cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Simulators in Training

The rapid pace of change in medical technology has put unprecedented pressure on clinicians to learn new procedures and instrumentation and adopt them safely into their practice without compromising patient outcomes. No longer can a surgeon rely on the skills learned in training to carry them through their career. In the last two decades alone, medicine has seen the introduction of video cameras, ultrasound machines, CT scanners, MRI machines, and robots into the operating room in an effort to provide less invasive and more exact surgical care. Learning to use these devices safely and rapidly is a constant challenge. In addition, cost constraints and concerns about patient safety make it no longer acceptable to practice procedural technique in the real clinical environment. Finally, medical procedures have advanced beyond a “one man show” requiring the careful coordination of multiple team members to be successful.
A time-varying effect model of the dynamic association between alcohol use and consequences over the first two years of college

College students experience myriad negative consequences from alcohol misuse. The strength of the association between level of alcohol use and consequences may change across the initial years of college, as students develop tolerance or learn to avoid negative effects of drinking. Time varying effect models (TVEM) allow for statistical examination of the changing strength of associations between two variables as they unfold across time. Goals of the present study were to test the hypothesis that the association between weekly quantity of alcohol use and the odds of an alcohol consequence that week would decrease in strength from the first week of freshman year to the end of sophomore year, and to examine gender differences in the association between use and consequences over time. Participants (N=812 college student drinkers, 60% female) completed 36 assessments of alcohol use and consequences across two years (every other week). TVEM models revealed that the proportion of those for whom alcohol use led to a consequence declined across time. Aside from the first few weeks of college, the association between alcohol use and odds of a consequence was consistently stronger for women than men. Among men, the odds of a consequence declined relatively steadily over time. Among women, the strength of this association was more dynamic. This study provides initial insight into the complex relationship between drinking and consequences. Future research focusing on understanding factors that explain the decreasing association between use and consequences with time can contribute to college student alcohol education and interventions.
Cold plasma: background, applications and current trends

Cold plasma technology offers several potential applications in the food and biomedical industries. This work aims at highlighting the potential applications of cold plasma in food industry highlighting the current research and trends in this area. The main applications of cold plasma for food industry could be grouped as food decontamination, food quality improvement, toxin degradation and surface modifications of packaging materials. Cold plasma has proven to be effective for inactivation of various pathogens and spoilage organisms without adversely affecting the food quality. It has also shown the potential for significant degradation of mycotoxins and pesticides present in the agricultural produce. Current plasma research is driven to analyze its effectiveness against various pathogens in different food products with a keen emphasis to gain insights on the inactivation mechanisms at a molecular level. Although, cold plasma technology has shown promising results, it requires further studies to understand the reactive gas chemistry, toxicological, ecological and economic impacts of this technology.
Sialic acid–binding immunoglobulin-like lectin 8 (Siglec-8) is an activating receptor mediating β2-integrin–dependent function in human eosinophils

Background Siglec-8 is a CD33 subfamily cell-surface receptor selectively expressed on human eosinophils. After cytokine priming, Siglec-8 mAb or glycan ligand binding causes eosinophil apoptosis associated with reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Most CD33-related Siglecs function as inhibitory receptors, but the ability of Siglec-8 to stimulate eosinophil ROS production and apoptosis suggests that Siglec-8 might instead function as an activating receptor. Objective We sought to determine the role of IL-5 priming and identify the signaling molecules involved in Siglec-8 function for human eosinophils. Methods We used an mAb and/or a multimeric synthetic sulfated sialoglycan ligand recognizing Siglec-8 in combination with integrin blocking antibodies, pharmacologic inhibitors, phosphoproteomics, and Western blot analysis to define the necessity of various proteins involved in Siglec-8 function for human eosinophils. Results Cytokine priming was required to elicit the unanticipated finding that Siglec-8 engagement promotes rapid β 2 -integrin–dependent eosinophil adhesion. Also novel was the finding that this adhesion was necessary for subsequent ROS production and apoptosis. Siglec-8–mediated ROS was generated through reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase activation because pretreatment of eosinophils with catalase (an extracellular superoxide scavenger) or NSC 23766 (a Rac GTPase inhibitor) completely inhibited Siglec-8–mediated eosinophil apoptosis. Finally, engagement of Siglec-8 on IL-5–primed eosinophils resulted in increased phosphorylation of Akt, p38, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1 that was also β 2 -integrin dependent; pharmacologic inhibition of these kinases completely prevented Siglec-8–mediated eosinophil apoptosis. Conclusions These data demonstrate that Siglec-8 functions uniquely as an activating receptor on IL-5–primed eosinophils through a novel pathway involving regulation of β 2 -integrin–dependent adhesion, NADPH oxidase, and a subset of protein kinases.
Linker Length-Dependent Electron-Injection Dynamics of Trimesitylporphyrins on SnO2 Films

Electron-injection dynamics of dye-sensitized photoelectrochemical cells depend on the length of the linker connecting the molecular photosensitizer to the metal oxide electron acceptor. However, systematic studies of the effect of chromophore–oxide distance are scarce. Here we present the synthesis, characterization, spectroscopy, and computational modeling of electron-injection dynamics from free-base trimesitylporphyrins with varying linker lengths into tin(IV) oxide (SnO2). In each system, the porphyrin core and metal oxide film remain the same while only the linker binding the porphyrin to the carboxylate anchor group is varied. A length range spanning 8.5–17.2 A is studied by employing phenylene, biphenylene, terphenylene, and benzanilide groups as the linker. We find a clear correlation between linker length and injection rates, providing insights that will be exploited in the optimization of dye-sensitized photoelectrochemical cells.
Development of a standardized approach for managing opioids in adults with chronic noncancer pain.

PURPOSE The implementation of a chronic pain protocol (CPP) and its effects on the management of long-term opioid therapy are described. SUMMARY The CPP used at a federally qualified health center and primary care clinic was updated in 2015 and included a prescribing ceiling in morphine equivalent dose (MED) per day and standardized the prescribing of chronic opioids. Intermittent urine drug screening performed at least once annually was added as a requirement of the pain management contract between the provider and the patient. An electronic report was developed to identify patients who were receiving long-term opioid therapy at the clinic. The clinical pharmacists identified patients from the report whose long-term opioid doses were over the clinic-recommended MED threshold, needed a pain contract, or were due for a urine drug screen. The number of patients for whom long-term opioids were prescribed decreased for all clinicians, including an 88% reduction by nurse practitioners. Over 12 months, 97 fewer patients with chronic pain were treated with a long-term opioid at the clinic. The number of patients with pain contracts increased by 22.9% (p < 0.001), and the number of patients who had a urine drug screen over a 12-month period increased by 18.3% (p = 0.0016). CONCLUSION The implementation of a CPP and the development of electronic reports to track provider adherence to the protocol led to a reduction in the number of chronic pain patients receiving long-term opioid therapy. The number of patients with pain contracts increased.
Association between Ki-67 expression and clinical outcomes among patients with clinically node-negative, thick primary melanoma who underwent nodal staging.

Background Patients with thick primary melanomas (≥4 mm) have highly variable survival outcomes. Cell proliferation marker Ki-67 has been identified as promising biomarker in thick melanoma but has not been evaluated since the wide spread adoption of sentinel lymph node biopsy. We revisit its prognostic relevance in the sentinel node era. Methods We studied patients with thick (≥4 mm) primary melanoma prospectively enrolled in a clinicopathological biospecimen database from 2002 to 2015, and evaluated the prognostic value of Ki-67 expression while controlling for features included in the existing staging criteria. Results We analyzed 68 patients who underwent lymph node sampling and who had an available tumor for Ki-67 immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. The median tumor thickness was 6.0 mm; the median follow-up was 2.6 years. In multivariable analysis including nodal status and primary tumor ulceration, Ki-67 expression was an independent predictor of worse recurrence-free survival (HR 2.19, P = 0.024) and overall survival (HR 2.49, P = 0.028). Natural log-transformed tumor thickness (ln [thickness]) was also significantly associated with worse OS (HR 2.39, P = 0.010). Conclusion We identify Ki-67 and ln (thickness) as potential biomarkers for patients with thick melanoma who have undergone nodal staging. If validated in additional studies, these biomarkers could be integrated into the staging criteria to improve risk-stratification.
Faith, Justice, and Ferguson: Insights for Religious Educators from a Law Enforcement Officer Turned Theological Ethicist

This article consists of remarks made during a panel at the 2017 annual meeting of the Religious Education Association in St. Louis, MO. From his vantage point as a former law enforcement agent, th...
Quaternary ammonium salts--advances in chemistry and pharmacology since 1960.

Twenty years ago there appeared in this review series a chapter entitled, ‘Chemical Nature and Pharmacological Actions of Quaternary Ammonium Salts’ [1]. The present treatment examines some of the information and interpretations subsequently published and available to the reviewer by late 1979. To avoid redundancy, references to material in the earlier review and to literature published prior to 1960 will be made only where essential for continuity.
Personal Givenness and Cultural a prioris

The problem addressed in this paper concerns the constitution of culture as intercultural experience. More precisely, it concerns how, in the face of today’s emphases on intercultural relations, which are captured by the postmodern catchphrase, “multiculturalism,” is it not only possible but necessary to describe the nexus of interpersonal relations in a way that is decisive and yet not definitive.
Micropenis: an animal model and its human correlates.

Micropenis is defined as a perfectly formed abnormally small penis, with a stretched penile length that is lt; 2.5 standard deviations below the established mean value for race. The psychological concern and anxiety of the parents and patient regarding the adequacy of penile size makes treatment of this entity challenging. Since the early 1970’s androgen therapy for micropenis has been the mainstay of treatment. Although testosterone will usually enhance penile growth in the prepubertal microphallic patient, not all of the infants or children that experience a response to androgens maintain their enhanced phallic size into adulthood. Indeed several of these patients will redevelop micropenis as they mature. Although most of the adults with micropenis adjust well to the male sexual role and develop stable heterosexual relationships, some refuse to become sexually active. Indeed occasional patients will prefer to maintain a life of sexual abstinence, rather than face their fears of rejection. The social and psychological consequences seen within this latter select group of patients is what prompted our interest into research on penile development and the treatment of micropenis. (Schonfeld et al, 1942; Walsh, et al, 1978; Allen, 1986; Lee, et al, 1980; Money, 1984; Reilly et al, 1989; Woodhouse, 1998).
Multimodal Deep Learning using Images and Text for Information Graphic Classification

Information graphics, e.g. line or bar graphs, are often displayed in documents and popular media to support an intended message, but for a growing number of people, they are missing the point. The World Health Organization estimates that the number of people with vision impairment could triple in the next thirty years due to population growth and aging. If a graphic is not described, explained in the text, or missing alt tags and other metadata (as is often the case in popular media), the intended message is lost or not adequately conveyed. In this work, we describe a multimodal deep learning approach that supports the communication of the intended message. The multimodal model uses both the pixel data and text data in a single neural network to classify the information graphic into an intention category that has previously been validated as useful for people who are blind or who are visually impaired. Furthermore, we collect a new dataset of information graphics and present qualitative and quantitative results that show our multimodal model exceeds the performance of any one modality alone, and even surpasses the capabilities of the average human annotator.
Analysis of electricity investment strategy for Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract This Case Study considers generation capacity expansion planning in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) including a range of issues related to renewable, energy efficiency, local emission and carbon reduction commitment policies. In addition, our analysis considers an outlook of wholesale electricity prices in the region. We have also compared our findings with the country's current official plan (“Indicative Plan”), which includes development of as many as four additional lignite-based plants. Our findings suggest that BiH, as a low-cost producer in the region, has significant opportunities to modernize and expand its current generation system with nearly €3 billion in new investments. This investment level is much lower than the €5 billion investment program promulgated in the Indicative Plan. These differences primarily have to do with the treatment of lignite plants. Since the end of the war roughly twenty years ago, the country has progressed quickly. Aspirations to join the EU compose a significant part of the authorizing environment for the power sector.
CREME96 and Related Error Rate Prediction Methods

Predicting the rate of occurrence of single event effects (SEEs) in space requires knowledge of the radiation environment and the response of electronic devices to that environment. Several analytical models have been developed over the past 36 years to predict SEE rates. The first error rate calculations were performed by Binder, Smith and Holman. Bradford and Pickel and Blandford, in their CRIER (Cosmic-Ray-Induced-Error-Rate) analysis code introduced the basic Rectangular ParallelePiped (RPP) method for error rate calculations. For the radiation environment at the part, both made use of the Cosmic Ray LET (Linear Energy Transfer) spectra calculated by Heinrich for various absorber Depths. A more detailed model for the space radiation environment within spacecraft was developed by Adams and co-workers. This model, together with a reformulation of the RPP method published by Pickel and Blandford, was used to create the CR ME (Cosmic Ray Effects on Micro-Electronics) code. About the same time Shapiro wrote the CRUP (Cosmic Ray Upset Program) based on the RPP method published by Bradford. It was the first code to specifically take into account charge collection from outside the depletion region due to deformation of the electric field caused by the incident cosmic ray. Other early rate prediction methods and codes include the Single Event Figure of Merit, NOVICE, the Space Radiation code and the effective flux method of Binder which is the basis of the SEFA (Scott Effective Flux Approximation) model. By the early 1990s it was becoming clear that CREME and the other early models needed Revision. This revision, CREME96, was completed and released as a WWW-based tool, one of the first of its kind. The revisions in CREME96 included improved environmental models and improved models for calculating single event effects. The need for a revision of CREME also stimulated the development of the CHIME (CRRES/SPACERAD Heavy Ion Model of the Environment) and MACREE (Modeling and Analysis of Cosmic Ray Effects in Electronics). The Single Event Figure of Merit method was also revised to use the solar minimum galactic cosmic ray spectrum and extended to circular orbits down to 200 km at any inclination. More recently a series of commercial codes was developed by TRAD (Test & Radiations) which includes the OMERE code which calculates single event effects. There are other error rate prediction methods which use Monte Carlo techniques. In this chapter the analytic methods for estimating the environment within spacecraft will be discussed.
Automatic detection of eating disorder-related social media posts that could benefit from a mental health intervention.

Objective Online forums allow people to semi-anonymously discuss their struggles, often leading to greater honesty. This characteristic makes forums valuable for identifying users in need of immediate help from mental health professionals. Because it would be impractical to manually review every post on a forum to identify users in need of urgent help, there may be value to developing algorithms for automatically detecting posts reflecting a heightened risk of imminent plans to engage in disordered behaviors. Method Five natural language processing techniques (tools to perform computational text analysis) were used on a data set of 4,812 posts obtained from six eating disorder-related subreddits. Two licensed clinical psychologists labeled 53 of these posts, deciding whether or not the content of the post indicated that its author needed immediate professional help. The remaining 4,759 posts were unlabeled. Results Each of the five techniques ranked the 50 posts most likely to be intervention-worthy (the "top-50"). The two most accurate detection techniques had an error rate of 4% for their respective top-50. Discussion This article demonstrates the feasibility of automatically detecting-with only a few dozen labeled examples-the posts of individuals in need of immediate mental health support for an eating disorder.
An Evaluation of Integrated Water Vapor, Wind, and Precipitation Forecasts Using Water Vapor Flux Observations in the Western United States

AbstractDifferences between forecasts and observations at eight atmospheric river observatories (AROs) in the western United States during winter 2015/16 are analyzed. NOAA’s operational RAP and HR...
Abstract P5-02-16: Is surgical excision of intraductal papillomas justified by the rate of upstaging to breast cancer?

Introduction: The management of intraductal papilloma (IDP) diagnosed on core needle biopsy (CNB) is controversial. Some investigators advocate surgical excision based on an upgrade risk of as high as 24%. Others contend that after adjusting for confounders, including size, clinical presentation, presence of other accompanying high-risk lesions and radiologic correlation, the upgrade risk may be as low as 2.3%. The implications for patient care would be the avoidance of invasive surgical procedures. The purpose of our study was to investigate the upgrade rate of IDP diagnosed on CNB to ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and invasive carcinoma on subsequent surgical excision and the impact of associated high-risk borderline lesions and other clinicopathologic and radiologic variables. Methods: Our institutional pathology database was queried for all women who had a CNB with a diagnosis of intraductal papilloma between 2005-2018. Two independent pathologists reviewed all the core biopsy slides and excisional biopsy slides. Variables of interest included clinical, imaging and pathologic characteristics. Statistical analyses included Pearson’s chi-square, Wilcoxon rank-sum and logistic regression. Results: Out of 216 women, 19 (8.8%) upgraded to breast cancer (BC), including 14 (74%) DCIS and 5 (26%) invasive carcinoma. Out of 161 pure IDP without any atypia, 5 (3.1%) upgraded to BC and out of 45 IDP with atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH), 13 (28.9%) upgraded to BC. Only one patient who upgraded to BC from IDP with ADH had a discordant finding on imaging. When we evaluated the clinicopathologic and radiologic variables associated with upgrading from pure IDP to BC on final pathology, we found that older age (>53 years) at time of biopsy (OR=1.05, 95%CI 1.01-1.09, p=0.027) and concomitant ipsilateral atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH) (OR=9.69, 95%CI 3.37-27.81, p Conclusions: Our results support surgical excision of IDP on CNB when associated with ADH or diagnosed in women older than 53 years of age. The upgrade rate of 3.1% for IDP without atypia on CNB in younger women does not justify a universal recommendation for routine surgical excision. Citation Format: Paolo Cotzia, Ugur Ozerdem, Jiyon Lee, Jennifer Chun, Elianna Kaplowitz, Freya Schnabel, Farbod Darvishian. Is surgical excision of intraductal papillomas justified by the rate of upstaging to breast cancer? [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2019 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2019 Dec 10-14; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-02-16.
Recruiting young women of color into a pilot RCT targeting sexual health: Lessons learned and implications for applied health technology research.

Objective: To evaluate different recruitment methods to enroll participants into a mHealth pilot RCT: banner ads on Facebook and OkCupid, and targeted electronic outreach (e.g., emails to community-based organizations and to professors at local colleges). Participants: Between October 2015 and May 2016, 114 college-aged Black and Latina women 18 to 24 participated in the study. Methods: Recruitment methods compared online banner ads on social media to targeted electronic outreach. Individual banner ad images were compared by impressions, clicks, and cost by enrolled participants. Results: More targeted electronic recruited participants enrolled than via banner advertisements. Banner ads with images of women yielded a higher click-through-rate and was more cost effective versus the logo alone. Conclusions: Recruiting young women of color may be facilitated through known and trusted adults, such as college professors, rather than through anonymous banner advertisements on social media.
Concurrent self-regulated autonomous synthesis and functionalization of pH-responsive giant vesicles by a chemical pH oscillator.

The semibatch BrO3−–SO32− pH oscillator serves as the radical source for the in situ polymerization of the pH-responsive 2-(diisopropylamino)-ethyl methacrylate monomer on poly(ethylene-glycol)-macroCTA chain and generates an amphiphilic block copolymer. These building blocks concurrently self-assemble to micelles and then transforms to vesicles as the chain length of the hydrophobic block growths. Large amplitude oscillations in the concentration of H+ by the semibatch BrO3−–SO32− are provoked when the conditions in the system are favorable. The oscillations control the protonation state of the tertiary amine group in the core segment of the block copolymer. Rhythmic assembly-disassembly of the polymer structures is observed. All processes, from the time- regulated autonomous formation of the building blocks, their self-assembly and the rhythmic disassembly-reassembly are governed by the same simple chemical system, in the same reaction vessel, without complicated multi step procedures and are fueled and kept out of equilibrium by the uniform inflow of SO32−.
Abstract P714: Knowledge of Stroke Warning Signs and Risk Factors in Minnesota Adults

Background: Global Burden of Disease identified stroke as the second leading cause of death worldwide after ischemic heart disease. Many stroke risk factors are preventable with lifestyle changes. ...
Development and pathology of the germinal matrix

Abstract The germinal matrix (GM) is a delicate web of densely packed blood vessels and neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) found adjacent to the ependymal lining of the ventricular system. There, in the thalamostriate groove, the GM generates both cortical neurons and glia. Although most notorious for its predilection to hemorrhage in premature infants, this specialized brain region plays a complex and intricate role in brain development and homeostasis, with its clinical relevance often underestimated. In this chapter, we explore the maturation and activity of the GM from gestation and the early postnatal period to later life in humans, correlating with associated pathology including hemorrhage and childhood epilepsy.
Quantum Optomechanics with Millimeter Wave Photons

We present a new millimeter wave optomechanical cavity intended to increase the vacuum optomechanical coupling rate towards the regime of single-photon quantum optomechanics. ©2021 The Author(s)
Pondberry (Lindera melissifolia, Lauraceae) seed and seedling dispersers and predators

Pondberry (Lindera melissifolia(Walter) Blume) is an endangered dioecious, clonal shrub that grows in periodically flooded forests of the southeastern United States. The probability of survival of dispersed pondberry seeds and new germinants is unknown, but few seedlings are noted in the forest. This study was undertaken to: (1) identify herbivores and predators of pondberry seeds and seedlings, (2) record the fate of pondberry seeds and seedlings after simulated dispersal in areas with lower and higher understory cover, and (3) calculate the probability of seed survival in the two cover types. The study was conducted in or near the Delta National Forest and the Delta Experimental Forest, MS. Pondberry seed and seedling plots were established at sites with high or low cover. Video cameras with infrared illumination were set up to monitor animal visitors to the plots. Image analysis indicated that swamp rabbits (Sylvilagus aquaticus (Bachman)) and wood rats (Neotoma floridana Ord) cut or ate seedlings, while other animals visited the plots without damaging seedlings. Numerous bird species and mammals visited the seed plots and some were filmed eating seeds. Pondberry seeds exposed in open habitats had a significantly higher survival rate than those exposed in habitats with more herbaceous and woody understory cover. The novelty and quality of the temporal data collected via video monitoring indicate the importance of this method in collecting data that are not otherwise available on endangered and rare species.
Developing an Online "Code of Conduct"

There are an increasing number of classes being offered by way of the World Wide Web (WWW or Web). Although much of the information that we review regarding online learning appears positive, difficulties can arise. In particular, the anonymity that a web course can provide can be a blessing and a curse. In this article, the author suggests developing an online code of conduct detailing proper and improper conduct for the course. The author details prescriptions for the design and development of such a policy and how to manage potential problems before they begin.
A remark on the Toller ω dependence of two-Reggeon-one-particle vertex functions

It is pointed out that a two-Reggeon-one-particle vertex function in a multi-Regge amplitude is independent of the associated Toller angle ω if the trajectory of one of the Reggeons is zero.
Mental disorder among nonreligious adolescents

This study is the first of its kind to investigate mental disorder among nonreligious adolescents. In this paper, we report three main findings based on data from the National Comorbidity Survey of Adolescents. First, nonreligious adolescents on average have higher rates of mental disorder than adolescents who identify as religious. Second, there is variability in rates of mental disorder among the three types of nonreligious adolescents, with atheists/agnostics experiencing the highest rates, followed by those with no religion, and those with no religious preference. Indeed, after controlling for a host of sociodemographic characteristics, adolescents with no preference have levels of mental disorder that do not differ from the religiously affiliated. Third, the mental health disadvantage of nonreligiosity is strongest among nonreligious adolescents with two highly religious parents. Their rates of mental illness are almost twice that of religious adolescents raised in religious households. Moreover, nei...
γ-Aminobutyric acid localization and function as modulator of cholinergic neurotransmission in rat antral mucosal/submucosal fragments

gamma-Aminobutyric acid, a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, has been shown to be present in and synthesized and secreted by rodent and feline myenteric plexus neurons. The aims of the present studies were to measure gamma-aminobutyric acid concentrations and synthesis and to establish cellular localization and uptake of gamma-aminobutyric acid by immunocytochemistry and autoradiography, respectively, within mucosal and submucosal tissues of the rat antrum. Direct demonstration of [3H]gamma-aminobutyric acid release and the effects of exogenous gamma-aminobutyric acid and muscimol, a GABA alpha agonist, on [3H]acetylcholine release from antral mucosal/submucosal fragments were examined in perifusion experiments. gamma-Aminobutyric acid content and synthesis, as reflected by glutamic acid decarboxylase activity, were present within antral mucosa at levels two to three times that of the body and muscular layers of both the gastric body and antrum. gamma-Aminobutyric acid was identified immunocytochemically, principally in mucosal epithelial cells of the antrum. Exogenous gamma-aminobutyric acid and muscimol were capable of stimulating acetylcholine release through a GABA alpha receptor-mediated mechanism that was abolished by tetrodotoxin. These results indicate that gamma-aminobutyric acid is present in and taken up by epithelial cells of the gastric antrum and that gamma-aminobutyric acid is capable of being synthesized by antral mucosal/submucosal tissues. Furthermore, these studies suggest that a peripheral gamma-aminobutyric acid mechanism that may modulate cholinergic neurotransmission and endocrine cell function exists within the antrum.
A general method for optimal drug dose computation

A general method is presented for computing drug regimens which are optimal in the sense of minimizing the sum of the squared deviations of the predicted drug concentration in a compartment from a desired concentration in that compartment. Constraints on the predicted drug concentration in other compartments can be specified. The method is designed to allow bolus doses (parenteral or oral) to be given or intravenous infusion rates to be changed only at prespecified times. This feature permits use of the proposed method to develop dosage regimens which may be useful clinically as compared with other proposed optimal dose computation methods which yield very complex regimens.
Antenatal dexamethasone enhances surfactant protein synthesis in the hypoplastic lung of nitrofen-induced diaphragmatic hernia in rats

Abstract Background/Purpose: Pulmonary hypoplasia is one of the main causes for the high mortality rate in patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). The expression of surfactant protein A in the hypoplastic CDH lung is reduced, and its concentration is decreased in the amniotic fluid of pregnancies complicated by CDH. In a CDH experimental model, prenatal glucocorticoid treatment has proved its efficacy in correcting the parameters of pulmonary biochemical and morphologic immaturity. The aim of this study was to investigate whether maternal administration of dexamethasone has any effect on the expression of surfactant protein A and surfactant protein B in nitrofen-induced experimental CDH rat model. Methods: CDH was induced in pregnant rats after administration of 100 mg of nitrofen on day 9.5 of gestation (term, 22 days). Dexamethasone (Dex, 0.25 mg/kg) was given by intraperitoneal injection on days 18.5 and 19.5 of gestation. Cesarean section was performed on day 21 of gestation. The fetuses were divided into 3 groups: group I, control (n = 16); group II, nitrofen-induced CDH (n = 16); group III, nitrofen-induced CDH with antenatal Dex treatment (n = 16). Indirect immunohistochemistry was performed using alkaline-phosphatase-coagulated streptavidin using anti-SP-A and anti-SP-B polyclonal antibodies. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed to evaluate relative amount of SP-A and SP-B mRNA expression. Results: In the CDH lung (group II) we observed a markedly reduced number of type II pneumocytes positive for SP-A, and SP-B was increased to a level close to that of the control group. The relative amount of SP-A and SP-B was reduced significantly in group II compared with controls ( P P Conclusion: These results suggest that antenatal glucocorticoid treatment increases the production of surfactant proteins in the CDH hypoplastic lung. J Pediatr Surg 35:1468-1473. Copyright © 2000 by W.B. Saunders Company.
Exchange Effects in the Li K Edge

The Mahan, Nozi\`eres, De Dominicis theory of x-ray thresholds is extended to include exchange effects which are found to reduce threshold exponents and increase the orthogonality index. For the lithium $K$ edge this represents an important previously neglected feature. Results of detailed numerical calculations of threshold exponents for Li are presented which differ considerably from previous values and which are in better agreement with edge data.
A procedure for robust design: Minimizing variations caused by noise factors and control factors

In this paper, we introduce a small variation to current approaches broadly called Taguchi Robust Design Methods. In these methods, there are two broad categories of problems associated with simultaneously minimizing performance variations and bringing the mean on target, namely, Type 1-minimizing variations in performance caused by variations in noise factors (uncontrollable parameters). Type II-minimizing variations in performance caused by variations in control factors (design variables). In this paper, we introduce a variation to the existing approaches to solve both types of problems. This variation embodies the integration of the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with the compromise Decision Support Problem (DSP). Our approach is especially useful for design problems where there are no closed-form solutions and system performance is computationally expensive to evaluate. The design of a solar powered irrigation system is used as an example.
Papillary muscle and annulus size effect on anterior and posterior annulus tension of the mitral valve: an insight into annulus dilatation.

Abstract Mitral valve (MV) annulus mechanics and its effect on annulus dilatation are not well understood. The objective of the current study was to understand annulus tension (AT) during valve closure. A porcine MV rested on top of annulus rings with papillary muscles (PMs) held at slack, normal and taut conditions. The annulus was held by strings in the periphery during valve closure under static trans-mitral pressures. String tensions were measured and further used to calculate the anterior and posterior ATs. Three rings of different sizes were used to simulate normal and dilatated annuli. Fourteen MVs were tested. The anterior ATs were 37.21±11.03, 53.86±14.98 and 58.87±15.72 N/m, respectively, at the slack, normal and taut PM positions in the normal annulus at the trans-mitral pressure of 16.3 kPa (122 mmHg). The posterior ATs were 24.52±5.68, 36.29±8.89 and 42.32±11.82 N/m, respectively, at the slack, normal and taut PM positions in the normal annulus at the trans-mitral pressure of 16.3 kPa (122 mmHg). AT increased as the PM changed from slack to normal, then to taut PM positions. The AT increases with the increase of annulus area and linearly with the increase of trans-mitral pressure. The AT increases with the increases of apical PM displacement and dilatated annulus area, and reduces the potential of annulus dilatation. Low trans-mitral pressure due to existent mitral regurgitation, and MV prolapse increase the potential of annulus dilatation.
Quadrupole collectivity of summed magnetic dipole orbital strength using schematic interactions.

We perform shell-model calculations in {sup 22}Ne for the summed magnetic dipole orbital strength and spin strength with a schematic interaction consisting of single-particle splitting, an isospin-conserving pairing interaction, and a quadrupole-quadrupole interaction. We consider four channels: orbital excitations to {ital J}=1{sup +} {ital T}=1 states, and then to {ital J}=1{sup +} {ital T}=2 states; spin excitations to {ital J}=1{sup +} {ital T}=1 states, and then to {ital J}=1{sup +} {ital T}=2 states. For the orbital {ital T}{r arrow}{ital T} channel, the summed {ital M}1 strength varies quadratically with the size of the quadrupole interaction {ital x} for small values of this parameter when degenerate single-particle energies are used. Using realistic single-particle splitting does not destroy the quadrupole collectivity. The other three channels respond in different manners. We also consider linear-energy-weighted sum rules for which analytic results are obtained. The relevance of this work to experiments on orbital strengths and their relations to quadrupole excitations is discussed.
Hepcidin: clinical utility as a diagnostic tool and therapeutic target

Iron is essential for life, yet excessive iron can damage tissues and organs. To prevent iron deficiency and overload, iron balance is regulated by the hormone hepcidin. Hepcidin levels increase in response to iron sufficiency, decreasing intestinal iron absorption and inhibiting release of iron from stores and macrophages. Iron deficiency lowers hepcidin, leading to enhanced iron absorption and mobilization of iron from stores. Hepcidin is also increased by inflammation, and has a major role in the anemia of chronic disease. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with increased hepcidin levels, and this likely contributes to the incidence and severity of anemia, and resistance to erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs). Elevated hepcidin contributes to the dysregulation of iron homeostasis in CKD. In patients with CKD, although parenteral iron in CKD can bypass some of the iron-blocking effects of hepcidin, free iron and iron stores increase, anemia is only partially corrected, and ESA dose requirements remain significantly higher than physiological replacement. Agents that lower hepcidin or inhibit its actions may be effective strategies to restore normal iron homeostasis, and overcome anemia of chronic kidney disease. We review the regulation of hepcidin, its role in CKD-related anemia, and discuss the potential for hepcidin as a clinical marker, and several investigational methods to lower hepcidin for treatment of anemia in CKD.
Decay of mass-separated 201mPo and 201gPo

Abstract The decays of 201Po (9.0 min) and 201gPo (15.3 min) have been studied with mass-separated sources from the UNISOR facility. Time-sequenced spectra of γ-rays, X-rays, and conversion electrons, as well as γγt and Xγt (coincidences were obtained. A decay scheme has been constructed incorporating 93% of the decay intensity assigned to 201Bi. Levels resulting from h 9 2 , f 7 2 and i 13 2 particle states have been observed.
Temperature effect on shear correction factor

In spite of development of higher-order shear deformation theories (HSDT), the first-order shear-deformation theory (FSDT) remains a relatively simple and reliable tool for estimation of displacements, buckling loads and frequencies of composite structures. This was shown in a number of studies comparing results obtained from the theory of elasticity (if available), HSDT, FSDTand the classical plate theory. For example, Mention is made here of the comparisons published in the monograph of Reddy [i] where a significant discrepancy between FSDT and more elaborate theories was found for the stresses only.
Acute myelogenous leukaemia in a mare

SUMMARY: A 5-year-old Thoroughbred mare presented with a 4 week history of weight loss, fever and leukopenia. Rectally, a large active foetus, thickened spleen and an abdominal mass were palpated. Leukopenia, mild anaemia, marked thrombocytopenia and hyperfibrinogenaemia were found. Cytology and cytochemical staining of a bone marrow aspirate supported a diagnosis of acute myelogenous leukaemia. The mare deteriorated despite medical therapy and was humanely euthanased.
Assembly and Secretion of Fibrinogen INVOLVEMENT OF AMINO-TERMINAL DOMAINS IN DIMER FORMATION

Fibrinogen is a dimer with each half-molecule composed of three different chains (A alpha, B beta, gamma). Previous studies showed that amino-terminal disulfide bonds, as well as the disulfide rings that flank the "coiled-coil" region, are necessary for chain assembly and secretion (Zhang, J.Z., and Redman, C.M. (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 652-658). We now determine whether other amino-terminal domains are involved in linking the half-molecules. Fibrinogen chains, with deletions at the amino terminus, were co-expressed in COS cells together with normal fibrinogen chains. Elimination of the first 8 amino acids of the B beta chain did not affect dimer assembly, but deletion of amino acid residues 9-72 had a small inhibitory effect on dimer formation. Deletion of the first 72 amino acids of the B beta chain further inhibited dimer formation and resulted in nearly equal amounts of half-molecule and dimeric fibrinogen being formed and secreted. Deletion of the first 80 residues, which includes the cysteine residues that form the amino-terminal disulfide ring, completely eliminated dimer formation, and only half-molecules were secreted. By contrast deletion of the fist 41 amino acid residues of the A alpha chain or the first 15 residues of the gamma chain, which correspond to B beta delta 1-72, did not affect chain assembly and secretion. However, co-expression of both A alpha delta 1-41 and gamma delta 1-15 with normal B beta, inhibited dimer formation. Taken together, these results indicate that in addition to disulfide bonds, noncovalent interactions of other amino-terminal amino acid residues in the three fibrinogen chains also participate in dimer formation.
Viscometric behavior of polyacrylate ion in concentrated salt solutions

Viscosities of polyacrylate ion in the presence of potassium bromide, sodium bromide, lithium bromide, sodium iodide, sodium hydroxide, and hydrochloride acid in aqueous solution were measured over the approximate ranges 0.0–0.6% polymer and salt up to saturation with respect to polyacrylate or to salt. The general initial effect of added electrolyte is to reduce the ratio ηsp/c and to convert the curve characteristic of polyelectrolytes into a straight line, which can be extrapolated to zero polymer concentration to given [η], the intrinsic viscosity of the polymer in the presence of excess salt. Sodium hydroxide and sodium bromide produce minima in plots of [η] against salt concentration. Sodium iodide precipitates polyacrylate at 1.5 N iodide as a translucent gel, which redissolves at 3.0 N and finally reprecipitates at 6 N. In the latter range of concentration, [η] exhibits a maximum. Both by-ions and counter-ions have specific effects on the viscosity of the polyion.
The Doppler effect for scattering by plane boundaries at normal incident

For original papers see ibid., vol.AP-28, p.791-95 (1980) and also ibid., vol.AP-29, p.639-37 (1981). In the analysis of the one-dimensional scattering problem involving a velocity dependent boundary, the simple example of the harmonically vibrating boundary has been considered in detail. It appears that the authors were unaware of existing work by the author of the present note, which includes the De Smedt construct employed by Van Bladel and De Zutter. In the interest of obviating future repetition and duplication, it seems worthwhile to call the attention of readers to earlier results and related studies
Quantitative concentration measurements of atomic sodium in an atmospheric hydrocarbon flame with asynchronous optical sampling

We report the development of a pump–probe instrument that uses a high-repetition-rate (82-MHz) picosecond laser. To maximize laser power and to minimize jitter between the pump- and the probe-pulse trains, we choose the asynchronous optical sampling (ASOPS) configuration. Verification of the method is obtained through concentration measurements of atomic sodium in an atmospheric methane–air flame. For the first time to our knowledge, ASOPS measurements are made on a quantitative basis. This is accomplished by calibration of the sodium concentration with atomic absorption spectroscopy. ASOPS measurements are taken at a rate of 155.7 kHz with only 128 averages, resulting in a corresponding detection limit of 5 × 109 cm−3. The quenching-rate coefficient is obtained in a single measurement with a variation of ASOPS, which we call dual-beam ASOPS. The value of this coefficient is in excellent agreement with literature values for the present flame conditions. Based on our quantitative results for detection of atomic sodium, a detection limit of 2 × 1017 cm−3 is predicted for the Q1 (9) line of A2∑+ (v = 0)–X2Π (v = 0) hydroxyl at 2000 K. Although this value is too large for practical flame studies, a number of improvements that should lower the ASOPS detection limit are suggested.
CLOSURE AS RELATED TO MANIFEST ANXIETY AND RIGIDITY.

50 male and 50 female college students took the Manifest Anxiety Scale, the Stanford-Gough Rigidity Scale and reproduced 18 incomplete, tachistoscopically presented, designs. Significant correlatio...
Novice to expert practice via postprofessional athletic training education: a grounded theory.

Abstract Objective: To discover the theoretic constructs that confirm, disconfirm, or extend the principles and their applications appropriate for National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA)–acc...
Transthoracic echocardiographic demonstration of septal perforator coronary arteries-left ventricle fistula.

We present an adult patient status post septal myectomy in whom transthoracic two-dimensional echocardiography demonstrated septal perforator coronary arteries opening directly into the left ventricle. In some views this finding mimicked aortic regurgitation. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 20, February 2003)