cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Psychiatrist's Role After a School Shooting: The Emergency Room and Beyond

In recent years, our society has witnessed a sharp increase in abusive, violent, and sexually aggressive behavior by our youth. Violent crime by youth decreased for a period in the last few years of 1990s but, once again, is on the upswing. The violent crimes committed by these children and adolescents have been a consistent social problem despite targeted prevention programs and juvenile school-specific interventions becoming increasingly popular around the country. Violent crimes have increased 2.3% from 2004 to 2005 (U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2006). The Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), investigating murders committed during the years 1974 through 2004, found that almost half of the offenders were under the age of 25 years, and 11% were under the age of 18 years. In 1994, FBI national self-report studies indicated that the highest risk for initiation of serious violent behavior occurred between the ages of 15 and 16, and the risk of initiating violent behavior after age 20 was much lower (Elliott, 1994). Between 8 and 10% of US high school students carried guns to school each day. In a typical middle-size city, 35–50 cases of school violence were reported daily and in half of these cases, guns were involved (Shaffi & Shaffi, 2001). Everyday in the USA, 12–13 children and adolescents die of violent death, either from homicide or from suicide (Shaffi & Shaffi, 2001). An additional number of physical injuries at schools occur from gunshot wounds. The spread of endemic school violence from urban settings to suburban and smaller communities has brought this major public health problem to national attention. In the decade between 1990 and 2000, the incidence of tragic school shootings increased across the country. There were school shootings in Pearl, Mississippi, Paducah, Kentucky, Springfield, Oregon, Jonesboro, Little Rock, Colorado, Conyers, Georgia, and Fort Gibson, Oklahoma. Other authors have examined the factors contributing to the increase in school violence, described the changed school environment and the contemporary school community, detailed biological and social causes of school violence, and profiled children and adolescents who may be violent offenders in school systems. In this chapter, after presenting a hypothetical case example, we
An Observational Approach to Ecology

To understand how ecology will serve us in this era age of rapid environmental change, we need to understand that ecology is not a static discipline. It is continuously adapting to the changing world that ecologists find themselves living and working within. This chapter is about the most recent adaptation in ecology, which can be seen in both an increased use and increased diversity of observational approaches to understanding ecological phenomena. This adaptation, like stepwise adaptations in nature, hasn’t created an entirely new and unrecognizable entity, but rather has grown recursively from the past state of ecology. Accordingly, we first discuss what ecology was for much of its existence and then we explore how the urgency of environmental change and the opportunity to study that change in unprecedented ways is providing a pathway for adaptation of the science of ecology.
Ethanol and the Immune System

Although the metabolic pathways of ethanol are well understood, the pathogenesis of tissue damage and the development of cirrhosis are far from clear. While alcohol is considered by some investigators to be a hepatotoxic substance that produces a dose- and time-related hepatotoxic damage (Peguignot et al. 1974; Lelbach 1976; Rankin 1977), several observations militate against this hypothesis: the variation of hepatotoxic damage in patients with similar alcohol intake is considerable and only a small percentage of alcoholic patients develop cirrhosis and/or alcoholic hepatitis (Galambos 1974). In the search for alternative explanations, alterations of the immune response have been assuming a growing importance and a number of altered immune reactions have been observed in patients with prolonged alcohol abuse.
Hospital Length of Stay With a Proactive Psychiatric Consultation Model in the Medical Intensive Care Unit: A Prospective Cohort Analysis

Background Previous studies have demonstrated that proactive psychiatric consultation reduces hospital length of stay (LOS) in the general medical setting; however this model has not been studied in the intensive care unit (ICU). Objective To compare outcomes between a conventional consultation model and a proactive psychiatric consultation model. Methods Two medical ICUs (MICUs) were randomized to proactive psychiatric consultation vs conventional consultation psychiatric models. Proactive consultation included embedding a psychiatrist into daily MICU team rounds on all patients. In the conventional consultation MICU, psychiatric consultations were activated when deemed necessary. Primary outcomes were hospital LOS and MICU LOS. Secondary outcomes included delirium-coma-free hours and ventilator-free hours. Results A total of 429 patients were admitted to the proactive consultation MICU; 393 patients were admitted to the conventional consultation MICU. The consultation rate for the intervention group was 24.2% vs 6.1% in the control group (p Conclusions Proactive psychiatric consultation in a MICU was associated with decreased time to consultation among all patients and shorter hospital LOS among patients with respiratory failure.
Teacher-child closeness as a protective factor for at-risk children experiencing residential mobility

Abstract The current study explored the extent to which teacher-child closeness during prekindergarten moderates the association between residential mobility and behavior problems in kindergarten for children living in non-parental care. Data were obtained from the Head Start Impact Study. The sample included 260 children (53% male) who were eligible for Head Start. On average, children were 48.57 months old (SD = 6.95), and were 42% Anglo-American, 40% African-American, and 18% Hispanic-American. Results indicated that teacher-child closeness during prekindergarten was negatively related to behavior problems in kindergarten. Further, although residential mobility was not directly related to behavior problems in kindergarten, teacher-child closeness was a significant moderator between moving and externalizing, but not internalizing, problems. These findings suggest that closeness with teachers may help to curb the impact of mobility on externalizing problems during the transition to kindergarten for children in non-parental care. Implications for future research and intervention development are discussed.
A sociophonetic account of onset /s/ weakening in Salvadoran Spanish: Instrumental and segmental analyses

In this study, we identify the linguistic and social predictors that condition onset /s/ weakening in speech data from sociolinguistic interviews with 72 Salvadoran Spanish speakers. In addition, we compare and contrast the explanatory power of instrumental and traditional segmental approaches. We find that the instrumental approach, which identifies flanking segments, stress, and region of origin of the speaker as conditioners of onset /s/ shortening and lowering of center of gravity, does not account for observed social variation in the data. Contrastingly, an ordinal logistic regression based on a combination of instrumental measures and perceived phonetic categories identifies flanking segment, region of origin, sex, and age of the speaker as predictors of onset /s/ weakening. We conclude that an exclusively instrumental analysis examining variation of onset /s/ thus obscures the potential social meaning of onset /s/ weakening in El Salvador.
Athletic Training Educators' Knowledge and Confidence About Competency-Based Education

Context: The knowledge and confidence of athletic training educators regarding competency-based education are not known. While there may be a role for this model of education within athletic training, it is important to gain an understanding of the familiarity current educators have with competency-based education. Objective: To assess current athletic training educators' knowledge and confidence regarding competency-based education. Design: Cross-sectional. Setting: Online survey instrument. Patients or Other Participants: A total of 163 respondents (19.2% response rate) from a convenience sample of 849 athletic training educators. Main Outcome Measure(s): Demographic information was collected. Participants completed a multiple-choice knowledge assessment along with pre- and posttest confidence ratings. Results: Composite knowledge scores were low with an average of 3.25 ± 1.9 correct responses out of 8 (40.6%). Average confidence scores were 2.8/4.0 ± 0.6 pretest and 2.0/4.0 ± 0.7 posttest. No significa...
Prg4 prevents osteoarthritis induced by dominant-negative interference of TGF-ß signaling in mice.

Objective Prg4, also known as Lubricin, acts as a joint/boundary lubricant. Prg4 has been used to prevent surgically induced osteoarthritis (OA) in mice. Surgically induced OA serves as a good model for post-traumatic OA but is not ideal for recapitulating age-related OA. Reduced expression of the TGF-β type II receptor (TGFβR2) is associated with age-related OA in clinical samples, so we previously characterized a mouse model that exhibits OA due to expression of a mutated dominant-negative form of TGFβR2 (DNIIR). Prg4 expression was significantly reduced in DNIIR mice. Furthermore, we showed that Prg4 was a transcriptional target of TGF-s via activation of Smad3, the main signal transducing protein for TGF-s. The objective of the present study was to determine whether maintenance of Prg4, a down-stream transcriptional target of TGF-s, prevents OA associated with attenuated TGF-s signaling in mice. Design Wild-type, DNIIR, and bitransgenic mice that express both DNIIR and Prg4, were compared. Mice were assessed with a foot misplacement behavioral test, μCT, histology, and Western blot. Results Compared to DNIIR mice, bitransgenic DNIIR+Prg4 mice missed 1.3 (0.4, 2.1) fewer steps while walking (mean difference (95% confidence interval)), exhibited a cartilage fibrillation score that was 1.8 (0.4, 3.1) points lower, exhibited cartilage that was 28.2 (0.5, 55.9) μm thicker, and exhibited an OARSI score that was 6.8 (-0.9, 14.5) points lower. However, maintenance of Prg4 expression did not restore levels of phosphorylated Smad3 in DNIIR mice, indicating Prg4 does not simply stimulate TGF-s signaling. Conclusions Our results indicate that maintenance of Prg4 expression prevents OA progression associated with reduced TGF-β signaling in mice. Since there was no evidence that Prg4 acts by stimulating the TGF-s signaling cascade, we propose that Prg4, a transcriptional target of TGF-s, attenuates OA progression through its joint lubrication function.
Gender-Specific Risk Factor Profiles for Patellofemoral Pain.

Objective To determine the association between selected biomechanical variables and risk of patellofemoral pain (PFP) in males and females. Design Prospective cohort. Setting US Service Academies. Participants Four thousand five hundred forty-three cadets (1727 females and 2816 males). Assessment of risk factors Three-dimensional biomechanics during a jump-landing task, lower-extremity strength, Q-angle, and navicular drop. Main outcome measures Cadets were monitored for diagnosis of PFP during their enrollment in a service academy. Three-dimensional hip and knee kinematic data were determined at initial contact (IC) and at 50% of the stance phase of the jump-landing task. Logistic regression analyses were performed for each risk factor variable in males and females (P Results Less than 10 degrees of hip abduction at IC [odds ratio (OR) = 1.86, P = 0.03] and greater than 10 degrees of knee internal rotation at 50% of the stance phase (OR = 1.71, P = 0.02) increased the risk of PFP in females. Greater than 20 degrees of knee flexion at IC (OR = 0.47, P 0.05). Conclusions The results suggest males and females have differing kinematic risk factor profiles for the development of PFP. Clinical relevance To most effectively reduce the risk of developing PFP, the risk factor variables specific to males (decreased knee flexion and increased hip external rotation) and females (decreased hip abduction and increased knee internal rotation) should be addressed in injury prevention programs.
RANDOM OPERATOR EQUATIONS

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on random operator equations. It discusses some of the recent developments in selected topics in the theory of random operator equations. A random operator equation is an equation of the type T(Ω,x) = y(Ω), where y(Ω) is a known function and T(Ω) is an operator from Ω × X into Y where X and Y are Banach spaces and Ω is a measurable space. This chapter focuses on only two aspects of the theory of random equations: (1) existence of random solutions and (2) applications to questions of stochastic approximation. The chapter presents the proof of the randomness of the solution of a random equation. If there are iterative techniques to obtain the solution in the deterministic case, then the randomness follows by treating the solution as a limit of a sequence of random variables.
Two-Dimensional Tandem Mass Spectrometry in a Single Scan on a Linear Quadrupole Ion Trap

A two-dimensional tandem mass spectrometry (2D MS/MS) scan has been developed for the linear quadrupole ion trap. Precursor ions are mass-selectively excited using a nonlinear ac frequency sweep at constant rf voltage, while simultaneously, all product ions of the excited precursor ions are ejected from the ion trap using a broad-band waveform. The fragmentation time of the precursor ions correlates with the precursor m/z value (the first mass dimension) and also with the ejection time of the product ions, allowing the correlation between precursor and product ions. Additionally, the second mass dimension (product ions' m/z values) is recovered through fast Fourier transform of each mass spectral peak, revealing either intentionally introduced "frequency tags" or the product ion micropacket frequencies, both of which can be converted to product ion m/z through the classical Mathieu parameters, thereby revealing a product ion mass spectrum for every precursor ion without prior isolation. We demonstrate the utility of this method for analyzing a broad range of structurally related precursor ions, including chemical warfare agent simulants, fentanyls and other opioids, amphetamines, cathinones, antihistamines, and tetracyclic antidepressants.
Intimate partner violence indirectly dysregulates child diurnal adrenocortical functioning through positive parenting

Abstract Data were drawn from an ongoing study of preschoolers (N = 221). Mothers self-reported experiences of intimate partner violence (IPV) and parenting practices, and collected three saliva samples (waking, midday, and bedtime) on themselves and their child on two consecutive days. Saliva samples were later assayed for cortisol. Bootstrapped mediation analyses revealed IPV to indirectly impact child diurnal cortisol through positive parenting. Specifically, greater exposure to IPV was associated with reduced positive parenting and subsequently heightened child waking cortisol levels. IPV did not indirectly impact child diurnal cortisol via autonomy supporting parenting or maternal diurnal cortisol. These findings suggest a possible pathway by which mother’s experience of IPV indirectly influences child physiological regulation via maternal positive parenting.
Expiratory dysfunction in young dogs with golden retriever muscular dystrophy.

Abstract Respiratory disease is a leading cause of morbidity in people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and also occurs in the golden retriever muscular dystrophy (GRMD) model. We have previously shown that adult GRMD dogs have elevated expiratory flow as measured non-invasively during tidal breathing. This abnormality likely results from increased chest and diaphragmatic recoil associated with fibrosis and remodeling. Treatments must reverse pathologic effects on the diaphragm and other respiratory muscles to maximally reduce disease morbidity and mortality. Here, we extended our work in adults to younger GRMD dogs to define parameters that would be helpful in preclinical trials. Tidal breathing spirometry and respiratory inductance plethysmography were performed in GRMD dogs at approximately 3 and 6 months of age, corresponding to approximately 5–10 years in DMD, when clinical trials are often conducted. Expiratory flows were markedly elevated in GRMD versus normal dogs at 6 months. Values increased in GRMD dogs between 3 and 6 months, providing a 3-month window to assess treatment efficacy. These changes in breathing mechanics have not been previously identified at such an early age. Expiratory flow measured during tidal breathing of unsedated young GRMD dogs could be a valuable marker of respiratory mechanics during preclinical trials.
Motivations of Volunteer Interpreters in Taiwan: A Survey of Natural Trails Society Volunteers:

We surveyed volunteer interpreters in the Natural Trails Society of Taiwan, an environmental education organization. Seventy-four of the 104 interpreters returned questionnaires, resulting in a res...
Performance of Khorana Score to Predict One-Year Risk of Venous Thromboembolism in over Two Million Patients with Cancer

Background: Risk stratification of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with cancer is essential to evaluate the need for extended thromboprophylaxis. The Khorana score is widely used to guide VTE risk stratification in patients with cancer based on clinical parameters: cancer type, platelet count, hemoglobin level, leukocyte count, and body mass index. We sought to validate Khorana score to predict 1-year risk of VTE in a large multi-institutional, diverse, real-world cohort of patients with cancer. Methods: Using aggregated de-identified electronic medical record data from >300 major hospitals in the in the United States (IBM Watson Explorys), we performed a retrospective cohort study of all patients who had a diagnosis of cancer. We identified cancer type, platelet count, hemoglobin level, leukocyte count, and body mass index (for calculation of Khorana score) within 7 days of cancer diagnosis and followed patients for diagnosis of VTE for 1 year post cancer diagnosis. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate association between patient characteristics and VTE risk. Receiver operating characteristics with area under the curve were used to evaluate model discrimination. All analyses were performed in Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Results: A total of 2,112,260 patients with cancer were included: 52.9% females, 11.1% African Americans, 44.3% intermediate risk cancers (lymphoma, lung, breast, gynecologic, testicular and bladder), 4.5% high risk cancers (stomach and pancreas), 19.8% had Platelet counts ≥ 350,000/µL, 29% had hemoglobin 11,000/µL, and 15.1% had body mass index ≥ 35 kg/m2. Overall, 227,170 (10.8%) had a diagnosis of VTE at 1 year following cancer diagnosis. In multivariable analysis (table 1), VTE risk was associated with cancer type (intermediate vs low risk: OR 1.08 [95% CI: 1.07-1.09]; high vs low risk: OR 1.48 [95% CI: 1.45-1.51]), Platelet ≥ 350,000 (OR 1.27 [95% CI: 1.26-1.29]), hemoglobin 11,000 (OR 1.15 [95% CI: 1.14-1.16]), body mass index ≥ 35 kg/m2 (OR 1.29 [95% CI: 1.27-1.30]), table 1. Risk of VTE increased linearly with Khorana score between 7.7% (score = 0) to 18% (score = 6), figure 1. Khorana score had weak to modest discrimination (Area Under Receiver Operating Characteristics 0.565 [95% CI: 0.564-0.566]), figure 2. Conclusion: In this very large real-world study of diverse patients with cancer, Khorana score was a weak predictor of 1-year risk of VTE, suggesting that VTE prediction in patients with cancer is very complex. Download : Download high-res image (411KB) Download : Download full-size image Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Teaching Economics to the Best Undergraduates: What Are the Problems?.

Economics is usually perceived as a difficult subject among undergraduate students with negative repercussions on their performance. The literature suggests that the students problems with principles of economics are mainly related to the style and method of teaching together with the course content. Particularly attacked are the chalk and talk type of teaching, the simplicity of economic models, the lack of discussion on current issues, and diversity. In a previous investigation we tried to shed some light on this debate by directly asking students for their opinions on the way introductory economics is taught and we arrived at some unexpected results. The present paper is an extension of our previous study by looking at a further dimension which can be crucial for the explanation of the results: students GPA and we selected the best students.
The Role of Government in Providing Health Care to the Uninsured

Nearly every developed country takes responsibility for critical public health matters such as sanitation and control of infectious diseases. In addition, most western countries also assume responsibility for ensuring that all its residents have access to health care. Unfortunately, the United States is not one of the nations that ensures access to health care to all its citizens.
The experimental production and prolonged maintenance of decidua in the nonpregnant woman.

Abstract Eight normally menstruating women of childbearing age at Cleveland State Hospital were subjects in the problem of producing by hormones the pyeloureteral dilatation common in pregnancy. Each received 275 mg. estradiol by pellet implant and 12,875 mg. progesterone by injection. Half received chorionic gonadotropin during the first two-thirds of the experiment only. The others received up to a total of 282,000 units. Endometrial biopsies done at intervals were studied and form the basis of this report on the experimental production and maintenance of decidua. The response persisted for over five months, and required all three hormones for its maintenance. • Chorionic gonadotropin: Ayerst, McKenna and Harrison, C. D. Smith Pharmacal Co., Schering Corporation, and The Upjohn Company. • Diethylstilbesterol: Grant Chemical Company, Inc. • Estradiol: Schering Corporation. • Progesterone: C. D. Smith Pharmacal Co., Schering Corporation.
Benchmarking in virtual desktops for end-to-end performance traceability

There are proven benefits in terms of cost and convenience in delivering thin-client based virtual desktops, versus the use of traditional physical computers for end-user computing purposes. In this paper, we present novel extensions in terms of user interface and methodology to our previously developed VDBench benchmarking toolkit for virtual desktop environments that uses principles of slow-motion benchmarking. We focus on automation aspects of benchmarking, and describe how we extend the end-to-end performance traceability for different desktop applications such as Internet Explorer, Media Player and Excel Spreadsheets. Our approach prevents invasive modification of thin-client systems, and allows emulation of user behavior with realistic workloads. Our user interface design issues are aimed at managing workflows between the benchmarking client and server, for easy instrumentation and generation of comprehensive performance reports for complex environment setups. In a validation study, we deploy the enhanced VDBench toolkit in a real-world virtual desktop testbed that hosts applications that render 3D visualizations of disaster scenarios for scene understanding and situational awareness. Through the benchmarking results, we show how the toolkit provides user QoE assessments involving reliable video events display under different network health conditions and computation resource configurations.
Effects of body position and immersion on recovery after swimming exercise.

Abstract Eight college swimmers were tested on a swimming ergometer to investigate the effects of body position on land and immersion in the water on the heart rate recovery after swimming exercise. The subjects swam at a predetermined work load for 5 min. and then assumed one of the four conditions for recovery (erect and supine on the deck, motionless and swimming in the water). Heart rates were recorded for the 3 min. of recovery. After the allowance for recovery, the subject was timed for a 200-yd. swim. No statistically significant differences were noted when comparing the recovery heart rates for the four conditions. The same was found true when comparing the 200-yd. swim times. It was noted that the swim was felt to be harder when recovery was completed in an erect or supine position than after light exercise in the water.
Idiopathic Short Stature

ISS describes a category of children with severe short stature and poor growth velocity in the absence of an identifiable cause. After a thorough evaluation has been conducted, a number of therapeutic options may be considered. The approval of ISS as an indication for GH treatment poses further challenges in optimizing management of these patients.
Sensor fusion and distributed platform development for artificial pancreas

This paper describes a distributed sensor platform for a new breed of artificial pancreas devices. In recent work, a multi-variable adaptive algorithm has been proposed which incorporates physical activity of the patients for accurate prediction and control of glucose levels. In order to facilitate this algorithm, we integrate a smartphone and multiple sensors including activity trackers and a glucose monitor into a distributed system. The proposed sensor platform provides realtime data access for the artificial pancreas control algorithm hosted on a remote device.
On-Demand Culture: Digital Delivery and The Future of Movies By Chuck Tryon. New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers UP, 2013. 218 pp. $25.95 paper.

Chuck Tryon's timely book On-Demand Culture: Digital Delivery and the Future of Movies provides a solid industrial overview of on-demand film. Tryon previously wrote on digital film and popular cul...
John R. Wooden, Stephen R. Covey and Servant Leadership

Virtues enable us to manage our emotional lives… on and off court. A temperate person has the conviction that heads should govern passions, and acts accordingly. The courageous person is empowered to face issues and seek solutions. The just person always considers how his actions affect others. And only when a person is making prudent judgements will he be able to direct his actions productively. Prudence, the virtue of the intellect, was regarded in ancient times as the “chariot driver” of the other virtues. These four cardinal virtues are in some way the umbrella categories of the moral virtues. Covey’s seven habits are a reworking of this psychological reality. In sum, a virtuous character is disposed to think well. Rationality, the highest hallmark of human behaviour, depends on the development of virtues for its exercise. In this state the active powers of the human person - our capacity to recognize truth, our power of considered choice, and our sensitive appetites - are perfected in their biological development (each by their own cardinal virtue), and thus able to perfect intrinsically our operation as rational beings. Simply, if we can think straight we can act well. But not only to think well. Virtues empower us to go out of ourselves. The very capacity to truly love others is a consequence of character with this well-rounded development of virtues. The abiding commitments of love draw on the full spectrum of personal qualities. Virtues make love possible and how suitable therefore that Wooden insisted on this
Teaching physiology to predoctoral dental students

A survey was sent to the physiology course directors of the fifty-three dental schools in the continental United States. Information was collected regarding the type of instructional arrangements, course content and emphasis, and amount and type of nondidactic instruction. Responses were obtained for forty-eight courses, all of which covered the core topics of physiology, although twelve schools taught neurophysiology as part of a neuroscience course. Combined medical and dental student (MS+DS) courses used six to fourteen hours of nondidactic instruction per core topic, whereas the courses taught by dental school-(DS-B) or medical school-based instructors used 0.5 to 2.6 hours per topic. Courses combining dental students with other nonmedical professional students used mainly didactic instruction. While most dental school physiology courses continue to rely on traditional didactic instruction, a few schools integrate physiology with other basic science and clinical courses, include problem-solving exercises, and offer advanced physiological topics during the clinical years. Consequently, there is considerable potential for change in predoctoral physiology instruction.
Pharmacological profile of JTE-522, a novel prostaglandin H synthase-2 inhibitor, in rats

Objective and Design: The antinociceptive, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory effects of JTE-522, a novel selective prostaglandin H synthase (PGHS)-2 inhibitor, were examined in rats.¶Materials: Sheep seminal vesicle PGHS-1 and placenta PGHS-2 were used for in vitro assay, while for in vivo experiments, male rats (4–8 weeks old) were used.¶Treatment: JTE-522 and reference compounds (0.01–100 μM) were subjected to enzyme assay. JTE-522 (0.3–30 mg/kg) and indomethacin (0.3–10 mg/kg) were administered orally.¶Results: JTE-522 inhibited PGHS-2 (IC50: 0.64 μM) without affecting PGHS-1 activity at 100 μM. In rats with yeast-induced hyperalgesia, JTE-522 showed a dose-dependent antinociceptive effect (ED50: 4.4 mg/kg). In rats with yeast-induced pyrexia, JTE-522 significantly reversed the pyrexic response (ED50: 3.9 mg/kg). Orally administered JTE-522 dose-dependently inhibited carrageenin-induced rat paw edema (ED30: 4.7 mg/kg). In rats with adjuvant-induced arthritis, JTE-522 showed a significant inhibitory effect at daily doses of 0.3–3 mg/kg. JTE-522 did not cause severe gastric lesions at oral doses up to 300 mg/kg.¶Conclusions: Our results indicate that the selective PGHS-2 inhibitor JTE-522 may represent a novel type of anti-inflammatory drug without adverse effects on the gastrointestinal tract. JTE-522 may thus be a promising agent for treating both acute inflammatory diseases and chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Glass-ionomer dental restoratives

Abstract The history and chemistry of conventional (chemically cured) and visible light-cured (VLC) glass polyalkeonates (glass-ionomers) is reviewed. The synthesis of new acrylic acid copolymers, containing amino acid residues, derived from amino acid based acrylamides or methacrylmides, and N-vinylpyrrolidone, is described, along with the use of the new polymers to prepare improved restoratives. Supercritical polymerizations for preparing new polyelectrolytes for use in formulating improved glass-ionomers are also described. A completely new method to prepare VLC glass-ionomers, via the use of methacrylate monomers having a cyclic imino ether group, to modify acrylic acid copolymers in aqueous solution, is additionally described.
Rapid Changes in Thermal Sensitivity of Entomopathogenic Nematodes in Response to Selection at Temperature Extremes

Entomopathogenic nematodes (Rhabditida: Heterorhabditidae, Steinernematidae) are lethal insect parasites that have a symbiotic association with bacteria in the family Enterobacteriaceae. We evaluated the changes in thermal sensitivity of two nematodes Heterorhabditis bacteriophora and Steinernema anomali. The nematodes were genetically selected, together with their respective symbiotic bacteria, at nematodes' reproductive thermal niche breadth extremes, 15° and 30°C, by repeated passage through larvae of the wax moth Galleria mellonella. Nematode virulence (rate of insect mortality), establishment, and reproduction were evaluated after 12 passages (equal to 24-36 generations). Direct and correlated responses of the selected strains were compared with the ancestral strains, maintained at 25°C, at the selection and novel temperatures. The thermal limits for virulence and establishment were extended in both species and at both selection regimes. The thermal reproductive niche breadth of H. bacteriophora was extended from 15°-30°C to 12°-32°C after selection at either 15° or 30°C, but that of S. anomali remained unchanged. Virulence of S. anomali was enhanced across the entire thermal niche breadth, but H. bacteriophora improved in one portion of the thermal niche and declined in another portion. Enhanced virulence of S. anomali was most likely due to the improvements in growth rate of the symbiotic bacteria, Xenorhabdus sp. Establishment of both species and reproduction of H. bacteriophora improved at most temperatures. S. anomali reproduction showed no direct response to temperature selection, but decrements and/or improvements were evident at novel temperatures. Our results demonstrate that the temperature-specific virulence and thermal niche breadth of entomopathogenic nematodes are malleable. Adaptation to either cold or warm temperature enhanced fitness in both cold and warm environments. S. anomali adapted to novel temperature by enhancing virulence, whereas H. bacteriophora improved fecundity. Trade-offs in fitness were rarely observed.
Performance optimization in electric field gradient focusing.

Abstract Electric field gradient focusing (EFGF) is a technique used to simultaneously separate and concentrate biomacromolecules, such as proteins, based on the opposing forces of an electric field gradient and a hydrodynamic flow. Recently, we reported EFGF devices fabricated completely from copolymers functionalized with poly(ethylene glycol), which display excellent resistance to protein adsorption. However, the previous devices did not provide the predicted linear electric field gradient and stable current. To improve performance, Tris–HCl buffer that was previously doped in the hydrogel was replaced with a phosphate buffer containing a salt (i.e., potassium chloride, KCl) with high mobility ions. The new devices exhibited stable current, good reproducibility, and a linear electric field distribution in agreement with the shaped gradient region design due to improved ion transport in the hydrogel. The field gradient was calculated based on theory to be approximately 5.76 V/cm 2 for R-phycoerythrin when the applied voltage was 500 V. The effect of EFGF separation channel dimensions was also investigated; a narrower focused band was achieved in a smaller diameter channel. The relationship between the bandwidth and channel diameter is consistent with theory. Three model proteins were resolved in an EFGF channel of this design. The improved device demonstrated 14,000-fold concentration of a protein sample (from 2 ng/mL to 27 μg/mL).
The molecular basis for different disease states caused by mutations in TFIIH and XPG

Alterations in genes involved in nucleotide excision repair (NER) are associated with three genetic disorders, xeroderma pigmentosum (XP), Cockayne syndrome (CS) and trichothiodystrophy (TTD). The transcription and repair factor TFIIH is a central component of NER and mutations of its subunits are associated with all three diseases. A recent report provides a molecular basis for how mutations in the NER endonuclease XPG that affect the interaction of TFIIH might give rise to CS features. In cells of XP-G patients with a combined XP and CS phenotype, XPG fails to associate with TFIIH and as a consequence the CAK subunit dissociates from core TFIIH. A simplified, but general model of how various assembly and disassembly states of TFIIH can be invoked to explain different disease states is discussed. Accordingly, defects in specific enzymatic functions typically result in XP, dissociation of the CAK subunit from TFIIH is associated with XP/CS and a more generalized destabilization of TFIIH gives rise to TTD. While this classification provides a useful framework to understand how alterations in TFIIH correlate with disease states, it does not universally apply and relevant exception and alternative explanations are discussed.
A rapid micromethod for determination of FMN and FAD in mixtures.

Abstract A rapid fluorometric method for the determination of FMN and FAD concentrations in mixtures of the two compounds is described. The method is applicable to measurement of flavin concentrations in the nanomolar range. It can be readily used for determination of the flavin composition of purified flavoproteins.
The Future of the Just War: New Critical Essays

Caron Gentry and Amy Eckert's introduction to this slim volume begins with a tantalizing overstatement:The Just War tradition assumes a particular epistemic perspective: in this current global syst...
Adsorption and activation of CO2 over the Cu–Co catalyst supported on partially hydroxylated γ-Al2O3

Abstract A multi-component catalyst offers an opportunity to regulate the conversion of CO2 toward the desired product through the synergistic effect of different active components. Herein, the effect of incorporating Cu into a cobalt-based cluster, supported on the partially hydroxylated γ-Al2O3 (1 1 0) surface, on CO2 adsorption has been studied using periodic density functional theory calculations. Three CO2 adsorption modes were identified on these Co–Cu bimetallic clusters: (a) CO2 symmetrically binds the bridge site of the metals through mixed carbon/oxygen coordination with the metal atoms; (b) CO2 asymmetrically adsorbs at the interfacial site via carbon/oxygen–metal coordination and hydrogen bonding to the surface hydroxyl; and (c) protonated CO2 at the interface. The incorporation of Cu into a cobalt-based cluster reduces the binding strength of the adsorbed CO2 and changes the favorable site of CO2 adsorption: the most favorable adsorption site for CO2 adsorption changes from the bridge site of the Co4 cluster to the interfacial sites of the Co3Cu and CoCu3 clusters. The interfacial structure is stabilized by hydrogen bonding with the surface hydroxyl group, resulting in an asymmetrically activated CO2 adsorption complex. This complex may be hydrogenated directly by the co-adsorbed hydrogen atoms, leading to the oxygenate products.
The bureaucratic characteristics of late 19th century railroad organization

The principal purpose of the research reported here was to assess the extent to which the organizations created by 19th I century railroad managers possessed the structural, procedural, and personnel characteristics of bureaucracy. Historical evidence I indicates that the structural and procedural characteristics were quite prominent, but biographical data about the managers suggests that the personnel characteristics were less so, particularly with respect to the key factor of managerial career development. The managers who created these bureaucratic organizations did not have organizational models or principles available to them, but rather employed a contmgency approach to their organizing decisions. The biographical data suggests that few of them had relevant experiences on foreign railroads or in the Civil War army to guide their organizing decisions. Finally, the biographical data suggests that late 19th century railroad managers were not only a clearly defined occupational group, but were also dist...
Analysis of quantum coherent semiconductor quantum dot p-i-n junction photovoltaic cells.

A recent hypothesis [M. O. Scully, Phys. Rev. Lett. 104, 207701 (2010).] indicates that the power conversion efficiency of a semiconducting $p\mathrm{\text{\ensuremath{-}}}i\mathrm{\text{\ensuremath{-}}}n$ junction photovoltaic cell with an intrinsic region consisting of quantum dots can be increased by using quantum coherence to break detailed balance. The limitations of this hypothesis are shown here.
Smoking Cessation and Relapse Among Pregnant African-American Smokers in Washington, DC

Smoking is the single most preventable cause of perinatal morbidity. This study examines smoking behaviors during pregnancy in a high risk population of African Americans. The study also examines risk factors associated with smoking behaviors and cessation in response to a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention. This study is a secondary analysis of data from a randomized controlled trial addressing multiple risks during pregnancy. Five hundred African-American Washington, DC residents who reported smoking in the 6 months preceding pregnancy were randomized to a CBT intervention. Psycho-social and behavioral data were collected. Self-reported smoking and salivary cotinine levels were measured prenatally and postpartum to assess changes in smoking behavior. Comparisons were made between active smokers and those abstaining at baseline and follow-up in pregnancy and postpartum. Sixty percent of participants reported quitting spontaneously during pregnancy. In regression models, smoking at baseline was associated with older age, <a high school education and illicit drug use. At follow-up closest to delivery, smoking was associated with lower education, smoking and cotinine level at baseline and depression. At postpartum, there was a relapse of 34%. Smokers postpartum were significantly more likely to smoke at baseline and use illicit drugs in pregnancy. Mothers in the CBT intervention were less likely to relapse. African-American women had a high spontaneous quit rate and no response to a CBT intervention during pregnancy. Postpartum mothers’ resolve to maintain a quit status seems to wane despite their prolonged period of cessation. CBT reduced postpartum relapse rates.
Intraneuronal dynamics as a substrate for evolutionary learning

Abstract Evolutionary learning is a method for searching through a space of behaviors based on the principles of variation and selection. It is effective for systems which cannot use a fitness measure to directly compute updates to their internal parameters. The efficiency of the learning algorithm is highly dependent on the dynamics of the system that generates the behavior. We describe a class of models based on neuronal signal processing by intracellular messengers, whose two layers of dynamics are particularly well-suited for evolution. We present a simple navigation task for a robot that uses these neurons. The behavior of the robot can be compactly characterized if some constraints are imposed on the dynamics. Evolutionary search enables the robot to learn the task rapidly. In the future, dynamical computing of this type may complement purely symbolic computation.
The Value of Nutritional Assessment in the Surgical Patient

The prevalence of malnutrition in Veterans Administration Hospitals has been well documented. Several methods have been proposed to assess nutritional status including prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and instant nutritional assessment (INA). A prospective study was done to evaluate the currently used nutritional assessments and determine their efficacy based on sensitivity and specificity in predicting surgical morbidity and mortality. Data on 46 patients were evaluated for the multiparameter index of PNI, total lymphocyte count and serum albumin for INA, and weight loss alone. In this analysis, intermediate and high risk PNI were combined as positive predictor of complications. Any abnormal value in INA was considered positive as was weight loss of greater than 6% of usual body weight. Sensitivity and specificity of each assessment method were determined by 2 x 2 contingency table, and significance of observed differences between methods was determined by X2 analysis. There were no complications or de...
An investigation on the students' perception of dissection effectiveness in a redesign context

Disassemble/Analyze/Assemble (DAA) activities involve the disassembly, analysis, and assembly of an artifact. Such activities are frequently made a part of the undergraduate engineering curricula in the United States (and elsewhere) as they provide useful ‘hands-on’ active learning components that can be easily integrated into various courses. DAA activities are central to product dissection and reverse engineering, terms which have been used interchangeably in the engineering design education literature and course titles. In some cases these activities are coupled with redesign activities, paving the way for a good context and providing a background for a meaningful engineering design. Despite this fact, however, based on our review of the literature it is not clear how do these DAA activities help with the redesign activity, if at all. Accordingly, in this paper we present results of our data collection that aimed at uncovering students’ perception regarding if DAA activities help with redesign (e.g., is it easier to redesign after dissection?). Overall, students had positive perceptions toward dissection, specifically with regards to its impact on redesign. We also report on the relation of student perceptions to design task, team functioning, and tolerance for ambiguity.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Purification and properties of drosophila malate dehydrogenases

Abstract The supernatant and mitochondrial forms of malate dehydrogenase ( l -malate:NAD oxidoreductase, EC 1.1.1.37) have been purified from Drosophila virilis Texmelucan (1801.1). The mitochondrial enzyme was judged homogeneous by ultra-centrifugal and electrophoretic criteria and has an s 20,w of 4.0 S. The molecular weights of both enzymes was estimated to be 68 000 by gel filtration on calibrated columns. The mitochondrial and supernatant forms of malate dehydrogenases could readily be differentiated with respect to inhibition by oxaloacetate, thermolability and reactivity with coenzyme analogs. A rabbit antiserum directed against Drosophila virilis Texmelucan mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase reacted strongly with this enzyme as judged by inhibition of enzyme activity and by double diffusion in agar. No cross-reaction was observed with the supernatant malate dehydrogenase. A comparison of the supernatant and mitochondrial malate dehydrogenases of Drosophila virilis Texmelucan with the corresponding enzymes from Drosophila melanogaster Oregon K revealed differences in immunological properties, in inhibition by substrate and in thermolability.
Identification of the major urinary metabolite of thromboxane B2 in the monkey.

Abstract Thromboxane B2 (TxB2) was biosynthesized from prostaglandin endoperoxides (PGG2, PGH2) using guinea pig lung microsomes and infused into an unanesthetized monkey. Urine was collected and TxB2 metabolites were isolated by reversed phase partition chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography. A major metabolite (TxB2-M) was found to be excreted in greater than two-fold abundance relative to other metabolites. Its structure was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to be dinorthromboxane B2. In vitro incubation of TxB2 with rat liver mitochondria yielded a C18 derivative with a mass spectrum identical to that of TxB2-M, substantiating that the major urinary metabolite of TxB2 in the monkey is a product of a single step of β-oxidation.