cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Activation of the β-common receptor by erythropoietin impairs acetylcholine-mediated vasodilation in mouse mesenteric arterioles

Clinically, erythropoietin (EPO) is known to increase systemic vascular resistance and arterial blood pressure. However, EPO stimulates the production of the potent vasodilator, nitric oxide (NO), in culture endothelial cells. The mechanism by which EPO causes vasoconstriction despite stimulating NO production may be dependent on its ability to activate two receptor complexes, the homodimeric EPO (EPOR2 ) and the heterodimeric EPOR/β-common receptor (βCR). The purpose of this study was to investigate the contribution of each receptor to the vasoactive properties of EPO. First-order, mesenteric arteries were isolated from 16-week-old male C57BL/6 mice, and arterial function was studied in pressure arteriographs. To determine the contribution of each receptor complex, EPO-stimulating peptide (ESP), which binds and activates the heterodimeric EPOR/βCR complex, and EPO, which activates both receptors, were added to the arteriograph chamber 20 min prior to evaluation of endothelium-dependent (acetylcholine, bradykinin, A23187) and endothelium-independent (sodium nitroprusside) vasodilator responses. Only ACh-induced vasodilation was impaired in arteries pretreated with EPO or ESP. EPO and ESP pretreatment abolished ACh-induced vasodilation by 100% and 60%, respectively. EPO and ESP did not affect endothelium-independent vasodilation by SNP. Additionally, a novel βCR inhibitory peptide (βIP), which was computationally developed, prevented the impairment of acetylcholine-induced vasodilation by EPO and ESP, further implicating the EPOR/βCR complex. Last, pretreatment with either EPO or ESP did not affect vasoconstriction by phenylephrine and KCl. Taken together, these findings suggest that acute activation of the heterodimeric EPOR/βCR in endothelial cells leads to a selective impairment of ACh-mediated vasodilator response in mouse mesenteric resistance arteries.
La poesía de Leonor de Carvajal y la tradición de los Criptojudíos en Nueva España

Among the Inquisition documents recently acquired by the Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley, is the trial of Leonor de Carvajal, sister of the more famous Luis de Carvajal. The songs and poems recorded in Leonor de Carvajal's trial, including a version of the Mosaic Law in verse, proved to be damning evidence against Leonor and the rest of the family. This study examines several texts, some of which are published here for the first time, taking into account their historical context and underscoring their importance in the Crypto-Jewish oral tradition.
Induction of Heme Oxygenase-1 as a Protective Response Against Heme Protein-Induced Renal Injury

The recognition that heme oxygenase (HO) activity is induced when tissues are exposed to heme and other insults raised the question of the functional significance of such induction.1, 2, 3, 4 Evidence attesting to the cytoprotective effects of such induction of HO was first presented in the glycerol model of acute renal failure wherein the kidney is exposed acutely to a large burden of heme proteins originating from damaged skeletal muscle and red blood cells;5 examination of the induction of HO-1 in this disease model was predicated, in part, on the recognized toxicity of heme when present in inordinate amounts in tissues.6
Computing simply-connected cells in three-dimensional Morse-Smale complexes

Morse-Smale complexes are gaining in popularity as a tool in scientific data analysis and visualization. The cells of the complex represent contiguous regions of uniform flow properties, and in many application domains, features can be described by carefully extracting these cells. However, existing techniques only describe how to extract ascending and descending manifolds of critical points, and their intersections; given two critical points p and q of index i and i + 1 respectively, these methods are not able to determine how many cells the intersection of ascending manifold of p and the descending manifold of q form, or distinguish between them. In this paper, we use the framework provided by discrete Morse theory to describe a combinatorial algorithm for computing all cells of the Morse-Smale complex, where the interior of each cell is simply connected, as the theory prescribes. Furthermore, we provide data structures that enable a practical implementation.
Oxidative Effects of Physical Exercise

Increased physical activity in animals is accompanied by significantly higher rates of oxygen consumption (see Brooks & Fahey, 1984); in man these increases can be of the order of ten-fold. While the biological toxicity of oxygen was already known to Lavoisier and Priestley and has been clearly demonstrated for animals at higher pressures (> 1 atmosphere) and at higher concentrations (> 20%), less attention has been paid to the effect of higher rates of consumption. For flying insects (Sohal, 1981) several interesting studies have clearly established a positive correlation between higher rates of oxygen consumption (due to increased physical activity) and a shorter life span (accompanied by a faster rate of accumulation of oxidative products of lipids and proteins). In mammals such a correlation has not been established, perhaps for the simple reason that the increase in the rate of oxygen consumption of mammals at the onset of exercise is significantly smaller than in flying insects.
A PBL Framework for Introductory Management Accounting

The most fundamental change in business education today is the reorientation from a “techniques-based curriculum” to what can be characterized as a “competencies-based curriculum.” In the former, technical knowledge and proficiencies are viewed as the primary educational objectives. In the latter, a broad, core set of educational competencies is identified as the primary objective of the course curriculum (Herring & Williams, 2000). Such a reorientation is thought to provide long-term value to the student (and society), support life-long learning, and provide enhanced career opportunities for future business professionals.
T-wave alternans and serious ventricular arrhythmias: a tale of two T-waves.

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is one of the most important public health problems in the world today and is the leading cause of mortality in developing countries. Serious ventricular arrhythmias are the most common mechanism responsible for SCD. Thus, in order to prevent SCD, it is crucial to have
Type 2 Diabetes: Epidemiologic Trends, Evolving Pathogenic Concepts, and Recent Changes in Therapeutic Approach

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes has assumed epidemic dimensions. Children are now vulnerable to a disease that was once the exclusive domain of adulthood. Increased body weight and sedentary behavior accelerate insulin resistance and beta-cell dysfunction, leading to the clinical manifestation of hyperglycemia. Other cardiovascular risk factors tend to cluster in this milieu, setting the stage for vastly increased macrovascular morbidity. Many more people have impaired glucose tolerance ('prediabetes'). They are not only at risk for frank diabetes but also for the recently recognized entity of 'metabolic syndrome,' which is further characterized by hypertension, dyslipidemia, and central adiposity. A multifactorial approach addressing these aspects in addition to intensive glycemic control is the most efficacious therapy, optimally achieved through a team effort comprising the clinician, diabetes nurse, dietitian, and other professionals. Early use of oral-agent combinations is gaining favor. Insulin is best utilized in a basal-bolus fashion to manage both fasting and postprandial glycemia, delivered with multiple-dose injections or continuously via the pump. In hospitalized patients, good diabetic control reduces mortality. Finally, recent trials show that optimal weight maintenance and regular exercise can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. Such information can serve as the foundation for large-scale preventive endeavors at the community level.
Current Psoriasis Efficacy Outcome Measures in Clinical Trials

This review sought to examine currently used psoriasis efficacy outcome measures. In particular, we wanted to know what outcome measures are currently being used most frequently, in addition to the advantages and disadvantages of each outcome measure. In the past year, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) was the most frequently used outcome measure in phase III and IV clinical trials evaluating psoriasis treatments. PASI scores were also the most frequently used primary outcome measure. Psoriasis Scalp Severity Index (PSSI) was the most commonly utilized regional physician reported outcome measure and Dermatology Quality of Life Index (DLQI) was the most commonly used patient reported outcome. It is important for clinical trials to utilize outcome measures that are both accurate and take into account patients’ perspectives. Standardization of outcome measures will allow for better comparison of treatments across clinical trials.
Implied Constitutional Limits on Congressional Power: Construing the Commerce Power in Light of the Intellectual Property Clause

This paper conducts the first comprehensive exploration of the Court's recent jurisprudence in the area of implied constraints on Congressional power, including such cases as Alden, Seminole Tribe, U.S. v. New York, Printz, and Plaut. We use this jurisprudence to ask whether the Intellectual Property Clause of the Constitution places any absolute limits on Congressional power. After conducting the extensive examination of history and constitutional structure mandated by the Court's cases, we conclude that the answer is "yes," and apply those limits to recent intellectual property legislation. We find several of the dozen laws we examine are suspect and conclude that two are surely unconstitutional: the Copyright Term Extension Act and the proposed database protection legislation.
Second-Order Inequality: Clarifying and Modeling the Gini Coefficient with Measures of Internal Asymmetry

This paper presents a physical model of the Gini coefficient and its corresponding Lorenz curve. If the Lorenz curve is scaled to 1, then 1 represents gross domestic income, gross domestic product, or societal wealth. The value 1 also represents total population. On these assumptions, the value of x ∈ [0, 1] where the first derivative of the Gini coefficient equals one represents the population quantile that enjoys per capita income or wealth. This paper also describes methods for evaluating the internal asymmetry of any distribution corresponding to a particular Gini coefficient. It concludes with worked examples from Oxfam’s survey of global inequality and from French data on wealth inequality.
Clinical yoga program utilization in a large health care system.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers yoga for multiple conditions. Little information is available regarding how frequently yoga is utilized, by whom, or for which medical conditions. Here we describe referral patterns and patient adoption rates in a clinical yoga program, including telehealth yoga, at VA Palo Alto Health Care System (VAPAHCS). Referral and demographic data were extracted from the electronic medical records of 953 veterans (692 male, 261 female) referred to the outpatient clinical yoga program between 2010 and 2016. Attendance data were extracted from the same time plus 1 year. Referee demographics were compared to the overall VAPAHCS population. Twenty-two of the 187 referring providers accounted for half (50.4%) of referrals, predominantly from primary care and mental health clinics. Compared to the overall VAPAHCS patient population, referees were similar age and more likely to be female. Attendance was associated with age (older veterans were more likely to attend) but not gender. Those referred for mental health reasons were more likely to attend yoga compared to those referred for physical symptoms or for wellness (e.g., strength, health, mindfulness). Telehealth yoga follow through was lower but attendance rate similar to in-person yoga. These data provide an overview of referral and uptake in a large VA setting. Overall, referral was performed by a few providers in mental health and primary care clinics. The typical demographic of attendee was a White male from the Vietnam War era, reflective of the VA population. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
Gender Differences in Pediatric Parasomnias

Parasomnias are described as abnormal events that occur in sleep. They are common and are classified according to when they occur: in non-REM sleep, REM sleep or independent of sleep stage. Certain factors, such as familial predisposition, make an individual more susceptible to having parasomnia behavior. However, the prevalence of further precipitating factors such as exogenous or endogenous sleep disruption, sleep deprivation or stressors during wake may provoke parasomnias for the first time, increase in frequency, or cause them to persist past the expected age of resolution. Most parasomnias present initially in early childhood in a gender-independent fashion, with few exceptions. Usually, non-REM parasomnia activity will resolve before the pubertal period, while REM parasomnias persist throughout the lifespan. There is a discrepancy of nightmare (a REM parasomnia) incidence between the genders in adolescence, although this may be due to a number of social factors. Post-puberty, there is a notable difference in the presentation of specific parasomnias. Nocturnal enuresis, a sleep stage independent parasomnia, does appear to have a biologically driven predominance in young males, and therefore is one of the few/only parasomnias with a marked gender difference in pre-pubertal children.
Vesicle Pools of Memory at Mossy Fiber Synapses

In this issue of Neuron, Vandael et al. (2020) reveal that post-tetanic potentiation at dentate gyrus mossy fiber synapses is induced by natural activity patterns. This plasticity is mediated by an increase in readily releasable vesicle pool size and is extended in the absence of activity, forming a "pool engram."
The effects of different solids and biological filters in intensive pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) production systems

Abstract Biofloc systems rely on suspended solids in the water to house microbes that can remove or cycle nitrogenous wastes; however, nitrogen cycling can be inconsistent. In contrast, external biofilters are used in many recirculating systems to provide a more consistent environment for microbes to process nitrogen. Regardless of the biofiltration approach, solids levels must be controlled to prevent issues in shrimp such as gill fouling, low dissolved oxygen levels, and other negative impacts. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of settling chambers versus foam fractionators for solids filtration and to compare external biofilters to the biofloc approach as biofiltration strategies. Sixteen 1-m3 round, polyethylene tanks were randomly assigned to four treatments, each of which had four replicate tanks. Eight biofloc systems were established: four using settling chambers for solids control (BF-S) and four using foam fractionators (BF-F). The other eight tanks used external biofilters; four had settling chambers (EB-S) and the other four had foam fractionators (EB-F). All 16 systems were stocked with 250 shrimp at an average size of 4.3 g which were grown for 85 days. There were no significant differences in shrimp production between treatments; however, variability was high in biofloc systems. Nitrite levels were significantly lower in systems with fractionators compared to systems with settling chambers. The concentrations of dissolved Na, Mg, Ca, Sr and Ba in the water were significantly reduced in treatments with settling chambers. The results of this study show that filtration choices significantly impact short- and long-term water quality and reusability but may not have much effect on shrimp production in the short-term.
Utilizing Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) to Identify Pediatric Trauma Patients Needing Lifesaving Interventions (LSIs): A Retrospective Study

Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the role of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in identifying pediatric trauma patients who required lifesaving interventions (LSI). Methods Retrospective chart review of children age 0 to 18 years who activated the trauma team response between January 1, 2015 and August 14, 2017, at a large, urban pediatric emergency department. The lowest somatic NIRS saturation and the need for LSI (based on published consensus definition) were abstracted from the chart. χ and descriptive statistics were used for analysis. Results The charts of 84 pediatric trauma patients were reviewed. Overall, 80% were boys with a mean age of 10.4 years (SD, 6.2 years). Injuries included 56% blunt trauma and 36% penetrating trauma with mortality of 10.7% (n = 9). Overall, the median lowest NIRS value was 67% (interquartile range, 51-80%; range, 15%-95%) and 54.8% of the patients had a NIRS value less than 70%. The median somatic NIRS duration recorded was 12 minutes (interquartile range, 6-17 minutes; range 1-59 minutes). Overall, 50% of patients required a LSI, including 39 who required a lifesaving procedure, 11 required blood products, and 14 required vasopressors. Pediatric trauma patients with NIRS less than 70% had a significantly increased odds of requiring a LSI (odds ratio, 2.67; 95% confidence interval, 1.10-6.47). Near-infrared spectroscopy less than 70% had a sensitivity and specificity of 67% and 57% respectively. Conclusions Pediatric trauma patients with somatic NIRS less than 70% within 30 minutes of emergency department arrival are associated with the need for LSIs. Continuous NIRS monitoring in the pediatric trauma population should be evaluated prospectively.
Van der Waals heterostructures based on three-dimensional topological insulators

Abstract Three-dimensional (3D) topological insulators (TIs) have generated tremendous research interest over the past decade due to their topologically-protected surface states with linear dispersion and helical spin texture. The topological surface states offer an important platform to realize topological phase transitions, topological magnetoelectric effects and topological superconductivity via 3D TI-based heterostructures. In this review, we summarize the key findings of magneto and quantum transport properties in 3D TIs and their related heterostructures with normal insulators, ferromagnets and superconductors. For intrinsic 3D TIs, the experimental evidences of the topological surface states and their coupling effects are reviewed. Whereas for 3D TI related heterostructures, we focus on some important phenomenological magnetotransport activities and provide explanations for the proximity-induced topological and quantum effects.
Mental State Language Use in Children with Down Syndrome and the Role of Caregivers

Children with Down syndrome (DS) have both strengths and difficulties in speech, language, and social communication. Mental state language—the ability to discuss others' perspectives such as their thoughts, feelings, and intentions—represents a foundational social communicative skill that is delayed in many children with DS, even into the school-age years. The purpose of this article is to review the evidence base on mental state language development in school-age children with DS, focusing in particular on assessment and intervention. We discuss assessment procedures that are both age appropriate and developmentally appropriate for this population. We also present preliminary data highlighting the role of caregivers in supporting mental state language development in school-age children with DS through shared storytelling. We propose that interventions aimed at supporting mental state language development in DS should include a focus on caregiver–child shared storybook reading, even in the school-age years. Therefore, we discuss key considerations for clinicians when teaching caregivers strategies for supporting mental state language and social communication in children with DS.
The Intestinal Microbiome and Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Modulators: Emerging Themes in the Management of Gastrointestinal Manifestations of Cystic Fibrosis

While commonly associated with pulmonary manifestations, cystic fibrosis (CF) is a systemic disease with wide-ranging effects on the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This article reviews major recent updates in gastroenterological CF care and research. The high burden of GI symptoms in CF has led to recent studies assessing GI-specific symptom questionnaires and scoring systems. Intestinal dysbiosis potentially contributes to gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with CF and an increased risk of gastrointestinal cancers in CF. An increased incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) has led to CF-specific CRC screening and surveillance recommendations. Pharmacologic therapies targeting specific cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) mutations have shown promise in treating GI manifestations of CF. New research has highlighted the importance of intestinal dysbiosis in CF. Future studies should assess whether CFTR modulators affect the gut microbiome and whether altering the gut microbiome will impact GI symptoms and GI cancer risk.
Small Deity Worship in Sri Lanka: A Comparative Study Based on Hindu and Buddhist Religious Traditions

The People who have not only multi ethnic, multi -religious and multi -languages in Sri Lanka but also, they follow different beliefs and cultural traditions as well. Hindu and Buddhist religious and cultural traditions are very prominent in Sri Lanka. Even though India is the root cause for the prevailing Hindu and Buddhist traditions in Sri Lanka, both the traditions and its worships and beliefs have unique and independent characteristics different from India. Small deity worship comprises of unique and independent characteristics in Sri Lanka. Small Deity worship in Hindu tradition: Kazhippu ritual, temple ritual, Kumara Deiva worship, Vairava worship, Pathini Amman worship, tree worship, Naga thampiran worship and small deity worship in Buddhist tradition: Thovil, Magapirith, katharagama deio, Bahirava, Pathini Deio, Bothi tree, Maga Naga are compared and identified unique and innovative characteristics among them. In this research, historical method, comparative method and descriptive method have been used. Data gathered from field work are considered as primary sources and data gathered from literature, research articles, manuscripts, etc. considered as secondary sources. Knowing origin and background of Hindu and Buddhist religion, identifying characteristics of small deity worship in Hindu and Buddhist tradition in Sri Lanka, discovering unique and innovative characteristics of small deity worship of Hindu and Buddhist traditions and evaluating values revealed by the two traditions are objectives of the research. Research area for this study is Magoya Divisional Secretary and Eravur Pattu Divisional Secretary. The conclusion of the research is that the small deity worships of the above two traditions fulfills psychological needs of the concerned people and small deity worship beliefs and traditions of Hindu and Buddhist religions will continue for long time.
Reconstruction of Dynamics from Observables

The study of the mathematical dynamical systems presented in the previous chapters advanced our understanding of the dynamics of nonlinear deterministic systems. We now know that random-looking behavior can arise from simple nonlinear systems. Such dynamics, now termed chaotic dynamics, exhibit complicated strange attractors that are fractal sets with positive Lyapunov exponents. We also learned how the dynamic behavior of a system can change via bifurcations, and how period doubling, intermittency, and crisis can take a system from a periodic to a nonperiodic evolution.
Consumer Culture, Taste Preferences, and Social Network Formation

One of the most important and consistent findings in the social networks literature is that individuals are socially connected to people who resemble themselves. This finding extends to preferences for consumer culture. Whereas network theorists previously had presumed that social networks generated this outcome through a process of social influence, this traditional conception of the relationship between culture and social networks has been challenged by new theoretical perspectives and novel methodological techniques that enable researchers to empirically test the causal direction of the relationship. In this article, I first discuss how theorists have adjudicated between competing explanations of the relationship of taste preferences and social network structure. Second, I discuss how sociologists have theorized that tastes contribute to variation in network structure. Third, I examine survey and ethnographic research that discusses interactional mechanisms by which people actively mobilize culture to form social relationships. Fourth and finally, I discuss research that explores how consumer culture constitutes the meaning of social relationships and how relationship category affects theorizing of network formation.
Three Anglo-American Radicals, and the Dilemmas of Syndicalism and Social Democracy

These three books are part of a welcome new series of short, pithy biographies of leading figures in the European and American socialist and labour movements, written by scholars who have been drawn from both sides of the Atlantic. There are some methodological differences between them. 'Big Bill' Haywood is a lively synthesis written by a senior scholar which draws only on previously published work. Paul Davies' AJ. Cook is based on the author's PhD thesis, and on other original documents. Anthony Wright's R.H. Tawney is the work of a political scientist who reevaluates Tawney's intellectual contributions to the English ? as opposed to the German, or continental ? version of social democracy. All three provide excellent introductions to their subjects for college students, as well as for the general reader who wishes to know more about the historical development of the Anglo-American labour movement. Using biography as a medium, the books focus on the rise of the Labour Party in Britain and the Socialist Party of America between the turn of the century and the 1920s; on the differing forms of apolitical syndicalism that developed in both countries; and on the tensions that grew up within and between these two strands of socialist endeavor. They also illuminate the divergent paths which the British and American labour movements took after World War I. They show us how, on the one hand, the Red Scare which accompanied this upheaval fragmented the US Left, effectively neutralizing it until the 1930s; and how, on the other hand, the social crisis created by the war breathed fresh life into the British Labour Party, helping to bring it to power as the First Labour Government of 1924. World War I also represented a turning point in the lives of the three men being considered. For the young Tawney, who served as a sergeant on the Western Front,
Tychonoff expansions by independent families

A method for Tychonoff expansions using independent families is introduced. Using this method we prove that every countable Tychonoff space which admits a partition into infinitely many open-hereditarily irresolvable dense subspaces has a Tychonoff expansion that is w-resolvable but not strongly extraresolvable. We also show that, under Luzin's Hypothesis (2 ω 1 = 2), there exists an ω-resolvable Tychonoff space of size ω 1 which is not maximally resolvable.
AN ANALYSIS OF COMPETING AGRICULTURAL LAND USES

Several alternative government programs use can be called the land rent profile. Land have been used in the past to achieve policy rent profiles for two alternative uses are objectives related to the levels of crop acreage depicted by curves A and B in Figure 1. and net farm income. Important questions remain relating to the effectiveness of past pro- FIGURE 1. A FRAMEWORK FOR THE grams in achieving selected policy objectives. ALLOCATION OF LAND In particular, what is the relative effectiveness Lcd AMONG COMPETING USES of long-term versus short-term acreage diversion programs? One of the major impacts of government diversion programs is in the allocation of land among competing uses. Several studies (Brandow and Learn; Christensen and Aines; Hathaway) indicate that the use of acreage control on single crops rather than on all crops results in less than proportionate reduction in output from a given reduction in acreage. However, only limited information is available on the interrelationships among major competing uses of crop, pasture, and privately owned forest acreage. Studies of these
Role of energy metabolism in conversion of nonmucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa to the mucoid phenotype.

Phosphatidylcholine, the major component of lung surfactant, when supplied as the sole source of phosphate for Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1, resulted in conversion of as much as 2% of the population to the mucoid phenotype under continuous culture conditions over a 24-day culture period. In addition, growth in phosphatidylcholine resulted in the highest yields of extracellular alginate compared with other environmental conditions. Iron limitation, another environmental condition relevant to the lungs of patients with cystic fibrosis, also resulted in conversion to mucoid. Since both conditions suggested the likelihood of an energy-deprived growth environment as a common variable, the effect of direct inhibition of energy generation by N,N9-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide or gramicidin on the conversion of nonmucoid P. aeruginosa to the mucoid phenotype was examined. Both inhibitors resulted in mucoid subpopulations (0.5 and 0.8%, respectively). Severe energy stress imposed by the combination of phosphate limitation and N,N9-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide treatment resulted in conversion of 55% of the population to mucoidy during a 7-day growth period. A growth advantage of the mucoid over the nonmucoid phenotype was observed under severe nutrient deprivation by growth on unsupplemented Noble agar or in a 1/2,500 dilution of a chemically defined medium. These results clearly demonstrate a significant role for the energy state of the cell in conversion to mucoid and in selection for the mucoid phenotype.
Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion in toddlers and children with type 1 diabetes mellitus is safe and effective.

: Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) for type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in toddlers and children. Research Design and Methods: Seventy children who began CSII at the age of 12 yr or younger (youngest 2 yr old) and who were maintained on CSII for at least 6 months were studied by a retrospective chart review. A pre- or postintervention comparison approach was used to assess the impact of CSII on the measured variables. The control period was defined as 1 yr prior to beginning CSII. Charts were reviewed for hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) reports of severe hypoglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), height and weight, and range of blood glucoses reported at each visit. Mean values for HbA1c, body mass index (BMI) z-score, and range of blood glucose were computed for each subject over all pre-CSII visits, and again over all post-CSII visits. Results: The mean HbA1c decreased significantly during CSII [7.8 ± 0.8% pre-CSII vs. 7.3 ± 0.7% on CSII, p < 0.0001]. Hypoglycemic episodes decreased with CSII in the 10- to 12-yr-old group (p < 0.02) and demonstrated a strong trend (mean of 0.46–0.22 events per patient year, p < 0.06) overall. Two episodes of DKA occurred in the CSII period and none in the control period (p = NS). BMI z-scores increased to 0.21 in the 5- to 9-yr-age group (p < 0.008) and averaged 0.13 overall. The range of blood glucoses decreased during CSII (p < 0.005) in the middle and oldest age groups. Conclusions: This study supports CSII as a safe and effective alternative to managing T1DM, with no increase in hypoglycemia and a trend to improve control, even in the youngest patients.
The effects of rapid thermal annealing on the properties of plasma-enhanced chemically vapor-deposited silicon nitride

Plasma-enhanced chemically vapor-deposited silicon nitride films have been rapidly thermal annealed at temperatures from 400 to 800 °C. A correlation between physical and memory properties of the material and the loss of hydrogen has been observed. The progressive loss of hydrogen results in film densification and an increase in both refractive index and absorption edge. Memory performance of the films is degraded by annealing and appears to be dependent on the ratio of Si H to N H. Additionally, certain combinations of anneal time and temperature result in stabilization of the nitride. The film resistivity decreases with annealing and is indicative of an increase in silicon dangling bonds created by hydrogen loss.
Subsize Experiments and Numerical Modeling of Axial Rupture of Gas Transmission Lines

Revue des modeles numeriques et des dispositifs experimentaux destines a l'etude de la rupture axiale des tubes de lignes de transport de gaz
A rotation-invariant pattern recognition using spectral fringe-adjusted joint transform correlator and histogram representation

A new rotation-invariant pattern recognition technique, based on spectral fringe-adjusted joint transform correlator (SFJTC) and histogram representation, is proposed. Synthetic discriminant function (SDF) based joint transform correlation (JTC) techniques have shown attractive performance in rotation-invariant pattern recognition applications. However, when the targets present in a complex scene, SDF-based JTC techniques may produce false detections due to inaccurate estimation of rotation angle of the object. Therefore, we herein propose an efficient rotation-invariant JTC scheme which does not require a priori rotation training of the reference image. In the proposed technique, a Vectorized Gaussian Ringlet Intensity Distribution (VGRID) descriptor is also proposed to obtain rotation-invariant features from the reference image. In this step, we divide the reference image into multiple Gaussian ringlets and extract histogram distribution of each ringlet, and then concatenate them into a vector as a target signature. Similarly, an unknown input scene is also represented by the VGRID which produces a multidimensional input image. Finally, the concept of the SFJTC is incorporated and utilized for target detection in the input scene. The classical SFJTC was proposed for detecting very small objects involving only few pixels in hyperspectral imagery. However, in our proposed algorithm, the SFJTC is applied for a two-dimensional image without limitation of the size of objects and most importantly it achieves rotation-invariant target discriminability. Simulation results verify that the proposed scheme performs satisfactorily in detecting targets in the input scene irrespective of rotation of the object.
Nuclear Giant Dipole Resonance

The collective oscillation of neutrons and protons in nuclei which can be excited by an electromagnetic field leads to a resonant response of nuclei called the giant dipole resonance. A classical description is given since the oscillation for large wavelengths involves a large number of nucleons. Equations are given which exhibit the important feature that the single-particle energies in general will depend on the fluctuation in neutron-proton densities typical of the collective density oscillations. The role played in the nuclear symmetry energy by the change in potential energy resulting from density changes is emphasized. This effect gives about half the nuclear symmetry energy and gives an appreciable shift in the frequency of the collective oscillation. It is pointed out ttht a correct discuasion of the collective motion starting from a single-particle approximation will lead to the classical result. (B.O.G.)
Technical considerations for Nd:YAG intracranial LITT in an iMRI unit

Laser-induced interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) is a minimally invasive technique for tumor therapy. Light is transmitted to targeted tissue via a percutaneously placed optical fiber; heat generated by the absorption of the light produces a region of cell kill about the fiber's tip. Adequate monitoring of the spatial and temporal profile of the tissue temperature has always been considered key to suitable control of the process, since direct visualization is not possible. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides an unparalleled solution to the problem of monitoring LITT. Recently developed `open' interventional MRI (iMRI) units provide additional key characteristics (patient access; interactive scan plane control) which make the clinical testing of MRI-guided LITT feasible. An iMRI procedure room has been outfitted for Nd:YAG LITT procedures. Relevant technical highlights of treatments performed to date will be shared including room-layout, output calibration, limitations of the current system and considerations for the future. Clinical LITT has been of long-standing interest, possessing medical, engineering and physical problems to be solved. As it provides suitable monitoring capabilities, iMRI opens the field for earnest pursuit by experts not only for improved monitoring, but in establishing the clinical indications and effectiveness of the therapy.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Item and scale differential functioning of the Mini-Mental State Exam assessed using the Differential Item and Test Functioning (DFIT) Framework.

Objectives:To illustrate the application of the Differential Item and Test Functioning (DFIT) method using English and Spanish versions of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).Subjects:Study participants were 65 years of age or older and lived in North Manhattan, New York. Of the 1578 study part
British activism: the viewer and listener community

The research explored, over seven years, the strategies and impact of six UK pressure groups. The main method used was in‐depth interviews. In addition, extensive searches of several literatures and database, archival, print, government and online works were undertaken, as was unobtrusive monitoring of consultations and other group communications. The data strongly suggested that these groups raised awareness of, and debate about, compelling broadcasting issues that affect viewers and listeners as citizens. At times, they achieved legislative changes. Groups that built strategic relationships with target publics, in tandem with media advocacy and media education, were more likely to achieve their goals, but relationship building was itself a successful outcome and contributed to ad hoc alliances/coalitions that increased organizational effectiveness. Overall, these groups had an impact on the range and quality of broadcasting issues discussed and on citizen engagement in broadcasting issues on national, regional and, increasingly, global levels. This research is one of the first studies from the activist perspective and posits public relations' value to democratic dialogue. It also presents a cross‐cultural perspective that may be transferable to other societies.
Renunciation of the self in psychotherapy

Self-renunciation or self-denial, although often misunderstood, is a foundational concept in several major religions and is frequently associated with spiritual maturity. In spite of this, the action of self-renunciation has been viewed with suspicion by the psychological community and criticized as repressive. This article argues that the concept of self-denial found in the Sufi tradition of rebirth and the salvation paradox found in the synoptic Gospels can bring a valuable perspective to psychotherapy. First, a brief summary of the history of psychotherapy and its contributions to the understanding of the self are provided. Next, a cursory overview of the Sufi tradition of rebirth is given. Third, the salvation paradox found in the synoptic Gospels is reviewed. It is argued that these two traditions offer valuable insight into ideas surrounding the self. Finally, the clinical implications of self-denial are discussed, and conclusions are drawn related to how psychotherapy can benefit self-renunciation.
Anticoccidial drugs: lesion scoring techniques in battery and floor-pen experiments with chickens.

Abstract Although lesion scoring is a commonly accepted criterion for determining the pathogenicity of coccidial species, no previous attempt has been made to standardize and describe the scoring scale. In battery trials using pure species, the six species Eimeria tenella, E. necatrix, acervulina, E. mivati, E. maxima , and E. brunetti have been scored on a 0 to + 4 scale with descriptions of the gross pathologic changes for each score. Eimeria maxima and E. brunetti were found to be the most difficult species to score since the gross pathologic picture has been difficult to correlate with weight gains or other indications of pathogenicity. Birds from floor-pen trials infected with more than one species were also graded on a 0 to +4 scale. Four sections of the intestine (upper, middle, lower, and ceca) were each scored separately. No attempt was made to determine species, but microscopic examination of scrapings was made to confirm the presence of coccidia.
High resolution resonant brillouin scattering of exciton-polaritons in cadmium sulphide

Abstract Resonant Brillouin scattering in CdS in the vicinity of the A exciton was investigated with a high resolution spectroscopic system that combines a triple-pass Fabry-Perot interferometer and a tandem grating spectrometer. Scattering from both inner and outer exciton-polariton branches was observed, as well as broadening of both TA and LA components near resonance. Additional resonant enhancement was observed at the I 2B bound exciton.
Tc-99m MDP uptake in Staphylococcus aureus paraspinal abscess. Value of bone SPECT and reprojectional display in preoperative guidance.

The collection of accurate information regarding the extent of paraspinal abscesses originating in the spine from various imaging modalities is of utmost importance before attempting any surgical drainage or manipulation. In this report, a patient is presented who had a lumbar laminectomy that was complicated by Staphylococcus aureus infection causing osteomyelitis of the vertebra and developed a paraspinal abscess in the lumbar spine which extended into the psoas muscle. The patient had two surgical operations procedures, the first for drainage of the abscess, and later an L-3 carpectomy for decompression of the cauda equina and fusion of L2 to L4. Computed tomography and MRI of the lumbar spine and Tc-99m MDP three-phase bone imaging with SPECT of the lumbar spine were performed. The reprojection display of the SPECT study was the most helpful preoperative finding in outlining the borders and extension of the abscess and for modifying the surgical approach.
Employing immersive virtual environments for innovative experiments in health care communication.

Abstract Objective This report reviews the literature for studies that employ immersive virtual environment technology methods to conduct experimental studies in health care communication. Advantages and challenges of using these tools for research in this area are also discussed. Methods A literature search was conducted using the Scopus database. Results were hand searched to identify the body of studies, conducted since 1995, that are related to the report objective. Results The review identified four relevant studies that stem from two unique projects. One project focused on the impact of a clinician's characteristics and behavior on health care communication, the other focused on the characteristics of the patient. Both projects illustrate key methodological advantages conferred by immersive virtual environments, including, ability to maintain simultaneously high experimental control and realism, ability to manipulate variables in new ways, and unique behavioral measurement opportunities. Conclusion Though implementation challenges exist for immersive virtual environment-based research methods, given the technology's unique capabilities, benefits can outweigh the costs in many instances. Practice implications Immersive virtual environments may therefore prove an important addition to the array of tools available for advancing our understanding of communication in health care.
Stress, Religious Coping Resources, and Depressive Symptoms in an Urban Adolescent Sample

We surveyed low-income urban adolescents about their total exposure to urban stressors and their use of religious coping resources, specifically in the areas of social support, spiritual support, and community service opportunities provided by their congregations. Additionally, we assessed their current levels of depressive symptomatology. Among females, the relationship between stress and depressive symptoms was moderated by the use of spiritual support and community service opportunities. The moderating relationship was such that at low levels of stress, high usage of these resources protected against the development of depressive symptoms. At high levels of stress, however, the protective relationship was lost. Lastly, when the social support aspects of religious coping were statistically controlled, the moderation effect disappeared, suggesting that within this sample, the social support seeking aspects of the resources, rather than their religious nature, was responsible for the effects.
A study of results generated using the Abbott LCx-GC assay fails to reveal a performance-based rationale for the 2002 level 1 recall.

To establish the effect of a quality control failure on the performance of the LCx-GC nucleic-acid amplification assay for Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, IL) in the field, we conducted a retrospective analysis comparing the clinical and analytic performance of the recalled lots with those not implicated in the recall. Our analysis revealed no statistically significant differences between recalled lots (n = 8,686 tests) and nonrecalled lots (n = 8,699 tests) with respect to multiple parameters of assay performance, including frequency distribution of patient results ( P = .575), prevalence of indeterminate results ( P = .245), mean positive control signals ( P = .26), and within-run calibrator precision ( P = .68). The LCx-GC system’s lack of an electronic data storage and retrieval capability prevented assessment of the impact of the quality control failure on the clinical performance of recalled lots, such as the one described herein, from being conducted in real time.
Anaplastic oligoastrocytoma in Turcot syndrome

Turcot syndrome (TS), a rare variant of hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), is characterized by familial clustering of cancer of the large bowel, extracolonic body sites and brain. It is caused by germline mutations in genes encoding for components of the DNA mismatch repair system. We report a 72 year old woman with anaplastic oligoastrocytoma in the setting of TS. Careful analysis of tumor DNA is required to exclude the chance occurrence of a brain tumor in HNPCC kindreds and increase our understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease. Our case adds to the handful of cases published with detailed molecular data previously.