cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Medical student and patient perceptions of quality of life associated with vision loss

Abstract Objective Because most medical schools in the United States and Canada require no formal ophthalmology training, the authors queried medical student and ophthalmic patients to compare their perceptions of the quality of life (QOL) associated with vision loss. Design Cross-sectional comparative study of consecutive medical students and patients with vision loss using a validated, reliable, time trade-off utility instrument. Participants Consecutive Jefferson Medical College medical students (cohort 1: 145 second-year student; cohort 2: 112 third-year/fourth-year students) and 283 patients with vision loss (patient cohort). Methods Time trade-off vision utilities with anchors of 0.0 (death) to 1.0 (normal vision permanently) were used to quantify the QOL associated with vision loss. Students were asked to assume they had: ( i ) mild vision loss (20/40 to 20/50 vision in the better-seeing eye), ( ii ) legal blindness (20/200 in the better-seeing eye), and ( iii ) absolute blindness (no light perception bilaterally). Results Mean utilities for cohort 1/cohort 2 were 0.96/0.95 ( p = 0.20) for mild vision loss, 0.88/0.84 for legal blindness ( p = 0.009), and 0.80/0.67 ( p p p p Conclusions Medical students dramatically underestimated the impact of vision loss on patient QOL. Clinical training slightly improved medical student perceptions. Trivialization of vision loss could result in systemic health harm, less ophthalmic research dollars, loss of the finest medical students entering ophthalmology, and overall adverse financial effects for the field.
Impact of Nosema pyrausta, Nosema sp., and a nuclear polyhedrosis virus on Lydella thompsoni within infected Ostrinia nubilalis hosts☆☆☆

Abstract The individual impact of two microsporidia and a nuclear polyhedrosis virus infection within larvae of the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis , on a tachinid parasitoid, Lydella thompsoni , was studied. Nosema sp. primarily infected the Malpighian tubules and muscle tissue of the O. nubilalis hosts. Pupation of L. thompsoni from hosts infected with Nosema pyrausta or Nosema sp. and eclosion of adult L. thompsoni after development in N. pyrausta -infected hosts was not significantly (α = 0.05) reduced. However, no L. thompsoni were able to eclose as adults after development within Nosema sp.-infected O. nubilalis larvae. Infection of O. nubilalis larvae by a mint looper, Rachiplusia ou , nuclear polyhedrosis virus (Ro M NPV) did not significantly (α = 0.05) affect pupation or eclosion of L. thompsoni . Viral polyhedral inclusion bodies were found within the alimentary canal of L. thompsoni maggots within Ro M NPV-infected O. nubilalis hosts.
The history and development of the fentanyl series.

Abstract In the last two decades, opioid analgesics have assumed an important place in general anesthetic practice in the United States. Part of the reason for this has been the introduction of the potent new agonists fentanyl, sufentanil, and alfentanil. Because of problems with morphine-oxygen anesthesia (incomplete amnesia, occasional histamine-related reaction, marked increases in intra- and postoperative respiratory depression), a suitable alternative was sought but not found among existing opioids. A breakthrough came in 1960, when fentanyl was synthesized, laying the foundation for a better understanding of the structure-activity relationships of narcotic analgesics and stimulating interest in developing compounds with even greater potency and safety margins. Investigators interested in opioid anesthesia began to study fentanyl in animals and then in humans. Fentanyl (50–100 μg/kg) with oxygen (100%) was evaluated as an anesthetic in patients undergoing mitral valve and coronary artery surgery. Changes in cardiovascular dynamics with induction doses ranging from 8 to 30 μg/kg consisted of small decreases in heart rate and arterial blood pressure. All other cardiovascular variables studied, including cardiac output, remained unchanged, even with additional doses up to 100 μg/kg. It was determined that fentanyl had use as a narcotic anesthetic, despite its potential for cardiovascular depression and stimulation, respiratory depression, muscle rigidity, and, occasionally, incomplete anesthesia. Since the introduction of fentanyl, two other potent synthetic opioids have been introduced into clinical practice—sufentanil and alfenlanil.
The 1986 adjustment of the fundamental physical constants

One of the early projects established by CODATA was intended to provide a recommended set of the fundamental physical constants, which are so important to the analysis and interpretation of experimental data in many scientific disciplines. The first "Recommended Consistent Values of the Fundamental Physical Constants" appeared in 1973 and was subsequently adopted by most international and national bodies in their own recommendations. This process has contributed to improved compatibility of scientific and technical data in all fields of science. CODATA presents here a revised version of these recommendations which takes into account the significant advances in metrology that have occurred since the 1973 analysis. "The 1986 adjustment of the fundamental physical constants" represents a 5-year effort involving experts from the major metrological laboratories of the world. It is hoped that this recommended data set will receive the acceptance of the scientific community which was achieved by its predecessor.
Importance of food quality in determining development and survival of Calanus pacificus (Copepoda: Calanoida)

Mixed zooplankton were collected in June and July of 1985 and 1986 from La Jolla Bay, California, USA, and experiments were conducted to determine how selected dinoflagellates affect development and survival of nauplius larvae of Calanus pacificus. We raised nauplii from eggs on nine species of dinoflagellates at concentrations generally >300 μg C l-1, and compared their development and survival to controls reared using the diatom Thalassiosira weissflogii or filtered seawater. Experiments were conducted for 6 d at 17°C. Development and survival rates of the nauplii fell clearly into one of two groups, depending upon the phytoplankton used as food. The first group was characterized by high development rate (0.46 to 0.84 stage d-1), and by >27% of the original cohort surviving to at least Nauplius IV or V. The five species producing this result were Gymnodinium simplex, G. splendens, Exuviaella marie-lebourae, Gyrodinium dorsum, and T. weissflogii. The second group was characterized by a development rate similar to that in filtered seawater (0.21 to 0.34 stage d-1), and by nauplii generally failing to molt past the first feeding stage (Nauplius III), often accompanied by high mortality. The five species producing this result were Gyrodinium resplendens, Ptychodiscus brevis, Glenodinium sp., Amphidinium carterae, and Gonyaulax grindleyi. Development rate and survival were not related to cell size or cell carbon, nor to shape or texture (thecate vs athecate dinoflagellates). Poor growth could be related to the absence of some important, but unidentified, nutritional factors. Alternatively, it could be caused by the presence of plant secondary metabolites which are deleterious to growth, a factor we suspect in P. brevis in particular. Prefeeding nauplii exposed to P. brevis lost neuromuscular control prior to becoming lethargic and dying; nutritional deficiencies may not explain these effects. Methods employed in this study provide useful bioassays for detecting chemical interactions between marine plants and animals. Lethal or sublethal effects of dinoflagellates on their most likely potential predators — copepods — may partially explain why they form significant blooms.
Promoting the sustainability of development institutions: A framework for strategy

Abstract This article presents a generic framework for understanding institutional sustainability in development. Its lessons draw from the agriculture and health sectors. The framework treats institutions as: (a) systems that function in relationship to their environments; (b) organized and managed entities whose organizational structures and procedures must match the tasks, products, people, resources, and contexts they deal with; and (c) settings intimately concerned with the exchange of resources where economic and political relationships intertwine to create varying patterns of power and incentive. Application of the analytic framework has shown that institutional sustainability depends upon maintaining: responsive output flows (high quality and valued goods and services); cost-effective goods and services delivery mechanisms (organization and management); and resource flows (recurrent costs, capital investments, human resources).
Target surface finding using 3D SAR data

Methods of generating more literal, easily interpretable imagery from 3-D SAR data are being studied to provide all weather, near-visual target identification and/or scene interpretation. One method of approaching this problem is to automatically generate shape-based geometric renderings from the SAR data. In this paper we describe the application of the Marching Tetrahedrons surface finding algorithm to 3-D SAR data. The Marching Tetrahedrons algorithm finds a surface through the 3-D data cube, which provides a recognizable representation of the target surface. This algorithm was applied to the public-release X-patch simulations of a backhoe, which provided densely sampled 3-D SAR data sets. The performance of the algorithm to noise and spatial resolution were explored. Surface renderings were readily recognizable over a range of spatial resolution, and maintained their fidelity even under relatively low Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) conditions.
Curettage after mifepristone-induced abortion: frequency, timing, and indications.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To characterize women who underwent curettage after medical abortion with mifepristone and vaginal misoprostol, to describe when curettage occurred and the reasons for the intervention, and to categorize the indications for curettage according to a simple classification schema. Methods: These analyses used data from two multisite, randomized controlled trials sponsored by Abortion Rights Mobilization. In the first study, women pregnant less than 63 days received 200 mg of mifepristone and 800 μg of vaginal misoprostol to use 48 hours after taking mifepristone. In the second study, women pregnant less than 56 days were randomly assigned to insert vaginal misoprostol at 1, 2, or 3 days after mifepristone administration. Case report forms and clinical case notes of all women who underwent curettage were examined. Results: Of the 4393 women enrolled in both studies, 116 (2.6%, 95% confidence interval 2.1%, 3.1%) curettages were identified. The gestational age and a history of prior elective abortion were associated with the rate of curettage. The distribution of indications for curettage included bleeding, 61 (53%); continuing pregnancy, 17 (15%); patient request, 36 (31%); and indeterminate, 2 (1.7%). The timing of curettage differed by the indication and scheduled interval between study visits. The distribution of the timing was bimodal. One subset of women, 44 (38%), underwent curettage in the first study week and another subset, 43 (37%), during weeks 3–5. Conclusion: Curettage after medical abortion with mifepristone and vaginal misoprostol is rare. At least one half of the curettages were performed for persistent bleeding several weeks after treatment. Both acute heavy bleeding and continuing pregnancy are extremely rare.
Clinical Experience with Authentic Recombinant Somatropin – German Collaborative Study

A multicentre clinical trial with recombinant somatropin was initiated in West Germany in early 1986. Acceptance of patients to the study was determined according to criteria outlined in a detailed study protocol. To the present time, 41 patients with hGH deficiency not previously treated (naive) and 28 patients previously treated with pituitary hGH have been admitted. Recombinant somatropin is given, 12 IU/m2/week s.c., divided into six doses. Height velocities during treatment rose dramatically for naive patients from 3.5 cm/year (n = 40, before treatment), to 15.0 cm/year (n = 19, calculated at 3 months), and 13.3 cm/year (n = 8, calculated at 6 months). For previously treated patients, the increase in height velocity was from 5.8 cm/year (n = 20) to 9.2 cm/year (n = 19, after 3 months) and 8.6 cm/year (n = 9) at 6 months. Tolerance of recombinant somatropin was good, and no anti-hGH antibodies were detected in any of the patients.
“Localism”; in Chinese media context: An examination of a closed circuit community cable system

The ongoing reforms in the Chinese media system have offered greater latitude for the development and operation of closed circuit community cable television. This research describes the structure and program content of one community system. Although similar to the national media model, the addition of a community channel offers a functional alternative. Local newscasts contain themes and production values similar to China Central Television (CCTV). Feature entertainment and music video request programs provide alternatives to the national and regional television channels. Increased access available through such systems has the capacity to expand the ideological range possible in Chinese life and exert pressure for further structural, operational, and ideological reform at the national level.
Cooperation between CD4 and CD8 T cells for anti‐tumor activity is enhanced by OX40 signals

The relative contribution of OX40 (CD134) to priming of CD8 T cells in complex systems where CD4 and CD8 cells respond and cooperate together is not clear. We previously found that OX40 expressed on tumor-reactive CD8 T cells controls their initial persistence when adoptively transferred in vivo and is required for delayed tumor growth. We now show that exogenous stimulation of OX40 with agonist antibody augments its ability to suppress the growth of new as well as established tumors, correlating with marked expansion of adoptively transferred CD8 T cells. Concomitantly, anti-OX40 strongly enhanced the number of tumor antigen-reactive CD4 T cells. Moreover, the augmented accumulation of CD8 T cells was prevented in animals lacking MHC class II or depleted of CD4 cells and did not occur in OX40-deficient animals receiving wild-type CD8 cells, demonstrating that non-CD8 cells are the major target of OX40 signals. These results suggest that while OX40 signaling to a CD8 T cell can control its expansion, OX40 expressed on non-CD8 cells strongly influences CD8 priming and in vivo activity. OX40 therefore represents an important signal for allowing effective cooperation between CD4 and CD8 cells and for promoting cell interplay and tumor rejection where CD8 activity is limiting.
Analysis of flow dynamics in a new, very low pressure reactor. Application to the reaction: Cl + CH4⇌ HCl + CH3

A new, improved variant of the very low pressure reactor (VLPR) system with interchangeable discharge orifices was used for studying the compatibility of the chemical and physical processes occurring simultaneously. It is shown that the ratio of calculated and effective escape rate constants is a complex function of the reactor cell geometry for reactions of non-spherical symmetry. The test reaction of atomic chlorine with methane proved to be a pure chemical process free of side reactions and was used to calibrate the system. The measured rate constant is k1 = (0.993 ± 0.013) × 10-13 cm3/molec-s at 25°C. A new procedure is outlined for measuring the equilibrium constant by changing the concentrations of all three components resulting in a remarkable accuracy of K1 = 1.406 ± 0.034 for the test reaction at 25°C.
Climate regime and soil storage capacity interact to effect evapotranspiration in western United States mountain catchments

In the winter-wet, summer-dry forests of the western United States (US), total annual evapotranspiration (ET) is largely a function of three separate but interacting properties: (1) climate, especially magnitude of precipitation, its partitioning into rain or snow, and snowmelt timing; (2) soil characteristics, including soil water holding capacity and rates of drainage; and (3) the total biomass where larger, more abundant vegetation is directly proportional to greater ET. Understanding how these controls influence ET in Mediterranean mountain environments is complicated by shifts between water and energy limitations both within the year and between years. We use a physically based process model to evaluate the strength of climate controls and soil properties in predicting ET in three snow-dominated, mountainous catchments in the western US. As we expect, statistical analysis shows that annual precipitation is a primary control of annual ET across all catchments. However, secondary climate controls vary across catchments. Further, the sensitivity of annual ET to precipitation and other climatic controls varies with soil characteristics. In the drier, more snow-dominated catchments ET is also controlled by spring temperature through its influence on the timing of snowmelt and the synchronicity between seasonal water availability and demand. In wetter catchments that receive a large fraction of winter precipitation as rainfall, the sensitivity to ET is also strongly influenced by soil water holding capacity. We show that in all catchments, soil characteristics affect the sensitivity of annual ET to climatic drivers. Estimates of annual ET become more sensitive to climatic drivers at low soil water holding capacities in the catchments with the stronger decoupling between precipitation and growing season demands.
Asymmetry in interface and bending property of Al/Cu/Al bimetallic laminates

This work was aimed to study the interfacial microstructures and three-point bending properties of Al/Cu/Al bimetallic laminates produced by the asymmetrical roll bonding and annealing. It is found that the microstructure and bonding strength of the Al/Cu interface are different with those of the Cu/Al interface. The interfacial microstructure of Cu/Al interface is improved due to the large interfacial plastic deformation caused by the different rotation speeds of roll in the asymmetrical roll bonding process. The bonding strength between Al and Cu layer can be enhanced by the moderate atomic diffusion, but is dramatically depressed by the formation of intermetallic compounds in the interface. The bending strength of bimetallic laminates is enhanced when the Cu/Al interface is loaded in tension because of the improvement of stress transition and damping by the Cu/Al interface during the three-point bending deformation. The bending fracture reveals that the interfacial cracks can be inhibited from the restricted stress concentration in the improved Cu/Al interface.
Forwarding via checkpoints: Geographic routing on always-on sensors

Data forwarding is an essential function in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). It is well-known that geographic forwarding is an efficient scheme for WSNs as it requires maintaining only local topology information to forward data to a central gathering point, called the sink (or base station), for further analysis and processing. In this paper, we propose an energy-efficient data forwarding protocol for WSNs, called Weighted Localized Delaunay Triangulation-based data forwarding (WLDT), with a goal to extending the network lifetime. Specifically, WLDT selects as forwarders the sensors with high remaining energy and whose locations lie nearer the shortest path between source sensors and a single sink, thus helping the sensors minimize their average energy consumption. More precisely, WLDT defines checkpoints to build energy-efficient data forwarding paths and uses a 1-lookahead scheme to guarantee data delivery to the sink. We show that WLDT, which favors data forwarding through short Delaunay edges, achieves an energy gain percentage in the order of 55% for the free space model and close to 100% for the multi-path model compared to BVGF and GPSR, which forward data through long distances and which we have slightly updated to account for energy in the selection of next forwarders. We prove that these checkpoints yield an energy gain percentage in the order of 30% in comparison with a similar protocol, called WLDT-w/c (or WLDT without checkpoints), which forwards data via short distances but does not use checkpoints.
Fine-needle aspiration biopsy of myxoid liposarcoma metastatic to the liver: cytomorphologic and cytogenetic features.

Myxoid liposarcoma has characteristic cytomorphological features and carries a specific cytogenetic abnormality. Here we describe a case of myxoid liposarcoma metastatic to the liver, which was diagnosed by fine-needle aspiration biopsy. The aspirate smears revealed numerous oval to round tumor cells embedded in a myxoid background admixed with arborizing capillary vasculature. Some of the tumor cells showed adipocytic differentiation and a few lipoblasts were present. A fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis using CHOP break apart probe 12q13 demonstrated the presence of chromosomal translocation involving the CHOP gene, confirming the diagnosis. The case illustrates that cytomorphological evaluation with a targeted cytogenetic study can render a definite diagnosis of myxoid liposarcoma via fine-needle aspiration biopsy. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2007;35:734–737. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Refractive Indices and Surface Tensions of Binary Mixtures of Ethyl Acetoacetate, Ethyl Isovalerate, Methyl Benzoate, Benzyl Acetate, Ethyl Salicylate, and Benzyl Propionate with Ethanol at (288.15, 298.15, 308.15, and 318.15) K

Refractive indices and surface tensions for binary mixtures of six flavor esters (ethyl acetoacetate, ethyl isovalerate, methyl benzoate, benzyl acetate, ethyl salicylate, and benzyl propionate) with ethanol over the whole composition range were measured at four different temperatures (288.15, 298.15, 308.15, and 318.15) K and atmospheric pressure. Refractive indices were measured using a digital Abbe-type refractometer. Surface tensions were determined using the Wilhelmy-plate method. Deviations in the refractive index ΔnD and deviations in the surface tension Δσ from volume fraction average for the binary mixtures were derived from experimental data. The binary data of ΔnD and Δσ were correlated as a function of mole fraction using the Redlich−Kister equation.
Using the Web as a survey tool: results from the second WWW user survey

Abstract This paper presents the initial results from the second World-Wide Web User Survey, which was advertised and made available to the Web user population for 38 days during October and November 1994. The survey is built on our architecture and Web technologies, which together offer a number of technical and surveying advantages. In particular, our architecture supports the use of adaptive questions, and supports methods for tracking users' responses across different surveys, allowing more in-depth analyses of survey responses. The present survey was composed of three question categories: general demographic questions, browsing usage, and questions for Web information authors. In addition, we added an additional, experimental category addressing users' attitudes toward commercial use of the Web and the Internet. In just over one month, we received over 18000 total responses to the combined surveys. To the best of our knowledge, the number of respondents and range of questions make this survey the most reliable and comprehensive characterization of WWW users to date. It will be interesting to see if and how the user trends shown in our results change as the Web gains in global access and popularity.
Variation in the effectiveness of instructional interactions across preschool classroom settings and learning activities

Abstract This exploratory study examined the extent to which the effectiveness of instructional interactions varies among classroom social settings (i.e., large group, free choice, meals, and routines), learning activities (i.e., shared reading, literacy, math, science, social studies, and esthetics), or their combination. Participants were 314 preschool teachers primarily serving children from low-income backgrounds. Instructional interactions were measured in multiple cycles across one day of classroom observation as teachers engaged in a variety of settings and learning activities. Linear mixed models indicated that the effectiveness of teachers’ instructional interactions was generally higher in the large group setting than in free choice, meals, and routine settings. When considering settings and learning activities in combination, teachers displayed the most effective global instructional interactions when leading science activities in large group or free choice settings, and the most effective literacy-focused interactions during large group literacy activities.
Computational Studies of Contact Time Dependence of Adhesive Energy Due to Redistribution of the Locations of Strong Specific Interfacial Interactions

The work required to pull a polymeric material from a solid surface with which it connects through hydrogen bonding has been studied by means of molecular dynamics simulations of a coarse-grained bead-spring model. In our simulations, the work, and hence the adhesive energy, increases with the time for which the polymeric material and the surface have been in contact. The work of adhesion G contains a reversible component due to interfacial molecular interactions, as well as an irreversible one, due to dissipative processes. Our data indicate that an increase in the irreversible and not in the reversible work causes G to increase with prolonged contact time. Hence, the phenomenon cannot be attributed to the formation of more or stronger interfacial bonds. Instead, we attribute this increase to a slow redistribution of the beads on the polymer chains that form hydrogen bonds with the surface. Two ways in which this takes effect could be specified. One is that the formation of long loops-chain sections between adjacent bonds-is suppressed after prolonged contact. Another is that over time bonds get distributed more evenly over the polymer backbone and among the polymer chains.
Mnemonic Social Studies Instruction: Classroom Applications

Seventeen mildly handicapped elementary grade students from three special education classes were taught information relevant to two chapters from a social studies textbook. All students received mnemonic instruction for one chapter, and more traditional, textbook-based instruction for the other chapter. Chapter order and experimental condition were counterbalanced to control for possible influences from order of presentation or chapter difficulty. Each chapter was taught daily over a period of 1 week, in each of the three classrooms. Chapter tests were given at the end of the week (immediate), and 1 week later (delayed). Analysis of the results revealed that under mnemonic instruction conditions, students performed significantly (and substantially) higher on both immediate and delayed chapter tests than under traditional instruction conditions. Implications for mnemonic instruction of mildly handicapped students are discussed.
Ligand polarization contributions to two-photon absorption in lanthanide ions

A third-order process involving ligand excited states is discussed. We estimate that for two-photon absorption within the ${f}^{7}$ configuration of ${\mathrm{Gd}}^{3+}$:Ca${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$ this mechanism makes a contribution comparable to the third-order crystal-field process which has been used previously to explain the experimentally observed intensity distributions in that system.
Citywide Transit Integration in a Large City: The Interligado System of São Paulo, Brazil

The Interligado System is a large-scale transit modernization plan for the Municipality of Sao Paulo, Brazil, which optimizes bus routes and services through the use of advanced technologies for fare integration, bus fleet renovations, new requirements for the companies delivering transit services, and support infrastructure for buses (e.g., priority and exclusive lanes, bus stops, integration terminals, and user information and control systems). The implementation of the Interligado System represents a significant planning and implementation effort involving 39 private bus providers, cooperatives of 6,000 self-employed van operators, and 13,700 vehicles. Electronic farecards allow passengers to ride a combination of lines within a 2-h period. Integration of municipal bus services was completed in May 2004, and integration with Metro and state buses was completed in 2006. The name "Interligado" is no longer used to brand the transit reform, but the project components not only remain in place but have been...
Radiative Exchange Among Non-Lambert Surfaces

Radiative exchange in enclosures, reflectance of whose surfaces can be approximated by sum of diffuse and specular component
Data smoothing and numerical differentiation by a regularization method

While data smoothing by regularization is not new, the method has been little used by scientists and engineers to analyze noisy data. In this tutorial survey, the general concepts of the method and mathematical development necessary for implementation for a variety of data types are presented. The method can easily accommodate unequally spaced and even non-monotonic scattered data. Methods for scaling the regularization parameter and determining its optimal value are also presented. The method is shown to be especially useful for determining numerical derivatives of the data trend, where the usual finite-difference approach amplifies the noise. Additionally, the method is shown to be helpful for interpolation and extrapolation. Two examples data sets were used to demonstrate the use of smoothing by regularization: a model data set constructed by adding random errors to a sine curve and global mean temperature data from the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies.
Mechanisms of respiratory failure produced by neostigmine and diisopropyl fluorophosphate

Abstract Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors produce diverse physiologic effects, but lethal exposure consistently produces respiratory failure due to neuromascular paralysis or depression of respiratory control centers in the medulla. Simultaneous measurement of gastrocnemius muscle contraction and efferent phrenic nerve activity was used to determine the primary cause of respiratory failure produced by neosligmine and diisopropyi fluorophosphate (DFP) in anesthetized cats. Both neostigmine and DFP abolished phrenic nerve activity prior to producing neuromuscular blockade. Furthermore, neostigmine did not alter brain acetylcholinesterase activity and pretreatment with either atropine methylbromide or atropine increased the dose of neostigmine required to abolish phrenic nerve activity. In contrast, DFP abolished brain cholineslerase activity and only atropine inhibited its respiratory effects. Despite the loss of efferent phrenic nerve activity, there is no evidence of a direct effect of neostigmine on respiratory control centers. Neostigmine may instead alter afferent inputs which modulate respiration to produce a reflex respiratory failure.
Integrin α8β1–fibronectin interactions promote cell survival via PI3 kinase pathway

Integrin signaling plays a critical role in many aspects of normal growth, differentiation, and injury response. In the adult, α8β1 is expressed in alveolar myofibroblasts and is upregulated in pulmonary fibrosis and other models of organ injury. Following injury, survival of fibronectin-producing myofibroblasts cells is an important determinant of development of fibrosis. Using stable α8-transfected cell lines, we show that interactions of α8β1 with its ligand, fibronectin, promote cell survival during serum deprivation. Multiple cell signaling pathways were activated following fibronectin adhesion, including PI3 kinase and MAP kinase. However, the α8-mediated cell survival was blocked by LY294002, a PI3 kinase inhibitor, but not by staurosporine, a PKC inhibitor, or PD98059, a MAPK kinase inhibitor. A dominant negative construct of PI3 kinase also inhibited α8-mediated cell survival. Therefore, α8-mediated survival appears to be mediated by the PI3 kinase pathway. Survival of α8-expressing myofibroblasts may contribute to persistent fibrosis following injury.
Percutaneous umbilical transfusion in severe rhesus isoimmunization: resolution of fetal hydrops.

The rhesus-sensitized fetus with the worst prognosis is one with early onset of hydropic changes. Percutaneous umbilical blood sampling now enables access to the fetal circulation and thereby allows more precise evaluation of fetal anemia and direct intravascufar transfusion. A variation of this technique was used in three pregnancies complicated by fetal pericardial effusion, scalp edema, and abdominal ascites before 26 weeks' gestation. Twelve ultrasound-guided percutaneous transfusions of 30 to 85 ml packed red blood cells were administered into the umbilical cord at its placental insertion. In each fetus the hydropic changes completely resolved and pregnancy outcome was successful. Neither adjunctive therapy with digoxin or Lasix nor exchange transfusions were used. Percutaneous umbilical transfusions appear to have the potential to improve the prognosis for the severely isoimmunized fetus.
SU-FF-T-08: Tomotherapy Megavoltage Imaging for Gynecological Brachytherapy Treatment Planning and IMRT Integration

Purpose: To demonstrate the use of the Tomotherapy IMRT system to image the standard shielded Fletcher-Suit applicator for CT based brachytherapy dose calculations and to integrate those dose distributions into Tomotherapy treatment plans. Method and Materials: A standard Fletcher-Suit gynecological applicator was placed in phantom and a megavoltage CT scan was done using the Tomotherapy unit. The images were exported in DICOM format to a Pinnacle treatment planning system. Cesium tubes representing a typical tandem and ovoid loading of the applicator were entered into the planning system, and the dose distribution was calculated. The binary dose matrix was then converted to a CT-like file by separating the dose values into individual planes, turning the floating point numbers into 12-bit integers, and adding a header file. Those image files was exported to a Focal Sim viewing station, where the isodose distribution was merged with a phantom CT and contours representing different isosurfaces were drawn. Those contours were exported to the Tomotherapy planning station, were a trial nodal boost volume was drawn in. An IMRT plan was done for this volume, and the resultant Tomotherapy binary dose file was converted to a Pinnacle format in order to be integrated with the brachytherapy plan. Results: The megavoltage CT image accurately showed the source holders, tungsten shielding, and flange of the applicator. Exported doses distributions could be integrated with Tomotherapy IMRT. Conclusion: The Tomotherapy IMRT system will be useful to accurately image Fletcher-Suit type applicators in actual patients in order to superimpose the dose distributions over the actual patient anatomy. IMRT delivered with Tomotherapy can easily be integrated with brachytherapy with the spread of DICOM dose export. Calculations which take the applicator shielding can be developed because the shielding position is clearly visible.
The speech pathologist of the rehabilitative team

The results that a speech pathologist can obtain are limited by the oral structure. Particular training and experience are necessary to understand the cleft palate problem. The patient with a cleft palate should receive speech training as early as possible. The speech pathologist should recognize the crucial role of velopharyngeal valving in the production of speech.
Long-term treatment of central precocious puberty with an intranasal LHRH analogue: control of pituitary function by urinary gonadotropins

Daily subcutaneous doses of luteinizing hormonereleasing hormone (LHRH) analogues are a well-established therapy for gonadotropin-dependent precocious puberty. Reports on intranasally administered analogues, however, are controversial. We studied the effect of intranasal d-Ser (TBU)6-LHRH (BUS) on growth rate, skeletal maturation, and urinary gonadotropins in five girls and one boy with central precocious puberty (CPP) who had been treated for 1.4–2.3 years (mean 1.9). Because of the potential antifertility effects of LHRH analogues, testicular histology was analysed in the boy. In the five children with accelerated growth, the bone age-related velocity of heigh gain decreased from 10.58 ±2.77 to 5.82±1.8 cm/year (means±SD, P<0.01), and the ratio of change in bone age to change in chronological age fell below 1. Basal luteinizing hormone (LH), and LHRH-stimulated LH and follicle stimulating-hormone, at pubertal levels before treatment, decreased significantly in all children, normalizing in four (P<0.04). During therapy, pituitary function was best controlled by urinary LH, which correlated with clinical data. After 13 months of therapy, testicular histology showed degenerated Sertoli cells, and absence of B-and Ap-spermatogonia and of primary spermatocytes in the boy. We conclude that: (1) Efficient long-term suppression of central precocious puberty — including accelerated growth and skeletal maturation — can be maintained by intranasal dosage of BUS. (2) Urinary LH reflects pituitary function and proves to be a reliable guide to adjustment of the LHRH-analogue dose regimen. (3) Testicular atrophy after 1 year of continuous therapy with high doses of BUS raises the question of potential infertility in boys with precocious puberty treated with potent analogues of the LHRH.
Parent-Youth Closeness and Youth's Suicidal Ideation: The Moderating Effects of Gender, Stages of Adolescence, and Race or Ethnicity.

Data from a nationally representative sample of adolescents studied at two points in time are used to examine gender-specific influence of parent-youth closeness on youth's suicidal ideation and it...
Homogeneous coordinate definition of work method

Abstract Computer-based motion analysis systems are able to supplant and extend chronocyclegraph analysis techniques. When coupled with the homogeneous coordinates commonly used to analyze robotic manipulators, they can provide a new work method definition.
Locus coeruleus activation by physiological challenges

Studies were designed to elucidate the neurotransmitter(s) and circuitry involved in activation of noradrenergic locus coeruleus (LC) neurons by different physiological challenges in halothane-anesthetized rats, and to understand the functional consequences of LC activation by these stimuli. LC spontaneous discharge rate was increased by a hypotensive challenge and by bladder distention. The effect produced by hypotension, but not by bladder distention, was prevented by antagonists of the stress-related neurohormone, corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), administered ICV or directly into the LC. In contrast, ICV administration of excitatory amino acid antagonists prevented LC activation by bladder distention, but not by hypotension. These results suggest that LC activation by hypotension and bladder distention requires separate neurotransmitter systems, with CRF mediating activation by hypotension and excitatory amino acids mediating activation by bladder distention. Both physiological challenges activated forebrain electroencephalographic (EEG) activity, as indicated by a shift from low frequency, high amplitude activity to high frequency, low amplitude activity recorded from the frontal cortex. The EEG effects appeared to be temporally correlated with LC activation. Bilateral LC inactivation or microinfusion of CRF antagonists into the LC prevented both LC and EEG activation by hypotension. These results suggest that one consequence of LC activation during stress or physiological challenges may be to increase or maintain arousal.
Changes in fruit shape inproboscidea parviftora ssp.parviflora (martyniaceae) with domestication

Aboriginal cultivators selected a phylogenetically novel fruit shape during the domestication ofProboscidea parviflora ssp.parviflora var.Hohokamiana. The extremely long rostrum of the domesticated var.Hohokamiana is unique for the Martyniaceae. Rostrum length and width are significantly correlated in the wild var.parviflora, but in var.Hohokamiana aboriginal cultivators apparently selected for a weaker correlation between these variables. In both varieties there is an allometric relationship between rostrum and “capsule” lengths, with the former increasing proportionately faster than the latter. The above allometric relationship and the decrease in correlation between rostrum length and width are advantageous to aboriginal cultivators because the proportionately longer and thinner rostra are better for basketmaking. Comparisons of the data presented herein with data from other plants suggest that similar growth factors have been responsible for changes in fruit shape resulting from domestication.
Intravenous immunoglobulin protects against experimental thrombotic microangiopathy

Intravenous immunoglobulin protects against experimental thrombotic microangiopathy. Background Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) has been utilized in several forms of vasculitis and has many potential mechanisms of action, including the inhibition of C3 activation. We have previously demonstrated that IVIG can reduce glomerular injury in a model of membranous nephropathy mediated by C5b-9 1 . C5b-9 has also been shown to mediate the thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) induced by antibody to glomerular endothelial cells leading to a hemolytic uremic syndrome-type lesion 2 . Methods To test the hypothesis that IVIG might be effective in treating antibody-induced TMA, male uninephrectomized rats underwent right renal artery perfusion with goat anti-rat glomerular endothelial cell (GEN) antibody (20 mg/kg). Sheep IgG (200 mg/kg) was administered either 30 minutes before the renal artery perfusion (group I, N = 6) or 30 minutes postperfusion (group II, N = 9). A third control group received phosphate-buffered saline (PBS; group III, N = 12). A survival biopsy was performed at 15 minutes, and the animals were sacrificed on day 2. Results There were no significant differences in proteinuria or hematocrit between the groups. Animals pretreated with IVIG had significantly improved survival and renal function, which was associated with a decrease in glomerular C3 deposition. The protective effect of IVIG was abolished if the administration was delayed 30 minutes after perfusion. Conclusions IVIG is effective in reducing injury in experimental TMA only if given prophylactically. The effect is mediated by inhibition of local intraglomerular complement activation.
Validation of the Positive and Negative Suicide Ideation (PANSI) Inventory in a diverse sample of young adults

The psychometric properties and factor structure of the Positive and Negative Suicide Ideation (PANSI) Inventory are reported. Data from 220 Caucasian, 127 African American, 42 Latino/Hispanic, and 39 Asian American college students were collected and analyzed. Results indicate that the two-factor structure and internal consistency of the PANSI were upheld within the minority group sample; however, differences in responses to the PANSI subscales across racial/ethnic groups were observed. Correlational analyses support the convergent validity of the PANSI, although some group differences were noted. The identified group differences are discussed in terms of the utility of the PANSI and a potential need for separate racial/ethnic norms when assessing suicidal ideation and behaviors in diverse individuals.
Evaluation of Tactical Decision Aid Code Predictions of FLIR Range Performance

Tactical Decision Aid codes provide field prediction of maximum range of FLIR use using simplified local environmental parameter input. A series of experimental comparisons at sea using airborne operational FLIRs with an instrumented ship target have shown poor correlation of observed range with prediction for detection and recognition. Classification and recognition range in UFLR are found to be highly insensitive to radiosonde atmospheric profile data input. Previous work has addressed modeling of the average target to background contrast temperature difference and atmospheric propagation of contrast. This paper addresses the implementation of the MDTD and MRTD algorithms in the code. Comparisons are presented of the prediction accuracy of the UFLR TDA using the standard Moser/Hepfer algorithm and an adaptation of the Johnson criterion used in the NVEOL Ratches code. For the limited data set of the study a reduction of RMS prediction error is achieved using the NVEOL algorithm.
Sesbanimide A and related tumor inhibitors from Sesbania drummondii: Structure and chemistry

Extracts of Sesbania drummondii seed have yielded three new glutarimide tumor inhibitors which are markedly active in the PS leukemia (in vivo) system and in the KB cell culture system. Structures of sesbanimide A, sesbanimide B, sesbanimide C, acetylation products of the sesbanimides and five compounds obtained by hydrogenating sesbanimide A under mild conditions have now been established using high-field 1H NMR, 13C NMR and mass spectral correlations. Treatment of sesbanimide A diacetate with sodium bicarbonate in aqueous methanol gives rapid elimination of acetic acid and two subsequent products derived via solvolysis of the glutarimide ring.
Effects of 3,4‐dimethoxyphenethylamine derivatives on monoamine oxidase

The cactus alkaloid 3,4-dimethoxyphenethylamine and its naturally occurring N-methylated homologs inhibited the deamination of tyramine and tryptamine by rat brain monoamine oxidase. In contrast, the beta-hydroxylated derivatives of this series failed to inhibit the action of monoamine oxidase on both tyramine and tryptamine.
Efficacy of Monensin Against Bovine Coccidiosis in Young Holstein‐Friesian Calves*

SYNOPSIS Monensin, an anticoccidial antibiotic, was incorporated into pelleted feed and given to 10-week-old Holstein-Friesian calves at 0.25 mg/kg, 1.0 mg/kg, or 2.0 mg/kg of body weight. Inoculated calves were inoculated by drenching with 500,000 sporulated oocysts of Eimeria bovis. Other calves served as inoculated or uninoculated controls. Observations were recorded on oocyst discharge in the feces, clinical signs, weight gain, food consumption, hemoglobin, packed cell volume, total serum protein, sodium and potassium content of the serum, and differential white cell counts. Calves in the inoculated control group developed severe infections, discharged large numbers of oocysts, developed clinical signs and 1 of 5 died. Uninoculated, untreated control calves were essentially free of coccidia. A few calves in the groups which received monensin developed light infections but none of them had clinical signs of coccidiosis. Calves which received the highest and the lowest dosages of monensin gained weight less rapidly than did the uninoculated controls or the animals which received monensin at 1.0 mg/kg of body weight. Inoculated control calves with severe infections had reduced food intake and a significant reduction in weight which was not regained during the experimental period. The only other significant change in any of the parameters measured was a reduction in the total serum protein of inoculated, nonmedicated control calves. The level returned to normal 5 weeks after clinical signs first appeared.
From the Range to the Forest to the City: A Case Study Collecting Experts' Perspectives on the Status of Landscape Connectivity in the Pikes Peak Region

In order to examine the subject of landscape connectiv- ity, I chose to focus on a speci c region where I could seek out local experts to discern their opinions on the matter. My primary objective was to consolide multiple quali ed assessments in one place, where they could be ana- lyzed for areas of agreement and disparity. The Pikes Peak Region was an ideal location for this case study because of the combination of its signi cant human development and the abundance and variety of wildlife. Landscape connectivity is a management consideration for how to best balance wildlife viability with continued human activity. DOI: 10.2458/azu_rangelands_v34i5_heitner