cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Network Form, Network Structure, and Boundary Management

In Chapter 4 we addressed our third research question: How did the environment influence the form of innovation diffusion network to emerge at each of the seven project sites? Two general network diffusion patterns were evident. The first was an interorganizational pattern in which the diffusion process was initiated directly by dispersing resources to each participating hospital of the network, to enable each to adopt a multidisciplinary treatment strategy. The second pattern was an interpersonal pattern in which diffusion occurred indirectly. Networks whose strategy approximated this model tended to centralize the network resources at the headquarters, and encouraged participating physicians to accept the content of the innovation by referring patients to the headquarters for those aspects of treatment that were not available in their own hospitals. One or the other of these two patterns was more or less approximated by each of the seven network programs.
Character and psychotherapy

Psychoanalytic theory of psychopathology began as a theory of particular pathogenic agents in the form of repressed memories or drive-generated fantasies. It has developed in the direction of a the...
Spreading of a virulence lipid into host membranes promotes mycobacterial pathogenesis

SUMMARY Several lipids of the pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis are known to promote virulence at various stages of disease. However, the inability to probe these lipids during in vivo infection makes elucidation of their pathogenic mechanisms difficult. Using chemical extraction and reconstitution methods, we were able to define the lipid composition of the outer mycomembrane of Mycobacterium marinum prior to infection. Combining this approach with the synthesis of clickable, semi-synthetic lipids, we introduced a chemically tractable, biologically active variant of the virulence lipid phthiocerol dimycocerosate (PDIM) into the mycomembrane. We find that following infection of zebrafish larvae, PDIM spreads away from bacterial surfaces into the membranes of both macrophage and epithelial cells that it contacts. This spreading facilitates PDIM’s role in preventing bacterium-detrimental immune activation at the site of infection. Graphical Abstract
Sulfhydration of AKT triggers Tau-phosphorylation by activating glycogen synthase kinase 3β in Alzheimer’s disease

In Alzheimer's disease (AD), human Tau is phosphorylated at S199 (hTau-S199-P) by the protein kinase glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β). HTau-S199-P mislocalizes to dendritic spines, which induces synaptic dysfunction at the early stage of AD. The AKT kinase, once phosphorylated, inhibits GSK3β by phosphorylating it at S9. In AD patients, the abundance of phosphorylated AKT with active GSK3β implies that phosphorylated AKT was unable to inactivate GSK3β. However, the underlying mechanism of the inability of phosphorylated AKT to phosphorylate GSK3β remains unknown. Here, we show that total AKT and phosphorylated AKT was sulfhydrated at C77 due to the induction of intracellular hydrogen sulfide (H2S). The increase in intracellular H2S levels resulted from the induction of the proinflammatory cytokine, IL-1β, which is a pathological hallmark of AD. Sulfhydrated AKT does not interact with GSK3β, and therefore does not phosphorylate GSK3β. Thus, active GSK3β phosphorylates Tau aberrantly. In a transgenic knockin mouse (AKT-KI+/+) that lacked sulfhydrated AKT, the interaction between AKT or phospho-AKT with GSK3β was restored, and GSK3β became phosphorylated. In AKT-KI+/+ mice, expressing the pathogenic human Tau mutant (hTau-P301L), the hTau S199 phosphorylation was ameliorated as GSK3β phosphorylation was regained. This event leads to a decrease in dendritic spine loss by reducing dendritic localization of hTau-S199-P, which improves cognitive dysfunctions. Sulfhydration of AKT was detected in the postmortem brains from AD patients; thus, it represents a posttranslational modification of AKT, which primarily contributes to synaptic dysfunction in AD.
Self-interference Characterization for In-Band Full Duplex Underwater Acoustic Communications

In-band full duplex (IBFD) communications attracts increasing attention in the underwater acoustic communication community due to its potential to increase spectral efficiency. The suppression of the self-interference remains the main obstacle to achieve IBFD in the ocean. Limited work in the literature has been done to characterize the self-interference in underwater acoustics. Here we analyze the characteristics of the self-interference based on the fieldwork, where self-interference measurements have been collected for multiple acoustic frequencies ranging from 20 to 180 kHz. The interference cancellation (IC) gain, as the performance metric of the digital self-interference suppression, is found to decrease when the acoustic carrier frequency increases. We propose to use the channel variation ratio (CVR) to characterize channel variability. Experimental results show that the CVR is larger at higher acoustic frequencies and high CVRs lead to the performance degradation in the self-interference suppression. Computer simulations have also been conducted to explain the experimental observations.
Impact of Change in 2010 American Heart Association Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Guidelines on Survival After Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest in the United States: An Analysis From 2006 to 2015.

Background: In October 2010, the American Heart Association/Emergency Cardiovascular Care updated cardiopulmonary resuscitation guidelines. Its impact on the survival rate among out-of-hospital car...
It is time to retire Goodsall's Rule: the Midline Rule is a more accurate predictor of the true and natural course of anal fistulas.

On May 6, 1887 at a meeting of the West London Medico-Chirurgical Society, original observations attributed to D. H. Goodsall described an association between the secondary (external) sinus opening and the location of the primary (internal) opening of an anal fistula: posterior external sinuses had a midline origin and anterior external sinuses took a straight path to their internal origin—eponymously known as Goodsall’s Rule. However, over the last century, published reports support the midline as the primary (internal) origin of all anal fistulas, thus challenging the predictive accuracy of Goodsall’s Rule and prompting this expansive review. A literature search was performed for studies describing the relationship between the secondary (external) opening and the primary (internal) opening of anal fistulas, including recent reports of the positive predictive value (PPV) of Goodsall’s Rule. The studies were evaluated to determine the validity of Goodsall’s observations. The midline was the dominant, primary (internal) opening site of all anal fistulas with up to 95% accuracy. Goodsall’s Rule was inaccurate when applied to anal fistulas with an anterior off-midline external sinus opening which tend to mirror posterior off-midline external sinuses and curve to a midline origin, rather than take a straight course to a primary (internal) opening, as predicted by Goodsall. Use of the Midline Rule had superior predictive accuracy, reflected in an increase in overall PPV of the location of the primary (internal) origin from 49% using Goodsall’s Rule to 71% using the Midline Rule (57–62% for men, 31–90% for women). Goodsall’s Rule falls short in predicting the natural course of anal fistulas with an anterior off-midline external sinus opening, especially for women. Given the increased risk of fecal incontinence related to surgical intervention for anterior-based anal fistulas, especially in women, dependence on Goodsall’s Rule to guide the surgeon may result in “disastrous consequences”. The preponderance of evidence over the last century favors the Midline Rule as a more accurate predictor of the true and natural course of anal fistulas, regardless of the location of the external sinus opening.
Management of the First-Time Shoulder Dislocation

First-time anterior shoulder dislocations are common. The main concern in managing traumatic shoulder dislocations is the high rate of recurrence and the functional disability or additional injuries to structures within the glenohumeral joint that may follow. Initial management involves reduction and sling immobilization. Definitive treatment strategies have been the subject of much study and significant debate.
Global Epidemiology of End-Stage Kidney Disease and Disparities in Kidney Replacement Therapy.

Background The global epidemiology of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) reflects each nation's unique genetic, environmental, lifestyle, and sociodemographic characteristics. The response to ESKD, particularly regarding kidney replacement therapy (KRT), depends on local disease burden, culture, and socioeconomics. Here, we explore geographic variation and global trends in ESKD incidence and prevalence and examine variations in KRT modality, practice patterns, and mortality. We conclude with a discussion on disparities in access to KRT and strategies to reduce ESKD global burden and to improve access to treatment in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Summary From 2003 to 2016, incidence rates of treated ESKD were relatively stable in many higher income countries but rose substantially predominantly in East and Southeast Asia. The prevalence of treated ESKD has increased worldwide, likely due to improving ESKD survival, population demographic shifts, higher prevalence of ESKD risk factors, and increasing KRT access in countries with growing economies. Unadjusted 5-year survival of ESKD patients on KRT was 41% in the USA, 48% in Europe, and 60% in Japan. Dialysis is the predominant KRT in most countries, with hemodialysis being the most common modality. Variations in dialysis practice patterns account for some of the differences in survival outcomes globally. Worldwide, there is a greater prevalence of KRT at higher income levels, and the number of people who die prematurely because of lack of KRT access is estimated at up to 3 times higher than the number who receive treatment. Key Messages: Many people worldwide in need of KRT as a life-sustaining treatment do not receive it, mostly in LMICs where health care resources are severely limited. This large treatment gap demands a focus on population-based prevention strategies and development of affordable and cost-effective KRT. Achieving global equity in KRT access will require concerted efforts in advocating effective public policy, health care delivery, workforce capacity, education, research, and support from the government, private sector, nongovernmental, and professional organizations.
Photovoice as a tool for exploring perceptions of marijuana use among Appalachian adolescents.

This study explored perceptions of marijuana use and abstinence among urban and rural Appalachian high school students using photovoice, enabling this subset of youth to co-construct their percepti...
Spaced Repetition Flashcards for Teaching Medical Students Psychiatry

Retrieval practice, often using electronic flashcards, is increasingly utilized among medical students for self-study. In this study, the authors evaluated usage and satisfaction with electronic flashcards based on a medical school psychiatry curriculum. First-year medical students at one institution consented to participate and received access to a set of pre-made flashcards. Surveys were distributed that collected demographic information along with measures of prior performance, test anxiety, and prior experience with electronic flashcards. The total number of flashcard reviews and time spent on the platform for each student were collected using statistics internally generated by the platform. Each student’s final exam score was also collected. A total of 114 of 129 first year medical students (88%) consented to participate, and 101 students were included in the final analysis. Fifty-eight (56%) were flashcard users with a median of 660 flashcards studied over 2.95 h. A total of 87% of flashcard users found the flashcards to be helpful, and 83% of flashcard users would recommend the flashcards to someone else. Flashcard usage was not associated with final exam scores. This novel electronic study resource was well-received by first-year medical students for psychiatric instruction in medical school, though usage was not associated with higher exam scores.
Exploring mechanisms of a web-based values-tailored childhood vaccine promotion intervention trial: Effects on parental vaccination values, attitudes, and intentions

A recent childhood vaccine promotion intervention trial showed no effects on vaccination outcomes relative to usual care. The purpose of this paper was to test assumptions and theory-based relationships underlying hypothesised mechanisms for two vaccine promotion educational websites (one tailored to parental values, beliefs, and intentions; one untailored) compared with usual care. This is a secondary analysis of a three-arm randomized controlled trial. Parental vaccine values, hesitancy, attitudes, and intention to vaccinate surveys were administered at baseline (≤2 months) and at 4-6 and 10-12 months of age. Vaccination was assessed using electronic health records. Analyses included random coefficient models and risk differences with exact confidence limits. Parental vaccine values were mostly stable over time. Vaccine attitudes were generally positive, with no differences among study arms. Both tailored and untailored website arms showed similar increases in intention to vaccinate more than usual care. Positive changes in intentions were associated with lower rates of late vaccination. Although attitudes and intentions predicted vaccination behavior and the intervention increased intention to vaccinate all on time, the web-based education and values-tailored messaging approaches were not effective at increasing vaccination rates. Intentions are necessary but insufficient targets for vaccine promotion interventions.
Rare Skin Reactions after mRNA Vaccination, Similar to Jones-Mote Basophil Responses.

Local Hypersensitivity Reactions to mRNA Vaccines The rare florid local reactions to Covid-19 vaccines bear gross and microscopic similarity to previously reported cutaneous basophil hypersensitivi...
Animal-assisted activities in the classroom for students with emotional and behavioral disorders

Abstract Educators working with students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) often search for high-interest approaches to enhance evidence-informed practices already in place. The integration of animal-assisted activities (AAA) may be a novel and flexible approach with the potential to support a variety of student goals, in particular for students with emotional or behavioral challenges. We provide a brief overview of AAAs across therapeutic, medical, and educational contexts followed by suggestions to design, implement, and monitor an AAA in one’s classroom.
UNA EVALUACIÓN DE LA VITALIDAD LINGÜÍSTICA DEL INGLÉS CRIOLLO DE LIMÓN: SU VIGENCIA O SU DESPLAZAMIENTO

History has shown that whenever there is a situation of languages in contact, it develops either into a harmonious bilingualism or an overpowering colonialism. It is also well known that the relationship between language and identity may bring about divergent consequences in such circumstances; notably, cultural assimilation or the fusion or the extinction of a language. This paper will focus on the case of a minority of English-based Limonese Creole (LC) speakers in contact with Spanish-speaking (S) Costa Ricans. It will be apparent that LC speakers frequently make use of LC-S code-switching and imported loans and substitutions thus incorporating Spanish into Limonese Creole. Even though it is risky to predict the future of that relationship, this fusion –rather than the extinction of the Creole– may prevail if its speakers consider their language an important element of their identity.
A 1.8-MeV K + injector for the high current beam transport experiment

For the High Current Beam Transport Experiment (HCX) at LBNL, an injector is required to deliver up to 1.8 MV of 0.6 A K{sup +} beam with an emittance of {approx}1 p-mm-mrad. We have successfully operated a 10-cm diameter surface ionization source together with an electrostatic quadrupole (ESQ) accelerator to meet these requirements. The pulse length is {approx}4 {micro}s, firing at once every 10-15 seconds. By optimizing the extraction diode and the ESQ voltages, we have obtained an output beam with good current density uniformity, except for a small increase near the beam edge. Characterization of the beam emerging from the injector included measurements of the intensity profile, beam imaging, and transverse phase space. These data along with comparison to computer simulations provide the knowledge base for designing and understanding future HCX experiments.
A Review of the Year in Family Law: Children's Issues Remain the Focus

This article provides a brief review of pertinent cases in family law between August 2002 and August 2003. Many interesting issues emerge, from relocation of children and disestablishment of paternity to avoid paying child support to some controversial premarital agreements.Over the past decade, a shift has occurred from appellate cases dealing with alimony and property issues to cases focusing on children's issues, from abduction, adoption, children in need of care, child support, paternity, relocation, and third-party visitation. In addition, a number of cases deal with ethical problems of attorneys, perhaps a reflection of the growth in the practice of family law as a specialty area and the increasing numbers of attorneys practicing in this area.
Distributive and Retributive Desert in Rawls

John Rawls rejects prejusticial conceptions of distributive desert on the grounds that such conceptions are immoral and impractical. Prejusticial understandings of desert claim that desert can be understood prior to and independently of justice in social institutions, and take legitimate desert claims to provide standards for evaluating social arrangements. Some philosophers have interpreted Rawls’s rejection of distributive desert as extending more broadly to all prejusticial moral concepts, in particular retributive desert. For instance, Michael Sandel (following a line of thought of Robert Nozick’s) has argued that contrary to Rawls’s explicit discussion of desert, Rawls is in fact committed to rejecting retributive desert; the bases (or grounds) for distributive desert are in fact the same bases of retributive desert. Therefore, insofar as retributive desert is part of our commonsense moral outlook, the worry is that Rawls commits himself to a position too far removed from our considered moral convictions. In response to Sandel and other critics, Samuel Scheffler has argued that at least some of Rawls’s reasons for rejecting a prejusticial notion of distributive desert do not commit him to further rejecting a prejusticial notion of retributive desert. Rawls, Scheffler claims, can reasonably and consistently endorse an asymmetrical account of desert; Rawls’s attitude toward desert is therefore not as radical as it may initially seem. More recently, two philosophers have renewed the argument against Rawls’s asymmetrical treatment of desert. Eugene Mills indirectly does so through challenging Scheffler’s interpretation and defense of Rawls, while Jeffrey Moriarty directly attacks Rawls; because, contra Rawls, prejusticial distributive desert can be made sense of, Rawls fails to substantiate desert asymmetry. In this article, I examine and criticize the tenor of these discussions of Rawls. I think both camps—the opposing camp (Sandel, Nozick, Mills, Moriarty), and the supporting (Scheffler)—incorrectly assess how Rawls understands the relationship between justice and desert. Yet I share something important with Scheffler’s view. I take Rawls to be correct in maintaining that distributive and retributive justice are asymmetrical; in this sense, my view is a supporting one. Justice ought not to be conceived as the satisfaction of legitimate desert claims, with distributive justice rewarding economic desert claims and retributive justice answering punitive desert claims. However, I argue that even though this asymmetry holds, Rawls is committed to rejecting prejusticial retributive desert, just as he rejects prejusticial distributive desert; in other words, he is committed to
Ways of knowing in family medicine: contributions from a feminist perspective

Feminist psychologists have recently drawn a distinction between separate and connected knowing, two different ways of finding out about the world. Family medicine practice uses connected knowing to discover, through empathy, what another person may be experiencing; in contrast, family medicine research, in order to gain academic credibility, relies on separate knowing, typical of scientific thinking. These two ways of knowing have been variously described by Bruner as paradigmatic vs. narrative, by Kuzel as rationalistic vs. naturalistic, and by Stephens as seeing vs. hearing. The two ways of knowing vary in their use of context, time span, believability, and empathy. Family medicine, in a parallel with women who are finding their voice in a world which has not respected them, must come to blend the two ways of knowing. We can begin reframing our research questions by drawing on knowledge of our intimate, long-term connections with patients, thus underscoring the importance of the knower and the relationship with the known.
MASDA - MODAS Adaptive Sampling Decision Aid

The Modular Ocean Data Assimilation System (MODAS) produces oceanographic nowcasts based on (a) climatology, (b) remotely-sensed sea surface temperature and height, and (c) in situ measurements. Recent analyses have shown that the locations of in situ measurements can have a profound influence on the accuracy of the MODAS synthetic profiles. Small-scale variability combined with sparse sampling and inappropriate covariance scales can lead to a spreading of unrepresentative anomalies. The MODAS Adaptive Sampling Decision Aid (MASDA) is being developed to guide the selection of airborne expendable bathythermograph (AXBT) measurement locations to improve the accuracy of MODAS analyses while minimizing the number of required measurements. MASDA uses the computed MODAS temperature uncertainty to predict the optimum sampling locations. The iterative in-flight MASDA approach is to recommend sequential measurement locations based on sequentially computed temperature uncertainty. The pre-flight combinatorial MASDA approach is to recommend the best combination of N measurement locations based on the computed temperature uncertainty. These environmentally driven sampling strategies are expected to increase accuracy of MODAS analyses relative to MODAS analyses based on alternate sampling strategies with the same number of observations. AXBT measurements from several ocean areas are being used to develop and test MASDA algorithms. Preliminary results showing improvement in MODAS accuracy using the MASDA method for selecting observations compared to more subjective selection methods are presented.
Production of Staphylococcal Enterotoxin A on Cellophane-Over-Agar

Up to approximately 50 μg of staphylococcal enterotoxin A per plate was produced by cellophane-over-agar cultures. Enterotoxin was determined by a latex agglutination technique.
Generating 2-D space maps form unknown environments using multiple autonomous robots

The paper deals with the development of 2D space maps during navigation in unknown environments by using multiple autonomous mobile robots, which communicate and exchange space and travel knowledge. The 2D map generation is based on the synthesis of shapes extracted from consecutive free spaces. Each shape extracted from a current free navigation space is represented by attributed graphs. Thus, the synthesis of the shapes is based on the synthesis of graphs for the generation of new graph forms that represent new shapes traveled by autonomous robots. Illustrative examples for the generation of a space map with obstacles are presented by using a single robot and three robots as well.
Comments On The Intrinsic X-ray/UV Absorbers In AGN

This talk discusses the unified X-ray/UV absorption models in AGN. I will first review the models and discuss how they offer an unique opportunity to probe the near nuclear environment of AGNs. Recently, however, the validity of these models has been questioned by a number of authors. I will discuss these papers and argue that the data/ models presented in them do NOT contradict the unified X-ray/UV picture. I will conclude by presenting our new HST spectrum of a X-ray warm absorber.
Artificial selection for intrinsic aerobic endurance running capacity in rats

Artificial selection for intrinsic aerobic endurance running capacity was started using genetically heterogeneous N:NIH stock of rats as a founder population (n = 168). Selection for low and high c...
Toughening by partial or full bridging of cracks in ceramics and fiber reinforced composites

Abstract A complete solution is given for a fully or partially bridged straight crack in transversely isotropic elastic materials which may correspond to unidirectionally fiber-reinforced ceramics or other brittle composites. The stiffness of the bridging materials may have an arbitrary variation along the crack, representing partially failed fibers or ligaments. The crack may have any orientation with respect to the axis of the material symmetry. The solution is explicit in terms of the Chebychev polynomials when the bridging-forces are linearly dependent on the crack-opening-displacement. In addition, uniformly valid asymptotic solutions are developed for fully or partially bridging cracks. For the case when the crack is short relative to a length scale which depends on the material properties, the method yields a complete asymptotic solution when the bridging forces are linearly or non-linearly dependent on the crack-opening-displacement (a square-root dependence, corresponding to continuous fibers, is used for illustration). For the case of long cracks, the proposed asymptotic is effective, but the results are not presented in this work. The mechanism of crack kinking is studied for an oblique partially or fully bridged, or unbridged crack in a macroscopically transversely isotropic elastic solid. The crack is assumed to grow in the matrix material (containing unbroken strong fibers) under local driving forces which are calculated on the basis of the overall anisotropic material response. The results of various fracture criteria are studied. It is illustrated that, under far-field tensile forces normal to the crack, the criterion of the maximum opening mode stress intensity factor in the homogenized anisotropic solid (i.e., the orientation for which the strength of the singularity associated with the tensile hoop stress is maximum) produces results which suggest crack growth more or less parallel to the fibers, whereas the results based on the maximum Mode I stress intensity factor in the isotropic matrix material and/or on the local symmetry criterion (again, for the isotropic matrix) predict crack extension more or less normal to the reinforcing fibers.
I do…do you? Dependence and biological sex moderate daters' cortisol responses when accommodating a partner's thoughts about marriage.

Abstract We examined how daters' levels of relationship dependence interact with men's and women's degree of accommodation during a likelihood of marriage discussion to predict cortisol levels at the conclusion of the discussion. Upon arriving at the laboratory, couple members were separated and asked to graph their perceived likelihood of one day marrying each other. Couples were reunited and instructed to create a joint graph depicting their agreed-upon chance of marriage. For the majority of couples, negotiating their likelihood of marriage required one or both partners to accommodate each other's presumed likelihood of marriage. Multilevel analyses revealed a significant Dependence × Accommodation × Sex interaction. For women who increased their likelihood of marriage, feelings of dependence predicted heightened levels of cortisol relative to baseline; we suggest such a response is indicative of eustress. Among men, those who accommodated by decreasing their likelihood of marriage experienced significantly lower levels of cortisol to the extent that they were less dependent on their partners. Discussion focuses on why men and women show different physiological reactions in response to seemingly favorable outcomes from a relationship discussion.
Trans-oral submandibular gland removal

Submandibular salivary gland excision is traditionally performed via a trans-cervical approach. Although it is considered a relatively simple surgical procedure, several untoward outcomes, such as a visible scar in the neck and injury to various nerves in the field of dissection, are possible. The trans-oral route of surgery eliminates the risk of the former and can decrease the risk of the latter. To answer the question as to why more glands aren't being removed via the trans-oral route, unfamiliarity with the surgical anatomy of the submandibular space as viewed from the oral cavity and a restricted surgical field have been touted as possible deterrents. In this review, we attempt to demonstrate that the anatomy and techniques for this type or resection are well within the skills of all otolaryngologists.
Geographical variation in the spatial synchrony of a forest-defoliating insect: isolation of environmental and spatial drivers

Despite the pervasiveness of spatial synchrony of population fluctuations in virtually every taxon, it remains difficult to disentangle its underlying mechanisms, such as environmental perturbations and dispersal. We used multiple regression of distance matrices (MRMs) to statistically partition the importance of several factors potentially synchronizing the dynamics of the gypsy moth, an invasive species in North America, exhibiting outbreaks that are partially synchronized over long distances (approx. 900 km). The factors considered in the MRM were synchrony in weather conditions, spatial proximity and forest-type similarity. We found that the most likely driver of outbreak synchrony is synchronous precipitation. Proximity played no apparent role in influencing outbreak synchrony after accounting for precipitation, suggesting dispersal does not drive outbreak synchrony. Because a previous modelling study indicated weather might indirectly synchronize outbreaks through synchronization of oak masting and generalist predators that feed upon acorns, we also examined the influence of weather and proximity on synchrony of acorn production. As we found for outbreak synchrony, synchrony in oak masting increased with synchrony in precipitation, though it also increased with proximity. We conclude that precipitation could synchronize gypsy moth populations directly, as in a Moran effect, or indirectly, through effects on oak masting, generalist predators or diseases.
Vildagliptin (LAF 237): A Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV Inhibitor for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus:

Objective: To review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy and safety studies, adverse effects, drug interactions, dosage, and administration of vildagliptin (LAF 237), a dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-4) inhibitor in Phase III development for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Data Sources: Information was obtained from MEDLINE searches of the English-language literature (1990-September 2005). Search terms included vildagliptin, LAF 237, DPP-IV inhibitor, DPP-4 inhibitor and GLP-1 agonist. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Available literature reviewed included abstracts, clinical trials with human and animal data, and review articles. Data Synthesis: Vildagliptin is a potent and highly selective DPP-4 inhibitor. This novel treatment modality enhances the activity of incretin hormones through inhibition of the enzyme responsible for their degradation. Conclusions: Vildagliptin demonstrates good tolerability with minimal adverse effects and can effectively improve metabolic control of glucose through an array of mechanisms.
Suprasternal Transaortic Coronary Arteriography

Opacification of the coronary arteries has been accomplished by direct needle puncture of the ascending portion of the thoracic aorta via a suprasternal approach and injection of highly-concentrated radiopaque medium. Experience with 35 attempts in 31 patients at such coronary opacification is described. The electrocardiographic observations, the reactions, and the complications incident to the study are discussed. Thirteen of the 31 patients had some type of intrapericardial cardiac surgery subsequent to this procedure, and the surgical observations regarding the status of the coronary arteries are compared with the coronary arteriographic findings.
Doppler-free spectroscopy on a tantalum atomic beam

Abstract We demonstrate the usefulness of an atomic beam source for refractory metals in Doppler-free spectroscopy. The splittings between seven hyperfine components of the weak 578.071 nm transition in TaI are measured to ± 1 MHz. The hyperfine A and B coefficients for the upper and lower level are determined from the observed splittings.
Dropping Out of High School: Assessing the Relationship between Supportive Messages from Family and Educational Attainment

The purpose of this study is to assess the potential impact of various aspects of supportive messages from parents/primary caregivers on the decision to stay in or drop out of high school. Specifically, the relationships between the number, valence, and helpfulness of the messages, as well as type of support and message framing with educational achievement were investigated. Eighty respondents completed in-depth interviews about their experiences in high school. Ordinal regression was used to assess the relationships posited in the three research questions. Limitations and directions for future research are discussed.
The Role of Neuromonitoring in Cardiovascular Surgery

This review describes the techniques currently used for quantitative neurophysiologic measurement during cardiac surgery and their potential impact on clinical outcome. Electroencephalography (EEG) characterizes cerebrocortical neuronal electrical activity and was part of some of the earliest cardiopulmonary bypass procedures, yet today it is not widespread use. Each of the common misunderstandings regarding a supposed limitation of this technology is explained. Its major genuine shortcoming, a lack of selectivity, may now be overcome with the combined use of additional monitoring modalities. The influence of intracranial hemodynamics on observed EEG changes may be determined continuously and noninvasively with transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasound. TCD provides an indication of sudden change in either blood flow or vascular resistance as well as the detection of emboli. In addition, the metabolic status of cortical neurons can be monitored by regional cerebral venous oxygen saturation (rCVOS) using noninvasive transcranial near-infrared spectroscopy. The % rCVOS tends to remain remarkably stable over a wide range of temperatures, perfusion pressures, and anesthetic states. Marked change in either direction signifies a serious imbalance between oxygen delivery and consumption. Measurement of rCVOS does not require blood flow, pulsatile or otherwise, so that it offers the only means of monitoring during circulatory arrest. By characterizing the dynamic interplay among cerebral hemodynamics, metabolism, and electrogenesis, these technologies permit the rapid detection and correction of potentially hazardous conditions.
Disappearance of abnormal Q waves after aortocoronary bypass surgery.

Abstract Sixty-one patients were selected from 100 consecutive patients undergoing aortocoronary artery bypass. The number of vessels diseased as defined by coronary arteriography and the number of bypass grafts were recorded. Review of the preoperative electrocardiograms showed an infarct pattern in 26 of the 61 patients and analysis of the postoperative electrocardiograms revealed loss of abnormal Q waves in 3 of the 26. The pre- and postoperative clinical course of these three patients is analyzed and the extent of their coronary artery disease and number of bypass grafts compared with those of the 23 patients who had persistence of the infarction pattern and the 17 patients who manifested new Q waves. Possible explanations for the disappearance of abnormal Q waves are discussed.
On phase transitions involving internal strain

Abstract This is an analysis of continuous phase transitions at body centred tetragonal configurations of nonlinearly elastic monatomic crystals. The aim is to assess the implications of molecular theory with regard to a thermoelastic description of the transitions by means of a prototype calculation which models a change in invariance of the constitutive equation. As a by-product of the investigation, the status of the Cauchy-Born hypothesis becomes evident. The most striking result is that the isothermal elastic moduli suffer a finite discontinuity precisely at the transition point.
Mechanical properties of graphene nanoribbons with disordered edges

Abstract Using density functional theory (DFT), we investigate mechanical properties and failure characteristics of chiral and achiral graphene nanoribbons. Specifically, we study the dependence of maximum strength, Young’s modulus and failure pattern of nanoribbons on their widths, edge chirality and passivation. Besides investigating nanoribbons with perfect edges, nanoribbons with defective edges are considered and the impacts of the presence of Klein or edge pentagonal defects on the properties of nanoribbons are studied. Our DFT results show that as the width of achiral ribbons are reduced, their strength increases. Moreover, significant size effects on the Poisson’s ratio of armchair ribbons and Young’s modulus of zigzag ribbons are observed. The DFT modeling predicts that the presence of defects reduce the strength of chiral nanoribbons while defects might counter intuitively increase the Young’s modulus of chiral nanoribbons. The first-principle simulations show that achiral nanoribbons always fail along a zigzag surface, however the failure pattern of chiral nanoribbons can be more complicated and be accompanied by the nucleation of other kind of defects such as pentagonal–heptagonal rings prior to failure.
Language Ecology in Multilingual Settings. Towards a Theory of Symbolic Competence.

This paper draws on complexity theory and post-modern sociolinguistics to explore how an ecological approach to language data can illuminate aspects of language use in multilingual environments. We first examine transcripts of exchanges taking place among multilingual individuals in multicultural settings. We briefly review what conversation and discourse analysis can explain about these exchanges. We then build on these analyses, using insights from complexity theory and interactional sociolinguistics. We finally outline the components of a competence in multilingual encounters that has not been sufficiently taken into consideration by applied linguists and that we call ‘symbolic competence’.
The Rate of Appearance of Thyroid Hormone Nuclear Receptor Is Increased during Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid Synthesis in GC Cells: Analysis of Thymidine-Treated GC Cells Using Dense Amino Acid Labeling*

The growth rate of GH-producing rat pituitary tumor cells (GC cells) is dependent on thyroid hormone. Previous studies have shown that GC cells can be partially synchronized in the DNA synthesis phase (S-phase) of the cell cycle by a 25-h incubation with 2 mm thymidine. Measurements in GC cells partially synchronized in S-phase showed a significant increase in cellular thyroid hormone nuclear receptor appearance and disappearance in thymidine-treated GC cells using dense amino acid labeling and subsequent sucrose gradient ultracentrifugation. In comparison with GC cells in asynchronous culture, thymidine treatment causes a steady state increase in thyroid hormone nuclear receptors which results from an increase in the receptor appearance rate without an effect on the disappearance rate. Thus, position in the cell cycle appears to be another factor that influences the appearance rate of nuclear thyroid hormone receptors. (Endocrinology 119: 2076–2081, 1986)
DNA content as a prognostic index in gestational trophoblastic neoplasia.

Abstract Hydatidiform mole will progress to malignant gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) in some cases. Aneuploidy and high proliferative activity are associated with malignant tumors. Molar pregnancy tissue was considered a precursor to malignant GTN, and was studied retrospectively using paraffin-embedded tissue to determine whether aneuploidy or proliferative rates measured on molar tissue could predict a malignant course. Tissues from 51 complete hydatidiform moles were analyzed for nuclear DNA content by flow cytometric techniques. A chart review identified the clinical course after evacuation of the mole. A satisfactory DNA histogram was generated in 40 cases. Of the 40 patients, 22 (55%) had spontaneous resolution, and 18 patients (45%) required treatment for persistent GTN. The molar tissue was found to be euploid in 27 cases and aneuploid in 13 cases. Eight of the twenty-seven euploid cases (30%) required treatment after evacuation, whereas 10 of the 13 aneuploid cases (77%) required treatment after molar evacuation. Proliferative index (PI) was compared with treatment requirements. Average PI was 0.11 ±0.10 for the treatment group and 0.08 ± 0.06 for the spontaneous resolution group. The correlation of clinical course with ploidy was significant ( P P > 0.05). Aneuploidy, therefore, identifies a high-risk group of molar pregnancies, and may represent those that have undergone one stage of malignant transformation.
Work and The Most Terrible Life

Tolstoy’s Ivan Ilých lies near death, regretting a terrible life but unaware of what he could have done differently while alive. Although motivated to work for all the wrong reasons–money, self-esteem, social acceptance, and escape from home–by all formal accounts he has been a highly responsible professional. This analysis of a work about work illustrates the relationship between meaningful work, professional responsibility, and meaningful life.
Human Genomics begins ePub ahead of print and a discussion forum Aiming to Bridge Academia with the Pharmaceutical Industry

I would like to welcome you to Volume 5, Issue 5 of Human Genomics and announce some exciting changes starting with the upcoming Volume 6. As you all know, we have introduced the author-paid optional open access for all article types for a minimal fee of US$750, just enough to cover the production costs. This makes it rather encouraging for authors to submit their work to Human Genomics, since our journal does not have any page charges, colour figure charges, or supplemental material charges. The open access, in combination with the ePub ahead of print, discussed below, will permit immediate public access to both the preliminary accepted version and the copyedited, typeset version published in the online journal. This option is in addition to the open access already provided through the National Institutes of Health's PubMed Central repository; all primary research published in Human Genomics is freely available through PubMed Central six months after publication. Starting in Volume 6, Human Genomics will have available the e-Pub ahead of print option for all publications. These are citations that publishers submit to PubMed for articles that appear on the publisher's website in advance of the journal release. The reason for the ePub ahead of print approach is to publish accepted, checked and proofread articles online prior to their appearance in the print version of a journal. Such an article is assigned a digital object identifier (DOI; a character string that serves as a unique identifier for an article and stays with the article even after it has been assigned volume, issue and page numbers), and is indexed by PubMed and other indexing services. As with many other journals, we believe that this is very important, simply because it allows an accepted paper (ePub article) to be cited immediately by its DOI and then associated with its traditional citation after it is published in print. The online access to 'ahead of print' articles will be limited to individual subscribers and to libraries with paid subscriptions. One of the unique features of Human Genomics is its role as the interface between the pharmaceutical industry and academic research. Our aim is to publish original research papers and review articles relevant to both. To support this feature further, we are introducing a forum, Aiming to Bridge Academia with the Pharmaceutical Industry.
The Tourism Penetration Index in Large Islands: The Case of the Dominican Republic

The Tourism Penetration Index (TPI) (McElroy & de Albuquerque, 1998) provides an overall measure of economic, social and environmental impact in small islands. Thus far it has not been used to gauge tourism’s spatial concentration in different regions within a given destination. This study develops a TPI for four regions in the Dominican Republic (DR), and these regional scores are compared with a sample of 42 small islands. Results place Punta Cana in the east among the most penetrated islands/ regions, Puerto Plata/Samana in the north among the intermediate, and La Romana/San Pedro and Santo Domingo in the south among the least developed. Results are also compared with surveys on visitor satisfaction, perceptions of safety, and propensity to return. Planning and research implications are discussed.
On the numerical solution of an N-point boundary value problem for linear ordinary differential equations

A method for the numerical solution of the n-point boundary value problem for homogeneous linear ordinary differential equations is developed. The method requires two Runge-Kutta integrations over the interval under consideration and the solution of a linear system of equations with n-1 unknowns.
Growing up Charismatic: Morality and Spirituality among Children in a Religious Community

Abstract The intersection of two questions about human experience is the starting point for this article. The first question has to do with the problem of how charisma can be successfully transferred to the second generation of a prophetic community. The second question has to do with how children come to be, and to act as, moral and spiritual beings. These questions converge in a particular way in the ethnographic setting of The Word of God Community: it is founded on a charismatic spirituality closely intertwined with a moral imperative, such that its viability depends on reproduction of that morality and spirituality among children of the founding generation. Data come from interviews with 38 children across three age groups (5–7, 10–12, and 15–17 years), conducted over a four-week period subsequent to a community schism, which left members in a state of reflection, self-examination, and openness. We focus on children's responses to a series of culturally specific vignettes designed to present various dilemmas of moral reasoning. In this highly charged context moral and spiritual life are based on an active engagement characterized by dynamic and contested processes, and it is through these processes that individuals make meaning out of and reconstruct the moral code of their culture. [childhood and adolescence, religion, Catholic Charismatic Renewal, Pentecostalism, morality, spirituality, intentional communities]
Detecting influential covariates in a growth curve model

In this paper we study the influence of deleting a set of covariates on growth curve estimates. A measure of detecting the influential covariates is proposed. The measure of influence may also serve as a means of selecting covariates in a growth curve model.
From MEFs to Matrigel I: Passaging hESCs in the Presence of MEFs

This video demonstrates how to grow human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) on mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) feeder cells.