cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of St John's wort on the pharmacokinetics of fexofenadine.

Background St John's wort is a popular over-the-counter dietary supplement and herbal remedy that has been implicated in drug interactions with several substrates of P-glycoprotein. The effect of St John's wort on P-glycoprotein activity in vivo was examined with use of fexofenadine as selective probe drug. Methods A 3-period, open-label, fixed-schedule study design was used. Fexofenadine, 60 mg, was administered orally before administration of St John's wort, with a single dose of St John's wort (900 mg), and after 2 weeks of treatment with St John's wort (300 mg 3 times a day) to determine P-glycoprotein activity. Results A single dose of St John's wort significantly (P < .05) increased the maximum plasma concentration of fexofenadine by 45% and significantly (P < .05) decreased the oral clearance by 20%, with no change in half-life or renal clearance. Long-term administration of St John's wort did not cause a significant change in fexofenadine disposition relative to the untreated phase. Compared with the single-dose treatment phase, long-term St John's wort caused a significant 35% decrease (P < .05) in maximum plasma concentration and a significant 47% increase (P < .05) in fexofenadine oral clearance. Conclusions A single dose of St John's wort resulted in a significant inhibition of intestinal P-glycoprotein. Long-term treatment with St John's wort reversed the changes in fexofenadine disposition observed with single-dose administration. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2002) 71, 414–420; doi: 10.1067/mcp.2002.124080
Effects of Nifedipine on Hemodynamics and Cardiac Function in Patients with Normal left Ventricular Ejection Fraction Already Treated with Propranolol

Abstract The interaction between nifedipine and propranolol on cardiac hemodynamics and function was investigated in 9 patients with normal left ventricular (LV) function who were undergoing cardiac catheterization for complaints of chest pain. Only 2 patients had angiographic evidence of significant coronary artery disease but no patient had clinical evidence of ischemia during the study. All patients were pretreated with propranolol, 30 to 320 mg/day (mean ± standard deviation 210 ± 122); the propranolol serum level ranged from 43 to 246 ng/ml (mean 203 ± 62). The administration of nifedipine resulted in a decrease in blood pressure (from 94 ± 11 to 85 ± 13 mm Hg, p 2 , p 2 ) and systemic vascular resistance decreased (from 1,715 ± 369 to 1,255 ± 271 dynes s cm −5 , p −5 ), LV stroke work index (44 ± 9 vs 42 ± 10 g-m/ m 2 ), LV end-diastolic pressure (15 ± 2 vs 16 ± 2 mm Hg), LV dPdt (893 ± 164 vs 895 ± 177 mm Hg/s) and LV ejection fraction (0.63 ± 0.10 vs 0.65 ± 0.10). These findings demonstrate that the addition of nifedipine to patients with normal resting LV systolic pump function who are treated with commonly used doses of propranolol is not associated with any acute deterioration of cardiac performance.
"Am I for real?" Predicting impostor tendencies from self-handicapping and affective components

Impostors are individuals who believe their successes are not due to their own ability, but because of either luck or the notion that they must work harder than others. The relationship between impostor tendencies and different behavioral and affective variables was examined. With the present study's sample ( N = 436), controlling for social desirability, impostor tendencies were significantly correlated with behavioral self-handicapping ( r = .52, p < .001), and with shame-proneness ( r = .54, p < .001) more than guilt-proneness ( r = .28, p < .001). Regression analyses indicated that self-handicapping and shame-proneness were the best predictors of impostor tendencies ( R 2 = 0.43). Based on these results it seems that strong impostor tendencies are related to, and best predicted by, self-handicapping behaviors and shame prone affect.
The relationship between change in apathy and changes in cognition and functional outcomes in currently non-depressed SSRI-treated patients with major depressive disorder.

Abstract Aims Apathy in the context of treated major depressive disorder (MDD) is a frequently observed phenomenon in clinical practice. This study aimed to assess the validity of the Rothschild Scale for Antidepressant Tachyphylaxis® (RSAT) and the Massachusetts General Hospital Cognitive and Physical Functioning Questionnaire (CPFQ) for measuring apathy, and to assess the relationship between apathy and possible contributing factors, in patients with MDD and residual apathy in the absence of depressed mood. Methods The underlying structure and validity of the RSAT and CPFQ were assessed via factor analysis and correlation with the Apathy Evaluation Scale—Clinician rated version (AES-C) in 483 patients who had previously responded to treatment with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. The relationship between apathy and contributing variables was investigated via structural equation modeling. Correlation and regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between the Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS) and the RSAT, CPFQ, and AES-C. Results The RSAT and CPFQ were validated with the AES-C with respect to energy and motivation. The latent variable “Energy and Interest”, based on the energy, motivation, and interest items (RSAT and CPFQ), was a major contributing factor to apathy. Improvements in function (SDS) were significantly correlated with, and predicted by, improvements in apathy and cognitive and physical functioning (assessed by the RSAT, CPFQ, and AES-C). Conclusions These analyses provide further information on apathy and its assessment in the context of treated MDD. A better understanding of apathy will aid further investigation of this phenomenon and, ultimately, determination of the most appropriate approach for its clinical management.
Traumatic Experiences and Substance Abuse: Mapping the Territory

Abstract This article examines the relationships between various types of traumatic experiences and addictive behavior, with an eye to formulating effective treatment strategies. Interventions in the posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related fields are reviewed in an effort to understand how best to integrate them into substance abuse treatment. The recovery-oriented therapy model is used as a framework to define treatment tasks at each stage of the recovery process: how one addresses painful issues depends on the objective, given the recovery stage at hand. These tasks include making a commitment to abstinence, stopping alcohol and other drug use, consolidating abstinence and changing lifestyles, and addressing short- and long-term psychosocial issues. The article focuses on the clinical features of PTSD in an effort to enhance the practitioner's ability to address this disorder within the context of substance abuse treatment. Finally. recomme ndations are offered for training practitioners at var...
Topical prophylaxis with moxifloxacin prevents endophthalmitis in a rabbit model.

Abstract Purpose The prophylaxis potential of the topical antibiotic, 0.5% moxifloxacin (Vigamox), was evaluated to prevent endophthalmitis after bacterial anterior chamber challenge in a rabbit model. Design An in vivo laboratory investigation. Methods Three regimens of topical 0.5% moxifloxacin were tested for prophylaxis to prevent endophthalmitis: (1) (full prophylaxis) moxifloxacin drops every 15 minutes for 1 hour (five drops), anterior chamber challenge with 5 × 10 4 colony-forming units of Staphylococcus aureus , one drop of moxifloxacin, and four more drops applied over the next 24 hours; (2) (preprophylaxis) prechallenge prophylaxis, S. aureus challenge, and no postchallenge prophylaxis; and (3) (postprophylaxis) no prechallenge prophylaxis, S. aureus challenge, and postchallenge prophylaxis. A saline control was tested concurrently in all three experiments. At 24 hours after injection, the eyes were evaluated by slit lamp in a masked fashion for clinical signs of endophthalmitis, and the anterior and posterior chambers were cultured for bacteria. Results The median clinical scores for the moxifloxacin group were significantly lower than the saline group for all three treatment regimens. The median clinical score for the full prophylaxis regimen was significantly lower than the preprophylaxis and postprophylaxis regimens alone. The anterior and posterior chambers were negative for S. aureus in all three moxifloxacin treatment regimens. Conclusions In a rabbit model, a "proof of principle" was demonstrated that topical antibiotic therapy pre- and postintraocular bacterial challenge could prevent bacterial endophthalmitis. Surgical prophylaxis with topical 0.5% moxifloxacin (Vigamox) may prove to be a valuable adjunct for the prevention of endophthalmitis.
Designing Nelder wheel plots for tree density experiments

The Nelder (Biometrics 18:283–307, 1962) wheel design allows a researcher to test multiple tree densities in a single plot. Because spatial relationships among planted trees are fundamental to a Nelder wheel, a researcher needs a specific set of layout parameters to establish a Nelder plot. While Nelder (Biometrics 18:283–307, 1962) provides calculus-based equations for determining the required layout parameters, the presentation focuses on derivation of these equations and not their application to forestry research. Other authors have outlined the design of Nelder plots for forestry research, but have done so using trigonometry-based equations. Existence of two layout methodologies in the literature is a source of confusion. In this paper, we present a straightforward means to determine the design parameters critical to the establishment of Nelder plots used within tree density research. The layout equations presented are expressed in terms that allow applied forestry researchers to easily answer the following question. Given the number and range of tree densities I want to evaluate, what are the required Nelder wheel layout parameters? Finally, we provide a step-by-step example of the design and installation of a Nelder plot for a scenario familiar to tree density research and discuss analysis of Nelder wheel experiments.
Behaviors of Dentists in Regard to Dental and Medical Appointments

During the Health Screening Program at the ADA's annual session, 1,160 dentists completed questionnaires about their personal medical and dental visits within the past year. Findings from this study were compared with findings from other surveys of these behaviors in the general population. Results indicated that dentists visited dentists more often than did members of the general population. Dentists' visits to physicians were fewer than those reported by the general population.
Multi-fluid modelling of pulsed discharges for flow control applications

Experimental evidence suggests that short-pulse dielectric barrier discharge actuators are effective for speeds corresponding to take-off and approach of large aircraft, and thus are a fruitful direction for flow control technology development. Large-eddy simulations have reproduced some of the main fluid dynamic effects. The plasma models used in such simulations are semi-empirical, however, and need to be tuned for each flowfield under consideration. In this paper, the discharge physics is examined in more detail with multi-fluid modelling, comparing a five-moment model continuity, momentum, and energy equations to a two-moment model continuity and energy equations. A steady-state, one-dimensional discharge was considered first, and the five-moment model was found to predict significantly lower ionisation rates and number densities than the two-moment model. A two-dimensional, transient discharge problem with an elliptical cathode was studied next. Relative to the two-moment model, the five-moment model predicted a slower response to the activation of the cathode, and lower electron velocities and temperatures as the simulation approached steady-state. The primary reason for the differences in the predictions of the two models can be attributed to the effects of particle inertia, particularly electron inertia in the cathode layer. The computational cost of the five-moment model is only about twice that of the simpler variant, suggesting that it may be feasible to use the more sophisticated model in practical calculations for flow control actuator design.
A National Customer Satisfaction Barometer: The Swedish Experience:

Many individual companies and some industries monitor customer satisfaction on a continual basis, but Sweden is the first country to do so on a national level. The annual Customer Satisfaction Baro...
A mass- spectrometric investigation of the high temperature thermodynamic stabilities of Pd- Ti alloys

From the Kundsen cell mass-spectrometric investigation of Pd-rich liquid alloys of Ti, the Gibbs energies of formation of TiPd and TiPd3 at 1873 K have been derived as -67 ± 8 and -56 ± 8 kj/g atom, respectively. The corresponding enthalpies of formation at 298 K are estimated to be -80 ± 10 and -70 ± kjJg atom. The stabilities of some Ti-X systems, with X = Fe, Ni, Pd and Pt, are compared and correlated with the extent of electron transfer which is consistent with the Engel-Brewer concepts of alloying behavior in transition metals.
Action of amenable groups and uniqueness of invariant means

Abstract It is proved in this paper that assuming the continuum hypothesis, there exists an amenable group G acting on an infinite set X such that there is only one G-invariant mean on l∞(X).
Raloxifene Preserves Bone Strength and Bone Mass in Ovariectomized Rats

We investigated the effects of raloxifene, a nonsteroidal benzothiophene, on bone strength in ovariectomized rats and compared them with estrogen treatment. Sixty ovariectomized Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups for treatment with orally dosed raloxifene (3 mg/kg), ethynyl estradiol (EE, 0.1 mg/kg), or vehicle. A fourth group of 20 rats that underwent sham ovariectomies and received vehicle was used for comparison. Treatments began 3 days after ovariectomy and continued for 6 months. Raloxifene treatment resulted in greater bone strength in the lumbar vertebrae (P < 0.05) and femoral neck (P < 0.01) and greater bone mineral density at the proximal tibia (P < 0.001) and lumbar vertebrae (P < 0.001) when compared with vehicle-treated ovariectomized animals. The positive effects on bone biomechanical properties from raloxifene treatment were not different than those associated with EE treatment. Raloxifene did not cause a significant increase in uterine weight, whereas EE treatment resulted in uterine weight increased 4-fold over vehicle-treated ovariectomized controls. Therefore, in rats, raloxifene has beneficial effects on bone biomechanics that are equivalent to those of EE treatment without substantial effects on the uterus.
Is Religious Coping Related to Better Quality of Life Following Acute Myocardial Infarction

Although few studies have examined the extent to which religiousness is related to better well-being following acute myocardial infarction (AMI), studies from the broader literature suggest that positive religious coping may be helpful while more negative forms of religious coping may be related to poorer well-being. To assess the relationship between positive and negative religious coping and depressive symptoms in patients with AMI, we collected data twice over a 1-month period from 56 patients hospitalized with a first AMI. Controlling for demographic variables and social support, both positive and negative religious coping were independently related to higher levels of depressive symptoms both in hospital and at a one-month follow-up. Further, even when controlling for baseline depressive symptoms, religious coping predicted higher subsequent depressive symptoms. These results suggest that religious coping appears to be maladaptive in dealing with acute MI, perhaps because this type of recovery requires more active forms of coping.
Anaesthetic implications of congenital heart disease for children undergoing non-cardiac surgery

Children with congenital heart disease (CHD) are at increased risk of morbidity, perioperative cardiac arrest and 30-day mortality from major and minor surgical procedures compared to healthy children. Factors associated with greatest risk are the complexity of cardiac disease and the physiological status of the child. Therefore the anaesthetist must understand balanced and single ventricle circulations; and be able to assess the effects of four major complications of CHD: cardiac failure, arrhythmias, pulmonary hypertension and cyanosis. Other risk factors include type of surgery, age, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status and length of preoperative hospital stay. Because of the diversity of CHD and the range of surgical procedures a generalized approach to anaesthesia is impossible. Preoperative assessment, induction and maintenance should all be individualized to the child and tailored to the type of surgery. Whether surgery occurs in the local hospital or tertiary cardiac centre depends on risk classification (high, intermediate and low). Some children require full cardiac anaesthesia, intensive care and cardiology support making care in the local hospital inappropriate, whereas for others, care in their local hospital is both safe and convenient.
Self-validated Computations for the Probabilities of the Central Bivariate Chi-square Distribution and a Bivariate F Distribution. This work partially supported by National Science Foundation grant DMS-9500831

Self-validated computations using interval analysis produce results with a guaranteed error bound. This article presents methods for self-validated computation of probabilities and percentile points of the bivariate chi-square distribution and a bivariate F distribution. For the computation of critical points (c 1,c 2) in the equation P(Y 1 @ c 1, Y 2 ≤ c 2) = 1 − α, the case c 1 = c 2 is considered. A combination of interval secant and bisection algorithms is developed for finding enclosures of the percentile points of the distribution. Results are compared to previously published tables.
Early family environment, borderline personality symptoms, and somatic preoccupation among internal medicine outpatients

Abstract Background The literature on the role of early somatic concerns in children, and their relationship to borderline personality and somatic preoccupation, is scant. Method In this study, using a cross-sectional approach, a sample of convenience, and self-report measures, we examined among a sample of 116 internal medicine outpatients whether any somatic concerns during childhood might relate to borderline personality symptoms and/or somatic preoccupation in adulthood. Results We found that several somatic concerns during childhood correlated with the measures for borderline personality symptoms and somatic preoccupation. When these variables were analyzed through 2 multiple regression analyses, the only uniquely significant predictor for both borderline personality symptoms and somatic preoccupation was whether the respondent had had an unusual or complicated medical illness during childhood. Conclusions Unusual or complicated medical illnesses in childhood may be risk factors for both borderline personality and somatic preoccupation in adulthood.
Parental monitoring in African American, single mother-headed families. An Ecological approach to the identification of predictors.

Parental monitoring is considered an essential parenting skill. Despite its relevance to a range of child and adolescent outcomes, including the prevention of conduct problems and substance use, th...
The Palestinian Intifada and Israelis' Burnout

In an attempt to understand the effects of the Palestinian uprising on Israelis' burnout, five groups were interviewed: 32 left wingers, 35 right wingers, 32 Orthodox Jews, 30 high-ranking officers, and 30 Arabs. Significant differences were found among the five groups in levels of burnout, with the groups in the following rank order: Left, Arabs, Right, Officers, and Orthodox Jews. The differences in burnout are explained by the difference in existential significance the intifada holds for the five groups. This interpretation is supported by interviews and a burnout workshop conducted with representatives of 14 peace organizations in Israel.
High-Level executable specifications of distributed algorithms

This paper describes a method for specifying complex distributed algorithms at a very high yet executable level, focusing in particular on general principles for making properties and invariants explicit while keeping the control flow clear. This is critical for understanding the algorithms and proving their correctness. It is also critical for generating efficient implementations using invariant-preserving transformations, ensuring the correctness of the optimizations. We have studied and experimented with a variety of important distributed algorithms, including well-known difficult variants of Paxos, by specifying them in a very high-level language with an operational semantics. In the specifications that resulted from following our method, critical properties and invariants are explicit, making the algorithms easier to understand and verify. Indeed, this helped us discover improvements to some of the algorithms, for correctness and for optimizations.
On the Conditional Cueing of Credibility Heuristics: The Case of Online Influence

When seeking information, Internet users often find multiple communicators co-presenting and expressing their opinions. This study examined how people judge message senders’ credibility in a multi-source environment based on system-generated cues, the consensus among multiple sources, and the effect of receiver’s familiarity with the online platform. Moreover, this research examined the mediating role of source credibility in attitude change in an online consumer-review community. Results indicated that users familiar with a platform were more likely to use system-generated cues for their judgment of credibility along with consensus heuristics, and the combination of heuristics influenced attitude through credibility. However, unfamiliar users relied on consensus heuristics but not system-generated cues. These findings and their theoretical implications are discussed.
A Management Information System for the National Ocean Service's Next Generation Water Level Measurement System (NGWLMS)

To effectively manage the development, acquisition, and operation of the NGWLMS, a special purpose management information system (MIS) was designed featuring: project scheduling and cost reporting, item tracking, and document comparison. The NGWLMS project was structured as a six-level, parent/subtask hierarchy with no restrictions on interlevel predecessor task relationships; two categories of task schedules and cost data are maintained--planned and current. Several databases are used to track items, such as equipment, facilities and spare parts. A semi-automated method is provided to aid reviewers in comparing parallel documents, such as proposals vs, specifications or test results vs. test plans. The MIS was written in Ashton-Tate's dBASE III and Framework software packages, and operates on an IBM PC/AT personal computer.
Estrogenic activity of coumestrol, DDT, and TCDD in human cervical cancer cells.

Endogenous estrogens have dramatic and differential effects on classical endocrine organ and proliferation. Xenoestrogens are environmental estrogens that have endocrine impact, acting as both estrogen agonists and antagonists, but whose effects are not well characterized. In this investigation we sought to delineate effects of xenoestrogens. Using human cervical cancer cells (HeLa cells) as a model, the effects of representative xenoestrogens (Coumestrol-a phytoestrogen, tetrachlorodioxin (TCDD)-a herbicide and DDT-a pesticide) on proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis were examined. These xenoestrogens and estrogen inhibited the proliferation of Hela cells in a dose dependent manner from 20 to 120 nM suggesting, that 17-β-estrtadiol and xenoestrogens induced cytotoxic effects. Coumestrol produced accumulation of HeLa cells in G2/M phase, and subsequently induced apoptosis. Similar effects were observed in estrogen treated cells. These changes were associated with suppressed bcl-2 protein and augmented Cyclins A and D proteins. DDT and TCDD exposure did not induce apoptosis. These preliminary data taken together, suggest that xenoestrogens have direct, compound-specific effects on HeLa cells. This study further enhances our understanding of environmental modulation of cervical cancer.
Food and Drug Administration perspective: Magnetic resonance imaging of pacemaker and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator patients.

In April 2005, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) commented on the current research regarding the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on patients with a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD).1 Pacemaker and ICD labeling currently cautions physicians against the use of MRI, and MRI manufacturers contraindicate MRI for pacemaker and ICD patients. As discussed in our previous editorial, several studies have demonstrated the potential for MRI to be performed in pacemaker or ICD patients without serious clinical consequence.2–4 Studies presented by Sommer et al5 and Nazarian et al6 in this issue of Circulation offer further promising evidence in this regard. As with the previous studies, however, the authors acknowledge a multitude of limitations that prevent broad applicability of the results. Furthermore, one of these studies was not entirely free from concerning outcomes with the potential for serious clinical events. We view these results as consistent with our previous message that, on a case-by-case basis, the diagnostic benefit from MRI outweighs the presumed risks for some pacemaker and ICD patients. However, the FDA remains firm in its belief that those risks have not yet been characterized and mitigated sufficiently to justify the routine use of MRI in those populations. The FDA continues to believe that a more thorough evaluation of concerns related to heating, arrhythmogenesis, and proper device function during and after MRI, as well as validated MR protocols, should be available before approval for labeling that …
A social psychological perspective on marital dissolution.

The marriage relationship is considered as a special case of pair relationships in general, and its cohesiveness is interpreted according to concepts drawn from Lewinian field theory. The hypothetical constructs of “attraction” and “barrier” forces, as well as contrasting “alternative attractions,” are used to organize the research literature on the determinants of marital stability and dissolution.
Traditional versus streamlined management of basal cell carcinoma (BCC): A cost analysis

Background Facing rising incidence of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and increasing pressure to contain health care spending, physicians need to contemplate cost-effective paradigms for managing BCC. Objective We sought to perform a cost analysis comparing the traditional BCC management scheme with a simplified detect-and-treat scheme that eliminates the biopsy before initiating definitive treatment. Methods A decision analytic model was developed to compare the costs of traditional BCC management with the detect-and-treat scheme, under which qualifying lesions diagnosed clinically were either treated with shave removal or referred to Mohs micrographic surgery for on-site histologic check. Values for model parameters were based on literature and our institutional data analysis. Costs were based on 2014 Medicare fee schedule. Results The average cost per lesion with detect-and-treat scheme was $449 for non-Mohs micrographic surgery–indicated lesions (vs $566 with traditional management, $117 in savings) and $819 for Mohs micrographic surgery–indicated lesions (vs $864 with traditional management, $45 in savings). The combined weighted average savings per case was $95 (15% of total average cost). Conclusions were similar under various plausible scenarios. Limitations Model parameter values may vary based on individual practices. Conclusions A simplified management strategy eliminating routine pretreatment biopsy can reduce BCC treatment cost without compromising quality of care.
IP-10 Blocks Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-Induced Endothelial Cell Motility and Tube Formation via Inhibition of Calpain

Angiogenesis plays a critical role in wound repair. Endothelial cells present CXC receptor 3 (CXCR3) for chemokines expressed late in wound regeneration. To understand the physiological role CXCR3 plays in regulating endothelial function, we analyzed the ability of a CXCR3 ligand, IP-10 (CXCL10), to influence endothelial cell tube formation. Treatment of endothelial cells with IP-10 in the presence of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibited tube formation on growth factor-reduced Matrigel and in a subcutaneous Matrigel plug. Furthermore, IP-10 significantly inhibited VEGF-induced endothelial motility, a response critical for angiogenesis. Previous work showed that CXCR3 ligandation initiates protein kinase A (PKA) phosphorylation-dependent inhibition of m-calpain, required for induced cell motility, in fibroblasts but not epithelial cells. Here we show that CXCR3 activation in endothelial cells induces an increase in cAMP and PKA activation. Treatment of endothelial cells with Rp-8-Br-cAMP, an inhibitor of PKA, or small interference RNA to PKA was able to reverse the inhibitory effects of IP-10 on VEGF-mediated tube formation and motility. Importantly, treatment of endothelial cells with VEGF induced the activation of m-calpain, but costimulation with IP-10 significantly decreased this activity. Using Rp-8-Br-cAMP, we show blocking PKA reversed the IP-10 inhibition of VEGF-induced m-calpain activity. These data indicate that the activation of CXCR3 inhibits endothelial tube formation through a PKA mediated inhibition of m-calpain. This provides a means by which late wound repair signals limit the angiogenesis driven early in the wound response process.
Two species competitive model with the Allee effect

We consider the following system of difference equations: xn+1 = ax 2 1+x2+cyn , yn+1 = by 2 1+y 2+dxn , n =0 , 1, ... ,w herea, b, c, d are positive constants and x0, y0 ≥ 0a re initial conditions. This system has interesting dynamics and can have up to nine equilibrium points. The most complex and perhaps most interesting case is the case of nine equilibrium points, four of which are local attractors, four of which are saddle
HUMORAL RHEOLOGY : I. VISCOSITY STUDIES AND ANOMALOUS FLOW PROPERTIES OF HUMAN BLOOD SYSTEMS WITH HEPARIN AND OTHER ANTICOAGULANTS.

1. A modified falling ball viscometer (rolling ball viscometer) for blood and other humors is presented. It is capable of easily measuring flow properties at several stresses, as is required to define satisfactorily the properties of anomalous flow systems. At high shearing stresses, apparent specific viscosity values of 2.5 + are observed, corresponding to 2.2 ±0.2 reported as possible with the biological viscometer of Whittaker and Winton. 2. Previous references to the anomalous flow properties of blood were verified. It was demonstrated that these systems conform to the Bingham concept of anomalous flow. To define completely the flow properties of such systems it is necessary to make determinations at at least two shearing stresses, preferably more. Data are reported for the pseudoviscosity and yield value, the latter being possibly the most specific property of the three bloods studied. 3. Heparin in increasing amounts tended to decrease the apparent viscosity, pseudoviscosity, and yield value of blood. Similar increases of heparin also reduced the viscosites of the serum and plasma. 4. The ratio of the apparent viscosity of blood and its plasma was found to be reasonably constant as reported by Trevan. However, as the apparent viscosity is a function of the shearing stress, it is believed that the relationship for the calculations of corpuscular concentrations, such as the Whittaker and Winton modification of the Hatschek formula, is specific for the instrument and conditions of tests by which it was determined. 5. Heparinized blood was found to exhibit thixotropy, dilatancy, and age-hardening phenomena.
Activity of Parícutin volcano from September 18 to November 30, 1946

The following is a summary of observations of the activity of Paricutin Volcano, Michoacan, Mexico, from the time of the writer's arrival there, September 18, until November 30, 1946, and continues the account of the preceding period by Segerstrom and Gutierrez [see “References” at end of paper, 1947]. This report consists primarily of the graph of eruptive characteristics,. Figure 1, and lavaflow maps, Figures 2 to 4. Since most of the generalities and details of the activity can be obtained by examination of these figures, the written portion of the report will deal only with points of special interest in the figures and with information not there represented.
Energy Savings Certificate Markets: Opportunities and Implementation Barriers

Early experiences with energy savings certificates (ESCs) have revealed their merits and the challenges associated with them. While in the United States ESC markets have yet to gain significant traction, lessons can be drawn from early experiences in the states of Connecticut and New York, as well as from established markets in Italy, France, and elsewhere. The staying power of European examples demonstrates that ESCs can help initiate more efficiency projects. This article compares ESCs with renewable energy certificates (RECs), looks at the unique opportunities and challenges they present, and reviews solutions and best practices demonstrated by early ESC markets. Three major potential ESC market types are also reviewed: compliance, voluntary, and carbon. Additionally, factors that will benefit ESC markets in the United States are examined: new state EEPS policies, public interest in tools to mitigate climate change, and the growing interest in a voluntary market for ESCs.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Inhibition of PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK pathways causes activation of FOXO transcription factor, leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in pancreatic cancer

Mammalian forkhead members of the class O (FOXO) transcription factors, including FOXO1, FOXO3a, and FOXO4, are implicated in the regulation of several biological processes, including the stress resistance, metabolism, cell cycle, apoptosis and DNA repair. The objectives of this study were to examine the molecular mechanisms by which FOXO transcription factors induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis and enhanced anti-proliferative effects of sulforaphane (SFN, an active compound in cruciferous vegetables) in pancreatic cancer cells. Our data demonstrated that SFN inhibited cell proliferation and colony formation, and induced apoptosis through caspase-3 activation in pancreatic cancer cells. The inhibition of PI3K/AKT and MEK/ERK pathways activated FOXO transcription factors. SFN inhibited phosphorylation of AKT and ERK, and activated FOXO transcription factors, leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Phosphorylation deficient mutants of FOXO proteins enhanced FOXO transcriptional activity, and further enhanced SFN-induced FOXO activity and apoptosis. SFN induced the expression of p21/CIP1 and p27/KIP1, and inhibited the expression of cyclin D1. These data suggest that inhibition of PI3K/AKT and ERK pathways acts together to activate FOXO transcription factor and enhances SFN-induced FOXO transcriptional activity, leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.
Temporal Prediction Errors in a Passive Learning Task Activate Human Striatum

Functional MRI experiments in human subjects strongly suggest that the striatum participates in processing information about the predictability of rewarding stimuli. However, stimuli can be unpredictable in character (what stimulus arrives next), unpredictable in time (when the stimulus arrives), and unpredictable in amount (how much arrives). These variables have not been dissociated in previous imaging work in humans, thus conflating possible interpretations of the kinds of expectation errors driving the measured brain responses. Using a passive conditioning task and fMRI in human subjects, we show that positive and negative prediction errors in reward delivery time correlate with BOLD changes in human striatum, with the strongest activation lateralized to the left putamen. For the negative prediction error, the brain response was elicited by expectations only and not by stimuli presented directly; that is, we measured the brain response to nothing delivered (juice expected but not delivered) contrasted with nothing delivered (nothing expected).
Fiber-based, spatially and temporally shaped picosecond UV laser for advanced RF gun applications

The fiber-based, spatially and temporally shaped, picosecond UV laser system described here has been specifically designed for advanced rf gun applications, with a special emphasis on the production of high-brightness electron beams for free-electron lasers and Compton scattering light sources. The laser pulse can be shaped to a flat-top in both space and time with a duration of 10 ps at full width of half-maximum (FWHM) and rise and fall times under 1 ps. The expected pulse energy is 50 muJ at 261.75 nm and the spot size diameter of the beam at the photocathode is 2 mm. A fiber oscillator and amplifier system generates a chirped pump pulse at 1047 nm; stretching is achieved in a chirped fiber Bragg grating. A single multi-layer dielectric grating based compressor recompresses the input pulse to 250 fs FWHM and a two stage harmonic converter frequency quadruples the beam. Temporal shaping is achieved with a Michelson-based ultrafast pulse stacking device with nearly 100% throughput. Spatial shaping is achieved by truncating the beam at the 20% energy level with an iris and relay-imaging the resulting beam profile onto the photocathode. The integration of the system, as well as preliminary laser measurements will be presented.
Justifying the proactive replacement of cable

Many utilities have aging underground cable systems that are failing at an increasing rate. Unfortunately, aggressive underground cable replacement programs are often difficult to justify since it is difficult to know whether any specific cable section will fail in the near future. This paper presents a simulation based methodology to justify a proactive cable replacement program. Its application at a large US utility is demonstrated. This methodology involves the sampling of representative circuits, the development of cable failure rate models and system reliability models that can track expected reliability over a twenty year period, and the sequential simulation of system reliability. Three proactive cable replacement scenarios are examined and their economics are compared, considering the integration of other reliability improvement projects.
A Model Humanitarian Intervention?: Reassessing NATO's Libya Campaign

NATO's 2011 humanitarian military intervention in Libya has been hailed as a model for implementing the emerging norm of the responsibility to protect (R2P), on grounds that it prevented an impending bloodbath in Benghazi and facilitated the ouster of Libya's oppressive ruler, Muammar al-Qaddafi, who had targeted peaceful civilian protesters. Before the international community embraces such conclusions, however, a more rigorous assessment of the net humanitarian impact of NATO intervention in Libya is warranted. The conventional narrative is flawed in its portrayal of both the nature of the violence in Libya prior to the intervention and NATO's eventual objective of regime change. An examination of the course of violence in Libya before and after NATO's action shows that the intervention backfired. The intervention extended the war's duration about sixfold; increased its death toll approximately seven to ten times; and exacerbated human rights abuses, humanitarian suffering, Islamic radicalism, and weapon...
A COMPARISON OF FOUR FLUORESCENT ANTIBODY-BASED METHODS FOR PURIFYING, DETECTING, AND CONFIRMING CRYPTOSPORIDIUM PARVUM IN SURFACE WATERS

Cryptosporidiosis has been traced to drinking contaminated surface water, which was either not treated or was ineffectively treated. Testing to detect Cryptosporidium parvum in surface water has been suggested to help prevent future outbreaks. In the present study, the same sample collection and filtration methods were used to compared sample processing and detection steps from 4 testing methods: a modified information collection rule (ICR) method and method 1623 (both developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency), a flow cytometric method, and a solid-phase cytometric method. All of these methods use fluorescent antibody staining, which is only a presumptive indication of the presence of this parasite. Confirmation requires another assay. Methods were evaluated for both presumptive and confirmed detection. Solid-phase cytometry had the highest presumptive and confirmed detection rates. Flow cytometry had the next highest presumptive detection rate in reagent water but was third in spiked surface and tap waters, with no confirmation procedure. The ICR method had the third highest presumptive detection rate in reagent water and the second highest in spiked surface and tap waters but failed to confirm any oocysts. Method 1623 had significantly lower presumptive detection than any other method and a significantly lower confirmation rate than the solid-phase cytometry method.
Chat circles

Although current online chat environments provide new opportunities for communication, they are quite constrained in their ability to convey many important pieces of social information, ranging from the number of participants in a conversation to the subtle nuances of expression that enrich face to face speech. In this paper we present Chat Circles, an abstract graphical interface for synchronous conversa-tion. Here, presence and activity are made manifest by changes in color and form, proximity-based filtering intuitively breaks large groups into conversational clusters, and the archives of a conversation are made visible through an integrated history interface. Our goal in this work is to create a richer environment for online discussions.
The Academy Is Aging in Place: Assessing Alternatives for Modifying Institutions of Higher Education

Institutions of higher education employ a greater proportion of persons over 65 relative to the general labor force, and the median age of the professorate has now surpassed all other occupational groups. Such a novel demographic change in the academic workforce presents several unique challenges. Should institutions modify policies and programs that provide more opportunities for aging faculty to remain healthy and productive, or should efforts focus on facilitating retirement? How universities and colleges choose to retain or retire their aging faculty certainly has become a point for consideration. This forum presents what is known about the aging academic workforce and describes current institutional responses. The discussion then builds on the notion of aging in place, presenting a more holistic approach to the modification of institutional policies and programs that support continued faculty engagement as well as mutually agreeable retirements. In particular, institutions should consider making modifications that increase targeted health and wellness programs, expand retirement counseling services, and offer varied retirement pathway options as viable responses to the continued aging of the academic workforce.
The Long-Term Follow-Up and Complications Associated with Urinary Diversion in the Cancer Survivor

Over 60 % of patients can experience some type of long-term complication after radical cystectomy and urinary diversion (UD). However, assessment of late complications is challenging due to limited long-term available data for follow-up, different surgical techniques of UD, and selection bias towards diversion type. The aim of this article was to perform a systematic review and classify long-term complications from UD after radical cystectomy for bladder cancer. Renal insufficiency is the most commonly reported high grade adverse event, followed by ureteroenteric anastomotic strictures and bowel complications. Urinary infections are very common and challenging to assess given the presence of colonization and vague symptoms that can be associated to this diagnosis and pyelonephritis if presence of flank pain. Common complications by diversion type include stones, stomal stenosis, or parastomal hernia for urinary conduit and continent cutaneous urinary diversions, as well as urinary incontinence for orthotopic neobladder. Long-term complications are common after radical cystectomy and urinary diversion. Follow-up should be implemented for life to survey for complications. Improving access to these patients and communication with their local practitioners or local urologists when referred back to specialized urology clinic is fundamental to manage these long-term complications.
How Medical Education Can Influence Better Patient Health Outcomes in Underserved Communities

Medical education, whether organized as an office or a department, can be the vehicle that provides medical students with many opportunities to learn about approaches that facilitate better health outcomes for patients. The emphasis on behavior and factors that influence behavior can empower the emerging physician to apply a more comprehensive or holistic approach to patient care. For an institution with a mission to serve underserved populations, medical education has a responsibility to provide relevant training, resources, and exposure during the student experience.
Size and voltage dependence of effective anisotropy in sub-100-nm perpendicular magnetic tunnel junctions

Magnetic tunnel junctions with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy are investigated using a conductive atomic force microscope. The $1.23\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{nm}$ ${\mathrm{Co}}_{40}{\mathrm{Fe}}_{40}{\mathrm{B}}_{20}$ recording layer coercivity exhibits a size dependence which suggests single-domain behavior for diameters $\ensuremath{\le}\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}100$ nm. Focusing on devices with diameters smaller than 100 nm, we determine the effect of voltage and size on the effective device anisotropy ${K}_{\text{eff}}$ using two different techniques. ${K}_{\text{eff}}$ is extracted both from distributions of the switching fields of the recording and reference layers and from measurement of thermal fluctuations of the recording layer magnetization when a field close to the switching field is applied. The results from both sets of measurements reveal that ${K}_{\text{eff}}$ increases monotonically with decreasing junction diameter, consistent with the size dependence of the demagnetization energy density. We demonstrate that ${K}_{\text{eff}}$ can be controlled with a voltage down to the smallest size measured, 64 nm.