cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Recombinant Factor VIIa [(rFVIIa) NovoSeven® by Single Dose for Home Treatment of Joint Bleeds in Hemophilia Patients with Inhibitors: A Pilot, Double-Blind Study Versus Standard Multiple Doses of NovoSeven® and an Activated Prothrombin Complex Concentrate [aPCC (FEIBA®)].

Abstract The optimization of rFVIIa treatment regimens may provide for increased efficacy and/or convenience in the home treatment of joint bleeds in patients with hemophilia and inhibitors. Home treatment facilitates early intervention which is associated with increased efficacy, and clinical data suggest that single rFVIIa doses greater than currently indicated may deliver enhanced thrombin generation without compromising safety. This was a randomized, multi-center, cross-over, double-blind study comparing the efficacy and safety of two rFVIIa dosing regimens and a single dose of open-label aPCC. Subjects with congenital hemophilia and inhibitors with a history of two or more joint bleeds within the last 12 months were eligible. Six treatment sequences were generated from three dosing regimens: 270 mg/kg rFVIIa at hour 0; 90 mg/kg rFVIIa at hours 0, 3 and 6; or 75 U/kg aPCC at hour 0, and were assigned at random in a 1:1:1 ratio. Subjects received each treatment (a different treatment for each bleeding episode) and were assessed for nine hours after dosing. The primary efficacy endpoint was a binary global treatment response (success or failure) determined by a pilot algorithm assessing changes in pain and mobility at hours 1, 3, 6 and 9 according to the following response table: Global Response Algorithm Pain Mobility More No Difference Less More No Difference Less 1 hr F S S S S F 3 hrs F S S S S F 6 hrs F F S S F F 9 hrs F F S S F F F: failure, S:success ≥6S:treatment success, 21 patients completed the trial. The global success rate was 54.5%, 37.5%, and 27.3% of episodes treated with rFVIIa 3×90 μg/kg, rFVIIa 270 μg/kg: and aPCC, respectively (p=NS). Secondary efficacy endpoints included the separate responses to pain and mobility evaluated using the same response table. A positive response was defined as ≥ 3 successes over the 9-hour period; Efficacy Data rFVIIa 3×90 μg/kg rFVIIa 270 μg/kg aPCC 75U/kg Global Treatment Response 55% 38% 27% Pain Relief 55% 46% 27% Required Rescue Dose Within 9 Hours 9% 8% 36% No safety issues with the use of either dose of rFVIIa or the aPCC were identified in this trial. The efficacy rates reported here cannot be directly compared with data from most other trials as the algorithm used here differs from more commonly used scales. Reasons for this will be discussed in the poster. That these efficacy rates are lower than those reported elsewhere is likely due to rigid efficacy criteria (success at multiple time points for both pain and mobility assessments). A single 270 μg/kg dose of rFVIIa appears a safe home treatment option for hemophilia A or B patients with inhibitors.
Commentary on Doe v. Mutual of Omaha

This commentary was written to accompany the opinion for Doe v. Mutual of Omaha, rewritten from a feminist perspective. Doe v. Mutual of Omaha 179 F.3d 557 (7th Cir. 1999) was a notorious Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) case where Judge Richard Posner contorted himself to uphold insurance policies that capped AIDS-related benefits at $25,000, a level much lower than the million-dollar cap for other health care, even as the insurer conceded that the differential cap had no actuarial grounds. The ADA, a civil rights law with transformative potential, emerged from this case defanged, unable even to prevent insurers from singling out a particular disability for inferior benefits. Many insurance exclusions invoke medical or economic rationales. Because those weren’t available in this case, the Posner opinion cleanly showcases a third judicial maneuver for legitimating discrimination by invoking autonomy of will in contracting. Under this account of contracting, animus is sanitized as mere buyer or seller preference, market preferences are cast as incontestable “givens,” and exclusionary arrangements thus emerge as neutral. This same maneuver underpinned anti-ACA arguments that men should not be forced to purchase insurance containing pregnancy-related benefits. This chapter thus describes a routine maneuver of abstention toward individual hate-based preferences whose malign influence reverberates throughout our health system and beyond.
Ab initio investigation of the ground and excited states of ZrO+ and NbO+

Abstract High-level ab initio quantum calculations were performed to study thirteen and sixteen low-lying electronic states of ZrO+ and NbO+. We report their potential energy curves, electronic configurations, bond distances, harmonic vibrational frequencies, anharmonicities, spin–orbit splittings, and excitation energies. Chemical bonding patterns for low-lying electronic states are also proposed. The removal of one electron from the ~5sZr of ZrO creates the first three states of ZrO+ (X2Δ, 12Σ+, 12Π). These three states bear oxo (Zr3+O2−) character and the remaining states show oxyl (Zr2+O·−) nature. Similarly, the detachment of one electron from ~5sNb of nine low-lying states of NbO generate the nine lowest energy states of NbO+ that possess oxo (Nb3+O2−) character. Low-lying electronic states of ZrO+ and NbO+ are very similar to their isovalent TiO+ and VO+ partners. The current study rectifies spectroscopic assignments made for ZrO+ and NbO+ in the literature.
INFORMACIÓN DE LA ESCUELA DE ENFERMERÍA DE PRELICENCIATURA PREVIO ACCESIBLE: UN CALIDAD PROYECTO DE MEJORIA UTILIZANDO CONOCIMIENTOS AL MARCO DE ACCIÓN

In response to the projected nursing shortage, Florida law makers made modifications to the law in 2009 that changed the Board of Nursing’s approval and monitoring process for nursing education programs. As a result, the number of approved nursing programs in Florida increased from 171 to 350 (105%) which resulted in the proliferation of poor nursing programs with low graduation and NCLEX pass rates. Prospective students are challenged to distinguish reputable nursing programs from problematic institutions. The purpose of this project was to create a centralized web-based platform and evaluate the ability of the platform to increase knowledge in prospective nursing students, regarding credible nursing programs. The project was implemented using the Knowledge to Action Frame Work. To test the effectiveness and knowledge gain, twenty seven prospective nursing students agreed to examine all components of the website. Based on the analysis, post questionnaire scores were overall higher than pre-questionnaire scores which showed an increase in knowledge. In the future, the project could expand to include free online classes such as, medical terminology, medical error, and staying healthy through nursing school. Key words: , , , , , .
Should Surgery Residents Receive Pre-operative Skin Preparation Training: An Association of Program Directors in Surgery Survey.

PURPOSE Surgical site infections (SSI) are a significant source of peri-operative morbidity and a financial burden on the healthcare system. Effective pre-operative skin preparation has been shown to reduce SSI incidence, however studies demonstrated that most healthcare providers do not adhere to proper techniques. Skin prep technique is not taught to U.S. surgical residents in a standardized format. The objective of this study was to perform a survey of U.S. surgical training programs to determine the practice patterns of surgical resident education on the proper techniques of pre-operative antiseptic surgical prep. METHODS An 18-question anonymous survey was created using the Qualtrics platform. The survey was distributed to members of the Association of Program Directors in Surgery listserv over a 2-month period. Responses were compiled and data analysis was performed. RESULTS The survey response rate was 30% (n = 85/280). 81% of respondents reported that surgery residents are responsible for performing pre-operative skin prep at their institutions. The same proportion (81%) reported that they feel surgical skin prep techniques are an important component of surgical resident education. However, only 42% reported that their residents are provided formal education regarding proper skin prep techniques and only 6% reported that their residents are required to take a written or practical proficiency exam. 42% of respondents felt that formal skin prep education for residents is likely to affect the rate of surgical site infections. CONCLUSIONS Surgical residents commonly perform pre-operative skin preparation. However, few residents receive formal education or evaluation of these skills. Given the importance of pre-operative skin preparation in reducing SSIs and the potential for patient harm if performed incorrectly, the results from this study raise the question of whether formal surgical resident education regarding pre-op skin prep should be more widely adopted and standardized.
Development of an online map of safe gun storage sites in Maryland for suicide prevention

Reducing access to lethal means of self-harm is a cornerstone of suicide prevention, and temporary, voluntary gun storage outside the home is one recommended approach. With the goal of facilitating access to gun storage outside the home in Maryland, we developed an online map of gun shops and law enforcement agencies willing to offer temporary, voluntary gun storage on a case-by-case basis. This project was modelled off of prior work by the Colorado Firearm Safety Coalition. As of July 2020, 32 gun shops and 3 law enforcement agencies agreed to be listed on our map. Others were hesitant to participate due to perceived legal and logistical barriers to temporary firearm storage. We demonstrate the feasibility of creating an online map that lists organisations offering temporary gun storage in Maryland. This brief report details our process, barriers encountered, and future considerations to improve access to offsite gun storage options.
A Culturally Validated Model of Student Success Services and Academic and Curriculum Enhancements at a Hispanic-Serving Institution

Though college enrollment rates for Mexican-American students have increased over the past years, Mexican-Americans still have one of the lowest rates for degree completion. However, more work is recognizing the strengths of students of Mexican descent, particularly those related to culture such as familism, and calling for asset-based programs that validate the student to increase student retention and persistence. Programs infused with such an approach likely address aspects that improve performance amongst Mexican-American students; however, evidence-based assessment is limited. This paper will detail an asset-based program that uses a culturally validated model of student success services and academic and curriculum enhancements at a Hispanic-Serving Institution to increase overall Latinx student retention and persistence. The program infuses Validation Theory (Rendon, 1994) to address cultural strengths of students and validate their life experiences as first-time freshmen, by creating a culturally relevant curriculum, enhancing culturally relevant student support services, and promoting education equity. Students involved in this program report a high level of belongingness at the university as well as have higher pass rates in their culturally validated courses. Recommendations are discussed for implementation of such a comprehensive program at other institutions as well as implications for higher education.
Cyclicity Preserving Operators on Spaces of Analytic Functions in $${\mathbb {C}}^n$$ C n

For spaces of analytic functions defined on an open set in $${\mathbb {C}}^n$$ that satisfy certain nice properties, we show that operators that preserve shift-cyclic functions are necessarily weighted composition operators. Examples of spaces for which this result holds true consist of the Hardy space $$H^p({\mathbb {D}}^n) \, (0< p < \infty )$$ , the Drury–Arveson space $${\mathcal {H}}^2_n$$ , and the Dirichlet-type space $${\mathcal {D}}_{\alpha } \, (\alpha \in {\mathbb {R}})$$ . We focus on the Hardy spaces and show that when $$1 \le p < \infty $$ , the converse is also true. The techniques used to prove the main result also enable us to prove a version of the Gleason–Kahane–Żelazko theorem for partially multiplicative linear functionals on spaces of analytic functions in more than one variable.
The Cultural and Linguistic Adaptation of a Caregiver-Implemented Naturalistic Communication Intervention

Adequately addressing the needs of families who are culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) goes beyond the simple translation of materials and supports. Some researchers have suggested use of a cultural adaptation framework or process to help determine what adaptations should be made to an intervention to make it culturally responsive. The purpose of this article is to describe the cultural and linguistic adaptation process of a naturalistic, caregiver-implemented intervention for children with limited verbal communication skills where caregivers were primarily Spanish-speaking. Data were collected throughout the process from community partners and participants using multiple methods to understand caregivers’ perceptions relative to the effectiveness of the cultural and linguistic adaptations in supporting their participation and use of the program strategies. This project provides the field with one example of how to utilize a cultural and linguistic adaptation process to successfully expand the use of evidence-based practice and interventions within diverse populations.
The Islamic Paradigm of Nations: Toward a Neo-Classical Approach

As late as 1966 Martin Wight could still pose the question 'why is there no international relations theory?' By this he meant the absence of a tradition of speculation about relations between states, families of nations, or the international community, comparable to that of political theory as speculation about the state. To the extent that it did exist, it was marked by 'intellectual and moral poverty' caused both by the prejudice imposed by the sovereign state and the belief in progress (Wight, 1995, pp. 15-16 and 19). Unlike political theory, which has been progressive in its concern with pursuing interests of state as the 'theory of the good life', international politics as the 'theory of survival' constituted the 'realm of recurrence and repetition' (Wight, 1995, pp. 25 and 32). Essentially, therefore, it had nothing new to offer. This challenging viewpoint spawned a dynamic of intellectual activities, which by the 1990s had enriched the discipline of international relations in ways earlier unforeseen. The assumptions of repetitiveness and recurrences, which had hindered the field's potential for expansion and risked limiting its horizons, were contested. No longer was the field constrained by a preoccupation with state survival or lack of appropriate concepts with which to theorise about global politics. The discipline drew on advancements in the cognate fields of social and political theory, which opened new horizons of theoretical unfolding. It became sufficiently enriched and diversified to be able to challenge claims to a 'consensually recognized or determined' nature of world politics and to overcome conceptual paucity and rigidity (Burchill and Linklater, 1996, pp. 7-8). Much of what Wight had indicated in the 1960s may not be as pertinent to the current state of western international theory, given the gamut of intellectual developments that have taken place since. In surpassing the simplicity of earlier approaches, the field, in fact, became a victim of its own success. Well into the 1990s it continued to suffer from a lack of an authoritative paradigm on the one hand, and a confusing array of proliferating paradigms on the other (Holsti, 1985, pp. 1-7). Nevertheless, the dynamism exhibited in addressing these contentions reflected a positive attitude toward problem solving, the highlighting of which could perhaps inspire similar outlooks among constituents of diverse cultures.
The linkage of dermatan sulfate to protein. II. Monosaccharide sequence of the linkage region.

Abstract The linkage of dermatan sulfate to protein and the structure of the carbohydrate sequence in the linkage region have been investigated. It has been shown that the carbohydrate-protein linkage is a glycosidic bond between xylose and the hydroxyl group of serine. Four oligosaccharide fragments from the linkage region were isolated after partial acid hydrolysis of the polysaccharide: 3-O-β-d-glucuronosyl-d-galactose, 3-O-β-d-galactosyl-d-galactose, 4-O-β-d-galactosyl-d-xylose, and 3-O-β-d-galactosyl-4-O-β-d-galactosyl-d-xylose. The characterization of these oligosaccharides establishes the following structure for the linkage region: ...β-d-GlcUA-(1 → 3)-β-d-Gal-(1 → 3)-β-d-Gal-(1 → 4)-d-Xyl-O-Ser This carbohydrate sequence is identical with that previously found for chondroitin 4-sulfate, chondroitin 6-sulfate, and heparin.
The outlook for the Euro: lessons from the DEM*

The Euro started at $1.19 but has fallen as low as $0.82 and risen as high as $1.35. If the Euro behaves like the DEM, the long run value of the Euro is approximately $1.00, and over time, the Euro is likely to rise as high as $1.552 and fall to as low as $0.645. Many have criticized the European Central Bank, often severely, fi rst because the Euro we- akened greatly during most of its fi rst three years, starting in January, 1999, and then be- cause it strengthened greatly over the next three years. The Euro has been less volatile so far than the DEM was over the fl oating period starting in March, 1973; by this standard, the ECB has done as well as the Bundesbank did, and the Bundesbank was acknowledged as by far the best performing European central bank. Based on the record of the DEM, if the new members of the European Union adopt the Euro, they are in for substantial exchange- rate volatility; adopting the Euro may still make a great deal of sense if the new members cannot trust their own central banks to run low-infl ation policies.
Interaction of dual intracellular signaling pathways activated by the melanocortin-3 receptor

We undertook these studies to explore the intracellular signaling mechanisms activated by a newly described human brain melanocortin receptor (hMC3R). Hepa cells transfected with the hMC3R gene responded to stimulation with alpha-melanocyte stimulation hormone (alpha-MSH) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) with dose-dependent increases in cellular content of cyclic 3',5'-adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) reaching a maximum of over 1500% of control cells at the 10(-8) M dose (EC50 = 10(-11) M). In contrast, the production of [3H]inositol phosphates in cells prelabeled with myo-[2-3H]inositol exhibited a biphasic dose-response curve with increases as high as 155% of basal at 10(-11) M alpha-MSH or ACTH, but beyond that a dose-dependent decrease was observed. The inhibitory component of the dose-response curve could be abolished by pretreatment of transfected cells with the cAMP antagonist (Rp)-adenosine 3',5'-monophosphorothioate (Rp-cAMP) or the protein kinase A inhibitor H-89. Increases in intracellular calcium induced in transfected cells by alpha-MSH in doses ranging from 10(-11) to 10(-7) M could not be observed unless the cells were pretreated with H-89. By replacing the third intracytoplasmic loop of the canine H2-histamine receptor with that of hMC3R the biphasic characteristic of agonist-induced production of [3H]inositol phosphates was conferred to the chimeric receptor. These data indicate that the hMC3R is coupled to both cAMP and inositol phospholipid/Ca(2+)-mediated post-receptor signaling systems and that the latter response is regulated by protein kinase A activity.
Aerodynamic Assessment of Phonatory Onset in Parkinson's Disease: Evidence of Decreased Scaling of Laryngeal and Respiratory Control

Background Phonatory onset is important for speech and voice and may be substantially impaired in people with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). However, the physiologic contributions of laryngeal and respiratory control to phonatory onset in PD are not well understood. Acoustic measurement of phonatory onset in neurological disease has been limited due to the confounding effects of dysarthria and the limited yield of physiologic detail.
Current Productivity and Prehistoric Use of Piñon (Pinus edulis, Pinaceae) in the Dolores Archaeological Project Area, Southwestern Colorado

The possible contribution of pinon (Pinus edulis) seed to the diet of an Anasazi population is investigated using present data on seed productivity and archaeological data on resource use. Annual estimates of total productivity for a 135.7 sq km study area in Montezuma County, Colorado, vary by a factor of 141 in a sample spanning 5 yr. Trees greater than about 25 cm (basal diameter) are usually monoecious and produce significantly more cones per tree but fewer good seeds per cone than smaller, usually dioecious specimens. Archaeological data suggest that pinon seed was a relatively unimportant food item after the initial period of Anasazi colonization of the Dolores River valley about a.D. 600. Use of pinon seed as food was inversely related to degree of agricultural intensification and use of pinon for fuel.
Geography Education: Pan American Perspectives

The book Geography Education: Pan American Perspectives, edited by Osvaldo Muniz-Solari and Richard Boehm with contributions from notable geographers from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa ...
Thermal transport through GaN–SiC interfaces from 300 to 600 K

Silicon carbide is used as a substrate for high-power GaN devices because of its closely matched lattice spacing with GaN and its high thermal conductivity. In these devices, thermal resistance at the GaN–SiC interface is a bottleneck to heat flow, making this property an important factor in device design. In this letter, we report the first measurements of the thermal boundary conductance of epitaxial GaN grown directly on SiC without a transition layer. We find that the thermal boundary conductance increases from approximately 230 MW/m2K at 300 K to 330 MW/m2K at 600 K. Our measured values are in good qualitative agreement with the diffuse mismatch model for thermal boundary conductance and are in good quantitative agreement when we include a correction factor based on the ratio of Debye temperatures of the two materials. We also report the thermal conductivity of the GaN film, the thermal conductivity of 4H-SiC, and the thermal boundary conductance between Ni and GaN.
Geothermal energy in power systems

This paper discusses the use of geothermal energy in restructured power systems. The paper defines the resources as well as the ways in which geothermal energy is converted into electricity. The paper also reviews a few geothermal projects in the United States and some other parts of world. Finally a comparative review of renewable energy sources is presented and conclusions are outlined
From Matriculation to Engagement on Campus: Delineating the Experiences of Latino/a Students at a Public Historically Black University

Drawing from a larger study on Asian Americans and Latino/as at HBCUs, this chapter focuses exclusively on the Latino/a students, sheds light on factors that motivated Latino/a students to attend a historically Black university, and discusses the on-campus experiences of these students. The chapter provides insight into what HBCUs might do to help increase a sense of belonging among Latino/a students.
Role for the nicotinic cholinergic system in movement disorders; therapeutic implications

A large body of evidence using experimental animal models shows that the nicotinic cholinergic system is involved in the control of movement under physiological conditions. This work raised the question whether dysregulation of this system may contribute to motor dysfunction and whether drugs targeting nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) may be of therapeutic benefit in movement disorders. Accumulating preclinical studies now show that drugs acting at nAChRs improve drug-induced dyskinesias. The general nAChR agonist nicotine, as well as several nAChR agonists (varenicline, ABT-089 and ABT-894), reduces l-dopa-induced abnormal involuntary movements or dyskinesias up to 60% in parkinsonian nonhuman primates and rodents. These dyskinesias are potentially debilitating abnormal involuntary movements that arise as a complication of l-dopa therapy for Parkinson's disease. In addition, nicotine and varenicline decrease antipsychotic-induced abnormal involuntary movements in rodent models of tardive dyskinesia. Antipsychotic-induced dyskinesias frequently arise as a side effect of chronic drug treatment for schizophrenia, psychosis and other psychiatric disorders. Preclinical and clinical studies also show that the nAChR agonist varenicline improves balance and coordination in various ataxias. Lastly, nicotine has been reported to attenuate the dyskinetic symptoms of Tourette's disorder. Several nAChR subtypes appear to be involved in these beneficial effects of nicotine and nAChR drugs including α4β2*, α6β2* and α7 nAChRs (the asterisk indicates the possible presence of other subunits in the receptor). Overall, the above findings, coupled with nicotine's neuroprotective effects, suggest that nAChR drugs have potential for future drug development for movement disorders.
Assessing the peak capacity of IMS-IMS separations of tryptic peptide ions in He at 300 K.

Two-dimensional ion mobility spectrometry (IMS−IMS) coupled with mass spectrometry is examined as a means of separating mixtures of tryptic peptides (from myoglobin and hemoglobin). In this study, we utilize two distinct drift regions that are identical in that each contains He buffer gas at 300 K. The two-dimensional advantage is realized by changing the structures of the ions. As ions arrive at the end of the first drift region, those of a specified mobility are selected, exposed to energizing collisions, and then introduced into a second drift region. Upon collisional activation, some ions undergo structural transitions, leading to substantial changes in their mobilities; others undergo only slight (or no) mobility changes. Examination of peak positions and shapes for peptides that are separated in the first IMS dimension indicates experimental peak capacities ranging from ∼60 to 80; the peak shapes and range of changes in mobility that are observed in the second drift region (after activation) indicat...
Quality of life among parents of children with cancer or brain tumors: the impact of child characteristics and parental psychosocial factors

Understanding the impact of childhood cancer on the family is increasingly important. This study aimed to (1) examine the relationship between child clinical characteristics and health-related quality of life (QOL) among parents of children with cancer or brain tumors, and (2) determine how parental psychosocial factors impact this relationship. Using a within-group approach, this study examined 75 children with cancer or brain tumors and their parent. In-person interviewer-assisted surveys assessed sociodemographics, psychosocial factors, and QOL. Child clinical characteristics were obtained through medical record abstraction. Regressions were performed to determine factors related to parental QOL. Children’s activity limitation and active treatment status were associated with worse parental mental QOL (5.4 and 4.4 points lower, respectively; P 0.05 for all child characteristics). While child clinical characteristics appear to be related to poor parental QOL, this relationship was mediated by caregiver burden and stress. Interventions to reduce burden and stress may mitigate the deleterious effects of caregiving. Systematic screening of parents’ mental and physical health may facilitate interventions and improve the health and well-being of parents and children.
Charged current review

Abstract Experimental measurements of the τ lifetime and leptonic branching ratios are combined to give updated world averages for these quantities. The results are then used to test the universality of the electroweak charged current couplings to the three lepton species and are found to be consistent with Standard Model predictions at the level of 0.2%, permitting limits to be derived on non-Standard Model physics such as the mass of the τ neutrino.
Fibronectin/laminin and their receptors in aberrant growth control in FR3T3 cells transformed by ha-ras oncogene and epidermal growth factor gene

FR3T3 cells transfected with either the Ha-ras oncogene or the epidermal-growth-factor (EGF) gene demonstrate the transformed phenotype as indicated by in vitro and in vivo criteria. We have examined non-transformed FR3T3 cells as well as Ha-ras-oncogene-transformed and EGF-gene-trans-formed cells for expression of cell surface fibronectin and cell surface laminin. Fibronectin was absent from the surface of the Ha-ras-oncogene-transformed cells but present on both the EGF-gene-transformed cells and the non-transformed FR3T3 cells. Laminin was present on the cell surface in all 3 lines. The lack of surface fibronectin on the Ha-ras-oncogene-transformed cells was associated with reduced fibronectin production as indicated by immunoblotting of whole cell extracts and by ELISA. Concomitantly, there was a significant reduction of fibronectin binding by the Ha-ras-oncogene-transformed cells as compared to their EGF-gene-transformed and non-transformed counterparts. The Ha-ras-oncogene-transformed cells demonstrated reduced cell-substrate adhesiveness relative to the other two cell lines, as indicated by rates of attachment and spreading on plastic culture dishes in the presence of bovine serum albumin. They also demonstrated reduced adhesiveness in response to fibronectin but not laminin. Taken together, our results suggest that aberrant expression of fibronectin/fibronectin receptors is associated with Ha-ras-oncogene-induced transformation. In contrast, transformation by the EGF gene does not appear to involve aberrant expression of fibronectin/ fibronectin receptors.
In vivo performance evaluation of short-lag spatial coherence and harmonic spatial coherence imaging in fetal ultrasound

Ultrasonography is the primary imaging modality used for diagnostic assessment of fetal and maternal health during pregnancy. However, a large proportion of fetal ultrasound exams suffer from inadequate or lack of visualization of clinically relevant structures due to acoustical noise or clutter. These undesirable effects are even more pronounced in overweight and obese mothers. In previous work our group has introduced short-lag spatial coherence (SLSC) and harmonic spatial coherence imaging (HSCI) as methods for clutter reduction. These have been shown to be successful in improving image contrast and border delineation in both simulations and in vivo experiments on liver and cardiac imaging. We extend the application of these techniques to fetal ultrasound imaging. We collected individual channel RF data on 11 volunteers in their first trimester of pregnancy. The amount of intrinsic clutter varied across the volunteers. These data sets were used to generate matched fundamental B-mode, SLSC, harmonic B-mode, and HSCI images. These images were compared qualitatively by assessing image texture and target detectability and quantitatively using SNR, CNR, and contrast. SLSC and HSCI images showed significant improvements across all imaging metrics compared to B-mode and harmonic B-mode, respectively. The improvements in clutter suppression and improved conspicuity of target structures were greatest for poor quality B-mode images. Clutter levels in these images, measured in a region of amniotic fluid compared to a region of uniform speckle, were measured to be 15 dB for B-mode versus 27 dB for SLSC, and 17 dB for harmonic B-mode versus 30 dB for HSCI. CNR for the same set of images improved from 1.4 to 2.5 for B-mode to SLSC and from 1.4 to 3.1 for harmonic B-mode to HSCI.
A multidimensional latent trait model for measuring learning and change.

A latent trait model is presented for the repeated measurement of ability based on a multidimensional conceptualization of the change process. A simplex structure is postulated to link item performance under a given measurement condition or occasion to initial ability and to one or more modifiabilities that represent individual differences in change. Since item discriminations are constrained to be equal within a measurement condition, the model belongs to the family of multidimensional Rasch models. Maximum likelihood estimators of the item parameters and abilities are derived, and an example provided that shows good recovery of both item and ability parameters. Properties of the model are explored, particularly for several classical issues in measuring change.
Effects of Lincomycin on Developing Rat Dentition

Lox toxicity and low sensitizing potential, along with antibiotic effectiveness, make lincomycin desirable for treating dental infections. However, its safety for use during pregnancy and in the newborn has yet to be established. These tests with rats show that the drug can be administered during the period of active tooth formation without endangering the developing rat dentition.
Second harmonic generation studies of the ice/water interface

Understanding the structure of the interface between ice and liquid water is essential to the study of molecular adsorption at this boundary. Despite great interest in the ice/water interface, experimental studies are sparse. In this work, the nonlinear optical laser technique, second harmonic generation (SHG), is used in a total internal reflection geometry to probe the single crystalline ice/water interface. SHG signals from the clean ice/water interface are observed and attributed to symmetry breaking at the boundary. We report observation of a linear adsorption isotherm when water is replaced by 0.2 to 7 (mu) M solutions of 2,2'- dihydroxy-1,1'-binaphthyl (BN). The coverage is most likely submonolayer; therefore, we observe only the beginning of the adsorption profile. We argue that BN adsorption is entropy driven. In a separate study, 0.02 to 1 mg/mL solutions of winter flounder antifreeze protein are contacted with the ice. The adsorption profile closely follows the freezing point depression activity curve of the protein.
Cultured epithelial autografts for giant congenital nevi

Eight pediatric patients with giant congenital nevi confluent over 21 to 51 percent body surface area were treated by excision and grafting. The nevus was excised to the muscle fascia, and the open wound was grafted with cultured epithelial autografts and split-thickness skin grafts. The patients ha
All the stationary vacuum states of de Sitter space

We obtain all the stationary vacua of de Sitter space by classifying the inequivalent timelike isometries of the de Sitter group. Besides the static vacuum, de Sitter space also admits a family of rotating vacua, which we use to obtain Kerr--de Sitter solutions in three, four, and five dimensions. By writing the metric in a coordinate system adapted to the rotating Hamiltonian, we show that empty de Sitter space admits not only an observer-dependent horizon but also an observer-dependent ergosphere.
Regional hospital needs projection: An input-output approach☆

Abstract Steeply rising medical costs and the inadequacies of health care for the needy have recently stirred up unprecedented concern over the health industry in this country. In order to achieve more efficient allocation of medical resources and, hence, more equitable distribution of medical services, regional planning and regulatory authorities have been established and periodically reorganized in the health field in this country. This paper develops a systematic input-output model utilizing a clinical approach to project the impatient services needed for a given population by age, sex, residence and medical specialty. On the basis of empirical discharge data, relationships between regional demographic characteristics and diagnoses, between diagnoses and inpatient services, and between inpatient services and the production capacity of hospitals were derived. Given the projected regional population, the coefficients so derived are adjusted and employed to project future inpatient service needs. By comparing the existing to projected capacity, the location and investment decisions for hospitals can then be properly made, and the possibility of resource misallocation may be minimized. The applicability of this model is demonstrated in forecasting the hospital needs in the Kansas City Metropolitan Area, 1975–1995.
Ceph: a scalable, high-performance distributed file system

We have developed Ceph, a distributed file system that provides excellent performance, reliability, and scalability. Ceph maximizes the separation between data and metadata management by replacing allocation tables with a pseudo-random data distribution function (CRUSH) designed for heterogeneous and dynamic clusters of unreliable object storage devices (OSDs). We leverage device intelligence by distributing data replication, failure detection and recovery to semi-autonomous OSDs running a specialized local object file system. A dynamic distributed metadata cluster provides extremely efficient metadata management and seamlessly adapts to a wide range of general purpose and scientific computing file system workloads. Performance measurements under a variety of workloads show that Ceph has excellent I/O performance and scalable metadata management, supporting more than 250,000 metadata operations per second.
Slime Mold Cities

Inspired by the behavior of slime mold cells, Paul Krugman developed a simple one-dimensional model in which moving firms self-organize into cities. In this paper I show that extending the model into two dimensions significantly improves its realism. Cities in the two-dimensional model are similar in several respects to real cities: they grow and decline, they cluster near rivers and coasts, and, given certain parameters, their distribution follows Zipf's law. A calibration exercise, however, suggests that observed levels of agglomeration must be due to factors beyond those included in the model.
Effects of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs on ulcerogenesis and gastric secretion in pylorus-ligated rat

The effects of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs on ulcerogenesis and gastric secretion were evaluated in a pylorus-ligated rat model. Oral administration of salicylate (50 mg/kg), aspirin (50 mg/kg), and indomethacin (3.5 mg/kg) significantly increased ulcerogenesis over the basal value by six- to sevenfold, but ibuprofen's (10 mg/kg) fourfold increase was not significant. Aspirin in conjunction with histamine (0.5 mg/kg subcutaneously) significantly increased ulcerogenesis by 2.7-fold compared to histamine alone. Basal acid secretion was increased significantly by 156% after indomethacin, but not by other nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs. In contrast, all nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, except indomethacin, significantly decreased histamine-stimulated acid secretion. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs had no effect on pepsinogen secretion. Ranitidine pretreatment (25 mg/kg intraperitoneally) significantly decreased basal acid and pepsinogen secretion in all treatment groups by >85% and >40%, respectively, and ulcerations induced by salicylate, aspirin, and indomethacin were also inhibited by 90%, 60%, and 60%, respectively. The observed inhibition of prostaglandin E2 generation by nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs under basal secretory conditions appeared to correlate with the extent of ulcerogenesis. Our data support the concept that acid, in addition to inhibition of prostaglandin E2 synthesis, plays an important role in the pathogenesis of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug-induced gastropathy.
SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AT 70 K AND 100 K IN THE MoTlSrCaCuO SYSTEM

Superconductivity at 70 K and 100 K in the MoTlSrCaCuO system was observed by resistance and ac susceptibility measurements. Powder X-ray diffraction analyses showed that the phase responsible for the 70 K superconductivity is a 1212-type phase TlSr2(Ca, Mo)Cu2O7. The phase responsible for the 100 K superconductivity cannot be identified from powder X-ray diffraction data because of its small amount. According to the existing data on 1212-type phase, this phase is surmised to be also a 1212-type phase, in which Mo substitutes for both Tl and Ca.
Meiotic Checkpoints: Repair or Removal?

Defects in meiosis can produce different checkpoint responses in female and male animals, suggesting that meiotic checkpoints exhibit sexual dimorphism. A recent study in Caenorhabditis elegans indicates that meiotic checkpoint activation is similar between the sexes and the primary difference lies in the downstream consequences.
Periodic Solutions of the N-Body Problem

This paper proves the existence of six new classes of periodic solutions to the Nbody problem by small parameter methods. Three different methods of introducing a small parameter are considered and an appropriate method of scaling the Hamiltonian is given for each method. The small parameter is either one of the masses, the distance between a pair of particles or the reciprocal of the distances between one particle and the center of mass of the remaining particles. For each case symmetric and non-symmetric periodic solutions are established. For every relative equilibrium solution of the (N - I)-body problem each of the six results gives periodic solutions of the N-body problem. Under additional mild nonresonance conditions the results are roughly as follows. Any non-degenerate periodic solutions of the restricted N-body problem can be continued into the full N-body problem. There exist periodic solutions of the N-body problem, where N - 2 particles and the center of mass of the remaining pair move approximately on a solution of relative equilibrium and the pair move approximately on a small circular orbit of the two-body problems around their center of mass. There exist periodic solutions of the N-body problem, where one small particle and the center of mass of the remaining N - 1 particles move approximately on a large circular orbit of the two body problems and the remaining N- 1 bodies move approximately on a solution of relative equilibrium about their center of mass. There are three similar results on the existence of symmetric periodic solutions.
In Vitro Studies of the Action of Antibiotics on Rickettsia prowazeki by Two Basic Methods of Cell Culture

chamber method of culturing chick embryo cells was developed, and the technique used to plaque Rickettsia was modified. These methods permitted the detection of morphologic changes induced by antibiotics and the determination of minimal inhibitory concentrations and rates of killing of rickettsiae. With Rickettsia prowazeki the minimal inhibitory concentrations were 1.0, 0.1, 0.06, and 0.008 [tg/ml for chloramphenicol, doxycycline, erythromycin, and rifampin, respectively. The in vitro actions of doxycycline and minocycline were indistinguishable from that of tetracycline. Doxycycline, rifampin, and erythromycin killed rickettsiae at clinically attainable concentrations, but the rates of action were too slow for eradication of the organisms from the human host under conditions usually associated with the treatment of typhus fever.
Oxidative decarboxylation of aspartate, alanine and glycine in developing rabbit brain

Abstract 1. 1. Slices of immature rabbit brain were incubated in media utilizing as sole substrates, uniformly labeled with 14 C: glucose, l -alamine, l -aspartate and glycine. In addition, slices were incubated with radioinert glucose combined with each of the labeled amino acids above. 2. 2. Only glucose supported O 2 uptake above the levels found with endogenous substrate. The addition of the amino acids to the glucose-containing media did not change the rate of O 2 uptake. 3. 3. The carbon skeletons of l -alanine and l -aspartate are oxidized to CO 2 by developing brain at all ages studied to a significant degree. The carbon skeleton of glycine is poorly oxidized to CO 2 at the same ages. The addition of glucose to each of the media containing l -aspartate and l -alanine leads to a great increase in amount of the amino acid carbon oxidized to CO 2 at all ages studied. The synergistic effect of increase of l -alanine oxidation when glucose is present has not previously been noted. 4. 4. The findings of these experiments suggest the availability of some amino acids as normal or emergency substrates of oxidative decarboxylation in the developing animal brain.
Polymorphous light eruption in African Americans: pinpoint papular variant

Background: Polymorphous light eruption (PMLE) is the most common chronic idiopathic photodermatosis usually manifesting as a papular eruption (3–6 mm), with several other morphological variants described. Methods: Between June 1998 and August 2001, nine patients presented with complaints of a pruritic pinpoint papular eruption associated with sun exposure. A detailed history and complete skin examination were performed along with a skin biopsy if active lesions were present. Phototesting to ultraviolet-A (UV-A), ultraviolet-B (UV-B) and visible light was performed in four patients. Antinuclear antibody (ANA) testing was performed in three patients. The diagnosis of PMLE was made based on the history, morphology of the lesions, results of phototesting and skin biopsy if available. Results: In all patients, pinpoint papules (1–2 mm) were observed on sun-exposed areas, sparring the face and flexural surfaces. All patients were African American women with skin type IV–VI and a mean age of 39.3 years (range 21–52 years). Phototest results were normal in three patients; one patient, who was on glyburide, had a decreased minimal erythema dose to UV-A. ANA testing was negative. Two histopathologic patterns were observed: (i) focal lichenoid and perivascular lymphohistiocytic infiltrate with red blood cell extravasation in four specimens and (ii) superficial and deep interstitial lymphocytic infiltrate with papillary dermal edema in the remaining three specimens. All patients responded to topical corticosteroids, broad-spectrum sunscreens and antihistamines. Conclusion: Recognition of this pinpoint papular variant of PMLE in dark-skinned individuals is important in the evaluation and management of these patients.
Receiver-operating characteristics of adjusted urine measurements of oxycodone plus metabolites to distinguish between three different rates of oxycodone administration.

Abstract Objectives In a study by Couto et al. (Use of an algorithm applied to urine drug screening to assess adherence to an oxycontin regimen. J Opioid Manag 2009;5:359–64), adjusted urine measurements of oxycodone plus metabolites noroxycodone and oxymorphone were determined among volunteer subjects in three groups according to oxycodone administration rates (A: 80 mg/day; B: 160 mg/day; C: 240 mg/day). We performed receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analyses of the distribution data from this study to determine the ability to correctly categorize individual measurements with respect to each group. Design and methods For groups A–C, assumed reference ranges were defined as median-centered intervals encompassing a designated central percentage of the group's distribution. By varying assumed reference ranges across all possible reference ranges, ROC analyses of the ability of each group's reference ranges to appropriately include or exclude members of all groups were calculated. This generated six ROC curves (sensitivity vs. specificity): A vs. (B or C); B vs. (A or C); C vs. (A or B). Results Overlaps of distributions A, B, and C were large, such that none of the ROC curves exceeded areas-under-curves of 0.8. The greatest sensitivity–specificity combination had a sensitivity of 74% for C with specificity of 75% for A, for which oxycodone administration rates were different by a factor of 3. Conclusions ROC analyses of data from a previous study demonstrated that, even under experimentally controlled conditions, adjusted urine drug measurements could not be used reliably to correctly categorize individual subjects' results according to their known oxycodone administration rates in the range of 80–240 mg/day. Misclassifications of results were 25% or greater.