cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Melts of CrCoNi-based high-entropy alloys: Atomic diffusion and electronic/atomic structure from ab initio simulation

High-entropy alloys (HEAs) are an emerging class of advanced structural alloys under extensive research; yet, the properties of the liquid states of these materials, which are relevant to their processing, have been far less explored. In this work, we utilize ab initio molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the melt properties of a representative HEA—the Cantor alloy—and its derivatives: CrMnFeCoNi, CrFeCoNi, and CrCoNi. The atomic dynamics of these melts at various temperatures are investigated, specifically to analyze their electronic and atomic structures, including charge transfer, pair distribution functions, and short-range order. Results are compared with existing information for the liquids of metallic glasses, which also typically contain multiple principal elements, but retain the amorphous state under moderate to fast cooling rates. The present results provide insights into the structural and bonding factors favoring solidification to single-phase solid solutions in HEAs.
A Brief Questionnaire to Assess Post-Exertional Malaise.

Post-exertional malaise (PEM) is a key symptom of myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Currently, five PEM-items from the DePaul Symptom Questionnaire (DSQ) were recommended as a first step in measuring this symptom for patients with ME and CFS by the National Institutes of Health/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (NIH/CDC) Common Data Elements’ (CDE) working group. The second step in this process, as recommended by the NIH/CDC CDE working group, involves assembling information from various sources to confirm the presence of PEM. There have not been any efforts, to date, to standardize this second-step process in the assessment of PEM. The current study examined whether five supplementary items on the DSQ could be used to operationalize the second step of the recommendations made by the NIH/CDC CDE working group. The five supplementary DSQ PEM duration items correctly categorized patients with ME or CFS 81.7% of the time, while incorrectly categorizing multiple sclerosis (MS) and post-polio syndrome (PPS) as ME or CFS only 16.6% of the time. The findings suggested that a PEM second-step process could be operationalized using supplementary DSQ items.
Insertion of Isonitriles into the Zr–CH3 Bond of Cp*2Zr(CH3)2 and Electrophilic Cleavage of the Remaining Methyl Group

The insertion of tert-butyl isonitrile (tBuNC) into the M–C bond of Cp*2Zr(CH3)2 (1) leads to the formation of a monoiminoacyl product Cp*2Zr(iminoacyl)CH3 (2). SC-XRD analysis has revealed that the η2 coordinated iminoacyl ligand has an “N-outside” orientation. Compound 2 undergoes rapid Zr–C bond cleavage with the Bronsted acid CpCr(CO)3H or the Lewis acid B(C6F5)3, yielding Zr cation 4 or 5 with the corresponding anion [MeB(C6F5)3]− or [CpCo(CO)3]−. In the solid-state structure of 4, the Zr cation features an η2 “N-inside” geometry for the iminoacyl group and interacts with the [CpCo(CO)3]− via the oxygen atom of one of the CO ligands. Cleavage of the methyl ligand from the Zr of 1 with CpCr(CO)3H proceeds with a second-order rate constant k1 of 2.11(4) × 10–3 M–1 s–1, whereas cleavage of the methyl ligand from the Zr of 2 is significantly faster, with an estimated k2 greater than 104 M–1 s–1. In light of the observed “N-outside” to “N-inside” change from 2 to 4, we propose that the enhanced rate with ...
Hydrophylic Polymers as a Carrier for VA Mycorrhizal Inoculum

Four techniques of inoculating rooted Carissa grandiflora cuttings with the mycorrhizal fungus Glomus intraradices were evaluated. Placement of a root inoculum around the root systems of Carissa or...
Measurement of Chemically Induced Mitotic Nondisjunction using a Monochromosomal Human/Mouse Hybrid Cell Line

There is an increasing body of evidence to show that a significant proportion of human disease may be caused by exposure to environmental chemicals. Among the adverse health effects produced by these chemicals, genotoxic insult is perhaps the most serious. An exposure to toxic chemicals may produce genetic alterations in somatic and/or in germ cells. Genetic damage in somatic cells may lead to cancer or myriad other diseases, but the effects are limited only to the individuals exposed to the harmful chemicals. Genomic changes in germ cells, on the other hand, may be transmitted to successive generations and become a legacy of human heritage. Cytologically observable chromosomal changes represent the most important category of genetically defined human diseases. A variety of chromosomal aberrations, such as deletions, duplications, inversions, translocations, and numerical alterations in chromosomes (aneuploidy), have been implicated in human diseases (Hook, 1983). Aneuploidy arising through nondisjunction during gametogenesis represents the single largest category of chromosomal aberrations leading to human birth defects (Hook, 1983). Although the role of aneuploidy in initiating carcinogenesis has not been established, it has been suggested that genomic alterations may predispose individuals to a greater risk of developing cancer (Arlett and Lehmann, 1978; Le van and Mitelman, 1977; Bloom, 1972; Tsutsui et al., 1983).
Uncertainty in Decision Making in Medicine: A Scoping Review and Thematic Analysis of Conceptual Models.

Purpose The practice of medicine is rarely straightforward. Data used to facilitate medical decision making may be conflicting, ambiguous, or scarce, and providing optimal care requires balancing clinicians' expertise and available evidence with patients' preferences. To explore uncertainty in decision making across disciplines, the authors performed a scoping review and thematic analysis of the literature to formulate a model describing the decision-making process in medicine under uncertain conditions. Method In 2016, the authors performed a comprehensive search of key databases using a combination of keywords and controlled vocabulary. They identified and reviewed 3,398 records. After applying their inclusion and exclusion criteria to the titles and abstracts and then full texts, 19 articles were selected. The authors applied a qualitative thematic analysis to these articles, using codes to extract themes related to uncertainty in decision making. Results The 19 articles spanned 6 fields of study and 5 disciplines within the health sciences. The thematic analysis revealed 6 main themes: recognition of uncertainty, classification of uncertainty, stakeholder perspectives, knowledge acquisition, decision-making approach, and evaluation of the decision-making process. Conclusions Based on the themes that emerged from their thematic analysis of the literature characterizing the effects of uncertainty and ambiguity on the decision-making process, the authors developed a framework depicting the interplay between these themes with a visual representation of the decision-making process under uncertain conditions. Future research includes further development and validation of this framework to inform medical school curricula.
Workplace Automation and Corporate Financial Policy

We show that firms’ ability to substitute automated capital for labor provides an option to reduce labor-induced operating leverage, allowing for less conservative financial policies. Using an occupational measure of labor’s susceptibility to automation, we find that firms with a more substitutable workforce hold less cash, use more financial leverage, and pay higher dividends. We provide causal evidence by exploiting the 2011–2012 Thailand hard drive crisis as a shock to the cost of automation. Following adverse shocks to cash flow from state tax increases, firms with a more substitutable workforce replace labor with automated capital and increase financial leverage.
Activation of CB1R Promotes Lipopolysaccharide-Induced IL-10 Secretion by Monocytic Myeloid-Derived Suppressive Cells and Reduces Acute Inflammation and Organ Injury.

Cannabis sativa and its principal components, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and cannabidiol, are increasingly being used to treat a variety of medical problems, including inflammatory conditions. Although studies suggest that the endocannabinoid system has immunomodulatory properties, there remains a paucity of information on the effects of cannabinoids on immunity and on outcomes of infection and injury. We investigated the effects and mechanism(s) of action of cannabinoid receptor agonists, including Δ9-THC, on inflammation and organ injury in endotoxemic mice. Administration of Δ9-THC caused a dramatic early upregulation of plasma IL-10 levels, reduced plasma IL-6 and CCL-2 levels, led to better clinical status, and attenuated organ injury in endotoxemic mice. The anti-inflammatory effects of Δ9-THC in endotoxemic mice were reversed by a cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R) inverse agonist (SR141716), and by clodronate-induced myeloid-cell depletion, but not by genetic invalidation or blockade of other putative Δ9-THC receptors, including cannabinoid receptor type 2, TRPV1, GPR18, GPR55, and GPR119. Although Δ9-THC administration reduced the activation of several spleen immune cell subsets, the anti-inflammatory effects of Δ9-THC were preserved in splenectomized endotoxemic mice. Finally, using IL-10-GFP reporter mice, we showed that blood monocytic myeloid-derived suppressive cells mediate the Δ9-THC-induced early rise in circulating IL-10. These results indicate that Δ9-THC potently induces IL-10, while reducing proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and related organ injury in endotoxemic mice via the activation of CB1R. These data have implications for acute and chronic conditions that are driven by dysregulated inflammation, such as sepsis, and raise the possibility that CB1R-signaling may constitute a novel target for inflammatory disorders.
Relational permanence and the potential for delinquency among African American adolescents in foster care

Abstract Social relationships are often seen as a buffer to delinquency. However, they may be correlated with negative outcomes, as delinquency may provide social benefits for adolescents in foster care. Relational permanence – a form of social support characterized by the presence of an ongoing caring and supportive person in the context of the foster care system – is the primary type of social relationship that is explored. Regression analyses were conducted examining whether relational permanence predicted later delinquency. We found an increase in relational permanence over time was correlated with higher levels of delinquency. These findings demonstrate that not all social relationships are correlated with positive outcomes. The multidimensionality of social relationships must be further understood in order to inform targeted interventions for youth in the foster care system. Considerations specifically for African-American adolescents in foster care are also addressed.
Characteristics of tianeptine effects reported to a poison control center: a growing threat to public health

Background: Tianeptine is an antidepressant structurally similar to tricyclic antidepressants which is approved abroad but is currently a drug of abuse in the United States since at least 2000. In ...
Botulinum Toxin Complications

Complications from botulinum toxin may be minimized with appropriate refinement and adjustment of injection sites and doses on subsequent visits. Avoidance of complications includes appropriate dosing and technique.
Loss of variable fascicle gearing during voluntary isometric contractions of paretic medial gastrocnemius muscles in male chronic stroke survivors.

Key points Maximum fascicle shortening/rotation was significantly decreased in paretic medial gastrocnemius (MG) muscles compared to non-paretic MG muscles. The fascicle gear ratio on both sides decreased as the ankle became dorsiflexed, but the slope of the fascicle gear ratio over ankle joint angle was significantly lower on the paretic side. The side-to-side slope difference was strongly correlated with the relative maximum joint torque and with the relative shear wave speed, suggesting that variable gearing may explain muscle weakness after stroke. Abstract The present study aimed to understand variable fascicle gearing during voluntary isometric contractions of the medial gastrocnemius (MG) muscle in chronic stroke survivors. Using ultrasonography, we characterized fascicle behaviour on both paretic and non-paretic sides during plantarflexion contractions at different intensities and at different ankle joint angles. Shear wave speed was also recorded from the MG muscle belly under passive conditions. Fascicle gear ratios were then calculated as the ratio of muscle belly shortening velocity to fascicle shortening velocity, and variable fascicle gearing was quantified from the slope of gear ratio vs. joint angle relations. This slope was used to establish associations with maximum joint torques and with shear wave speeds. At all measured angles, we found a significant reduction in both maximum fascicle shortening and maximum fascicle rotation on the paretic side compared to the non-paretic side on our stroke survivor cohort. The fascicle rotation per fascicle shortening on the paretic side was also significantly smaller than on the non-paretic side, especially at plantarflexed positions. Furthermore, the fascicle gear ratio on both sides decreased as the ankle became dorsiflexed, but the change in the fascicle gear ratio was significantly lower on the paretic side. The side-to-side difference in the gear ratio slope was also strongly correlated with the relative maximum joint torque and with the relative shear wave speed, suggesting that variable gearing may explain muscle weakness after stroke. Further studies are needed to investigate how muscular changes after stroke may impede variable gearing and adversely impact muscle performance.
Effects of Seedlings Number per Hill on Grain Yield and Quality in Different Panicle Types of Mechanical Transplanted Japonica Rice

Field experiment was conducted under the rice-wheat two-ripe systems at the Lixia River area during the year 2006-2007,three mid-season japonica rice cultivars including Yanjing 9(small panicle type),Huaidao 9(medium panicle type) and 9 you 418(large panicle type) were adopted to investigate the effects of five planting densities on yield and quality of me-chanical-transplanted rice.Results showed that with the increase of seedlings per hill,the final panicles per plant increased while the number of grains per panicle,the grain filling rate and the 1000-grain weight decreased;and the yield of three cultivars increased first and then decreased.The highest yield was obtained when rice was transplanted with 4 seedlings per hill for small panicle type,with 3 seedlings per hill for medium panicle type and with 2 seedlings per hill for large panicle type.With the increasing of seedlings per hill,the chalkiness degree,the chalkiness rate and the amylose content increased while the milled rice qualities and the protein content decreased,and the gel consistency became longer.Among all of the RVA profiles,the peak viscosity,hot viscosity,breakdown,the final viscosity and the pasting temperature increased first and then decreased.The setback decreased first and then increased.Considering the grain yield together with quality,we suggest that for the coordination of high-yielding and high quality rice transplanting should be with 4 seedlings per hill for small panicle type rice,3 seedlings per hill for medium panicle type rice and with 2 seedlings per hill for large panicle type.
Self-Assembled Peptide-Labeled Probes for Agglutination-Based Sensing

The use of polydiacetylene (PDA) vesicles in sensing systems are widespread due to the interesting optical properties of this stimuli-responsive material; however, agglutination based sensing with PDA have been relatively underutilized. To demonstrate the means for rapidly generating an agglutination probe based on peptide-displaying polydiacetylene vesicles, we implement here the use of a biotin mimetic peptide functionalized to a diacetylene amphiphile for proof-of-concept detection of a multivalent target, specifically streptavidin. Tuning of the vesicle composition revealed a distinct limit in the surface density of peptide amphiphile that could be displayed for this particular peptide sequence. A wide operational detection range was demonstrated, and the result also revealed an effective agglutination response of the PDA-based probe to streptavidin suggesting possible use of future formulations in profiling other multivalent targets.
Feeding and Growth Outcomes in Infants with Type C Esophageal Atresia Who Undergo Early Primary Repair.

OBJECTIVES To describe growth and feeding outcomes in patients with type C esophageal atresia who underwent early primary repair and to identify predictors for poor growth. STUDY DESIGN This single-center, retrospective, cohort study included all patients with type C esophageal atresia who underwent early primary repair from 2013 to 2019. Weight-for-age z score (WAZ) was calculated at birth, and every 6 months until 3 years postoperatively. Longitudinal median regression was used to evaluate WAZ over time. A multivariable logistic regression model explored predictors of growth outcomes. RESULTS Of 46 infants who met the inclusion criteria, 72% were term. The median age at repair was 1.5 days of life (IQR, 1-2 days of life) and the hospital length of stay was 20 days (IQR-14, 30 days). Two patients had esophageal leak (4.3%). The median WAZ at birth was below average (-0.72; IQR, -1.37 to -0.40), but improved to reach average by 3 years (-0.025; IQR, -0.85 to 0.97, P < .001). At discharge, 72% of patients were receiving full oral nutrition, which improved to 95% by 3 years. The only independent predictor of poor growth at 1 year (WAZ < -1 [33%]) was WAZ at discharge (P = .02). CONCLUSIONS Infants with esophageal atresia who undergo early primary repair are capable of achieving standard growth curves by 3 years of age. However, poor discharge WAZ score was predictive of poor WAZ score at 1 year. Efforts to identify at-risk patients and institute targeted inpatient and outpatient nutrition interventions are needed to improve their growth trajectory.
Modeling electrophysiological measures of decision-making and performance monitoring in neurotypical children engaging in a speeded flanker task.

This study aims to use structural equation modeling (SEM) to investigate the role of error processing in behavioral adaptation in children by testing relationships between error-related and stimulus-related event-related potentials (ERPs) obtained from two sessions of a speeded Eriksen flanker task. First, path models of averaged ERP components and mean response times (N1 → P2 → N2 → P3 → RTs) while controlling for trait effects, age, and sex, on each was examined separately for correct and incorrect trials from each session. While the model demonstrated acceptable fit statistics, the four models yielded diverse results. Next, path models for correct and incorrect trials were tested using latent variables defined by factoring together respective measures of ERP component amplitudes from each session. Comparison of correct and incorrect models revealed significant differences in the relationships between the successive measures of neural processing after controlling for trait effects. Moreover, latent variable models controlling for both trait and session-specific state variables yielded excellent model fit while models without session-specific state variables did not. In the final model, the error-related neural activity (i.e., the ERN and Pe) from incorrect trials was found to significantly relate to the stream of neural processes contributing to trials with the correct behavior. Importantly, the relationship between RT and error detection in the final model signifies a brain-and-behavior feedback loop. These findings provided empirical evidence that supports the adaptive orienting theory of error processing by demonstrating how the neural signals of error processing influence behavioral adaptations that facilitate correct behavioral performance.
On the Flow Past a Sphere at Hypersonic Speed with a Magnetic Field

Heat Transfer and Recovery Factor in a Laminar Boundary Layer With Arbitrary Pressure Gradient and Wall Temperature Distribution BERNARD L E F U R 682 An Alternative Formulation of the Problem of Flutter in Real Fluids. W E N H W A C H U AND H. NORMAN ABRAMSON 683 Shock Waves and Dissipation in a Resonance Tube ASCHER H. SHAPIRO 684 On a Generalized Porous-Wall "Couette-Type" Flow. . . . G. M. LILLEY 685 The Modified Goodman Diagram and Random Vibration. . H. C. SCHJELDERUP 686 Calculation by the Integral Method of the Effect of Fluid Injection Upon an Isothermal Boundary Layer MILTON M. K L E I N 686 Comments on "On Slip-Flow Heat Transfer to a Flat Plate" DONALD E. NESTLER 687 nr^HE CONSTANT DENSITY SOLUTION to the hypersonic inviscid flow past a sphere obtained by Lighthill has been extended to the case of a sphere with a radial magnetic field in a conducting fluid by Kemp. The solution obtained by Kemp uses the assumption that the magnetic Reynolds Number is small and, hence, the magnetic field induced by the flow is not considered. Since the flow is assumed to have constant density in the region behind the bow shock wave, the problem reduces to consideration of the effect of a ponderomotive force produced by the interaction of the magnetic field with the moving conducting fluid on the flow behind the bow shock wave. The author became interested in this problem in making an attempt to extend the Newtonian theory of hypersonic flow, reviewed by Hayes and Probstein, to the magnetic field problem. Unfortunately, the result obtained did not reduce to that of Kemp in the region of the stagnation point. The author, therefore, in trying to explain this anomaly, found it necessary to examine Kemp's solution in some detail. In doing this, it was found that result as given by Kemp is incorrect due to assumptions of analyticity of the functions concerned. Kemp chooses to obtain the solution for large density ratio across the shock wave using a simple Taylor expansion to span the region between the shock and body. That this approach is beset with dangers can be seen directly from the equations concerned. The type of difficulty encountered is that discussed by Lighthill where the first
Predation of Colorado Potato Beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) Eggs and Larvae by Chrysoperla rufilabris (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) Larvae in the Laboratory and Field Cages

Studies of predation by Chrysoperla rufilabris larvae on Colorado potato beetle (CPB), Leptinotarsa decemlineata, were conducted to determine if this predator could effectively prey on eggs and you...
Age-Dependent Models of Maternity Histories Based on Data Analyses

It is widely agreed that simulation models should be closely linked to data analyses. Indeed, a justifiable criticism of the software design described in Chap. 5 would be that its underlying mathematical models need to be tested further in the analysis of data. Accordingly, the purpose of this chapter is to give an account of some research directed toward providing firm links between data analyses and the construction and implementation of computer simulation models. Problems arising in evaluating and measuring the impact of family planning programs on fertility provided the substantive motivation for the research reported in this chapter.
Epidural Masses Detection on Computed Tomography Using Spatially-Constrained Gaussian Mixture Models

The widespread use of CT imaging and the critical importance of early detection of epidural masses of the spinal canal generate a scenario ideal for the implementation of a computer-aided detection (CAD) system. Epidural masses can lead to paralysis, incontinence and loss of neurological function if not promptly detected. We present, to our knowledge, the first CAD system to detect epidural masses on CT. In this paper, global intensity and local spatial features are modeled as spatially constrained Gaussian Mixture Model (CGMM) for epidural mass detection. The Cross-validation on 23 patients with epidural masses on body CT showed that the CGMM yielded a marked improvement of performance (69 % at 8.6 false positives per patient) over an intensity based K-means method (46 % at 7.9 false-positives per patient).
Partial Expression of Endogenous Mouse Mammary Tumor Virus in Mammary Tumors Induced in BALB/c Mice by Chemical, Hormonal, and Physical Agents

Abstract The possible interaction of environmental factors with the endogenous mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) genome in the development of mammary tumors in the low-tumor-incidence BALB/c mouse strain was examined. Tumors were induced in virgin female animals by treatment with chemical carcinogen 7,12- dimethylbenz[α]anthracene or urethan, with or without prolonged hormonal stimulation, or by X-irradiation. Concomitant hormonal stimulation resulted in increased tumor incidences compared with those induced by chemical carcinogen treatment alone. The frequency of tumor induction by irradiation alone or in combination with urethan or prolactin stimulation was very low. MMTV expression in the mammary tumors was assayed by nucleic acid hybridization and by immunohistochemical staining. Depending upon the treatment group, 0 to 89% of the tumors contained detectable levels of MMTV RNA (≥0.0005% of the total cellular RNA). Tumors which contained detectable viral transcripts exhibited only low levels of MMTV RNA, which did not appear to represent the accumulation of RNA sequences homologous to the entire MMTV genome; synthesis of MMTV structural proteins was detected in only one tumor. Viral RNA-positive tumors were generally associated with a longer latent period. MMTV RNA expression occurred in tumors classified histologically as adenoacanthomas, as well as in mammary adenocarcinomas, although the cell types in the adenoacanthomas expressing viral RNA were not identified. It does not appear that expression of the endogenous MMTV genome is required for maintenance of all mammary tumors in BALB/c mice, although partial genome expression undetectable by the methods employed cannot be ruled out. Linear regression analyses were performed. The mean time to tumor appearance and the percentage of tumors which were MMTV RNA positive were found to vary linearly as a function of the total dose of 7,12-dimethylbenz[α]anthracene administered. The percentage of tumors which were MMTV RNA positive was also shown to be linearly related to the mean time to tumor appearance. These relationships provide a basis for predictions in the BALB/c system related to these parameters.
Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology

The Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology (SCCAP), which is Division 53 of the American Psychological Association (APA), represents psychologists active in teaching, research, clinical services, administration, and advocacy in clinical child and adolescent psychology. Its mission statement provides a clear statement of the organization's purpose: The purpose of Division 53 (Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology) is to encourage the development and advancement of clinical child and adolescent psychology through integration of its scientific and professional aspects. The division promotes scientific inquiry, training, professional practice, and public policy in clinical child and adolescent psychology as a means of improving the welfare and mental health of children, youth, and families. In the service of these goals, the division promotes the general objectives of the American Psychological Association. (Society for Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, Bylaws, 2007)
Rural-urban differences in consumer governance at community health centers.

Context: Community health centers (CHCs) are primary care clinics that serve mostly low-income patients in rural and urban areas. They are required to be governed by a consumer majority. What little is known about the structure and function of these boards in practice suggests that CHC boards in rural areas may look and act differently from CHC boards in urban areas. Purpose: To identify differences in the structure and function of consumer governance at CHCs in rural and urban areas. Methods: Semistructured telephone interviews were conducted with 30 CHC board members from 14 different states. Questions focused on board members’ perceptions of board composition and the role of consumers on the board. Findings: CHCs in rural areas are more likely to have representative boards, are better able to convey confidence in the organization, and are better able to assess community needs than CHCs in urban areas. However, CHCs in rural areas often have problems achieving objective decision-making, and they may have fewer means for objectively evaluating quality of care due to the lack of patient board member anonymity. Conclusions: Consumer governance is implemented differently in rural and urban communities, and the advantages and disadvantages in each setting are unique.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: A 12-Week Follow-Up of Isokinetic Testing in Recreational Athletes

. Rehabilitation following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery has changed significantly in the past 5 yr. Today, rehabilitation protocols emphasize immediate motion, immediate weight bearing, and early strengthening exercises. An aggressive rehabilitation program based on the healing rate, biomechanics of the knee joint, and principles of muscle physiology is imperative for successful rehabilitation. This study reports the isokinetic muscular performance data of 100 male recreational athletes collected 6 months postsurgery. The results demonstrated statistically significant differences (p < 0.001) for all knee extension parameters, including peak torque to body weight, total work to body weight, and average power to body weight ratios at 180 deg/sec and 300 deg/sec. In contrast, knee flexion testing exhibited no significant differences in any of the above
COMPARISON OF COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC ANGIOGRAPHY AND ULTRASONOGRAPHY FOR THE DETECTION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF PORTOSYSTEMIC SHUNTS IN DOGS

The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare the accuracy of computed tomographic angiography (CTA) and abdominal ultrasonography in detecting and characterizing portosystemic shunts (PSS) in dogs. Medical records of 76 dogs that underwent CTA and/or abdominal ultrasonography suspected to have PSS were reviewed. Presence or absence, and characterization of PSS (when present) on CTA were reviewed by a board-certified veterinary radiologist that was blinded to the clinical findings. The abdominal ultrasonography findings were reviewed from the medical records. Visualization and description of the origin and insertion of PSS on CTA and abdominal ultrasonography were related with laboratory, surgical, or mesenteric portographic confirmation of the presence or absence of PSS. The sensitivity for detection of PSS with CTA (96%) was significantly higher than abdominal ultrasonography (68%; P < 0.001). The specificities for CTA and abdominal ultrasonography were 89% and 84%, respectively (P = 0.727). Computed tomographic angiography detected the correct origin in 15 of 16 dogs and correct insertion in 15 of 16 dogs with congenital PSS. Abdominal ultrasonography detected the correct origin in 24 of 30 dogs and correct insertion in 20 of 33 dogs with congenital PSS. Multiple acquired PSS were seen in four of five dogs and in one of six dogs on CTA and abdominal ultrasonography, respectively. Computed tomographic angiography was 5.5 times more likely to correctly ascertain the presence or absence of PSS when compared to abdominal ultrasonography (P = 0.02). Findings indicated that CTA is a noninvasive diagnostic modality that is superior to abdominal ultrasonography for the detection and characterization of PSS in dogs.
An increase in CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ regulatory T cells in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes of human glioblastoma multiforme.

The subpopulation of CD4+CD25+ immunoregulatory T (Tr) cells constitutes 5%–10% of CD4+ cells in humans. These cells play a crucial role in the control of tumor immune response. In this study, we evaluated the distribution of Tr cells in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes of human glioblastoma multiforme and examined the difference between the brain and autologous blood with respect to Tr cells. Glioma samples from 10 patients were classified as WHO grade IV astrocytoma. Control samples were obtained from patients undergoing resection of a seizure focus. The samples were analyzed by flow cytometry to determine the frequency of Tr cells and by real-time PCR for forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) expression. We then examined the expression of CD62L, CD45RO, and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) and assessed the functionality of Tr cells in vitro. There was a significant difference in the number of FOXP3-expressing CD4+CD25+ T cells within glioma-infiltrating lymphocytes as compared to controls (P < 0.01). This difference was further observed in studies of autologous patient blood and control blood. The expression level of FOXP3 mRNA was high in Tr cells and weak in CD4+CD25− T cells. Moreover, the expression of CD62L and CTLA-4 was elevated in glioma Tr cells as compared to that in the controls. These cells were also CD45RO positive. Functional assays confirmed the suppressive activity of Tr cells in patients with glioma. The expression of CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ T cells was significantly higher in patients with glioblastoma multiforme than in controls. This increase in the frequency of Tr cells that display suppressive activity might play a role in modulation of the immune response against glioma. In light of these findings, Tr cells may represent a potential target for immunotherapy of malignant brain tumors.
The Diagnosis and Management of Seizures and Status Epilepticus in the Prehospital Setting

Seizure is one of the most common complaints encountered in the prehospital setting. In this review the authors discuss the prehospital management of seizures and review the evidence for specific treatment approaches. Specific attention is devoted to prehospital care of the pediatric seizure patient. Topics of interest to Emergency Medical Services directors such as patient refusal, resource allocation, and dispatch priority are also addressed.
Scientific meetings: call in instead.

B. Lester's News Focus story (5 October 2007, p. [36][1]) highlights one major plague affecting modern science: There are far too many meetings in faraway, upscale places. It is especially ironic that we in the science community, who are so familiar with modern communication tools, have failed to
The impact of codes of ethics on information systems personnel

This research looks at the impact of company codes of ethics, as well as codes of ethics written specifically for information systems (I.S.) employees. Moreover, since the intent of ethics codes is to clarify responsibility, the personality characteristics of denial of responsibility and its interaction with exposure to codes of ethics was examined. The impact of codes and the personality characteristic of denial of responsibility were measured based on I.S. judgments concerning illegal software copying, computer cracking (sometimes called hacking), spreading viruses, corporate sabotage using the computer, and computer fraud. Denial of responsibility was found to be related to a variety of computer abuses and did interact with company codes of ethics to influence attitudes toward viruses and computer fraud.
New Generation of Molecular Prognostic and Predictive Tests for Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a clinically heterogeneous disease, and it is generally accepted that the different clinical courses of patients with histologically similar tumors are due to molecular differences among cancers. Therefore, detailed molecular analysis of the cancer could yield prognostic information. Recent advances in molecular analytical techniques have led to rapid expansion of novel diagnostics designed to personalize breast cancer care. Diagnostic companies are also increasingly adopting a clinical trial-based approach to develop their products. This article reviews some of the most important advances in this field in the past few years, including the emergence of several multigene and prognostic predictors, as well as methods allowing enumeration of circulating tumor cells that are currently offered as commercially available diagnostic assays.
The effect of pentachlorophenol on DNA adduct formation in p53 wild-type and knockout mice exposed to benzo[a]pyrene.

Previous studies have shown that pentachlorophenol (PCP) has both potentiative and antagonistic effects on the genotoxicity of benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P). It has been suggested that these effects are due to inhibition and/or induction of enzymes involved in the biotransformation of B[a]P [Carcinogenesis 16 (1995) 2643]. However, B[a]P [J. Biol. Chem. 274 (1999) 35240] and a metabolite of PCP, tetrachlorohydroquinone (TCHQ) [Chem. Biol. Interact. 105 (1997) 1], induce p53 protein synthesis in vitro. To investigate this effect further, C57BL/6Tac trp53+/+ (wild-type, WT) and C57BL/6Tac trp53−/− (knockout, KO) mice were exposed to 55 μg B[a]P/g BW alone or in combination with 25 μg/g PCP. Hepatic and lung DNA were analyzed for the major B[a]P DNA adduct, 7R,8S,9S-trihydroxy-10R-(N2-2′-deoxyguanosyl)-7,8,9,10-tetrahydro-B[a]P (BPDE–N2G) and other minor adducts using the 32P-postlabeling assay. BPDE–N2G adducts were detected in all animals exposed to B[a]P. Similar adduct levels were observed in WT mice exposed to 55 μg/g B[a]P compared with KO mice exposed to B[a]P alone or in combination with PCP. Interestingly, hepatic and lung BPDE–N2G adducts were decreased in WT mice exposed to B[a]P with PCP (P<0.05). Total DNA adducts in the liver (P<0.05) were also decreased in WT mice exposed to B[a]P and PCP. Total DNA adducts in either hepatic or lung DNA isolated from KO mice were not different in mice treated with PCP and B[a]P. These results suggest that the decrease in BPDE–N2G adducts observed in WT mice may be a result of p53 accumulation or induction of repair pathways in response to damage induced by PCP.
Formation of mixed layers derived from functional silicon oxide clusters on gold

Single and multicomponent mixed layers of silsesquioxane clusters on freshly evaporated gold surfaces have been investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and reflection−absorption infrared spectroscopy. Approximately 5−10% of the cluster layers (e.g., H8Si8O12 and H10Si10O15) on gold desorb upon evacuation of the adsorbate from the reaction chamber. These open adsorption sites are an avenue for cluster displacement reactions that yield mixed monolayers (e.g., H8Si8O12/D8Si8O12 and H8Si8O12/C6H13−H7Si8O12) of several compositions on gold. This dynamic behavior is not observed for the C6H13−H7Si8O12 cluster layer on gold. Rather, this molecule acts as a poison to these reported displacement processes at the gold surface.
A mathematical analysis of the bjerrum function for the stepwise equilibrium model

A mathematical analysis of the Bjerrum function is carried out. This function arises from the Stepwise Equilibrium Model, which is used to describe successive complex formation in systems consisting of free metal ion, free ligand, and all theMLi complexes that can form in solution. The appropriate root of the Bjerrum polynomial allows the determination of the concentrations of all species present in solution, given the initial concentrations of metal and of ligand, and the equilibrium constants governing the system. It is proved that there is only one positive root of the Bjerrum polynomial, and thus that only a single equilibrium state can exist. It is also shown that the positive root of the Bjerrum polynomial can be reliably obtained by Newton's method, but only if the initialization point is properly chosen, and that the initial concentrationL of ligand is the optimum such point. Finding this root is a calculation that typically must be carried out at each iteration in nonlinear least squares procedures for determining equilibrium constants. Finally, the necessary mathematical analysis is carried out to determine the optimum initial concentrations of metal and lgand which maximize the resulting concentration of a particularMLi complex.
Heterogeneity in the rise and decline of city-level homicide rates, 1976-2005: A latent trajectory analysis

This study applies latent trajectory methods to the analysis of temporal changes in homicide rates among large US cities across recent decades. Specifically, annual homicide rates for 157 large US cities are analyzed for the 30 years from 1976 to 2005. We address the fundamental questions: Did all of cities experience similar levels and patterns of rise and decline in homicide rates over these three decades? Or is there hidden or unobserved heterogeneity with respect to these temporal patterns, thus leading to the identification of more homogeneous groupings of the cities? And if latent homogeneous groupings surface, is membership due to specific structural characteristics found within those cities? Evidence is found for the existence of four latent homicide rate trajectories. After identifying and classifying the cities into these four groups, multivariate statistical techniques are used to determine which social and economic characteristics are significant predictors of these distinct homicide trends. Criminal justice measures are also included as controls. It is found that larger cities located in the South with higher levels of resource deprivation/concentrated poverty, higher income inequality, higher percentages of the adult male population that are divorced, higher unemployment rates, higher percentages of youth, higher percentages of the population who are Hispanic and higher numbers of police per capita are more likely to be in a higher than a lower homicide trajectory group. Higher percentages of the population enrolled in colleges and universities and locations in states with higher incarceration rates are characteristics of cities associated with membership in a lower homicide trajectory group.
The diagnosis of miliary tuberculosis: utility of peripheral blood abnormalities, bone marrow and liver needle biopsy.

ABNORMALITIES of the peripheral blood are frequent and varied in patients with miliary tuberculosis [l-5]. Anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, pancytopenia, monocytosis, basophilia, eosinophilia, leukocytosis and leukemoid reactions have been described [6-131. Although granulomas have sometimes been seen in marrow aspiration smears [14-161, they are not usually found since architectural disruption is produced by the aspiration procedure. In contrast, bone marrow biopsy [17, 181 and/or liver needle biopsy [ 19-221 are useful both in the demonstration of granulomas and in establishing the diagnosis of disseminated tuberculosis. In this report, the advantages and disadvantages of both biopsy procedures are compared. The relationship of the peripheral blood changes to the frequency of positive marrow biopsy findings is also examined.
Human erythrocyte anion exchange site characterised using a fluorescent probe.

A plasma membrane anion exchange system allows the red blood cell to replace intracellular bicarbonate rapidly with extracellular chloride to facilitate carbon dioxide release into the lungs. The protein responsible for this exchange is a glycoprotein of molecular weight about 93,000, called band 3, which comprises approximately 25% of the total red cell membrane protein and is present in the membrane as a non-covalent dimer1. The molecular mechanism of anion transport remains obscure, in spite of the characterisation of the extracellular anion binding site by a number of methods including interactions with disulphonic stilbene probes which act as specific inhibitors of anion exchange2. One of these compounds (4,4′-diisothiocyano-2,2′-disulphonic stilbene; DIDS) causes complete inhibition of anion exchange by reacting at approximately one site per band 3 monomer (∼2.5 nmol per mg protein)3. A fluorescent DIDS analogue, DBDS (4,4′-dibenzoamide-2,2′-disulphonic stilbene), binds reversibly and specifically to the DIDS reactive site where it also inhibits anion exchange6 . When bound, the fluorescence intensity of DBDS increases by two orders of magnitude and this has enabled us to investigate the binding kinetics of DBDS to red blood cell ghost membranes by fluorescence equilibrium and temperature-jump methods. Our equilibrium binding data indicate that there are two classes of DBDS binding sites on red cell ghosts. The reaction scheme that we present here suggests that the apparent high affinity (15–60 nM) for binding the first DBDS molecule is the result of a two step process: an initial binding of lower affinity (K1∼0.5 µM) to band 3 followed by a slow conformational change (∼5 s−1) in the binding site which acts to lock the DBDS molecule in place. A second DBDS molecule binds with low affinity (∼3 µM) to a site which is more difficult to characterise.
DEVELOPMENT OF A SCREENING QUESTIONNAIRE TO STUDY ATTRITION IN WEIGHT-CONTROL PROGRAMS

Several environmental, social, personal and demographic factors are related to the likelihood that an individual will drop out of a weight-control program. This paper identifies such factors and proposes a research instrument to study attrition in adult weight-control programs.
Immunohistochemical identification of neurons in ganglia of the guinea pig sphincter of Oddi.

The sphincter of Oddi is a smooth muscle sphincter that regulates the flow of bile into the duodenum. To identify potential chemical coding in sphincter of Oddi neurons, immunohistochemistry and histochemistry were employed to assay for putative neurotransmitters and related synthetic enzymes in wholemount preparations, with and without colchicine treatment. Immunoreactivities for enkephalin-endorphin (ENK-END), substance P (SP), nitric oxide synthase, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), neuropeptide Y (NPY), and calcitonin generelated peptide (CGRP) were demonstrated within the ganglionated plexus. Roughly half of the neurons in the sphincter of Oddi expressed immunoreactivity for both SP and ENK-END, but not for nitric oxide synthase. About 25% of the neurons expressed nitric oxide synthase immunoreactivity as well as NADPH-diaphorase activity. This contingent of neurons was made up of two subgroups: one that expressed immunoreactivity for VIP, the other for NPY. Neurons that expressed CGRP immunoreactivity were sparse in sphincter of Oddi ganglia; however, many axons immunoreactive for both CGRP and SP were present in the ganglionated plexus. The CGRP/SP fibers are probably visceral afferents that may influence ganglionic output through axon reflex circuits. These results, along with studies of the actions of these neuroactive compounds on sphincter tone, support the view that ganglia of the sphincter of Oddi are largely comprised of excitatory (SP/ENK-END-immunoreactive) and inhibitory (nitric oxide synthase/VIP- or NPY-immunoreactive) neurons, and that sphincter of Oddi tone is controlled by the regulation of the outputs of these two groups of cells. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Long-Term Outcome of Defibrillator Recipients Included in the Federal Audit Conducted by the Department of Justice

Institutions across the United States have been subjected to a federal audit for defibrillator implantable cardioverter defibrillator [ICD] implantations that violated the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid payment policy. We examined the long-term outcome of ICD recipients whose implantation procedures were audited by the Department of Justice (DOJ). Patients (n = 225) included in the DOJ audit at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center between the years 2003 and 2010 were followed to the end point of all-cause mortality. A cohort of 206 consecutive and contemporary ICD recipients not included in the federal audit served as controls. Compared with the controls, the audited cases were older (p