cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Use of Clinical Practice Guidelines in Cardiology

Over the past decade, increasing emphasis has been placed on the development of clinical practice guidelines. 1-3 The motivations behind this interest are the competitive pressures to reduce costs and the desire by all stakeholders to improve the quality of care by reducing variation in the type of care that patients receive. Clinical practice guidelinesshould improve care by facilitating access to proven therapy and reducing the use of unproven or harmful therapy. However, health care providers have embraced clinical practice guidelines as an instrument to reduce cost largely by the use of critical paths. The purpose of this chapter will be to differentiate between clinical practice guidelines and critical pathways, to define what constitutes a good clinical practice guideline, to discuss how to implement clinical practice guidelines, to review their efficacy, and to outline their value in quality improvement efforts.
Healing in an age of homelessness.

Introduction to the January 2009 issue of Virtual Mentor on the theme of medical care for homeless individuals. Virtual Mentor is a monthly bioethics journal published by the American Medical Association.
Does sleep disordered breathing increase hypertension risk? A practical perspective on interpreting the evidence.

In the last decade, growing interest in diagnosing and treating sleep disordered breathing (SDB) has been fueled by evidence that SDB treatment will improve sleepiness as well as possibly reduce blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health. Since only one-half of referred patients with SDB report excessive sleepiness, it is these latter effects that have particularly attracted attention but also have generated controversy. Hypertension has been a particularly salient outcome since blood pressure is readily measurable, and it is highly prevalent and a strong predictor of cardiovascular risk.
Locally efficient semiparametric estimators for a class of Poisson models with measurement error

AbstractENTHIS LINK GOES TO A ENGLISH SECTIONFRTHIS LINK GOES TO A FRENCH SECTION The presence of measurement error may cause bias in parameter estimation and can lead to incorrect conclusions in data analyses. Despite a large body of literature on general measurement error problems, relatively few works exist to handle Poisson models. In this article we thoroughly study Poisson models with errors in covariates and propose consistent and locally efficient semiparametric estimators. We assess the finite sample performance of the estimators through extensive simulation studies and illustrate the proposed methodologies by analyzing data from the Stroke Recovery in Underserved Populations Study. The Canadian Journal of Statistics 47: 157–181; 2019 © 2019 Statistical Society of Canada
Comentario sobre el artículo de Maripaz García

Recent research has shown that the Spanish pronoun system causes difficulties for English speaking students of Spanish as a second language in all levels of learning. In order to better understand this difficulty, this article explores three possible reasons with a focus on Garcia’s study (2014) and two studies by the author (D’Amico 2007, 2013). The three purposed reasons are first language (English) transfer to the second language (Spanish), the small amount of instruction dedicated to the pronouns, and the low semantic value of pronouns. While it is possible that there are other reasons for English speakers’ pronoun errors, these three are well supported by empirical results.
Technology-Enhanced Performance-Based Feedback to Support Teacher Practice and Child Outcomes:

We investigated the effect of real-time technology-enhanced performance-based feedback delivered during three different routines on teacher practice and child outcomes. Participants were three earl...
International organizations in a new era of populist nationalism

This article introduces the special issue on International Organizations in a New Era of Populist Nationalism. The special issue aims to clarify the stakes for and the politics of international organizations in a time of rising populist nationalism around the world. In this introductory essay, we attempt to disentangle the rise of populism and a resurgence of nationalism as distinct processes and concepts. While neither force is new, we observe significant variation across countries in the type of level of nationalist and populist objections to international institutions. We develop a typology for thinking about how and when populism, nationalism, or their combination might have different effects on international cooperation and organizations. Finally, we review the specific article contributions to the special issue and how they fit with the themes developed in this essay. The final section concludes with questions and ideas for future research on the topic that will enhance our understanding of the complex challenges – and potential opportunities – for international cooperation and organizations in the years ahead.
Changes in work characteristics over 12 years: Findings from the 2002-2014 US National NIOSH Quality of Work Life Surveys.

OBJECTIVES To assess changes in work characteristics, socioeconomic status inequalities in changes in work characteristics, and whether US workplaces are becoming more stressful. METHODS We analyzed data from 5361 employed participants from the 2002, 2006, 2010, and 2014 NIOSH Quality of Work Life Surveys, based on representative samples of US workers. We used regression analyses to assess changes in job characteristics, adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, work hours, and unemployment rate. For the regression analyses with continuous job characteristics, we created standardized variables allowing for the magnitude of changes to be directly compared between job characteristics. RESULTS Over the period 2002-2014, we observed statistically significant increases in job strain (+0.09 standard deviations (SD), P = 0.02), low job control (+0.10 SD, P = 0.03), and work-family conflict (+0.15 SD, P = 0.001). No significant changes were observed for high job demand, low social support, and low reward. The largest increase in low job control was seen among service workers. CONCLUSIONS The increase in two cardiovascular disease risk factors, job strain, and low job control, might partially explain the slowing of the decline in US heart disease and stroke mortality rates.
An optimization-driven dynamic vehicle routing algorithm for on-demand meal delivery using drones

Abstract As technology continues to improve people’s quality of life, there is a large, unfulfilled market worldwide for on-demand meal delivery services. The competitive edge of the business is foremost sharpened by the agility of the transport system. While lightweight drones are being developed as the next-generation vehicular platform for meal delivery, an efficient fleet operation becomes especially critical. This paper presents a mixed integer programming (MIP) model that comprehensively characterizes all relevant aspects of the business scenario, and proposes an optimization-driven, progressive algorithm for online fleet dispatch operations. Different from typical graph-based formulations of vehicle routing problems, the proposed temporally discrete and spatially continuous MIP formulation endogenously accounts for geometry and mobility and therefore permits dynamic input of order information with arbitrary pickup and delivery locations. The model is augmented with special constraints and an artificial objective function which effectively relay the system states between successive time horizons. The algorithm is validated through simulation case studies and is shown to meet the design objectives.
The rectilinear local crossing number of K n .

Abstract The local crossing number of a drawing of a graph is the largest number of crossings on any edge of the drawing. In a rectilinear drawing of a graph, the vertices are points in the plane in general position and the edges are straight-line segments. The rectilinear local crossing number of the complete graph K n , denoted by lcr ‾ ( K n ) , is the minimum local crossing number over all rectilinear drawings of K n . We determine lcr ‾ ( K n ) . More precisely, for every n ∉ { 8 , 14 } , lcr ‾ ( K n ) = ⌈ 1 2 ( n − 3 − ⌈ n − 3 3 ⌉ ) ⌈ n − 3 3 ⌉ ⌉ , lcr ‾ ( K 8 ) = 4 , and lcr ‾ ( K 14 ) = 15 .
Soft Tissue Special Issue: Imaging of Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcomas in the Head and Neck

Bone and soft tissue sarcomas of the head and neck are a heterogenous group of tumors with overlapping features. Distinguishing between the various subtypes is challenging but necessary for appropriate diagnosis and management. The purpose of this article is to discuss the role of imaging in evaluating head and neck tumors, provide a general radiographic approach in differentiating between benign versus malignant lesions and give examples of selected subtypes of bone and soft tissue sarcomas in the head and neck with classic or pathognomonic imaging findings.
Testing Theories of Discrimination: Evidence from

In most settings, it is difficult to measure discrimination, and even more challenging to distinguish between competing theories of discrimination (taste-based versus information-based). Using contestant voting behavior on the television game show Weakest Link, one can in principle empirically address both of these questions. On the show, contestants answer questions and vote off other players, competing for a winner-take-all prize. In early rounds, strategic incentives encourage voting for the weakest competitors. In later rounds, the incentives reverse, and the strongest competitors become the logical target. Controlling for other observable characteristics including the number of correct answers thus far, both theories of discrimination predict that in early rounds, excess votes will be made against groups targeted for discrimination. In later rounds, however, taste-based models predict continued excess votes, whereas statistical discrimination predicts fewer votes against the target group. Empirically, I find some evidence of information-based discrimination towards Hispanics (i.e., other players perceive them as having low ability) and taste-based discrimination against older players (i.e., other players treat them with animus). There is little in the data to suggest discrimination against women and Blacks.
Recognition and Management of Transplant-Related Aches and Pain Issues

One of the most underreported and undertreated symptoms in patients evaluated for and undergoing transplant care is pain. Clinicians often require guidance and training on how to assess and treat pain with pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic techniques. This chapter serves to introduce methods to assess pain, introduce types of pain as well as their treatments, and provide examples of initiating and maintaining opioid doses.
Virtual bedside concerts for patients with COVID-19: a trio of perspectives.

This patient with COVID has been sick for several weeks and is not doing well He's paralyzed and sedated on the ventilator His son has been having a hard time with this and likes the idea of you playing music for his dad " I feel the weight of this opportunity and dial into his room Silence The whir of a machine An occasional rustle But mostly silence Before I begin playing "Sun Up," I ask him to picture the sun rising over a calm lake I want him to know that this is an entirely personalized concert Even though he cannot respond, his silence is not emptiness It's quite the opposite I lift my bow, inhale, and let the first note sing with warm vibrato The sound carries from my home to his hospital bed thousands of miles away To the soundtrack of the cellist, our team explores the pains and delights of being a doctor in this moment
Designing and testing a blockchain application for patient identity management in healthcare.

Objective Healthcare systems suffer from a lack of interoperability that creates "data silos," causing patient linkage and data sharing problems. Blockchain technology's unique architecture provides individuals greater control over their information and may help address some of the problems related to health data. A multidisciplinary team designed and tested a blockchain application, MediLinker, as a patient-centric identity management system. Methods The study used simulated data of "avatars" representing different types of patients. Thirty study participants were enrolled to visit simulated clinics, and perform various activities using MediLinker. Evaluation was based on Bouras' criteria for patient-centric identity management and on the number of errors in entry and sharing of data by participants. Results Twenty-nine of the 30 participants completed all study activities. MediLinker fulfilled all of Bouras' criteria except for one which was not testable. A majority of data errors were due to user error, such as wrong formatting and misspellings. Generally, the number of errors decreased with time. Due to COVID-19, sprint 2 was completed using "virtual" clinic visits. The number of user errors were less in virtual visits than in personal visits. Discussion The evaluation of MediLinker provides some evidence of the potential of a patient-centric identity management system using blockchain technology. The results showed a working system where patients have greater control over their information and can also easily provide consent for use of their data. Conclusion Blockchain applications for identity management hold great promise for use in healthcare but further research is needed before real-world adoption.
Extrapleural Pneumonectomy Versus Pleurectomy/Decortication for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma.

Abstract Background Whether extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) or extended pleurectomy/decortication (P/D) is the optimal resection for malignant pleural mesothelioma remains controversial. We therefore compared perioperative outcomes and long-term survival of patients who underwent EPP versus P/D. Methods Patients with the diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma who underwent either EPP or P/D from 2000 to 2019 were identified from our departmental database. Propensity score matching was performed to minimize potential confounders for EPP or P/D. Survival analysis was performed by the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox multivariable analysis. Results Of 282 patients, 187 (66%) underwent EPP and 95 (34%) P/D. Even with propensity score matching, perioperative mortality was significantly higher for EPP than for P/D (11% vs 0%; P = .031); when adjusted for perioperative mortality, median overall survival between EPP and P/D was 15 versus 22 months, respectively (P = .276). Cox multivariable analysis for the matched cohort identified epithelioid histology (hazard ratio [HR], 0.56; P = .029), macroscopic complete resection (HR, 0.41; P = .004), adjuvant radiation therapy (HR, 0.57; P = .019), and more recent operative years (HR, 0.93; P = .011)—but not P/D—to be associated with better survival. Asbestos exposure (HR, 2.35; P = .003) and pathologic nodal disease (HR, 1.61; P = .048) were associated with worse survival. Conclusions In a multimodality treatment setting, P/D and EPP had comparable long-term oncologic outcomes, although P/D had much lower perioperative mortality. The goal of surgical cytoreduction should be macroscopic complete resection achieved by the safest operation a patient can tolerate.
Graphitic biochar as a cathode electrocatalyst support for microbial fuel cells

Abstract Graphitic biochar (BC) was generated using high temperature gasification and alkaline post-treatment (BCw) of wood-based biomass. The BCw was evaluated as a manganese oxide electrocatalytic support (MnO/BCw) and microbial fuel cell (MFC) air cathode. Nano-structured MnO2 crystals were successfully immobilized on biomass-based graphitic sheets and characterized using physical, chemical, and electrochemical analyses. Cyclic voltammetry of MnO/BCw/Nafion inks showed electrochemical features typical of β-MnO2 with a current density of 0.9 mA cm−2. BC showed satisfactory maximum power densities of 146.7 mW m−2 (BCw) and 187.8 W m−2 (MnO/BCw), compared with Vulcan Carbon (VC) (156.8 mW m−2) and manganese oxide VC composites (MnO/VC) (606.1 mW m−2). These materials were also tested as oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts for single chamber MFCs inoculated with anaerobic sludge. Our results demonstrate that BC can serve as an effective, low cost, and scalable material for MFC application.
Inverse Limits in a General Setting

In this chapter we investigate inverse limits in a very general setting: over directed sets with factor spaces that are compact Hausdorff spaces using upper semi-continuous closed set-valued bonding functions. Basic existence and connectedness theorems are proved and examples are provided that illustrate limitations to the generality of the theorems. One section is devoted to examples in the case where the factor spaces are all the interval [0, 1]. Basic theorems on mappings of inverse limits are included as well. As the chapter progresses additional hypotheses are added to the factor spaces (up to compact metric) and the bonding functions (continuous single-valued or unions of such). The chapter concludes with considerations of a few miscellaneous topics including dimension and a proof that a 2-cell is not an inverse limit with a single upper semi-continuous function on [0, 1].
Solar-blind photodetectors and focal plane arrays based on AlGaN

III-Nitride material system (AlGaInN) possesses unique optical, electrical and structural properties such as a wide tunable direct bandgap, inherent fast carrier dynamics; good carrier transport properties, high breakdown fields; and high robustness and chemical stability. Recent technological advances in the wide bandgap AlGaN portion of this material system have led to a renewed interest in ultraviolet (UV) photodetectors. These detectors find use in numerous applications in the defense, commercial and scientific arenas such as covert space-to-space communications, early missile threat detection, chemical and biological threat detection and spectroscopy, flame detection and monitoring, UV environmental monitoring, and UV astronomy.1,2,3 Back illuminated detectors operating in the solar blind region are of special interest. Back illumination allows the detector to be hybridized to a silicon read-out integrated circuit, epi-side down, and still collect light through the back of the transparent sapphire substrate. This allows the realization of solar blind focal plane arrays (FPAs) for imaging applications. Solar-blind FPAs are especially important because of the near total absence of any background radiation in this region. In this talk, we will present our recent back-illuminated solar-blind photodetector, mini-array, and FPA results. By systematically optimizing the design of the structure we have realized external quantum efficiencies (EQE) of in excess of 89% for pixel-sized detectors. Based on the absence of any anti-reflection coating, this corresponds to nearly 100% internal quantum efficiency. At the same time, the dark current remains below ~2 × 10-9 A/cm2 even at 10 volts of reverse bias. The detector has a very sharp falloff starting at 275 with the UV-solar rejection of better than three orders of magnitude, and a visible rejection ratio is more than 6 orders of magnitude. This high performance photodetector design was then used as the basis of the realization of solar-blind FPA. We demonstrated a 320×256 FPA with a peak detection wavelength of 278nm. The operability of the FPA was better than 92%, and excellent corrected imaging was obtained.
Predicting violent behavior: The role of violence exposure and future educational aspirations during adolescence

Few researchers have explored future educational aspirations as a promotive factor against exposure to community violence in relation to adolescents' violent behavior over time. The present study examined the direct and indirect effect of exposure to community violence prior to 9th grade on attitudes about violence and violent behavior in 12th grade, and violent behavior at age 22 via 9th grade future educational aspirations in a sample of urban African American youth (n = 681; 49% male). Multi-group SEM was used to test the moderating effect of gender. Exposure to violence was associated with lower future educational aspirations. For boys, attitudes about violence directly predicted violent behavior at age 22. For boys, future educational aspirations indirectly predicted less violent behavior at age 22. Implications of the findings and suggestions for future research are discussed.
SU-F-303-16: Multi-Atlas and Learning Based Segmentation of Head and Neck Normal Structures From Multi-Parametric MRI

Purpose: To generate automatic segmentation of head and neck normal structures from multi-parametric MR Dixon images. Materials and Method: We present a multi-atlas based registration combined with machine learning-based segmentation of head and neck structures from MR T1 FFE based mdixon images. All the images were acquired using a 3T Phillips MR scanner. 6 patients; 3 in atlas and 3 in testing were used. The individual mdixon images were registered to corresponding images from the multi-atlas using affine and B-spline deformable registration using the open-source software Plastimatch. Second, the best-aligned image pairs were automatically extracted through automatic landmark generation and matching. Scale Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT) features were used to generate the landmarks. The segmentation labels were propagated from the best matching atlas. A random forest (RF) classifier trained with K=10 fold cross validation using the MR mdixon and Haralick textures computed on the same images from the multi-atlas refined the segmentation. Finally, the generated segmentations were smoothed using Markov Random Field and morphological post-processing. Results: The patients used in the analysis displayed anatomical variations owing to dental implants and disease. We evaluated the segmentations generated by our method by computing dice overlap scores with manually generated segmentations. Our method resulted in an accuracy ranging between 0.5 to 0.73 for the various structures, namely, bone, right and left parotid, right and left submandibular glands. The algorithm selected registrations closely agreed with the visual comparison of the image registrations. Conclusions: We developed a fully automatic method for normal structures segmentation that combines multi-atlas based registration with machine learning from multi parametric MRI. Our method quantifies the accuracy of registrations by using automatic landmark extraction. Accurate, automatic volumetric segmentation of normal structures is essential for MR-based treatment planning.
Kinetic Isotope Effects

A simple illustration of the origin of kinetic isotope effects is based on isotopic differences in ground-state vibrational frequencies. Tunneling elevates the kinetic isotope effect and may play a prominent role. The enzyme, glucose oxidase, is used to illustrate the kinds of mechanistic information that isotopes can provide.
The projection approach for unbalanced panel data

Summary The Chamberlain projection approach, a powerful tool for the analysis of linear fixed-effects models, was introduced within the context of balanced panels. This paper extends the Chamberlain projection approach to unbalanced panels. The extension is especially useful for models with sequential exogeneity, where existing control-variable approaches are not applicable. A generalized method of moments (GMM) estimation framework is considered, and hypothesis tests (testing strict exogeneity, testing random effects, etc.) are discussed within the GMM context.
Iris recognition: does template ageing really exist?

Template ageing has become a topic of controversy in iris recognition. This article reviews the continuing debate over the reality of iris recognition template ageing and points to fatal flaws in the findings of NIST's 2013 IREX VI report.
Relationship Between Sleepiness and General Health Status

One commonly used instrument for evaluating general health and functional status is the medical outcomes survey short form 36 (MOS). Scores obtained from this instrument are known to vary with chronic diseases and depression. However, the degree to which these health dimensions may be influenced by sleep quality or sleepiness is not well understood. A cross-sectional study was performed on the association between general health status, as determined by the MOS, with sleepiness, assessed using a standardized questionnaire [the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS)] and the multiple sleep latency test (MSLT). One hundred twenty-nine subjects (68 women), aged 25-65 years, without severe chronic medical or psychiatric illnesses, underwent an overnight sleep study, followed by an MSLT (consisting of a series of four attempts at napping at 2-hour intervals), and completed the MOS and the ESS. The mean MSLT score was 11 +/- 2 minutes, (range 2-20) and the mean ESS score was 10 +/- 5 (range 0-24). Scores for the MOS dimensions "general health perceptions", "energy/fatigue", and "role limitations due to emotional problems" were correlated significantly with ESS scores (r = -0.30, -0.41, and -0.30, respectively; p values were all < 0.001). The MSLT was also significantly correlated with "energy/fatigue" (r = -0.19; p < 0.05). After considering the effects of chronic illness and/or body mass index in a multiple hierarchical regression analysis, sleepiness, as assessed by the ESS score, explained 8% of the variance in general health perceptions, 17% of the variance in energy/fatigue, 6% of the variance in the summary measure of well-being, and 3% of the variance in the summary measure of functional status. The variation of MOS scores with sleepiness, unrelated to age or chronic disease, suggests that measures of general health status may be broadly influenced by sleepiness and sleep quality. These data suggest that 1) sleepiness has an important impact on general health and functional status, specifically influencing self-perceptions regarding energy/fatigue; 2) a more specific assessment of sleepiness in general health evaluations may help explain some of the observed variability in these measures across subjects; and 3) general health measures may be useful in the evaluations of patients with sleep disorders.
Role of Intramolecular Charge‐Transfer Transitions in Spin‐Orbit Coupling of Aniline and Its N‐alkyl Derivatives

The lone-pair electrons in aniline and related molecules can give rise to intramolecular charge-transfer (CT) transitions corresponding to the promotions of an electron from the lone-pair orbital to antibonding π orbitals of the benzene ring. The CT transitions lead to appearance of two-center spin-orbit interaction elements involving the lone-pair orbital (Θ) and the 2 p π orbital (χ1) of the adjacent carbon atom. The matrix elements 〈χ1∣ HSO ∣ Θ〉 is non-vanishing if the lone-pair orbital is not strictly parallel to the 2 p π orbitals of the benzene. This condition is indeed met in aniline and its N-alkyl derivatives, and intramolecular CT transitions are expected to be important sources of intensity for phosphorescence of these molecules. The conclusion is supported by: (1) shortening of phosphorescence lifetime and increase in phosphorescence intensity polarized parallel to the transition vector of CT transition (1La band) with decrease in the energies of CT states, (2) shortening of lifetime and increase in phosphorescence intensity polarized parallel to the transition vector of CT transition accompanying steric hindrance, and (3) short radiative lifetimes of the lowest triplet states as compared to radiative lifetimes in benzene and its alkyl derivatives.
Octave-spanning, dual-output 2.166 GHz Ti:sapphire laser

A self-referenced octave-spanning Ti:sapphire laser with 2.166 GHz repetition rate is demonstrated. The laser features both direct generation of octave-spanning spectra and a dual-output design for nonintrusive carrier-envelope (CE) phase-stabilization. Only a few percent of total power containing 1f and 2f spectral components is coupled out through a specially designed laser mirror and generates a >50 dB CE beat note in 100 kHz resolution bandwidth without perturbing the main output that still delivers octave-spanning spectra and 750 mW of output power.
Dendritic Cell–MHC Class II and Itk Regulate Functional Development of Regulatory Innate Memory CD4+ T Cells in Bone Marrow Transplantation

MHC class II (MHCII)-influenced CD4(+) T cell differentiation and function play critical roles in regulating the development of autoimmunity. The lack of hematopoietic MHCII causes autoimmune disease that leads to severe wasting in syngeneic recipients. Using murine models of bone marrow transplantation (BMT), we find that MHCII(-/-)→wild-type BMT developed disease, with defective development of innate memory phenotype (IMP, CD44(hi)/CD62L(lo)) CD4(+) T cells. Whereas conventional regulatory T cells are unable to suppress pathogenesis, IMP CD4(+) T cells, which include conventional regulatory T cells, can suppress pathogenesis in MHCII(-/-)→wild-type chimeras. The functional development of IMP CD4(+) T cells requires hematopoietic but not thymic MHCII. B cells and hematopoietic CD80/86 regulate the population size, whereas MHCII expression by dendritic cells is sufficient for IMP CD4(+) T cell functional development and prevention of pathogenesis. Furthermore, the absence of Tec kinase IL-2-inducible T cell kinase in MHCII(-/-) donors leads to preferential development of IMP CD4(+) T cells and partially prevents pathogenesis. We conclude that dendritic cells-MHCII and IL-2-inducible T cell kinase regulate the functional development of IMP CD4(+) T cells, which suppresses the development of autoimmune disorder in syngeneic BMTs.
From Single-Cell Genetic Architecture to Cell Population Dynamics: Quantitatively Decomposing the Effects of Different Population Heterogeneity Sources for a Genetic Network with Positive Feedback Architecture

Phenotypic cell-to-cell variability or cell population heterogeneity originates from two fundamentally different sources: unequal partitioning of cellular material at cell division and stochastic fluctuations associated with intracellular reactions. We developed a mathematical and computational framework that can quantitatively isolate both heterogeneity sources and applied it to a genetic network with positive feedback architecture. The framework consists of three vastly different mathematical formulations: a), a continuum model, which completely neglects population heterogeneity; b), a deterministic cell population balance model, which accounts for population heterogeneity originating only from unequal partitioning at cell division; and c), a fully stochastic model accommodating both sources of population heterogeneity. The framework enables the quantitative decomposition of the effects of the different population heterogeneity sources on system behavior. Our results indicate the importance of cell population heterogeneity in accurately predicting even average population properties. Moreover, we find that unequal partitioning at cell division and sharp division rates shrink the region of the parameter space where the population exhibits bistable behavior, a characteristic feature of networks with positive feedback architecture. In addition, intrinsic noise at the single-cell level due to slow operator fluctuations and small numbers of molecules further contributes toward the shrinkage of the bistability regime at the cell population level. Finally, the effect of intrinsic noise at the cell population level was found to be markedly different than at the single-cell level, emphasizing the importance of simulating entire cell populations and not just individual cells to understand the complex interplay between single-cell genetic architecture and behavior at the cell population level.
Erythropoiesis in the developing chick embryo.

Abstract The types of erythroid cells of chick embryos developing in ovo have been correlated with the hemoglobins of the embryos. Prior to 5 days, when primitive cells constitute the only erythroid cells, two hemoglobins can be resolved by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The two adult hemoglobins and a minor hemoglobin found only in embryos and young chicks first appear simultaneously with initiation of definitive erythropoiesis.
Correlation Between Bulk and Surface Resistivity of Concrete

Electrical resistivity is an important physical property of portland cement concrete which is directly related to chloride induced corrosion process. This study examined the electrical surface resistivity (SR) and bulk electrical resistivity (BR) of concrete cylinders for various binary and ternary based high-performance concrete (HPC) mixtures from 7 to 161 days. Two different types of instruments were utilized for this investigation and they were 4 point Wenner probe meter for SR and Merlin conductivity tester for bulk resistivity measurements. Chronological development of electrical resistivity as well as correlation between two types of resistivity on several days was established for all concrete mixtures. The ratio of experimental surface resistance to bulk resistance and corresponding resistivity was computed and compared with theoretical values. Results depicted that bulk and SR are well correlated for different groups of HPC mixtures and these mixtures have attained higher range of electrical resistivity for both types of measurements. In addition, this study presents distribution of surface and bulk resistivity in different permeability classes as proposed by Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) specification from 7 to 161 days. Furthermore, electrical resistivity data for several HPC mixtures and testing procedure provide multiple promising options for long lasting bridge decks against chloride induced corrosion due to its ease of implementation, repeatability, non-destructive nature, and low cost.
The hyperalgesic effect of naloxone is attenuated in streptozotocin-diabetic mice.

In mice with streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemia, nociception was tested after naloxone administration in hot plate and tail immersion tests. The choice of these two tests was to include a supra-spinal nociceptive reflex indicative of higher cognitive process (hot-plate test) as well as a reflex which predominantly represents lower spinal motor mechanisms (tail immersion test). Naloxone-induced hyperalgesia was attenuated in both tests in mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. In mice with hyperglycemia induced by intraperitoneal dextrose administration, naloxone hyperalgesia was significantly enhanced in the hot plate test. The basal nociceptive threshold in streptozotocintreated animals was decreased in the immersion but not in the hot plate test. These results indicate that hyperglycemia per se does not adequately explain the changes in naloxone hyperalgesia in experimental models of diabetes. They also suggest that acute hyperglycemia may modify the interaction of endogenous opioid peptides with their receptors only at supra-spinal sites. However, chronic hyperglycemia appears to affect endogenous opioid peptides both at spinal and supra-spinal levels and their interaction with the opiate receptors.
Transplantation: ABO-incompatible renal transplants: time for increased use?

Use of ABO-incompatible renal transplants from living donors has proven a viable and practical transplantation strategy. The protocols devised through the Johns Hopkins Incompatible Kidney Transplant Program could result in the most rapid escalation of access to organs in the modern era of transplantation.
Stereotactic biopsy of the breast using an upright unit, a vacuum-suction needle, and a lateral arm-support system.

OBJECTIVE. This study evaluated the vacuum-suction needle (8- to 11-gauge) on an upright stereotactic machine with a lateral arm-support system.SUBJECTS AND METHODS. From July 1999 to August 2000, 185 core biopsies of the breast in 179 consecutive patients were planned in four institutions using 8- 11-gauge vaccum-suction probes on an upright stereotactic unit. Needles were stabilized and attached to the x, y, and z coordinates of the machines via a lateral arm-support system. Needle entry was made in the x-axis.RESULTS. Five patients were canceled, and 180 biopsies were performed in 174 patients while the patients were in seated (n = 171) and lateral decubitus (n = 9) positions. An average of 9.5 cores were taken (range, 5-26 cores). Targeting was successful in 176 (98%) of 180 cores. Lesions were missed because of movement associated with Parkinson's disease (n = 1), or because the mass was obscured (n = 1) or calcifications were not in the core specimen (n = 2). Findings in 152 (84%) of the biopsies we...
Regulation of renal 12(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid in diabetes by angiotensin AT1 and AT2 receptors.

Diabetes is associated with increased production of 12(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid [12(S)-HETE]. The mechanisms involved in this process remain unclear. We hypothesized that hyperglycemia and a...
Quantitation of CaP2+ fluxes in chick calvaria

Abstract This report utilizes an Ussing-type apparatus to quantitative the unidirectional fluxes of Ca 2+ across the periosteal and endosteal membranes of frontal bones derived from calvaria of 20-day chick embryos. The influx was found to be proportional to the concentration of Ca 2+ and equal to 0.31 μmoles/cm 2 per h at a concentration of ultrafiltrable Ca 2+ of 1.75 mM. There were observable differences in the influx measured from periosteal or endosteal sides. The influx was found to be inversely proportional to decreasing temperature and increasing viscosity. The influx increased to 150% of the control flux when the incubation medium contained iodoacetate at a concentration of 1 mM and increased to 200% of control flux when the endosteum or periosteum was removed. These characteristics support the view that the influx is a passive flow with the integrity of cellular layer a controlling factor. The endosteal efflux was greater by a factor of 2 when compared to the periosteal efflux at 37 °C. When the temperature was reduced to 6 °C the endosteal to periosteal efflux ratio decreased to 1.26 indicating a temperature-sensitive component in the endosteal efflux.
Singing in the shade: song and song posts of northern cardinals near nesting Cooper's hawks

Animals may compensate for increased predation risk by changing the behaviours that make them vulnerable. In this study, we compared the singing and perching behaviours of northern cardinals (Cardi...
Parameters Associated with Bivariate Bernstein–Szegő Measures on the Bi-circle

We consider measures supported on the bi-circle and review the recurrence relations satisfied by the orthogonal polynomials associated with these measures constructed using the lexicographical or reverse lexicographical ordering. New relations are derived among these recurrence coefficients. We extend the results of (SIAM J Matrix Anal. Appl. 29, 796–825, 2007) on a parameterization for Bernstein–Szegő measures supported on the bi-circle.
Extracting the net O(K) X-ray peak from Si(Li)-detector spectra

Abstract The shape of the O(K) X-ray peak has been extracted from spectra taken using a cryogenically cooled Si(Li) detector with an ice layer on the crystal. The spectrum stripping method consists of subtracting a PIXE spectrum of beryllium taken with the BeO surface layer removed from that taken with the BeO surface layer intact. The method relies on the fact that the background spectrum is not affected by the removal of the thin layer containing surface oxygen. The resulting O(K) peak shape corresponds to that measurable with a de-iced detector and can be used to determine the shape of the bremsstrahlung background in the vicinity of the O(K) edge. With proper normalizations, the net O(K) integral can be determined using these two shapes. These results help explain the apparently varied O(K) X-ray peak shapes previously reported in the literature.
Missing lynx and trophic cascades in food webs: A reply to Ripple et al.

Ripple et al. (2011) proposed a hypothesis that the recovery of gray wolves (Canis lupus) may positively affect the viability of threatened Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) populations in the contiguous United States through indirect species interactions. Ripple et al. (2011) proposed 2 key trophic linkages connecting wolf restoration with lynx recovery. First, recovering wolf populations may benefit lynx through reduced interference and exploitative competition with coyotes (C. latrans). Second, recovering wolf populations may benefit lynx through reduced exploitative competition among ungulates and snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus), the primary prey of lynx. Both proposed linkages have weak or contradictory empirical support in the available literature on lynx–hare ecology, casting doubt on the utility of Ripple et al.'s (2011) hypothesis. Debate over Ripple et al.'s (2011) hypothesis demonstrates the importance of experimental or comparative documentation when proposing trophic cascades in complex food webs. In this case, publishing unsupported opinions as hypotheses that concern complex trophic interactions is a potential disservice to lynx conservation through misallocated research, conservation funding, and misplaced public perception. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
CFD application to oceanic mixed layer sampling with Lagrangian platforms

Frontal adjustment and restratification in oceanic mixed layers is one of the processes that is considered to be important in the ocean's multi-scale energy transfer, biogeochemical transport, air–sea interaction, acoustic propagation and naval operations. We summarise a CFD-based modelling approach to sample processes at an idealised mixed layer base using passive scalars and particles, given a subset of realistic constraints on these resources in field experiments. The results emphasise the effectiveness of Lagrangian platforms, in particular passive particles, for sampling rapidly evolving submesoscale oceanic fields.
Drug transport across the blood-brain barrier.

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) prevents the brain uptake of most pharmaceuticals. This property arises from the epithelial-like tight junctions within the brain capillary endothelium. The BBB is anatomically and functionally distinct from the blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier at the choroid plexus. Certain small molecule drugs may cross the BBB via lipid-mediated free diffusion, providing the drug has a molecular weight <400 Da and forms <8 hydrogen bonds. These chemical properties are lacking in the majority of small molecule drugs, and all large molecule drugs. Nevertheless, drugs can be reengineered for BBB transport, based on the knowledge of the endogenous transport systems within the BBB. Small molecule drugs can be synthesized that access carrier-mediated transport (CMT) systems within the BBB. Large molecule drugs can be reengineered with molecular Trojan horse delivery systems to access receptor-mediated transport (RMT) systems within the BBB. Peptide and antisense radiopharmaceuticals are made brain-penetrating with the combined use of RMT-based delivery systems and avidin–biotin technology. Knowledge on the endogenous CMT and RMT systems expressed at the BBB enable new solutions to the problem of BBB drug transport.
Erbium vs. holmium laser incision of the urethra and bladder neck

The objective of this study is to evaluate in an animal model differences in wound healing and scar formation in healthy urethra and bladder neck incised with the Erbium:YAG and Holmium:YAG lasers. In each of 18 domestic pigs, three 1-cm-long incisions were made, two at the bladder neck and one in the mid-urethra using either the Er:YAG laser (9 pigs) or the Ho:YAG laser (9 pigs). In each laser group, three animals were sacrificed on postoperative (POD) days 0, 6, and 14. Width of collateral damage, as evidenced by coagulation necrosis and granulation tissue at the wound base, and incision depth were evaluated during tissue analysis. Collateral damage with the Er:YAG laser at POD 0, 6 and 14 was 20 ± 5 mm, 900 ± 100 mm, and 430 ± 100 mm, respectively. Damage with the Ho:YAG laser was 660 ± 110 mm, 2280 ± 700 mm, and 1580 ± 250 mm, respectively. The granulation tissue was significantly less (p < 0.05) at all time points with the Er:YAG laser. Similarly, incision depths for the two laser groups at days 6 (1100 ± 200 mm vs 1500 ± 300 mm) and 14 (670 ± 140 mm vs 1240 ± 140 mm) were also significantly less (p < 0.05) for the Er:YAG laser group, indicating faster healing of the wound created. In this in vivo animal study, incisions in the urethra and bladder neck made with the Er:YAG laser healed faster and with less scar formation than incisions made with the Ho:YAG laser.
To boldly go where no group has gone before: An analysis of online group identity and validation of a measure

Abstract Online groups have become more popular in recent decades, in both research and practice. Many authors have proposed important outcomes of group membership, and some have even investigated some preliminary dynamics of these online groups. Unfortunately, no validated measure of online group identity exists, causing these researchers to employ measures with poor psychometric properties or concerning construct validity. For these reasons, the current article undergoes a multiple study process to validate a measure of online group identity. In doing so, several aspects of online group identity are discovered, largely based on propositions previously posed for offline groups. Study 1 demonstrates that individuals from a general sample identify with online groups, and the measure has an identifiable factor structure. Using a naturally occurring online group, Study 2 shows the measure’s concurrent, convergent, and divergent validity, while simultaneously revealing many novel relationships of online group identity. Lastly, Study 3 investigates the effect of The United States President, Barack Obama, creating an account on the website studied in Study 2 and interacting with group members. The results of Study 3 reveal that online group identity did not change after this historic event, although members had notable emotional responses. In all, the current study illustrates the validity of an online group identity measure, and discovers many important relationships previously unknown in regards to online group identity. It is believed that the investigated measure of online group identity will become an important tool in future research, especially when further probing the relationships analyzed in the current study. Further implications and suggestions for future studies are discussed.
Anomalous Chemical Shifts in the Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectra of the Dimethylcyclohexanes and Related Hydrocarbons

High-resolution proton magnetic resonance spectra were determined for the dimethylcyclohexanes and several related hydrocarbons between —130°C and 130°C. All of the compounds which should undergo rapid ring inversion at room temperature produce spectra which change on cooling because of “freezing out” of this motion. The assumption that appearance of the ring-hydrogen resonances as a relatively narrow band is invariably a symptom of rapid ring inversion is shown to be unfounded. Several of the ring spectra differ drastically from what is predicted using a bond-anisotropy model. A previously unrecognized effect, then, must make a significant contribution to the observed chemical shifts.