cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification of Dihydromyricetin and Metabolites in Serum and Brain Associated with Acute Anti-Ethanol Intoxicating Effects in Mice.

Dihydromyricetin is a natural bioactive flavonoid with unique GABAA receptor activity with a putative mechanism of action to reduce the intoxication effects of ethanol. Although dihydromyricetin’s poor oral bioavailability limits clinical utility, the promise of this mechanism for the treatment of alcohol use disorder warrants further investigation into its specificity and druggable potential. These experiments investigated the bioavailability of dihydromyricetin in the brain and serum associated with acute anti-intoxicating effects in C57BL/6J mice. Dihydromyricetin (50 mg/kg IP) administered 0 or 15-min prior to ethanol (PO 5 g/kg) significantly reduced ethanol-induced loss of righting reflex. Total serum exposures (AUC0→24) of dihydromyricetin (PO 50 mg/kg) via oral (PO) administration were determined to be 2.5 µM × h (male) and 0.7 µM × h (female), while intraperitoneal (IP) administration led to 23.8-fold and 7.2- increases in AUC0→24 in male and female mice, respectively. Electrophysiology studies in α5β3γ2 GABAA receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes suggest dihydromyricetin (10 µM) potentiates GABAergic activity (+43.2%), and the metabolite 4-O-methyl-dihydromyricetin (10 µM) negatively modulates GABAergic activity (−12.6%). Our results indicate that administration route and sex significantly impact DHM bioavailability in mice, which is limited by poor absorption and rapid clearance. This correlates with the observed short duration of DHM’s anti-intoxicating properties and highlights the need for further investigation into mechanism of DHM’s potential anti-intoxicating properties.
Erector Spinae Plane Block in the Emergency Department for Upper Extremity: A Case Report.

Author(s): Lee, Daniel H.; Martel, Marc L.; Reardon, Robert F. | Abstract: Introduction: The erector spinae plane block (ESPB) has been described as an effective analgesic modality in the emergency department (ED) for thoracic pain. It has not previously been described to treat ED patients with pain in the upper extremity.n Case Report: We present a case of a 52-year-old female who presented to the ED with an acute exacerbation of her chronic radicular left arm pain originating after a fall she sustained one year prior. After a variety of analgesic modalities failed to control her pain, an ESPB was used to successfully treat her pain and facilitate discharge from the ED.n Conclusion: A significant portion of patients who present to the ED have underlying chronic pain; however, opioids are a potentially dangerous and ineffective modality to treat chronic pain. In addition to avoiding opiates, the ESPB has the advantage of preserving motor function, thus avoiding the complications associated with brachial plexus blockade.
Possibilities for Multispecies Approaches in Coffee Landscapes

Multispecies approaches can increase our knowledge around the social and ecological dimensions of coffee landscapes. Ethnobiologists combine the social and natural sciences to study the relationships between humans, the environment, and biota. Multispecies approaches can build from these strategies to further explore the social and biological elements that humans together with more-than-humans contribute to ecological landscapes. Using co-constitutions as a key concept, I highlight multispecies studies into agrarian worlds, review ethnobiological studies around coffee, and suggest potential research areas.
Streambank erosion adjacent to different riparian land-use practices and stream patterns along Bear Creek, in north central Iowa

IX CHAPTER 1. GENERAL INTRODUCTION Introduction Context of Problem Site Description 2 Multi-species Riparian Buffer Systems 5 Factors that Affect Bank Erosion 6 Thesis Organization 8 Literature Review 9 Bank Erosion Processes 9 Bank Erosion Measurement Methods 10 References 1 1 CHAPTER 2. BANK EROSION UNDER DIFFERENT LAND-USE PRACTICES AND STREAM PATTERNS ALONG BEAR CREEK IN NORTH CENTRAL IOWA 15
Oxygen free radical injury of IEC-18 small intestinal epithelial cell monolayers.

Abstract Oxygen radicals can cause endothelial and epithelial permeability changes and mucosal injury of the small intestine. There is no clear consensus concerning the relative injurious potential of individual oxygen radicals. In this study, the small intestinal cell line IEC-18 was used as an in vitro model to study the relative injurious effects of reactive oxygen metabolites. By introducing different combinations of oxygen metabolite-producing enzymes, xanthine oxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase, and an iron chelator, deferoxamine, to the fully confluent monolayers and to proliferating IEC-18 cells, the differential injurious effects of the oxygen metabolites O 2 − , H 2 O 2 , and OH − could be evaluated. The extent of cellular injury was assessed using [ 3 H]thymidine uptake, 51 Cr release, and morphological evaluations. Our results suggest that OH − produced as a by-product of O 2 − and H 2 O 2 via the Haber-Weiss reaction was the most injurious oxygen species involved in cellular injury of IEC-18 monolayers induced by xanthine oxidase. O 2 − produced by xanthine oxidase appeared to be only minimally injurious, and H 2 O 2 produced by xanthine oxidase and as a result of conversion of O 2 − by superoxide dismutase was moderately injurious. Superoxide dismutase and deferoxamine at appropriate concentrations were protective against xanthine/xanthine oxidase—induced monolayer injury. H 2 O 2 added directly or produced indirectly by glucose oxidase was very injurious to the intestinal monolayers, and this injury was mitigated by catalase.
Aging in China

This article reports on a description of aging in China, in general, and Shanghai, in particular, with contrasts to the aging taking place in Hong Kong. Focused upon are the consequences of population aging on informal and formal support systems in the present and for the future. The efforts in the two cities of Shanghai and Hong Kong reflect differences in systems but are both influenced by traditional practices of a Chinese society.
Prominent Papillary Dermal Edema in Dermatophytosis

The histological findings in tinea corporis are variable, but include parakeratosis, often with neutrophils, spongiosis, and dermal inflammation. A recent study found some degree of papillary dermal edema in 17 to 23% of tinea cases. We report five cases of tinea corporis in which prominent papillary dermal edema (PDE) was the salient histological finding. Prominent PDE is often associated with diagnoses such as Sweet syndrome, polymorphous light eruption, allergic contact dermatitis and arthropod bite reactions. Interestingly, the submitted clinical diagnoses for our cases included Sweet syndrome (2), arthropod bite reaction (2), immunobullous disease (2), fixed drug eruption (1), eczema (1) and tinea (2). Our first case was a 25-year-old female with recurrent edematous plaques in fixed sites. Her lesions completely cleared with repeated courses of systemic steroids, but recurred after steroid taper. One fungal hypha was overlooked on her first biopsy and she was erroneously diagnosed with fixed drug eruption or a blistering disease (immunofluorescence negative). Six months later, repeat biopsy showed PDE, and numerous hyphae were seen on PAS stain. This prompted us to carefully examine PAS-stained sections on subsequent cases with prominent PDE. Prominent papillary dermal edema may be a clue to dermatophyte infection.
Measurement and model-independent analysis of the x rays of muonic /sup 150/Sm and /sup 152/Sm

Precision measurements, using a highly linear Ge(Li) spectrometer system, have been made of the muonic x-ray spectra of the /sup 150/Sm and /sup 152/Sm transitional nuclei. Equivalent Barrett nuclear charge radii for both of the isotopes have been determined. Generalized quadrupole moments of the charge distribution as probed by muonic atoms have been determined in a nearly model-independent way, and equivalent quadrupole radii for static and transitional quadrupole charge distributions of the 2/sup +/ states have been determined by comparison with Coulomb excitation data. The isomer shift of the 2/sup +/ state of /sup 152/Sm was measured directly from the K x rays, while that of /sup 150/Sm was determined from the observed nuclear ..gamma.. ray. A phenomenological rotation-vibration-interaction model provides a satisfactory explanation for the observed quadrupole moment and isomer shift of the 2/sup +/ state in /sup 152/Sm.
An innovative user interface for microcomputer-based computer-aided design

This paper describes an innovative user interface for a general purpose computer-aided design system. It is being developed as part of an investigation into distributed processing in manufacturing environments The system supports three-dimensional design capabilities for execution locally and incorporates model compatibility for communication with mainframe CAD systems.
Getting to Know Me: Social Role Experiences and Age Differences in Self-Concept Clarity During Adulthood

The current research had 2 aims: (1) to determine the cross-sectional age differences in self-concept clarity during adulthood and (2) to examine the importance of social role experiences for age differences in self-concept clarity. These aims were addressed in 2 large samples of adults ranging in age from 18 to 94 years. In both studies, self-concept clarity had a curvilinear relation to age such that self-concept clarity was positively related to age from young adulthood through middle age and negatively related to age in older adulthood. This relationship was moderated by annual income and community investment. In addition, annual income and health-related social role limitations mediated age differences in self-concept clarity. Findings are discussed in terms of modern theories of identity development.
Tolerance Values and Effects of Selected Environmental Determinants on Diatom Distribution in Northwest and North Central Washington, USA

Abstract. Diatoms were collected at 165 stream, river, wall seep, and pond/lake sites in 9 counties in northwest and north central Washington, including the Olympic Pennsisula, over a 5-year period. Four hundred and fifteen species in 77 genera were identified. Species assemblages were compared to altitude, physicochemical factors, aquatic habitats, and land use on west and east sides of the North Cascade Range. Species richness averaged 30.5 per site on the west side and 43 on the east side. Diatom species richness showed significant positive correlations to total nitrogen, total phosphorus, pH, specific conductance, channel embeddedness, and water temperature, and a significant negative correlation to percent canopy cover. A multilevel hierarchical clustering model separated streams, rivers, wall seeps, and ponds/lakes into geographic and land-use regions based on diatom assemblages. A multimetric index (diatom tolerance index [DTI]) was developed to determine environmental tolerance levels for diatom s...
Hypoxia-inducible factor, gsHIF, of the grass shrimp Palaemonetes pugio: Molecular characterization and response to hypoxia

Abstract Hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) is a key transcription factor that controls a variety of cellular and systemic homeostatic responses to hypoxic stress. Expression and function of HIF-1α have not been studied in crustaceans, which experience wide fluctuations of oxygen tensions in their aquatic environment. Here we show that an HIF-1α homolog, gsHIF, is present in the hypoxia-tolerant grass shrimp Palaemonetes pugio . Using RT-PCR and 3′ and 5′RACE, we cloned a full-length gsHIF cDNA (3822 bp) with an open reading frame encoding a 1057 amino acid protein. Similar to vertebrate HIF-1α, gsHIF has one basic helix–loop–helix (bHLH) domain, two PAS domains, an oxygen-dependent degradation domain (ODD) with two proline hydroxylation motifs, and a C-terminal transactivation domain (C-TAD) with an asparagine hydroxylation motif. In addition to these conserved sequences, gsHIF has a unique 230 amino acid sequence (aa 790–1020) not found in any vertebrate HIF proteins. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that grass shrimp and vertebrate HIFs belong to distinct clades within the HIF protein family. Expression analysis shows that gsHIF is constitutively expressed under normoxic (7.5 ppm DO), moderate (2.5 ppm DO) and severe (1.5 ppm DO) hypoxic conditions. In addition to gsHIF, we cloned a fragment of a second bHLH-PAS transcription factor from the grass shrimp, which had one bHLH and two PAS domains, and an overall 68% amino acid sequence homology with Apis mellifera trachealess protein.
Strain measurement by cardiovascular magnetic resonance in pediatric cancer survivors: validation of feature tracking against harmonic phase imaging

Left ventricular strain may be a more sensitive marker of left ventricular dysfunction than ejection fraction in pediatric cancer survivors after anthracycline therapy, but there is limited validation of strain measurement by feature tracking on cardiovascular magnetic resonance (MR) images. To compare left ventricular circumferential and radial strain by feature tracking vs. harmonic phase imaging analysis (HARP) in pediatric cancer survivors. Twenty-six patients (20.2 ± 5.6 years old) underwent cardiovascular MR at least 5 years after completing anthracycline therapy. Circumferential and radial strain were measured at the base, midventricle and apex from short-axis myocardial tagged images by HARP, and from steady-state free precession images by feature tracking. Left ventricular ejection fraction more closely correlated with global circumferential strain by feature tracking (r = −0.63, P = 0.0005) than by HARP (r = −0.39, P = 0.05). Midventricular circumferential strain did not significantly differ by feature tracking or HARP (−20.8 ± 3.4 vs. −19.5 ± 2.5, P = 0.07), with acceptable limits of agreement. Midventricular circumferential strain by feature tracking strongly correlated with global circumferential strain by feature tracking (r = 0.87, P < 0.0001). Radial strain by feature tracking had poor agreement with HARP, particularly at higher values of radial strain. Intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility was excellent for feature tracking circumferential strain, but reproducibility was poor for feature tracking radial strain. Midventricular circumferential strain by feature tracking is a reliable and reproducible measure of myocardial deformation in patients status post anthracycline therapy, while radial strain measurements are unreliable. Further studies are necessary to evaluate potential relation to long-term outcomes.
A High-Performance Fortran code to calculate spin- and parity-dependent nuclear level densities,

Abstract A high-performance Fortran code is developed to calculate the spin- and parity-dependent shell model nuclear level densities. The algorithm is based on the extension of methods of statistical spectroscopy and implies exact calculation of the first and second Hamiltonian moments for different configurations at fixed spin and parity. The proton–neutron formalism is used. We have applied the method for calculating the level densities for a set of nuclei in the s d -, p f -, and p f + g 9 / 2 - model spaces. Examples of the calculations for 28 Si (in the s d -model space) and 64 Ge (in the p f + g 9 / 2 -model space) are presented. To illustrate the power of the method we estimate the ground state energy of 64 Ge in the larger model space p f + g 9 / 2 , which is not accessible to direct shell model diagonalization due to the prohibitively large dimension, by comparing with the nuclear level densities at low excitation energy calculated in the smaller model space p f . Program summary Program title: MM Catalogue identifier: AENM_v1_0 Program summary URL: http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/summaries/AENM_v1_0.html Program obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen’s University, Belfast, N. Ireland Licensing provisions: Standard CPC licence, http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/licence/licence.html No. of lines in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 193181 No. of bytes in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 1298585 Distribution format: tar.gz Programming language: Fortran 90, MPI. Computer: Any architecture with a Fortran 90 compiler and MPI. Operating system: Linux. RAM: Proportional to the system size, in our examples, up to 75Mb Classification: 17.15. External routines: MPICH2 ( http://www.mcs.anl.gov/research/projects/mpich2/ ) Nature of problem: Calculating of the spin- and parity-dependent nuclear level density. Solution method: The algorithm implies exact calculation of the first and second Hamiltonian moments for different configurations at fixed spin and parity. The code is parallelized using the Message Passing Interface and a master-slaves dynamical load-balancing approach. Restrictions: The program uses two-body interaction in a restricted single-level basis. For example, GXPF1A in the pf-valence space. Running time: Depends on the system size and the number of processors used (from 1 min to several hours).
Effects of fly ash and its constituents on sensory irritation in mice

Abstract Sensory irritation caused by fly ash from oil-fired (OF), fluidized bed coal (FB) combustion and conventional coal (CC) combustion power plants, and from Mt. St. Helens volcano (VA) was studied in mice. The irritating sensation due to contact with fly ash or its constituents was quantitated by observing a characteristic flexing of the dorsal musculature of the mouse following intraperitoneal injection of the ash suspension. Construction of dose-effect curves was based on the percentage of animals showing a positive response at each ash concentration. The order of irritant potency of fly ash samples was as follows: OF and OF leachate ≫FB>CC >VA. Saline leachates of ash samples other than OF fly ash showed no irritating effects. OF fly ash was about 160× more irritating than VA and 5× more irritating than the reference detergent compound, sodium dodecyl sulfate. Study of chemicals known to be present in fly ash or chemicals similar to those present indicated that acidic or basic compounds, heavy metal ions and metal oxides, and insoluble particles could all contribute to the irritancy of an ash. Soluble heavy metals appeared to be mainly responsible for the irritant effects of OF ash, while insoluble particles including metal oxides could have accounted for the irritancy of the other fly ash samples studied. Comparison of data from the peritoneal irritation test used here with previously published data from the upper respiratory tract irritation test of Alarie confirmed the previously noted correlation between these two tests for chemicals in solution.
Conflicts in wound classification of neonatal operations.

Abstract Background/Purpose This study sought to determine the reliability of wound classification guidelines when applied to neonatal operations. Methods This study is a cross-sectional web-based survey of pediatric surgeons. From a random sample of 22 neonatal operations, participants classified each operation as "clean," "clean-contaminated," "contaminated," or "dirty or infected," and specified duration of perioperative antibiotics as "none," "single preoperative," "24 hours," or ">24 hours." Unweighted κ score was calculated to estimate interrater reliability. Results Overall interrater reliability for wound classification was poor ( κ = 0.30). The following operations were classified as clean: pyloromyotomy, resection of sequestration, resection of sacrococcygeal teratoma, oophorectomy, and immediate repair of omphalocele; as clean-contaminated: Ladd procedure, bowel resection for midgut volvulus and meconium peritonitis, fistula ligation of tracheoesophageal fistula, primary esophageal anastomosis of esophageal atresia, thoracic lobectomy, staged closure of gastroschisis, delayed repair and primary closure of omphalocele, perineal anoplasty and diverting colostomy for imperforate anus, anal pull-through for Hirschsprung disease, and colostomy closure; and as dirty: perforated necrotizing enterocolitis. Conclusions There is poor consensus on how neonatal operations are classified based on contamination. An improved classification system will provide more accurate risk assessment for development of surgical site infections and identify neonates who would benefit from antibiotic prophylaxis.
Mathematics and the social sciences at the time of the modern beginnings of the social sciences

Surveys the use of mathematics in what are now commonly called the social sciences up to the time of the earliest use of the term “social science” in the late 1700s. Explains the rationale for the organization and structure of the paper and proceeds to reason for the broad definition of mathematics as it relates to the social sciences. The introduction also describes the periodization used. The next section contains a brief description of the state of what were to become the social sciences in the late 1700s. This is followed by a brief description of the state of mathematics at that time. Then follow sections demonstrating that mathematics was used by important developers of social thought from the earliest times right up to the dawn of the modern social sciences. Concludes with a discussion of some of the lessons to be learned from history. The most important lesson that history teaches us about the role of mathematics in the modern social sciences at the dawn of their existence is that the social sciences require the use of mathematics and could not exist without them.
Robust and efficient foreground analysis in complex surveillance videos

Mixture of Gaussians-based background subtraction (BGS) has been widely used for detecting moving objects in surveillance videos. It is very efficient and can update the background model with slow lighting changes, however, it suffers from a number of limitations in complex surveillance conditions such as quick lighting variations, heavy occlusion, foreground fragments, slow moving or stopped object etc. To address these issues, this paper first focuses on foreground analysis within the mixture of Gaussians BGS framework in long-term scene monitoring to handle (1) quick lighting changes, (2) static objects, (3) foreground fragments, (4) abandoned and removed objects, and (5) camera view changes. Then, we propose a framework with interactive mechanisms between BGS and processing from different high levels (i.e. region, frame, and tracking) to improve the accuracy of moving object detection and tracking to handle (1) objects that stop for a significant period of time and (2) slow-moving objects. The robustness and efficiency of the proposed mechanism are tested in IBM Smart Surveillance Solution on a variety of sequences, including standard datasets. The proposed method is very efficient and handles ten video streams in real-time on a 2GB Pentium IV machine with MMX optimization.
Functional Characterization of Δ3,Δ2-Enoyl-CoA Isomerases from Rat Liver

The degradation of unsaturated fatty acids by beta-oxidation involves Delta(3),Delta(2)-enoyl-CoA isomerases (enoyl-CoA isomerases) that catalyze 3-cis --> 2-trans and 3-trans --> 2-trans isomerizations of enoyl-CoAs and the 2,5 --> 3,5 isomerization of dienoyl-CoAs. An analysis of rat liver enoyl-CoA isomerases revealed the presence of a monofunctional enoyl-CoA isomerase (ECI) in addition to mitochondrial enoyl-CoA isomerase (MECI) in mitochondria, whereas peroxisomes contain ECI and multifunctional enzyme 1 (MFE1). Thus ECI, which previously had been described as peroxisomal enoyl-CoA isomerase, was found to be present in both peroxisomes and mitochondria. This enzyme seems to be identical with mitochondrial long-chain enoyl-CoA isomerase (Kilponen, J.M., Palosaari, P.M., and Hiltunen, J.K. 1990. Biochem. J. 269, 223-226). All three hepatic enoyl-CoA isomerases have broad chain length specificities but are distinguishable by their preferences for one of the three isomerization reactions. MECI is most active in catalyzing the 3-cis --> 2-trans isomerization; ECI has a preference for the 3-trans --> 2-trans isomerization, and MFE1 is the optimal isomerase for the 2,5 --> 3,5 isomerization. A functional characterization based on substrate specificities and total enoyl-CoA isomerase activities in rat liver leads to the conclusion that the 3-cis --> 2-trans and 2,5 --> 3,5 isomerizations in mitochondria are catalyzed overwhelmingly by MECI, whereas ECI contributes significantly to the 3-trans --> 2-trans isomerization. In peroxisomes, ECI is predicted to be the dominant enzyme for the 3-cis --> 2-trans and 3-trans --> 2-trans isomerizations of long-chain intermediates, whereas MFE1 is the key enzyme in the 2,5 --> 3,5 isomerization.
Ethical climate and pro-social rule breaking in the workplace

Pro-social rule breaking (PSRB), rule-breaking to promote the interests of the organization, is a burgeoning topic on the scholarly landscape, but drivers of this behavior remain largely unexplained. This paper seeks to extend theory on PSRB by conceptualizing this behavior as an ethical decision requiring tradeoffs and ethical assessments. Specifically, we offer a model of PSRB that contextualizes the behavior within Victor and Cullen's (1988) five-dimensional typology of organizational ethical climate. We offer a set of propositions that provides theory on the role of each climate type on PSRB, as well as additional theorizing about salient individual attributes that impact PSRB. In addition to clarifying PSRB as an ethical decision, this paper offers theory at multiple levels of analysis on what drives PSRB. Specifically core self-evaluations are proposed as antecedents to PSRB. This theorizing is also integrated into literature on HR policy and HR decision-making implications of the model for HR practitioners are discussed, and a set of future research directions are offered.
WE‐C‐M100J‐02: Image‐Guided Photodynamic Therapy of Prostate Cancer

Purpose: This study analyzes the results of image‐guided prostate photodynamic therapy(PDT) that integrates PDTdosimetry, light source optimization, computerized light power adjustment, and volumetric real‐time light fluence calculation to deliver uniform photodynamic dose to the target volume (prostate) and spares the critical structures (rectum and bladder). Methods and Materials: All procedures are under the image guidance of transrectal ultrasound. The PDTdosimetry includes multi‐channel real‐time in‐vivo light dosimetry,absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy for 3D optical properties, drug concentrations, and tissue oxygenation. Drug concentration is also determined using fluorescence from a single optical fiber. These measurements are made before and after motexafin lutetium (MLu)‐mediated photodynamic therapy(PDT) using a computerized step motor. The light fluence rate distributions are also measured along the catheters during PDT and compared to the 3D volumetric light fluence calculations. Real‐time light fluence calculation was performed on the 3D target volumes using ultrasoundimage guidance. An optimization algorithm determines the light source strength, lengths, location, and retraction for cylindrical diffusing fibers (CDF) based on the 3D heterogeneous optical properties. The resulting light source power is feedback into a 12‐channel beamsplitter that is connected to a motorized attenuator system to control the light source intensity interactively during PDT.Results: Preliminary data have shown widespread heterogeneities of optical properties and photosensitizing drug distribution. As a result of these heterogeneities, methods to quantifying the three‐dimensional (3D) distributions of these quantities in individual prostate are essential for the successful application of PDT. Comparison of light fluence rate between real‐time measurements and calculation is performed in heterogeneous medium and the standard deviations are within 30% with a simplified model and better than 11% for an improved model. Conclusions: We have shown the rational and potential for an integrated system that is capable of obtaining critical parameters (light, drug, and oxygenation) and using the PDTdosimetry result as feedback to optimize treatment delivery. We concluded that a real‐time dosimetry and feedback system for monitoring PDT dose during treatment is both achievable and required for clinical interstitial PDT applications. Educational Objectives: 1. To explain the basic principle of PDTdosimetry. 2. To review explicit PDTdosimetry techniques to characterize tissue optical properties, drug concentration, tissue oxygen concentration, and PDT efficacy. 3. To discuss the rational and requirement for a feedback system incorporating PDTdosimetry,PDT dose optimization, and computerized light delivery. 4. Summarize the clinical results of Prostate PDT.
Expert measurement and mechanical combination

Abstract The expert can and should be used as a provider of input for a mechanical combining process since most studies show mechanical combination to be superior to clinical combination. However, even in expert measurement, the global judgment is itself a clinical combination of other judgmental components and as such it may not be as efficient as a mechanical combination of the components. The superiority of mechanically combining components as opposed to using the global judgment for predicting some external criterion is discussed. The use of components is extended to deal with multiple judges since specific judges may be differentially valid with respect to subsets of components for predicting the criterion. These ideas are illustrated by using the results of a study dealing with the prediction of survival on the basis of information contained in biopsies taken from patients having a certain type of cancer. Judgments were made by three highly trained pathologists. Implications and extensions for using expert measurement and mechanical combination are discussed.
The consequences of labeling a person as mentally ill

A random sample of 1,405 respondents were interviewed to determine their attitudes about mental illness and the extent of tolerance for the mentally ill in terms of their willingness to interact with ex-mental patients. The generally accepted proposition that rejection results when a person is labeled as mentally ill was tested. The data did not support or refute this proposition. They do indicate, however, that there is a trend toward greater acceptance of mental illness and the mentally ill by the public.
Changing winds cause melting of coastal Antarctic glaciers

Anthropogenically induced changes in winds in the Southern Hemisphere are playing a key role in recent warming of subsurface waters around Antarctica, according to a new study by Spence et al. The warming water increases melting of coastal glaciers and thus could affect sea levels in the future.
Sugar separations on a pilot scale by continuous annular chromatography

A pilot-scale continuous annular chromatograph has been developed for scale-up and optimization studies. The chromatographic apparatus consists of a slowly rotating annular bed of sorbent material. The feed mixture which is to be separated is continuously introduced at a stationary point at the top of the bed, while eluent flows over the remainder of the annulus. The rotation of the sorbent bed coupled with the elution development induced by the downflow of eluent causes the feed components to appear as individual helical bands, each of which has a characteristic, stationary exit point. The separation of sucrose, glucose, and fructose, using the calcium form of a cation-exchange resin, was investigated using water as the eluent. Experiments were carried out both with a synthetic mixture of the sugars as well as with an industrial feedstock. The separation was explored first in a bench-scale conventional fixed-bed column and then in the pilot-scale continuous chromatograph. Factors such as column loading, feed-to-eluent ratio, and feed concentration were investigated both experimentally and theoretically. The results of bench-scale experiments were carried out in the limit of infinite dilution, almost perfectly scaled to the pilot unit when loading was low and feed mixtures were of low viscosity. Very significant deviations from ideality were, however, observed at high feed loadings, when the feed viscosity exceeded that of the eluent by more than a factor of 2.
What you see is what you fear

Visual imagery can powerfully shape perceptions of risks as is clearly demonstrated by research on the use of graphic warnings on cigarette packs. Government efforts to counteract public fears of vaccines could harness this phenomenon by using public information campaigns that present visually the effects of vaccine-preventable diseases. Visual representations can also be used to communicate the relative risks of vaccines, which are generally negligible, and of the diseases they prevent. Such initiatives have the policy advantage of minimizing the sense of government intrusion that measures such as vaccine mandates and social restrictions could engender and the legal advantage of avoiding claims of infringement on civil liberties. Government policy should take advantage of this important and accessible tool.
Contemporary standards for the diagnosis and treatment of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT)

Background Heparin binding to platelet factor 4 (PF4) generates a new antigenic epitope. In an unpredictable fashion, as many as ∼17% of patients treated with unfractionated heparin (UFH) and ∼8% treated with low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) subsequently develop the anti-heparin-PF4 antibodies that mediate heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (HIT). Very few of those patients with circulating anti-heparin-PF4 antibodies, however, progress to develop clinical HIT (referred to previously as Type II HIT). Only 20% of those who harbor antibodies (∼3% of those exposed to heparin) will manifest the thrombocytopenia subsequently. Even fewer patients (0.03% to 0.09% of those exposed to heparin) experience the marked platelet activation and morbid thromboses characteristic of the HIT syndrome. The pathogenesis of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) remains elusive. The pathophysiologic understanding to date has revolved around pathogenic anti-heparin-PF4 antibodies that trigger platelet activation, release of platelet procoagulant microparticles, and resultant thrombosis. The clinical diagnosis of HIT is confusing because current assays to detect anti-heparin-PF4 antibodies do not correlate well with the disease. Currently available assays lack either adequate sensitivity and interlaboratory reproducibility (ie, functional serotonin release assays) or specificity (ie, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays or ELISAs). Conclusions Fortunately, the treatment for HIT is not confusing. The purposes of this review are as follows: (1) to examine the relevant clinical definition of HIT, (2) to explore our current understanding as to the pathogenesis of HIT, and (3) to present an algorithm for the identification and treatment of the HIT syndrome.
Coupled process parameter estimation and prediction uncertainty using hydraulic head and concentration data

Abstract A regression-based inverse technique for groundwater modelling that exploits coupling between flow and solute transport is applied to the Gloucester Landfill site near Ottawa, Canada, where hydraulic head and solute concentration data are available. The worth of this technique is demonstrated by comparing model parameter estimates and covariances obtained by matching only concentration data with those obtained by simultaneously matching head and concentration data. For the simultaneous match to both heads and concentrations, optimal weighting of the head residuals with respect to the concentration residuals was established through an iterative technique to equalize the variances of the two residual populations. Statistical analyses indicate that the parameter estimates obtained by matching both the head and concentration data are more certain than estimates obtained by matching concentration data alone. The significance of this greater certainty is demonstrated by translating parameter uncertainty into concentration prediction uncertainty for both parameter sets. For this field application, the predicted peak values are about twice as uncertain when regression estimates are derived solely from concentration data versus those based on both heads and concentrations.
Differential Effects of Collagen Prolyl 3-Hydroxylation on Skeletal Tissues

Mutations in the genes encoding cartilage associated protein (CRTAP) and prolyl 3-hydroxylase 1 (P3H1 encoded by LEPRE1) were the first identified causes of recessive Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI). These proteins, together with cyclophilin B (encoded by PPIB), form a complex that 3-hydroxylates a single proline residue on the α1(I) chain (Pro986) and has cis/trans isomerase (PPIase) activity essential for proper collagen folding. Recent data suggest that prolyl 3-hydroxylation of Pro986 is not required for the structural stability of collagen; however, the absence of this post-translational modification may disrupt protein-protein interactions integral for proper collagen folding and lead to collagen over-modification. P3H1 and CRTAP stabilize each other and absence of one results in degradation of the other. Hence, hypomorphic or loss of function mutations of either gene cause loss of the whole complex and its associated functions. The relative contribution of losing this complex's 3-hydroxylation versus PPIase and collagen chaperone activities to the phenotype of recessive OI is unknown. To distinguish between these functions, we generated knock-in mice carrying a single amino acid substitution in the catalytic site of P3h1 (Lepre1H662A). This substitution abolished P3h1 activity but retained ability to form a complex with Crtap and thus the collagen chaperone function. Knock-in mice showed absence of prolyl 3-hydroxylation at Pro986 of the α1(I) and α1(II) collagen chains but no significant over-modification at other collagen residues. They were normal in appearance, had no growth defects and normal cartilage growth plate histology but showed decreased trabecular bone mass. This new mouse model recapitulates elements of the bone phenotype of OI but not the cartilage and growth phenotypes caused by loss of the prolyl 3-hydroxylation complex. Our observations suggest differential tissue consequences due to selective inactivation of P3H1 hydroxylase activity versus complete ablation of the prolyl 3-hydroxylation complex.
Binding of Perfluorocarboxylates to Serum Albumin: A Comparison of Analytical Methods

Perfluorochemicals are globally pervasive contaminants that are persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic. Perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) with 8−13 carbons accumulate in the liver and blood of aquatic organisms; PFCA−protein interactions may explain this accumulation pattern. Here, the interactions between PFCAs with 8−11 carbons and serum albumin are examined using three experimental approaches: surface tension titrations, 19F NMR spectroscopy, and fluorescence spectroscopy. Surface tension titrations indicate complex formation at high (mM) PFCA concentrations. Secondary association constants ranging from 102 to 104 M−1 were determined from 19F NMR titrations at high PFCA:albumin mole ratios. Fluorescence measurements indicate that PFCA−albumin interactions alter the protein conformation at low PFCA:albumin mole ratios (up to 5:1) and suggest two binding classes with association constants around 105 and 102 M−1. While 19F NMR and fluorescence provide both qualitative and quantitative information about PF...
Robust Stability Design of PI Controllers for a Non-Reheat Steam Generator Unit

In this paper a graphical design method is introduced for finding all proportional integral (PI) controllers that stabilize a single area non-reheat steam generation unit for a range of plant parameters. This problem is solved by finding all achievable PI controllers that robustly stabilize the system. Additive uncertainty modeling is used to describe the uncertain perturbed system. A key advantage of this procedure is that it depends only on the frequency response of the system and does not require the plant transfer function coefficients.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
The Egalitarian city: The restructuring of Amsterdam

Abstract Since the mid‐1970s, urban policy makers have responded to the pressures of fiscal crisis and unemployment by reducing expenditures and subsidizing business for the purpose of stimulating economic growth. The behaviour of urban governments largely corresponded with the argument of Paul Peterson that cities were forced to pursue economic growth at the expense of redistribution. Nevertheless, the response to economic forces, while generally in a market‐oriented direction, was not uniform within western cities. In particular, the Amsterdam municipality remains notable for its egalitarian policies when compared with London or New York. Housing policy has been a major instrument in maintaining the quality of life for the city's lower‐income population. Because subsidized housing units, as well as recipients of individual housing benefits, are scattered throughout the city, housing policy has sharply restricted spatial inequality of households by income. Moreover, the very large public subsidy involved...
Optical flatness standard

Matters relevant to preparing an optical flatness standard are discussed, such as selection of the material, surface preparation, bulk viscoelastic deformation, thermoelastic deformation, refractive errors, reduction of interferograms of plates examined in pairs, absolute cali­ bration by intercomparison of two flats examined in two orientations, and the combination of several contours to obtain the figure of the plate. The contours are given as Fourier sine series expansions, and a tech­ nique for obtaining the coefficients is described.
Effect of post-mortem time and temperature on bovine intramuscular collagen.

Abstract A section of longissimus muscle was excised from six steers within 1 h post mortem. Half of the muscle section from each animal was held at 37°C (HT) and the other half was maintained at 1°C (C). Samples were collected from each muscle section in each treatment at 12 and 24 h to study the effect of conditioning temperature and incubation time on collagen properties by comparing the per cent soluble collagen and the relative distribution of collagen components. More of each collagen component ( α 1 , α 2 , β 11 and β 12 ) was present on SDS gels of samples incubated for 24 h versus 12 h. Although the collagen solubility did not increase to a great extent in the HT conditioned samples when compared with C samples, the HT treatment increased the effect of post-mortem ageing (i.e. more collagen molecules were solubilised and entered the gel during electrophoresis). Each collagen component, expressed as a percentage of total collagen, remained relatively constant when comparing different temperatures or post-mortem times. This indicates that the increase in collagen components being absorbed on the gels of 24 h post-mortem samples is mainly caused by an increase in the release of total collagen from the connective tissue matrix and not by the specific release of any one component. It was also found that some breakage of collagen crosslinks occurred during high temperature conditioning. No change in type III collagen of intramuscular connective tissue was found in this study.
Ten Thousand Hours of Practice, Musical Aptitude and Inner Fire: Developing Musical Talent in Young People

Never in the course of the last century, has so little attention been paid to the development of talents and gifts in schools. Programs for talented children are being eliminated at an increasing and alarming rate, with minimal or no funds expended on this population in both our state and most other states in the country. Governments continue to appropriate the lion's share of their nation's education budget towards remedial education for children who currently achieve at the lowest levels, leaving little for children who achieve at the opposite end of the spectrum. In fact, the current federal education budget designates less than $10 million to talent development and gifted programs. In 2006, the U.S. Department of Education spent approximately $84 billion, and the only program addressing the education of talented and gifted youth received $9.6 million, one-hundredth of 1% of expenditures.In schools that do provide some level of support, existing programs are often part-time, providing children with lim...
Aggressive Boys' Hostile Perceptual and Response Biases: The Role of Attention and Impulsivity

The present study addressed whether (1) aggressive boys show hostile biases or general deficits in social perception, (2) aggressive boys' social perceptual difficulties also characterize isolate and isolate-aggressive children, (3) aggressive, isolate, and isolate-aggressive boys' social perceptual difficulties are attributable to inattention and impulsivity, and (4) aggressive and nonaggressive boys differ in the links between social perception and proposed behavioral responses. Aggressive boys demonstrated hostile biases, but not general deficits, in intention-cue detection relative to average-status boys. Isolate-aggressive boys resembled aggressive boys in social perception, whereas isolate boys showed mild deficits relative to average-status boys. Although isolates' general deficits were predominantly accounted for by inattention and impulsivity, aggressives' and isolate-aggressives' hostile biases remained after these problems were statistically controlled. The aggressive groups proposed aggressive responses much more frequently than the nonaggressive groups following intentions perceived as nonhostile. Measures corresponding to several stages of Dodge's social information processing model discriminated the aggressive from nonaggressive groups, thus providing support for this model.
Group Treatment for Adult Survivors of Interpersonal Trauma

ABSTRACT Group treatment is often used for adult victims of interpersonal violence (IPV). Despite widespread use of group treatment with interpersonal trauma survivors, there is limited research assessing the effectiveness of these treatments. This article discusses a theoretical rationale for using group therapy in the treatment of adult survivors of IPV, reviews the relevant empirical group treatment outcome literature, and provides recommendations for future research.
Ordering univariate distributions by entropy and variance

This paper examines the role of variance and entropy in ordering distributions and random prospects. There is no universal relation between entropy and variance orderings of distributions. But we place their relationship in the context of a stronger ordering relation known as dispersion ordering. Further, some conditions are identified under which variance and entropy order similarly when continuous variables are transformed. We also analyze parametric changes which do not disturb the agreement between these rankings. The results are conveniently tabulated in terms of distribution parameters.
Ground-state magnetization of Ising spin glasses.

We study the magnetization of the ground states of Ising spin glasses as a function of the magnetic field. The grids are two-dimensional with Gaussian bond distribution. Finding a ground state in this case is a difficult combinatorial problem. We present a method that guarantees finding a true ground state. Although it is unlikely that one can have an algorithm with a polynomial bound for the running time, in all cases we tried, our method found a solution in a reasonable amount of time. We used this to obtain estimations of the critical exponents.