cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development of a Flipped Medical School Dermatology Module.

OBJECTIVES The flipped classroom module incorporates independent study in advance of in-class instructional sessions. It is unproven whether this methodology is effective within a medical school second-year organ system module. We report the development, implementation, and effectiveness of the flipped classroom methodology in a second-year medical student dermatology module at the University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine. METHODS In a retrospective cohort analysis, we compared attitudinal survey data and mean scores for a 50-item multiple-choice final examination of the second-year medical students who participated in this 1-week flipped course with those of the previous year's traditional, lecture-based course. RESULTS Each group comprised nearly 200 students. Students' age, sex, Medical College Admission Test scores, and undergraduate grade point averages were comparable between the flipped and traditional classroom students. The flipped module students' mean final examination score of 92.71% ± 5.03% was greater than that of the traditional module students' 90.92% ± 5.51% (P < 0.001) score. Three of the five most commonly missed questions were identical between the two cohorts. The majority of students preferred the flipped methodology to attending live lectures or watching previously recorded lectures. CONCLUSIONS The flipped classroom can be an effective instructional methodology for a medical school second-year organ system module.
Virtual Sprouts: A Virtual Gardening Pilot Intervention Increases Self-Efficacy to Cook and Eat Fruits and Vegetables in Minority Youth.

Abstract Objective: To examine the effect of the Virtual Sprouts intervention, an interactive multiplatform mobile gardening game, on dietary intake and psychosocial determinants of dietary behavior in minority youth. Materials and Methods: In this quasi-experimental pilot intervention, 180 third-, fourth-, and fifth-grade students in Los Angeles Unified School District participated in a 3-week program that included three Virtual Sprouts gaming sessions, three in-school lessons, and three in-home activities, using a nutrition- and gardening-focused curriculum. Pre- and postintervention questionnaires were used to assess psychosocial determinants of dietary behavior, including knowledge about and self-efficacy to eat fruits and vegetables (FV). Data were collected on FV, whole grains, fiber, total sugar, added sugar, and energy from sugary beverages through the Block Kids Food Screener (“last week” version) for Ages 2–17. Repeated measures analysis of covariance models was used for continuous outcomes, con...
Swallowing Kinematic Differences Across Frozen, Mixed, and Ultrathin Liquid Boluses in Healthy Adults: Age, Sex, and Normal Variability.

Purpose The aim of this study was to examine the effects of frozen and mixed-consistency boluses on the swallowing physiology of younger and older adults. We also aimed to quantify factors that lea...
Subgrid Modeling of Turbulent Premixed Flames in the Flamelet Regime

Large eddy simulation (LES) models for flamelet combustion are analyzed by simulating premixed flames in turbulent stagnation zones. ALES approach based on subgrid implementation of the linear eddy model(LEM) is compared with a more conventional approach based on the estimation of the turbulent burning rate. The effects of subgrid turbulence are modeled within the subgrid domain in the LEM-LES approach and the advection (transport between LES cells) of scalars is modeled using a volume-of-fluid (VOF) Lagrangian front tracking scheme. The ability of the VOF scheme to track the flame as a thin front on the LES grid is demonstrated. The combined LEM-LES methodology is shown to be well suited for modeling premixed flamelet combustion. The geometric characteristics of the flame surfaces, their effects on resolved fluid motion and flame-turbulence interactions are well predicted by the LEM-LES approach. It is established here that local laminar propagation of the flamelets needs to be resolved in addition to the accurate estimation of the turbulent reaction rate. Some key differences between LEM-LES and the conventional approach(es) are also discussed.
Structure-Function Relationships in Alkylation Damage and Repair

Since 1962, when 7-methylguanine was found as an in vivo product of dimethylnitrosamine administered to rats (Magee & Farber, 1962), the list of sites of alkylation by simple alkylating agents has increased so that now we know that all oxygens and nitrogens of nucleosides in polynucleotides, DNA and RNA can be modified (Singer, 1976, 1982) (Figure 1). However, each reagent produces characteristic patterns of alkylation, both in vitro and in vivo (Singer & Grunberger, 1983). The enzymatic repair or loss in vivo of each of these products has been the focus of research for many scientists for two reasons. Firstly, enzymologists have been interested in purifying such activities and elucidating their mechanism of action. Secondly, it was apparent that adducts can cause changed base incorporation or act as blocks to replication. Because repair is not completed before replication in all situations, remaining adducts can be either mutagenic or lethal. Most recently, in order to separate the potential biological effects of each derivative, defined oligonucleotide sequences containing a single adduct have been synthesized and used to study both replication and mutation. These defined oligomers have also been of great value in measuring repair, particularly of O6-alkyl G and O4-alkyl T. This paper will focus on the mutagenic potential of selected O-alkyl derivatives, their repair in eukaryotes, and the effects of their presence on replication and nucleic acid structure.
Automatic Detection of Clear-sky Periods Using Ground and Satellite Based Solar Resource Data

Solar resource availability and variability are important aspects of monitoring performance of photovoltaic installations. For example, recent degradation studies have highlighted the importance of considering cloud cover when calculation degradation rates. With this in mind, we present a method for optimizing clear sky detection algorithms given only modeled clear sky irradiance and ground-measured irradiance values. This method is tested on global horizontal irradiance (GHI) data from ground collectors at six sites across the US and was trained against clear sky classifications determined from satellite data. Thirty models were optimized on each individual site at GHI data frequencies of 1, 5, 10, 15, and 30 minutes. The models had an average F 0.5 score of 0.945 ±.021 on a holdout test set. In comparison, the un-optimized clear sky detection algorithm produced F 0.5 score that averaged to 0.707 ± 0.187.
Corpse-directed play parenting by a sterile adult female chimpanzee.

The study of representational play in nonhuman primates, including chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes), provides interspecific perspectives on human cognitive development and evolution. A notable form of representational play in chimpanzees is play parenting, wherein parental behavior is directed at inanimate objects. Though observed in captivity, unambiguous examples of play parenting by wild chimpanzees are rare. Here, we report two cases from Ngogo in Kibale National Park, Uganda, in which a wild adult female chimpanzee (P. t. schweinfurthii) directed parental behaviors at corpses. Both cases involved the same adult female chimpanzee, aged 20–21 years. The first case was observed on 5 March 2016, and the play object was the corpse of a bushbaby (Galago thomasi); in the second case, observed on 6 May 2017, the play object was a recently deceased chimpanzee infant postmortally stolen from the mother. The chimpanzee possessed the first and second play objects for approximately 5.5 h and 1.8 h, respectively. In both cases, she performed a variety of maternal behaviors, including co-nesting, grooming, and dorsally carrying the play objects. In contrast to previous observations of play parenting in captivity, the play parent was a presumably sterile adult female, well beyond the average age of first birth. These observations contribute to the expanding literature on chimpanzee interactions with the corpses of both conspecifics and heterospecifics.
Heated Intravesical Chemotherapy: Biology and Clinical Utility

Non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer can be a challenging disease to manage. In recent years, hyperthermia therapy in conjunction with intravesical therapy has been gaining traction as a treatment option for bladder cancer, especially if Bacillus Calmette-Guerin might not be available. Trials of intravesical chemotherapy with heat are few and there has been considerable heterogeneity between studies. However, multiple new trials have accrued and high-quality data are forthcoming. In this review, we discuss the role of combined intravesical hyperthermia and chemotherapy as a novel approach for the treatment of bladder cancer.
Postoperative Pain Management and Perceived Patient Outcomes Following Endoscopic Pituitary Surgery

Objectives: Pain management remains a point of emphasis given the ongoing opioid crisis. There are no studies in the literature interrogating opioid prescribing and use following endoscopic pituitary surgery. This study investigate provider prescribing tendency, patient utilization of analgesics, and patient outcomes regarding pain management after endoscopic pituitary surgery. Methods: We identified 100 patients undergoing endoscopic pituitary surgery at one institution from 2016 – 2018 in the electronic medical record (EMR) and state narcotic database to determine postoperative analgesic regimens. A telephone survey was used to characterize postoperative analgesic use and satisfaction with prescribed regimens. Results: 52 different pain control regimens were prescribed to study patients. 93% of study patients were prescribed an opioid postoperatively. The average quantity of opioids prescribed per patient in morphine milligram equivalents (MME) was 625 (equivalent 83 oxycodone 5 mg tablets) with an average MME/day of 59 (equivalent 8 oxycodone 5 mg tablets). Average total MME, MME/day, and pills/tablets per opioid prescription decreased significantly over the study period. 71% of survey respondents who used opioids reported using 50% of their postoperative opioid intake in the first 24-48 hours after discharge. There were no significant differences in pain outcome between opioid users and non-opioid users. Conclusions: Vast heterogeneity exists in narcotic prescribing by providers at our institution following endoscopic pituitary surgery. Narcotic prescribing patterns exceeded most patients’ analgesic needs. Opioid analgesics were not superior to non-opioids regimens in patient-reported pain outcomes in this study population.
Faculty perspectives of an entrustable professional activity (EPA) framework in predoctoral dental education.

PURPOSE The entrustable professional activity (EPA) framework is an assessment approach used to define the educational outcomes of a program by outlining discrete work tasks learners are expected to perform independently upon graduation. This study outlines the development and evaluation of an EPA framework for predoctoral dental education at the University of North Carolina Adams School of Dentistry. METHODS The draft EPA framework was created in collaboration with a group of faculty members and included 15 statements that were mapped to relevant Commission on Dental Accreditation standards. The draft EPA framework was distributed to faculty via an electronic survey, requesting participants to evaluate whether the EPAs were well-defined; observable; measurable; expected of a general dentist; transferable to other practice settings; and required application of relevant knowledge, skills, and attitudes. In addition, participants were asked to identify the percentage of graduates who could perform these tasks independently and whether learners must be able to perform the list of EPAs upon graduation. RESULTS Sixty-eight faculty members completed the survey (72% response rate); participants represented all divisions across the school and had extensive dental practice experiences. Overall, participants agreed the EPAs met the defined criteria and were considered important for graduates to be able to demonstrate. Feedback from faculty voiced support for the EPA framework and identified concerns regarding the implementation due to potential faculty calibration and time constraints. CONCLUSION Evidence from this study supports additional research to explore how the EPA framework can be further developed in predoctoral and postgraduate dental education programs.
Lanthanide-based resonance energy transfer biosensors for live-cell applications.

Abstract Lanthanide-based, Forster resonance energy transfer (LRET) biosensors enable sensitive, time-gated luminescence (TGL) imaging or multiwell plate analysis of protein–protein interactions (PPIs) in living mammalian cells. LRET biosensors are polypeptides that consist of an alpha-helical linker sequence sandwiched between a lanthanide complex-binding domain and a fluorescent protein (FP) with two interacting domains residing at each terminus. Interaction between the terminal affinity domains brings the lanthanide complex and FP in close proximity such that lanthanide-to-FP, LRET-sensitized emission is increased. A recent proof-of-concept study examined model biosensors that incorporated the affinity partners FKBP12 and the rapamycin-binding domain of m-Tor (FRB) as well as p53 (1–92) and HDM2 (1–128). The sensors contained an Escherichia coli dihydrofolate reductase (eDHFR) domain that binds with high selectivity and affinity to Tb(III) complexes coupled to the ligand trimethoprim (TMP). When cell lines that stably expressed the sensors were treated with TMP-Tb(III), TGL microscopy revealed dramatic differences (> 500%) in donor- or acceptor-denominated, Tb(III)-to-GFP LRET ratios between open (unbound) and closed (bound) states of the biosensors. Much larger signal changes (> 2500%) and Z'-factors of 0.5 or more were observed when cells were grown in 96-well or 384-well plates and analyzed using a TGL plate reader. In this chapter, we elaborate on the design and performance of LRET biosensors and provide detailed protocols to guide their use for live-cell microscopic imaging studies and high-throughput library screening.
Whole-Exome Sequencing of Radiation-Induced Thymic Lymphoma in Mouse Models Identifies Notch1 Activation as a Driver of p53 Wild-Type Lymphoma.

Mouse models of radiation-induced thymic lymphoma are widely used to study the development of radiation-induced blood cancers and to gain insights into the biology of human T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma. Here we aimed to identify key oncogenic drivers for the development of radiation-induced thymic lymphoma by performing whole-exome sequencing using tumors and paired normal tissues from mice with and without irradiation. Thymic lymphomas from irradiated wild-type (WT), p53+/- and KrasLA1 mice were not observed to harbor significantly higher numbers of non-synonymous somatic mutations compared to thymic lymphomas from unirradiated p53-/- mice. However, distinct patterns of recurrent mutations arose in genes that control the Notch1 signaling pathway based on the mutational status of p53. Preferential activation of Notch1 signaling in p53 WT lymphomas was also observed at the RNA and protein level. Reporter mice for activation of Notch1 signaling revealed that total-body irradiation (TBI) enriched Notch1hi CD44+ thymocytes that could propagate in vivo after thymocyte transplantation. Mechanistically, genetic inhibition of Notch1 signaling in immature thymocytes prevented formation of radiation-induced thymic lymphoma in p53 WT mice. Taken together, these results demonstrate a critical role of activated Notch1 signaling in driving multi-step carcinogenesis of thymic lymphoma following TBI in p53 WT mice.
Searching for Amistad in Two School Districts: A Case Study of Black History Curriculum Implementation in New Jersey

Background: Over the past 30 years, much debate has been produced about improving the quality and caliber of curriculum taught to public school students. Less prominent in these discussions has bee...
3-BY-3 MATRICES WITH ELLIPTICAL NUMERICAL RANGE REVISITED

According to Kippenhahn's classification, numerical ranges W(A) of unitarily irre- ducible 3 × 3 matrices A come in three possible shapes, an elliptical disk being one of them. The known criterion for the ellipticity of W(A) consists of several equations, involving the eigenvalues of A. It is shown herein that the set of 3×3 matrices satisfying these conditions is nowhere dense, i.e., one of the necessary conditions can be violated by an arbitrarily small perturbation of the matrix, and therefore by an insufficiently good numerical approximation of the eigenvalues. Moreover, necessary and sufficient conditions for a realA to have an elliptical W(A) are derived, involving only the matrix coefficients and not requiring the knowledge of the eigenvalues. A particular case of real companion matrices is considered in detail.
17 β-Estradiol alleviates synergistic oxidative stress resulting from folate deprivation and amyloid-β treatment

Oxidative stress is thought to be a pivotal factor in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Amyloid-beta (Abeta) induces oxidative damage, which is likely to be compounded by deficiencies in endogenous antioxidant capacity. Indeed, folate deprivation, which has been associated with AD, potentiates generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by Abeta. We examined whether the antioxidant 17-beta-estradiol could attenuate ROS generation following Abeta treatment in the presence and absence of folate using differentiated SH-SY-5Y human neuroblastoma cells. Folate-deprivation and Abeta treatment each induced an increase in ROS, and treatment of folate-deprived cultures with Abeta induced a synergistic increase in ROS. 17-beta-estradiol reduced ROS levels in beta-treated, folate-deprived cultures to ROS levels observed in cultures treated with Abeta in the presence of folate, suggesting that this antioxidant was able to prevent the synergistic impact of Abeta and folate deprivation on ROS generation. 17-beta-estradiol also completely prevented neuronal death induced by both Abeta and folate deprivation individually, and reduced neuronal death following Abeta treatment along with folate deprivation. These findings suggest that therapeutic approaches utilizing antioxidants may be particularly important in conditions such as AD, where multiple factors, including compromises in endogenous antioxidants, promote oxidative stress.
Nuts and Nut Products

According to Webster’s 3rd New International Dictionary, nuts are hard-shelled, dry fruit or seed, having a more or less distinct rind or shell and an interior kernel. Popular nomenclature includes the peanut, which is in reality a legume whose pods grow underground. In general, they are characterized by a high oil content. An exception is the chestnut, which is a starchy fruit with less than 2 percent fat. Cashew nuts contain both fat and starch in appreciable quantities.
Multicast congestion control for multimedia collaborative applications in packet switched networks

We investigate the problem of congestion control for multicast traffic over datagram packet switched networks and present an end-to-end solution to it. The focus of our study is on multimedia collaborative applications. The group members of such applications, typically, span a heterogeneous inter-network, where routers and links may vary widely in their capabilities. Recently, two end-to-end approaches have been introduced for multicast congestion control: hierarchical multicast (a window based approach), and multiple group (a rate based approach). In this paper, we introduce a new end-to-end technique for multicast congestion control that utilizes multiple groups and is window based. We have conducted an analytical study to evaluate our work, which shows encouraging results compared to other techniques.
Modeling of Single Event Transients With Dual Double-Exponential Current Sources: Implications for Logic Cell Characterization

Single event effects (SEE) are a reliability concern for modern microelectronics. Bit corruptions can be caused by single event upsets (SEUs) in the storage cells or by sampling single event transients (SETs) from a logic path. An accurate prediction of soft error susceptibility from SETs requires good models to convert collected charge into compact descriptions of the current injection process. This paper describes a simple, yet effective, method to model the current waveform resulting from a charge collection event for SET circuit simulations. The model uses two double-exponential current sources in parallel, and the results illustrate why a conventional model based on one double-exponential source can be incomplete. A small set of logic cells with varying input conditions, drive strength, and output loading are simulated to extract the parameters for the dual double-exponential current sources. The parameters are based upon both the node capacitance and the restoring current (i.e., drive strength) of the logic cell.
A Review of “Reactive Intermediates in Organic Chemistry”

As noted by the author in the preface, the modern exercise of organic synthesis, whether for new materials or new drugs, is largely driven by mechanistic reasoning. The author has produced a book d...
Meta-analysis of Air Versus Liquid Enema for Intussusception Reduction in Children.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of air versus liquid enema reduction in the treatment of intussusception in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Literature searches of the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were conducted from January 1, 1966, through May 31, 2013. Articles on the use of air or liquid enema in children with a confirmed diagnosis of intussusception and reporting either a success rate for enema reduction of intussusception or a perforation rate were selected. Enema reduction success rate, perforation rate, and recurrence rate were the main outcomes and were calculated by random effects modeling. RESULTS. One hundred two articles (101 reporting success rate, 71 reporting perforation rate) were included that presented results for 32,451 children (age range, 1 day–22 years; boys, 66%; girls, 34%). In 44 studies (16,187 children), the combined estimate for success rate of air enema was 82.7% (95% CI, 79.9–85.6%; inconsistency index [I2] = ...
Dimethyldioxirane: Mechanism of benzaldehyde oxidation

Abstract Under inert atmosphere, dimethyldioxirane 1 converts benzaldehydes solely to the corresponding acids; the reaction is insensitive to electronic effects; yields are limited by the competing decomposition of 1 to acetol; O2 trapping of free-radical intermediates is observed.
Capturing nonlinear dependencies in natural images using ICA and mixture of Laplacian distribution

Capturing dependencies in images in an unsupervised manner is important for many image-processing applications and for understanding the structure of natural image signals. Data generative linear models such as principal component analysis (PCA) and independent component analysis (ICA) have shown to capture low level features such as oriented edges in images. However, those models capture only linear dependency and therefore its modeling capability is limited. We propose a new method for capturing nonlinear dependencies in images of natural scenes. This method is an extension of the linear ICA method and builds on a hierarchical representation. The model makes use of lower level linear ICA representation and a subsequent mixture of Laplacian distribution for learning the nonlinear dependencies in an image. The model parameters are learned via the expectation maximization (EM) algorithm and it can accurately capture variance correlation and other high order structures in a simple and consistent manner. We visualize the learned variance correlation structure and demonstrate applications to automatic image segmentation and image denoising.
Do computer systems really pay-off?

Abstract Over recent years IBM-UK has worked with a number of other organisations to appraise the financial returns achieved from computer systems. Using a standard methodology called SESAME, approximately 170 applications across a range of industries have been reviewed to date. This consistent base of information allows senior executives to compare the financial performance of computer systems with other investments; to set reasonable financial targets for new systems development; and to judge the ‘return on investment’ from their computer systems with that achieved by other companies. This paper provides an overview of the SESAME methodology, discusses some results of individual studies and summarises the general conclusions emerging from this work.
Free trade and income redistribution in some developing and newly industrialized countries

A competitive general equilibrium model of production is specified and the long-run comparative static elasticities of changing prices on factor prices are examined in eight developing and newly industrialized countries. Unskilled labor in these developing countries stands to gain from a program of global free trade characterized by increased manufacturing exports and falling prices of imported business services, while capital owners and skilled labor lose. Results are contrasted with developed countries, the United States in particular, where unskilled labor will lose while capital and skilled labor enjoy gains with global free trade.
Vitamin D receptor (VDR) ablation alters carcinogen-induced tumorigenesis in mammary gland, epidermis and lymphoid tissues.

The Vitamin D receptor (VDR) and its ligand, 1,25(OH)2D3, regulate cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis in vitro, yet the physiological significance of this regulation is unclear. In these studies, we used VDR knockout (VDRKO) mice to examine the impact of VDR on chemical carcinogen-induced tumorigenesis in vivo. Wild type (WT) and VDRKO littermates were fed a high calcium diet to prevent disturbances in calcium homeostasis and were gavaged with dimethylbenzanthracence (DMBA) using a protocol designed to induce mammary tumors. Compared to WT littermates, VDRKO mice exhibited an increased incidence of mammary gland hyperplasia and a higher percentage of hormone independent tumors with squamous differentiation. VDR ablation also significantly enhanced tumor development in epidermis and lymphoid tissues, but did not affect tumor development in ovary, uterus, lung or liver. These data indicate that VDR ablation alters susceptibility to DMBA-induced carcinogenesis in a tissue specific fashion, and provide support that optimal VDR signaling may act to suppress tumorigenesis.
Mitigation of Ionospheric Propagation Errors with GPS

As radio waves propagate through the ionosphere and troposphere, the value of the index of refraction changes. This results in apparent range error, refraction, and, at times, amplitude and phase scintillation. These ionospheric errors can become quite significant, even in the mid-latitudes during large geomagnetic storms. This paper will describe ionospheric effects in general and the major space weather events that exacerbate the ionospheric issues. This paper will also describe different schemes to mitigate the ionospheric errors, using ionospheric models, measurements, or some combination of both.
Serum Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Levels in Patients with Pigeon-Breeder’s Disease

The serum concentration of angiotensin-converting enzyme is frequently elevated in individuals with active sarcoidosis. The enzyme is presumably actively synthesized by the epithelioid and giant cells of the granuloma. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis, resulting from the inhalation of antigens from pigeons by susceptible individuals, is associated with the development of a granulomatous interstitial and alveolar infiltrate in the pulmonary parenchyma. Because the clinical and pathologic presentation may mimic that of sarcoidosis, we compared the serum levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme in these two diseases. The concentration of angiotensin-converting enzyme is not elevated in individuals with active hypersensitivity pneumonitis, in contrast to its frequent elevation in sarcoidosis. We suggest that the granulomatous response in hypersensitivity pneumonitis may differ at a biochemical level from that of sarcoidosis, since the synthesis of angiotensin-converting enzyme does not appear to be increased.
cAMP-Dependent Growth Cone Guidance by Netrin-1

Netrin-1 is known to function as a chemoattractant for several classes of developing axons and as a chemorepellent for other classes of axons, apparently dependent on the receptor type expressed by responsive cells. In culture, growth cones of embryonic Xenopus spinal neurons exhibited chemoattractive turning toward the source of netrin-1 but showed chemorepulsive responses in the presence of a competitive analog of cAMP or an inhibitor of protein kinase A. Both attractive and repulsive responses were abolished by depleting extracellular calcium and by adding a blocking antibody against the netrin-1 receptor Deleted in Colorectal Cancer. Thus, nerve growth cones may respond to the same guidance cue with opposite turning behavior, dependent on other coincident signals that set the level of cytosolic cAMP.
Clinical uses of dexmedetomidine in pediatric anesthesiology and critical care

Dexmedetomidine (Precedex®) is an α2-adrenergic agonist which is currently FDA-approved for the short-term (less than 24 hours) sedation of adult ICU patients. Its clinical effects include sedation, anxiolysis, analgesia, a decrease of the minimum alveolar concentration of inhalational anesthetic agents, blunting of the sympathetic nervous response to surgery, and lowering of heart rate and blood pressure. These beneficial physiologic effects combined with its relatively low incidence of adverse hemodynamic and respiratory effects have led to its use in the pediatric-aged patient in various applications including sedation during mechanical ventilation, prevention of emergence agitation following general anesthesia with sevoflurane or desflurane, provision of procedural-sedation, and to prevent withdrawal following the prolonged use of opioids and benzodiazepines. The following article reviews the reports of the use of dexmedetomidine in pediatric patients including dosing regimens and adverse effects. Its potential applications in the practice of pediatric anesthesiology and critical care are explored.
Prevalence and magnitude of body weight and shape dissatisfaction among university students

Abstract Although prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing, prevailing sociocultural influences lead females to desire a thin body and males a muscular body, often resulting in body dissatisfaction (BD) because many cannot achieve the cultural ideal. This study examined the magnitude of BD in university undergraduates ( n = 310). Body weight dissatisfaction (BWD) was measured as the difference between current and idealized body weight; body shape dissatisfaction (BSD) as the difference between and current and idealized body shape. Overall, females expressed greater BD than males. Overweight individuals expressed the greatest BWD and BSD, yet half desired a weight that would maintain their overweight body mass index (BMI) classification. Normal weight females desired a slightly thinner, lighter body, while desires among normal weight males were mixed. Underweight females and normal weight males expressed little BWD and BSD, commonly idealizing a body weight maintaining their BMI classification. However, results may suggest a shift in body size ideals in an era of prevalent obesity, with overweight males and females expressing less BD and few normal weight individuals, particularly females, idealizing a very thin body.
Research issues in cellular manufacturing

Abstract Both industry and academia are currently devoting considerable interest to cellular manufacturing systems. Despite this growing attention, the existing literature does not adequately address a number of issues related to the successful adoption of these systems. This paper identifies a large number of research topics related to cellular manufacturing, discusses the need for their investigation, and suggests appropriate methodologies for their study. This research agenda is presented in the context of four important decision areas for new technology adoption—applicability, justification, system design, and implementation. The volume and variety of topics identified allow us to conclude that cellular manufacturing is an area with many researchable issues, spanning several academic disciplines, and requiring a multitude of research methodologies.
Distribution methods for nuclear energies, level densities, and excitation strengths

Abstract The centroid energies and widths for configurations, both with and without a specification of isospin, are given in compact forms in which the various terms have a clear physical significance. The forms are derived by use of elementary unitary-group methods which lead to an orthogonal symmetry decomposition of the Hamiltonian, in which Hartree-Fock-like terms representing the induced single-particle energies, and other related quantities, enter in a natural way. Appropriate measures for the various terms are given and discussed. The same method is applicable to the more complicated operators encountered when dealing with excitation strengths of various kinds. Some applications are given to determining ground-state energies, orbit occupancies, and low-lying spectra for complicated systems, and comparisons made with shell-model calculations and with experiment. An account, with some elementary applications, is given of a distribution theory of level densities which takes into consideration the shell-model structures and residual interactions; to specify the densities for fixed angular momentum, the configuration distributions are used to derive the energy variation of the J z 2 and J z 4 averages, the first of these fixing the “spin cut-off factor” σ(J) , and the second verifying the accuracy of the Gaussian form commonly used. Finally, an introductory account is given of the distributions of single-particle transfer and electromagnetic-transition strengths in large shell-model spaces.
Ragweed allergen Ra5: A new tool in understanding the genetics and immunochemistry of immune response in man☆☆☆

Abstract Immunoglobulin E-mediated skin sensitivity to a minor short ragweed pollen allergen, Ra5, was found to be highly significantly associated with the possession of histocompatibility antigen HL-A7 and with antigens of the HL-A7 Cross-reacting group in a study of 139 ragweed-allergic Caucasians. This finding was supported by a smaller second study in a different location. This research lays the groundwork for future immunochemical investigation of the genetic basis of immune response in man.
Rb n f quantum defects from millimeter-wave spectroscopy of cold Rb 85 Rydberg atoms

Millimeter-wave resonance spectroscopy has been used to measure the $(n+2){d}_{5∕2}$ to $n{f}_{5∕2,7∕2}$ transition frequencies of cold $^{85}\mathrm{Rb}$ atoms in a magneto-optical trap. From these intervals we extract substantially improved Rb $nf$ quantum defects, fine structure intervals, and limits for the dipole and quadrupole polarizabilities of ${\mathrm{Rb}}^{+}$.
Husbands' labour migration and wives' autonomy, Mozambique 2000–2006

The separation of migrants from the family unit, as a result of labour migration, can have profound effects on family organization and the lives of family members. Using data from a 2006 survey of 1,680 married women from 56 villages in southern Mozambique, we examined the relationship between men's labour migration and the decision-making autonomy of women who stayed behind. The results show that both men's cumulative migration history and current migration status are positively associated with women's autonomy, and that the effects on autonomy may persist even after the man's return. Three intervening factors-women's employment outside the home, lower fertility, and residential independence from extended family members-did not fully mediate the effects of men's labour migration. This is consistent with the assumption that the migrant's absence has a 'direct' effect on his wife's autonomy.
Advanced Battery Management and Diagnostic System for Smart Grid Infrastructure

This paper presents the design and implementation of an advanced battery management system (BMS). The basic concept is to divide each series battery array into sub-arrays where each battery is individually monitored and managed. The proposed BMS continuously monitors the voltage, current, and energy of each battery. Based on these measurements, the BMS can calculate individual state of charge (SoC) levels and C-rates. Furthermore, the system has the capability to isolate each individual battery to apply different charging profiles and advanced diagnostics to detect the correct problems. Pulsed charging is deployed using different duty cycles for SoC balancing. The isolated battery is bypassed to maintain uninterrupted supply to the load despite reduced series array voltage. An unidirectional dc–dc boost converter maintains a constant output voltage level to the load, regardless of the number of batteries connected, until the problem is corrected. A hardware implementation of the proposed BMS is explained in detail. The performance of the system is tested experimentally under different loading conditions, including heavy pulsed loads.
Spreadsheet-based interactive design and analysis of mechanisms using Excel and Ch

A spreadsheet-based mechanism analysis and animation system is presented in this article. The system is developed in Excel using Ch, an embeddable C/C++ interpreter, and Ch Mechanism Toolkit. It allows users to develop and solve complicated planar mechanism problems conveniently using an easy to use Excel spreadsheets as the front end. Users can input the required data to define a mechanism in an Excel spreadsheet and execute script files associated with the work cells. The spreadsheet based system can be used for kinematic and dynamic analysis, graphical plotting, and animation for four bar, crank-slider, five bar, and six bar linkages. The system is open architecture. Users can extend the system for design and analysis of other mechanisms. Examples are provided to illustrate its ease of use. The source code for examples are available for downloading from the internet.
Optical Imaging of Cardiac Reporter Gene Expression in Living Rats

Background— Studies of cardiac gene transfer rely on postmortem analysis using histologic staining or enzyme assays. Noninvasive imaging of the temporal and spatial characteristics of cardiac gene expression in the same subject offers significant advantages. Methods and Results— Rats underwent direct myocardial injection via left thoracotomy with adenovirus-expressing firefly luciferase (Ad-CMV-Fluc; n=30). The reporter substrate d-luciferin was injected intraperitoneally. Serial images were acquired by use of a cooled charged couple detector (CCD) camera. Results are expressed as relative light unit per minute (RLU/min). Rats transduced with 1×109 plaque-forming units show decremental cardiac luciferase activity over time: 152 070±21 170 (day 2), 195 806±62 630 (day 5), 7250±2941 (day 8), and 2040±971 RLU/min (day 14). To assess the detection sensitivity, serially diluted titers of Ad-CMV-Fluc were injected: 1×109 (195 393±14 896), 1×108 (33 777±18 179), 1×107 (417±91), 1×106 (185±64), 1×105 (53±1), and ...
A deep-sea channel in the Northwest Pacific Basin

Abstract A 1000 km long deep-sea channel in the northwest Pacific runs southward down the Hokkaido Rise. It cuts deeply into post-late Miocene pelagic sediments on the Japan Trench outer swell. The origin of the channel is not clear. No turbidite deposits are observed in the area; thus it is unlikely that a turbidity current eroded the channel. Abundant seismicity in the area may provide the triggering mechanism, but added tectonic and sedimentary processes must have been involved also to substantiate a geological interpretation. Bottom water flow, present or past, may be involved in the development of the channel in as yet unknown ways.
The intra-industry effects of life insurance company demutualizaton

We examine the impact of demutualization announcements by 13 life insurance companies during 1996-2000 on the value of existing stock-owned life insurance companies and companies in other segments of the insurance industry. Demutualization announcements are associated with negative stock price reactions in the days around the announcement, and with larger and positive stock price reactions in the days following announcement. Overall, the results support the contention that life insurance company demutualizations signal favorable future industry conditions and/or increased likelihood of future acquisitions for all segments of the insurance industry. Active-minded investors may use these results to develop alpha-generating investment strategies.
Continuous shape estimation of continuum robots using X-ray images

We present a new method for continuously and accurately estimating the shape of a continuum robot during a medical procedure using a small number of X-ray projection images (e.g., radiographs or fluoroscopy images). Continuum robots have curvilinear structure, enabling them to maneuver through constrained spaces by bending around obstacles. Accurately estimating the robot's shape continuously over time is crucial for the success of procedures that require avoidance of anatomical obstacles and sensitive tissues. Online shape estimation of a continuum robot is complicated by uncertainty in its kinematic model, movement of the robot during the procedure, noise in X-ray images, and the clinical need to minimize the number of X-ray images acquired. Our new method integrates kinematics models of the robot with data extracted from an optimally selected set of X-ray projection images. Our method represents the shape of the continuum robot over time as a deformable surface which can be described as a linear combination of time and space basis functions. We take advantage of probabilistic priors and numeric optimization to select optimal camera configurations, thus minimizing the expected shape estimation error. We evaluate our method using simulated concentric tube robot procedures and demonstrate that obtaining between 3 and 10 images from viewpoints selected by our method enables online shape estimation with errors significantly lower than using the kinematic model alone or using randomly spaced viewpoints.
Triethyllead‐induced peroxidative damage in various regions of the rat brain

Adult male Fisher 344 rats (8–10 wk old) were dosed ip with 1.75 mg/kg body weight of triethyllead chloride (TEL) for 5 consecutive days. Rats were sacrificed 1, 7, or 21 d after the last injection. The rate of lipid peroxidation was significantly elevated in frontal cortex at all three time points assayed (1, 7, or 21 d). However, hippocampal and cerebellar membranes showed no changes in peroxidative capacity at these time points. In order to determine whether cortical membrane damage was reflected in alteration of a restricted protein population, a series of high‐affinity receptor binding sites was determined in cortical membranes derived from treated rats 7 d after the last injection of triethyllead. The rate of lipid peroxidation was significantly increased in the frontal cortex of triethyllead treated rats; however, no changes in the binding of [3H]spiroperidol, [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate, and [3H]benzodiazepine were seen in animals exposed to triethyllead. The cortical wet weight, protein content, ...
Outline of a New Approach to the Analysis of Complex Systems and Decision Processes

The approach described in this paper represents a substantive departure from the conventional quantitative techniques of system analysis. It has three main distinguishing features: 1) use of so-called ``linguistic'' variables in place of or in addition to numerical variables; 2) characterization of simple relations between variables by fuzzy conditional statements; and 3) characterization of complex relations by fuzzy algorithms. A linguistic variable is defined as a variable whose values are sentences in a natural or artificial language. Thus, if tall, not tall, very tall, very very tall, etc. are values of height, then height is a linguistic variable. Fuzzy conditional statements are expressions of the form IF A THEN B, where A and B have fuzzy meaning, e.g., IF x is small THEN y is large, where small and large are viewed as labels of fuzzy sets. A fuzzy algorithm is an ordered sequence of instructions which may contain fuzzy assignment and conditional statements, e.g., x = very small, IF x is small THEN Y is large. The execution of such instructions is governed by the compositional rule of inference and the rule of the preponderant alternative. By relying on the use of linguistic variables and fuzzy algorithms, the approach provides an approximate and yet effective means of describing the behavior of systems which are too complex or too ill-defined to admit of precise mathematical analysis.
Interdiffusion of NaSi—CaAl in peristerite

The ‘average’ interdiffusion coefficient ( $$\bar D$$ ) for NaSi—CaAl exchange in plagioclase for the interval from An0 to An26 was estimated from experimentally determined homogenization times for peristerite exsolution lamellae. The average spacing between adjacent (unlike) lamellae is 554±77 A. Dry heating in air at 1,100°C for 98 days produced no change in the exsolution microstructure; thus $$\bar D$$ (dry)<10−17 cm2/s. This limit is consistent with the recently reported ‘average’ $$\bar D$$ (dry) values for the Huttenlocher interval (An70–90) at this temperature. At 1.5 GPa with about 0.2 weight percent water added the ‘average’ diffusion coefficient from 1,100°C to 900°C is given by: $$\bar D$$ (wet)=18 −15 +108 (cm2/s) exp (−97±5 (kcal/mol)/RT), where R is the gas constant, and T is °K. This $$\bar D$$ (wet) at 1,100°C is more than three orders of magnitude greater than $$\bar D$$ (dry) for Na- and Ca-rich plagioclases.
Flexibility of Established Habit

Resume LA FLEXIBILITE DE L'HABITUDE ETABLIE Le probleme a ete de decouvrir si les rats blancs pourraient s'adapter sans epreuve au fait que l'un de deux sentiers convergents (a et c), conduisant de la planche du commencement jusqu'au but serait insuffisant, apres qu'ils s'etaiem: trouves bloques dans le sentier commun final apres y ětre arrives par voie de l'autre, en suivant un troisieme sentier (b) au but. On a determine une hierachie de preferences. L'entree de c a ete fermee, et on a permis a chacun de 38 animaux le choix entre a et b. Dans 15 epreuves 29 des animaux ont suivi a exclusivement. Ensuite on a ouvert le sentier c et on a permis a chacun de ces 29 le choix entre a, b, et c. Apres le 18me de 25 epreuves tous les animaux ont suivi c. Ainsi tout a ete prepare pour l'epreuve definitive. Avec les entrees des trois sentiers ouvertes comme auparavant, mais avec un bloc dans le sentier commun final de a et de c, on a donne 20 epreuves de plus aux animaux. Dans la premiere epreuve de cette serie to...