cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Detection of Reactive Oxygen Species in Anion Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells using In Situ Fluorescence Spectroscopy.

The objectives of this study were: 1) to confirm superoxide anion radical (O₂·¯) formation, and 2) to monitor in real-time the rate of O₂·¯ generation in an operating anion exchange membrane (AEM) fuel cell using in situ fluorescence spectroscopy. 1,3-diphenlisobenzofuran (DPBF) was used as the fluorescent molecular probe due to its selectivity and sensitivity towards O₂·¯ in alkaline media. The activation energy for the in situ generation of O₂·¯ during AEM fuel cell operation was estimated to be 18.3 kJ mol-1. The rate of in situ generation of O₂·¯ correlated well with the experimentally measured loss in AEM ion-exchange capacity and ionic conductivity attributable to oxidative degradation.
Experimental Demonstration of a Sizeable Nonclassical CH···G Hydrogen Bond in Cyclohexane Derivatives: Stabilization of an Axial Cyano Group

Base-catalyzed equilibration of anancomeric cyanocyclohexanes demonstrates that replacement of cis-3,5-dimethyl holding groups with electron-withdrawing CF3 groups dramatically increases the proportion of the axial cyano isomer present at equilibrium. The CF3 groups exert an effect on the conformational energy of the cyano group worth about 0.6 kcal/mol. A nonclassical hydrogen bond between the axial CN group and the syn-axial hydrogens is a major contributor to the axial stability of the group.
The European Metahistorical Narrative and its Changing “Metaparadigms” in the Modern Age (Part II): Western Painting 1815–1914

In the second part of my article “The European Metahistorical Narrative and Its Changing ‘Metaparadigms’ in the Modern Age,” I focus upon painting in the West in order to demonstrate both the shift from one metaparadigm to another, and at the same time, the nonverbal characteristics of the fourth phase and initial phases of a metaparadigm as found in the nonverbal historical logic of the composition of paintings.
Data-Mining of Time-Domain Features from Neural Extracellular Field Data

Spike-wave and polyspike-wave activity in electroencephalogram are waveforms typical of certain epileptic states. Automated detection of such patterns would be desirable for automated seizure detection in both experimental and clinical venues. We have developed a time-domain algorithm denominated SPUD to facilitate data-mining of large electroencephalogram/electrocorticogram datasets to identify the occurrence of spike-wave or other activity patterns. This algorithm feeds into our enhanced Neural Query System [2, 12] database application to facilitate data-mining. We have used our algorithm to identify and classify activity from both simulated and experimental seizures.
Low serum vitamin D levels are not associated with increased postoperative pain and opioid requirements: a historical cohort study

Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with chronic non-specific musculoskeletal pain syndromes; however, studies are lacking with respect to its relationship with postoperative pain. We tested the hypothesis that a lower preoperative vitamin D level is associated with increased postoperative pain and/or opioid consumption in morbidly obese patients who had laparoscopic bariatric surgery. Data from 185 patients who underwent laparoscopic bariatric surgery at the Cleveland Clinic from 2005-2009 and had a vitamin D level checked within three months of their surgery were included in the analysis. We assessed the relationship between vitamin D levels and the time-weighted average (TWA) of pain scores and total opioid consumption using multivariable regression models adjusted for potential confounders. As a secondary analysis, we compared the TWA of pain scores and opioid consumption between patients who were vitamin D deficient (≤ 20 ng·mL−1) and those who were not (vitamin D > 20 ng·mL−1). The mean (SD) TWA pain score was 3.8 (1.5) and the median interquartile range [IQR] total opioid consumption (morphine equivalent) was 15.6 [18.2] mg during the first 72 hr postoperatively. The median [IQR] vitamin D concentration was 21.8 [17.1] ng·mL−1. The vitamin D level was not significantly associated with either the TWA pain score (Pearson correlation: −0.003; 97.5% confidence interval [CI]: −0.17 to 0.16) or opioid consumption (Spearman correlation: −0.13; 97.5% CI: −0.30 to 0.03). After adjusting for confounders, the estimated average change in TWA pain score was 0.01 (97.5% CI: −0.08 to 0.11) for a five-unit increase in vitamin D (P = 0.77). The estimated ratio of geometric means of total opioid consumption was 0.94 (97.5% CI: 0.86 to 1.03) for a five-unit increase in vitamin D concentration (P = 0.12). No difference was found between patients with vitamin D concentrations > 20 ng·mL−1 and ≤ 20 ng·mL−1 in either TWA pain score (P = 0.91) or total opioid consumption (P = 0.18). We did not find any association between preoperative vitamin D levels and postoperative pain scores/opioid consumption in morbidly obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery.
Load Balancing and Scheduling Techniques

As discussed in Chapters 1 and 2, IVSs employ a sequence of image understanding algorithms in which the output of an algorithm is the input of the next algorithm in the sequence. Algorithms that constitute an integrated vision systems exhibit different characteristics, and therefore, require different data decomposition techniques and efficient load balancing techniques for parallel implementation. Since the input data of a task is produced as the output data of the previous task, this information can be exploited to perform knowledge based data decomposition and load balancing.
People are intuitive economists under the right conditions.

Boyer & Petersen (B&P) argue that a "rudimentary exchange psychology" is responsible for many of people's folk-economic beliefs that are at odds with the consensus views of economists. However, they focus primarily on macroeconomic beliefs. I argue that the same rudimentary exchange psychology could be expected to produce fairly accurate microeconomic intuitions. Existing evidence supports this prediction.
Role Fulfillment Mediates the Association Between Daily Family Assistance and Cortisol Awakening Response in Adolescents.

Family assistance (helping the family) is associated with both positive and negative psychological and biological outcomes during adolescence. However, the association between family assistance and the hypothalamic?pituitary?adrenal (HPA) axis remains unstudied. Thus, we assess how helping the family relates to adolescents? diurnal cortisol, an index of HPA activity, and psychological outcomes. Three hundred and seventy ethnically diverse adolescents (ages 11?18) reported daily helping behaviors and psychological experiences for 14 days and provided four saliva samples per day for 4 days. Multilevel modeling revealed that cortisol awakening response was lower the day after adolescents helped their families more. This association was explained, in part, by perceived role fulfillment (feeling like a good son, daughter, and sibling). Results highlight a possible psychological and biological benefit of assisting the family during adolescence.
Statistical and dynamical downscaling impact on projected hydrologic assessment in arid environment: A case study from Bill Williams River basin and Alamo Lake, Arizona

Abstract A study was conducted to assess the projected impact of future climate on Alamo Lake and the Bill Williams River basin. We analyzed simulations of three-selected Representative Concentration Pathways 8.5 Global Climate Models (GCM) (i.e. HadGEM2-ES, MPI-ESM-LR and GFDL-ESM2M). These GCMs which, were part of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fifth Assessment Report, were selected as well performing GCMs that represent the historic climatology and prevailing precipitation bearing synoptic conditions in the southwest US. An analysis of both statistically and dynamically downscaled simulations projected increase in the frequency of dry winters during the mid-21st century (2020–2059) in two out of the three selected GCMs. For summer precipitation, the statistically downscaled simulations are inconclusive whereas, the dynamically downscaled simulations showed significant but contradicting future projections. In order to assess the impact of the projected climate on the hydrologic cycle at the Bill Williams River basins, we developed a modeling framework that includes the following components: 1) a weather generator that produces realizations of likely hourly precipitation events over the basin; 2) a hydrologic model that is based on the Colorado Basin River Forecast Center (CBRFC), National Weather Service modeling configuration that predicts flow at ten internal points and inflow into Alamo Lake; and 3) a lake model with the existing operation rules to simulates the lake outflow and levels. Using the above-described modeling framework, the impact of the projected mid 21-century climate on Alamo Lake was examined with respect to the total outflow from the dam, the frequency of large outflow events, and the frequency of high and low lake levels. The results show that dynamic downscaling provides a larger range of impacts than those provided by statistical downscaling. The results also indicate a wide range of impact scenarios with contradicting trends among the selected climate projections for mid-21st Century. These results imply increasing challenges in operating the Lake at its target level. This modeling framework can potentially be used to examine various future scenarios and to develop recommendations for a sustainable management scheme for the Alamo Lake.
GATA2 controls lymphatic endothelial cell junctional integrity and lymphovenous valve morphogenesis through miR-126

ABSTRACT Mutations in the transcription factor GATA2 cause lymphedema. GATA2 is necessary for the development of lymphatic valves (LVs) and lymphovenous valves (LVVs), and for the patterning of lymphatic vessels. Here, we report that GATA2 is not necessary for valvular endothelial cell (VEC) differentiation. Instead, GATA2 is required for VEC maintenance and morphogenesis. GATA2 is also necessary for the expression of cell junction molecules VE-Cadherin and Claudin5 in lymphatic vessels. We identified miR-126 as a target of GATA2, and miR-126−/− embryos recapitulate the phenotypes of mice lacking GATA2. Primary human lymphatic endothelial cells (HLECs) lacking GATA2 (GATA2ΔHLEC) have altered expression of Claudin5 and VE-Cadherin, and blocking miR-126 activity in HLECs phenocopies these changes in expression. Importantly, overexpression of miR-126 in GATA2ΔHLEC significantly rescues the cell junction defects. Thus, our work defines a new mechanism of GATA2 and uncovers miR-126 as a novel regulator of mammalian lymphatic vascular development. Non-standard abbreviations LECs, lymphatic endothelial cells; LVs, lymphatic valves; LV-ECs, lymphatic valve-forming endothelial cells; LVVs, lymphovenous valves; LVV-ECs, lymphovenous valve-forming endothelial cells; HLEC, primary human LECs; OSS, Oscillatory shear stress; IHC, immunohistochemistry.
The Iowa Master Farmer Award History Book: A History of the Prestigious Award, Its Winners, and a Century of Iowa Agriculture

Review of: "The Iowa Master Farmer Award History Book: A History of the Prestigious Award, Its Winners, and a Century of Iowa Agriculture," by the Iowa Master Farmer Foundation.
STM Tip-Induced Switching in Molybdenum Disulfide-Based Atomristors

Scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy (STM/STS) are used to electronically switch atomically-thin memristors, referred to as “atomristors”, based on a graphene/molybdenum disulfide (MoS2)/Au heterostructure. A gold-assisted exfoliation method was used to produce near-millimeter (mm) scale MoS2 on Au thin-film substrates, followed by transfer of a separately exfoliated graphene top layer. Our results reveal that it is possible to switch the conductivity of a graphene/MoS2/Au memristor stack using an STM tip. These results provide a path to further studies of atomically-thin memristors fabricated from heterostructures of two-dimensional materials such as graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs).
Intensity of Warfarin Anticoagulation as an Independent Predictor of 6-Month Recurrence after Deep Vein Thrombosis or Pulmonary Embolism: A Population-Based Cohort Study.

Abstract Background: Most trials of standard heparin and warfarin therapy used the 3- to 6-month cumulative incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) recurrence as the primary efficacy outcome. Consequently, the effect of heparin anticoagulation intensity on short-term VTE recurrence after controlling for other predictors of recurrence (e.g., active cancer, neurological disease with extremity paresis) is uncertain. Objectives: To test standard heparin anticoagulation intensity, using activated partial prothrombin time (APTT) data, as an independent predictor of 14-day VTE recurrence. Measurements: Using the resources of the Rochester Epidemiology Project, we identified all Olmsted County, MN residents with an incident deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism over the 14-year period, 1984–1997 (n=1165). We followed each case (conditional on surviving one day) forward in time through their complete medical records in the community for first VTE recurrence. We collected date of incident VTE onset, start and stop dates of heparin and warfarin, and date, time and result of all APTT and platelet count values. Using these and other measures of standard heparin therapy as time-dependent variables, we tested the intensity of heparin anticoagulation as an independent predictor of 14-day VTE recurrence while controlling for other baseline characteristics using Cox proportional hazards modeling. Results: Of the 1165 patients, 1026 (88%) and 989 (85%) received heparin and warfarin, respectively, and 254 (22%) developed recurrent VTE over 5461 person-years of follow-up; 23 recurred within 14 days. In the multivariate analysis, the independent predictors of 14-day recurrence included female gender (HR=3.06, 95%CI: 1.05, 8.91; p=0.04) and neurologic disease with extremity paresis (HR=6.01, 95%CI: 1.93, 18.66; p Conclusions: VTE recurrence is uncommon within 14 days after starting heparin therapy. Female gender and neurologic disease with extremity paresis are independent predictors of 14-day recurrence, and active cancer may be an additional predictor. Warfarin therapy and a therapeutic APTT within the first 24 hours may predict a reduced recurrence risk. However, other measures of heparin anticoagulation intensity were non-predictive. Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia may partially account for early VTE recurrence.
Enhancing Monte Carlo proxy applications on GPUs

In Monte Carlo neutron transport simulations, a computational routine commonly known as the "cross-section lookup" has been identified as being the most computationally expensive part of these applications. A tool which is commonly used as a proxy application for these routines, named "XSBench", was created to simulate popular algorithms used in these routines on CPUs. Currently, however, as GPU-based HPC resources have become more widely available, there has been significant interest and efforts invested in moving these traditionally CPU-based simulations to GPUs. Unfortunately, the algorithms commonly used in the cross-section lookup routine were originally devised and developed for CPU-based platforms, and have seen limited study on GPUs to date. Additionally, platforms such as XSBench implement approximations which may have a negligible effect on CPUs, but may be quite impactful to performance on GPUs given the more resource-limited nature of the latter. As a result, we have created VEXS, a new tool for modeling the cross-section lookup routine which removes or at least reduces the approximations made by XSBench in order to provide a more realistic prediction of algorithm performance on GPUs. In this paper, we detail our efforts to remove and reduce these approximations, show the resulting improvement in performance prediction in comparison to a reference production code, Shift, and provide some basic profiling analysis of the resulting application.
Raman spectroscopy and neuroscience: from fundamental understanding to disease diagnostics and imaging

Neuroscience would directly benefit from more effective detection techniques, leading to earlier diagnosis of disease. The specificity of Raman spectroscopy is unparalleled, given that a molecular fingerprint is attained for each species. It also allows for label-free detection with relatively inexpensive instrumentation, minimal sample preparation, and rapid sample analysis. This review summarizes Raman spectroscopy-based techniques that have been used to advance the field of neuroscience in recent years.
Fine needle biopsy of malignant tumors of the liver: a retrospective study of 624 cases from a single institution experience.

Liver is one of the most common organs involved by metastatic neoplasms. In addition, a number of primary tumors can arise in the liver. Fine needle biopsy (FNB) is the most commonly used method for diagnosis of liver masses. Not much literature is available during the past 10 years about FNB of liver tumors. All large studies were performed more than 15 years ago. With the introduction of new disease entities, new tumor classification systems, and new diagnostic methods, updated documentation of FNB of liver neoplasms is much needed. Liver FNB cases that were diagnosed as “Positive for Malignancy” between 2010 and 2018 were retrieved from the cytopathology database in our institution. Patient medical records, cytopathology and surgical pathology reports, and slides from selected cases were retrieved and reviewed. Over 30 different types of malignant tumors were identified in 624 malignant FNB cases, with the most common tumors being metastatic colorectal and pancreatic adenocarcinomas. Rare tumors include EBV-positive leiomyosarcoma, mesothelioma, and paraganglioma, among others. A subset of patients presented with widespread metastases involving liver with no known history. Identifying the primary sites in those cases can be challenging. We also found that in our practice, a significant number of hepatocellular carcinoma were diagnosed by FNB in recent years. A tremendous variety of neoplasms can occur in liver. Accurate diagnosis is essential for proper patient management. Familiarization with morphological features and judicious usage of ancillary studies are essential for accurate diagnosis.
Clinical correlates of the ability to consent to research participation in brain metastasis.

Objective Impairment in the ability to provide informed consent is common in persons with brain metastasis. However, little is known about what factors contribute to this impairment in the patient group. Our objective is to determine if the associations between demographic, cognitive, and clinical variables correlate with the ability to provide informed consent in persons with brain metastasis. Methods We administered a comprehensive neuropsychological battery to a group of 61 persons with brain metastasis. Demographic and clinical information was also collected. All diagnoses were made by board-certified oncologists and were verified histologically. Statistical analyses included Pearson's product-moment correlations, point biserial correlations, and linear regression. Results Results indicated that combinations of education, verbal memory, executive function, whole brain radiation therapy, and chemotherapy affected various aspects of the ability to provide informed consent. Subsequent regression models demonstrated that these variables contributed a significant amount of shared variance to the ability to provide informed consent. Conclusion We found that the ability of persons with brain metastasis to provide informed consent is a cognitively complex ability that is also affected by education and treatment variables. This information can help clinical researchers in identifying persons with brain metastasis at risk of an impaired ability to provide informed consent and aid in the consenting process.
Toward Critically Transformative Possibilities: Considering Tensions and Undoing Inequities in the Spatialization of Teacher Education:

BackgroundRacism remains a deep-rooted and pervasive feature of U.S. society. Racist ideas, defined by Ibram X. Kendi as “any concept that regards one racial group as inferior or superior to anothe...
Perceived Financial Insecurity Impacts Healthcare Decision-Making Among Patients With Sinusitis.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS The economic burden of sinusitis is significant, and socioeconomic factors can impact patient decision-making. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of perceived financial insecurity on healthcare decision-making and treatment compliance among sinusitis patients. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional study using the 2018 National Health Interview Survey. METHODS Survey responses to nine questions regarding financial stressors and nine questions regarding cost-saving healthcare actions were recorded, which included seeking lower cost medication, medication noncompliance, and avoiding care visits due to costs. RESULTS There was a total weighted sample size of 28.9 million patients who self-reported a diagnosis of sinusitis (12% of the U.S. population). Sinusitis patients who reported cost-saving actions had an increased severity of perceived financial insecurity than those without cost-saving actions (P < .001). Sinusitis patients with perceived financial insecurity had the highest odds of at least one cost-saving action (odds ratio [OR] = 5.94, 95% CI = 5.911-5.970, P < .001), followed by lack of health insurance (OR = 5.13, 95% CI = 5.107-5.159, P < .001), and poor self-reported health status (OR = 2.81, 95% CI = 2.792-2.822, P < .001). Increasing the number of financial stressors increased the odds of at least one cost-saving action (P < .001). Across all financial stressors, the most commonly performed cost-saving action was asking for lower cost medication. CONCLUSIONS Perceived financial insecurity is associated with cost-saving healthcare actions among sinusitis patients, including treatment noncompliance. Interventions to assess financial insecurity among sinusitis patients may facilitate shared decision-making for optimal, individualized treatment plans that may lead to improved outcomes and quality of life. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE NA Laryngoscope, 131:2403-2412, 2021.
Pregnancy-Associated Chest Pain: A Case of Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection

Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD) is an important cause of myocardial infarction that typically affects women without traditional cardiovascular risk factors. It is the most common cause of myocardial infarction in pregnant and postpartum women. SCAD is often underdiagnosed due to the lack of clinician familiarity, and patients with pregnancy-associated SCAD often have more severe clinical presentations than those without. We present a case of SCAD in a multiparous woman who presented with acute chest pain in the postpartum period.
Tobramycin-induced secretion of P. aeruginosa 5′ tRNA-fMet halves suppresses lung inflammation via AGO2 gene silencing

Although inhaled tobramycin increases lung function in people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF), the density of P. aeruginosa in the lungs is only modestly reduced by tobramycin; hence, the mechanism whereby tobramycin improves lung function is unclear. Here, we demonstrate that tobramycin increases the abundance of two 5′ tRNA-fMet halves in outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) secreted by P. aeruginosa and that the 5′ tRNA-fMet halves reduce IL-8 secretion by CF bronchial epithelial cells (CF-HBECs). In mouse lung, the 5′ tRNA-fMet halves attenuate KC secretion and neutrophil recruitment. We also report that the 5′ tRNA-fMet halves suppress pro-inflammatory network gene expression by an Argonaut 2 (AGO2)-mediated gene silencing mechanism, thereby reducing IL-8 secretion in CF-HBECs. Moreover, tobramycin reduces the IL-8 concentration and neutrophil content in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of pwCF. Thus, we conclude that tobramycin improves lung function in part by reducing chronic inflammation and neutrophil-mediated lung damage in pwCF.
Conceiving the Indian Buddhist Patriarchs in China, by Stuart H. Young

In this volume, Young successfully mines a rich vein of medieval Chinese Buddhist material to deepen our understanding of how ‘the gap between India and China was both negated and exploited’ (3). H...
Reference Materials and Intercomparison Samples Available from the Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory — Las Vegas

Reference materials and intercomparison samples may be obtained by laboratories involved in the analysis of environmental samples containing radioactivity, pesticides, toxic inorganic species, or toxic organic species. These reference materials and intercomparison samples are available from the US Environmental Protection Agency's Quality Assurance Division located at the Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory in Las Vegas (EMSL-LV). These materials are useful for incorporation into a laboratory's quality control program for the evaluation of the precision and accuracy of analytical work. Media used for radiation reference materials are pitchblende, Monazite ore, uranium mill tailings, Mancos shale, fly ash, and water spiked with radionuclides. Radioactivity intercomparison samples consist of water, milk, air, urine, and a simulated diet slurry spiked with radionuclides. Media available for toxic organic reference materials are sludge, shale oil, and rag oil, and for intercomparison samples are soil and water. Characterized fly ash, foundry sludge, and river sediment serve as reference materials for toxic inorganics, while spiked soil and water serve as intercomparison samples. Finally, spiked adipose tissue, blood plasma, urine, and water comprise the pesticide intercomparison samples, and, after the disclosure of the true pesticide compositions and concentrations of these samples, the laboratory can use the samples as reference materials.more » The reference materials are generally available continuously, but the intercomparison samples are distributed on a scheduled basis and in some cases only to certain laboratories. 9 tables.« less
Long and short-term beam spread by turbulence and optimization of the beam geometry

Oceanic turbulence causes distortions of the bounded beam waves propagating underwater. The most obvious effects are the beam spread and beam wandering. Propagation theory identifies two distinct measures of the beam spread: Long-Term (LT) beam spread when the beam size is measured in the fixed coordinate system, and the Short-Term (ST) beam spread when the beam size is measured relative to the instantaneous position of the beam center. The LT beam size is not a very practicable measure of the beam spread because it requires a very stable setup both for the transmitter and receiver that cannot be provided on the mobile platforms. LT beam size is also sensitive to the pointing errors and large-scale gradients of the refractive index that are not associated with turbulence. The ST beam spread is free of these drawbacks, but have not been studied as thorough as the LT case. We present a theoretical model for the ST beam irradiance that is based on the parabolic equation for the beam wave propagation in random media, and Markov approximation for calculation of the statistics of the optical field. We propose approximation that allows introduction of the isoplanatic ST PSF, but retains the specifics of the beam wave. Unlike the LT PSF the ST PSF depends on the overall beam geometry. This offers an opportunity to optimize the beam geometry in terms of maximizing the axial ST irradiance. Calculations supporting this conjecture will be presented.
Thienopyridine antiplatelet agents: focus on prasugrel.

OBJECTIVE To assess the potential role of prasugrel in the management of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in older adults. DATA SOURCE PubMed and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts searches (1966 to 2009) were conducted to identify pertinent English-language studies on the use of prasugrel. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION All human studies evaluating pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic or clinical efficacy of prasugrel were evaluated. DATA SYNTHESIS Prasugrel is a third-generation thienopyridine antiplatelet agent. Other thienopyridine antiplatelet agents (e.g., clopidogrel, ticlopidine) have been associated with interindividual variability, drug-drug interactions, and unfavorable adverse effect profile. Prasugrel therapy is associated with more profound platelet inhibition and improved cardiovascular (CV) outcomes compared with clopidogrel; however, prasugrel therapy is associated with an increased bleeding risk. Prasugrel should not be used in adults older than 75 years of age, those who have had a recent transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke, those who have a low body weight < 60 kg, and those receiving medications or having conditions associated with a bleeding risk unless they are at a high risk for a CV event. CONCLUSION Prasugrel therapy does not appear to be associated with interindividual variability in platelet aggregation and has superior CV outcomes compared with clopidogrel. No dosage adjustments need to be made for renal or hepatic impairment. Prasugrel shows promise for the treatment of ACS patients with clopidogrel resistance or those who have an increased risk of CV events (e.g., patients with diabetes); head-to-head trials evaluating these uses have not been conducted. Geriatric patients have an increased risk of bleeding with this agent. Additional studies need to be conducted to determine the appropriate population for prasugrel.
Increased Upstream Ionization due to Formation of a Double Layer

We report observations that confirm a theoretical prediction that formation of a current-free double layer in a plasma expanding into a chamber of larger diameter is accompanied by an increase in ionization upstream of the double layer. The theoretical model argues that the increased ionization is needed to balance the difference in diffusive losses upstream and downstream of the expansion region. In our expanding helicon source experiments, we find that the upstream plasma density increases sharply at the same antenna frequency at which the double layer appears.
Postoperative assessment of shoulder function: A prospective study of full-thickness rotator cuff tears

Forty patients underwent surgery by a single surgeon for chronic, symptomatic, full-thickness rotator cuff defects. The study evaluated preoperative and intraoperative factors that influence postoperative outcome. The study also correlated objective measures of shoulder function with postoperative symptoms, patient satisfaction, and disability. Follow-up history and physical examination and strength measurements were performed at 2 years after surgery by three independent observers. There were 88% good or excellent results. Postscores correlated most closely with preoperative tear size. Postoperative Constant scores also correlated significantly with the patient's subjective rating of the end result. Preoperative cuff tear size also correlated with the presence of postoperative fatigue symptoms and objective measures of shoulder strength. Preoperative cuff tear size strongly correlated with other prognostic factors including the quality of the tendon tissue, the difficulty for tendon mobilization, and the presence of a rupture of the long head of the biceps. Together these factors adversely affect postoperative function, patient satisfaction, and overall shoulder score. Neither premorbid activity level nor the presence of a worker's compensation claim adversely affected the postoperative Constant score. The premorbid activity level significantly influenced the postoperative disability rating and the ability to return to work. All patients who were gainfully employed before surgery returned to employment after surgery, although in some patients at a lesser activity level.
Variables Sampling Plans Based on the Normal Distribution

Sampling Plans are considered which call for the acceptance of a lot of material if both – ks ≥ L and + ks ≤ U, where L and U are the lower and upper specification limits and where and s are the sample mean and standard deviation and k is an appropriate constant. Some errors that need to be corrected in previous work are pointed out in interpretation of the mathematical formulas before plans of the type described can be properly applied. Tables are given for the constant k under two different circumstances. Table II applies when the sum of the proportions defective in the two tails of a normal distribution is to be controlled. Table III applies when each tail is to be controlled below preassigned values, i.e., so that one can say with probability y that the proportion in the lower tail (below L) of accepted lots does not exceed a preassigned value and simultaneously the proportion in the upper tail (above U) does not exceed its preassigned value. The same constants, in Table III, apply when all the defect...
SEXUAL POTENCY: A PIONEER'S THIRTY-FIVE-YEAR OVERVIEW

Abstract Thirty five years of interest in human sexual potency are summarized, citing my clinical research and periodic publications during those decades. Emergence of scientific study of human sexuality has been rapid in recent years, leading to improved diagnostic and therapeutic techniques to benefit the impotent male. Although my approach pertained primarily to psychogenic etiology, the interdigitation of emotional and organic factors is emphasized. Currently utilized surgical and pharmacodynamic treatments are noted, as are probable future methodologies.
World of Whyville An Introduction to Tween Virtual Life

Virtual worlds have become the new playground for millions of tweens but we know little what it takes to become a player in a virtual community. This paper focuses on one virtual world, called Whyville.net, which at the time of our study hosted over 1.2 million players ages 8 to16 years, with the average player 12.3 years old. Girls represent over 68% of all players. A guided tour to the various places in Whyville, the different types of science games, and the range of players’ activities provides insights into what players talk about, with whom they socialize, what they like to play, and how they engage in investigations. In 2005, a group of researchers set out to study Whyville by recruiting hundreds of participants online and offline in classrooms and after school clubs and by conducting observations, surveys, and interviews about their online activities. In addition, we collected log files that captured their online movements and chat interaction during a six month period. We discuss ethical issues of...
Patient Selection, Operative Technique, and Contemporary Outcomes of Continent Catheterizable Diversion: the Indiana Pouch

Techniques for continent cutaneous urinary diversion (CCD) have evolved considerably over the last 65 years. The Indiana pouch (IP) was initially described in the 1980s and has gained wide acceptance among urologists. For patients who desire continent urinary diversion, many clinical scenarios and individual preferences continue to make the IP an excellent option for appropriately selected patients. Continence rates for the IP are generally satisfactory and compare favorably with orthotopic neobladder. Unfortunately, radical cystectomy with urinary diversion is associated with a high complication rate. We discuss short-term (<90 days) and long-term complications for CCD with attention to specific complications related to the efferent limb and continent pouch. Finally, we discuss health-related quality of life (HRQOL) after IP urinary diversion with comparison to the orthotopic neobladder and conduit diversion.
Spatiotemporal Dynamics of HIV Propagation

Although viral propagation is a localized process, mathematical models of viral replication kinetics have been limited to systems of ordinary differential equations describing spatially averaged behavior. In this paper, we introduce a cellular automaton model of viral propagation based on the known biophysical properties of HIV. In particular, we include the competition between viral lability and Brownian motion. The model predicts three testable effects not present in previous descriptions. First, we find a profound dependence of viral infectivity on cell concentration; virion instability decreases infectivity more than 100-fold under typical experimental conditions, resulting in misleading estimates of the number of infectious particles. Second, we find that, in a large parameter regime, infection extinguishes itself due to insufficient target cell replenishment. Finally, we find that propagation is limited by viral stability at low cell density and by geometry at high cell density. The geometry-limited regime can be modulated by downregulation of CD4. These different properties are analysed quantitatively and compared with previous experimental results.
Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Tropospheric Clouds Observed by MODIS Onboard the Terra and Aqua Satellites

The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) was developed by NASA and launched onboard the Terra spacecraft on December 18, 1999 and Aqua spacecraft on May 4, 2002. It achieved its final orbit and began Earth observations on February 24, 2000 for Terra and June 24, 2002 for Aqua. A comprehensive set of remote sensing algorithms for cloud masking and the retrieval of cloud physical and optical properties has been developed by members of the MODIS atmosphere science team. The archived products from these algorithms have applications in climate change studies, climate modeling, numerical weather prediction, as well as fundamental atmospheric research. In addition to an extensive cloud mask, products include cloud-top properties (temperature, pressure, effective emissivity), cloud thermodynamic phase, cloud optical and microphysical parameters (optical thickness, effective particle radius, water path), as well as derived statistics. We will describe the various cloud properties being analyzed on a global basis from both Terra and Aqua. These include the latitudinal distribution of cloud optical and radiative properties of both liquid water and ice clouds, as well as joint histograms of cloud optical thickness and effective radius for selected geographical locations around the world.
Serum angiotensin-converting enzyme is elevated in association with underground coal mining.

Serum angiotensin-converting enzyme activity (SACE) and lysozyme activity were measured in a group of 40 underground coal miners and two control groups, 20 subjects with sarcoidosis and 15 normal non-dust-exposed volunteers. The miners were grouped first according to whether they had recent exposure (still actively mining or retired three years or less prior to measurement) or temporally more distant exposure (retired more than three years prior to measurement). Secondly, they were grouped as to whether or not they had coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP). The subjects with sarcoidosis were grouped according to disease activity. As expected, the subjects with active sarcoidosis had elevated SACE activity compared with normal subjects. The coal miners as a group did not have elevation of their SACE activity. However, the coal miners with recent exposure had elevated SACE activity (57.1±3.9 U/ml) compared with normal controls (43.8±1.5 U/ml, p=0.007). The SACE activity in miners without recent exposure was not elevated (39.8±1.3 U/ml) compared with the normal controls. No increase in SACE activity was found when the miners were grouped according to the presence or absence of CWP. In contrast, the miners' serum lysozyme activity was not elevated. Since alveolar macrophages are a potential source of SACE, elevation of SACE activity in underground coal miners may reflect alveolar macrophage activation caused by increased pulmonary mixed coal mine dust burden. Furthermore, since both SACE and serum lysozyme are elevated in association with silicosis, these findings may confirm that the macrophage responses to inhaled silica and coal dust differ.
White-light cavity with competing linear and nonlinear dispersions

We experimentally demonstrate that broad, tunable bandwidth of an optical ring cavity can be achieved by making use of the negative dispersion of the Kerr nonlinear refractive index in the three-level electromagnetically-induced transparency medium. For a given cavity field intensity, the white-light cavity condition can always be satisfied by choosing the appropriate coupling beam parameters. This white-light cavity scheme can be used effectively to achieve large buildup intensity in the signal-recycling cavity with a broad bandwidth in future advanced gravitational wave detectors.
Two efficient staggered algorithms for the serial and parallel solution of three-dimensional nonlinear transient aeroelastic problems

Abstract Partitioned procedures and staggered algorithms are often adopted for the solution of coupled fluid/structure interaction problems in the time domain. In this paper, we overview two sequential and parallel partitioned procedures that are popular in computational nonlinear aeroelasticity, and address their limitation in terms of accuracy and numerical stability. We propose two alternative serial and parallel staggered algorithms for the solution of coupled transient aeroelastic problems, and demonstrate their superior accuracy and computational efficiency with the flutter analysis of the AGARD Wing 445.6. We contrast our results with those computed by other investigators and validate them with experimental data.
Dietary Fat Intake and Exercise among Two- and Four-Year College Students: Differences in Behavior and Psychosocial Factors.

Given the demographic differences among two-year colleges and four-year universities and the relatively limited access to health education and campus-based health resources, this study compares the frequency of limiting dietary fat intake and exercising among two- and four-year college students. A total of 2,265 undergraduate students aged 18–25 at a two-year college and a four-year university completed a 108-item online survey in October 2008. We found that two-year college students had less confidence, motivation, and intention to engage in healthy behaviors and reported fewer close friends who exercise regularly but more friends who eat high-fat foods. After controlling for age, gender, ethnicity, and parental education, two-year (versus four-year) college students less frequently limited dietary fat (F(2,2227) = 21.64, p < .001) and less frequently exercised ≥ 20 minutes a day (F(5,2232) = 14.21, p < .001). Thus, research should focus on developing interventions targeting the different psychosocial fa...
Combined reversed-phase and normal-phase high-performance liquid chromatography in the purification and identification of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthrace metabolites.

A total of 37 compounds have been identified as rat liver microsomal metabolites of the potent carcinogen 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene and its hydroxymethyl derivatives 7-methyl-12-hydroxymethylbenz[a]anthracene, 7-hydroxymethyl-12-methylben[a]anthracene and 7,12-dihydroxymethylbenz[a]anthracene. The metabolites were characterized by: (i) retention times on reversed-phase (with a C18 column) and normal-phase (with a silica gel column) high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC); (ii) ultraviolet absorption and fluorescence spectra; (iii) mass spectral analysis; (iv) optical activity; and (v) comparison of the physicochemical properties of the metabolites with those of some available synthetic standards. The 37 identified metabolites include four trans-3,4-dihydrodiols, four trans-5,6-dihydrodiols, four trans-8,9-dihydrodiols, four trans-10,11-dihydrodiols, two methyl carboxylic acids, two methyl aldehydes, two hydroxymethyl aldehydes, four 2-phenols, four 3-phenols, four 4-phenols and three hydroxymethyl derivatives. The trans configuration of the dihydrodiols was determined by their inability to form vicinal cisacetonides. Seven dihydrodiol metabolites were found to be optically active. Detailed physicochemical properties, such as ultraviolet absorption spectra, fluorescence spectra measured in methanol and in 0.1 N NaOH, major mass ions from mass spectral analysis and the retention times on two HPLC systems, are presented in support of the structural assignments.
Changes in Legislative Support for the Governor's Program Over Time

This study examines changes in legislative support for the governor's legislative agenda in Georgia during the governor's first term in office (1991–94). I analyze the factors that led legislators to support the governor's agenda, as well as how the level of support changed between election years and off-years. I use multivariate OLS models of gubernatorial support to determine how support varied (1) between the parties, (2) between factions within parties, and (3) over time. I find that there was wide variation in support among factions in the majority party and that support varied widely between election years and off-years.
An analysis of research studies in which “homemade” achievement instruments were utilized

This article will have as its focus a problem described by Anderson, namely, the quality of the construction and reporting of research that contains “homemade” achievement tests. The current status of homemade achievement tests was examined in this study. Research reports in two science education journals were analyzed, using Anderson's eight categories of information that a high quality research report should include. The journals examined were Journal of Research in Science Teaching and Science Education from January 1975 to January 1980. The findings indicate that reliability estimates and the procedures for selecting test items were mentioned more frequently in the science education journals than in Anderson's study. However, there was little or no improvement in describing the relation of test items to instruction. These findings should be of interest both to researchers who are utilizing “homemade” achievement tests in their studies and to journal panels who are reviewing studies for publication.
Either Part of a Drosophila Epsin Protein, Divided after the ENTH Domain, Functions in Endocytosis of Delta in the Developing Eye

Abstract Epsin is part of a protein complex that performs endocytosis in eukaryotes [1]. Drosophila epsin, Liquid facets (Lqf), was identified because it is essential for patterning the eye and other imaginal disc derivatives [2]. Previous work has provided only indirect evidence that Lqf is required for endocytosis in Drosophila [2, 3]. Epsins are modular and have an N-terminal ENTH (epsin N-terminal homology) domain that binds PIP 2 at the cell membrane [4–6] and four different classes of protein-protein interaction motifs [1, 7–13]. The current model for epsin function in higher eukaryotes is that epsin bridges the cell membrane, a transmembrane protein to be internalized, and the core endocytic complex [14]. Here, we show directly that Drosophila epsin (Lqf) is required for endocytosis. Specifically, we find that Lqf is essential for internalization of the Delta (Dl) transmembrane ligand in the developing eye. Using this endocytic defect in lqf mutants, we develop a transgene rescue assay and perform a structure/function analysis of Lqf. We find that when we divide Lqf into two pieces, an ENTH domain and an ENTH-less protein, each part retains significant ability to function in Dl internalization and eye patterning. These results challenge the model for epsin function that requires an intact protein.