). The variation of the photoluminescence peak energies with applied (110) tensile stress for various excitation intensities for a number of quantum well samples of different germanium concentration shows an intrinsic conduction band offset which increases with germanium concentration. At higher excitation densities a photo-induced type I band alignment was observed with electrons confined to the Si 1− x Ge x layers through the electrostatic interaction with the excitation-created holes. Supporting temperature dependence data are also presented.
Augmentation in the kinetic characteristics of phenylephrine- and 5-hydroxytryptamine-induced contractions in the isolated rat aorta following eight weeks of STZ-diabetes

Abstract Kinetic studies were conducted on the contractile response elicited by phenylephrine (PE) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) activation of the α 1 -adrenergic- and 5-HT 2 receptor subtypes, respectively, in aortic rings isolated from streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic and age-matched control rats. The maximal PE- and 5-HT-induced contractile responses were seperated into distinct phasic and tonic components, and the tonic portion of the response was assessed by evaluation of the calculated maximal rate constant for onset of contraction (k obsmax ; min −1 ). Statistical analysis revealed that the mean k obsmax values for PE alone (10 μM), 5-HT alone (10 μM) and mixtures of PE and 5-HT (10 μM each) were significantly greater in diabetic animals than in age-matched control animals. These increases in k obsmax resulted in significant diabetes-related increases in the rate and relative magnitude of response generation during the initial minutes of contraction. Such observations emphasize the importance of kinetic studies, and given the central role played by the aorta in cardiovascular homeostasis, suggest that altered aortic contractility may play a role in some aspects of diabetic vascular disease. Moreover, if these kinetic alterations reflect a more generalized feature of diabetic vasculature (e.g., resistance vessels), then it is conceivable that such changes may further exacerbate diabetic vasculopathy.
NAFTA and Industrial Adjustment: A Specific-Factors Model of Production

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) will continue to attract political debate as U.S. manufacturing industries adjust in the face of increased import competition and export opportunities. This study applies the specific factors model of production to manufacturing industries in Alabama to examine the pending adjustment. As industrial prices change, there will be small output adjustments in the short run and downward pressure on the wages of production workers. Projected changes in industrial investment will lead to substantial long-run output adjustments.
Thin Black Screens for Diffraction Measurements

An experimental study was made to produce a thin screen that absorbs electromagnetic waves at the edges as well as over its surface. Previous screens, built as quarter-wave interference absorbers for microwaves, have been highly absorbing for waves normally incident on flat surfaces but have reradiated at the edges as strongly as a metal screen. The dielectrics in the sandwich of an interference absorber are lossless. The carbon-impregnated dielectrics which were used to coat the metal disks in this study, unlike the interference absorbers, reduced the edge radiation. Since the measurement of near-field patterns of disk antennas is much simpler than the measurement of near-field diffraction patterns of a disk, these introductory studies were made on disk antennas. The evanescent standing wave over the surface of the disk antenna and the radiated wave were proved to be independent, in that the intensity of the surface wave could be reduced an order of magnitude more than the radiated wave by the absorbing coat. An absorbing coat on the disk antenna reduced the intensity without changing the shape of the radiated field pattern.
1102 FAILURE OF THE KIDNEY TO VASODILATE IN DIABETES MELLITUS

To determine whether the elevated glomerular filtration rates (GFR) and renal plasma flow (RPF) described early in the course of diabetes results from renal vasodilation or an increase in functioning mass, we examined the renal and systemic responses to a renal vasodilator, dopamine, in 10 juvenile diabetic (JDM) (ages 10-23 years), and compared the results to those observed in 10 patients (ages 11-30) who had recovered from an episode of acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis (PSGN). The mean pre-infusion values for GFR in JDM were 146 ml/min, RPF 763 ml/min, mean arterial pressure (MAP) 89 mm Hg and renal resistance (RT) 5563 d/sec/cm−5. In PSGN mean values for GFR were 124 ml/min, RPF 645 ml/min, MAP 88 mmHg and RT 6797 d/sec/cm−5. In response to dopamine, the diabetics sustained a lesser increase in CIN and CPAH and a greater increase in MAP. No change in RT occurred in the diabetics, while a decrease of 25% was induced in the PSGN group. Our data confirm that renal hemodynamics are enhanced in young diabetics. Failure of renal resistance to decrease during administration of dopamine supports the thesis that an already vasodilated kidney is responsible for supernormal renal perfusion in these diabetics. The greater increase in MAP during dopamine suggest also a lesser vasodilatory response of the systemic resistance vessels in juvenile diabetes.
Production of muons for fusion catalysis using a migma configuration

Abstract Muon-catalyzed fusion requires a very efficient means of producing muons. We describe a muon-producing magnetic-mirror scheme with triton migma that may be more energy efficient than any heretofore proposed. If one could catalyze 200 fusions per muon and employ a uranium blanket that would multiply the neutron energy by a factor of 10, one might produce electricity with an overall plant efficiency (ratio of electric energy produced to nuclear energy released) approaching 30%. The self-colliding arrangement of triton orbits will result in many π − 's being produced near the axis of the magnetic mirror. The pions quickly decay into muons, which are transported into a small (few cm diameter) reactor chamber producing approximately 1 MW/m 2 neutron flux on the chamber walls.
The LQG/LTR Design via H 2 -Optimization

An H 2 -optimization technique is adapted to solve the LQG/LTR problem. Repetitive computations for the sequence of filter or controller gairs as some parameter approaches zero or infinity are avoided. The limit values of the LQG/LTR compensator are obtained in one iteration without involving infinite filter or controller gains. The configurations of the H 2 -optimal compensator and the LQG/LTR compensator are compared.
Overview of Orbits

: After a brief summary of the distribution of both large and small bodies in the solar system, there follows a categorization of the various hazards from comets and asteroids, the concept of PHA, or “potentially hazardous asteroid,” being introduced to include one that is large enough and can pass close enough to the Earth's orbit that it might conceivably yield a globally-damaging impact in the forseeable furture. Future search stragtegies are discussed, as they involve increasing both sky coverage and faintness limit, arguments being given for ensuring much fainter detections in the general opposition region than at much smaller elongations. It is concluded that a proposed “impact hazard scale” is generally less useful than recognition of the PHA status. The current situation with regard to follow-up astrometric activity, particularly by amateur astronomers, is viewed favorably, but professional search activity is at a depressingly low level.
Technical Notes: A Liver and Muscle Biopsy Technique for Electrophoretic Evaluation of Largemouth Bass

Abstract A biopsy technique was modified to include the extraction of muscle as well as liver tissue for the electrophoretic identification of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). One hundred twelve largemouth bass, 0.2–1.6 kg, were anesthetized and biopsied by making an incision between the left pectoral and pelvic fins and extracting a 1-g sample of muscle tissue and a 1-g sample of liver tissue. Incisions were closed with absorbable sutures. All fish recovered from surgery and were stocked into a 0.1-ha research pond within 24 h. Fish were inspected after 11 weeks and survival was 90%. All incisions had completely healed. This modified biopsy technique allows for nondestructive subspecific evaluation of largemouth bass in zones of high intergradation, when both liver and muscle tissues need to be examined for genetic markers.
Saving the honeybee.

The article discusses colony collapse disorder, which has killed large numbers of honeybees in the U.S. as of 2009. The disappearance of honeybees as a result of the disorder is described, noting the potential for a significant impact upon around 100 crops grown in the U.S. that require pollination. Possible solutions are also discussed, including proper hive hygiene and the development of antiviral drugs. INSETS: A COUNTRYWIDE SCOURGE;Many Suspects, No Convictions Yet;A BEE MEDICINE?;A BEE MEDICINE?
Utility of an image-based canopy reflectance modeling tool for remote estimation of LAI and leaf chlorophyll content at the field scale

Abstract This paper presents a physically-based approach for estimating critical variables describing land surface vegetation canopies, relying on remotely sensed data that can be acquired from operational satellite sensors. The REGularized canopy reFLECtance (REGFLEC) modeling tool couples leaf optics (PROSPECT), canopy reflectance (ACRM), and atmospheric radiative transfer (6SV1) model components, facilitating the direct use of at-sensor radiances in green, red and near-infrared wavelengths for the inverse retrieval of leaf chlorophyll content ( C ab ) and total one-sided leaf area per unit ground area (LAI). The inversion of the canopy reflectance model is constrained by assuming limited variability of leaf structure, vegetation clumping, and leaf inclination angle within a given crop field and by exploiting the added radiometric information content of pixels belonging to the same field. A look-up-table with a suite of pre-computed spectral reflectance relationships, each a function of canopy characteristics, soil background effects and external conditions, is accessed for fast pixel-wise biophysical parameter retrievals. Using 1 m resolution aircraft and 10 m resolution SPOT-5 imagery, REGFLEC effectuated robust biophysical parameter retrievals for a corn field characterized by a wide range in leaf chlorophyll levels and intermixed green and senescent leaf material. Validation against in-situ observations yielded relative root-mean-square deviations (RMSD) on the order of 10% for the 1 m resolution LAI (RMSD = 0.25) and C ab (RMSD = 4.4 μg cm − 2 ) estimates, due in part to an efficient correction for background influences. LAI and C ab retrieval accuracies at the SPOT 10 m resolution were characterized by relative RMSDs of 13% (0.3) and 17% (7.1 μg cm − 2 ), respectively, and the overall intra-field pattern in LAI and C ab was well established at this resolution. The developed method has utility in agricultural fields characterized by widely varying distributions of model variables and holds promise as a valuable operational tool for precision crop management. Work is currently in progress to extend REGFLEC to regional scales.
Beyond the medium ring: A [4 + 4] cycloaddition/fragmentation synthesis of eleven-membered rings

Reduction of the polycyclic product of intramolecular 2-pyridone photocycloaddition with lithium/ammonia yields a functionalized cycloundecane, via an apparent multi-step reaction sequence.
A Bioorthogonal Quadricyclane Ligation

New additions to the bioorthogonal chemistry compendium can advance biological research by enabling multiplexed analysis of biomolecules in complex systems. Here we introduce the quadricyclane ligation, a new bioorthogonal reaction between the highly strained hydrocarbon quadricyclane and Ni bis(dithiolene) reagents. This reaction has a second-order rate constant of 0.25 M–1 s–1, on par with fast bioorthogonal reactions of azides, and proceeds readily in aqueous environments. Ni bis(dithiolene) probes selectively labeled quadricyclane-modified bovine serum albumin, even in the presence of cell lysate. We have demonstrated that the quadricyclane ligation is compatible with, and orthogonal to, strain-promoted azide–alkyne cycloaddition and oxime ligation chemistries by performing all three reactions in one pot on differentially functionalized protein substrates. The quadricyclane ligation joins a small but growing list of tools for the selective covalent modification of biomolecules.
Health, mental health, substance use, and service utilization among rural and urban incarcerated women.

Incarcerated women commonly report health, mental health, and substance use problems, yet there is limited research on service utilization before incarceration, particularly among women from urban and rural areas. This study includes a stratified random sample of 100 rural and urban incarcerated women to profile the health, mental health, substance use, and service utilization; examine the relationship between the number of self-reported problems and service utilization; and examine self-reported health and mental health problems in prison as associated with preincarceration health-related problems and community service utilization. Study findings suggest that health and mental health problems and substance use do not differ significantly among rural and urban women prisoners. However, there are differences in service utilization—particularly behavioral health services including mental health and substance abuse services; urban women report more service utilization. In addition, rural women who reported using needed community services before prison also reported fewer health problems in prison. Implications for correctional and community treatment opportunities in rural and urban areas are discussed.
Toward a General Model for Populations with Changing Rates

Formal demography has yet to move beyond assuming that demographic rates are constant over time, an assumption that is both unrealistic and constraining. To generalize the fixed rate stable model to the changing rate dynamic model, this paper explores the mathematical regularities that underlie the behavior of all populations. At any time, the composition of a population can be expressed in terms of current circumstances, using the rates of a "latent" stable model. Closed form solutions for the equations governing dynamic multistate models are not always possible, but are presented for certain special cases. Those solutions provide opportunities for specifying dynamic models of potentially great value, especially for analyses of cyclical and hierarchical populations.