cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intimate Relationship Dynamics and Changing Desire for Pregnancy Among Young Women.

CONTEXT Although substantial research has focused on unintended pregnancy among young women, less is known about the circumstances under which pregnancy is desired. Whether a young woman's pregnancy desire changes across her different relationships, or over time within a relationship, has not been directly assessed. METHODS Data on intimate relationships and pregnancy desire were assessed weekly for 895 women aged 18-22 who participated in the Relationship Dynamics and Social Life study in a county in Michigan (2008-2012). Within-between logistic regression models were used to examine within-cluster and between-cluster differences-comparisons of a woman's pregnancy desire within a relationship over time as well as across a woman's different relationships. RESULTS Young women were more likely to desire pregnancy if they were in any relationship more intimate and committed than a casual relationship (odds ratios, 1.6-9.2); the odds of desiring pregnancy were also higher in long-term relationships rather than in short-term ones (2.1). In general, pregnancy desire increased over time as a relationship endured and became more serious. The odds of desiring pregnancy were lower among women with less educated, rather than equally educated, partners (0.7), while the odds were higher in nonmonogamous or violent relationships than in monogamous or nonviolent relationships (1.6 and 1.9, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Young women's pregnancy desire changes depending on their intimate relationship context, across the range of relationships they experience during the transition to adulthood.
Diverse cardiopulmonary diseases are associated with distinct xenon magnetic resonance imaging signatures

Background As an increasing number of patients exhibit concomitant cardiac and pulmonary disease, limitations of standard diagnostic criteria are more frequently encountered. Here, we apply noninvasive 129Xe magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spectroscopy to identify patterns of regional gas transfer impairment and haemodynamics that are uniquely associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), left heart failure (LHF) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Methods Healthy volunteers (n=23) and patients with COPD (n=8), IPF (n=12), LHF (n=6) and PAH (n=10) underwent 129Xe gas transfer imaging and dynamic spectroscopy. For each patient, three-dimensional maps were generated to depict ventilation, barrier uptake (129Xe dissolved in interstitial tissue) and red blood cell (RBC) transfer (129Xe dissolved in RBCs). Dynamic 129Xe spectroscopy was used to quantify cardiogenic oscillations in the RBC signal amplitude and frequency shift. Results Compared with healthy volunteers, all patient groups exhibited decreased ventilation and RBC transfer (both p≤0.01). Patients with COPD demonstrated more ventilation and barrier defects compared with all other groups (both p≤0.02). In contrast, IPF patients demonstrated elevated barrier uptake compared with all other groups (p≤0.007), and increased RBC amplitude and shift oscillations compared with healthy volunteers (p=0.007 and p≤0.01, respectively). Patients with COPD and PAH both exhibited decreased RBC amplitude oscillations (p=0.02 and p=0.005, respectively) compared with healthy volunteers. LHF was distinguishable from PAH by enhanced RBC amplitude oscillations (p=0.01). Conclusion COPD, IPF, LHF and PAH each exhibit unique 129Xe MRI and dynamic spectroscopy signatures. These metrics may help with diagnostic challenges in cardiopulmonary disease and increase understanding of regional lung function and haemodynamics at the alveolar–capillary level.
Chapter 22 – Trace Minerals

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on six elements—cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn)—to illustrate the concepts important to trace element metabolism and disease. These elements are chosen because there is evidence that perturbations in their metabolism are relatively common. Other biologically active trace elements, although potentially important, often require special conditions or long periods of deprivation before signs of deficiency are recognized. Metal ions in combination with numerous organic accessory and catalytic factors (e.g., various vitamins) play important roles in enhancing specificity and providing additional properties that allow complementary forces, and arrangements to improve the orientation and efficiency of catalysis. In enzyme transition states, metals influence the entropic components of enzymatic reactions. Metals allow the formation of metastable bonds and play roles in entasis. Some minerals are important in organizing water structure, while others act as Lewis acids and bases. Appropriate intake levels of certain chemical elements are required to maintain optimal health.
Gang crackdowns and offender centrality in a countywide co-offending network: A networked evaluation of Operation Triple Beam

Abstract Purpose In 2018, the US Marshals Service (USMS) and local law enforcement implemented “Operation Triple Beam” (OTB) in and around Houston, TX. While OTB has been touted as an exemplary initiative, its impact on offending and co-offending remains a mystery. Using over a decade of web-scraped arrest data from 16 law enforcement agencies I evaluate the impact of OTB on co-offending network involvement in Galveston County, TX. Methods Difference-in-difference regression analysis is employed to assess change in centrality from the co-offending network preceding OTB to the network following OTB, relative to change over similarly structured networks in a randomly sampled control group drawn from the 7 years preceding OTB. Results Arrest during OTB, to a greater extent than arrest during counterfactual periods, is associated with reductions in co-offending network involvement. The greatest reductions are observed in harmonic closeness and betweenness centrality. Further, OTB arrestees appear to have held co-offending network positions of greater prestige (eigenvector) when compared with the control group. Conclusions Consistent with its goals, OTB appears to have targeted prominent offenders within the regional co-offending network. OTB appears to have been especially effective at damaging the involvement of the networks' brokers.
Dissociable Roles of Ventromedial Prefrontal Cortex and Anterior Cingulate in Subjective Valuation of Prospective Effort

The perceived effort level of an action shapes everyday decisions. Despite the importance of these perceptions for decision-making, the behavioral and neural representations of the subjective cost of effort are not well understood. While a number of studies have implicated anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) in decisions about effort/reward trade-offs, none have experimentally isolated effort valuation from reward and choice difficulty, a function that is commonly ascribed to this region. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to monitor brain activity while human participants engaged in uncertain choices for prospective physical effort. Our task was designed to examine effort-based decision making in the absence of reward and separated from choice difficulty - allowing us to investigate the brain9s role in effort valuation, independent of these other factors. Participants exhibited subjectivity in their decision-making, displaying increased sensitivity to changes in subjective effort as objective effort levels increased. Analysis of blood-oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) activity revealed that the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) encoded the subjective valuation of prospective effort and ACC encoded choice difficulty. These results provide insight into the processes responsible for decision-making regarding effort, dissociating the roles of vmPFC and ACC in prospective valuation of effort and choice difficulty.
Best Practices for Accommodating Children in the Polysomnography Lab: Enhancing Quality and Patient Experience

We review the child-friendly and family-centered approaches to conducting pediatric sleep studies. While the majority of sleep laboratories are geared toward adults, there is a need and opportunity to offer pediatric services. Sleep laboratories that can accommodate children are better positioned to attract a broad range of new referrals. In this chapter, we discuss indications for pediatric polysomnography (PSG), implementation of a family-centered approach, how to prepare a sleep lab for children, engaging children and families with the PSG procedure, and pediatric-specific strategies for success and delivery of high-quality care. Experience and evidence-based recommendations about policies and procedures; equipment and sensors; atmosphere, staff training, and the importance of preparation are also included. With these tools and strategies for success, a sleep laboratory can provide “best practice” care for the pediatric patient and optimize patient experience.
Inducible nitric oxide synthase is an endogenous neuroprotectant after traumatic brain injury in rats and mice.

Nitric oxide (NO) derived from the inducible isoform of NO synthase (iNOS) is an inflammatory product implicated both in secondary damage and in recovery from brain injury. To address the role of iNOS in experimental traumatic brain injury (TBI), we used 2 paradigms in 2 species. In a model of controlled cortical impact (CCI) with secondary hypoxemia, rats were treated with vehicle or with 1 of 2 iNOS inhibitors (aminoguanidine and L-N-iminoethyl-lysine), administered by Alzet pump for 5 days and 1.5 days after injury, respectively. In a model of CCI, knockout mice lacking the iNOS gene (iNOS–/–) were compared with wild-type (iNOS+/+) mice. Functional outcome (motor and cognitive) during the first 20 days after injury, and histopathology at 21 days, were assessed in both studies. Treatment of rats with either of the iNOS inhibitors after TBI significantly exacerbated deficits in cognitive performance, as assessed by Morris water maze (MWM) and increased neuron loss in vulnerable regions (CA3 and CA1) of hippocampus. Uninjured iNOS+/+ and iNOS–/– mice performed equally well in both motor and cognitive tasks. However, after TBI, iNOS–/– mice showed markedly worse performance in the MWM task than iNOS+/+ mice. A beneficial role for iNOS in TBI is supported.
“Because That’s What His Consul Had Ordered”: The Chilean Consulate as a Labor Institution in Mendoza, Argentina (1859-1869)❧

Objective/Context: This article examines the place of the Chilean consulate in conflicts related to control over labor in western Argentina during the 1860s, a decade of national consolidation and ...
Algorithmic Prediction of Delayed Radiology Turn-Around-Time during Non-Business Hours.

Rationale and Objectives Radiology turnaround time is an important quality measure that can impact hospital workflow and patient outcomes. We aimed to develop a machine learning model to predict delayed turnaround time during non-business hours and identify factors that contribute to this delay. Materials and Methods This retrospective study consisted of 15,117 CT cases from May 2018 to May 2019 during non-business hours at two hospital campuses after applying exclusion criteria. Of these 15,177 cases, 7,532 were inpatient cases and 7,585 were emergency cases. Order time, scan time, first communication by radiologist, free-text indications, and other clinical metadata were extracted. A combined XGBoost classifier and Random Forest natural language processing model was trained with 85% of the data and tested with 15% of the data. The model predicted two measures of delay: when the exam was ordered to first communication (total time) and when the scan was completed to first communication (interpretation time). The model was analyzed with the area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and feature importance. Source code: https://bit.ly/2UrLiVJ Results The algorithm reached an AUC of 0.85, with a 95% confidence interval [0.83, 0.87], when predicting delays greater than 245 minutes for “total time” and 0.71, with a 95% confidence interval [0.68, 0.73], when predicting delays greater than 57 minutes for “interpretation time”. At our institution, CT scan description (e.g. "CTA chest pulmonary embolism protocol"), time of day, and year in training were more predictive features compared to body part, inpatient status, and hospital campus for both interpretation and total time delay. Conclusion This algorithm can be applied clinically when a physician is ordering the scan to reasonably predict delayed turnaround time. Such a model can be leveraged to identify factors associated with delays and emphasize areas for improvement to patient outcomes.
Electronic structure analysis and reactivity of the bimetallic bis-titanocene vinylcarboxylate complex, [(Cp2Ti)2(O2C3TMS2)]

Abstract Multimetallic redox cooperativity features heavily in both bioinorganic and synthetic reactions. Here, the electronic structure of the bimetallic Ti/Ti complex 11, [(Cp2Ti)2(O2C3TMS2)] has been revisited with EPR, confirming a predominantly TiIII/TiIII electronic structure. Reactions of 11 with 2,6-dimethylphenyl isocyanide (CNXyl), TMSCl, MeI, and BnCl were explored, revealing differential redox chemistry of the bimetallic core. In reactions with CNXyl and TMSCl, the metallacyclic TiIII center remained unperturbed, with reactions taking place at the pendent κ2(O,O)-titanocene fragment, while reaction with MeI resulted in remote oxidation of the metallacyclic Ti center, indicative of a cooperative redox process. All structures were studied via X-ray diffraction and EPR spectroscopic analysis, and their electronic structures are discussed in the context of the covalent bond classification (CBC) electron counting method.
Supporting Elementary Pre-Service Teachers’ Academic Language Development in Social Studies

In this action research study, we investigated pre-service teachers’ (n = 39) perceptions of academic language and strategies in order to support their abilities to plan and teach elementary social...
Regulatory and ratemaking approaches to mitigate financial impacts of net-metered PV on utilities and ratepayers

The financial interests of U.S. utilities are poorly aligned with customer-sited solar photovoltaics (PV) under traditional regulation. Customer-sited PV, especially under a net-metering arrangement, may result in revenue erosion and lost earnings opportunities for utility shareholders as well as increases in average retail rates for utility ratepayers. Regulators are considering alternative regulatory and ratemaking approaches to mitigate these financial impacts. We performed a scoping analysis using a financial model to quantify the efficacy of mitigation approaches in reducing financial impacts of customer-sited PV on utility shareholders and ratepayers. We find that impacts can be mitigated through various incremental changes to utility regulatory and business models, though the efficacy varies considerably depending on design and particular utility circumstances. Based on this analysis, we discuss tradeoffs policymakers should consider, which ultimately might need to be resolved within broader policy contexts.
Designs Can Talk: A Case of Feedback for Design Evolution in Assistive Technology

Requirements engineers gain insights and make improvements on their requirements specifications, as they are applied in natural contexts. Software artifacts are particularly useful requirements instantiations because feedback can be obtained directly from software. Software talks to its designers about its requirements.
Bacterial Motility: Handedness and Symmetry

Many bacteria swim by rotating thin helical filaments that extend into the external medium, as with common bacteria, or run beneath the outer membrane, as with spirochetes. Each filament is driven at its base by a motor that turns alternately clockwise and counterclockwise. The motor-filament complex is called a flagellum. Other kinds of bacteria glide, but their organelles of locomotion are not known. Since bacteria are microscopic and live in an aqueous environment, they swim at low Reynolds' number; cyclic motion works (e.g. rotation of a helix) but reciprocal motion does not (e.g. stroking of a singly hinged oar). By measuring concentrations of certain chemicals as they move through their environment, making temporal comparisons and modulating the direction of flagellar rotation, bacteria accumulate in regions that they find more favourable. Studies of bacterial chemotaxis are highly advanced, particularly for the peritrichously flagellated species Escherichia coli. A great deal is known about chemoreception, receptor-flagellar coupling and adaptation. Recently it has been found that E. coli can aggregate in response to signals generated by the cells themselves. Complex patterns form with remarkable symmetries.
EFFECTS OF PHOSPHORUS AND MOLYBDENUM ON THE CAUSTIC STRESS CORROSION CRACKING OF NiCrMoV STEELS

ABSTRACT This paper presents a study of the effects of phosphorus and molybdenum on caustic stress corrosion cracking of 3.5NiCrMoV rotor steels. The results will show that phosphorus segregation to the grain boundaries substantially lowers the resistance of the steel to caustic cracking. Removal of molybdenum provides some improvement in the resistance to caustic cracking.
Observers for chemical reaction networks

This paper provides a necessary and sufficient condition for detectability, and an explicit construction of observers when this condition is satisfied, for chemical reaction networks of the Feinberg-Horn-Jackson zero deficiency type.
Convergence of Waveform Relaxation for RC Circuits

The waveform relaxation [WR] method of circuit simulation has demonstrated the ability to handle large digital VLSI circuits without sacrificing accuracy. Existing programs use reasonable heuristics for circuit partitioning of present day circuits. As circuit models begin to include more and more parasitic elements, due to shrinking geometries, decreasing signal rise times and increasing operating frequencies, the partitioning will become even more important. This paper addresses the question of how partitioning should be done within complex interconnect models. Specifically, we consider the partitioning of a limiting case RC circuit example, and investigate its convergence properties and optimal time window size.
The histidine-binding protein J is a component of histidine transport. Identification of its structural gene, hisJ.

Abstract The histidine-binding protein J, previously shown to be involved in histidine transport in Salmonella typhimurium (Ames, G. F., and Lever, J. (1970) Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 66, 1096), is shown unequivocally to be the product of the hisJ gene. A hisJ mutant with an altered J protein and a correspondingly altered histidine transport has been isolated and characterized. The J protein from this strain has an increased temperature sensitivity, besides having altered chromatographic and electrophoretic mobilities. The in vivo effect of the altered J protein is expressed as an increased temperature sensitivity of histidine transport. Our data indicate that the hisJ gene is the structural gene for the J protein and that the J protein is an obligatory component of histidine transport. As expected, there is an excellent correlation between the specificity of transport in the wild type strain and the specificity of binding of the wild type J protein for a variety of amino acids, amino acid analogues, and inhibitors.
A New Lower Bound for the Structured Singular Value

In this paper we examine some geometric issues related to the Major Prinicipal Direction Alignment (MPDA) principle and propose a new and unified algorithm for computing the structured singular value ?(M).
Structure of the Photo-catalytically Active Surface of SrTiO3

A major goal of energy research is to use visible light to cleave water directly, without an applied voltage, into hydrogen and oxygen. Although SrTiO3 requires ultraviolet light, after four decades, it is still the “gold standard” for the photo-catalytic splitting of water. It is chemically robust and can carry out both hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions without an applied bias. While ultrahigh vacuum surface science techniques have provided useful insights, we still know relatively little about the structure of these electrodes in contact with electrolytes under operating conditions. Here, we report the surface structure evolution of a n-SrTiO3 electrode during water splitting, before and after “training” with an applied positive bias. Operando high-energy X-ray reflectivity measurements demonstrate that training the electrode irreversibly reorders the surface. Scanning electrochemical microscopy at open circuit correlates this training with a 3-fold increase of the activity toward the photo-induce...
Phytochemical modulation of the Akt/mTOR pathway and its potential use in cutaneous disease

The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is involved in the regulation of cellular growth, proliferation, lipid synthesis, and protein translation. The mTOR pathway involves two complexes: the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) and the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 2 (mTORC2). Both mTOR complexes have been implicated in the development and progression of various skin diseases including melanoma, psoriasis, and acne vulgaris. Here, we review the role of both mTORC1 and mTORC2 as well as their upstream modulators, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and protein kinase B (Akt), and their downstream targets in various dermatologic diseases. Phytochemicals, plant-derived naturally occurring compounds, have been shown to regulate the mTOR pathway and may serve as novel therapeutic agents in dermatological disease. Here, we review phytochemicals in the context of the mTOR pathway and their potential use in cutaneous disease.
Spectroscopic properties of ferrous heme complexes of sterically hindered ligands.

Abstract Mesoheme IX complexes of sterically hindered ligands 2-methylimidazole, tert -butylamine and 2-methylpyridine in aqueous glycerol solutions are characterized by broad visible absorption spectra at ambiet temperature exhibiting close similarities to high-spin ferrous hemeproteins. Spectrophotometric titrations of mesoheme IX with these ligands indicate well-defined equilibria for 2-methylimidazole and tert -butylamine corresponding to the formation of penta-coordinate strong-field ligand complexes. Variable temperature spectra of these complexex from ambient to 77°K exhibit a change to hemochrome spectra characteristic of the low-spin unhindered ligand complexes. Corresponding changes in the visible spectra are not observed for the high-spin hemeproteins deoxymyoglobin, horse-radish peroxidase and cytochrome c ′. The appropriate utilization of these hindered ligand heme complexes as model systems for high-spin ferrous hemeproteins has been discussed.
Summary of an International Guide to Stratigraphic Classification, Terminology, and Usage

International Subcommission on Stratigraphic Classification [Report No. 7b; editor H. D. Hedberg]: Summary of an International Guide to Stratigraphic Classification, Terminology, and Usage. Boreas, Vol. 1, pp. 213–239. Oslo, 1st September, 1972. [Co-published with Lethaia, Vol. 5, pp. 297–323]. Six published reports (and some 40 circulars) of the International Subcommission on Stratigraphic Classification (ISSC) constitute the principal bases for the initial edition of an International Guide to Stratigraphic Classification, Terminology, and Usage. The published reports on Lithostratigraphic Units, Biostratigraphic Units, Chronostratigraphic Units, and Stratotypes are advance chapters of the Guide. The following Summary, which with the preceding Introduction will form the first chapter of the completed Guide, provides a concise and condensed statement of principles, definitions, and proposed rules, which are elaborated in more detail in the published reports and individual chapters of the Guide.
Class I MHC presentation of exogenous antigens

Class I MHC (MHC-I) molecules present primarily endogenous antigens, i.e. antigens that are present in the cytosol and are subject to the cytosolic processing mechanisms that comprise the conventional MHC-I processing pathway. However, exogenous antigens can also be presented by MHC-I molecules in certain circumstances, particularly in the case of particulate antigens. Recently, considerable attention has been focused on mechanisms that may contribute to alternate MHC-I processing pathways. Divergent results in several different systems have suggested that more than one alternate processing mechanism may exist. After phagocytic or endocytic uptake, some exogenous antigens can escape the vacuolar system and penetrate into the cytosol, accessing the conventional MHC-I antigen processing mechanisms. In other cases, MHC-I molecules present antigens that have no clear ability to actively escape the vacuolar system. Some results indicate that certain alternate processing mechanisms are quite distinct from the conventional MHC-I pathway and are not dependent on compartments, proteins, or mechanisms that are necessary for the conventional pathway, including the endoplasmic reticulum, the transporter for antigen presentation (TAP) and proteasomes.In vivo, alternate MHC-I processing mechanisms may be expressed primarily by phagocytic antigen presenting cells, i.e., macrophages, and perhaps dendritic cells, although other cell types may contribute in certain circumstances. These mechanisms may play important roles in generating CD8 T cell responses, especially to antigens expressed by vacuolar microorganisms. In addition, they provide a potential avenue for therapeutic immunization to achieve protective CD8 T cell responses with nonviable vaccine preparations, in the absence of the endogenous antigen synthesis that is provided by live viral vaccine preparations.
A population-based study of the prevalence and influence of gifts to radiation oncologists from pharmaceutical companies and medical equipment manufacturers

Abstract Purpose Hospital-based physicians are responsible for the purchase of expensive equipment. Little is known about the influence of gift giving on their behavior. We wanted to ascertain the prevalence of gift giving from the pharmaceutical industry and medical equipment manufacturers to radiation oncologists and determine whether or not the size of accepted gifts influences their opinions regarding gifts. Methods and materials A population-based survey of hospital-based physicians conducted between 2002 and 2003. The study population consisted of all radiation oncologists who were members of the American Society of Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology between 2000 and 2001. A random number generator was used to identify 20% of the population. This group was invited by e-mail and conventional mail to complete a Likert scale questionnaire. Those asked to complete the questionnaire electronically were directed to a specially designed web site. Results Of 640 individuals who were asked to participate, 241 (38%) completed the questionnaire. 96% admitted accepting gifts. The most commonly accepted low value gifts were: pen or pencil (78%), drug samples for patient's use (70%), meal (66%), and a note pad (59%). The most commonly accepted high value gifts were trips to "equipment-users meetings" (15%), honoraria for speaking at a conference (10%), and participation in a conference call (9%). Only 5% of radiation oncologists agreed with the statement " my prescribing practices are affected" by gifts; however, 33% agreed with the statement "I believe that other physicians prescribing practices are affected." Similarly, although only 4% felt that their recommendations concerning purchases of medical equipment are affected by gifts, 19% felt that other physicians would be influenced. A test of the hypothesis that physicians believe that their conduct is less affected than those of their colleagues ( i.e., "I am not influenced by gifts but someone else is" was strongly affirmed by a correlation statistic) ( p p = 0.0003) and "the practice of gift giving by companies should stop" ( p = 0.0017); they were slightly more likely to agree with statements such as "clinical information provided to radiation oncologists by companies provides a useful continuing medical education service." Conclusions To our knowledge, this study represents the first large-scale population based study of a hospital-based specialty and gift giving. This study demonstrates that: (1) Gift giving in radiation oncology is endemic. (2) Although each physician is likely to consider himself or herself immune from being influenced by gift giving, he or she is suspicious that the "next person" is influenced. (3) There is a correlation between the willingness of individual physician to accept gifts of high value and their sympathy toward this practice.
A new technique for constructing a one-piece hollow obturator after partial maxillectomy

Abstract A technique for fabrication of a one-piece hollow obturator for patients who have had maxillary resection has been described. The prosthesis is simple to construct, light in weight, and easy to clean. It requires little more laboratory time than is needed for making the usual complete denture.
Kappa opioid mediation of cannabinoid effects of the potent hallucinogen, salvinorin A, in rodents

Rationale Salvinorin A, the primary psychoactive derivative of the hallucinogenic herb Salvia divinorum, is a potent and highly selective kappa-opioid receptor (KOR) agonist. Several recent studies, however, have suggested endocannabinoid system mediation of some of its effects.
Overdiagnosis and overtreatment over time

Overdiagnosis and overtreatment are often thought of as relatively recent phenomena, influenced by a contemporary combination of technology, specialization, payment models, marketing, and supply-related demand. Yet a quick glance at the historical record reveals that physicians and medical manufacturers have been accused of iatrogenic excess for centuries, if not millennia. Medicine has long had therapeutic solutions that search for ever-increasing diagnostic problems. Whether the intervention at hand has been leeches and lancets, calomel and cathartics, aspirins and amphetamines, or statins and SSRIs, medical history is replete with skeptical critiques of diagnostic and therapeutic enthusiasm. The opportunity cost of this profusion shapes the other side of the coin: chronic persistence of underdiagnosis and undertreatment. Drawing from key controversies of the 19th and 20th centuries, we chart the enduring challenges of inter-related diagnostic and therapeutic excess. As the present critique of overdiagnosis and overtreatment seeks to mobilize resources from inside and outside of medicine to rein in these impulses, we provide an instructive historical context from which to act.
The relationship of vitamin D deficiency to statin myopathy

Abstract Objective Our goal was to examine the interaction between vitamin D and statins and the possible role of vitamin D deficiency in statin myopathy. Background The vitamin D receptor is present in skeletal muscle and vitamin D deficiency can cause myopathy. Statins (3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitors) are generally well tolerated, but have been associated with a spectrum of skeletal muscle complaints, ranging from myalgia and asymptomatic mild elevations of creatine kinase (CK) to rhabdomyolysis. There has been recent interest in the possible interaction between statin myopathy and vitamin D deficiency. We performed a systematic medical literature review to examine this possible relationship. Methods We identified English language articles relating statins, vitamin D and statin myopathy via a PubMed search through July 2010. Articles pertinent to the topic were reviewed in detail. Results/conclusions Our review suggests that some but not all statins increase 25(OH) D levels. Two cross sectional studies have associated vitamin D deficiency with statin-associated myalgias, and suggested that that increasing vitamin D levels can reverse the myalgia. Nevertheless, given the quality and paucity of studies examining this possibility, additional studies are needed to examine the potential role of vitamin D deficiency in statin myopathy. It is presently premature to recommend vitamin D supplementation as treatment for statin associated muscle complaints in the absence of low vitamin D levels although such supplementation could be tried in patients with deficient or reduced vitamin D levels.
Reaffirming normal: the high risk of pathologizing healthy adults when interpreting the MMPI-2-RF.

Monte Carlo simulations were utilized to determine the proportion of the normal population expected to have scale elevations on the MMPI-2-RF when multiple scores are interpreted. Results showed that when all 40 MMPI-2-RF scales are simultaneously considered, approximately 70% of normal adults are likely to have at least one scale elevation at or above 65T, and as many as 20% will have five or more elevated scales. When the Restructured Clinical (RC) Scales are under consideration, 34% of normal adults have at least one elevated score. Interpretation of the Specific Problem Scales and Personality Psychopathology Five Scales – Revised also yielded higher than expected rates of significant scores, with as many as one in four normal adults possibly being miscategorized as having features of a personality disorder by the latter scales. These findings are consistent with the growing literature on rates of apparently abnormal scores in the normal population due to multiple score interpretation. Findings are dis...
The separation of tritiated water using supported polyphosphazene membranes

Abstract Carboxylated poly(diaryloxy)phosphazene was examined as the active constituent of the composite membranes to separate tritiated water (HTO) from light water. These membranes were tested with water containing 10 800 pCi/l and 3 μCi/l of tritiated water, respectively, under cross-flow filtration conditions. Reductions in the permeate of nearly 30% HTO were observed with these tritium concentrations. Low temperature (5°C), low pressure (137.9–551.6 kPa), and high pH (near 10 or above) were required to obtain such reductions (rejection). Salt species (Na 2 SO 4 , CaCl 2 and CaSO 4 ) at various concentrations and pressures, within a 137.9–551.6 kPa range, did not appear to affect the HTO separation efficiency. Mass balances performed during these experiments indicate an unaccounted small amount of tritium (0.5–2.2%). Sorption experiments with the polyphosphazene suggest that the membrane does not operate by an ion exchange mechanism; that is, tritium accumulation within the membrane.
Growth response of the green algae Chlorella vulgaris to selective concentrations of zinc

Abstract A modification of a previously published fish cell culture technique (Rachlin and Perlmutter, 1968) has been successfully employed in this study to evaluate the effects of a metal toxicant on the growth response and therefore productivity of the green algae Chlorella vulgaris . The results of this study indicate that the concentration of zinc which reduces the growth rate of a test population of this alga, during a 96 h exposure, by 50 per cent, is 2.4±0.02 ppm. The test design has advantages in that it concerns itself with productivity reduction rather than standard survival (LC 50 ) of the test organisms. In addition the data generated is readily treated by the system of probit analysis for ease of evaluating the results. The use of this technique and test system, allows for the design of parallel studies in which the effects of toxicants on both animal and plant cell systems can be evaluated in terms of a more unified cellular approach.
Delta-mediated specification of midline cell fates in zebrafish embryos.

Abstract Background: Fate mapping studies have shown that progenitor cells of three vertebrate embryonic midline structures – the floorplate in the ventral neural tube, the notochord and the dorsal endoderm – occupy a common region prior to gastrulation. This common region of origin raises the possibility that interactions between midline progenitor cells are important for their specification prior to germ layer formation. Results: One of four known zebrafish homologues of the Drosophila melanogaster cell–cell signaling gene Delta, deltaA ( dlA ), is expressed in the developing midline, where progenitor cells of the ectodermal floorplate, mesodermal notochord and dorsal endoderm lie close together before they occupy different germ layers. We used a reverse genetic strategy to isolate a missense mutation of dlA, dlA dx2 , which coordinately disrupts the development of floorplate, notochord and dorsal endoderm. The dlA dx2 mutant embryos had reduced numbers of floorplate and hypochord cells; these cells lie above and beneath the notochord, respectively. In addition, mutant embryos had excess notochord cells. Expression of a dominant-negative form of Delta protein driven by mRNA microinjection produced a similar effect. In contrast, overexpression of dlA had the opposite effect: fewer trunk notochord cells and excess floorplate and hypochord cells. Conclusion: Our results indicate that Delta signaling is important for the specification of midline cells. The results are most consistent with the hypothesis that developmentally equivalent midline progenitor cells require Delta-mediated signaling prior to germ layer formation in order to be specified as floorplate, notochord or hypochord.
The effect of glenoid inclination on superior humeral head migration

Superior humeral head migration may contribute to the development of rotator cuff disease. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that superior inclination of the glenoid facilitates superior humeral head migration. Eight cadaveric shoulders were tested by use of a custom test fixture, and rotator cuff forces were applied. Glenoid inclination was varied (intact, +5 degrees, +10 degrees, and +15 degrees ), and the force required to produce superior humeral head migration was measured. Each increase in glenoid inclination (more superiorly facing glenoid) produced significant reduction in the force required for superior humeral head migration (5 degrees, 14.2% reduction; 10 degrees, 29.9% reduction; and 15 degrees, 37.5% reduction; P <.001). These findings demonstrate that glenoid inclination is an important factor in determining the force required for superior humeral head migration. This suggests that a more upward-facing glenoid increases the risk for superior humeral translation and, in turn, may play a role in the development of rotator cuff disease.
An Evaluation of the Methods of Finite Elements and Finite Differences in the Solution of Nonlinear Electromagnetic Fields in Electrical Machines

In this paper, an evaluation of the methods of finite elements and finite differences, as applied to nonlinear magnetic field problems in electrical machines, is presented. The evaluation covers the aspects of effectiveness, numerical accuracy, modeling implementation considerations as well as computer storage and execution time requirements of the two methods. The evaluation includes static as well as sinusoidally time varying fields. The method of finite elements is found to be superior in improved accuracy, computer time and storage requirements, as well as programming implementation aspects. A crucial finding of this investigation is that results derived from the finite element analysis tend to converge asymptotically to corresponding experimental test data, as the discretization mesh fineness is increased. This is not the case for finite differences, where the results strongly indicate that there are lower bounds beyond which inherent numerical error cannot be decreased by an increase in the degree of fineness of the corresponding discretization mesh. Details of the analysis, on which these findings stand, are presented here.
Dissociation of EEG and behavioural effects of ethanol provide evidence for a noncholinergic basis of intoxication.

IN 1957 it was reported that physotigmine, a drug that potentiates brain acetylcholine by inhibiting the enzyme which normally destroys it, could partially antagonise a tranquilliser, such as chlorpomazine1. Many years elapsed before anyone tested physostigmine for possible antagonistic effects against other sedative type drugs, such as ethanol. Physostigmine given before but not after massive doses of ethanol (4.5 g kg−1) did seem to shorten sleeping time and to reduce death of mice, an observation that led to the conclusion that ethanol might inhibit acetylcholine release or function2,3.
Geropsychiatric Emergency Services: Utilization and Outcome Predictors

Chart data on emergency room visits by elderly patients and a younger control group were examined in an exploratory study of utilization of psychiatric emergency services by the elderly and factors predictive of their subsequent admission to a psychiatric inpatient unit. Elderly patients had lower utilization of psychiatric services than their younger counterparts, but they were significantly more likely to be hospitalized following an emergency room visit. Dementia, the single most frequent diagnosis of the elderly patients, increased the likelihood of hospitalization only if it existed in combination with another psychiatric diagnosis. Medical comorbidity appeared to have no effect on whether the elderly patient was subsequently hospitalized.
Autonomous FMCW radar survey of Antarctic shear zone

Radar survey of the Antarctic shear zone was conducted using an ultra-wideband (2–10 GHz) frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar. The radar was mounted on a sled and pulled by a robot that was specifically designed to operate in a harsh polar environment. Our FMCW radar had good penetration through Antarctic snow and we observed snow stratigraphy to a depth of 20 m. The radar images also revealed multiple crevasses in the shear zone. Our results demonstrate that autonomous survey using high frequency radar is feasible and safe approach for detecting hidden crevasses.
THE EFFECTS OF ETHNICITY, FAMILIES AND CULTURE ON ENTREPRENEURIAL EXPERIENCE: AN EXTENSION OF SUSTAINABLE FAMILY BUSINESS THEORY

Entrepreneurs have been traditionally epitomized as rugged individuals garnering creative forces of innovation and technology. Applying this traditional, limited, and narrow view of entrepreneurship to ethnic firm creation and growth is to ignore or discount core cultural values of the ethnic contexts in which these firms operate. It is no longer possible to depend solely on human capital theory and household characteristic descriptions to understand the complex and interdependent relationships between the ethnic-owning family, its firm, and the community context in which the firm operates. This paper addresses the complex dynamic of ethnic firms with three purposes: (a) to provide a cultural context for the three ethnic groups composing the National Minority Business Owner Study; (b) to extend the Sustainable Family Business Theory, a dynamic, behaviorally-based, multi-dimensional family firm theory, by clarifying how it accommodates ethnic firm complexities within their cultural context, and (c) to derive implications for research, education and consulting with worldwide applications.
Issues in Mathematics Education for Native Americans and Directions for Research.

Native Americans need an improved education in mathematics if they are to have equal economic opportunity. The enrollment, preparation, and achievement of Indian students in mathematics courses fall below the norms for their non-Indian counterparts. Identified as contributing factors are cultural differences, insufficient preparation of teachers, and unsatisfactory instructional materials. Various solutions are suggested to the problem of improving the mathematics education of Native Americans. Whatever the instructional activities used, more appropriate curricula and better evaluation procedures should be developed. A teacher center is proposed, and some directions for research are indicated.
Resonantly enhanced nonlinear optics in semiconductor quantum wells: An application to sensitive infrared detection

A novel class of coherent nonlinear optical phenomena, involving induced transparency in semiconductor quantum wells, is considered in the context of a particular application to sensitive long-wavelength infrared detection. It is shown that the strongest decoherence mechanisms can be suppressed or mitigated, resulting in substantial enhancement of nonlinear optical effects in semiconductor quantum wells.
Comparison of the characteristics of the immobilized and solubilized glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase of human erythrocyte membranes.

Abstract We studied human erythrocyte membrane associated glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase in order to determine if a biological form of immobilization of the enzyme altered its kinetic properties. The results indicated that the partially purified solubilized glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase did not differ, with regard to Km for substrates or pH activity profile, from the same enzyme which was immobilized on the inner face of the erythrocyte plasma membrane.
The acute ulceration response (AUR): A potentially widespread and serious cause of skin infection in fish.

Abstract In previous studies, we found that rapidly confined hybrid striped bass ( Morone saxatilis male× Morone chrysops female) developed a syndrome characterized by the immediate and dramatic loss of their skin. We have named this phenomenon the Acute Ulceration Response (AUR). AUR is characterized by the rapid onset of severe epidermal degeneration, erosion, and ulceration on the body skin and fins, as well as corneal ulceration, in stressed hybrid striped bass. In the present study, we have shown that acute confinement stress can also cause AUR in a taxonomically wide array of fish species, including guppy ( Poecilia reticulata ), freshwater angelfish ( Pterophyllum scalare ) and channel catfish ( Ictalurus punctatus ) after a 2-h stress. However, we could not induce AUR in rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss ). The AUR lesions were similar to those seen previously in hybrid striped bass. As AUR might be expected to predispose fish to secondary microbial infections, we examined the skin of hybrid striped bass for bacterial infection after experimental induction of AUR. These experiments showed that even fish with severe skin damage could rapidly heal their wounds without obvious consequences within several days. Bacterial numbers in AUR lesions remained low, ∼10 4 cfu/g of fin tissue, throughout the recovery period. However, if hybrid striped bass with AUR were exposed to even low doses (1 zoospore/ml) of the water mold Saprolegnia , a relatively weak, opportunistic pathogen, the fish developed severe saprolegniosis as soon as 48 h after challenge, with 87.5% infected and 87.5% dead within 4 days post-challenge. In contrast, none of the control fish (no AUR, but exposed to Saprolegnia ) developed saprolegniosis. These data provide strong evidence that AUR might play a critical role in skin ulcer epidemics of many fish species that are preceded by an acute stress. Furthermore, our data suggest that environmental pathogen load plays a critical role in determining if AUR lesions will heal spontaneously or instead will lead to devastating disease losses.
The initial role of evaluation in a large-scale multi-site project

The initial role of evaluation in a large-scale multi-site project is presented. The evaluation utilized an educative, values-engaged approach (EVEN) [4]. This paper also presents the evaluation questions and metrics used to structure an evaluation of this scale. The evaluation team has initiated the process of addressing the evaluation questions by including stakeholders in constructing a detailed evaluation matrix, conducting data collection, and regularly presenting formative information to project leads and managers to guide program improvement. This process as well as how this evaluation addresses key issues in evaluating STEM training, education, and outreach while contributing to advances in the field is also discussed.