cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Epidemiological characteristics of virus A/H1N1 in Nantong city,from 2009 to 2010

[Objective] To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of Novel Influenza A/H1N1 in Nantong and to provide scientific evidence for its control and prevention. [Methods] The data were collected from Information System of Disease Control and Prevention in China.Descriptive epidemiological analysis was performed to explore the H1N1 case report and aggregation of epidemics in Nantong between 2009 and 2010. [Results] The reported incidence rate in 2009 and 2010 were 8.24 per 100,000 and 1.03 per 100,000,respectively.The incidence in Chongchuan district was higher than that in Gangzha district and development district.Cases were mainly concentrated in the 0-29 years old group,which accounted for 81.56% of the diagnosed cases of H1N1,and 53.76% cases were among students.Two epidemic peaks appeared at September and December in 2009,and no case was reported since May in 2010.There were 14 aggregation of the epidemics that broke out in schools in 2009. [Conclusion] The youths and the students in 0-29 years old group should be the focus population in H1N1 prevention.The continuous monitoring of susceptibility of population,routine surveillance on variation of virus and high sensitivity and specificity of the influenza surveillance system are of great significance in further prevention and control of H1N1.
Fragile sites and unstable elements

The term fragile site was introduced to describe gaps or discontinuities in chromatids or chromosomes seen by cytogeneticists (see Sutherland, 1991a for review). Specific culture conditions are required for fragile sites to be observed reproducibly. Fragile sites are always at exactly the same point on the chromosome in any particular patient or kindred, are inherited in a Mendelian fashion and appear under particular in vitro conditions. They are grouped into two major classifications based on relative frequency. Rare fragile sites are carried by less than one in twenty individuals, whereas all individuals are probably homozygous for common fragile sites. Both groups are further divided according to the specific culture conditions required for their expression. For example of the rare fragile sites the majority are folate sensitive, some are distamycin-A inducible and two require bromodeoxyuridine (Sutherland, 1991a).
How Should Physicians Refer When Referral Options are Limited for Transgender Patients

In referring transgender patients for medical transition, clinicians should be guided by harm reduction, respect for autonomy, and continuity of care.
12.3 A low-power and high-performance 10nm SRAM architecture for mobile applications

Mobile applications, such as smartphones streaming HD videos or virtual-reality headsets rendering 3D landscapes, need SRAM memories that can be put in a low-power state to extend battery life, but can also offer high performance operation when required [1]. This paper will merge a 10nm technology with a dual-rail SRAM architecture to achieve superior power savings and performance scaling in comparison to the previous 16nm technology node [2]. Due to its simple design and area efficient layout, the 6T SRAM bitcell continues to be the primary memory technology used in almost all SoC and processor designs in high volume manufacturing today. The 10nm technology uses low-leakage, high-performance, second-generation FinFET transistors; it also offers a 6T cell (0.042µm2), for area and power savings, that does not require read or write assist circuits to achieve low voltage (V min ) operation. This bitcell uses a fin ratio of 1∶2∶2 (PU:PG:PD), as illustrated in Fig. 12.3.1.
Fetal programming and eating disorder risk

Fetal programming describes the process by which environmental stimuli impact fetal development to influence disease development later in life. Our analysis summarizes evidence for the role of fetal programming in eating disorder etiology through review of studies demonstrating specific obstetric complications and later eating risk of anorexia or bulimia. Using Pubmed, we found thirteen studies investigating obstetric factors and eating disorder risk published between 1999 and 2016. We then discuss modifiable maternal risk factors, including nutrition and stress, that influence anorexia or bulimia risk of their offspring. Translation of these findings applies to preventative strategies by health organizations and physicians to provide optimal health for mothers and their children to prevent development of medical and psychiatric illnesses.
Inhalation intake fraction of particulate matter from localized indoor emissions

Elevated exposure to airborne particulate matter is linked to deleterious health and well-being outcomes. Exposure assessment can be improved through enhanced understanding of source-receptor relationships, for example as expressed in the inhalation intake fraction metric. This study provides new knowledge about how inhalation intake of airborne particles varies with spatially varying indoor emissions. In a controlled environmental chamber with low background particle levels, we monitored the time- and size-resolved particle concentrations at multiple locations including the subject's breathing zone. We investigated two types of particle emissions: (i) controlled releases from several specific indoor locations; and (ii) natural release from skin and clothing for a range of simulated occupant activities. Findings show that particles released proximate to the human envelope caused a total inhalation intake fraction of 7–10 per thousand, which was 1.5–16 × higher than the intake fraction for other indoor release locations. These outcomes reflect the influence of emissions-receptor proximity combined with the efficient transport of particles by means of the thermal plume to the breathing zone. The results show that the well-mixed representation of an indoor environment could underestimate the inhalation intake by 40–90% for various localized indoor emissions, and by up to 3 × for particles emitted from the human envelope. The post-release exposure period contributed substantially to total inhalation intake. For particles released naturally from the human envelope, inhalation intake fractions varied with activity type and were higher for a subject when seated rather than walking.
Molecular and genetic characterization of a biotin biosynthetic gene in Arabidopsis encoding both 7,8-diaminopelargonic acid aminotransferase and dethiobiotin synthetase

Biotin is an essential enzyme cofactor required for different metabolic processes. Plants are a major source of biotin, however, the genes and the protein products of biotin biosynthetic pathway are not fully characterized. We have molecularly characterized the genetically defined Arabidopsis biol locus as encoding 7,8diaminopelargonic acid (DAPA) aminotransferase. Molecular and genetic analysis revealed that the full length BI01 cDNA is capable of producing a fusion protein that catalyzes not only DAPA aminotransferase, but also dethiobiotin synthetase (BIOS) which is another enzymatic step in the biotin biosynthetic pathway. We refer to this fusion-gene as BI03/BI01. This bifunctional enzyme was demonstrated by functional complementation of £. coli bioA' and bioD' mutants deficient in DAPA aminotransferase and dethiobiotin synthetase reactions, respectively. This gene organization is unique in biology and establishes that the BI03/BI01 gene has dual functions.
The Impact of Corridors on Arthropod Populations Within Simulated Agrolandscapes

Landscape ecology is a relatively new integrative field of study that weds ecological theory with practical application (Barrett & Bohlen, 1991). Specifically, landscape ecology considers the development and dynamics of spatial heterogeneity, spatial and temporal interactions and exchanges across heterogeneous landscapes, influences of spatial heterogeneity on biotic and abiotic processes, and the management of spatial heterogeneity (Risser et al., 1984). A primary focus of landscape ecology is how a heterogeneous geographic area (e.g., a large region of conventional row-crop agriculture) can best be managed to simultaneously maximize both ecological and societal benefits (e.g., crop productivity, public recreation, biotic diversity, insect pest control, and nutrient recycling, among others). Traditionally, a single field (agroecosystem) approach was employed to address questions and to solve problems related to concepts or topics such as integrative pest management, restoring biotic diversity, or improving crop yield.
Evolutionary Biomechanics: The Pathway to Power in Snapping Shrimp

The extraordinary snaps of snapping shrimp evolved through simple morphological transitions with remarkable mechanical results.
A coupled in vitro/in vivo approach for engineering a heterologous type III PKS to enhance polyketide biosynthesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Polyketides are attractive compounds for uses ranging from biorenewable chemical precursors to high-value therapeutics. In many cases, synthesis in a heterologous host is required to produce these compounds in industrially relevant quantities. The type III polyketide synthase 2-pyrone synthase (2-PS) from Gerbera hybrida was used for the production of triacetic acid lactone (TAL) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Initial in vitro characterization of 2-PS led to the identification of active site variants with improved kinetic properties relative to wildtype. Further in vivo evaluation in S. cerevisiae suggested certain 2-PS mutations altered enzyme stability during fermentation. In vivo experiments also revealed beneficial cysteine to serine mutations that were not initially explored due to their distance from the active site of 2-PS, leading to the design of additional 2-PS enzymes. While these variants showed varying catalytic efficiencies in vitro, they exhibited up to 2.5-fold increases in TAL production when expressed in S. cerevisiae. Coupling of the 2-PS variant [C35S,C372S] to an engineered S. cerevisiae strain led to over 10 g/L TAL at 38% of theoretical yield following fed-batch fermentation, the highest reported to date. Our studies demonstrate the success of a coupled in vitro/in vivo approach to engineering enzymes and provide insight on cysteine-rich enzymes and design principles toward their use in non-native microbial hosts.
Rape and Roll Call: How Military Culture and Military Law Affect the Immediate Aftermath of MST

The chapter title, “Rape and Roll Call,” is meant to illustrate how victims of sexual trauma in the military must operate within the greater military culture and fall in line accordingly despite the severe trauma of an assault, which can include psychological chaos and physical injury. The chapter will outline the creation and current implementation of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office (SAPRO) within the federal government and discuss the current legal climate of prosecuting sexual assault crimes within the armed services. In addition, forensic medical exams and investigation procedures after an assault will be examined. The chapter will conclude discussing the creation of the “Hagel Memo” regarding PTSD and discuss MST-related honorable and dishonorable discharges from military service. The chapter will end with advocacy considerations in the immediate aftermath of an assault in the military, as well as how to advocate for MST-related support post-discharge as a veteran.
Electric and acoustic harmonic integration predicts speech-in-noise performance in hybrid cochlear implant users

Abstract Background Pitch perception of complex tones relies on place or temporal fine structure-based mechanisms from resolved harmonics and the temporal envelope of unresolved harmonics. Combining this information is essential for speech-in-noise performance, as it allows segregation of a target speaker from background noise. In hybrid cochlear implant (H-CI) users, low frequency acoustic hearing should provide pitch from resolved harmonics while high frequency electric hearing should provide temporal envelope pitch from unresolved harmonics. How the acoustic and electric auditory inputs interact for H-CI users is largely unknown. Harmonicity and inharmonicity are emergent features of sound in which overtones are concordant or discordant with the fundamental frequency. We hypothesized that some H-CI users would be able to integrate acoustic and electric information for complex tone pitch perception, and that this ability would be correlated with speech-in-noise performance. In this study, we used perception of inharmonicity to demonstrate this integration. Methods Fifteen H-CI users with only acoustic hearing below 500 Hz, only electric hearing above 2 kHz, and more than 6 months CI experience, along with eighteen normal hearing (NH) controls, were presented with harmonic and inharmonic sounds. The stimulus was created with a low frequency component, corresponding with the H-CI user's acoustic hearing (fundamental frequency between 125 and 174 Hz), and a high frequency component, corresponding with electric hearing. Subjects were asked to identify the more inharmonic sound, which requires the perceptual integration of the low and high components. Speech-in-noise performance was tested in both groups using the California Consonant Test (CCT), and perception of Consonant-Nucleus-Consonant (CNC) words in quiet and AzBio sentences in noise were tested for the H-CI users. Results Eight of the H-CI subjects (53%), and all of the NH subjects, scored significantly above chance level for at least one subset of the inharmonicity detection task. Inharmonicity detection ability, but not age or pure tone average, predicted speech scores in a linear model. These results were significantly correlated with speech scores in both quiet and noise for H-CI users, but not with speech in noise performance for NH listeners. Musical experience predicted inharmonicity detection ability, but did not predict speech performance. Conclusions We demonstrate integration of acoustic and electric information in H-CI users for complex pitch sensation. The correlation with speech scores in H-CI users might be associated with the ability to segregate a target speaker from background noise using the speaker's fundamental frequency.
Genetic Analysis of Regulation and Structure of Shiga-Like Toxin I in Escherichia Coli

Shiga-like toxin I is an iron-regulated cytotoxin produced by certain strains of Escherichia coli. SLT-I expression is negatively regulated at the transcriptional level by the repressor protein Fur in the presence of iron. This regulation depends on the presence of a dyad symmetric operator binding site for Fur within the SLT-I promoter, a binding site that is shared by several other iron-regulated genes in E. coli. This binding site is sufficient to mediate iron regulation by Fur in vivo when inserted into a heterologous promoter. The A subunit of SLT-I (and other toxins in the Shiga family) are homologous with the A subunit of ricin and share an identical molecular mechanism of action. A glutamic acid residue at position 167 in the A subunit of SLT-I is conserved throughout the Shiga toxin and ricin families. Site-directed mutagenesis of this glutamic acid to aspartic acid reduces the specific activity of the A subunit to inhibit protein synthesis in vitro by 1,000-fold.
Sizing up the cell cycle: systems and quantitative approaches in Chlamydomonas.

The unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas provides a simplified model for defining core cell cycle functions conserved in the green lineage and for understanding multiple fission, a common cell cycle variation found in many algae. Systems-level approaches including a recent groundbreaking screen for conditional lethal cell cycle mutants and genome-wide transcriptome analyses are revealing the complex relationships among cell cycle regulators and helping define roles for CDKA/CDK1 and CDKB, the latter of which is unique to the green lineage and plays a central role in mitotic regulation. Genetic screens and quantitative single-cell analyses have provided insight into cell-size control during multiple fission including the identification of a candidate `sizer’ protein. Quantitative single-cell tracking and modeling are promising approaches for gaining additional insight into regulation of cellular and subcellular scaling during the Chlamydomonas cell cycle.
Remote microphone system use in the homes of children with hearing loss

Remote microphone systems (RMS) are known to improve speech recognition skills of children with hearing loss in settings where noise and distance are present (e.g., the classroom, the home; Bertachini, 2016). However, although RMSs are widely recommended in the classroom setting, very few and inconclusive studies have examined the possible language benefits related to the use of RMS use in the home environment. In this presentation, we will discuss a series of projects in which we investigated the effects of home-use of an RMS on the communication of 10 families with young children with hearing loss. Language Environmental Analysis (LENA™) recorders were used during two consecutive weekends (one weekend with the remote microphone and one without). Caregiver talk, child-directed speech, and other caregiver communication strategies were compared across both weekends. Caregiver perceptions related to RMS use will also be discussed.
Natural replacement of invasive brown trout by brook charr in an upper Midwestern United States stream

Competition with invasive species and a warming climate have threatened brook charr (Salvelinus fontinalis) populations throughout their native range. In particular, brown trout (Salmo trutta) often displace brook charr when the two are sympatric. Brook charr and brown trout populations were monitored annually in a Minnesota stream from 1981 to 2017. Both species increased in annual production during the first 18 years of monitoring. During the last 15 years, brown trout production steadily decreased, while brook charr continued to increase. Adult brook charr production increased from a low of 13.5 kg/ha/year in 1983 to a high of 357.7 kg/ha/year in 2013. Adult brown trout production increased from 40.1 kg/ha/year in 1982 to a high of 256.9 kg/ha/year in 2000 before decreasing to zero in 2011. Contrary to previous observations and predictions, brook charr displaced brown trout during our long-term monitoring. During this period, both air temperature and brown trout abundance increased in the region. However, brook charr may be outcompeting brown trout in this particular reach due to decreasing water temperature brought about by increasing base flow discharge. This study provides a rare example of a native charr species displacing an invader without direct management intervention.
Processes of Religious and Spiritual Influence in Adolescence: A Systematic Review of 30 Years of Research.

This is a systematic review of 30 years (1988-2017) of empirical research on processes of religious/spiritual influence in adolescence. We followed a multi-step process that resulted in 241 studies organized according to eight research questions and the corresponding methods and analyses typically used to address them. We coded these studies based on the dimensions of religiosity/spirituality and the youth outcomes involved. In some cases (quantitative studies of mediation and moderation, as well as qualitative studies) we also coded a third process variable. Results of the coding process revealed a number of interesting patterns. First, religiosity/spirituality is generally adaptive for adolescents, protecting them from negative outcomes (e.g., risk behaviors and mental illness), and promoting positive youth development and flourishing. Nevertheless, in some contexts, religiosity/spirituality may be at least partially maladaptive. Second, there is some evidence, from experimental and longitudinal studies, that relations between religiosity/spirituality and adaptive outcomes are causal. Third, there are numerous complex and dynamic processes by which religiosity/spirituality relate to youth outcomes. In terms of mediation studies, the most salient mediating processes seem to involve religiosity/spirituality dimensions, peers, values/attitudes, and social control/norms. Fourth, religiosity/spirituality is multidimensional, involving various interwoven facets at the individual and ecological levels. Private or personal aspects of religiosity/spirituality (e.g., religious/spiritual importance) tend to be more salient predictors of outcomes than public aspects of religiosity/spirituality (e.g., religious worship service attendance). The results of this systematic review point to promising directions for future research. First, more research is needed studying a broader range of dimensions of religiosity/spirituality, processes of influence, and outcomes. In terms of religiosity/spirituality, much of the prior work has focused on overall religiosity/spirituality, and religious/spiritual behaviors (e.g., worship service attendance). In terms of outcomes, the emphasis has been on religiosity/spirituality protecting against maladaptive outcomes (e.g., substance use). Second, more research is needed examining the role of culture, and using more rigorous methods (e.g., experience sampling, experimental design, longitudinal design, or mixed methods). This systematic review provides a detailed analysis of what is known regarding processes of religious/spiritual influence in the lives of adolescents, and hopefully better positions researchers to move the field forward.
Student Perceptions of Employer Use of Social Media in Selection Decisions: Comparing Criminal Justice Majors to Non-Majors

AbstractAn increasing concern among university professors and students alike is the image that students project through their social media accounts, particularly when future graduates seek employme...
Physics education research for 21 st century learning

Education goals have evolved to emphasize student acquisition of the knowledge and attributes necessary to successfully contribute to the workforce and global economy of the twenty-first Century. The new education standards emphasize higher end skills including reasoning, creativity, and open problem solving. Although there is substantial research evidence and consensus around identifying essential twenty-first Century skills, there is a lack of research that focuses on how the related subskills interact and develop over time. This paper provides a brief review of physics education research as a means for providing a context towards future work in promoting deep learning and fostering abilities in high-end reasoning. Through a synthesis of the literature around twenty-first Century skills and physics education, a set of concretely defined education and research goals are suggested for future research, along with how these may impact the next generation physics courses and how physics should be taught in the future.
Introducing DyoRep: A database of perpetrator–victim dyads within repressive spells

Most investigations of state repression presume a unitary state actor, but this assumption might not always be reasonable and, indeed, it might be hindering our ability to understand what is taking...
Goals-to-Discharge Patient Checklist: Implementing a Program to Optimize Recovery After Surgery for Patients With Colorectal Cancer

Fast-track or enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathways are evidence-based perioperative guides that promote stress reduction and earlier return to function following surgery. They emphasize preoperative counseling, nutrition optimization, analgesia standardization, fluid and electrolyte balance, minimally invasive approaches, and early ambulation. Although ERAS pathways were implemented in 2016 on a 43-bed postoperative colorectal medical-surgical unit, inpatient stays remained beyond the projected two-day length of stay (LOS). A quality improvement team was formed and an eight-week pilot project was initiated in 2018. The project included the implementation of a laminated bedside goals-to-discharge checklist in the immediate postoperative period.
Modernization of Zagreb in the First Half of the 20th Century Through the Prism of Electrification

Based on the current scholarly literature, daily press, and published archival sources, the author has reconstructed the process of modernization of Zagreb through the prism of electrification. After the initial amazement that the public demonstrations of electric power caused, it became an indispensable energy source in everyday use. Ultimately, the amount of its consumption in industry and per capita is an indicator of development in a particular area.
Geolocation as a Digital Phenotyping Measure of Negative Symptoms and Functional Outcome.

Objective Negative symptoms and functional outcome have traditionally been assessed using clinical rating scales, which rely on retrospective self-reports and have several inherent limitations that impact validity. These issues may be addressed with more objective digital phenotyping measures. In the current study, we evaluated the psychometric properties of a novel "passive" digital phenotyping method: geolocation. Method Participants included outpatients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder (SZ: n = 44), outpatients with bipolar disorder (BD: n =19), and demographically matched healthy controls (CN: n = 42) who completed 6 days of "active" digital phenotyping assessments (eg, surveys) while geolocation was recorded. Results Results indicated that SZ patients show less activity than CN and BD, particularly, in their travel from home. Geolocation variables demonstrated convergent validity by small to medium correlations with negative symptoms and functional outcome measured via clinical rating scales, as well as active digital phenotyping behavioral indices of avolition, asociality, and anhedonia. Discriminant validity was supported by low correlations with positive symptoms, depression, and anxiety. Reliability was supported by good internal consistency and moderate stability across days. Conclusions These findings provide preliminary support for the reliability and validity of geolocation as an objective measure of negative symptoms and functional outcome. Geolocation offers enhanced precision and the ability to take a "big data" approach that facilitates sophisticated computational models. Near-continuous recordings and large numbers of samples may make geolocation a novel outcome measure for clinical trials due to enhanced power to detect treatment effects.
Addendum to: A new numerical method for obtaining gluon distribution functions G(x, Q 2 ) = xg(x, Q 2 ), from the proton structure function F γp

Since publication of M.M. Block in Eur. Phys. J. C 65, 1 (2010), we have discovered that the algorithm of Block (2010) does not work if g(s) → 0 less rapidly than 1/s ,a ss →∞ . Although we require that g(s) → 0 as s →∞ , it can approach 0 as 1 sβ , with 0 <β< 1, and still be a proper Laplace transform. In this note, we derive a new numerical algorithm for just such cases, and test it for g(s) = √ π √ s , the Laplace transform of 1 √ v .
A Cross-Sectional Study Exploring IJCER Impact in Construction Scholarship

The International Journal of Construction Education and Research (IJCER) is an academic peer-reviewed journal supported by the Associated Schools of Construction (ASC), publishing scholarly work as...
On the inertia of linguistic ideas: Revisiting the dichotomy between closed and open classes

Abstract This article revisits the long-standing linguistic dichotomy between closed and open classes. It is shown that the dichotomy is related to a number of difficulties and problems and must be reformulated in light of several distinctions, though even in its coherent formulation it remains of little scientific value. Specifically, three main points are made in this regard. First, a sharp distinction between closed and open linguistic classes can be drawn only on the basis of whether class expansion is possible without altering the basic structure of the functional language system, even if changes would necessarily occur at the level of the language norm. Second, even so understood, the distinction becomes irrelevant once a functional and structural point of view is adopted, since such a point of view can only lead to closed classes. Third, despite claims to the contrary, the distinction is of no use for differentiating lexis from the other structural levels of a language, as a strictly functional and structural treatment of this domain leads to closed paradigmatic structures analogous to those found in morphosyntax and phonology.
For the Freedom of Her Race: Black Women and Electoral Politics in Illinois, 1877–1932

Review of: "For the Freedom of Her Race: Black Women and Electoral Politics in Illinois, 1877–1932," by Lisa G. Materson.
AAHPER physical fitness test score changes resulting from an eight-week sports and physical fitness program.

(1968). Aahper Physical Fitness Test Score Changes Resulting from an Eight-Week Sports and Physical Fitness Program. Research Quarterly. American Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation: Vol. 39, No. 4, pp. 1127-1129.
U.S. Government Prosecution of the Cartels

The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) began investigating allegations of price fixing in the market for lysine in late 1992.1 Tape recordings made by an informant of conversations among the lysine conspirators contained language that suggested that parallel conspiracies were ongoing in the citric acid and corn sweeteners industries. Separately, information about possible price fixing in the markets for bulk vitamins came to the attention of the DOJ. In 1995 and 1997, four grand juries were formed to consider the evidence held by the DOJ. Three of the four grand juries determined that there was probable cause for indicting certain companies and individuals for criminal violations of the Sherman Antitrust Act. The DOJ negotiated guilty pleas with a large number of companies and key managers of those companies. However, three executives who refused to such a plea bargain were tried and found guilty in a 1998 federal court. In the late 1990s, officials in an unprecedented number of countries piggybacked on the DOJ’s indictments and brought charges against many of the same defendants for violations of their competition laws.
Improving the health of populations – evidence for policy and practice action

The evidence-based movement has greatly improved how health scientists review literature. It has also resulted in improvements in the conduct and reporting of primary studies. Its impact in the practice of clinical medicine has been greater than in public health, both in terms of practice and policy decisions. In order to substantially improve population health, there needs to be a paradigm shift in academia - evidence should be guided by the needs of practitioners and policymakers in terms of relevance and timeliness.
Famotidine in the treatment of acute urticaria.

Recent studies suggest that histamine H2-receptor antagonists may be useful in the treatment of urticaria. This study was conducted to determine whether famotidine, a H2 antagonist, is effective in the treatment of acute urticaria and compare its effect with that of the H1 antagonist diphenhydramine. In this prospective, double-blind, controlled trial, 25 patients with urticaria of less than 72 h duration were randomized to receive a single dose of either famotidine 20 mg i.m. or diphenhydramine 50 mg i.m. Prior to treatment and 30 min after treatment, patients rated pruritus and sedation using visual analogue scales, while physicians evaluated intensity of urticaria and percentage of body surface area involved by urticaria. Famotidine was found to reduce pruritus associated with acute urticaria, intensity of urticaria, and body surface area affected by urticaria without causing sedation. Famotidine was comparable to diphenhydramine in efficacy; however, there was a (nonsignificant) trend for diphenhydramine to be more effective than famotidine in the treatment of pruritus, and for famotidine to be more effective in the reduction of surface area of involvement. It is concluded that famotidine merits further investigation as a potential medication for treatment of urticaria.
A detailed model of the primary visual pathway in the cat: comparison of afferent excitatory and intracortical inhibitory connection schemes for orientation selectivity

In order to arrive at a quantitative understanding of the dynamics of cortical neuronal networks, we simulated a detailed model of the primary visual pathway of the adult cat. This computer model comprises a 5 degrees x 5 degrees patch of the visual field at a retinal eccentricity of 4.5 degrees and includes 2048 ON- and OFF-center retinal beta-ganglion cells, 8192 geniculate X-cells, and 4096 simple cells in layer IV in area 17. The neurons are implemented as improved integrate-and-fire units. Cortical receptive fields are determined by the pattern of afferent convergence and by inhibitory intracortical connections. Orientation columns are implemented continuously with a realistic receptive field scatter and jitter in the preferred orientations. We first show that realistic ON-OFF-responses, orientation selectivity, velocity low-pass behaviour, null response, and responses to spot stimuli can be obtained with an appropriate alignment of geniculate neurons converging onto the cortical simple cell (Hubel and Wiesel, 1962) and in the absence of intracortical connections. However, the average receptive field elongation (length to width) required to obtain realistic orientation tuning is 4.0, much higher than the average observed elongation. This strongly argues for additional intracortical mechanisms sharpening orientation selectivity. In the second stage, we simulated five different inhibitory intracortical connection patterns (random, local, sparse-local, circular, and cross-orientation) in order to investigate the connection specificity necessary to achieve orientation tuning. Inhibitory connection schemes were superimposed onto Hubel and Wiesel-type receptive fields with an elongation of 1.78. Cross-orientation inhibition gave rise to different horizontal and vertical orientation tuning curves, something not observed experimentally. A combination of two inhibitory schemes, local and circular inhibition (a weak form of cross-orientation inhibition), is in good agreement with observed receptive field properties. The specificity required to establish these connections during development is low. We propose that orientation selectivity is caused by at least three different mechanisms (“eclectic” model): a weak afferent geniculate bias, broadly tuned cross-orientation inhibition, and some iso-orientation inhibition. The most surprising finding is that an isotropic connection scheme, circular inhibition, in which a cell inhibits all of its postsynaptic target cells at a distance of approximately 500 microns, enhances orientation tuning and leads to a significant directional bias. This is caused by the embedding of cortical cells within a columnar structure and does not depend on our specific assumptions.
Derivation of Minimal Sums for Completely Specified Functions

Some new concepts in switching theory are pre sented. One of these is called an "abridged minterm base." We can use an abridged minterm base instead of the minterm expansion in conventional absolute minimization procedures. Since an abridged minterm base almost always has much fewer minterms than are in the minterm expansion, we can derive an abridged minterm base for many functions for which it is impossible to derive the minterm expansion. This paper also introduces the concept of generalized inclusion function Q(f) and its decomposition theorem Q(g)·Q(h) = Q(g V h). The theorem is very useful.
Passenger Car Equivalents and Other Adjustment Factors

It has been said that most of the methodologies of the Highway Capacity Manual involve a series of adjustments to what are relatively simple basic numbers.
Interprofessionalism: Educating to meet patient needs.

Interprofessional teams in health care are showing promise in achieving the triple aim—providing better care for the individual patient, reducing costs, and improving population health. To complement current changes in health care delivery in the United States, there is a growing consensus among health professions educators that students should be trained in interprofessional models prior to entering clinical practice. Current interprofessional education (IPE) efforts in anatomy education are producing positive results in enhancing professional respect, collaboration, and teamwork among health professions students. In spite of existing structural and cultural barriers to IPE, health professions educators must continue to lead and grow IPE efforts as a critical component to improving the health of our nation. Anat Sci Educ 8: 296–298. © 2014 American Association of Anatomists.
Aortic arch replacement using a trifurcated graft and selective cerebral antegrade perfusion

Abstract Background Aortic arch aneurysm repair remains associated with considerable mortality and risk of cerebral complications. We present results of a technique utilizing a three-branched graft for arch replacement, deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA), and selective antegrade cerebral perfusion (SCP). Methods Between March 2000 and November 2001, 22 patients (11 female) aged 40 to 77 years (mean 64 ± 11.2) underwent arch replacement utilizing the trifurcated-graft technique. Serial anastomosis of the branched graft to individual cerebral vessels was carried out during HCA, followed by arch reconstruction during SCP through the graft. All 22 patients had surgery electively. Eight patients (36%) had undergone previous aortic surgery. In 19 patients, arch replacement was part of an elephant trunk procedure; 2 patients had Bentall operations and 1 had isolated arch replacement. Concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting was performed in 6 patients (27%). Mean HCA duration was 30 ± 6 minutes at a mean temperature of 11.4 ± 0.8°C. Mean duration of SCP was 52 ± 18 minutes. Results Adverse outcome—death before hospital discharge or permanent stroke or both—occurred in 2 patients (9%). Two patients experienced transient neurologic dysfunction (9%). Two patients (9%) developed renal failure requiring short-term hemodialysis and pulmonary complications occurred in 2 patients. Conclusions Cerebral protection and prevention of atheroembolism remain challenges in aortic arch reconstruction. To reduce neurologic complications we developed an aortic arch reconstruction technique in which a trifurcated graft is anastomosed to the brachiocephalic vessels during HCA, reducing the risk of embolization while minimizing cerebral ischemia by permitting antegrade cerebral perfusion as arch repair is completed.
Biophysical and biochemical properties of top component a and bottom component of alfalfa mosaic virus.

Abstract Alfalfa mosaic virus and its several related virus-like particles were isolated by means of standard procedures. Top component a was separated from such mixtures by fractional precipitation with MgCl 2 . Top component a is found to have a sedimentation rate of 68 S, a diffusion coefficient of 15.5.10 −8 cm 2 /sec, an RNA content of 13.5%, and a molecular weight of 3.5.10 6 . Its amino acid composition is similar to that of the virus (bottom component) itself. In the electron microscope it appears nearly spherical with a diameter of 220 A, whereas the virus is a short rod with dimensions 220 A by 550 A. It is concluded that top component a is an incomplete form of the virus or that it represents an alternative method of packing protein subunits around the viral RNA.
Exploring Media's Impact on African-American Women's Healthy Food Habits in Kentucky.

This qualitative study employs the uses and gratifications framework to explore the perspective of African American women in Kentucky, specifically urban Louisville and rural Hopkinsville, to understand their use of media as potential sources for gathering information about healthy food habits. Key findings include how the participants used media for instrumental purposes to educate themselves about healthy food habits, and that the specific media personalities were very important to the participants as they decided to make healthier food selections.
BONDING IN MO3M'S4 CUBANE-TYPE CLUSTERS : VARIATIONS IN ELECTRONIC STRUCTURE WHEN M' IS A MAIN GROUP OR TRANSITION METAL

The results of Fenske-Hall molecular orbital calculations for cubane-type clusters having Mo(3)M'S(4) cores show that the electronic structures of the clusters depend on the nature of M'. When M' is a main group metal, as in [Mo(3)(SnCl(3))S(4)(NCS)(9)](6)(-), Mo(3)SnS(4)(S(2)PEt(2))(6), or [Sn(Mo(3)S(4)(H(2)O)(9))(2)](8+), the heterometal is oxidized upon incorporation into the cluster; no M'-Mo bonds are formed, and electrons are transferred from M' to an orbital localized on the Mo(3)S(4) incomplete cubane core. When M' is a transition metal, as in [Mo(3)NiS(4)(CO)(H(2)O)(9)](4+), [Mo(3)PdS(4)(CO)(tacn)(3)](4+) (tacn = 1,4,7-triazacyclononane), or Mo(3)CoS(4)(CO)(Cp')(3) (Cp' = methylcyclopentadiene), M' is not oxidized but instead shares electron density with the Mo(3)S(4) core through the formation of metal-metal bonds with the Mo(3) triangle. The relatively high stretching frequencies observed for CO ligands bound to the Ni and Pd centers in the Mo(3)NiS(4) and Mo(3)PdS(4) clusters arise from the nature of the bonding in the clusters, not from the oxidation of the Ni and Pd atoms. Since the same heterometal orbitals are used both to form the M'-Mo bonds and to back-donate to the CO ligand, the Mo(3) orbitals and the CO pi orbitals compete for M' electron density. The CO orbitals do not compete effectively for metal electron density in the Ni and Pd clusters, and this results in weak back-donation to the CO pi orbitals and relatively high CO stretching frequencies. Although it has been proposed that the Mo(3)NiS(4) cluster may serve as a model for NiMoS hydrodesulfurization (HDS) catalysts, the fact that the Ni center in this cluster is not electron rich suggests that it may not provide a suitable model. The electron density at the heterometal can be increased slightly by increasing the donor ability of the ligands attached to the Mo atoms.
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with TEL/ETV6 translocation

Cytogenetic abnormalities of chromosome 12p involving the TEL/ETV6 gene are observed in a variety of hematopoietic neoplasms including acute leukemias, myelodysplastic syndromes, and myeloproliferative disorders. Karyotypic aberrations, including rearrangements, deletions, and amplifications of chromosome 12p, have been documented in B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma; however, rearrangements targeting TEL have rarely been reported. Here we describe a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma that had a complex karyotype including t(9;12)(q22;p13), which was confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization to represent rearrangement of TEL. Additional cytogenetic abnormalities included t(3;14)(q27;q32) involving the variant, alternative breakpoint region of the BCL6 gene and del(6)(q13q23), resulting in the loss of 1 allele of BLIMP1. This case reiterates the importance of correlating morphologic and phenotypic findings with the results of cytogenetic analysis to avoid errors in diagnosing hematologic neoplasms and highlights the rare association of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma with aberrations of TEL.
Timetable of in vivo embryonic development in the grey short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica).

The timing of development was examined in 496 embryos from female Monodelphis domestica, collected at known time intervals after video recorded mating. Ovulation occurred approximately 20 hr (day 1) after mating, and fertilization was observed by 24 hr. Transport through the oviducts was rapid, and pronuclear stage embryos were recovered from the uterus as early as 24 hr after mating. Second cleavage had occurred by 55 hr after mating. Three-celled embryos were among those collected on day 3 after mating, indicating that asynchronous cleavage of blastomeres can occur from the two-cell stage. The four-cell stage persisted for approximately 24 hr, and embryos that had undergone third cleavage were first recovered 74 hr after mating. Embryos that had undergone fourth to fifth cleavage were found 96–100 hr (4 days) after mating and complete unilaminar blastocysts by 5.5 days after mating. Primary endoderm formed from an already distinct embryonic area of the unilaminar blastocyst early on day 7 after mating. Formation of the bilaminar blastocyst was completed rapidly, on day 7 after mating. The primitive streak appeared on day 10 after mating, and organogenesis rapidly ensued on a timetable similar to that reported for Didelphis virginiana (McCrady, 1938). Close contact with the maternal circulation was established on day 11 and by day 12 maternal and embryonic tissues could not be separated without damage. The length of the gestation period from fertilization to birth was approximately 13.5 days. These observations provide the basis for further embryological cellular and molecular studies of this species as a laboratory model for marsupial development.© 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The supreme court and opinion change: An Experimental Study of the Court's Ability to Change Opinion

In this study the author examines the extent to which the Supreme Court acts as an opinion leader through its ability to induce attitude change. The author employs an experimental design with liberal and conservative rulings on one economic and one civil liberties issue, comparing the influence of the Supreme Court, Congress, and a nonpartisan think tank as sources of policies. The design was chosen in an attempt to eliminate outside sources of influence and to determine better the Supreme Court's ability to cause change in opinion. The results demonstrate that under some circumstances the Court can indeed influence opinion in the direction of its rulings, especially for those who regard the Court positively.
Weyerhaeuser Decision Simulator Improves Timber Profits

The VISION decision simulator was developed to implement dynamic-programming-based improvements in raw materials returns at Weyerhaeuser. Operational benefits to date exceed $100 million in increased profits. In addition, management philosophy has been changed, and, with the recent weakening in forest product markets, VISION benefits have increased in importance.
Interaction of the Nuclear Matrix-associated Region (MAR)-Binding Proteins, SATB1 and CDP/Cux, with a MAR Element (L2a) in an Upstream Regulatory Region of the Mouse CD8a Gene

Matrix-associated regions (MARs), AT-rich DNA segments that have an affinity for the nuclear matrix, have been shown to play a role in transcriptional regulation of eukaryotic genes. The present study demonstrates that a DNA element, called L2a, which has been implicated in the transcriptional regulation of the mouse CD8a gene encoding an important T cell coreceptor, is a MAR. Moreover, the identities of two nuclear proteins, L2a-P1 and L2a-P2, previously shown to bind to the L2a element, have been determined. The L2a-P1 protein found to be present in all CD8-positive T cell lines tested is SATB1, a known MAR-binding protein. The widely expressed L2a-P2 protein is CDP/Cux, a MAR-binding protein that has been associated with repression of gene transcription. Interaction of both proteins with the L2a element was studied using the missing nucleoside approach, DNase I footprinting, and electrophoretic mobility shift assays with wild type and mutant L2a elements. The data suggest that CDP/Cux bound to the L2a element is displaced by binding of SATB1 and the accompanying conformational change in the DNA lying between the primary binding sites of SATB1 and CDP/Cux. We suggest that displacement of CDP/Cux by SATB1 favors transcription of the CD8a gene, possibly by enhancing or altering its association with the nuclear matrix.