cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Building metamemorial knowledge over time: insights from eye tracking about the bases of feeling-of-knowing and confidence judgments

Metamemory processes depend on different factors across the learning and memory time-scale. In the laboratory, subjects are often asked to make prospective feeling-of-knowing (FOK) judgments about target retrievability, or are asked to make retrospective confidence judgments (RCJs) about the retrieved target. We examined distinct and shared contributors to metamemory judgments, and how they were built over time. Eye movements were monitored during a face-scene associative memory task. At test, participants viewed a studied scene, then rated their feeling-of-knowing that they would remember the associated face. This was followed by a forced choice recognition test and retrospective confidence ratings. FOK judgments were less accurate than RCJ judgments, showing that the addition of mnemonic experience can increase metacognitive accuracy over time. However, there was also evidence that the given FOK rating influenced RCJs. Turning to eye movements, initial analyses showed that higher cue fluency was related to both higher FOKs and higher RCJs. However, further analyses revealed that the effects of the scene cue on RCJs were mediated by FOKs. Turning to the target, increased viewing time and faster viewing of the correct associate related to higher FOKs, consistent with the idea that target accessibility is a basis of FOKs. In contrast, the amount of viewing directed to the chosen face, regardless of whether it was correct, predicted higher RCJs, suggesting that choice experience is a significant contributor RCJs. We also examined covariates of the change in RCJ rating from the FOK rating, and showed that increased and faster viewing of the chosen face predicted raising one’s confidence above one’s FOK. Taken together these results suggest that metamemory judgments should not be thought of only as distinct subjective experiences, but complex processes that interact and evolve as new psychological bases for subjective experience become available.
La historia detrás de las cifras: la evolución del censo chileno y la representación del trabajo femenino, 1895-1930

Historians have regularly assumed the transparency of census statistics on womens employment in Chile, which suggest a steady decline in female employment -particulary in industry- from the late nineteenth through the early twentieth century. Arguing that quantitative sources are like other historical documents social constructions, this article first explores the limitations of the Chilean census as an accurate measure of female economic activity. The article hen shows how, because the progressive "modernization" of the census implied substantive changes in the collection and interpretation of census data, womens economic activity became increasingly invisible as the century progressed. This critical reading of census materials allows us both to question contemporary assumptions about womens economic participation and to examine the changing notions of labor that were integral to the formation of state labor and welfare policies in early twentieth-century Chile
Ultraviolet lasing in resonators formed by scattering in semiconductor polycrystalline films

A semiconductor laser whose cavities are “self-formed” due to strong optical scattering in highly disordered gain media is demonstrated. The lasers are made of zinc oxide polycrystalline films grown on amorphous fused silica substrates. Lasing occurs at an ultraviolet wavelength of ∼380 nm under optical pumping. Actual images of the microscopic laser cavities formed by multiple scattering have been captured. These results suggest the possibility of using disordered semiconductor microstructures as alternative sources of coherent light emission.
Simulator Cockpit Motion and the Transfer of Initial Flight Training

Abstract : Transfer of flight training from a Singer-Link GAT-2 training simulator, modified to approximate a counterpart Piper Cherokee Arrow airplane, was measured for independent groups of nine flight-naive subjects, each trained in one of three simulator cockpit motion conditions: normal washout motion in bank with sustained pitch angles, washout banking motion in which the direction of motion relative to that of the simulated airplane was randomly reversed 50% of the time as the cab passed through a wings-level attitude, and a fixed-base condition. Subjects received predetermined fixed amounts of practice in the simulator on each of 11 flight maneuvers drawn from the Private Pilot flight curriculum. Transfer performance measures, including flight time and trials to FAA performance criteria and total errors made in the process, showed reliable transfer for all groups with differential transfer effects and cost effectiveness implications depending upon the type of simulator motion. An aptitude estimator measure and the analysis of covariance technique provided increased discrimination among groups in the presence of considerable individual variation in performance within treatment conditions.
A pilot study of the cognitive and psychological correlates of chronic ciguatera poisoning

Abstract Ciguatera fish poisoning is the most frequently reported seafood-toxin illness in the world, caused by the consumption of coral reef fishes contaminated with a group of natural toxins produced by minute phytoplankton (dinoflagellates). These toxins are potent and cause both acute and chronic neurologic disease in humans. Although ciguatera fish poisoning is associated with established neurotoxins in animal models, and with known peripheral nervous system effects in humans, this pilot study was the first to explore possible central nervous system effects associated with chronic ciguatera poisoning in humans. In a matched cohort design, 12 cases and 12 their age and gender matched friend controls underwent a battery of neuropsychological tests. The results indicated that although their scores on objective neuropsychological tests did not differ significantly from matched controls, persons with ciguatera reported a higher degree of toxicity-related symptomatology and endorsed significantly more depressive symptomatology than controls. Future research should explore larger numbers of persons with both acute and chronic ciguatera, with and without mannitol treatment.
Leader self-development as organizational strategy

Abstract Leader self-development enables leaders to adapt to the continually changing environment both within and outside of the organization. The purpose of this paper is to describe the construct of leader self-development and the processes by which it can serve as an organizational leadership development strategy. We framed the paper around a multi-level model of leader self-development linking organizational level constructs such as human resources practices and resources with group level phenomena of norms, supervisor style, and social networks with the individual leader self-development process. Leader self-development is a cost-effective way for organizations to develop leaders resulting in competitive edge.
Personality development and the college experience

Studies of freshman-senior data on undergraduates show that, despite major differences among institutions and students, the direction of net change was basically the same in several diverse colleges. Institutional freshmen means spanned a wide range, yet students became more autonomous, more aware, more integrated, more aesthetically sensitive, more tolerant, more liberal in religious views, and less concerned about material possessions. Although all students tended to change in the same direction at all colleges, they did not become more similar; diversity increased for the total group and, more often than not, diversity increased within each college. When sub-groups of similar students were examined within institutions, different patterns of change appeared, and were systematically related to such factors as college climate, student characteristics, teaching practices and study activities, and student-faculty relationships. Thus, differential change occurred as a function of institutional “fit.” When there is a close “fit” change proceeds along lines indicated by cultural and genetic forces and is consistent among diverse colleges. Where there is a “misfit” — students who have not developed to the general level at which a college operates, or whose development has gone beyond the operating level of a college — significant changes occur which are strongly associated with varied college characteristics and educational practices.
Gastric function and its contribution to the postprandial metabolic response of the Burmese python Python molurus

The large intact prey ingested by Burmese pythons require considerable processing by the stomach before passage into the small intestine. To investigate the function and cost of gastric digestion and its contribution to postprandial metabolic response for the Burmese python, I examined the rate of gastric digestion, the postprandial profile of gastric pH and the effects of decreasing gastric workload on the metabolic cost of digestion, referred to as specific dynamic action (SDA). Ingested meal mass (equivalent to 25% of snake body mass) was reduced by 18% within 1 day postfeeding, by which time intragastric pH had decreased from 7.5 to 2. Gastric pH was maintained at 1.5 for the next 5-7 days, after which it returned to 7.5. The SDA generated by digesting an intact rat meal was reduced by 9.1%, 26.0%, 56.5% and 66.8%, respectively, when pythons were fed steak, ground rat, liquid diet or ground rat directly infused into the small intestine. The production of HCl and enzymes and other gastric functions represent an estimated 55% of the python's SDA generated from the digestion of an intact rodent meal. Additional contributors to SDA include protein synthesis (estimated 26%), gastrointestinal upregulation (estimated 5%) and the activities of the pancreas, gallbladder, liver, kidneys and intestines during digestion (estimated 14%). Operating on a 'pay before pumping' principle, pythons must expend endogenous energy in order to initiate acid production and other digestive processes before ingested nutrients can be absorbed and channeled into metabolic pathways.
Correlations Between the Charge of Proteins and the Number of Ionizable Groups They Incorporate: Studies Using Protein Charge Ladders, Capillary Electrophoresis, and Debye−Hückel Theory

The values of electrophoretic mobility, μelectro, of bovine carbonic anhydrase II, human carbonic anhydrase II, cytochrome c, lysozyme, superoxide dismutase, ovalbumin, and derivatives of these proteins produced by partial neutralization of Lys e-NH3+ and/or Asp and Glu carboxyl groups were measured using capillary electrophoresis (CE). For derivatives of these proteins with the lowest overall values of net charge (either positive or negative), the values of μelectro and the values of charge measured by CE, ZCE, demonstrate a linear correlation with the number of charged groups, n, converted to neutral derivatives. For derivatives of these proteins with larger values of net charge, the values of μelectro and ZCE demonstrate a nonlinear correlation with n. Several observations made in this work suggest that shifts in the values of pka of the ionizable groups on these proteins likely contribute to the observed nonlinear correlation. Debye−Huckel theory was used to calculate values of electrostatic potential...
On Singular Boundary Value Problems for the Monge–Ampére Operator

Abstract We consider different types of singular boundary value problems for the Monge–Ampere operator. The approach is based on existing regularity theory and a subsolution–supersolution method. Nonexistence and uniqueness results are also given.
The Trigonometry of Matrix Statistics

Summary A matrix trigonometry developed chiefly by this author during the past 40 years has interesting applications to certain situations in statistics. The key conceptual entity in this matrix trigonometry is the matrix (maximal) turning angle. Associated entities (originally so-named by this author) are the matrix antieigenvalues and corresponding antieigenvectors upon which the matrix obtains its critical turning angles. Because this trigonometry is the natural one for linear operators and matrices, it also is the natural one for matrix statistics. Resume Une trigonometrie matricielle developpee principalement par cet auteur dans les 40 dernieres annees a des applications interessantes a certaines situations en statistique. L'entite conceptuelle cle dans cette trigonometrie matricielle est l'angle de rotation (maximal). Les entites associees (ainsi nommees a l'origine par cet auteur) sont les anti valeurs propres et les anti vecteurs propres sur lesquels la matrice obtient ses angles de rotation critiques. Comme cette trigonometrie est naturelle pour les operateurs lineaires et les matrices, elle est aussi naturelle pour les statistiques matricielles.
Vasculitis and cancer

V ‘asculitis is defined as inflammation and necrosis of the blood vessels. Involvement of arteries and, sometimes, veins of various sizes and in different locations throughout the body is possible and results in a diversity of signs and symptoms. Vasculitis may be a primary process, or it may occur secondary to a systemic infectious, rheumatic, allergic, or neoplastic disease. A review of the world literature reveals a total of 200 cases of vasculitis in patients with cancer.lb9*
Duration of Fluoroscopic-Guided Spine Interventions and Radiation Exposure Is Increased in Overweight Patients

Background The impact of patient body mass index (BMI) on image-guided spine interventions remains unknown. Higher BMI is known to complicate the acquisition of radiographic images. Therefore it can be hypothesized that the patient's body habitus can influence the delivery of a spinal injection. Objective To quantify the impact of patient BMI on the length of fluoroscopy and procedure times during spine interventions. Design Secondary analysis of 2 prospective observational studies. Setting All injections were performed in an outpatient university setting. Participants A total of 209 patients in whom spine injections were performed (99 women), with a mean age of 54.6 years. Methods The fluoroscopy times for 202 participants and total procedure times for 137 participants were recorded. Additional participant characteristics, including age, gender, BMI, and actual procedures performed, also were collected. Analysis of covariance and linear and nonlinear model analysis were performed to assess the effect of BMI on fluoroscopy and procedure times. Main Outcome Measurements Fluoroscopy time and procedure duration times. Results Participants had a mean age of 54.6 years, 51% were men, and 77% (n = 155) were overweight (BMI ≥25). Participants received the following interventions: 40 zygapophyseal joint injections, 33 medial branch nerve blocks, 113 transforaminal epidural injections, and 16 combined zygapophyseal joint injections and epidural injections. Gender, procedure number, and procedure type did not differ between groups. The overweight group demonstrated a 30% increase in mean fluoroscopy time and a 35% increase in mean procedure time. Controlling for other variables, we found that differences in fluoroscopy time and procedure time were significant ( P = .032 and P = .031, respectively) between the 2 groups. Conclusions Significantly prolonged procedure time and fluoroscopy time in overweight patients increase the risks associated with spine interventions, not only to the patients but also to the operating room staff exposed to ionizing radiation.
Probing minimal scattering events in coherent backscattering of light using low-coherence induced dephasing

We exploit low spatial coherence illumination to dephase time-reversed partial waves outside its finite coherence area, which isolates the minimal scattering events (i.e., double scattering) from higher order scattering in coherent backscattering of light.
Differential Carbon and Nitrogen Controls of Denitrification in Riparian Zones and Streams along an Urban to Exurban Gradient.

Denitrification is an anaerobic microbial process that transforms nitrate (NO₃⁻) to nitrogen (N) gas, preventing the movement of NO₃⁻ into coastal waters where it can lead to eutrophication. Urbanization can reduce the potential for denitrification in riparian zones and streams by altering the environmental conditions that foster denitrification (i.e., low oxygen and available C). Here we evaluated the factors limiting denitrification potential in forested and herbaceous riparian and stream pool and organic debris dam habitats in urban, suburban, exurban, and forested reference watersheds in the Baltimore, Maryland metropolitan area. Denitrification potential (with and without C and NO₃⁻ additions) and microbial biomass C and N content, potential net N mineralization and nitrification, microbial respiration, and inorganic N pools were measured in summer (June) and fall (November). Denitrification potentials were highest in the herbaceous riparian soils and lowest in pool sediments. Forested riparian soil denitrification potential was highest in the exurban watershed but in other habitats did not vary with watershed type. Nearly all variables were higher in June than in November. Overall, C was a more important driver of denitrification potential than N; potentials in unamended and N-amended treatments were very similar ( 800 ng N g⁻¹ h⁻¹). Our results suggest that efforts to enhance denitrification in urban watersheds need to focus on the differential controls of denitrification across habitats, urban land use types, and seasons.
Effects of temporary hormonal suppression of lactation on milk constituents, clinical mastitis, colostrum and the estrous cycle.

Abstract Estradiol-testosterone injection had similar lactation suppressing effects in sheep, goats and cattle. The depression in milk production was generally in proportion to the dose, although the extent and duration was influenced by individual animal characteristics. Cows and goats responded within three days, whereas, sheep required eight days for maximum depression. The net synthesis of fat, protein and solids-not-fat following injection was reduced. As expected, when milk production decreased, solids-not-fat and generally per cent protein increased, whereas, fat was somewhat more erratic and generally depressed. A stimulatory effect of the hormone on milk synthesis following the initial depression was evident. In subsequent lactations, there was no altered production. In addition, the milk was colostrum-like following smaller injections and was markedly altered (watery, clotted, etc.) following larger injections. The physical appearance was accompanied by relative increases in all whey proteins derived from blood (two times for albumin, and 20 times for immune and β 2 -globulins). Those synthesized in the mammary gland decreased to one-third for α -lactalbumin and to one-half for β -lactoglobulin. Possible effects of estrogen on suppressed lactation and altered composition during pregnancy were considered. Visible changes in the appearance of milk suggested that normal variations in endogenous hormone levels, especially during the estrous cycle, may influence milk leucocytes to a great extent.
Somatosensory system excitability in migraine

Abstract Migraine is a common disorder that reduces normal day-to-day activities, including those connected with work. While migraine has long been considered a disease of the head vascular structures, there is increasing evidence that the somatosensory system plays a primary role in the cascade of events that trigger the migraine attacks and in its pathophysiology. Neurophysiological techniques are used to explore the function of the somatosensory system and to obtain a direct measure of its excitability, and these data may help to reveal some of the pathophysiological mechanisms of migraine. Moreover, neurophysiological methods are used to selectively explore both the nociceptive and the non-nociceptive somatosensory pathways. Given that pain represents the most important migraine symptom, functional exploration of the ‘pain matrix’ may contribute several elements towards our understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms in migraine. We reviewed the most important neurophysiological studies investigating the functional status of both the nociceptive and non-nociceptive somatosensory cortex in migraine, underlining the original contribution that can be obtained by neurophysiological exploration of the somatosensory system.
The determination of precursors to urinary methyl-malonic acid in man; measurement of urinary excretion and specific activity☆

Abstract A method is described for the determination of urinary methylmalonic acid and its specific activity following the administration of 14 C-labeled precursors to humans. The method involves ether extraction, anion exchange column chromatography and colorimetric determination of the separated methylmalonic acid, after coupling to diazotized p -nitroaniline. Specific activity determination includes liquid scintillation quantitation of the 14 C content after further purification of the methyl-malonic acid fraction by thin-layer chromatography. Analytical losses were corrected for by use of 3 H-labelled methylmalonic acid. Day to day analytical variance and recovery data are presented. Increased methylmalonic acid urinary excretion was noted in all vitamin B 12 -deficient subjects. While there was 14 C incorporation into urinary methylmalonic acid after intravenous administration of [2− 14 C] propionate in both a normal subject and in a vitamin B 12 -deficient patient, a much larger fraction of the injected dose appeared in the urinary methylmalonic acid of the vitamin B 12 -deficient patient.
Abstract 2198: Possible circadian modulation of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase by mir-27a and mir-27b.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is a commonly administered chemotherapy drug used for the treatment of various aggressive cancers. Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD, encoded by the DPYD gene) is the rate limiting enzyme of the 5-flourouracil (5-FU) catabolic pathway, and as such limits the amount of drug available for conversion into active metabolites. Reduced expression of DPD has been linked to severe adverse toxicity to 5-FU, including mucositis, diarrhea, hematological toxicities, and, in extreme cases, death. DPD has been previously shown to follow circadian patterns of expression in rodent models and in humans. Many microRNAs also exhibit circadian variations in expression and have been suggested to control oscillations in target protein expression. Using in silico prediction, we identified two putative binding domains for the microRNAs mir-27a and mir-27b within the DPYD gene. One of these sites is located in the 3’ untranslated region (UTR) and the other is located within the coding region just upstream from the stop codon. Using a reporter system, we show that mir-27a and mir-27b are able to bind to both predicted binding sites. Furthermore, over-expression of either microRNA reduced endogenous DPD protein levels in the HT-29 colon cancer cell line. To investigate mir-27a/b as a potential circadian regulator of DPD expression, expression was measured in livers collected at 4-hour intervals from chrono-synchronized mice. As expected, the circadian pattern of DPD enzyme activity closely matched that of DPD expression. The expression patterns for mir-27a and mir-27b were inverse of those for DPD expression and activity. These data suggest that mir-27a and mir-27b may direct circadian variations in DPD enzyme activity. Citation Format: Gabriel L. Butterfield, Steven M. Offer, Robert B. Diasio. Possible circadian modulation of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase by mir-27a and mir-27b. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2198. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-2198
Characteristics of adult learners and foundations of experiential learning

The knowledge bases of adult and experiential learning are viewed as complementary to fully understanding how the functional elements of the experiential learning model presented in this volume were constructed.
Protective Dietary Factors and Lung Cancer

Since the first report of a protective effect of dietary vitamin A on lung cancer risk was issued in 1975, a succession of retrospective (case-control) and prospective (cohort) epidemiological studies have examined the association. Food frequency questionnaires have been used to assess dietary intake of food groups and to generate indices of specific dietary components, in particular retinol and carotene. Serum levels of retinol, carotenoids, and other micronutrients have been determined as well, and related to risk of lung cancer. The dietary studies have been notably consistent, finding an approximate 50% reduction in risk associated with high compared to low consumption of carotene-containing fruits and vegetables. Unresolved issues include gender differences, histological specificity and the interaction with cigarette smoking as well as the role of other possible protective factors found in these foods--indoles, vitamin C, trace minerals. Most studies in which serum beta-carotene was assayed in prospectively collected blood samples have found lower levels of beta-carotene in people who subsequently developed lung cancer. Unlike carotene, blood retinol levels do not reflect dietary intake under normal conditions and, as might be expected, have failed to show a consistent relation with risk of lung cancer. Although epidemiological studies have not strongly supported the role of preformed retinol as a protective agent, animal studies have provided convincing evidence that retinol and synthetic retinoids are protective against epithelial tumours including those of the lung. A number of on-going clinical trials are testing the efficacy of retinol, beta-carotene, synthetic retinoids and alpha-tocopherol for preventing cancer of the lung, especially in high risk groups such as heavy smokers, miners and asbestos workers. It is hoped that these trials will help explain the nature of the observed protective effect of fruit and vegetables.
Preservation of growth hormone secretion in response to growth hormone-releasing peptide-2 during prednisone therapy.

Abstract Children who require long-term glucocorticoid treatment often demonstrate poor growth. Growth hormone (GH) secretion is decreased during glucocorticoid treatment, and this decrease may be due to a relative excess of the hypothalamic hormone somatostatin (SRIF). GH-releasing peptide-2 (GHRP-2) is a GH secretagogue that acts via multiple mechanisms at multiple sites. One of its proposed mechanisms is the ability to bypass SRIF blockade of GH secretion. We measured the ability of GHRP-2 to release GH before and during prednisone therapy (20 mg orally three times daily for 4 days). The degree of preservation of GH secretion and the pattern of GH release in response to GHRP-2 were compared with those observed in response to arginine, a known SRIF inhibitor. GH release in response to GHRP-2 and arginine was measured in the same eight subjects before and during prednisone therapy. Before prednisone, peak GH levels in response to arginine and GHRP-2 were 8.8 ± 2.8 and 80.8 ± 21.2 μg/L. During prednisone therapy, the peak GH level in response to arginine and to GHRP-2 was 20.1 ± 8.3 and 71.3 ± 18.4 μg/L, respectively. The difference in peak values before and after prednisone was not significant. The time to the peak GH level during prednisone therapy occurred sooner for both arginine and GHRP-2. The pattern of GH release to arginine and to GHRP-2 was not identical, and the mean area under the curve for GH release to GHRP-2 decreased significantly with steroid treatment (P = .04), suggesting that GHRP-2 acts by mechanisms additional to the removal of SRIF inhibition. GHRP-2 elicited a 10-fold greater GH response than arginine at baseline, and the GH response was threefold greater versus arginine even in the face of prednisone therapy. GH release occurred earlier for both arginine and GHRP-2 during steroid treatment. We propose that this may suggest an increased storage phenomenon due to the blockade of GH secretion by glucocorticoids and then a sudden release with SRIF inhibition. If GHRP-2 can indeed counteract the inhibitory effect of glucocorticoids on GH secretion, then a new form of therapy may be available to support growth in children who must receive long-term steroid treatment.
Use of an absorbent dressing specifically for fecal incontinence.

PURPOSE Use of an absorbent product is a self-care strategy for managing fecal incontinence that protects against visible soiling. The purpose of this study was to examine use of a small surgical dressing that can be placed between the buttocks to absorb leaked feces. DESIGN Cross-sectional survey. SUBJECTS AND SETTING A survey was mailed to 75 randomly selected community-living people in 25 states and the District of Columbia, who ordered the dressing more than once within the past year. Thirty-six people (age = 55 ± 16 years mean ± SD), 57% men and 94% white responded. INSTRUMENT A 48-question survey that included questions asked about demographics and general health, emotional states (eg, anxiety and depression), bowel pattern and incontinence, quality of life, and use of an anorectal dressing was developed for this study. The survey also contained 2 tools, the Fecal Incontinence Severity Index and the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life instrument. The Fecal Incontinence Severity Index is a tool that enables valid assessment of fecal incontinence severity using patient recall of symptoms of frequency and type of bowel leakage. The Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life instrument results in a valid and reliable evaluation of fecal incontinence–specific quality of life using 4 domains of lifestyle, coping/behavior, depression/self-perception, and embarrassment. RESULTS The fecal incontinence severity score was 28 ± 14 (mean ± SD); 79% leaked loose/liquid feces, 50% leaked daily, and leaked feces remained between the buttocks in 64%; 21% also leaked urine. Eighty-five percent experienced incontinence-associated dermatitis. Of those who used the dressing, 50% were men. The anorectal dressing was preferred to a pad by 92%, prevented soiling in 88%, and its ability to stay in place was rated very good or good by 76%. Eighty percent of respondents rated the dressing's comfort very good or good; 85% rated its overall effectiveness very good or good. Use of the dressing lessened anxiety about fecal soiling in 81% and was thought to improve quality of life in 76%. CONCLUSION An anorectal dressing offers an effective, comfortable alternative to a pad for absorbing leaked feces that seems acceptable to men.
Remaining life expectancy measurement and PSA screening of older men

Abstract Objective Guidelines recommend informed decision-making regarding prostate specific antigen (PSA) screening for men with at least 10years of remaining life expectancy (RLE). Comorbidity measures have been used to judge RLE in previous studies, but assessments based on other common RLE measures are unknown. We assessed whether screening rates varied based on four clinically relevant RLE measures, including comorbidities, in a nationally-representative, community-based sample. Materials and Methods Using the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP), we selected men over 65 without prostate cancer ( n =709). They were stratified into three RLE categories (0–7years, 8–12years, and 13+ years) based on validated measures of comorbidities, self-rated health status, functional status, and physical performance. The independent relationship of each RLE measure and a combined measure to screening was determined using multivariable logistic regressions. Results Self-rated health (OR=6.82; p p =0.09). The relationship of RLE to PSA screening significantly strengthened when controlling for the number of doctor visits, particularly for comorbidities (OR=43.6; p Conclusions Regardless of the RLE measure used, men who were estimated to have limited RLE had significant PSA screening rates. However, different RLE measures have different correlations with PSA screening. Specific estimates of over-screening should therefore carefully consider the RLE measure used.
Vancomycin Enemas as Adjunctive Therapy for Clostridium difficile Infection

Background: For severe, complicated Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), concomitant treatment with IV metronidazole and oral vancomycin is usually prescribed. Sometimes vancomycin per rectum (VPR) is added to increase colonic drug delivery. Our purpose was to examine clinical outcomes of patients with CDI treated with VPR and compare results to a matched control group. Methods: This was a retrospective case-control study in a setting of tertiary-care ICU on diarrhea patients with a positive toxin test for C. difficile . We identified all ICU patients prescribed VPR from January 2003 to December 2013. The dose of VPR mixed in 100 cc of tap water ranged from 125 to 250 mg Q 6 - 8 hours. All patients had diarrhea and a positive test for C. difficile toxin. Included patients received ≥ 4 doses of VPR. The primary outcome was the combined endpoint of colon surgery or death. We matched VPR cases 1:2 with CDI controls that had identical APACHE II scores. Results: We identified 24 CDI patients who received VPR and met inclusion criteria: 11 male, mean age 61.8 ± 15.9 years. All patients received concomitant CDI therapy. Four patients (16.7%) required colectomy, and overall mortality was 45.8%. For the 48 controls, need for surgery was identical (16.7%; P = 1.00). The mortality rate also did not differ (41.7%; P = 0.74). For the combined outcome of surgery or death, the rate was 45.8% for the controls and 50.0% for the VPR group (P = 0.73). Conclusion: In a case-control study, the use of VPR was not demonstrated to reduce the need for colectomy or decrease mortality. Based on our modest sample size and failure to show efficacy, we cannot strongly advocate for the use of VPR. J Clin Med Res. 2015;7(6):422-427 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.14740/jocmr2117w
An Elementary Deduction of the Topological Radon Theorem from Borsuk–Ulam

The Topological Radon Theorem states that, for every continuous function from the boundary of a (d+1)-dimensional simplex into ℝn , there exists a pair of disjoint faces in the domain whose images intersect in ℝn . The similarity between that result and the classical Borsuk–Ulam Theorem is unmistakable, but a proof that the Topological Radon Theorem follows from Borsuk–Ulam is not immediate. In this note we provide an elementary argument verifying that implication.
Joint Effects of Intertrial and Intersession Interval upon Avoidance Learning

The effect of intertrial and intersession interval on the relearning of an incompletely learned avoidance response was studied in a factorial experiment having three intertrial intervals—½, 1, and 2 min.—and five intersession intervals—.08, 1, 4, 24, and 168 hr. Original learning was avoidance training to a criterion, and relearning was 40 trials of the same training. Five groups of 10 rats, matched for rate of original learning, were trained at each intertrial interval. The number of avoidance responses during relearning was a U-shaped function of intersession interval for all intertrial intervals. During the first 10 relearning trials, the maximum interfering effect occurred after an intersession interval of 24 hr. in the ½-min. groups and after 4 hr. in the 1- and 2-min. groups. During the rest of relearning, maximum interference was reached after 1 hr., and the intersession interval functions were independent of intertrial interval, except for over-all level. These results were interpreted in terms of...
Nonuniversal velocity fluctuations of sedimenting particles

Velocity fluctuations in sedimentation are studied to investigate the origin of a hypothesized universal scale [P. N. Segre, E. Herbolzheimer, and P. M. Chaikin, Phys. Rev. Lett. 79, 2574 (1997)]. Our experiments show that fluctuations decay continuously in time for sufficiently thick cells, never reaching steady state. Simulations and scaling arguments suggest that the decay arises from increasing vertical stratification of particle concentration due to spreading of the sediment front. The results suggest that the velocity fluctuations in sedimentation depend sensitively on cell geometry.
Engineering Ionic and Electronic Conductivity in Polymer Catalytic Electrodes Using the Layer-By-Layer Technique

The platinum loading, electronic and ionic conductivity, tuned porosity, and electrode potential of layer-by-layer (LBL) conducting polymer films for thin film catalytic electrodes are presented. Films of polyaniline (PANi)/poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) or PANi/poly(acrylic acid)-co-polyacrylamide (PAA-co-PAAm) of 3.0-μm thickness were pH-tuned to induce porosity as they were assembled. Three different techniques were used to dose the LBL PANi films with platinum. The first method used reductive precipitation of platinum and ruthenium salts adsorbed within LBL films of PANi/PAA-co-PAAm. The second method, termed polyelectrolyte colloidal platinum stabilization, was applied to load platinum nanoclusters into LBL films of either PANi/PAA or PANi/poly(styrene sulfonate) films. The third method used a PANi/platinum powder dispersion to load platinum crystals into LBL films of PANi/PAA-co-PAAm or poly(2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propane sulfonic acid) (PAA-co-PAMPS). The first method yielded the best metal loadings wit...
Mountains, Weathering, and Climate

Changes in the lithium isotope composition of seawater over the past 70 million years elucidate the links between weathering and climate.
Cytoplasmic filaments and morphogenesis: The role of the notochord in ascidian metamorphosis

The notochord of Boltenia villosa is a tubular structure composed of squamous epithelioid cells and matrix material surrounded by a filamentous sheath. It acts asa skeleton in the larval tail. During resorption of the tail the notochordal cells shorten, dissociate and move along with the matrix through a newly formed breach in the anterior end of the notochordal sheath into the body cavity of the trunk. As the notochordal cells shorten they develop folds at their basal surfaces. These folds protrude into complementary folds in the notochordal sheath. The development of the folds is associated with the appearance of a thick layer of cytoplasmic filaments just beneath the plasmalemma of the basal surface. Most of these filaments are oriented in the axis of shortening.
Non-linear quadratic gaussian controlf

Abstract Algebraic necessary conditions for the minimization of a quadratic cost function are derived for non-linear stochastic regulator systems, on the assumption that the statistics of the state and output random variables can be represented satisfactorily by a gaussian distribution. This non-linear quadratic gaussian (NQG) technique is related to the use of statistical linearization and LQG theory. In particular, the cases of perfect state measurement and incomplete and noisy measurement are addressed.
The Radiation Budget of the West African Sahel and Its Controls: A Perspective from Observations and Global Climate Models

AbstractContinuous measurements of the shortwave (SW), longwave (LW), and net cross-atmosphere radiation flux divergence over the West African Sahel were made during the year 2006 using the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Mobile Facility (AMF) and the Geostationary Earth Radiation Budget (GERB) satellite. Accompanying AMF measurements enabled calculations of the LW, SW, and net top of the atmosphere (TOA) and surface cloud radiative forcing (CRF), which quantifies the radiative effects of cloud cover on the column boundaries. Calculations of the LW, SW, and net cloud radiative effect (CRE), which is the difference between the TOA and surface radiative flux divergences in all-sky and clear-sky conditions, quantify the radiative effects on the column itself. These measurements were compared to predictions in four global climate models (GCMs) used in the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change Fourth Assessment Report (IPCC AR4). All four GCMs produced wet and dry seasons, but reproducing the SW c...
Book review:Studies in network thermodynamics

This book presents a formulation of thermodynamics and near-equilibrium irreversible processes in the framework of network physics, using generalizations of Kirchhoff voltage and current laws to describe flow and connectivity of the thermodynamic system. As such, it provides a useful framework for systematically analyzing complex thermodynamic and kinetic processes such as those found in membranes and biophysical processes. The book is divided into seven chapters. The first chapter provides an introduction to those aspects of graph and network theory utilized in the remainder of the book, drawing analogies between electrical circuits and thermodynamic quantities. The second chapter discusses thermostatics in the framework of network theory. In Chapters 3-6 near-equilibrium transport phenomena (diffusion, chemical reactions, convection), Onsager's relations, and the principle of minimum entropy production are formulated in the context of network physics and in some cases generalized. Finally, Chapter 7 discusses application of the network approach to certain types of nonlinear phenomena. In each chapter, concepts are illustrated by specific examples, a number of them from membrane physics. The author makes clear at the outset that this is not a textbook on network thermodynamics. Indeed, it appears to be aimed at readers who already have a good working knowledge of thermodynamics and transport phenomena. But for scientists faced with complex thermodynamic systems to analyze, it is a useful book to read, and presents a view that might some day be a useful aid in teaching nonequilibrium thermodynamics.
Designing bisubstrate analog inhibitors for protein kinases

Protein kinases play critical roles in signal transduction pathways by transmitting extracellular signals across the cell membrane to distant locations in the cytoplasm and the nucleus. The development of protein kinase inhibitors has been hindered by the broad overlapping substrate specificities exhibited by these enzymes. The design of bisubstrate analog inhibitors could provide for the enhancement of specificity and potency in protein kinase inhibition. Bisubstrate analog inhibitors form a special group of protein kinase inhibitors that mimic two natural substrates/ligands and that simultaneously associate with two regions of given kinases. Most bisubstrate analogs have been designed to mimic the phosphate donor (ATP) and the acceptor components (Ser-, Thr-, or Tyr-containing peptides). Recent studies have emphasized the importance of maintaining a specific distance between these two components to achieve potent inhibition. In this review, we present a discussion of the methods for designing protein kinase inhibitors by mechanism-based approaches. Emphasis is given to bivalent approaches, with an interpretation of what has been learned from more and less successful examples. Future challenges in this area are also highlighted.
Monsel's solution: A histologic nuisance

Monsel's solution produces artifacts which can be troublesome if rebiopsy of a lesion is necessary. The tattoo produced can distort or obscure the basic pathologic process. It may lead an unwary pathologist into the false interpretation of the depth of a melanoma. Pathologists should recognize the artifact and we describe its characteristics. The use of Monsel's solution for hemostasis should be discouraged following biopsies of pigmented lesions or tumors which may prove to be diagnostic problems. The pathologist should be informed if Monsel's solution has been used.
Colonic lipomas: outcome of endoscopic removal

Colonic lipomas are benign adipose tumors which are usually submucosal. With the increase in the number of endoscopic procedures being performed, these tumors are often detected incidentally at cotonoscopy. Although the risks of removing these tumors have been recognized, numerous reports have documented safe removal by snare electrocautery. We have reviewed the clinical outcome and the endoscopic and histopathologic features of seven lipomas that were endoscopically removed over a 5-year period. Four patients recovered uneventfully, while three patients (42.8%) developed colonic perforation after the polypectomy. In the latter group, the lipomas were significantly larger than they were in the patients who did not develop colonic perforation (1.9±0.4 and 4,2±0.7cm, respectively; p=0.048). Furthermore, the polypectomy specimens from those patients who developed perforation all contained significant muscularis propria. Lipomatous polyps that are identified at endoscopy to be ≥2cm in diameter and to have a limited pedicle are at the greatest risk for endoscopic perforation.
Low-profile metamaterial antenna with near-arbitrary tunable polarization

Antennas operating in the low UHF band have conventionally required thicknesses in the tens of centimeters. Artificial magnetic conducting (AMC) substrates have been shown to reduce the profile (height) of these antennas, but at the expense of operating bandwidth. Adding tunability has restored the flexibility of dynamically adjusting the communication channel over a wide range. Here we introduce a low-profile antenna system with additional tunability that produces a reconfigurable polarization for a 1-2% operating channel adjustable across a wide overall bandwidth, all from a single feed without phase shifters. The polarization is controlled by adjusting the input admittances of crossed end-loaded dipoles; a 90° difference in the phase of the input admittances leads to circularly polarized radiation. Varying the tuning parameters can also lead to either right-handed or left-handed circular or elliptical polarizations, as well as linear polarizations with various orientations.
7-HETE, 10-HETE, and 13-HETE Are Major Products of NADPH-Dependent Arachidonic Acid Metabolism in Rat Liver Microsomes: Analysis of Their Stereochemistry, and the Stereochemistry of Their Acid-Catalyzed Rearrangement

Abstract A complex profile of metabolites of [ 14 C]arachidonic acid are formed in NADPH-dependent reactions in liver microsomes from phenobarbital-treated rats. The products were resolved by HPLC and analyzed initially with an on-line diode array detector set to monitor 205, 220, 235, and 270 nm. In addition to the epoxyeicosatrienoic acids and their diol hydrolysis products, prominent hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (HETE) metabolites were identified as omega-hydroxy derivatives and three bis-allylic products, 7-HETE, 10-HETE, and 13-HETE. The formation of 13-HETE was reported by Oliw et al. ( Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 300, 434-439 (1993)). Structures of the new products were established by GC MS, and for 10-HETE, by comparison to authentic synthetic material. Chiral column analysis indicated that 7-HETE and 10-HETE were essentially racemic. The 13-HETE resolved into a 40:60 ratio of 13S:13R. The bis-allylic HETEs readily undergo rearrangement to conjugated diene-containing HETEs in mild acidic conditions (1% acetic acid). Using [ 18 O]13-HETE we observed 69% retention of the labeled oxygen in the 11- and 15-HETE arrangement products. Furthermore, steric analysis of products from acid treated 10-HETE and 13-HETE enantiomers revealed partial retention of chirality (80:20 ratio of enantiomers for methyl esters, and 60:40 ratio for free acids) in the course of mild acid-catalyzed rearrangement. This represents a novel reaction of this class of arachidonic acid metabolites of cytochromes P450.