cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
What’s in Your Gifted Education Online Teacher Professional Development? Incorporating Theory- and Practice-Based Elements of Instructional Learning Design:

This article examined six theory- and practice-based elements of instructional learning design in online teacher professional development (oTPD), how these elements were implemented into Edinger’s ...
Classroom-Based Mindfulness Training Reduces Anxiety in Adolescents: Acceptability and Effectiveness of a Cluster-Randomized Pilot Study.

Objective: Many high school students experience a high degree of anxiety and perceived stress. This study examined whether a classroom-based mindfulness program or a wellness program were acceptable and effective as anxiety and stress reduction interventions based on students’ self-reports. Design, setting, and participants: Thirteen health education classes (n=285 students, aged 14–16 years) were randomized by classroom to one of three conditions: mindfulness, wellness, or usual health class only (passive control/waitlist), for 8 weeks. Outcomes: Pre- and post-intervention scores compared self-reported measures of depression, anxiety and stress. Results: Complete data were available from nine classes (n=202 students). Post-intervention anxiety scores were reduced in students who received the mindfulness intervention compared to those who received only their usual health class (β=−0.07, SE=0.03, P≤0.001; 95% CI=−0.12, −0.02). No significant between group differences were found for depression or stress (P>0.4). Students’ satisfaction with the mindfulness intervention they received withstood baseline credibility and expectancy effects: r=0.21, n=67, P=0.17 for credibility; r=−0.001, n=67, P=0.99 for expectancy. However, students’ satisfaction with the wellness intervention they received was positively correlated with their pre-intervention expectations, r=0.42, n=47, P<0.001. Fifty-two percent of the 68 students assigned to mindfulness (n=35) used the iPad app for mindfulness home practice at least once; of those, 10% used it 10 or more times. Conclusion: Eight weeks of classroom-based mindfulness, with limited home practice, reduced self-reported anxiety compared to usual health class, and withstood baseline expectancy effects in this group of high school students, a majority who come from high income families. Clinical implications: School- or community-based mindfulness may be an appropriate recommendation for adolescents who experience anxiety.
Joint effect of race/ethnicity or location of residence and sex on low density lipoprotein-cholesterol among veterans with type 2 diabetes: a 10-year retrospective cohort study

Cardiovascular (CV) disease is the leading cause of death among United States women. Rural residence and ethnic-minority status are individually associated with increased CV mortality. Managing dyslipidemia is important in the prevention of CV mortality. However, the impact of race/ethnicity and location of residence on sex differences in dyslipidemia management is not well understood. Therefore, we sought to understand the joint effects of race/ethnicity and location of residence on lipid management differences between veteran men and women with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Veterans Health Administration and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services data were used to perform a longitudinal cohort study of veterans with T2D (2007–2016). Mixed effects logistic regression with a random intercept was used to model the association between sex and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) > 100 mg/dL and its interaction with race/ethnicity and location of residence after adjusting for all measured covariates. When female sex and rural location of residence were both present, they were associated with an antagonistic harmful effect on LDL. Similar antagonistic harmful effects on LDL were observed when the joint effect of female sex and several minority race/ethnicity groups were evaluated. After adjusting for measured covariates, the odds of LDL > 100 mg/dL were higher for urban women (OR = 2.66, 95%CI 2.48–2.85) and rural women (OR = 3.26, 95%CI 2.94–3.62), compared to urban men. The odds of LDL > 100 mg/dL was the highest among non-Hispanic Black (NHB) women (OR = 5.38, 95%CI 4.45–6.51) followed by non-Hispanic White (NHW) women (OR = 2.59, 95%CI 2.44–2.77), and Hispanic women (OR = 2.56, 95%CI 1.79–3.66). Antagonistic harmful effects on LDL were observed when both female sex and rural location of residence were present. These antagonistic effects on LDL were also present when evaluating the joint effect of female sex and several minority race/ethnicity groups. Disparities were most pronounced in NHB and rural women, who had 5.4 and 3.3 times the odds of elevated LDL versus NHW and urban men after adjusting for important covariates. These striking effect sizes in a population at high cardiovascular risk (i.e., older with T2D) suggest interventions aimed at improving lipid management are needed for individuals falling into one or more groups known to face health disparities.
A comparison of the breathing apparatus deadspace associated with a supraglottic airway and endotracheal tube using volumetric capnography in young children

BACKGROUND Supraglottic airway (SGA) devices including the air-Q® are being used with increasing frequency for anesthesia in infants and younger pediatric patients. To date, there is minimal research documenting the potentially significant airway deadspace these devices may contribute to the ventilation circuit when compared to an endotracheal tube (ETT). The aim of this study was to evaluate the airway apparatus deadspace associated with an air-Q® versus an ETT in young children. METHODS In a prospective cohort study, 59 patients between 3 months and 6 years of age, weighing between 5 and 20 kg, scheduled for outpatient urologic or general surgery procedures were recruited. An air-Q® or ETT was inserted at the discretion of the attending anesthesiologist, and tidal volume, positive end expiratory pressure, respiratory rate, and end-tidal CO2 were controlled according to protocol. Airway deadspace was recorded using volumetric capnography every 2 min for 10 min. RESULTS Groups were similar in demographics. There was a significant difference in weight-adjusted deadspace volume between the air-Q® and ETT groups, 4.1 ± 0.8 ml/kg versus 3.0 ± 0.7 ml/kg, respectively (P < 0.001). Weight-adjusted deadspace volume (ml/kg) increased significantly with decreasing weight for both the air-Q® and ETT groups. CONCLUSIONS In healthy children undergoing positive pressure ventilation for elective surgery, the air-Q® SGA introduces significantly greater airway deadspace than an ETT. Additionally, airway deadspace, and minute ventilation required to maintain normocarbia, appear to increase with decreasing patient weight irrespective of whether a SGA or ETT is used.
Men’s Health for Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Patients

Men who have undergone hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) will typically follow up with their oncologist/hematologist for many years, often times without evaluation by other medical providers for their nontransplant-related health care needs. As such, it is important to have a basic understanding of health issues that affect men post-HCT and in particular, the impact of chemotherapy and transplantation on erectile dysfunction, infertility, hypogonadism, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and male-organ-specific neoplasms of prostate and testicular cancer. This chapter addresses appropriate evaluation and management of these issues at the level of primary care and the potential diagnoses and treatments that may require referral to a urologist.
Women across Cultures: Common Issues, Varied Experiences

Psychology's study of women has revealed some themes that span cultures and countries, yet women's lived experiences in different cultures can be dramatically different. This Element explores, from a psychological perspective, women's issues in cultural contexts. Beginning with the question of public and private identity (i.e., who 'counts' as a woman), it goes on to examine embodiment, sexuality, reproduction, family roles, economic participation and power, violence, leadership, and feminist activism. It concludes with a brief discussion of women's complicated relationship to culture: as both keepers and sometimes prisoners of cultural traditions - particularly in the context of migration to different cultures. Running through the Element are two general themes: the pervasiveness of a gender hierarchy that often privileges men over women, and the ways in which women's lived experience varies within cultures according to the intersection of gender with other categories that affect expectations, norms, power and privilege.
Interfacial thermal conductance between multi-layer graphene sheets and solid/liquid octadecane: A molecular dynamics study

Abstract Mixtures of paraffin and carbon nanofillers have promising potential for thermal storage, as paraffin (the matrix) possesses high latent heat and the nanofillers compensate for the low thermal conductivity (TC) of paraffin. Understanding thermal transport in these materials is essential for practical applications, as weak thermal transport hinders fast charge/discharge of thermal energy. Here, we use non-equilibrium molecular dynamics (NEMD) simulations to study the interfacial thermal conductance (ITC) between graphene sheets and octadecane (C18H38) matrix under the limiting conditions of the sheets being parallel or perpendicular to the direction of the imposed heat flux. The results show that the systems containing thin graphene layers exhibit higher values of ITC. This study captures the asymptotic saturation of thermal conductance for the liquid phase of the perpendicular structure. Besides, given the greater number of structured layers of paraffin upon phase change, the ITC for the solid paraffin-graphene system is higher than the conductance of the liquid paraffin-graphene interface. We use the Pearson correlation coefficients of the vibrational power spectrum (VPS) of interfacing materials to explain the orders of magnitude variations of the observed ITC.
Transmission Simulator Based MIMO Response Reconstruction

Current industry standard environmental verification testing methods typically employ a single shaker to subject a component to a desired environment in one axis at a time, which has been shown to result in over- or under-testing on the various axes and hence a poor representation of the desired environment. This paper explores a new verification testing methodology based on a combination of the Transmission Simulator Substructuring Method (TSM) with the Impedance Matched Multi Axis Testing (IMMAT) method. The new method seeks to verify the survival of a subcomponent in a given environment using only environmental measurements on the structure to which the subcomponent is attached. A Transmission Simulator (TS) is used to maintain the same connection geometry between the subcomponent and the rest of the vehicle such that the dynamics of the subcomponent are better matched. Impedance Matched Multi Axis Testing is then used to recreate the full environment on the Transmission Simulator in all axes at once. If the impedance between the Transmission Simulator and the subcomponent is sufficiently similar and if the control is successful in reproducing the response on the Transmission Simulator, the motion of the subcomponent of interest should match its motion in the desired environment and produce an accurate reconstruction test. To evaluate this new methodology, simulations were performed using roving hammer data both to optimize the test design and to evaluate the best possible performance. Multi-input-multi-output (MIMO) tests were then performed using a commercial control system to assess the accuracy of the method. These cases showed that the proposed approach was able to reconstruct the desired environment with moderate accuracy, but the response away from the Transmission Simulator was found to be very sensitive to the design of the Transmission Simulator.
Exploring How Regulations Shape Technology Startups

How do regulations shape young technology startups? This paper provides the descriptive findings from novel data collection of fieldwork interviews and surveys of technology startups in the United States and covers the topics of industry regulations, use of legal counsel, contractor labor, high-skilled foreign workers, and patents. The paper finds evidence that regulations are influencing technology startups’ business directions, products, and margins of innovation and that federal or industry regulations have the most influence. About 70 percent of startup executives believe they operate in a moderately or highly regulated industry. There is also some evidence that startups in highly regulated industries face a barrier to obtaining venture capital funding. The paper finds that a majority of startups rely on contract labor because they require flexibility and face uncertainty in their early stages. Moreover, survey results show that about one-third of technology startups hire employees or contractors who are high-skilled foreign workers and that startup executives indicate that they need greater access to the international market in order to grow and succeed.
The waveguide invariant: Wavefield structure, ray stability, time spreads and modal dispersion

Prior to the seminal work of Chuprov and Grachev, who introduced the underwater acoustic waveguide invariant, the asymptotic equivalent of the same quantity was recognized as playing an important role in Hamiltonian dynamics. A consequence is that the waveguide invariant controls, to a large extent, underwater acoustic ray dynamics. In this presentation some of the less well known properties of underwater acoustic wavefields, based on both ray- and mode-based descriptors, that are controlled by the waveguide invariant are reviewed. These properties include overall wavefield structure, ray stability, time spreads and modal dispersion. [Work supported by ONR.]
Crossed products of C*-algebras

Locally compact groups Dynamical systems and crossed products Special cases and basic constructions Imprimitivity theorems Induced representations and induced ideals Orbits and quasi-orbits Properties of crossed products Ideal structure The proof of the Gootman-Rosenberg-Sauvageot theorem Amenable groups The Banach *-algebra $L^1(G,A)$ Bundles of $C*$-algebras Groups Representations of $C*$-algebras Direct integrals Effros's ideal center decomposition The Fell topology Miscellany Notation and Symbol Index Index Bibliography.
Multi-agent power market simulation using EMCAS

Countries around the world continue to restructure their electricity markets and open them up to competition and private investors in pursuit of economic efficiency and new capital investment. However, the recent volatility exhibited by many restructured power markets, in combination with several prominent market failures, have highlighted the need for a better understanding of the complex interactions between the various market participants and the emerging overall market behavior. Advanced modeling approaches are needed that simulate the behavior of electricity markets over time and model how market participants may act and react to changes in the underlying economic, financial, and regulatory environments. This is particularly useful for developing sound market rules that will allow these markets to function properly. A new and promising approach is to model electricity markets as complex adaptive systems using an agent-based modeling and simulation approach, such as is implemented in the electricity market complex adaptive system (EMCAS) software. EMCAS provides an agent-based framework to capture and investigate the complex interactions between the physical infrastructures and the economic behavior of market participants that are a trademark of the newly emerging markets. This paper describes the EMCAS agents, their interactions, the unique insights obtained from agent-based models, and discusses current model applications in several U.S., Asian, and European markets.
Handwritten numeral recognition based on hierarchically self-organizing learning networks

Proposes a novel approach to tracing, representation, and subsequently recognition of handwritten numerals. The proposed approach extracts the geometrical and topological features of a numeral and, more importantly, provides the temporal (or dynamic) relationship among the strokes using a heuristic-rule-based tracing algorithm capable of generating a typical stroke sequence of a numeral. With the stroke sequence identified, one is able to extract the feature points (called critical points) of each stroke in an order given by the tracing sequence such that both static features, such as geometrical and topological features, and dynamical features, such as the temporal relationship among strokes, the number of strokes, and the direction of starting and ending strokes, can be preserved. Utilizing the temporal relationship among critical points and their corresponding X (or Y) coordinates as inputs and outputs, one can train a new neural network architecture using a supervised learning algorithm, referred to as a hierarchically self-organizing learning network, as a novel approach to handwritten numeral recognition. >
The Drosophila Medea gene is required downstream of dpp and encodes a functional homolog of human Smad4

The Transforming Growth Factor-beta superfamily member decapentaplegic (dpp) acts as an extracellular morphogen to pattern the embryonic ectoderm of the Drosophila embryo. To identify components of the dpp signaling pathway, we screened for mutations that act as dominant maternal enhancers of a weak allele of the dpp target gene zerknLllt. In this screen, we recovered new alleles of the Mothers against dpp (Mad) and Medea genes. Phenotypic analysis of the new Medea mutations indicates that Medea, like Mad, is required for both embryonic and imaginal disc patterning. Genetic analysis suggests that Medea may have two independently mutable functions in patterning the embryonic ectoderm. Complete elimination of maternal and zygotic Medea activity in the early embryo results in a ventralized phenotype identical to that of null dpp mutants, indicating that Medea is required for all dpp-dependent signaling in embryonic dorsal-ventral patterning. Injection of mRNAs encoding DPP or a constitutively activated form of the DPP receptor, Thick veins, into embryos lacking all Medea activity failed to induce formation of any dorsal cell fates, demonstrating that Medea acts downstream of the thick veins receptor. We cloned Medea and found that it encodes a protein with striking sequence similarity to human SMAD4. Moreover, injection of human SMAD4 mRNA into embryos lacking all Medea activity conferred phenotypic rescue of the dorsal-ventral pattern, demonstrating conservation of function between the two gene products.
Coarsening of hafnium carbide particles in tungsten

The coarsening behaviour of finely dispersed HfC particles in a W-HfC alloy was investigated by monitoring the growth rate of the particles. An activation energy of 480 kJ mol−1 was obtained for the process. Diffusion experiments of hafnium in tungsten were conducted at temperatures between 1773 and 2573 K using a secondary ion mass spectroscopy technique to determine the diffusion contribution to the coarsening process. The diffusion process at high temperature is controlled by lattice diffusion with an activation energy of 335 kJ mol−1 whereas that at low temperature is governed by grain-boundary diffusion with an activation energy of 170 kJ mol−1. It appears that the coarsening process is controlled by two energy barriers: one dictated by the diffusivity of hafnium and the other by the solubility limit as a function of temperature. The strain energy required to dissociate the carbide particles into individual species was also considered. The effects of the coarsening of HfC particles in a dispersion-strengthened W-0.4 mol% HfC alloy on recrystallization and creep deformation were illustrated using a concerted experimental modelling analysis. Results show that the strengthening effect of the HfC particles is significantly reduced at temperatures above 1800 K, due to particle coarsening.
The Role of the Ah Receptor and p38 in Benzo[a]pyrene-7,8-dihydrodiol and Benzo[a]pyrene-7,8-dihydrodiol-9,10-epoxide-induced Apoptosis

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous contaminants in the environment. Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), a prototypical member of this class of chemicals, affects cellular signal transduction pathways and induces apoptosis. In this study, the proximate carcinogen of B[a]P metabolism, trans-7,8-dihydroxy-7,8-dihydrobenzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P-7,8-dihydrodiol) and the ultimate carcinogen, B[a]P-r-7,t-8-dihydrodiol-t-9,10-epoxide(±) (BPDE-2) were found to induce apoptosis in human HepG2 cells. Apoptosis initiated by B[a]P-7,8-dihydrodiol was linked to activation of the Ah receptor and induction of CYP1A1, an event that can lead to the formation of BPDE-2. With both B[a]P-7,8-dihydrodiol and BPDE-2 treatment, changes in anti- and pro-apoptotic events in the Bcl-2 family of proteins correlated with the release of mitochondrial cytochrome c and caspase activation. The onset of apoptosis as monitored by caspase activation was linked to mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases. Utilizing mouse hepa1c1c7 cells and the Arnt-deficient BPRc1 cells, activation of MAP kinase p38 by B[a]P-7,8-dihydrodiol was shown to be Ah receptor-dependent, indicating that metabolic activation by CYP1A1 was required. This was in contrast to p38 activation by BPDE-2, an event that was independent of Ah receptor function. Confirmation that MAP kinases play a critical role in BPDE-2-induced apoptosis was shown by inhibiting caspase activation of poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase 1 (PARP-1) by chemical inhibitors of p38 and ERK1/2. Furthermore, mouse embryo p38-/- fibroblasts were shown to be resistant to the actions of BPDE-2-induced apoptosis as determined by annexin V analysis, cytochrome c release, and cleavage of PARP-1. These results confirm that the Ah receptor plays a critical role in B[a]P-7,8-dihydrodiol-induced apoptosis while p38 MAP kinase links the actions of an electrophilic metabolite like BPDE-2 to the regulation of programmed cell death.
Use of psychostimulants in medically ill depressed patients

Abstract Five medically ill depressed patients in a general hospital responded well to methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine. These patients were either not able to tolerate tricyclic antidepressants or had a medical illness contraindicating their use. Depressive symptomatology remitted rapidly with no adverse side effects, this being consistent with the findings of other investigators. Further evaluation of the therapeutic role of psychostimulants in the treatment of medically ill depressed patients is recommended.
Comment on the q-analogues of the harmonic oscillator

The Heisenberg relation for the q-analogues of the quantum harmonic oscillator (introduced independently by Macfarlane and Biedenharn (1989) for the quantum group SU(2)q) is derived by a method analogous to that used by Schwinger (1968) for the SU(2) case. The author also speculates on the possible use of the quantum group as a generalisation of quantum mechanics.
THE ECONOMICS OF SCIENCE: FROM PHOTONS TO PRODUCTS

The paradigm of the large industrial laboratory is fading. This article looks at the optoelectronics industry and suggests that new technologies with economic impact will be created from effective networks of large and small enterprises coupled with university centers of innovation.
Behavior of oxytetracycline in Florida citrus and soils

Oxytetracycline-HCI (OTC) concentrations were measured in citrus leaves, fruit, and soil after applying OTC to soil as a drench. OTC was detected sporadically in low concentrations in leaves only during the first day after OTC applications and was not detected in fruit flavedo. Even after repeated drenches, OTC was not detected below 8 in. in the soil profile. Furthermore, OTC remained highly active in soil for at least 40 days and could still be detected in low concentrations one and a half years after the last OTC drench application. Adsorption of OTC varied with different soil types. Sandy soil (99.1% sand) had relatively little OTC adsorption capacity compared to less sandy soils (92–94% sand). OTC was inactivated in organic muck soil.
Effective antagonists of luteinizing hormone releasing hormone modified at position one.

The amino acid, D-2-naphthylalanine, has been used by many investigators as a substituent for position one of antagonists of LHRH. We have newly designed substituents for position one in which the carboxy groups of 2-naphthoic acid, 3-quinoline- and 2-quinoxaline-carboxylic acids are linked to the five amino acids, DAla, DThr, DNVal, DSer, and Gly. The substituents in positions 2–10 were DpClPhe2, DPal3, Ser4, PicLys5, DPicLys6, Leu7, ILys8, Pro9, DAlaNH2 10. Remarkably, DThr, acylated on the amino group by 3-quinolinecarboxylic acid or by 3-quinoxalinecarboxylic acid, and introduced into position one of a relatively potent antagonist, gave a new class of antagonists of LHRH, which released as little histamine as yet recorded, and yet possessed reasonable antiovulatory activity and greatly improved solubility. These structure-activity results advance the basic knowledge of understanding the structural features of such decapeptides which cause antiovulatory activity and histamine release.
Diamagnetic Susceptibility of Tetrahedral Semiconductors

The lattice contribution to the diamagnetic susceptibility, ${\ensuremath{\chi}}_{L}$, is written as a sum of three terms, a core term ${\ensuremath{\chi}}_{c}$, a Langevin-like valence-electron contribution ${\ensuremath{\chi}}_{v}$, and a Van Vleck paramagnetic term ${\ensuremath{\chi}}_{p}$ using a one-oxcillator model. Measurements of ${\ensuremath{\chi}}_{L}$ and $\frac{d{\ensuremath{\chi}}_{L}}{\mathrm{dT}}$ for diamond, Si, Ge, GaAs, and GaP are presented. The model allows a separate determination of each of the three terms and relates these terms to the symmetry and extent of the valence-bond charge distribution.
Effects of Sodium Chloride, Phosphate, and Dextrose on the Heat Stability of Purified Myoglobin, Hemoglobin, and Cytochrome c

Abstract Eight combinations of sodium chloride (0, 2.5%), sodium tripolyphosphate (0, .5%) and dextrose (0, 1%) were dissolved in phosphate buffer containing .5 mg myoglobin (Mb), hemoglobin (Hb), or cytochrome c per milliliter. These solutions were heated to 68 C, 74 C, 80 C, or 85 C to determine ingredient effects on the heat stability of purified Mb, Hb, and cytochrome c. Salt significantly decreased the heat stability of Mb at all temperatures studied, and Hb at 68 C and 74 C. However, salt significantly increased the heat stability of cytochrome c. Phosphate increased the heat stability of Mb but decreased that of cytochrome c due to a pH increase. Dextrose increased the heat stability of Hb at 68 C, and that of cytochrome c at 85 C.
The information available in small samples

When a probability distribution is specified by more than one parameter, the statistical information in a sample on an unknown α will usually depend on the values of the other unknowns. For large samples where the joint distribution of the estimates tends to normality, and the efficiency of the estimation to a maximum, little theoretical difficulty exists. In a discussion(1) of the more general theory of small samples, I have stressed the importance of properties of sufficiency.
Parking Lane Width and Bicycle Operating Space

This study tests the hypothesis that marking narrower parking lanes can create additional operating space for bicyclists by inducing motorists to park closer to the curb. Parking offset (i.e., distance between the curb and a parallel parked car) was measured along two multilane urban arterials just outside Boston, Massachusetts, with parking lanes ranging from 6 to 9 ft wide. As parking lane width grew in progression from 6 to 7 to 8 to 9 ft, the fraction of cars parked more than 12 in. from the curb, the legal limit, increased in a corresponding progression from 1% to 13% to 44% to 60%. The authors argue that 95 percentile parking offset is a better measure of impact on bicyclist operating space than is mean parking offset, because when riding next to a parking lane, cyclists tend to choose a path that envelopes most parked cars, such that they need to deliberately maneuver around only about one parked car out of 20. With each additional foot of parking lane width, 95 percentile offset increased by about...
Analysis of Autoantibody Reactivity in Patients with Graves' Disease Using Recombinant Extracellular Domain of the Human Thyrotropin Receptor and Synthetic Peptides

Graves' disease is characterized by hyperthyroidism leading to enhanced production of thyroid hormones. Hyperthyroidism is primarily mediated by the binding of autoantibodies to the thyrotropin receptor (TSHr). In the past, either thyroid cells or thyroid membranes were used as a source of TSHr to detect anti-TSHr antibodies. Recently, we expressed the extracellular domain of the human TSHr (ETSHr) using the baculovirus expression system. In this study, we used ETSHr protein in an ELISA to detect anti-TSHr antibodies. Our data show that this assay can be used to analyze and quantitate isotype specific antibodies against the TSHr.To map immunogenic epitopes on the TSHr, we tested patients sera against synthetic peptides derived from two highly immunogenic regions (amino acid, AA 12-46 and 316-397) of the receptor. Although sera from patients with Graves' disease reacted with several peptides, they showed particularly strong reactivity against peptides from a relatively narrow region (i.e. AA 352-394) of th...
A comprehensive strategy for the evaluation and triage of the chest pain patient: a cost comparison study.

Our objective was to determine the cost-effectiveness of a comprehensive, risk-based triage system, composed of multiple critical pathways, with the use of early myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) in low-risk patients. We found previously that a chest pain evaluation system that uses MPI in low-risk patients was safe and effective, but the costeffectiveness of this approach was not studied. We compared two groups. The Acute Cardiac Team (ACT) group (n = 874) was assigned prospectively to 1 of 4 risk levels by emergency department (ED) physicians. Level 1, 2, and 3 patients were admitted; level 4 patients were evaluated in the ED. Level 3 and 4 patients underwent ED MPI. The control group (n = 713) represented consecutive patients evaluated in the prior year according to standard care and assigned retrospectively to an ACT level based on the presenting electrocardiographic and clinical data. Record and hospital administrative data were assessed for clinical variables, outcomes, lengths of stay, and all expenses incurred within 30 days of the index visit. The baseline characteristics of the two groups were similar, including age, sex, myocardial infarction prevalence, and 30-day revascularization rates within each level or between the two groups. Mean costs per encounter were reduced for the ACT patients for each level, which was significant when all patients were compared ($5,030 ± $7,081 vs $6,044 ± $10,432, P ± .02). Use of MPI in the low-risk patients was associated with reduced costs (level 3, $4,958 ± $4,948 vs $5,051 ± $7,036; level 4, $1,529 ± $2,664 vs $1,794 ± $6,854) and was associated with a significantly lower angiography rate and shorter length of stay. Implementation of a comprehensive strategy for chest pain evaluation and triage reduced overall costs for patients with chest pain on presentation. Acute MPI in the ED setting did not increase net cost.
Mesencephalic reticular responses to natural and to repeated sensory stimuli

L'activite des neurones de la formation reticulaire mesencephalique du chat est modifiee par l'effet de stimuli physiologiques, quelque fois tres complexes: la convergence hetero-sensorielle est tres evidente et les champs recepteurs ont differentes etendues et distributions. Soumises a de hautes frequences de stimulation, les cellules presentent une reactivite limitee. Au fur et a mesure que la stimulation est repetee, les reponses diminuent et, finalement, disparaissent; cette diminution de reactivite est souvent specifique de la stimulation utilisee.
Serum Electrolyte Patterns in End-Stage Renal Disease

The charts of 70 successive patients presenting for dialysis therapy for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) were evaluated for their serum electrolyte values. The "classical" pattern of low total CO2 (tCO2), elevated anion gap ("delta"), and normal chloride was found in a minority of patients (14 of 70, or 20%). Hyperchloremia was noted in 46%; in 21 patients (30%), this was associated with a normal delta and in 11 (16%), hyperchloremia was accompanied by an elevated delta. Fourteen patients (20%), most with diabetic nephropathy, had normal serum electrolytes. Patients with chronic glomerulonephritis had a hyperchloremic pattern as often as not, and two of four patients with interstitial nephritis demonstrated hyperchloremia without an elevated delta. We conclude that the previously held thesis that hyperchloremia is a rare or absent finding by the time renal failure progresses to ESRD is no longer tenable. Furthermore, a significant minority of ESRD patients may require the initiation of dialysis at a time when their serum electrolytes are still normal.
Self-assembly of cortical plate cells in vitro within embronic mouse cerebral aggregates. Golgi and electron microscopic analysis

Abstract Mouse isocortical cells were dissociated at 18 days of embryonic development and were reaggregated in vitro by rotation in a gyratory incubator shaker. The internal organization of the resulting aggregates was studied by conventional light microscopy, Golgi impregnation, and electron microscopy, establishing the following pattern of reasembly: (1) the predominant cell type in the aggregates was the pyramidal neuron; (2) each of these pyramidal neurons tended to orient its apical dendrite toward the surface of the aggregate; and (3) in larger aggregates (diameter 600 μm) there was prominent parallel alignment of pyramidal cell apical dendrites. These characteristics resulted in an in vitro reconstruction of the major features of isocortex observed in situ, including formation of a superficial, rather acellular plexiform layer. Reconstruction of isocortical architecture appeared to take place independently of either a germinal epithelium, a radiaal glial framework, or an outer mesenchymal scaffold. Analysis of the events occurring during aggregate formation suggests that intrinsic cellular information accounts for the expression of basic pyramidal cell morphology. However, dendritic orientation and alignment are most likely determined by cell-cell interactions dependent upon specific cell surface recognition properties, as well as by geometric restraints imposed by the spherical or cylindrical shape of the aggregates.
Enteral stenting versus gastrojejunostomy for palliation of malignant gastric outlet obstruction

Endoscopic placement of enteral self-expandable metallic stents is an alternative to surgical gastrojejunostomy (GJ) for palliation of malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO). Factors associated with clinical outcomes are not known. The aims of this study are to compare the overall complication rate and effectiveness (duration of oral intake) between endoscopic stenting (ES) and GJ in patients with GOO and identify predictors of clinical outcomes. This was a retrospective cohort study at a single tertiary academic center. Patients who underwent ES or GJ for treatment of GOO between 1/2001 and 12/2010 were identified using an institutional claims database. The electronic medical records for each patient were reviewed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to study the association of treatment outcomes with patient factors and cancer therapy. 120 patients had ES while 227 had GJ. Technical success was higher for GJ (99 vs. 96 %, p = 0.004). Complication rates were higher in the GJ group (22.10 vs. 11.66 %, p = 0.02). Reintervention was more common with ES [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 9.18, p 0.57, p = 0.04] and radiation therapy (adjusted HR 0.35, p = 0.03) were associated with significantly longer duration of oral intake after ES or GJ. ES is associated with fewer complications, shorter LOHS, but higher reintervention rates and overall charges.
IL-13-induced MUC5AC production and goblet cell differentiation is steroid resistant in human airway cells.

BACKGROUND Glucocorticosteroids (GCS) are used to treat bronchial asthma, but are not uniformly effective, especially in severe asthma. IL-13 is a T helper type 2 cytokine implicated in the pathogenesis of asthma, and IL-13 induces mucus production and goblet cell hyperplasia in airway epithelial cells. The effect of GCS on IL-13-induced mucin production is not well characterized. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dexamethasone (Dex), a potent synthetic GCS, on IL-13-induced MUC5AC mucin expression and goblet cell proliferation in differentiated normal human bronchial epithelial cells (NHBECs). METHODS NHBECs were cultured for 14 days at an air-liquid interface with IL-13, with or without Dex. MUC5AC protein secretion and mRNA expression was determined using ELISA and quantitative real-time PCR. IL-8 production was assayed using ELISA. Histochemical analysis was performed using H&E and periodic acid-Schiff stain, and MUC5AC immunostaining. RESULTS Although Dex dose dependently inhibited IL-8 release induced by 5 ng/mL IL-13, Dex 0.001-1 μg/mL had no effect on IL-13 induced MUC5AC protein secretion or mRNA expression. Dex paradoxically increased MUC5AC induced by IL-13 at 0.5 and 1 ng/mL, but had no effect alone or with IL-13 at 0.1 ng/mL. Dex 0.001-1 μg/mL did not inhibit the differentiation of cells into goblet cells and MUC5AC-positive cells induced by IL-13. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Dex at therapeutic concentrations did not inhibit the effects of IL-13 on goblet cell differentiation, characteristic of severe asthma. Paradoxically, MUC5AC production was increased with lower dose IL-13 exposure. This may lead to airway mucus obstruction commonly seen in life-threatening asthma.
Thoracoamniotic shunt placement for a right-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia complicated by hydrops

Mortality associated with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is high, and the role of prenatal management continues to evolve. We report a case of a right-sided CDH complicated by fetal hydrops successfully managed with thoracoamniotic shunt placement. Subsequent ultrasounds indicated resolution of hydrops. Despite preterm premature rupture of membrane and preterm delivery at 32 3/7 weeks gestation, the infant survived to hospital discharge at 2.5 months of life. This is the first case of a hydropic right-sided CDH successfully treated with a thoracoamniotic shunt.
Influence of testosterone on LHRH release, LHRH mRNA and proopiomelanocortin mRNA in male sheep.

The mechanism whereby testosterone (T) reduces pulsatile LHRH and LH release is unknown. We tested the hypothesis that hypothalamic levels of LHRH mRNA decrease and proopiomelanocortin (POMC) mRNA increase coincident with reduced LHRH release induced by either long-term or short-term T treatment in male sheep. Experiment 1 examined the effect of long-term T exposure on LHRH and LH release and LHRH and POMC mRNA levels. Yearling Suffolk rams were castrated and assigned to one of four treatments: 1) castrated (n = 4); 2) castrated, portal cannula (n = 5); 3) castrated +T (n = 4) and 4) castrated+T, portal cannula (n = 4). T-treated males received ten 10-cm silastic T-implants immediately after castration. Surgical placement of devices for collecting hypophyseal-portal blood occurred 2 to 3 months after castration. Seven to 10 days after surgery, blood samples were collected at 10-min intervals for 8h from portal cannulated males or for 5 h from non-cannulated males to assess pulsatile LHRH and/or LH release. Immediately after blood sample collection, hypothalamic tissue was collected for in situ measurement of LHRH or POMC mRNA. T-treatment decreased (P 0.10) silver grain area per LHRH neuron, but decreased (P 0.10) LHRH cell numbers while reducing (P 0.10) silver grain area per LHRH neuron or LHRH cell numbers. T reduced (P 0.10) POMC cell number. We reject our hypothesis and conclude that reduced LHRH or heightened POMC gene expression are not mechanisms whereby T reduces pulsatile LHRH release in male sheep.
Worker selection of safe speed and idle condition in simulated monitoring of two industrial robots

Industrial robots often operate at high speed, with unpredictable motion patterns and erratic idle times. Serious injuries and deaths have occurred due to operator misperception of these robot design and performance characteristics. The main objective of the research project was to study human perceptual aspects of hazardous robotics workstations. Two laboratory experiments were designed to investigate workers' perceptions of two industrial robots with different physical configurations and performance capabilities. Twenty-four subjects participated in the study. All subjects were chosen from local industries, and had had considerable exposure to robots and other automated equipment in their working experience. Experiment 1 investigated the maximum speed of robot arm motions that workers, who were experienced with operation of industrial robots, judged to be 'safe' for monitoring tasks. It was found that the selection of safe speed depends on the size of the robot and the speed with which the robot begins its operation. Speeds of less than 51 cm/s and 63 cm/s for large and small robots, respectively, were perceived as safe, i.e., ones that did not result in workers feeling uneasy or endangered when working in close proximity to the robot and monitoring its actions. Experiment 2 investigated the minimum value of robot idle time (inactivity) perceived by industrial workers as system malfunction, and an indication of the 'safe-to-approach' condition. It was found that idle times of 41 s and 28 s or less for the small and large robots, respectively, were perceived by workers to be a result of system malfunction. About 20% of the workers waited only 10 s or less before deciding that the robot had stopped because of system malfunction. The idle times were affected by the subjects' prior exposure to a simulated robot accident. Further interpretations of the results and suggestions for operational limitations of robot systems are discussed.
MUHAMMAD IQBAL'S REPRESENTATIONS OF RAM AND NANAK

This article examines Muhammad Iqbal's Urdu elegies to Rama and Nanak as a way of problematizing his legacy as either a nationalistic or pan-Islamist poet. Textual analysis reveals that Iqbal drew upon themes common to Urdu and Persian literatures in order to construct his narratives. The symbolic value of Rama and Nanak within the religious and literary histories of South Asia is also considered. Iqbal's compositions predate social trends which led to a reification of the boundaries separating Hinduism, Sikhism, and Islam, suggesting that poets before the mid-twentieth century drew upon a wider range of cultural resources that may seem paradoxical to contemporary audiences.
Hydrokinetic Energy: Overview and it's Renewable Energy Potential for the Gulf of Mexico

Ocean energy conversion has been of interest for many years. Recent developments such as concern over global warming have renewed interest in the topic. Part II provides an overview of the energy found in ocean waves and how each type of device utilizes the available ocean wave energy. Part III of this study focuses on wave energy converters (WEC) as opposed to ocean current energy converters. The point absorber, terminator, and attenuator WEC devices are addressed with regards to their operation and function. In Part IV, a look is taken at the market potential and how WEC devices can be maximized in the Gulf of Mexico. A special look is also taken to suggest what use WECs may have in the Gulf Coast region.
Mass Spectral Analysis of Nitropolycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons with Torsion Angle Obtained from Semiempirical Calculations

The mass spectra of nitroarenes were studied under EI conditions. The spectra consist of the signals from loss of 30 and 46 mass units along with molecular ions and doubly charged ions of [M − 47]+...
Complementary Alternative Medicine and Therapies for Overactive Bladder Symptoms: Is There Evidence for Benefit?

Overactive bladder is a complex syndrome that can have a significant symptomatic burden on patients. There are currently treatment options available, although these options may have significant side effects that can further diminish patients’ quality of life. The need for effective therapies that have high patient acceptability and compliance has caused many patients to seek complementary alternative forms of treatment. Herbal medications, which are used worldwide, have been shown to positively impact quality of life and provide symptomatic improvement in patients suffering with overactive bladder. Acupuncture has also been demonstrated to provide short-term relief of overactive bladder symptoms, specifically on quality of life, urgency, and frequency. Homeopathic remedies, though not widely studied, have shown to be effective in the short term for treatment of symptoms related to overactive bladder. These options may be associated with fewer side effects than traditional anti-muscarinic medications and/or surgical interventions. Further research is required to assess the true efficacy of these alternative therapeutic options.
Self-medication of a cannabinoid CB2 agonist in an animal model of neuropathic pain

Drug self-administration methods were used to test the hypothesis that rats would self-medicate with a cannabinoid CB(2) agonist to attenuate a neuropathic pain state. Self-medication of the CB(2) agonist (R,S)-AM1241, but not vehicle, attenuated mechanical hypersensitivity produced by spared nerve injury. Switching rats from (R,S)-AM1241 to vehicle self-administration also decreased lever responding in an extinction paradigm. (R,S)-AM1241 self-administration did not alter paw withdrawal thresholds in sham-operated or naive animals. The percentage of active lever responding was similar in naive groups self-administering vehicle or (R,S)-AM1241. The CB(2) antagonist SR144528 blocked both antiallodynic effects of (R,S)-AM1241 self-medication and the percentage of active lever responding in neuropathic (but not naive) rats. Neuropathic and sham groups exhibited similar percentages of active lever responding for (R,S)-AM1241 on a fixed ratio 1 (FR1) schedule. However, neuropathic animals worked harder than shams to obtain (R,S)-AM1241 when the schedule of reinforcement was increased (to FR6). (R,S)-AM1241 self-medication on FR1, FR3, or FR6 schedules attenuated nerve injury-induced mechanical allodynia. (R,S)-AM1241 (900μg intravenously) failed to produce motor ataxia observed after administration of the mixed CB(1)/CB(2) agonist WIN55,212-2 (0.5mg/kg intravenously). Our results suggest that cannabinoid CB(2) agonists may be exploited to treat neuropathic pain with limited drug abuse liability and central nervous system side effects. These studies validate the use of drug self-administration methods for identifying nonpsychotropic analgesics possessing limited abuse potential. These methods offer potential to elucidate novel analgesics that suppress spontaneous neuropathic pain that is not measured by traditional assessments of evoked pain.