cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ureteropyeloscopy in the Evaluation of Upper Tract Filling Defects

AbstractWe studied prospectively 12 patients with upper tract filling defects to determine the clinical value of ureteropyeloscopy in this setting. All of the patients underwent a standard diagnostic regimen, including cystoscopy and retrograde pyelography, at which time upper tract cytology studies were obtained with or without saline lavage or brushings. Computerized tomography scans or ultrasonography also was obtained when indicated. Ureteropyeloscopy with or without transureteroscopic biopsy then was performed. An operation was done when clinically indicated and a definitive diagnosis ultimately was available in all cases.The provisional diagnosis from the standard diagnostic regimen was accurate in 7 of the patients (58 per cent), while the results of ureteropyeloscopy proved to be correct in 10 (83 per cent). Ureteropyeloscopy appears to be more accurate than a standard diagnostic regimen in the evaluation of upper tract filling defects and we recommend its inclusion as a routine part of the evalua...
Acute ovarian responses to a long-acting agonist of gonadotropin-releasing hormone in ovulatory women and women with polycystic ovarian disease.

A long-acting agonist of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH-a, 100 μ g/day) was administered daily for 14 days in four patients with polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) and eight ovulatory women (OW) to determine acute hormone responses. Initiation of GnRH-a treatment in OW on day 5 of their menstrual cycles (OW-day 5) stimulated a greater acute rise of serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) than that seen in OW beginning treatment on day 2 (OW-day 2) or PCOD patients. FSH levels fell to baseline values with repeated injections, whereas luteinizing hormone levels remained elevated in all patients. An acute rise and progressive fall of estradiol (E 2 ) was found in all groups. The OW-day 5 group demonstrated a secondary increase, which by day 14 was clearly greater than that found in the other groups. This secondary increase of E 2 in the OW-day 5 group was associated with lower abdominal pain, whereas OW-day 2 and PCOD patients were asymptomatic. For comparison, human menopausal gonadotropin (150IU/day for 3 days) stimulated a significantly greater increase of E 2 in OW-day 5 than in PCOD patients. These studies indicate that daily GnRH-a administration induced variable effects on ovarian function, which depended on when it was begun during the menstrual cycle and whether it was given to ovulatory or PCOD subjects. In addition, abdominal discomfort associated with GnRH-a use in regularly OW can be avoided by commencing agonist administration earlier in their menstrual cycles.
Potential of β 2 -Adrenoceptor Agonists as Add-On Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis

The beta2-adrenergic receptor agonist salbutamol (albuterol) has been used for many years in the treatment of bronchospasm in patients with asthma. In this patient group, salbutamol is a relatively safe and inexpensive drug, and is easy to administer. Within the last few years, there has been increasing evidence that salbutamol might have immunomodulatory properties both in vitro and in vivo, in different animal models as well as in humans. This has led researchers to consider salbutamol as a potential therapy for several autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS). In this article, we review the literature presenting such evidence, and discuss the possible mechanisms by which salbutamol influences the immune system. We conclude that salbutamol might be an interesting add-on therapy in patients with MS and that further research is warranted.
Estimation of feedback gains and delays in connected vehicle systems

In this paper, we present different parameter estimation methods that may be used to identify the dynamics of human-driven vehicles in connected vehicle systems. By exploiting the information received via wireless vehicle-to-vehicle communication from two consecutive vehicles ahead, the estimation algorithms identify the driver reaction time and feedback gains simultaneously. We compare the algorithms in terms of convergence rate and estimation accuracy, and present a systematic way to improve both performance measures. The estimated parameters can then be used in connected cruise control algorithms that incorporate the transmitted signals in a vehicle's longitudinal motion control.
Identification of canine papillomavirus by PCR in Greyhound dogs.

Background Corns are hard protuberances that occur on the digital footpads of Greyhound dogs. The cause of these lesions is unknown and there is little information about them in the veterinary literature. We received anecdotal examples of dog to dog spread of corns suggesting an infectious cause. The aim of this study was to determine if papillomavirus (PV) is associated with Greyhound corns. Methods We examined four corns from two unrelated adult Greyhound dogs that resided in Florida and Washington, respectively, for PV by PCR. The samples were obtained by owner coring of two lesions from one dog and laser removal of two lesions from the other dog. Total nucleic acid was extracted and DNA was amplified using two PCR primer sets that have been shown to amplify a broad range of PVs from humans and animals: FAP59/ FAP64 and MY11/ MY09. The DNA sequences were compared with all sequences in GenBank. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue from the footpads of four dogs with other inflammatory dermatoses were also examined. Results PV DNA was amplified from all four corn lesions, while no PV DNA was amplified from other tissues. Comparison of the 444-bp sequences amplified by the MY11/ MY09 primers identified two different PVs. One showed 96% nucleotide sequence similarity with the L1 gene of canine PV type 12. The other showed 78% similarity to canine PV type 16 and, therefore, represents a novel PV. In one of the corns, infection by two of the identified PVs was found. Discussion These results suggest PV infection could be involved in the pathogenesis of corns in Greyhound dogs.
Frequency Selective Intensity Statistics of Amplified Spontaneous Emission

The intensity fluctuations of lasers and thermal sources have been extensively studied and are well understood. A saturating laser amplifier is an intermediate case which merits further study. In a laser amplifier distributed spontaneous emission is amplified by the medium. With linear amplification the resulting signal should display the Gaussian amplitude fluctuations characteristic of spontaneous emission. For sufficiently long high-gain amplifiers the intensity may reach a level that significantly saturates the gain. The resulting non-linear amplification tends to reduce the fluctuations of the signal.
Antireflective surface microstructures on optics for laser applications

The optical performance of AR surface microstructures on optics for laser systems is presented, as applied to large windows, laser crystals, lenses and optical fibers. Ultralow reflectance and very high laser induced damage thresholds have been demonstrated.
Synthesis and Speciation-Dependent Properties of a Multimetallic Model Complex of NiSOD That Exhibits Unique Hydrogen-Bonding.

The complex Na3[{NiII(nmp)}3S3BTAalk)] (1) (nmp2– = deprotonated form of N-(2-mercaptoethyl)picolinamide; H3S3BTAalk = N1,N3,N5-tris(2-mercaptoethyl)benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxamide, where H = dissociable protons), supported by the thiolate-benzenetricarboxamide scaffold (S3BTAalk), has been synthesized as a trimetallic model of nickel-containing superoxide dismutase (NiSOD). X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and 1H NMR measurements on 1 indicate that the NiII centers are square-planar with N2S2 coordination, and Ni–N and Ni–S distances of 1.95 and 2.16 A, respectively. Additional evidence from IR indicates the presence of H-bonds in 1 from the approximately −200 cm–1 shift in νNH from free ligand. The presence of H-bonds allows for speciation that is temperature-, concentration-, and solvent-dependent. In unbuffered water and at low temperature, a dimeric complex (1A; λ = 410 nm) that aggregates through intermolecular NH···O═C bonds of BTA units is observed. Dissolution of 1 in pH 7.4 buffer or in unbuffer...
Educational Opportunity as Distributive Equity: The Principle of Proportionate Progress

What do we owe students who, on account of disability, have differential needs and capacities from others? What, for that matter, do we owe all students? A central claim of the present Article is that we cannot answer the former question without also considering the latter. Moreover, a satisfactory answer requires reaching beyond notions of “equality of opportunity,” to probe our deepest commitments regarding distributive equity, or substantive fairness in access to the good of educational development. This Article offers a novel understanding of these deepest commitments, to advance a new principle of distributive justice, the principle of proportionate priority. It pursues the implications of this principle in depth for the specific setting of educational accommodation for disability – to provide a comprehensive answer to a question now before the Supreme Court. Its ramifications extend, however, far more widely, not only for educational policy in general but also for other areas of law and policy.
An Embedded Agency Approach to Entrepreneurship Public Policy

Public policy studies often seek to determine the effects of policy changes by treating the effects of individual differences as random error. Viewing managers as embedded agents whose social struc...
Splitting the difference: New insights into distinguishing features of human versus feline models of adaptive locomotor control.

If you open most any neuroscience textbook and begin reading about the neural control of locomotion, you are almost guaranteed to find information gleaned from experimental studies of cats with spinal transections. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved
[Corrigendum] Phospho‑valproic acid inhibits pancreatic cancer growth in mice: Enhanced efficacy by its formulation in poly‑(L)‑lactic acid‑poly(ethylene glycol) nanoparticles.

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most difficult cancers to treat. Since the current chemotherapy is inadequate and various biological approaches have failed, the need for agents that have a potential to treat PC is pressing. Phospho-valproic acid (P-V), a novel anticancer agent, is efficacious in xenograft models of human PC and is apparently safe. In the present study, we evaluated whether formulating P-V in nanoparticles could enhance its anticancer efficacy. In a mouse model of Kras/pancreatitis-associated PC, P-V, orally administered, inhibited the incidence of acinar-to-ductal metaplasia by 60%. To improve its efficacy, we formulated P-V in five different polymeric nanoparticles. Poly-(L)-lactic acid- poly(ethylene glycol) (PLLA-PEG) nanoparticles proved the optimal formulation. PLLA-PEG improved P-V's pharmacokinetics in mice enhancing the levels of P-V in blood. Compared to control, P-V formulated in PLLA-PEG suppressed the growth of MIA PaCa-2 xenografts by 81%, whereas P-V alone reduced it by 51% (p<0.01). Furthermore, P-V formulated in PLLA-PEG inhibited acinar-to-ductal metaplasia in mice with activated Kras, reducing it by 87% (p<0.02). In both disease models, P-V suppressed STAT3 phosphorylation at the Ser727 and Tyr705 residues; STAT3 is the pivotal molecular target of P-V. In conclusion, P-V is a promising agent against PC, and its formulation in PLLA-PEG nanoparticles enhances its efficacy by improving its pharmacokinetics.
Iron-chrome-aluminum alloy cladding for increasing safety in nuclear power plants

After a tsunami caused plant black out at Fukushima, followed by hydrogen explosions, the US Department of Energy partnered with fuel vendors to study safer alternatives to the current UO2 -zirconium alloy system. This accident tolerant fuel alternative should better tolerate loss of cooling in the core for a considerably longer time while maintaining or improving the fuel performance during normal operation conditions. General electric, Oak ridge national laboratory, and their partners are proposing to replace zirconium alloy cladding in current commercial light water power reactors with an iron-chromium-aluminum (FeCrAl) cladding such as APMT or C26M. Extensive testing and evaluation is being conducted to determine the suitability of FeCrAl under normal operation conditions and under severe accident conditions. Results show that FeCrAl has excellent corrosion resistance under normal operation conditions and FeCrAl is several orders of magnitude more resistant than zirconium alloys to degradation by superheated steam under accident conditions, generating less heat of oxidation and lower amount of combustible hydrogen gas. Higher neutron absorption and tritium release effects can be minimized by design changes. The implementation of FeCrAl cladding is a near term solution to enhance the safety of the current fleet of commercial light water power reactors.
Strain effects on structural and magnetic properties of SrIrO3/SrTiO3 superlattice

Abstract The influence of strain on the structural and magnetic properties of 1(SrIrO3)/1(SrTiO3) (SIO/STO) superlattice, which consists of alternating single monolayer SIO and STO, is investigated by first principles density functional theory calculations. To establish the zero-strain state, we have systematically identified a stable a-a-c- rotational pattern in SIO/STO crystal structure, which agrees well with X-ray diffraction measurements. As epitaxial strain is applied to this structure, we found compressive strain leads to more octahedra rotation and less tilting while tensile strain reduces octahedra rotation and increases tilting. At zero strain, the Ir atoms in the superlattice have a stable intralayer antiferromagnetic order and a ferromagnetic interlayer coupling. Prominent spin canting is observed with strong canting anisotropy, which is also consistent with experiment. Furthermore, our calculations show that epitaxial strain significantly enhances the canting moment of the Ir as well as the in-plane anisotropy, suggesting a substantial magnetoelastic coupling in SIO/STO. The interplay among structural distortions, spin canting and Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction is analyzed to understand such magnetoelastic behavior, which provides critical insights of manipulating magnetic properties through strain engineering.
THE IMPACT OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE RISK FACTORS ON ATHEROSCLEROSIS IN PSORIASIS

Psoriasis is an autoimmune inflammatory disease of the skin associated with impaired metabolic profiles and cardiovascular disease (CVD). In order to target this population for CVD prevention, associations between psoriasis and atherosclerosis must be defined. The 2008 - 2014 National Inpatient
Diabetes outcomes in patients with a history of breast cancer.

8Background: While diabetes is known to worsen breast cancer (BC) outcomes, little is known about the effect of BC on diabetes outcomes. This study examined differences in outcomes diabetic patient...
Algorithms for Circular Arc Generation

By much the same methodology as is employed in algorithms which generate a quantized representation of a straight line, incremental algorithms using only addition/subtraction and sign testing can generate a close approximation of a circular arc. Several mathematical measures of ‘closeness’ to the true circle can be defined. Discussed will be closeness measures of function residue or squared error, normal deviation or radial error, and rounded or axial intercept error as they apply to both a tri-directional and a bi-directional algorithm for pel by pel generation of a quantized circular arc.
Beyond weight loss: A qualitative exploration of participant expectations and strategies for measuring progress during a weight management program:

Objectives:Previous research with participants in weight management has primarily focused on participant weight-loss expectations. The purpose of this study was to explore participant expectations ...
Electron Beam Testing: An Outline of Techniques

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the techniques used in electron beam test systems. Several specially designed commercial systems are available that utilize these techniques and have the system computer-interfaced with computer-aided design tools, automatic wafer loading and positioning, automatic mechanical probes for supplies, and input/output signals. Several systems of this type have been built over the years during the development phase of the techniques. The limitations of these systems for future work arise from the fact that shorter beam pulses in time, with small spot sizes to probe the future integrated circuits (ICs), give very low average currents, that cause voltage resolution to suffer. The alternative is to employ techniques used in image processing by tolerating wider beam pulses and deconvolution of the waveform. Alternatively, the use of beam bunching to pulse the beam may become more popular or photoelectronic emission pulses may be used. Another use of the electron beam tester is in device restructuring that at present is undergoing further development. It remains to see how popular this technique becomes with time. The chapter discusses some fundamental aspects of techniques used in electron beam testing.
Pulse Broadening in Combinational Circuits with Standard Logic Cell Synthesis

Technology scaling improves the power, area, and speed of an electronic design, but the reliability of newer technologies is impacted by the presence of radiation-induced transients; these transients are more pronounced in newer technologies. In the presence of variations due to process corners (P), operating voltage (V), and temperature (T), a transient pulse with no serious threat, which would be masked electrically, traverses more gates towards a storage element due to pulse broadening. In this paper, the transient pulses that initially pose no significant threat are simulated with PVT variations in arithmetic circuits from the EPFL benchmark suite to investigate the effect of variations on vulnerable gates. The results show that the variation enhances the transient pulses with no serious threat and causes pulse broadening from the locations of vulnerable gates. A mitigation approach is applied on the vulnerable gates of the sine circuit, and the masking capability during worst-case analysis improves on average by 76.5% for process corner variation, 85.5% for operating voltage variation, and 84.4% for temperature variation.
Psychological flexibility mediates the relations between acute psychedelic effects and subjective decreases in depression and anxiety.

Abstract Prior research has shown that acute subjective psychedelic effects are associated with both spontaneous and intended changes in depression and anxiety. Psychedelics are also theorized to produce increases in psychological flexibility, which could explain decreases in depression and anxiety following a psychedelic experience. Therefore, the present cross-sectional survey study sought to examine whether psychological flexibility mediated the relationship between acute psychedelic experiences and spontaneous or intended changes in depression and anxiety among a large international sample of people who reported having used a psychedelic (n = 985; male = 71.6%; Caucasian/white = 84.1%; Mage = 32.2, SD = 12.6). A regression analysis showed that acute effects (i.e., mystical and insightful effects) were significantly associated with decreases in depression/anxiety following a psychedelic experience. A path analysis revealed that, while controlling for age and sex, increases in psychological flexibility fully mediated the effect of mystical and insightful experiences on decreases in depression and anxiety following a psychedelic experience. This suggests that psychological flexibility may be an important mediator of the therapeutic effects of psychedelic drugs. Future prospective experimental studies should examine the effect of psychedelic drug administration on psychological flexibility in order to gain a better understanding of the psychological processes that predict therapeutic effects of psychedelics.
Instilling purpose and value in the implementation of digital badges in higher education

This qualitative multi-case study examined digital badge programs being used at three higher education institutions, at the course level, the department level, and the university level. The study sought to explore the adoption of badges in higher education using Rogers’ (2003) innovation diffusion theory to identify factors associated with the adoption process in order to provide contextual insight into factors that impede and facilitate successful implementation of badge systems. Rogers established that there are five specific characteristics of innovations (relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability, and observability) which are attributed to varying rates of adoption (2003). The results of the current study also attributed factors related to complexity as barriers to successful adoption of badges in each of the three cases. Results found that usability issues, increased faculty workload, and a lack of understanding of the badges’ purpose and value were the main factors which negatively impacted badge adoption.
A happy ambience: Incorporating ba and flow in library design

Abstract Much of library design is practical, out of necessity. Librarians contend with myriad changes in how space is utilized due to technologies and expectations of its users. In ‘the age of distraction,’ the library might still offer a sole space of respite for many users. This paper describes studies from architecture and interior design that may help to increase library users' concentration and scholarship. A room's color, size and shape, acoustics, scent, and presence of nature all influence how people feel and act within a space. Evidence regarding the experience of space, including design for well-being, color and performance, and sounds and distraction, can be used to improve libraries by incorporating aspects of design that promotes well-being.
How I Diagnose Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma.

Objectives This review describes our approach to the diagnosis of all 4 anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) entities. Methods ALCLs are a group of CD30-positive mature T-cell lymphomas with similar morphologic and phenotypic characteristics but variable clinical and genetic features. They include systemic ALK-positive ALCL, systemic ALK-negative ALCL, primary cutaneous ALCL, and the recently described provisional entity breast implant-associated ALCL. Results In cases with classic features, the diagnosis of ALCL is often straightforward. However, variant histology, the importance of clinical history, and multiple antigenic aberrancies all present challenges to accurate diagnosis and subclassification. Conclusions A systematic approach to the diagnosis of ALCL and awareness of potential mimics are critical to avoid misdiagnosis. It is also crucial to correctly identify localized forms of ALCL to avoid classification as systemic ALCL and subsequent overtreatment.
Modelling traffic during Lilac Wildfire evacuation using cellular data

Abstract Southern California is prone to wildfire events that spark major evacuations of communities in the Wildland-Urban Interface. Highly developed regions such as Southern California have a number of transportation data sources to draw from that can support emergency managers’ decision-making processes. Up to date traffic sensors such as those found on the majority of California’s highways can inform emergency managers on current traffic densities, flows and speeds. Yet, in many wildfire prone regions of the United States, this is not the case. Despite this data shortfall, many regions do have robust cellular networks that inherently produce substantial amounts of location data. The location data produced by cellphone users can be used to predict vehicular densities on evacuation routes. This study examines how cellular data can be used to predict vehicular densities on evacuation routes. A mathematical model was developed to aid in the prediction of vehicular densities on evacuation networks. Correction factors were produced to adjust for the overestimation of users on roadways by cellular networks. Extrapolation factors were also developed for estimation of the number of cellular users based on a single cellphone counts data point. The Lilac Wildfire data in Dec 2017, was used to test and validate the developed model. This methodology may prove useful to transportation planners and emergency managers in planning evacuations in areas not served by a network of traffic sensors.
Outcomes of patients with COVID-19 after inpatient rehabilitation.

BACKGROUND: Rehabilitation outcomes of COVID-19 patients are unknown. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to describe COVID-19 patients undergoing inpatient rehabilitation and their rehabilitation outcomes. METHODS: Retrospective observational cohort study of all inpatients from a rehabilitation hospital between March 1 and September 30, 2020. Inclusion criteria are: ≥18 years of age and admission and discharge within the study time frame. The initial search yielded 920 patients; 896 met the inclusion criteria. Data was derived from the eRehabData database. Subjects were stratified by COVID-19 status and rehabilitation impairment. Data included age, gender, body mass index (BMI), length of stay (LOS), discharge location, and functional ability measures for self-care and mobility (FA-SC, FA-Mob). Descriptive statistics included age, BMI, gender, LOS, and discharge location. One-sample t-tests were used to assess the difference of age, BMI, LOS, FA-SC, FA-Mob, and FA efficiency between COVID-19+ and COVID-19- patients. RESULTS: COVID-19+ patients were younger (59·4 years vs 62·9 years; t(894)= -2·05, p=0·04) with a higher mean BMI (32 vs 28; t(894)= 3·51, p<0·01) than COVID-19- patients. COVID-19+ patients had equivalent or superior improvements in FA-SC and FA-Mob, functional change efficiency, and LOS than COVID-19- patients. Comparing Medically Complex patients, those with COVID-19 had greater FA-SC and FA-Mob efficiencies than COVID-19- patients. COVID-19+ patients had similar rates of return to the community. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with COVID-19 who meet the admission criteria for inpatient rehabilitation can benefit from inpatient rehabilitation similarly to their non-COVID-19 counterparts with similar rehabilitation-specific diagnoses. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Depression and executive functioning bidirectionally impair one another across 9 years: Evidence from within-person latent change and cross-lagged models.

Background Scar and vulnerability models assert that increased psychopathology may predict subsequent executive functioning (EF) deficits (and vice versa) over protracted timescales, yet most prior work on this topic has been cross-sectional. Thus, we tested the within- and between-person relations between EF, depression, and anxiety. Methods Older adult participants (n = 856) were assessed across four waves, approximately 2 years apart. Performance-based EF and caregiver-rated symptom measures were administered. Bivariate latent change score and random-intercept cross-lagged panel models were conducted. Results Within persons, random-intercept cross-lagged panel models revealed that prior greater depression forecasted lower subsequent EF, and vice versa (d = −0.292 vs. −0.292). Bivariate dual latent change score models showed that within-person rise in depression predicted EF decreases, and vice versa (d = −0.245 vs. −0.245). No within-person, cross-lagged, EF-anxiety relations emerged. Further, significant negative between-person EF-symptom relations were observed (d = −0.264 to −0.395). Conclusion Prospective, within-person findings offer some evidence for developmental scar and vulnerability models.
How Potential New Members Approach an Online Community

Online communities, socio-technical systems where people interact with others, depend on new members coming to the community. While the majority of research in online communities relation to the recruitment of new members has focused on new members’ socialization and retention, little work has focused on how potential new members who are not yet a member of the community make the decision on whether they are willing to join in the online community. To understand this initial decision process, we investigated how potential new members build mental models of the online community from their first experience within the community, and how this process impacts the decision to continue participating in the community. We interviewed 31 potential new members of the online communities, Quora and Reddit, to better understand how they evaluate a new community. We found that the process of understanding a community involves orienting toward multiple different aspects of the community, including the content available on the community, the people who are already part of the community, and the technology interface and mechanisms that control the community. Participants who focused on consuming and enjoying content were much more likely to express an interest in future participation in these communities than participants who just evaluated the community, looking at the people in the community or the technology of the community. This extends previous considerations for recruiting new members in online communities. We conclude by discussing how our findings can have broad implications in developing successful online communities and suggesting future research efforts that could help understand potential new members.
Effect of omeprazole and sucralfate on gastrointestinal injury in a fasting/NSAID model.

BACKGROUND Equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) is a common and significant cause of morbidity in horses, with a range of clinical signs, including inappetence, colic and poor performance. Hospitalised horses are exposed to factors that may induce EGUS, including fasting and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) administration, and may be at risk for development of squamous (ESGD) and glandular gastric disease (EGGD). Prophylactic anti-ulcer medication is often prescribed for these patients, but drug selection is complicated by different aetiology and response to treatment of ESGD and EGGD. OBJECTIVES To establish the efficacy of sucralfate or omeprazole used prophylactically in horses exposed to a combined feed-fast and NSAID administration EGUS induction protocol. We hypothesised that these drugs would be equally effective for prevention of gastric lesions in the experimental cohort. STUDY DESIGN Randomised crossover experimental design. METHODS Horses (n = 14) received either omeprazole (1 mg/kg PO q24h) or sucralfate (20 mg/kg PO q8h) while undergoing the feed-fast/NSAID protocol, allowed an 8-week washout period, and then administered the alternate treatment. Serial gastroscopy, ultrasound and haematology documented treatment effects. RESULTS ESGD and EGGD score increased over time under both treatments. There was a significant effect of treatment on EGGD scores (P < .001), with post-treatment EGGD scores higher for horses receiving sucralfate (median 3; IQR 2.25,3) than omeprazole (1; 1,1). The effect of treatment on ESGD scores just achieved significance (P = .05), with post-treatment ESGD scores higher for sucralfate (4; 3,4) than omeprazole (2; 2,3). MAIN LIMITATIONS This study was performed in healthy horses, and response to treatment may differ in horses with clinical illness. Additional investigation in a larger population may be required to detect significant differences in other clinical parameters. CONCLUSIONS Omeprazole was superior to sucralfate for mitigating gastric lesion severity in healthy horses exposed to a feed-fast/NSAID model.
The ecology of aggression

Introduction: The PersonEnvironment Duet. Physical Ecology: Microlevel: The Site. MesoLevel: The Neighborhood. Macrolevel: The Region. Social Ecology: Microlevel: The Victim. Mesolevel: The Group. Macrolevel: The Mob. Intervention: Physical Ecological Intervention: Environmental Design. Social Ecological Intervention: Interpersonal Contact. Conclusion: Future Directions. Index.
Generalizing beyond the input: The functions of the constructions matter

A growing emphasis on statistics in language learning raises the question of whether and when speakers use language in ways that go beyond the statistical regularities in the input. In this study, two groups were exposed to six novel verbs and two novel word order constructions that differed in function: one construction but not the other was exclusively used with pronoun undergoers. The distributional structure of the input was manipulated between groups according to whether each verb was used exclusively in one or the other construction (the lexicalist condition), or whether a minority of verbs was witnessed in both constructions (the alternating condition). Production and judgments results demonstrate that participants tended to generalize the constructions for use in appropriate discourse contexts, ignoring evidence of verb-specific behavior, especially in the alternating condition. Our results suggest that construction learning involves an interaction of witnessed usage together with the functions of the constructions involved.
Simplified TiO2 force fields for studies of its interaction with biomolecules

Engineered TiO2 nanoparticles have been routinely applied in nanotechnology, as well as in cosmetics and food industries. Despite active experimental studies intended to clarify TiO2’s biological effects, including potential toxicity, the relation between experimentally inferred nanotoxicity and industry standards for safely applying nanoparticles remains somewhat ambiguous with justified concerns. Supplemental to experiments, molecular dynamics simulations have proven to be efficacious in investigating the molecular mechanism of a biological process occurring at nanoscale. In this article, to facilitate the nanotoxicity and nanomedicine research related to this important metal oxide, we provide a simplified force field, based on the original Matsui-Akaogi force field but compatible to the Lennard-Jones potentials normally used in modeling biomolecules, for simulating TiO2 nanoparticles interacting with biomolecules. The force field parameters were tested in simulating the bulk structure of TiO2, TiO2 nanoparticle-water interaction, as well as the adsorption of proteins on the TiO2 nanoparticle. We demonstrate that these simulation results are consistent with experimental data/observations. We expect that simulations will help to better understand the interaction between TiO2 and molecules.
An analytical approach for soft error rate estimation in digital circuits

Soft errors due to cosmic rays cause reliability problems during lifetime operation of digital systems, which increase exponentially with Moore's law. The first step in developing efficient soft error tolerant schemes is to analyze the effect of soft errors at the system level. In this work, we develop a systematic approach for soft error rate estimation. Experiments on benchmark circuits and comparison of the results with random fault injection (previous work) show that our proposed method is on average 95% accurate while 4-5 orders of magnitude faster.
Living through the Hoop: High School Basketball, Race, and the American Dream

Acknowledgments Preface Introduction 1 A Look Through the Hoop 2 For the Good of All 303 The Three D's: Drugs, Drinking, and Delinquency 4 Race and Hoops Everyday 5 Knight-Style Masculinity 6 Sportsmanship and the Need to Win 7 The Dirty Trick Epilogue: The Death of Calvin CodyMethodological Appendix Notes Bibliography Index About the Author
Performance of turbo coded continuous phase modulation in fading channels

Fading channels impose an intrinsic parametric uncertainty as a threat to reliable communications. In the case perfect channel information is present, optimal maximum a posteriori (MAP) algorithms were investigated in the literature. This paper focuses on the case of unknown channel information. We propose a MAP algorithm which takes the parametric uncertainty of the fading phenomenon into account by marginalizing the related probability distributions over the fading levels. The algorithm is applied to a serially concatenated system that employs continuous phase modulation as the inner code and a turbo code as the outer code.
Evaluation of the systematic error in using 3D dose calculation in scanning beam proton therapy for lung cancer

The objective of this study was to evaluate and understand the systematic error between the planned three-dimensional (3D) dose and the delivered dose to patient in scanning beam proton therapy for lung tumors. Single-field and multifield optimized scanning beam proton therapy plans were generated for ten patients with stage II-III lung cancer with a mix of tumor motion and size. 3D doses in CT datasets for different respiratory phases and the time-weighted average CT, as well as the four-dimensional (4D) doses were computed for both plans. The 3D and 4D dose differences for the targets and different organs at risk were compared using dose-volume histogram (DVH) and voxel-based techniques, and correlated with the extent of tumor motion. The gross tumor volume (GTV) dose was maintained in all 3D and 4D doses, using the internal GTV override technique. The DVH and voxel-based techniques are highly correlated. The mean dose error and the standard deviation of dose error for all target volumes were both less than 1.5% for all but one patient. However, the point dose difference between the 3D and 4D doses was up to 6% for the GTV and greater than 10% for the clinical and planning target volumes. Changes in the 4D and 3D doses were not correlated with tumor motion. The planning technique (single-field or multifield optimized) did not affect the observed systematic error. In conclusion, the dose error in 3D dose calculation varies from patient to patient and does not correlate with lung tumor motion. Therefore, patient-specific evaluation of the 4D dose is important for scanning beam proton therapy for lung tumors.
Paying for Disasters

Disasters and Democracy The Politics of Extreme Natural Events. Rutherford Platt et al . Island Press, Washington, DC, 1999. 343 pp. Paper, $35. ISBN 1-55963-696-3. Platt and his co-authors discuss how and why the United States has come to federalize the costs of natural disasters. Their comprehensive overview is reinforced through three case studies: coastal erosion on Fire Island, New York; flooding in St. Charles County, Missouri; and earthquakes and fires in the San Francisco Bay area.
Unfaithful Individuals are Less Likely to Practice Safer Sex Than Openly Nonmonogamous Individuals

ABSTRACT Introduction Given the prevalence and harm of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), there is a need to examine safer sex strategies in the context of romantic relationships and extradyadic sexual encounters. Sexual infidelity is associated with a variety of detrimental psychosocial outcomes; however, little research has addressed the sexual health ramifications of sexually unfaithful partners and members of other high-risk nonmonogamous lifestyles. Aims To determine whether sexually unfaithful individuals or “negotiated nonmonogamous” individuals are more likely to engage in sexual health risk reduction behaviors during extradyadic encounters and with their primary partner. Method Data were collected via an anonymous Internet-based study. Several hundred sexually unfaithful individuals and individuals with a negotiated nonmonogamy agreement completed a sexual health questionnaire. Main Outcomes Measures Self-reported measures of risk reduction behaviors within the primary relationship and risk reduction behaviors during the extradyadic encounter were assessed. Results Sexually unfaithful participants demonstrated significantly lower rates of protective sexual health behaviors both within their primary partnerships and during their extradyadic sexual encounters. Sexually unfaithful participants were also less likely to engage in frequent STI testing, and less likely to discuss safer sex concerns with new partners. Conclusions These data add to the literature on the negative effects of sexual unfaithfulness. Understanding rates of nonengagement in safer sex strategies will be helpful to those who lead efforts to increase condom use and other preventive STI measures. Conley TD, Moors AC, Ziegler A, and Karathanasis C. Unfaithful individuals are less likely to practice safer sex than openly nonmonogamous individuals. J Sex Med 2012;9:1559–1565.
The triple oxygen isotope tracer of primary productivity in a dynamic ocean model

The triple oxygen isotopic composition of dissolved oxygen (17Δdis) was added to the ocean ecosystem and biogeochemistry component of the Community Earth System Model, version 1.1.1. Model simulations were used to investigate the biological and physical dynamics of 17Δdis and assess its application as a tracer of gross photosynthetic production (gross oxygen production (GOP)) of O2 in the ocean mixed layer. The model reproduced large-scale patterns of 17Δdis found in observational data across diverse biogeographical provinces. Mixed layer model performance was best in the Pacific and had a negative bias in the North Atlantic and a positive bias in the Southern Ocean. Based on model results, the steady state equation commonly used to calculate GOP from tracer values overestimated the globally averaged model GOP by 29%. Vertical entrainment/mixing and the time rate of change of 17Δdis were the two largest sources of bias when applying the steady state method to calculate GOP. Entrainment/mixing resulted in the largest overestimation in midlatitudes and during summer and fall and almost never caused an underestimation of GOP. The tracer time rate of change bias resulted both in underestimation of GOP (e.g., during spring blooms at high latitudes) and overestimation (e.g., during the summer following a bloom). Seasonally, bias was highest in the fall (September-October-November in the Northern Hemisphere, March-April-May in the Southern), overestimating GOP by 62%, globally averaged. Overall, the steady state method was most accurate in equatorial and low-latitude regions where it estimated GOP to within ±10%. Field applicable correction terms are derived for entrainment and mixing that capture 86% of model vertical bias and require only mixed layer depth history and triple oxygen isotope measurements from two depths.
From Networking to Next-Working: How an Academic Department “Retreated” and Advanced at the Same Time

Department-wide retreats conducted at periods of transition can enrich and benefit academic departments in several ways. Here, the authors describe the organization, conduct, and immediate outcomes of a department-wide retreat in a university department of psychiatry intended to (1) foster networking and communication among faculty who often work in “silos” and (2) invite the faculty to provide “internal consultations” regarding aspirational strategic goals and recommendations for short-term actionable tactics to address these goals. The retreat featured an evening networking and socializing poster session followed by a day-long event consisting of small group and large group interactive sessions. Participants were 120 faculty members including 44 new and younger faculty members who prepared and presented posters about themselves and their work. A variety of aspirational goals and specific recommendations for follow-up emerged from small groups were discussed in plenary sessions and were subsequently summarized and distributed to the faculty to be addressed by ongoing workgroups. Immediate informal feedback suggests that conducting and acting on recommendations ensuing from academic department retreats can foster at least a short-term sense of shared community and purpose, network faculty, identify commonly held values and aspirational goals, and potentially stimulate formation of innovative affinity groups and collaborations. Longer-term workgroup efforts and outcome assessments are required to assess the enduring results and value of such undertakings.
Human DNA Exonuclease TREX1 Is Also an Exoribonuclease That Acts on Single-stranded RNA

3′ repair exonuclease 1 (TREX1) is a known DNA exonuclease involved in autoimmune disorders and the antiviral response. In this work, we show that TREX1 is also a RNA exonuclease. Purified TREX1 displays robust exoribonuclease activity that degrades single-stranded, but not double-stranded, RNA. TREX1-D200N, an Aicardi-Goutieres syndrome disease-causing mutant, is defective in degrading RNA. TREX1 activity is strongly inhibited by a stretch of pyrimidine residues as is a bacterial homolog, RNase T. Kinetic measurements indicate that the apparent Km of TREX1 for RNA is higher than that for DNA. Like RNase T, human TREX1 is active in degrading native tRNA substrates. Previously reported TREX1 crystal structures have revealed that the substrate binding sites are open enough to accommodate the extra hydroxyl group in RNA, further supporting our conclusion that TREX1 acts on RNA. These findings indicate that its RNase activity needs to be taken into account when evaluating the physiological role of TREX1. Background: 3′ repair exonuclease 1 (TREX1) is a DNase involved in autoimmune disorders and the antiviral response. Results: TREX1 also degrades single-stranded RNA or RNA in a RNA/DNA hybrid molecule. Conclusion: TREX1 is a human homolog of Escherichia coli RNase T. Significance: The novel RNase activity of TREX1 is crucial for understanding its physiological role.
A Method To Disperse Aggregates of a Flocculent Yeast for Photometric Analysis

Strategies to disperse aggregates so the cells remain in suspension long enough to take stable absorbance readings are studied. The optical density of highly flocculating yeasts, such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae ATCC 26603, drops because of cells settling to the bottom in less than 1 min. It presents a problem in using turbidimetric measurement for cell density estimate. Dilution of the yeast samples with sodium salts in a wide range of concentrations (10 mM to 1 M) disperses the aggregates, whereas dilution with calcium salts does not. ζ-Potential measurements indicate that sodium disperses the yeast flocs by reversal of the charges on the cell surfaces. An attempt is also made to resolve the controversy about the role of sodium ions in flocculation.
Effect of soil pH on mineral element concentrations of two Erythroxylum species

Abstract Erythroxylum coca var. coca Lam. (E. coca) and Erythroxylum novogranatense var. novogranatense (Morris) Hieron (E. n. novogranatense) are two of four Erythroxylum species grown in the tropics of South America for cultural medicines and the alkaloid benzoylmethylecgonine. In a published study of biomass production over a soil pH range of 3.5 to 7.0, E. coca grew best at a pH equal to and below 5.5, and E. n. novogranatense grew best within the pH range of 4.7 to 6.0. Erythroxylum coca was tentatively classified as more tolerant to metal toxicities [aluminum (Al) and manganese (Mn)] than E. n. novogranatense, however, concentration patterns of mineral elements for E. coca and E. n. novogranatense tissue have not been reported, nor have the mechanisms of differential acid‐soil‐tolerance been elucidated. In the current study, the effects of soil pH on concentrations of Al, calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), Mn, and zinc (Zn) in leaves, stems, and roots were investiga...