cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Development of Inbreeding

Let us examine the development of inbreeding in a finite line of our model population. From Eq. (19.1), we can calculate the change in F from generation t to generation t +1 of line i as $$\begin{gathered} {F_{it + 1}} - {F_{it}} = \left( {1/2N} \right) + \left[ {1 - \left( {1/2N} \right)} \right]{F_{it}} - {F_{it}} \hfill \\ \,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\, = \left( {1/2N} \right) + {F_{it}} - \left( {1/2N} \right){F_{it}} - {F_{it}} \hfill \\ \,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\, = \left( {1/2N} \right)\left( {1 - {F_{it}}} \right). \hfill \\ \end{gathered}$$ (20.1)
Cardiac responses to β-adrenergic stimulation in anesthetized dogs with chronic congestive heart failure

The cardiac responses to i. v. bolus injections of norepinephrine (NE, 5 and 10 μg) and isoproterenol (ISO, 2 and 5 μg) were compared in dogs with and without chronic congestive heart failure (CHF) induced by construction of a large infrarenal aortacaval fistula. Prior to establishing the shunt there was a significant increase in left ventricular pressure (LVSP), dp/dtmax cardiac output (CO) and stroke volume (SV) to both doses of NE. Pre-shunt there was a significant increase, in dp/dtmax, heart rate (HR), CO and SV to both doses of ISO. Following establishment of the shunt and CHF, there was a significantly depressed response of LVSP and dp/dtmax to both doses of NE compared to pre-shunt changes. Following the shunt and CHF, the response of LVSP was significantly greater at the 2 μg dose of ISO while there was a depressed response of dp/dtmax at both, doses of ISO and a depressed chronotropic response of ISO at both doses. In eight dogs with ligated A-V fistulas and a return of hemodynamic variables as well as heart size to pre-shunt level, there was a reversal of inotropic and chronotropic response to ISO while the inotropic responses to NE were more variable and appeared to remain depressed. In a group of seven normal dogs which were volume expanded with isotonic, isooncotic dextran to similar levels of end diastolic pressures as the CHF dogs, the responses to ISO were not depressed. NE responses were not tested in this group. It is concluded that dogs with chronic volume overload heart failure have a reduced capacity to respond to exogenous catecholamines and that this phenomenon is not related to the volume expanded state of these animals.
Labour protest in China’s private sector: responses to Chinese communism with capitalist characteristics

Building on existing studies of worker activism in formerly communist states, this paper examines the context, nature and consequences of labour protest in China’s private sector – highlighting the...
Bodyminds Reimagined: (Dis)ability, Race, and Gender in Black Women’s Speculative Fiction, by Sami Schalk: Duke UP, 2018

Bodyminds Reimagined is a compelling critical study of the points of contact and convergence between disability studies and Black feminist studies in contemporary Black women’s speculative fiction....
Three-dimensional steady and oscillatory flow in a double bifurcation airway model

Using Magnetic Resonance Velocimetry, we investigate the steady expiratory and the oscillatory flow in a planar double bifurcation model with geometric proportions relevant to the respiratory human airways for a range of Reynolds (Re) and Womersley (Wo) numbers.
A scoping review of nurse practitioner workforce data: Part two of a four-part series on critical topics identified by the 2015 Research Agenda Roundtable.

ABSTRACTBackground and purpose:There is no single comprehensive data source for conducting nurse practitioner (NP)-focused workforce and outcomes research. The 2015 Research Agenda Roundtable of the Fellows of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners supports the development of a national NP
Put Your Gloves On! Managing Volunteers in Museum Collections

This article is an adaptation of the master's project submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Museum Studies. The purpose of this project is to outl...
Systemic Therapy in BRAF V600E-Mutant Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: Recent Advances and Future Strategies.

This review seeks to detail the clinical and pathologic features specific to BRAFV600E colorectal cancer. Application of novel preclinical findings translated into the clinic for the development of new therapeutic options for patients with BRAFV600E metastatic colorectal cancer will be detailed. While BRAF inhibitors as monotherapy do not have the same clinical activity for colorectal cancer relative to other solid tumors harboring an oncogenic BRAFV600E mutation, combination approaches targeting BRAF + MEK + EGFR hold promise for patients with BRAFV600E colorectal cancer. Simultaneous targeting of multiple drivers along the MAPK pathway improves clinical outcomes for patients with BRAFV600E colorectal cancer. Targeted therapies and immunotherapy hold great promise in the years to come for patients with this subtype of colorectal cancer.
Screening of urine identifies PLA2G16 as a field defect methylation biomarker for prostate cancer detection.

BACKGROUND Prostate cancer (PC) is a multifocal disease. DNA methylation alterations are not restricted to the immediate peritumor environment, but spatially widespread in the adjacent and distant histologically normal prostate tissues. In the current study, we utilized high-throughput methylation arrays to identify epigenetic changes in the urine from men with and without cancer. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS DNA urine samples were enriched for methylated fragments using MBD methyl-binding antibodies and applied to high density CytoScanHD arrays. Significant loci were validated using quantitative pyrosequencing and binary logistic regression modeling applied to urine sample analyses in a training (n = 83) and validation approach (n = 84). Methylation alterations in prostate tissues using pyrosequencing at the PLA2G16 locus were examined in 38 histologically normal specimens from men with (TA, n = 26) and without (NTA, n = 12) cancer and correlated to gene expression. RESULTS Methylation microarrays identified 3,986 loci showing significantly altered methylation in the urine samples from patients with PC compared to those without (TA vs NTA; p<0.01). These loci were then compared against subjects with their prostates removed to exclude non-prostate cell markers yielding 196 significant regions. Multiple CpGs adjacent to PLA2G16 CpG island showed increased methylation in TA compared to NTA (p<0.01) in a large validation study of urine samples. The predictive accuracy of PLA2G16 methylation at CG2 showed the highest predictive value at 0.8 (odds ratio, 1.37; 95% confidence interval, 1.16-1.62; p<0.001). Using a probability cutoff of 0.065, the sensitivity and specificity of the multivariate model was 92% and 35%. When histologically normal prostate tissues/biopsies from patients with PC (TA) were compared to subjects without cancer, significant hypermethylation of PLA2G16 was noted (odds ratio, 1.35; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-1.71; p = 0.01). CONCLUSION PLA2G16 methylation defines an extensive field defect in histologically normal prostate tissue associated with PC. PLA2G16 methylation in urine and prostate tissues can detect the presence of PC.
Autonomic Computing Challenges in Fully Autonomous Precision Agriculture

Precision agriculture examines crop fields, gathers data, analyzes crop health and informs field management. This data driven approach can reduce fertilizer runoff, prevent crop disease and increase yield. Frequent data collection improves outcomes, but also increases operating costs. Fully autonomous aerial systems (FAAS) can capture detailed images of crop fields without human intervention. They can reduce operating costs significantly. However, FAAS software must embed agricultural expertise to decide where to fly, which images to capture and when to land. This paper explores fully autonomous precision agriculture where FAAS map crop fields frequently. We have designed hardware and software architecture. We use unmanned aerial systems, edge computing components and software driven by reinforcement learning and ensemble models. In early results, we have collected data from an Ohio cornfield. We use this data to simulate a FAAS modeling crop yield. Our results (1) show that our approach predicts yield well and (2) can quantify computational demand. Computational costs can be prohibitive. We discuss how research on adaptive systems can reduce costs and enable fully autonomous precision agriculture. We also provide our simulation tools and dataset as part of our open source FAAS middleware, SoftewarePilot.
The Regional Hydroclimate Response to Stratospheric Sulfate Geoengineering and the Role of Stratospheric Heating

Geoengineering methods could potentially offset aspects of greenhouse gas‐driven climate change. However, before embarking on any such strategy, a comprehensive understanding of its impacts must be obtained. Here, a 20‐member ensemble of simulations with the Community Earth System Model with the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model as its atmospheric component is used to investigate the projected hydroclimate changes that occur when greenhouse gas‐driven warming, under a high emissions scenario, is offset with stratospheric aerosol geoengineering. Notable features of the late 21st century hydroclimate response, relative to present day, include a reduction in precipitation in the Indian summer monsoon, over much of Africa, Amazonia and southern Chile and a wintertime precipitation reduction over the Mediterranean. Over most of these regions, the soil desiccation that occurs with global warming is, however, largely offset by the geoengineering. A notable exception is India, where soil desiccation and an approximate doubling of the likelihood of monsoon failures occurs. The role of stratospheric heating in the simulated hydroclimate change is determined through additional experiments where the aerosol‐induced stratospheric heating is imposed as a temperature tendency, within the same model, under present day conditions. Stratospheric heating is found to play a key role in many aspects of projected hydroclimate change, resulting in a general wet‐get‐drier, dry‐get‐wetter pattern in the tropics and extratropical precipitation changes through midlatitude circulation shifts. While a rather extreme geoengineering scenario has been considered, many, but not all, of the precipitation features scale linearly with the offset global warming.
Network analysis reveals a distinct axis of macrophage activation in response to conflicting inflammatory cues

Macrophages are subject to a wide range of cytokine and pathogen signals in vivo, which contribute to differential activation and modulation of inflammation. Understanding the response to multiple, often conflicting, cues that macrophages experience requires a network perspective. Here, we integrate data from literature curation and mRNA expression profiles to develop a large-scale computational model of the macrophage signaling network. In response to stimulation across all pairs of 9 cytokine inputs, the model predicted activation along the classic M1-M2 polarization axis but also a second axis of macrophage activation that distinguishes unstimulated macrophages from a mixed phenotype induced by conflicting cues. Along this second axis, combinations of conflicting stimuli, interleukin 4 (IL4) with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), interferon-{gamma} (IFN{gamma}), IFN{beta}, or tumor necrosis factor- (TNF), produced mutual inhibition of several signaling pathways, e.g. nuclear factor {kappa}B (NF{kappa}B) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6), but also mutual activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K) signaling module. In response to combined IFN{gamma} and IL4, the model predicted genes whose expression was mutually inhibited, e.g. inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and arginase 1 (Arg1), or mutually enhanced, e.g. IL4 receptor- (IL4R) and suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1), which was validated by independent experimental data. Knockdown simulations further predicted network mechanisms underlying functional crosstalk, such as mutual STAT3/STAT6-mediated enhancement of IL4R expression. In summary, the computational model predicts that network crosstalk mediates a broadened spectrum of macrophage activation in response to mixed pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine cues, making it useful for modeling in vivo scenarios. Summary sentenceNetwork modeling of macrophage activation predicts responses to combinations of cytokines along both the M1-M2 polarization axis and a second axis associated with a mixed macrophage activation phenotype.
Necrotizing Enterocolitis: A Multi-omic Approach and the Role of the Microbiome

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a poorly defined disease that primarily affects preterm infants. There has not been much progress in the prevention or treatment of NEC since it became recognized as a common problem in preterm infants. Reasons for this lack of progress include the likelihood that different diseases are being put under the same moniker of "NEC," similar to using "diabetes" for the different diseases it represents. In order to make progress, better delineation of the phenotypes that present as NEC will be necessary to clearly establish their pathophysiology, find specific and sensitive biomarkers, and establish preventative regimens. In this review, we summarize some of the entities that are being called NEC, discuss the pathophysiology of the most classic form of NEC, and provide an overview of how we might proceed in the future to make progress in this field.
Training Motivational Regulation Skills Through Virtual Avatars in Online Learning

Motivation regulation is one of the key aspects of self-regulation, which is essential to being successful in online learning. Online learners need to understand motivational regulation strategies (MRS) to self-initiate motivational efforts and further overcome various motivational challenges they encounter while performing online learning tasks. This chapter introduces the motivational regulation model as a viable model to create a training module that helps online learners acquire self-regulated motivational strategies. In addition, this chapter describes an example of how such training module can be created by employing virtual avatar-guided motivational regulation messages. Specifically, we will share the structure of the module, virtual avatar design, and the motivational regulation message design. Possible future studies are also discussed.
Cultural Landscape in World Heritage Conservation and Cultural Landscape Conservation Challenges in Asia

UNESCO was the first United Nations agency to deal with landscapes at a global scale, notably through the World Heritage Convention. In 1992, Cultural Landscapes’ became a new category on the World Heritage List combining works of nature and of humankind: cultural landscapes often illustrate a specific relation between people and nature and can reflect techniques of sustainable land use, fostering strong links between culture and sustainable development. Initiatives such as the UNESCO-Greece Melina Mercouri International Prize highlight outstanding examples of safeguarding activities at the world’s major cultural landscapes and offer opportunities to share good practices and create synergies. Cultural landscapes face numerous threats across the world, and especially in Asia, with its growing infrastructure development and urbanisation. This article shares some of the knowledge and experience garnered by UNESCO through its conservation and management activities at cultural landscapes in Asia (Bamiyan Valley in Afghanistan, Bhutan, Silk Roads heritage corridors) and highlights the urgent need for a cultural-historical-natural territory approach to address the pressing challenges for the conservation of Cultural Landscapes in Asia. Finally, the article advocates for a strong focus on the peoples and communities that inhabit these territories and their involvement at all stages.
Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for Pudendal Neuralgia: A Technical Note.

Background Pudendal neuropathy is a chronic, disabling form of perineal pain that involves the pudendal nerve, a mixed somatic and autonomic nerve that originates from sacral nerve roots. Peripheral nerve stimulation of the pudendal nerve can be useful to decrease symptom burden in patients who have failed initial conservative treatment modalities. Methods In this manuscript, we describe an approach to the placement of a peripheral nerve stimulator for the treatment of pudendal neuralgia. We present a case of complex pelvic neuropathy and review the factors that lead to successful placement. Technical aspects of stimulator placement and ultrasound landmarks are reviewed. Results A lateral to medial approach with ultrasound guidance at the level of the ischial spine is likely to facilitate proper lead placement along the course of the pudendal nerve. Aftercare and adherence to postimplant activity restrictions-particularly avoiding use of the extremes of hip flexion and extension for four weeks-lead to the absence of lead migration. Conclusions Pudendal nerve stimulation is an emerging technique for neuromodulation of refractory pudendal neuralgia. Ultrasound-guided pudendal nerve stimulation is a viable technique for neuromodulation of pudendal neuralgia. Optimization of patient selection, ultrasound guidance, and proper adherence to postimplant activity restrictions may be helpful for long-term therapeutic success.
Evolution of interfaces for the nonlinear parabolic p-Laplacian-type reaction-diffusion equations. II. Fast diffusion vs. absorption

We present a full classification of the short-time behaviour of the interfaces and local solutions to the nonlinear parabolic p-Laplacian-type reaction-diffusion equation of non-Newtonian elastic filtrationIf the interface is finite, it may expand, shrink or remain stationary as a result of the competition of the diffusion and reaction terms near the interface, expressed in terms of the parameters p, β, sign b, and asymptotics of the initial function near its support. In some range of parameters, strong domination of the diffusion causes infinite speed of propagation and interfaces are absent. In all cases with finite interfaces, we prove the explicit formula for the interface and the local solution with accuracy up to constant coefficients. We prove explicit asymptotics of the local solution at infinity in all cases with infinite speed of propagation. The methods of the proof are based on nonlinear scaling laws and a barrier technique using special comparison theorems in irregular domains with characteristic boundary curves. A full description of small-time behaviour of the interfaces and local solutions near the interfaces for slow diffusion case when p>2 is presented in a recent paper by Abdulla and Jeli [(2017) Europ. J. Appl. Math.28(5), 827–853].
Disrupted Nationalisms in Times of War: Young Ha-Kim and José Revueltas

This chapter examines South Korean novelist Young Ha-Kim and Mexican novelist Jose Revueltas in the theoretical framework of “contact zones.” Their novels deal with a major conflict in their respective countries, the Mexican Revolution (1910–1920) and the Korean War (1950–1953). In the novel Black Flower by Young Ha-Kim, one thousand Koreans arrive as indentured servants to Mexico in 1905 to work in substandard conditions during the hacienda system. In the novel, Los motivos de Cain [“Cain’s Motives”] by Jose Revueltas, we find a character experiencing a post traumatic injury after being forced to torture a Mexican-Korean. The Korean author claims an influence of Magical Realism in his fictions through the use of multiple voices, and founding a new community. The fog of conflict, as seen in the novels discussed in this chapter, stirs the identities of the characters and their fixed idea of an “imagined community” and challenges the idea of nation via immigrant hybrid identities that claim connections to both countries.
Cyclically parallelized treecode for fast computations of electrostatic interactions on molecular surfaces

Abstract We study the parallelization of a flexible order Cartesian treecode algorithm for evaluating electrostatic potentials of charged particle systems in which N particles are located on the molecular surfaces of biomolecules such as proteins. When the well-separated condition is satisfied, the treecode algorithm uses a far-field Taylor expansion to compute O ( N log N ) particle–cluster interactions to replace the O ( N 2 ) particle–particle interactions. The algorithm is implemented using the Message Passing Interface (MPI) standard by creating identical tree structures in the memory of each task for concurrent computing. We design a cyclic order scheme to uniformly distribute spatially-closed target particles to all available tasks, which significantly improves parallel load balancing. We also investigate the parallel efficiency subject to treecode parameters such as Taylor expansion order p , maximum particles per leaf N 0 , and maximum acceptance criterion θ . This cyclically parallelized treecode can solve interactions among up to tens of millions of particles. However, if the problem size exceeds the memory limit of each task, a scalable domain decomposition (DD) parallelized treecode using an orthogonal recursive bisection (ORB) tree can be used instead In addition to efficiently computing the N -body problem of charged particles, our approach can potentially accelerate GMRES iterations for solving the boundary integral Poisson–Boltzmann equation.
Care of the species: Races of corn and the science of plant biodiversity: by John Hartigan Jr, Minneapolis, University of Minnesota Press, 2017, $27.00 (paperback), 346 pp., ISBN 9780816685356

In Care of the Species, Hartigan offers ethnographic accounts of botanists and plant geneticists working to understand, and cultivate, biodiversity. The book is organized into two parts. The first ...
College students' knowledge about opioids and implications for the opioid crisis.

OBJECTIVE This study assessed undergraduate unhealthy substance use, levels of knowledge about opioid pharmacology, unhealthy use and safety, and students' perceptions about their level of knowledge. PARTICIPANTS Participants were undergraduate students at a large, private university in the Northeast. METHODS This study employed a cross-sectional study design using an online survey. A convenience sample of undergraduate students (N = 317) described their actual and perceived levels of opioid knowledge and their self-reported substance use. RESULTS Objective answers to quiz-style questions about opioids showed knowledge deficits. Participants rated themselves as slightly less knowledgeable than the "average student." Ten percent of students surveyed had used opioids unhealthily at some point in their lifetime. Those reporting unhealthy opioid use had higher subjective and objective opioid knowledge scores. CONCLUSIONS University students' subjective and objective knowledge of opioids warrants more effective and engaging substance use education on college campuses.
The Church Fathers and the Ethics of Propaganda: A Christian Approach to Public Rhetoric:

Although religious ethicists commonly assess the content of public communication to determine its merits, this article argues that the style and techniques of communication deserve similar analysis...
Local Controllability of 2D and 3D Swimmers: The Case of Navier–Stokes Equations

In this chapter we will extend the method of Chap. 7 to the swimmers in a fluid described by the 2D and 3D Navier–Stokes equations. Since the implicit generalized Fourier series representation for solutions, employed in Chap. 7 for the linear non-stationary Stokes equations, is not an option for the nonlinear Navier–Stokes equations, we will elaborate on a more general scheme of proofs, already mentioned in Sect. 7.5.
The search for new herbicide mechanisms of action: Is there a 'holy grail'?

New herbicide modes of action (MOAs) are in great demand because of burgeoning evolution of resistance of weeds to existing commercial herbicides. This need has been exacerbated by the almost complete lack of introduction of herbicides with new MOAs for almost 40 years. There are many highly phytotoxic compounds with MOAs not represented by commercial herbicides, but neither these compounds nor structural analogues have been developed as herbicides for a variety of reasons. Natural products provide knowledge of many MOAs that are not being utilized by commercial herbicides. Other means of identifying new herbicide targets are discussed, including pharmaceutical target sites and metabolomic and proteomic information, as well as the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning to predict herbicidal compounds with new MOAs. Information about several newly discovered herbicidal compounds with new MOAs is summarized. The currently increased efforts of both established companies and start-up companies are likely to result in herbicides with new MOAs that can be used in herbicide resistance management within the next decade. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
On Lewis Shiner's "Slam"

IT SEEMS LIKE YOU CAN HEAR ONE FOR MILES. While the rasp ing, screeching, knife-grinding sound of a skateboard may not yet rank with that of fingernails slowly raked down a blackboard, it must surely be in the running, cutting through the white noise of urban life with its odd rhythms and relentless repetition ? as if some neighborhood sociopath were trying to use a chainsaw to send an interminable message in Morse Code. This may be more a matter of penetrating pitch than of volume, not as loud, say, as a railroad switching yard, but as piercing as a tight, wrack ing cough in a silent theater, as nerve-jangling as the permanent scream of a stuck smoke alarm.
Disruption of a transcriptional regulatory pathway contributes to phenotypes in carriers of ataxia telangiectasia

Ataxia Telangiectasia, AT, is a recessive disorder caused by mutations in the ATM gene. Although it is a recessive disorder, population-based studies have shown that carriers of AT have increased risks of breast cancer and other diseases compared to non-carriers. The goal of this study is to characterize phenotypes in AT carriers. Since expression level of genes is a major determinant of cellular phenotypes, we studied gene expression in AT carriers and identified regulatory mechanisms that influence these expression phenotypes. We found gene expression phenotypes that showed a recessive pattern, where AT carriers are similar to non-carriers but differ from AT patients. However, there are also expression phenotypes that showed a dominant pattern where AT carriers are similar to AT patients but differ from non-carriers. One of the dominant gene expression phenotypes is that of TNFSF4. We showed that ATM regulates TNFSF4 expression through a transcriptional regulatory pathway that includes transcription factors and miRNAs. In AT carriers and AT patients, this pathway is disrupted, resulting in higher expression of TNFSF4. In this presentation, I will describe this ATM-mediated pathway, and show that the disruption of this pathway leads to increased risk of breast cancer and cardiac death in AT carriers. The integration of molecular and computational analyses of gene and microRNA expression revealed the complex consequences of a human gene mutation.
Teacher Teams and Computer Technology: Do Combined Strategies Maximize Student Achievement?

AbstractEducational innovation occurs in many different ways. One approach uses computer technologies to enhance the learning environment, while another restructures how teachers work with each other and their students. This research used three groups in a quasi-experimental approach to assess the combined impact of teacher teaming and computer technology on student grade point averages. The results show that students in the team-taught group achieved higher GPAs than both the traditional school group and the group having both teacher teams and computer technology. Interviews with participating teachers uncovered impediments to the application of the computer technology.
Intercomparison of Mee and NCAR Ice Nucleus Counters and the CSU Isothermal Chamber

Two Mee counters, an NCAR counter, and the Colorado State University isothermal chamber were compared for their ability to count ice forming nuclei in the -16° to -20° range. After several improvements were made on the Mee counters, all devices were in relatively good agreement for counting silver iodide aerosol particles generated from acetone burners and pyrotechnic flares. The Mee counter has the ability to follow rapid changes in nucleus concentration. It was not possible to operate it above -16°C. The Mee counter requires considerable operator skill and is difficult to operate on an aircraft.
Screening of Colorectal Cancer: Progress and Problems

Considerable progress has been made in the past three decades in our understanding of the biology and prevention of colorectal cancer. The long natural history of colorectal cancer as it evolves from adenomatous polyps in the majority of cases provides opportunities for detection of early stage cancer and for prevention of cancer by removal of adenomas. Strong evidence of the effectiveness of screening has resulted in a world wide consensus, as reported in evidence-based guidelines, that screening should be offered to all men and women age 50 and older, younger in the presence of factors that increase risk. Several options are now available for screening, and the emerging technology of stool DNA testing and virtual colonoscopy shows promise. However, many problems remain to be addressed. Screening rates are low. Successful strategies need to be implemented to overcome patient and system barriers. Resources, especially endoscopic capacity, may be inadequate to handle the burden of screening, diagnosis, and follow-up surveillances. There are quality-control issues at every step. Stratification of people by risk, a two-stage screening approach and less intensive surveillance following polypectomy can be helpful. Colorectal cancer screening is cost-effective and could save many lives each year if it were widely implemented.
Low level irradiation in mice can lead to enhanced trabecular bone morphology

Charged particle radiation such as iron ions and their secondary fragmentation products are of particular concern to the skeleton due to their high charge and energy deposition. However, little is known about the long-term effects of these particles on trabecular and cortical bone morphology when applied at relatively low levels. We hypothesized that even a 4.4 cGy dose of a complex secondary iron ion radiation field will compromise skeletal quantity and architecture in adult mice. One year after radiation exposure and compared to age-matched controls, 4.4 cGy irradiated mice had 51 % more trabecular bone, 56 % greater trabecular bone volume fraction, 16 % greater trabecular number, and 17 % less trabecular separation in the distal metaphysis of the femur. Similar to the metaphysis, trabecular bone of the distal femoral epiphysis in 4.4 cGy mice had 33 % more trabecular bone, 31 % greater trabecular bone volume fraction, and a 33 % smaller structural model index. Cortical bone morphology, whole bone mechanical properties, and lower leg muscle mass were unaffected. When compared to two additional groups, irradiated at either 8.9 or 17.8 cGy, a (negative) dose response relationship was observed for trabecular bone in the metaphysis but not in the epiphysis. In contrast to our original hypothesis, these data indicated that a secondary field of low-level, high-linear energy transfer iron radiation may cause long-term augmentation, rather than deterioration, of trabecular bone in the femoral metaphysis and epiphysis of mice.
Factors associated with variability in outcomes for children hospitalized with urinary tract infection.

Objectives To describe the variability in outcomes and care processes for children hospitalized for urinary tract infection (UTI), and to identify patient and hospital factors that may account for variability. Study design Retrospective cohort of children 1 month to 12 years of age hospitalized for UTI at 25 children's hospitals from 1999 to 2004. We measured variability in length-of-stay (LOS), cost, readmission rate, intensive care unit admission, and performance of renal ultrasound and voiding cystourethrogram and identified patient and hospital factors associated with these outcomes. Results The cohort included 20 892 children. There was significant variation in outcomes and processes of care across hospitals (eg, mean LOS, 2.1-5.0 days; patients with both imaging tests performed, 0.3%-72.9%). Older children had shorter LOS and were less likely to undergo imaging. Patients hospitalized at high volume hospitals were more likely to undergo imaging. Hospitals with high percentage of Medicaid patients had longer LOS and were less likely to perform imaging tests. Hospitals with a clinical practice guideline for UTI had shorter LOS and decreased costs per admission. Conclusions The variability across hospitals may represent opportunities for benchmarking, standardization, and quality improvement. Decreased LOS and costs associated with clinical practice guidelines support their implementation.
Optimal conditions for observation of phonon echoes and amplification induced by alternating magnetic fields

Abstract Quantitative predictions are given for the observation of acoustic echo effects and amplification induced by alternating magnetic fields in a number of orderes magnetic insulators.
Identification of an inhibitory circuit that regulates cerebellar Golgi cell activity

Here we provide evidence that revises the inhibitory circuit diagram of the cerebellar cortex. It was previously thought that Golgi cells, interneurons that are the sole source of inhibition onto granule cells, were exclusively coupled via gap junctions. Moreover, Golgi cells were believed to receive GABAergic inhibition from molecular layer interneurons (MLIs). Here we challenge these views by optogenetically activating the cerebellar circuitry to determine the timing and pharmacology of inhibition onto Golgi cells and by performing paired recordings to directly assess synaptic connectivity. In contrast to current thought, we find that Golgi cells, not MLIs, make inhibitory GABAergic synapses onto other Golgi cells. As a result, MLI feedback does not regulate the Golgi cell network, and Golgi cells are inhibited approximately 2 ms before Purkinje cells, following a mossy fiber input. Hence, Golgi cells and Purkinje cells receive unique sources of inhibition and can differentially process shared granule cell inputs.
Short wavelength electromagnetic perturbations excited near the Solar Probe Plus spacecraft in the inner heliosphere: 2.5D hybrid modeling

A 2.5D numerical plasma model of the interaction of the solar wind (SW) with the Solar Probe Plus spacecraft (SPPSC) is presented. These results should be interpreted as a basic plasma model derived from the SW-interaction with the spacecraft (SC), which could have consequences for both plasma wave and electron plasma measurements on board the SC in the inner heliosphere. Compression waves and electric field jumps with amplitudes of about 1.5 V/m and (12-18) V/m were also observed. A strong polarization electric field was also observed in the wing of the plasma wake. However, 2.5D hybrid modeling did not show excitation of whistler/Alfven waves in the upstream connected with the bidirectional current closure that was observed in short-time 3D modeling SPPSC and near a tether in the ionosphere. The observed strong electromagnetic perturbations may be a crucial point in the electromagnetic measurements planned for the future Solar Probe Plus (SPP) mission. The results of modeling electromagnetic field perturbations in the SW due to shot noise in absence of SPPSC are also discussed.
A measurement of the distribution of argon in sputter- deposited very large scale integration metallization☆

Abstract Aluminum alloy films 1.3 μm thick for very large scale integrated circuit devices were prepared in a conventional argon back-filled sputter deposition system using an Al-Si (1 wt.%) target. The substrates were 100 mm p-type Si(100) wafers which had been previously prepared with 0.1 μm of phosphorus-doped low pressure chemically vapor deposited silicon dioxide. Secondary ion mass spectrometry depth profile analysis indicates that 0.7 wt.% argon is incorporated into these thin metal films as a consequence of the deposition process. This quantitative measurement was made by using a reference argon ion implant in the unknown sample to calibrate the mass spectrometer. Argon at three times higher concentration than the background level in the metal film can be trapped at the metal-substrate interface. When a multistep process is used to deposit a film, argon is trapped with a higher concentration at the interfaces between the layers within the film. Post-deposition annealing of the films results in additional argon migration to the metal-substrate interface and other defect sites.
Factors affecting survivorship in polymyositis. A life-table study of 124 patients.

Life-table survivorship of 124 patients with polymyositis from the time of their first hospitalization is presented. Acute pulmonary infiltration, most often after aspiration pneumonia, was the worst prognostic sign. Excluding the latter group, survivorship was significantly reduced among patients with both dysphagia and greater degrees of muscle weakness, among adults 50 years or older and among Negroes. No differences in survivorship were observed between males and females, between polymyositis and dermatomyositis or between those treated with and without corticosteroids.
Factors influencing intention of mobile application use

The current study examined how task performance enhancement, easiness, important others' opinions, entertainment motivation, information seeking motivation, and social connection motivation would predict use intention of mobile applications. Based on a motivational communication theory and the technology acceptance model, a web-based survey was administered among mobile application users. The results of hypothesised model testing show that easiness is the key factor influencing continuance intention of mobile application use. In addition, this study reveals that mobile application users consider human connection and social utility to be more important than entertainment in creating task performance, easiness, social influence, and use intention. This study combined motivations with technology adoption factors for mobile application use in an integrated model. This theoretical attempt strengthened the explanatory power of the technology adoption model for mobile application use. Mobile application vendors and developers must consider the user friendliness of their applications and how many purposes they satisfy.
Magnetically coupled balance platform.

The purpose of this study was to develop a new device to assess balance in two planes and then to provide training paradigms for balance abnormalities. Based on the principal of a Biomechanical Ankle Platform System™ (BAPS) board, the device is different than other devices that are on the market today in that this device allows assessment of balance during body sway movement in the forward\back and side-to-side directions. Like the BAPS board, individuals balance themselves on the board with a pivot in the centre. However, unlike the BAPS board, a variable viscosity magnetic fluid is used to vary the dampening on the board such that the board can be fixed in the forward\back or side-to-side plane. It can also be allowed to move either freely in both planes or with some dampening in any direction. This device offers a major improvement over other balance measuring devices in that it allows movement in multiple planes. It also allows for rapid alterations of movement in any plane to test an individual's abi...
Anti-idiotype responses abrogate anti-CD4-induced tolerance to a tumor-specific antigen and promote systemic tumor immunity.

Purpose: Immunologic-based cancer treatment modalities represent an active area of investigation. Included in these strategies are passive administration of monoclonal antibodies which recognize tumor-associated antigens and active vaccination with identified tumor antigens. However, several problems associated with these types of treatment strategies have been identified. Methods: In this report, we address certain issues by employing a murine model for experimental pulmonary metastasis and a tumor antigen vaccination strategy that induces complete tumor immunity in this system. Utilizing this model, we attempt to address issues related to unresponsiveness to tumor antigen immunization induced by passive administration of a rat monoclonal anti-CD4 and the induction of anti-idiotype responses to a passively administered monoclonal antibody and the effects on the induction of tumor immunity. Results: The results presented indicate that passive administration of rat monoclonal anti-CD4 exhibits immunosuppressive effects that inhibit the production of antibodies to the tumor antigen immunization and abolishes tumor immunity. Repeated administration of the rat monoclonal anti-CD4 results in an anti-idiotype response that can abrogate unresponsiveness to tumor antigen immunization and promote systemic tumor immunity. Conclusions: The data examine a number of potential problems associated with immunologic-based treatments for cancer. These problems include the potential for tolerance to the tumor antigen and establishing an immunocompromised state where immunization with a tumor antigen failed to generate tumor immunity. Approaches to eliminate tolerant T cells by targeting anti-CD4 via anti-idiotype responses that could be generated in vivo without CD4+ T cells allowed for recovery of nontolerant T cells, and an antibody response to the tumor antigen that results in tumor immunity.
Thermodynamic investigation of antimony + oxygen and bismuth + oxygen using solidstate electrochemical techniques

Thermodynamic properties of Sb + O and Bi + O were investigated over the temperature range of 1073 to 1223 K using solid-state electrochemical techniques. The major techniques employed were potentiometric measurements to measure the cell e.m.f. and the oxygen potential, and coulometric titration to control composition. An yttria-stabilized zirconia (7 moles per cent of Y2O3) cylindrical tube was used as the electrolyte. The standard Gibbs energies of formation of the oxides Sb2O3 and Bi2O3 were measured over this temperature interval and the standard enthalpies and entropies of formation were calculated. A least-squares analysis of the results led to the following analytical representations for the standard Gibbs energies of formation ΔGfo: ΔGof(Sb2O3)/kcalth mol−1 = (−109.1 + 0.020T/K) ± 0.4; 1073 K ⩽ T ⩽ 1223 K. ΔGof(Bi2O3)/kcalth mol−1 = (−99.3 + 0.031T/K) ± 0.4; 1073 K ⩽ T ⩽ 1223 K. Coulometric-potentiometric titrations were used to measure the oxygen activity as a function of oxygen composition and the maximum solubility of oxygen. Least-squares analysis of the results produced the following expression for the maximum mole-fraction solubility s(O) of oxygen in the respective liquid metals: s(O in Sb) = 0.0367 exp {−(12.60 ± 0.68) kcalth K−1 mol− /RT}; s(O in Bi) = 0.2981 exp {−(16.39 ± 0.66) kcalth K−1 mol− /RT}. These experimental results are compared with previous literature values.
Successful liver transplant for unresectable hepatoblastoma.

Abstract Background Treatment of children with stage III and IV hepatoblastoma has shown little improvement with 5-year survival rates of 64% and 25%, respectively (J Clin Oncol 2000;18:2665-75). A timely and organized treatment program including preoperative chemotherapy combined with living donor liver transplantation and postoperative chemotherapy has been used seeking improved long-term survival in stage III and IV cases. Methods A retrospective review of 8 patients with stage III and IV hepatoblastoma unresectable by conventional resection were treated with complete hepatectomy and transplantation. Approval was obtained from our institutional review board. Results Since August of 2001, we have treated 6 patients with stage III hepatoblastoma and 2 patients with initial stage IV hepatoblastoma. These patients (age, 23 months–9 years) had all received extensive chemotherapy or prior resections. After chemotherapy, none had gross tumor documented outside of the liver at time of transplantation. All underwent hepatectomy including vena cava resection, in selected cases, with living donor orthotopic liver transplantation. All patients had at least 2 cycles of postoperative chemotherapy. Of 8 patients, 6 are alive and well with normalized alpha-fetoprotein levels. There were 2 late deaths from recurrent disease. Length of follow-up ranged from 7 to 53 months. Conclusion Complete hepatectomy with living donor liver transplantation provides optimal surgical treatment in unresectable stage III and initial stage IV disease confined to the liver at resection. This series indicates that children tolerate complete hepatectomy, transplantation, and postoperative chemotherapy well. Referral to a transplant center during the first 3 cycles of chemotherapy appears to offers the best opportunity for long-term survival.
The Effect of Pictures on Vividness of OTC Medication Packages

Abstract This study evaluated the effect that pictures had on the vividness of over-the-counter (OTC) medication packages. One hundred OTC medications, analgesic and cough-old products, fifty packages with and fifty without pictures, were selected randomly from a local grocery store. Product labels were evaluated by fifty pharmacy students who had completed an OTC medication didactic course and fifty students who had not completed the course. Packages with pictures were rated higher on vividness and were considered more interesting, reassuring, stimulating, and convincing compared to packages without pictures. Although, the effect of vividness was evident, pictures had no effect on product recommendation scores. Participants completing a OTC medication course had significantly lower product recommendation scores compared to those who had not completed the course. Packages were considered to have very little informational value as opposed to promotional value. Manufacturers may consider these results in fu...
Combined microscale mechanical topography and chemical patterns on polymer cell culture substrates

This paper presents a technique to independently form mechanical topography and surface chemical patterns on polymer cell substrates, and studies the response of osteoblast cells to these surface patterns. The patterns were formed in two separate steps: hot embossing imprint lithography formed the mechanical topography and microcontact printing created the chemical pattern. The resulting substrate had surface features consisting of embossed grooves 4 microm deep and 8 microm wide spaced by 16 microm wide mesas and microcontact printed adhesive lanes 10 microm wide with spacings that ranged from 10 to 100 microm. When presented with either mechanical topography or chemical patterns alone, the cells significantly aligned to the pattern presented. When presented with mechanical topography overlaid with an orthogonal chemical pattern, the cells aligned to the mechanical topography. As the chemical pattern spacing was increased, osteoblasts remained aligned to the mechanical topography. Unlike traditional microfabrication approaches based on photolithography and wet chemistry, the patterning technique presented is compatible with a large number of biomaterials, could form patterns with features much smaller than 1 microm, and is highly scalable to large substrates.