cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Metastatic Melanoma Patient–Derived Xenografts Respond to MDM2 Inhibition as a Single Agent or in Combination with BRAF/MEK Inhibition

Purpose: Over 60% of patients with melanoma respond to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy, but many subsequently progress on these therapies. Second-line targeted therapy is based on BRAF mutation status, but no available agents are available for NRAS, NF1, CDKN2A, PTEN, and TP53 mutations. Over 70% of melanoma tumors have activation of the MAPK pathway due to BRAF or NRAS mutations, while loss or mutation of CDKN2A occurs in approximately 40% of melanomas, resulting in unregulated MDM2-mediated ubiquitination and degradation of p53. Here, we investigated the therapeutic efficacy of over-riding MDM2-mediated degradation of p53 in melanoma with an MDM2 inhibitor that interrupts MDM2 ubiquitination of p53, treating tumor-bearing mice with the MDM2 inhibitor alone or combined with MAPK-targeted therapy. Experimental Design: To characterize the ability of the MDM2 antagonist, KRT-232, to inhibit tumor growth, we established patient-derived xenografts (PDX) from 15 patients with melanoma. Mice were treated with KRT-232 or a combination with BRAF and/or MEK inhibitors. Tumor growth, gene mutation status, as well as protein and protein–phosphoprotein changes, were analyzed. Results: One-hundred percent of the 15 PDX tumors exhibited significant growth inhibition either in response to KRT-232 alone or in combination with BRAF and/or MEK inhibitors. Only BRAFV600WT tumors responded to KRT-232 treatment alone while BRAFV600E/M PDXs exhibited a synergistic response to the combination of KRT-232 and BRAF/MEK inhibitors. Conclusions: KRT-232 is an effective therapy for the treatment of either BRAFWT or PANWT(BRAFWT, NRASWT) TP53WT melanomas. In combination with BRAF and/or MEK inhibitors, KRT-232 may be an effective treatment strategy for BRAFV600-mutant tumors.
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Training: Global Perceptions of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Fellows in the USA.

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted numerous facets of healthcare workers’ lives. There have also been significant changes in Gastroenterology (GI) fellowship training as a result of the challenges presented by the pandemic. We conducted a national survey of Gastroenterology fellows to evaluate fellows’ perceptions, changes in clinical duties, and education during the pandemic. A survey was sent to Gastroenterology (GI) fellows in the USA. Information regarding redeployment, fellow restriction in endoscopy, outpatient clinics and inpatient consults, impact on educational activities, and available wellness resources was obtained. Fellows’ level of agreement with adjustments to clinical duties was also assessed. One hundred and seventy-seven Gastroenterology fellows responded, and 29.4% were redeployed to non-GI services during the pandemic. COVID-19 impacted all aspects of GI fellowship training in the USA (endoscopy, outpatient clinics, inpatient consults, educational activities). Fellows’ level of agreement in changes to various aspects of fellowship varied. 72.5% of respondents reported that their programs provided them with increased wellness resources to cope with the additional stress during the pandemic. For respondents with children, 17.6% reported no support with childcare. Our results show that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted GI fellowship training in the USA in multiple domains, including gastrointestinal endoscopy, inpatient consults, outpatient clinics, and educational conferences. Our study highlights the importance of considering and incorporating fellows’ viewpoints, as changes are made in response to the ongoing pandemic.
The ASCA X-Ray Spectrum Of The Broad-Line Radio Galaxy Pictor A: A Simple Power Law With No Fe K-alpha Line

We present the X-ray spectrum of the broad-line radio galaxy Pictor A as observed by ASCA in 1996. The main objective of the observation was to detect and study the profiles of the Fe~K$\alpha$ lines. The motivation was the fact that the Balmer lines of this object show well-separated displaced peaks, suggesting an origin in an accretion disk. The 0.5-10 keV X-ray spectrum is described very well by a model consisting of a power law of photon index 1.77 modified by interstellar photoelectric absorption. We find evidence for neither a soft nor a hard (Compton reflection) excess. More importantly, we do not detect an Fe K-alpha line, in marked contrast with the spectra of typical Seyfert galaxies and other broad-line radio galaxies observed by ASCA. The 99%-confidence upper limit on the equivalent width of an unresolved line at a rest energy of 6.4 keV is 100 eV, while for a broad line (FWHM of approximately 60,000 km/s) the corresponding upper limit is 135 eV. We discuss several possible explanations for the weakness of the Fe K-alpha line in Pictor~A paying attention to the currently available data on the properties of Fe K-alpha lines in other broad-line radio galaxies observed by ASCA. We speculate that the absence of a hard excess (Compton reflection) or an Fe K-alpha line is an indication of an accretion disk structure that is different from that of typical Seyfert galaxies, e.g., the inner disk may be an ion torus.
Information disclosure in e-commerce: A systematic review and agenda for future research

Abstract Consumers disclose their private information to merchants when shopping online or responding to marketing campaigns despite their privacy concerns. Such disclosure is invaluable for business; thus, it is crucial to understand why, how, and with what outcomes consumers decide to share their information. However, extant evidence on this topic remains fragmented and inconclusive. This study aims to establish how information disclosure in e-commerce has been defined, consolidate and systematize extant evidence on it, review conceptual foundations and methodologies, and provide recommendations for further research. Therefore, we conduct a review of studies on disclosure in e-commerce and provide a synopsis of its dimensions, antecedents, and consequences. Our analysis reveals insights on how disclosure is studied and the elements that play a role in it. To help set directions for future research, we present an integrated theoretical model and a set of propositions regarding consumers’ disclosure in e-commerce.
Patient-reported outcomes at 1 and 2 years after total hip and knee arthroplasty: what is the minimum required follow-up?

The purpose of this study was to test for differences between patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) at 1 and 2 years following total hip (THA) or knee (TKA) arthroplasty. Between 2015 and 2016, n = 469 and n = 414 patients underwent THA and TKA, respectively. Demographic and PROMs data were collected at 1 and 2 years post-operatively. PROMs included Veterans Rand 12-item (VR-12), Hip Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcomes Score (HOOS) Pain subscore, HOOS-Physical Function Short-form (HOOS-PS), Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcomes Score (KOOS) Pain subscore, and KOOS-Physical Function Short-form (KOOS-PS). Paired t tests assessed differences between groups. N = 298 (65.8%) and n = 240 (64%) patients followed-up at 1 year, and 205 (72% of 1-year responders) and 174 (76%) at 2 years in the THA and TKA cohorts, respectively. No statistically significant differences were observed between 1 and 2 years for HOOS pain (p = 0.445), HOOS-PS (p = 0.265), VR-12 PCS (p = 0.239), VR-12 MCS scores (p = 0.342) in THA and TKA cohorts [KOOS pain (p = 0.242), KOOS-PS (p = 0.088), VR-12 PCS (p < 0.2757), VR-12 MCS scores (p < 0.075)]. There were statistically significant baseline differences between responders and non-responders (patients lost to follow-up), but differences were small and not clinically relevant. PROMs were not significantly different between 1- and 2-year time points for THA and TKA. Minimal demographic or baseline differences between responders and non-responders suggest a representative sample. These data support a minimum follow-up of 1 year for studies with PROMs as the primary outcome variable following THA and TKA.
Blockchain Innovations for Healthcare

In this issue, blockchain was reviewed as a solution for addressing the many healthcare dimensions.
Increasing uptake of colon cancer screening in a medically underserved population with the addition of blood-based testing.

Background Adherence to colorectal cancer screening in the United States is suboptimal, particularly in medically underserved populations due to significant barriers to care. Unique accessible, low-cost, and non-invasive screening tests for this population could greatly benefit current rates. In this article, we assess patient preference and the impact of offering a blood-based test on screening rates in a cost-free health fair setting from April 2017 to April 2019. Methods Participants who met colorectal cancer screening eligibility criteria set forth by the United States Preventive Services Task Force were recommended to attend the colon cancer screening station. Those participants who elected to attend were offered various, accepted screening methods, and if they declined, were offered alternative blood-based testing. Screening rates, test outcomes, and the rate of follow up completion of colonoscopy were measured and compared with historic screening outcomes. Results Of 1401 participants who were recommended to attend, 640 (45.7%) participants were evaluated at the colon cancer screening station, of whom 460 were eligible for testing. Amongst these, none selected colonoscopy, 30 (6.5%) selected fecal immunochemical testing, and 430 (93.5%) selected blood-based testing. Only 2 participants returned the fecal immunochemical tests. In the blood test cohort, 88 were positive and 20 received a follow up colonoscopy. Conclusions Based on this assessment, blood-based testing is an effective method to increase screening rates in medically underserved populations, though efforts to further improve access to follow up colonoscopy are necessary.
Restoring soil fertility on degraded lands to meet food, fuel, and climate security needs via perennialization

A continuously growing pressure to increase food, fiber, and fuel production to meet worldwide demand has put severe pressure on soil resources. Abandoned, degraded, and marginal lands with large agricultural constraints – many still used for agricultural production – result from inappropriately intensive management, poor soil conservation measures, and climate change. Continued use for agricultural production requires the increased use of external inputs such as fertilizers and herbicides, which further exacerbates soil degradation and impedes nutrient recycling and retention. Growing evidence suggests that degraded lands have a large potential for restoration, perhaps most effectively via perennial cropping systems that can simultaneously provide multiple additional ecosystem services including continued production. Here we synthesize the advantages of and potentials for using perennial vegetation to restore soil fertility on degraded croplands. We highlight alternative management strategies, barriers to adoption, and potential solutions in order that cropland restoration might help to meet future food security needs.
Robotic Slicing of Fruits and Vegetables: Modeling the Effects of Fracture Toughness and Knife Geometry

Slicing is an important skill for a robot to learn as it is more efficient and results in less deformation in comparison with cutting by pressing. Cutting experiments with foods have indicated that the ease of slicing is caused by a decrease in fracture toughness. In this paper, we formally characterize this decrease based on the work needed to maintain the critical strain for fracture. Forces generating fracture and deformation and overcoming friction are predicted using the finite element method (FEM) and based on fracture mechanics. Extending our previous work [1] on cutting by pressing with a straight knife edge, we model general slicing and knife geometry (i.e., a curved edge). Experiments over potatoes and eggplants have demonstrated the accurate modeling of the overall cutting force during slicing, which could be leveraged for control of cutting by the robot to demonstrate human-level skills in the near future.
Risk of overactive bladder associated with cholinesterase inhibitors in dementia.

BACKGROUND Although cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs) are the primary treatment for dementia, they are associated with overactive bladder (OAB), necessitating antimuscarinic use. Limited data exist regarding the risk of OAB across individual ChEIs in dementia. This study evaluated the risk of OAB associated with individual ChEIs in older adults with dementia. METHODS This was a new user retrospective cohort study using Medicare claims data involving Parts A, B, and D claims dataset from 2013 to 2015. The study included older adults (aged 65 and older) with a diagnosis of dementia using donepezil, galantamine, or rivastigmine. New ChEI claims were identified with a 6-month baseline washout period. Patients with OAB diagnosis or any antimuscarinic or mirabegron use in the baseline period were excluded. The primary outcome of interest was OAB diagnosis or prescription of antimuscarinics or mirabegron within 6 months of ChEI initiation. Multivariable cox proportional hazards regression with propensity scores (PS) as covariates and inverse probability of treatment weighting generated using generalized boosted models was used to assess the risk of OAB among donepezil, galantamine, and rivastigmine users. RESULTS The study included 524,975 older adults with dementia who were incident users of ChEIs (donepezil 80.72%, rivastigmine 16.41%, galantamine 2.87%). Overall, OAB diagnosis/antimuscarinic/mirabegron prescription was observed in 5.07% of the cohort within 6 months of ChEIs prescription. The Cox regression model with PS as covariate approach found that donepezil use increased the risk of OAB compared to rivastigmine (aHR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.08-1.28; p < 0.0001). However, there was no differential risk of OAB between galantamine and rivastigmine. The findings were consistent with the generalized boosted models. CONCLUSIONS The study found that the risk of OAB varies across individual ChEIs with an increased risk of OAB with donepezil compared to rivastigmine. The study findings suggest the need to understand and manage medication-related morbidity in older adults with dementia.
The Role of Formal Systems in Foundational Studies

It may be somewhat surprising to some that after four chapters of a book with the subtitle, “Metamathematical Studies”, not a single formal system has yet appeared. The first four chapters of this book are metamathematical, in the sense that no mathematics is done for its own sake. Even the extensive presentation of recursive analysis is of interest here mainly because it shows us what not to try to prove constructively. Nevertheless, formal systems have been and are an important tool in studying the foundations of mathematics, and the rest of the book will be full of formal systems. We take the viewpoint, however, that our main purpose is to study the foundations of mathematics, by means of metamathematics, and formal systems are a tool to that end. Since formal systems are often quite beautiful and enticing objects of study, it is worthwhile to analyze clearly how we intend to use them; otherwise there is a danger of forgetting our original purpose while under the spell of our formal systems.
Tunable optical-wavelength deinterleaver based on tunable MEMS blazed gratings

We describe an optical wavelength deinterleaver with channel spacing of 850 GHz. The tuning element is a MEMS blazed grating with an adjustable period. Continuous tuning of the center wavelength across the full free spectral range of 13.65 nm and cyclic switching of the output channels are demonstrated.
Symmetric Multiprocessor Design for Hybrid CPU/FPGA SoCs

This paper presents the design of a Symmetric Multiprocessor (SMP) hybridthreads (hthreads) system that allows multiple threads to execute in parallel across multiple processors controlled by a single hardware scheduler. This approach increases the performance of software at a minimal cost to hardware. The issues that must be addressed for extending a uniprocessor kernel include system initialization, processor identification, context switching and concurrency control. As a proof of concept this paper shows how hthreads, an existing hardware/software co-designed kernel can be extended to control multiple processors from a single, centralized hardware scheduler. Analysis results from executing on hardware reveal that for computationally intensive programs the typical speedup is in the range of 1.65x. This shows improvement in system performance while also illustrating issues associated with bus arbitration and memory access times.
Some Reasons for Generalizing Recursion Theory

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses some reasons for generalizing recursion theory (g.r.t.). The chapter corrects two common errors: the first is to suppose that there is just one use of g.r.t., the other is to suppose that there are so many (depending on unspecified purposes). Existing results on various generalizations are referred. The formulation and analysis of the aims of g.r.t. themselves are focussed. The metarecursion theory is discussed. The chapter presents the purposes of g.r.t. that include (a) advancing other parts of logic and mathematics; (b) understanding the mathematical character of ordinary recursion theory; and (c) analysis of a general concept of computation. Work on admissible sets constitutes a refinement because it concerns consequences of only special instances of the replacement scheme. An application of classical recursion theory is that this object is well-suited to the study of infinitary languages.
Vibrational Spectroscopy to the Analysis and Study of Forages

The beginnings of the use of modern vibrational spectroscopy in agriculture were with near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and the early definitive studies were conducted on forages. These beginnings can be traced by the work accomplished by Agricultural Research Service's National Near Infrared Research Project, which began in 1978 and culminated in 1988 with the issue of the first Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC), International Official Method for protein and Acid Detergent Fiber by NIR. NIRS models were developed for the analysis of crude protein, moisture/dry matter, permanganate lignin, acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent lignin, and in vitro and in vivo digestibility. This article discusses the requirements of an analytical method as it applies to chemometric methods and NIRS, in particular, by answering three questions and those requirements, which differ for the establishment of “Official Methods”. Other vibrational spectroscopies as applied to forage analysis are discussed in brief. Keywords: near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS); forages; crude protein (CP); acid detergent fiber (ADF); neutral detergent fiber (NDF)
An Analysis of Valve Train Friction in Terms of Lubrication Principles

Friction losses in a motored 1.6L valve train can be reduced by roller tappets, by needle bearing inserts placed in the rocker arm/fulcrum contact and in the cam journals and by reducing spring tension. Friction reducing engine oil additives reduce valve train friction substantially, but oil viscosity has only a limited effect. These results can be quantitatively accounted for by a simple friction model based on lubrication theory. Both the model and the experimental results are consistent with the idea that the friction losses in the valve train are mainly due to boundary and mixed lubrication.
In Support of Specialized Programs for Blind and Visually Impaired Children: The Impact of Vision Loss on Learning:

The learning needs of blind and visually impaired children can be divided into three categories: needs that are met by adapting the curriculum, needs that are met by changes in methodology, and dev...
Evidence for Implicit Risk: Delay Facilitates the Processing of Uncertainty

Humans and other animals discount the value of rewards over time. One explanation for this is that delayed rewards may be less certain than immediate rewards, what has been referred to as the implicit risk hypothesis. Although this explanation is widely accepted, little research has directly assessed the validity of the implicit risk hypothesis. In the current study, we present two experiments in which participants made decisions about rewards involving both delay and uncertainty. By manipulating the order in which information was presented, we were able to investigate whether delay information facilitates beliefs about uncertainty and vice versa. It was found that participants were more likely to prefer larger, delayed rewards when information about delay was presented before information about uncertainty than when the information was presented in the opposite order. Additionally, we describe a process model that implements the implicit risk hypothesis and show that it is consistent with the observed patterns of data. These results support the implicit risk hypothesis and suggest that information about delay facilitates the processing of information about uncertainty
Bulk flow of amniotic fluid water in response to maternal osmotic challenge

Amniotic fluid volume is regulated by a complex system of fluid exchanges with fetal and maternal fluid compartments. To assess possible hormonal control of amniotic fluid water exchange with the maternal vascular compartment, we studied the effect of intra-amniotic injections of prolactin, vasopressin, or vasotocin on the amniotic to maternal water flux induced by the acute intravenous infusion of mannitol to the pregnant ewe. This mannitol stimulus increased amniotic fluid osmolality secondary to a shift of free water to the maternal vascular/extracellular compartments. Prior intra-amniotic injection of prolactin but not vasopressin or vasotocin blunted the amniotic fluid osmolar response to maternal mannitol infusion. These results suggest that resorption of amniotic fluid water may occur at the chorioamnion and that amniotic fluid prolactin may have a regulatory function in amniotic fluid volume and osmolar homeostasis.
Predictors for outcomes after super-selective mesenteric embolization for lower gastrointestinal tract bleeding.

Background The optimal management of bleeding from the lower gastrointestinal tract (LGIB) remains controversial. We aim to evaluate the efficacy of mesenteric embolization for LGIB and to identify predictors for re-bleeding after the procedure. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of all patients who underwent mesenteric embolizations for LGIB in our institution over a 6-year period (from August 2007 to August 2013). Technical success was defined as the absence of contrast extravasation on post-embolization angiogram. Clinical success was defined as the absence of overt LGIB (clinical bleeding with >1 g/dL decrease in haemoglobin) within 30 days post-embolization. Results Mesenteric embolization was performed in 26 patients with LGIB. Technical success rate was 100%, with no occurrence of post-embolization ischaemia. Clinical success rate was 65.4%, with nine patients re-bleeding within 30 days post-embolization. Three underwent surgery, one underwent re-embolization and five were treated conservatively. Mortality rate was 19.3% (five patients), with two bleeding-associated mortalities. Site and aetiology of LGIB, platelet count and coagulation status prior to embolization, number of packed red blood cells and fresh frozen plasma transfusion were found to be predictors of clinical failure. After Bonferroni's correction (P < 0.005), platelet count of ≤140 × 109/L prior to embolization was the only statistically significant factor associated with re-bleeding (odds ratio = 17.5, 95% confidence interval: 2.364–129.57; P = 0.004). Conclusion Mesenteric embolization was found to be safe and effective in treating LGIB (100% technical success, no post-embolization ischaemia), with 65.4% of cases not requiring further intervention. Low platelet count prior to embolization appears to be associated with clinical failure.
High-School Private Security Programs: The Wave of the Future?

The private security and protection services industry has experienced tremendous growth in the 21st century. In an effort to prepare individuals for the job market, some states and individual high schools have begun to develop public safety programs that include private security curricula. The state of Georgia started this process in 2003. This paper raises questions about the feasibility and utility of such curricula. Working groups consisting of key stakeholders in Georgia including high-school educators, industry representatives, and Department of Education representatives addressed these questions. A discussion of the need for and direction of these programs is grounded in the work products of these groups.
Dynamic Routing Control Based on Information Priority and Its Application to Monitoring Sensor Networks

A routing method with dynamic channel selection in wireless sensor networks is an effective way to specify a route. It is different from communication between nodes in a common channel and is able to transmit data including attribute information. In this case, nodes located in the middle of a route use different channels, normal communication between nodes is temporarily interrupted, and throughput decreases as a result. For applications to be built by another wireless network, this method holds promise as an effective communication traffic-control method for situations such as emergency information that must be sent immediately. In this paper we propose a time-division communication system that can give priority rights to data transmission including attribute information by adding a priority information component to the transmission data packet. This method has the rule that routers temporarily string together as relay nodes in the priority path, and other relay nodes not on the path pause while the priority path is active.
Manipulations of serotonin function in the nucleus accumbens core produce differential effects on ethanol and sucrose seeking and intake.

Objective: Behaviorally relevant stimuli, including alcohol, are processed through the nucleus accumbens/ventral tegmental area (VTA)/prefrontal cortex circuit. It is hypothesized that serotonin affects ethanol-directed behaviors by interacting with this system via projections from the dorsal raphe to the nucleus accumbens and VTA. The current studies utilized two different operant paradigms, one focusing on reinforcer seeking and one focusing on reinforcer self-administration (both with an ethanol and a sucrose solution as the reinforcer) to elucidate serotonin-specific regulation of these behaviors. Methods: The present experiments assessed the effects of microinjections of a serotonin1B agonist (CGS12066B) and a serotonin1A agonist (8-OH-DPAT) in the nucleus accumbens core on ethanol- and sucrose-reinforced seeking and intake. In four separate experiments, male Long-Evans rats were trained to complete a single response requirement that resulted in access to 10% ethanol or 2% sucrose for a 20-min drinking period. Results: Before microinjections, ethanol-reinforced subjects were consuming an average of 0.5-0.95 g/kg ethanol and making 50-100 responses during intermittent nonreinforced sham (no drug) sessions (sucrose groups had similar baseline response levels). In summary, findings from the four experiments showed the following: (1) manipulations of serotonin function that had effects on ethanol-reinforced responding had either no effect or less pronounced effects on sucrose-reinforced responding; (2) administration of the serotonin1B agonist decreased seeking behaviors to a greater degree than drinking behaviors; and (3) administration of the serotonin1A agonist decreased ethanol intake but not seeking with no impact at all on sucrose-reinforced behaviors. Conclusions: Manipulations of serotonin activity in the nucleus accumbens core had little effect on sucrose-reinforced behaviors and differential effects on ethanol seeking versus intake, suggesting that this area may play a complex but selective role in the stimulus processing of external and internal alcohol-associated cues.
DSSP: A Model of Production and Marketing Decisions on a Midwestern Crop Farm

decision variables and the sources of risk it includes. The costs of using DSSP are decreasing, and such models should be considered seriously for a wide variety of empirical problems. Agricultural economists have used a variety of mathematical programming techniques to model farm decision problems under risk. These techniques have been used widely in analyses of farm production and marketing
A decade of amphibian population genetic studies: synthesis and recommendations

Amphibians are declining globally, and a comprehensive understanding of the spatial distribution of genetic diversity will inform conservation efforts. However, studies that estimate amphibian population genetic structure and gene flow have not yet been synthesized. Our search of literature from 2001 to 2010 yielded 552 amphibian population and landscape genetic studies, of which 139 explicitly estimated gene flow or genetic structure. We examined these works for general trends and conducted a meta-analysis of reported FST values. The majority of studies took place in temperate forests in North America and Europe, with no studies of caecilians and few studies of direct-developing species. Among landscape genetic studies, rivers, roads, and mountain ridges were the predominant barriers identified. Conservation status was the only factor that showed a significant relationship with FST, with the least concern IUCN status differing significantly from the near threatened (NT) status as well as from any combination of IUCN statuses that included NT. Recent technological advances will help researchers fill taxonomic and geographic research gaps, thereby facilitating management plans that address a greater diversity of amphibian species.
Management of Severe Hyponatremia: Infusion of Hypertonic Saline and Desmopressin or Infusion of Vasopressin Inhibitors?

Rapid correction of severe hyponatremia carries the risk of osmotic demyelination. Two recently introduced methods of correction of hyponatremia have diametrically opposite effects on aquaresis. Inhibitors of vasopressin V2 receptor (vaptans) lead to the production of dilute urine, whereas infusion of desmopressin causes urinary concentration. Identification of the category of hyponatremia that will benefit from one or the other treatment is critical. In general, vaptans are effective in hyponatremias presenting with concentrated urine and, with the exception of hypovolemic hyponatremia, can be used as their primary treatment. Desmopressin is effective in hyponatremias presenting with dilute urine or developing urinary dilution after saline infusion. In this setting, desmopressin infusion helps prevent overcorrection of the hyponatremia. Monitoring of the changes in serum sodium concentration as a guide to treatment changes is imperative regardless of the initial treatment of severe hyponatremia.
Synthesis and Properties of Cobalt Nanowires

Understanding the structure and properties of metal nanowires is critical for the atomic-scale manipulation, design and application of those materials. Currently, active research on structure and behavior of various metallic nanowires has been carried out by computer simulation. Much experimental work has been done for synthesizing various metal nanowires by many different methods. To experimentally explore the mechanism of the behavior of and the development of structures in the nanowires, it is desirable to have the capability of synthesis various metal nanowires with controlled size, length, uniformity and aspect ratio. It is also desirable to further process those metal nanowires to engineer their properties. In our study, a template assisted fabrication method has been employed to fabricate various metal nanowire arrays, including cobalt, iron and nickel. This fabrication method offers us command over the size and length of the nanowires with excellent uniformity. Heat treatments were used to further process the metal nanowires. The structure of cobalt nanowire array has been investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Mechanical properties of the metal nanowire array will be investigated through nanoindentation and atomic force microscopy (AFM).Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Interpretation of Raman experiments in superfluid He 4

We consider the status of the interpretation of second-order Raman ("two-roton") scattering in superfluid $^{4}\mathrm{He}$. The experimental results are widely considered to provide evidence of the existence of and a value for the binding energy of a two-roton bound state (or resonance). We have previously shown that these conclusions are risky at best, since they are based on an analysis ignoring the fundamental fact that two molecules cannot overlap. Since the import of this argument has not been fully appreciated we reiterate and further illustrate it here. In particular, we estimate that a change in $t(k)$, the "light-helium coupling" or pair polarizability, which is on the order of the uncertainty in the correct value of this function, can shift ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{0}$, the frequency of the peak in the Raman scattering, by 0.24\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. This figure is as large as the difference between the observed value of ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{0}$ and $2\ensuremath{\Delta}$, where $\ensuremath{\Delta}$ is the roton energy. So this difference, which is often cited as evidence for a two-roton bound state, may not be characteristic of quasi-particle dynamics alone.
Chemical modification locates guanidinyl and carboxylate groups within the active site of prolidase.

Summary Reagents phenylglyoxal or 1-cyclohexyl-3-(2-morpholinoethyl)carbodiimide metho-p-toluenesulfonate inactivate the enzyme prolidase, with protection conferred by the competitive inhibitor N-acetylproline. The presence of arginine and carboxylate (aspartic/glutamic acid) residues at the active site of this metallodipeptidase may be inferred.
Correlates of suicidal ideation in dysphoric mania.

Abstract Background: Previous investigations have reported that suicidal ideation and behavior are more prevalent during mixed than pure mania. Uncertainties exist about whether suicidality in mania arises from multiple concurrent depressive symptoms, or rather, as a categorical phenomenon, reflecting dysphoria without necessarily a full major depression. To elucidate the relationship between suicidal ideation and dysphoric mania, we analyzed clinical and demographic features associated with suicidal versus nonsuicidal dysphoric manic inpatients. Methods: Records were reviewed for 100 DSM-III-R bipolar I manic inpatients at the Payne Whitney Clinic of New York Hospital from 1991–1995. All had ⩾2 concomitant depressive symptoms (other than suicidality). Affective and psychotic symptoms, past suicide attempts, prior illness, and related clinical/demographic variables were assessed by a standardized protocol. Results: Suicidal ideation was significantly more common among dysphoric manics who were caucasian, took antidepressant medications in the week prior to admission, had histories of alcohol abuse/dependence, and made past suicide attempts. Suicidal ideation was evident for nearly half of dysphoric manic patients with ≤3 depressive symptoms who did not meet DSM criteria for a mixed state. No individual manic or depressive symptoms other than dysphoric mood were more common among suicidal than nonsuicidal patients. Limitations: Findings from this retrospective study require confirmation using a prospective assessment. Treatments were naturalistic and may have differentially influenced hospital course and illness characteristics. Factors related to suicide attempts (rare in this cohort) or completions (not a focus of this study) may differ from those related only to suicidal ideation. Conclusions: Caucasian dysphoric manic patients with past suicide attempts and substance abuse may have a significantly elevated risk for suicidality, even when full major depression does not accompany mania. Suicidality is a clinically important consideration in a majority of dysphoric manic patients.
Low Capital Cost Renewable Energy Conversion With Liquid Piston Stirling Engines

Since many renewable energy technologies use low cost or free primary energy sources such as solar insolation or wind, the capital cost of conversion equipment can become the dominant factor in determining economic feasibility. A natural approach to lowering the capital cost per unit of electricity is to strive for high efficiency equipment, i.e., increase the amount of electricity produced. Another approach is to seek out low cost conversion technologies, i.e., lower the capital cost. Capital equipment costs must be significantly lower than currently available off-the-shelf technologies to make solar power generally attractive economically for small-scale electricity generation. One potential low capital cost energy conversion technology is the liquid piston Stirling engine. A necessary design component for liquid piston Stirling engines is estimation of the frictional losses in the oscillating liquid columns. While frictional losses for fully developed laminar and turbulent pipe flow are characterized quite completely, average frictional loss factors for the continually starting and stopping liquid flow in oscillating columns are less complete. Direct measurements of frictional loss using a log-decrement method are reported in the paper. Measurements were completed for a variety of piping and tubing sizes and configurations. It was found that liquid volume correlated damping coefficient data well. A comparison with an equivalent fully developed laminar flow damping coefficient is presented.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Morphine: sites of action in guanosine nucleoside pathway.

In 1973, based on evidence yielded by morphine binding studies, Pert and Snyder first proposed that the pharmacologic actions of morphine are effected through a reversible binding of the opiate to specific receptors in the central nervous system (CNS). Subsequently, investigators reported several opiate receptor types (Martin et al, 1976; Lord et al, 1977); more recently, evidence for opiate receptor subtypes has also been presented (Pasternak, 1984). Despite these substantial advancements, however, surprisingly little is known concerning the cascade of biochemical events triggered by the binding of opiate alkaloids to receptor sites in the CNS (Miller, 1984). Most studies intended to elucidate the biochemical actions of opiates are primarily concerned with the effects of these compounds on the activities of the various enzymes involved in adenylate nucleoside metabolism (Palmer, 1983). The numerous contradictory reports in this line of research have, however, clearly demonstrated the futility of attempts to correlate opiate activity to brain levels of the adenylate cyclic nucleotide (Wollemann, 1981; Palmer, 1983). Similarly, there is little consensus regarding the effects of opiates on guanylate cyclic nucleotide concentrations, a subject on which comparatively few investigations have thus far been conducted (Palmer, 1983).
Alternative approach for determination of singularity of envelope to a family of parametric surfaces

Abstract The purpose of the paper is determination of singularities of an envelope to a family of parametric surfaces. The authors propose a simplified solution to this problem based on consideration of the surface of action that is formed by the lines of tangency of the envelope and the generating surface of the tool. The proposed approach is illustrated by determination of singularities of envelopes for complex cases of surface generation. Computer programs in support of numerical solutions have been developed.
Information Asymmetry and Valuation Effects of Debt Financing

This study demonstrates that under conditions of information asymmetry, shareholders earn positive returns around the shelf registration date of straight debt. The results provide evidence to support Miller and Rock's conclusion that new expected financing by firms can result in positive returns to shareholders and Blazenko's contention that positive returns around the announcement date of straight debt issuance may be found by studying firms with asymmetric information. Firms with reported research and development expenses are assumed to have a higher level of asymmetric information and a greater chance of requiring new outside financing. Research and development expense intensity and abnormal earnings in future periods are found to be significant in a cross-sectional regression explaining abnormal returns for days surrounding the announcement period.
Vasopeptidase inhibition and Ang-(1-7) in the spontaneously hypertensive rat

Vasopeptidase inhibition and Ang-(1-7) in the spontaneously hypertensive rat . Background Omapatrilat, a new vasopeptidase inhibitor, inhibits the activity of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and neutral endopeptidase 24.11 (NEP). Because these two enzymes participate in the degradation of the vasodilator and natriuretic peptide, angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)], we assessed whether omapatrilat treatment is associated with changes in the plasma and urinary excretion rates of the angiotensins. Methods We investigated in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) (0.24kg body weight) the effect of omapatrilat on plasma and urinary concentrations of angiotensin (Ang) I, Ang II and Ang-(1-7) during 17 days of administration of either the drug ( N = 15, 100 μmol/kg/day) or vehicle ( N = 14) in the drinking water. Hemodynamic and renal excretory function studies were associated with histological examination of the expression of Ang-(1-7) in the kidneys of both vehicle and omapatrilat-treated SHRs. Results Omapatrilat induced a sustained lowering of systolic blood pressure (-68mm Hg) without changes in cardiac rate. The mild positive water balance produced by omapatrilat did not cause natriuresis or kaliuresis, although it was associated with a significant decrease in urine osmolality. Blood pressure normalization was accompanied by increases in plasma Ang I (2969%), Ang II (57%), and Ang-(1-7) (163%) levels, paralleling pronounced increases in urinary excretion rates of Ang I and Ang-(1-7) but not Ang II. Detection of Ang-(1-7) immunostaining in the kidneys of five other SHR exposed either to vehicle ( N = 3) or omapatrilat ( N = 2) ascertained the source of the Ang-(1-7) found in the urine. Intense Ang-(1-7) staining, more pronounced in omapatrilat-treated SHR, was found in renal proximal tubules throughout the outer and inner regions of the renal cortex and the thick ascending loop of Henle, whereas no Ang-(1-7)-positive immunostaining was found in glomeruli and distal tubules. Conclusions Omapatrilat antihypertensive effects caused significant activation of the renin-angiotensin system associated with increases in urinary excretion rates of Ang I and Ang-(1-7). Combined studies of Ang-(1-7) metabolism in urine and immunohistochemical studies in the kidney revealed the existence of an intrarenal source, which may account for the pronounced increase in the excretion rate of the vasodilator heptapeptide. These findings provide further evidence for a contribution of Ang-(1-7) to the regulation of renal function and blood pressure.
An approach to developing a 5-year integrated accounting program

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to describe the 5-year (150-hour) integrated accounting program developed as a “moderate restructuring” in one major public university (without funding from an AECC grant). The 5-year integrated accounting program emphasizes critical thinking, communications, and interpersonal skills, and includes coursework in general education, business, and accounting. The general education segment includes “clusters” of courses in various liberal arts areas. The business and accounting segments include core courses plus elective courses which allow students to develop breadth or depth. Also included in the program are writing-intensive, undergraduate seminar, and international studies components.
Long-Term Cycling of Kozai-Lidov Cycles: Extreme Eccentricities and Inclinations Excited by a Distant Eccentric Perturber

The very long-term evolution of the hierarchical restricted three-body problem is calculated analytically for high inclinations. The Kozai-Lidov Cycles (KLCs) slowly evolve due to the octupole term in the perturber's potential and exhibit striking features, including extremely high eccentricities and the generation of retrograde orbits with respect to the perturber. These features were found in recent numerical experiments of the nonrestricted three-body problem and were attributed inaccurately to the comparable and low masses of the two orbiting companions. Our calculation is done by averaging for the first time the double averaged secular equations of motion over the KLCs and finding a new constant of the motion. These very long-term effects are likely to be important in various astrophysical systems thought to involve KLCs, such as hot Jupiters, irregular moons of planets, and many others.
Black Female Community College Students' Satisfaction: A National Regression Analysis

Data from the Community College Student Experiences Questionnaire were analyzed for a sample of 315 Black women attending community colleges. Specifically, we conducted multivariate analyses to assess the relationship between background traits, commitments, engagement, academic performance, and satisfaction for Black women at community colleges. Descriptive results provide a profile of Black women who attend community colleges in terms of age, native language, units taken, and grades. Hierarchical linear regression results suggest that our statistical model accounted for 22% of the variance in satisfaction. Significant predictors of Black women's satisfaction at community colleges include age, effect of family on school work, and social engagement with faculty. Grades may also be significantly related to Black women's satisfaction, although the relationship was reduced to nonsignificance over successive models. Implications for future policy, practice, and research are highlighted.
A frequency swept ELDOR study of irradiated ammonium acetate crystals at 77 K: Resolution of spin packets

Abstract Frequency swept electron-electron double resonance (ELDOR) lineheights for the methyl radical in irradiated ammonium acetate, at the same gain and modulation, have been detected which are two to three times the ESR lineheights. This observation has been explained by assuming that the ESR lines consist of a Gaussian distribution of Lorentzian lines. An asymmetry of the reduction factors as a function of observing position has been detected for the M I =−3/2 ESR line and is a direct consequence of large inhomogeneous ESR linewidths. The ESR linewidth for the methyl radical equals approximately one-half of the a-proton coupling constant in some crystal orientations.