cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Movement Restriction Zone Sizes in Controlling Classical Swine Fever Outbreaks.

The objective of this study was to compare the impacts of movement restriction zone sizes of 3-km, 5-km, 9-km, and 11-km with that of 7-km (the recommended zone size in the United States) in controlling a classical swine fever (CSF) outbreak. In addition to zone size, different compliance assumptions and outbreak types (single-site and multiple-site) were incorporated in the study. Three assumptions of compliance level were simulated: baseline, baseline ±10%, and baseline ±15%. The compliance level was held constant across all zone sizes in the baseline simulation. In the baseline ±10% and baseline ±15% simulations, the compliance level was increased for 3-km and 5-km and decreased for 9-km and 11-km from the baseline by the indicated percentages. The compliance level remained constant in all simulations for the 7-km zone size. Four single-site (i.e., with one index premises at the onset of outbreak) and four multiple-site (i.e., with more than one index premises at the onset of outbreak) CSF outbreak scenarios in Indiana were simulated incorporating various zone sizes and compliance assumptions using a stochastic between-premises disease spread model to estimate epidemic duration, percentage of infected, and pre-emptively culled swine premises. Furthermore, a risk assessment model that incorporated the results from the disease spread model was developed to estimate the number of swine premises under movement restrictions that would experience animal welfare outcomes of overcrowding or feed interruption during a CSF outbreak in Indiana. Compared with the 7-km zone size, the 3-km zone size resulted in a longer median epidemic duration, larger percentages of infected premises and pre-emptively culled premises (P’s <.001) across all compliance assumptions and outbreak types. With the assumption of a higher compliance level, the 5-km zone size significantly (P <.001) reduced the epidemic duration and percentage of swine premises that would experience animal welfare outcomes in both outbreak types. Whereas assumption of a lower compliance level for 9-km and 11-km zone sizes significantly (P <.001) increased the epidemic duration and percentage of swine premises with animal welfare outcomes compared with the 7-km zone size. The magnitude of impact due to a zone size varied across the outbreak
Trends in Utilization of Robotic and Open Partial Nephrectomy for Management of cT1 Renal Masses.

Abstract Background Partial nephrectomy is widely used for surgical management of small renal masses. Use of robotic (RPN) versus open partial nephrectomy (OPN) among various populations is not well characterized. Objective To analyze trends in utilization of RPN and disparities that may be associated with this procedure for management of cT1 renal masses in the USA. Design, setting, and participants Patients who underwent RPN or OPN for clinical stage T1N0M0 renal masses in the USA from 2010 to 2013 were identified in the National Cancer Data Base. A total of 23 154 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate differences in receiving RPN or OPN across various patient groups. Results and limitations Utilization of RPN increased from 41% in 2010 to 63% in 2013. Black patients (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.91, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.84–0.98) and Hispanic patients (aOR 0.85, 95% CI 0.77–0.95) were less likely to undergo RPN. RPN was less likely to be performed in rural counties (aOR 0.80, 95% CI 0.66–0.98) and in patients with no insurance (aOR 0.52, 95% CI 0.44–0.61) or patients covered by Medicaid (aOR 0.81, 95% CI 0.73–0.90). There was no significant difference in RPN utilization between academic and non-academic facilities. Patients with higher clinical stage (aOR 0.58, 95% CI 0.55–0.62) and comorbidities (aOR 0.79, 95% CI 0.71–0.88) were also less likely to undergo RPN. Conclusions Utilization of RPN has continued to increase over time; however, there are significant disparities in its utilization according to race and socioeconomic status. Black and Hispanic patients and patients in rural communities and with limited insurance were more likely to be treated with OPN instead of RPN. Patient summary The use of robotic surgery in partial nephrectomy for management of small renal masses has increased over time. We found a significant disparity across different racial and socioeconomic groups in use of robotic partial nephrectomy compared to open surgery. Patients living in rural areas, with limited insurance, and multiple medical comorbidities were more likely to undergo open than robotic partial nephrectomy.
Mapping associations: exploring divergent thinking through mind mapping

AbstractThis study is a preliminary inquiry into the structure of mental associations as captured by the Mind Mapping process. Participants generated mind maps around a common central theme. The average frequency occurrence of items mentioned in the maps (i.e., responses) was used as a measure of the response’s relative ‘uniqueness.’ Although the creation of these mind maps was not framed as a Divergent Thinking task, interesting parallels to other Divergent Thinking tasks are reported and compared. This study expands upon the Serial Order Effect by utilizing the tree-graph structure of mind maps to parse out how the depth, breadth, and order of associations relates to uniqueness. The data shows a moderate relationship between order and uniqueness, and a strong relationship between depth and uniqueness. However, higher quantity of deeper responses does not indicate higher average uniqueness of responses. The results suggest that the latent dimensions of depth and breadth are not represented by ‘order’ and...
Time-domain system modeling and applications for multi-function array radar weather measurements

This paper introduces a time-domain modeling and simulation method for system performance of future SENSR (Spectrum-Efficient National Surveillance Radar) radars. The focus in this work is modeling the interactions between radar waveforms and the distributed weather scatterers in time-domain with Rayleigh scattering, while other aspects of system modeling are also discussed. It is revealed that there are certain characteristics in the scattered electric field of the incident waveform due to weather scatterers, which may have impact on the return signals. In addition, an end-to-end system simulation is also described as the basis of a new Phased Array System Simulator (PASIM), which is based on the time-domain system simulation concept and NEXRAD truth data.
The Effects of Televised Legislatures on Elections: The Case of the U.S. House of Representatives

The effects of televised sessions on incumbent reelection at the state level were tied directly to constitutent diversity. We now turn to the estimation of the effects of legislative television on U.S. House elections. The results are consistent with the state findings. U.S. Representatives from homogeneous districts increased their election margins after television coverage relative to representatives from heterogeneous districts.
Detecting alcohol use disorders in the severely mentally ill.

The frequent co-occurrence of alcoholism withserious mental illnesses (“dual diagnosis”)necessitates that clinicians are able to recognize itspresence in people with disabling mental illnesses. This study demonstrates that professionals oftenmiss the diagnosis, but that their ability to detectalcoholism can be greatly enhanced by the use of asimple screening tool. Members of an urban psychosocial rehabilitation program who received psychiatrictreatment in an affiliated outpatient clinic wereinterviewed after their clinic therapists andrehabilitation counselors had been asked questionspertaining to their general health and substance use. Themembers were interviewed with two screening tests, theCAGE and the SMAST, and a clinical DSMIII-R diagnosis ofalcohol use disorder was established. Both the SMAST and CAGE had good sensitivity and theaddition of a screener enhanced the clinicians' abilityto detect alcohol use disorders.
Treating Penile Cancer in the Immunotherapy and Targeted Therapy Era

While localized penile cancers are typically treated surgically and metastatic penile cancers benefit from standard chemotherapy, there have been studies on the horizon demonstrating immunotherapy as a novel approach to metastatic penile cancers that have failed standard chemotherapy. We report a case series of two patients who improved on immunotherapy after progressing with standard chemotherapy regimens. The first case describes a 64-year-old male with a penile mass and significant lymphadenopathy who had surgical resection and adjuvant chemotherapy prior to continued disease progression. He was started on anti-EGFR treatment and improved initially, but he eventually had progression of disease. The second case describes a 79-year-old male with a penile mass who was treated with surgical resection and started on adjuvant chemoradiation, but he developed recurrence and nodal involvement. Therefore, second-line therapy of the PD-L1 inhibitor was started in this patient. There were no available clinical trials for penile cancer patients who progressed beyond the standard surgical therapy and chemotherapy.
Surgeon Awareness of the Relative Costs of Common Surgical Instruments.

This study surveys surgeons’ cost knowledge and ability to distinguish subtle price variations between surgical tools with similar functions or indications.
Undiagnosed Abdominal Term Pregnancy with Good Neonatal Outcome

Abdominal pregnancy is a rare occurrence and it represents only 1% of ectopic pregnancy. We report a case of an abdominal pregnancy that resulted in a term live baby. Diagnosis is unsurprisingly difficult in advanced gestation. A high index of suspicion detailed clinical and imaging examinations are needed to make the diagnosis. Multidisciplinary team involvement is crucial in the management of abdominal pregnancy.
Beauty Becomes: Evolving Beauty

Evolutionary psychology explains the why of appreciation of beauty and neuroaesthetics explains the how of appreciating beauty. Evolutionary psychologists focus on two major reasons for why we admire the beauty of nature: sexual selection and natural selection/adaptation. Human physical beauty is based on sexual selection and what we find beautiful in nature is based on natural selection. Men find an hour-glass figure to be a fitness indicator that they find beautiful in women (a waist-to-hip ratio of 0.70 seems to be ideal); and a V-shaped body is a fitness indicator that women find beautiful in men. Women and men who have these qualities are perceived as likely to produce strong babies who will survive and later reproduce. The Savanna Hypothesis argues that it was adaptive to evolve to find attractive: (a) open spaces with short grass and groups of trees; (b) water nearby; (c) a panoramic view; (d) animals and birds present; and (e) greenery with flowers and fruits. Through natural and sexual selection, combined with the rise of human culture, we have learned to find beauty in myriad forms of art and craft. Through natural and sexual selection and natural cooperation, the human virtues developed and have taken on moral beauty.
Non-rising PSA disease progression on C-11 choline PET/CT imaging in patients receiving second generation hormone therapies (2nd-HT).

144Background: Despite having well-recognized limitations, urologists often rely on serial PSA testing as a marker for treatment response or disease progression. To determine if PSA was indeed a re...
A two-dimensional finite element recursion relation for the transport equation using nine-diagonal solvers

A Galerkin-based finite element recursion relation is used to solve the heat transport equation in two-dimensions. The finite element method (FEM) is a powerful technique that is commonly used for ...
Dietary Patterns, Physical Activity, and Socioeconomic Associations in a Midwestern Cohort of Healthy Reproductive-Age Women.

To characterize dietary patterns and physical activity in a diverse cohort of Midwestern reproductive-age women and to determine associations between these lifestyle factors, socioeconomic factors, and obesity. In this cross-sectional study, 185 women completed validated food frequency and physical activity questionnaires. Dietary patterns were identified through principal component analysis. Sociodemographic characteristics associated with dietary pattern adherence and physical activity participation were identified through linear regression. Associations between lifestyle factors and obesity were assessed through logistic regression. Two dietary patterns were identified: a “Prudent” pattern characterized by consumption of fruits, vegetables, olive oil, and nuts and a “Western” pattern including meat, refined carbohydrates, and high-calorie drinks. African-American women and women without a college degree were more likely to adhere to the Western dietary pattern than other women. Women in areas with higher socioeconomic deprivation had lower levels of physical activity, especially leisure-time exercise. Women who completed college participated in more leisure-time exercise and had less physically demanding occupations. Obesity was associated with increasing adherence to the Western dietary pattern in a dose-dependent fashion (aOR range 2.68–4.33, 95% CI range 0.69–16.61) but was not associated with adherence to the Prudent pattern (aOR range 0.46–1.06, 95% CI range 0.13–3.41). Increased physical activity was associated with reduced odds of obesity (aOR range 0.28–0.30, 95% CI range 0.10–0.93). This study highlights dietary and physical activity patterns associated with obesity in reproductive-age women. Lifestyle interventions focused on minimizing consumption of the Western diet and increasing physical activity may provide an opportunity to reduce obesity among reproductive-age women.
Fitzgerald: Greenovation: Urban Leadership on Climate Change

The 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change was preceded by the Non-state Actor Zone for Climate Action the year before. That registry recorded 2,245 commitments by substate actors before the nation...
Distributed Virtual CPS Environment for K12: Demo Abstract

While educational robotics and makerspaces are useful to modern STEM education, they introduce both physical and economic barriers to entry. By creating a simulated, networked environment, we can facilitate instruction on cyber-physical systems and related topics while reducing cost and complexity. The virtual environment created is connected to a block-based programming language, NetsBlox, to allow students to engage with the curriculum regardless of programming experience. The networked simulation and collaborative programming environment combine to become especially effective for distance learning. This demonstration showcases example scenarios providing students with a simple interface to interact with a simplified sensor network in a small area of a smart city and solve robot challenges.
Robot-assisted revision of sacroiliac joint fusion using a triangular titanium implant in an S2-alar-iliac trajectory: illustrative case

BACKGROUND Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) dysfunction can lead to significant pain and disability, greatly impairing quality of life. Arthrodesis may take up to 1 year to occur, after which revision can be considered. There is a need for highly accurate and reproducible techniques for revision that allow for purchase through undisturbed bone to prevent prolonged pain and disability. Moreover, a minimally invasive technique for revision would be favorable for recovery, particularly in elderly patients. OBSERVATIONS An 84-year-old man with a prior history of lumbar fusion presented with severe buttock pain limiting ambulation and sitting because of the failure of arthrodesis after SIJ fusion 1 year earlier. He underwent revision using a triangular titanium implant (TTI) in an S2-alar-iliac (S2-AI) trajectory under robotic guidance, which is a novel technique not yet described in the literature. The patient’s pain largely resolved, he was able to ambulate independently, and his quality of life improved tremendously. There were no complications of surgery. LESSONS Placement of a TTI using an S2-AI trajectory is a safe and effective method for revision that can be considered for elderly patients. Robot-assisted navigation can be used to facilitate an accurate and reproducible approach using a minimally invasive approach.
Intrapleural pocket for pediatric epicardial pacemaker via right axillary incision.

Abstract Congenital and acquired complete heart block (CHB) are serious conduction abnormalities that may necessitate permanent pacemaker placement. Small patient size and anatomy preclude transvenous pacemaker insertion and risk subcutaneous generator pocket complications. We describe placement of a pediatric bipolar epicardial pacemaker via right axillary incision with an intrapleural polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane pocket to facilitate future generator exchange.
Starring Women: Celebrity, Patriarchy, and American Theater, 1790–1850: by Sara E. Lampert, Urbana: University of Illinois Press, 2020, Pp. 296, $110.00 (hbk), $28.00 (pbk), $19.95 (e-book), ISBN 9780252043352, ISBN 9780252085260, ISBN 9780252052231

In Starring Women, Sara E. Lampert offers a valuable new study of women performers on the early American stage that brings the concerns of women’s history to bear on histories of theater and drama ...
Histoire locale et collections nationales : exposer pour mieux conserver

Apres avoir presente les modalites de la conception et de la realisation d’une exposition temporaire dans l’Allier en partenariat avec le Museum national d’Histoire naturelle, l’auteur analyse la pertinence des nouvelles orientations prises par l’Institution nationale envers les regions et s’interroge sur les limites de l’exercice en terme de conservation des collections.
The endometrium in tuberculous peritonitis and in sterility

E NDOMETRIAL tuberculosis is usually regarded as a rare disease. However, it appears to be more common than is generally appreciated. Tuberculosis of the endometrium presents a number of interesting problems from the clinical as well as pathologic aspect, largely because there is no comparable tissue in the body. This is due to the fact that in the normal menstrual cycle the endometrium is constantly changing its histologic appearance until it finally sloughs at the beginning of menstruation. Our work on this problem includes a careful study of the pathologic changes in the endometriums of ‘75 uteri which had been removed in the course of surgical procedures. An attempt was made when possible to study recent specimens. Otherwise the cases were taken at random from the files.
Hershey, Alfred Day

1908–1997 American bacteriologist who demonstrated that deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is foundational for cellular reproduction. Keywords: bacteriology; bacteriophage; virus; Nobel; DNA
A Cluster of Latently Expressed Genes in Kaposi’s Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus

Infection with Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is closely associated with Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) and primary effusion lymphoma, with viral genomes present in a latent state in the majority of tumor cells. Here we describe a cluster of latently expressed viral genes whose mRNAs are generated from a common promoter. Two mRNAs in this region encode the latency-associated nuclear antigen, the product of open reading frame 73 (ORF73). The larger RNA, of 5.8 kb, is an unspliced transcript that includes ORF72 and -71 at its 3′ end; it initiates at nucleotides (nt) 127880 to 127886 from a promoter lacking recognizable TATA elements. A less abundant mRNA, of 5.4 kb, is a variant of this transcript, in which 336 nt of 5′ noncoding information has been removed by RNA splicing. A third, more abundant RNA is generated from the same promoter region via splicing from the common splice donor at nt 127813 to an acceptor 5′ to ORF72; this transcript is the presumed mRNA for ORF72, which encodes the viral cyclin D homolog. All three RNAs are 3′ coterminal. In situ hybridization analysis with probes that can detect all three transcripts shows that the RNAs are detectable in a large fraction of BCBL-1 cells prior to lytic induction and in >70% of KS spindle cells in primary KS tumors. This confirms that these transcripts are indeed latent RNAs and suggests a role for their products in viral persistence and/or KSHV-associated proliferation.
ASTEROIDAL DUST AND THE ZODIACAL EMISSION

The contribution to the brightness of the infrared background by asteroidal dust, distinguished both by lower color temperature and ‘band-pair’ morphology, is determined using IRAS observations. Dust band pairs are associated with at least 7 asteroid families and groups, but very little is detected from the remainder of the asteroid belt, indicating that asteroid families and groups are the source of asteroidal dust.
On the Measurements of D/H in QSO Absorption Systems

We present our measurements of the deuterium to hydrogen ratio (D/H) in QSO absorption systems, which give D/H = 3.40 ± 0.25 × 10−5 based on analysis of four independent systems. We discuss the properties of two systems which provide the strongest constraints on D/H. We outline the systematic effects involved in measurements of D/H and introduce a sophisticated method of analysis which properly accounts for these effects.
The velocity of sound waves from gun fire in southern California

Since October, 1937, a sensitive instrument for recording changes in air-pressure has been in operation at the Seismological Laboratory in Pasadena. The instrument was designed by Dr. H. Benioff, who will describe it more fully elsewhere.
ASSAY OF GONADOTROPIN IN THE HAMSTER.

Doses of gonadotropin (HCG) ranging from 0.25 to 20 IU were injected subcutaneously into immature male hamsters daily for 5 days. The increase in weight of the sex accessory glands was used as the end point of the assay. Representative samples of the tissue were fixed in Bouin’s fluid and examined histologically. The weights of the accessory glands increased in response to increasing doses of HCG, up to and including 3 IU/injection/ day. Doses larger than 3 IU caused an inhibition of the weight responses. The increase in weight of the glands was accompanied by cellular maturation, as seen histologically. The anterior prostate is highly sensitive to HCG and the ventral prostate and seminal vesicles are moderately sensitive. The rate of uptake and disappearance of HCG from the bloodstream of young adult female hamsters was determined. Females were injected subcutaneously with 100 IU of HCG. At various times after the injections, samples of blood were withdrawn by cardiac puncture. The serum, containing HCG,...
Haydn, Hoffmann, and the opera of instruments

In 1809, E. T. A. Hoffmann declared that the symphony, in the hands of Haydn and Mozart, had become the “opera of instruments.” This view of symphony, which was echoed by other writers of the period, reflected how composers engaged with instruments through orchestration. This essay explores the use of instrumental sonority in the slow movements of Haydn’s later symphonies, in particular looking at the ways in which Haydn’s approach to the orchestra helped cultivate the notion that symphonies unfolded as dramas. This conception of the orchestra and of orchestration informed the language of musical criticism of the early nineteenth century: Hoffmann’s discussions of musical works frequently take the form of operatic plot summaries, in which individual instruments act as characters. The persistence of operatic metaphors suggests that, instead of thinking of this period as the “rise of instrumental music,” it is more accurate to understand it as the rise of the orchestra.
Air biota of the upper atmosphere over the Pacific Ocean and continental United States

Abstract Between February 1968 and February 1969, air biota were collected mostly at altitudes of 1,800 to 3,300 m, on 13 flights over various parts of the Pacific Ocean and continental United States. Although samples varied considerably at those altitudes, there appeared to be little difference in concentration or composition of air biota over the ocean and over the continental United States, which indicated a rather stable population. Cladosporium was the most consistently present fungus, but Alternaria, ascospores, hyphal fragments, pollen, and rust urediospores were collected on most flights.
The asymmetric response of a fluid-filled spherical shell—A mathematical simulation of a glancing blow to the head

Abstract Head impact is modeled as a fluid-filled spherical shell loaded abruptly by a surface traction over a small area of the shell. Linear shell theory, which includes membrane, bending, rotary inertia and transverse shear effects, is used. The motion of the fluid is assumed inviscid, irrotational but compressible. The transient response is obtained through a Laplace transformation in time, an eigenfunction expansion in spatial variables and an inversion back to the time domain. Some numerical results are obtained for the pressure in the fluid and stresses in the shell corresponding to a set of appropriate human head data. It shows that the asymmetric results consist of axisymmetric and skew-symmetric parts about a diameter passing through the centroid of the impacted area. The implications of these results on the head injury mechanisms are discussed.
Severity, timing, and duration of reactions to trauma in the population: an example from Mexico

Abstract Background Normative data describing acute reactions to trauma are few. Methods Of 2509 Mexican adults interviewed with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview, 1241 met trauma exposure criteria for index events occurring more than 1 year previously. Results The modal response, describing 45%, was a reaction to trauma that was mild (present but below levels of posttraumatic stress disorder symptom criteria), immediate (within the first month), and transient (over within a year). Nonetheless, 29% experienced immediate and serious reactions. Of these, 44% had chronic posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms. Those whose reactions were serious and chronic differed in many ways from those whose reactions were serious but transient. They had more traumatic events during their lives, and their index events were more likely to have occurred in childhood and to have involved violence. They had more symptoms and functional impairment after the trauma and higher levels of depressive and somatic symptoms when data were collected. Conclusions Psychiatrically significant reactions to trauma persist often enough to justify their detection and treatment. Persons in need of acute intervention can be identified on the basis of the nature and severity of the initial response as well as characteristics of the stressor.
A unified circuit model for ferroelectrics

We present a physical circuit model for polarization reversal dynamics in ferroelectrics, which is implemented in Verilog-A, validated with PZT measurements and applicable in all operation modes for bulk, epitaxial and polycrystalline thin films. Consistent treatment of field-driven polarization not only gives accurate step-voltage responses across many decades in time, but also reproduces frequency and amplitude dependent P-E and I-V hysteresis loops for ferroelectric MIM capacitors. FE-RAM and gate-stack FE-FET circuit simulations are experimentally verified.
Cheating in markets: A laboratory experiment

Abstract We develop a two-market model under three conditions: autarky, frictionless free trade, and free trade with cheating. With cheating, buyers can underpay by π % in cross-market trades and sellers can deliver π % of full value. We solve for competitive equilibrium with cheating and obtain novel testable predictions on price, volume and surplus. We test these in a laboratory experiment using parameters intended to challenge the theory. The results are generally consistent with competitive equilibrium. We find evidence of price unification, market segmentation, a cross-market volume of trade lower under cheating than in frictionless free trade, but a higher overall volume.
Flux-flow noise in type II superconductors

Abstract This paper discusses flux-flow noise in type II superconductors. A theoretical expression is given for flux-flow noise in a rectangular sample with two probes, and compared with earlier models; the differences are not very large. Experiments give no flicker noise below 20 μW/mm2 dissipation at 4.2 K, whereas much larger dissipations can be tolerated below the λ temperature before flicker noise sets in. The shape of the spectrum at elevated frequencies is of the 1/f type, as predicted by the theory, followed by a probe size effect at still higher frequencies. The noise is much larger than would be expected from single fluxoids; this is caused by the flux bundle effect which, in turn, is due to pinning and fluxoid interaction. The size of the flux bundles can be determined from the data, it decreases with increasing current.
Conversational skills training with aftercare patients in the community: Social validation and generalization**

Ten chronic psychiatric patients enrolled in a partial hospitalization program and who had conversational difficulty received group skills training that focused on specific conversational components and on speech content. Components and criterion levels for training were established from an assessment of the conversational skills of “normal” nonpsychiatric persons in their community. Training was evaluated with a multiple baseline design. Effectiveness was demonstrated through (1) behavioral ratings during dyadic and unstructured conversations with other former patients; (2) behavioral ratings during extended conversations with unfamiliar nonpsychiatric persons; and (3) maintenance of improvement at 1-, 3-, and 7-month follow-up.
Adsorption kinetics of BSA at air–sugar solution interfaces as affected by sugar type and concentration

Abstract The influence of glucose, sucrose and fructose at concentrations ranging from 0 to 40 wt.% on the adsorption kinetics of bovine serum albumin (BSA) at air–aqueous solution interfaces at 20 °C was measured using drop shape analysis. The rate of adsorption of proteins decreased in the presence of sugars. The diffusion coefficient of BSA in 40 wt.% sucrose solutions, calculated from the initial period of protein adsorption, was two orders of magnitude lower than the diffusion coefficient of BSA dissolved in pure water. The decrease of the diffusion coefficient with sugar concentration (δDeff/δcsugar) was appreciably higher at low sugar concentrations (
Nurses' views of factors that help and hinder their intrapartum care.

Objective To explore labor and delivery nurses’ views of intrapartum care, particularly factors that help or hinder their efforts to provide professional labor support. Design Content analysis of narrative comments that nurses wrote on questionnaires during a two‐part research study on professional labor support in 2001. Participants Intrapartum registered nurses. Results Six themes emerged under the category of factors that hinder nurses’ intrapartum care: (a) hastening, controlling, and mechanizing birth; (b) facility culture and resources; (c) mothers’ knowledge, language, and medical status; (d) outdated practices; (e) conflict; and (f) professional/ethical decline. Under the category of factors that help nurses’ intrapartum care, four themes emerged: (a) teamwork and collaboration, (b) philosophy of birth as a natural process, (c) facility culture and resources, and (d) nursing impact, experience, and autonomy. Conclusions Nurses conveyed a spectrum of feelings from intense pride and pleasure to disillusionment, dissatisfaction, and distress based on barriers and facilitators to their ability to provide effective optimal care. They felt strongly that medical interventions often hindered their care and prevented them from providing labor support. Nurses offered blunt, often scathing criticism and also glowing praise for their colleagues in nursing, nurse‐midwifery, and medicine regarding the quality of their care.
A comparison of erythromycin and cefadroxil in the prevention of flare-ups from asymptomatic teeth with pulpal necrosis and associated periapical pathosis.

Abstract In a previous study by our group with patients having asymptomatic teeth with pulpal necrosis and an associated periapical radiolucent lesion (PN/PL), it was shown that prophylactic administration of penicillin V or erythromycin (high-dose, 1-day regimen) resulted in a low incidence of flare-up (mean = 2.2%) and a low incidence of swelling and pain not associated with flare-up. No hypersensitivity responses occurred, and gastrointestinal side effects were found primarily with the erythromycins. To ascertain whether a single-dose administration of a long-acting 1-gm tablet of the cephalosporin antibiotic cefadroxil would result in a similar outcome, the present study was undertaken with 200 patients having quiescent PN/PL. The patients were randomly given either cefadroxil or erythromycin (base or stearate). Evaluations of flare-up were done 1 day, 1 week, and 2 months after endodontic treatment. A 2.0% flare-up incidence was found, with no statistically significant differences for cefadroxil (1.0%), stearate (2.0%), or base (4.0%). No hypersensitivity responses occurred. Gastrointestinal side effects were found primarily with the erythromycins (19.0%). The results showed that a 1-gm, single-dose regimen of cefadroxil was as effective as erythromycin and penicillin in preventing flare-ups and serious sequelae. A comparative analysis of the data from our first study (no peritreatment antibiotics) and the pooled data from our last three investigations (including the current trial) showed that peritreatment antibiotic coverage significantly reduced flare-ups and serious sequelae after endodontic treatment of asymptomatic PN/PL ( p
Relative importance of fluvial input and wave energy in controlling the timescale for distributary‐channel avulsion

[1] Existing avulsion models are decoupled from nearshore processes. Here, I explore quantitatively how the interplay of wave energy with fluvial input of sediment and water controls the aggradation rate and avulsion timescale of a single distributary channel. My approach rigorously couples a diffusive, moving-boundary theory of fluvial morphodynamics with a diffusive treatment of shoreface morphodynamics. I use this deterministic model to quantify the time required for channel-belt superelevation, normalized with channel depth, to attain a threshold value for nodal avulsion at a specified channel location. Increasing the long-term wave energy relative to fluvial input by an order of magnitude increases longshore sediment dispersal, thereby reducing the rate of channel-belt aggradation and associated seaward extension and increasing the avulsion timescale by a factor of approximately 50. Far-field processes eventually limit the ability of wave energy to suppress avulsion.
Reaction of carbon dioxide with a palladium-alkyl complex supported by a bis-NHC framework.

The reactivity of a dimethyl palladium complex supported by a dicarbene chelate (MDCMes)PdMe2 towards CO2 has been investigated. In the presence of trace H2O, this reaction yields the corresponding methyl bicarbonate complex (MDCMes)PdMe(O2COH), which goes on to give the corresponding κ2-carbonato complex upon crystallization (MDCMes)Pd(CO3). This chemistry, as well as related protonolysis by acetic acid was monitored by a combination of techniques including React-IR spectroscopy.
Proton lifetime and branching ratios in SU(5)

Abstract The decay rate of the proton into two-body channels is calculated in the SU(5) grand unified theory using the hadronic wavefunctions of the bag model. Summing only the two-body modes leads to a lifetime of τ p = 8 × 10 30 yr, for a heavy boson mass of 3.8 × 10 14 GeV.
Corporate organization and manufacturing branch plant closures in non-metropolitan areas

Erickson R. A. (1980) Corporate organization and manufacturing branch plant closures in non-metropolitan areas, Reg. Studies 14, 491–501. The establishment of branch plants in non-metropolitan areas by metropolitan-based corporations has substantially increased manufacturing employment in many of the former regions. However, there has been speculation that, because branch plants are relatively easy to establish, corporations would be likely to close such plants in the event of recession or operating difficulties of the organization. Data on the performance of a large set of plants in non-metropolitan Wisconsin indicate that such branches are far less likely to close than establishments in general. This paper also examines the influences of alternative corporate organizational structures and related plant interdependencies, market environments, levels of capital investment, and acquisition on branch plant closure rates.
Energy expenditure, inflammation, and oxidative stress in steady-state adolescents with sickle cell anemia.

Sickle cell anemia (HbSS) is characterized by hypermetabolism, chronic inflammation, and increased oxidative stress, but the relationship between these factors is undefined. In this study, we examined indicators of inflammatory process and markers of oxidative damage and their impact on resting energy expenditure (REE) in stable HbSS adolescents (n = 35) and healthy controls carrying normal hemoglobin genotype (HbAA) (n = 39). C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell (WBC) count, and proinflammatory cytokines were measured as markers of inflammation and 2,3-dinor-5,6-dihydro-15-F2t-isoprostane (F2-IsoPM) as a marker of oxidative stress. REE was measured by indirect calorimetry. WBC counts (11.90 ± 5.3 ×103/μL versus 5.6 ± 1.9 ×103/μL; p < 0.001), serum CRP (9.1 ± 11.0 μg/mL versus 0.4 ± 0.7 μg/mL; p < 0.001) and serum IL-8 (7.5 ± 4.4 pg/mL versus 5.5 ± 4.8 pg/mL; p = 0.011) were higher in HbSS than HbAA, suggesting an anti-inflammatory response in HbSS. Higher urinary F2-IsoPM in HbSS (1.2 ± 0.4 versus 0.7 ± 0.3 ng/mg creatinine; p < 0.001) indicates increased oxidative stress. Fat free mass (FFM), hemoglobin (Hgb), interleukin (IL)-8, and F2-IsoPM were independent predictors of REE in HbSS (overall r2 = 0.778; p < 0.001). Low-grade inflammation and increased oxidative stress are present in adolescents with HbSS in the absence of acute crisis, and their markers are correlated with elevated REE.
Effect of low-carbohydrate claims on consumer perceptions about food products' healthfulness and helpfulness for weight management.

Abstract Objective Evaluate effect of low-carbohydrate claims on consumer perceptions about food products' healthfulness and helpfulness for weight management. Design Experiment in which participants were randomly assigned 1 of 12 front-of-package claim conditions on bread or a frozen dinner. Seven of the 12 conditions also included Nutrition Facts (NF) information. Setting Internet. Participants 4,320 members of a national on-line consumer panel. Intervention Exposure to images of a food package. Main Outcome Measures Ratings on Likert scales about perceived healthfulness, helpfulness for weight management, and caloric content. Analysis Mean ratings by outcome measure, condition, and product were calculated. Ratings were also used as the dependent measure in analysis of variance models. Results Participants who saw front-of-package-only conditions rated products bearing low-carbohydrate claims as more helpful for weight management and lower in calories than the same products without a claim. Those who saw the bread with low-carbohydrate claims also rated it as more healthful than those who saw no claim. When the NF label was available and products had the same nutrition profile, participants rated products with low-carbohydrate claims the same as those with no claim. Conclusions and Implications Consumers who do not use the NF panel may interpret low-carbohydrate claims to have meaning beyond the scope of the claim itself.
ADRENAL STIMULATION BY ADRENOCORTICOTROPIC PEPTIDES.

Individual steroid hormone metabolities were measured after intravenous infusion of α-corticotropin, a synthetic tricosapeptide and commercial corticotropin in human subjects. When given in adequate dosage, each stimulated the adrenal to produce large amounts of hormones. The fate of exogenous hydrocortisone-4-C14 was examined at the height of response to each of the pure peptides and approximations of the hydrocortisone output were made. The conclusion was drawn that each product acted as a typical “corticotropin.”
Multimodal management of a pediatric cervical yolk sac tumor.

Even though vaginal bleeding is an unusual clinical presentation in infants and young children, thorough evaluation by the pediatric urologist requires the recognition and knowledge of less-common conditions, including malignancy. Extragonadal germ cell tumors are rare in children aged
N-ras mRNA expression is unaffected in glutathione-depleted cells of hematopoietic origin.

Abstract Glutathione (GSH) depletion in mitogen-stimulated T lymphocytes has been shown to markedly inhibit their proliferative response. This block in proliferation is associated with a significant reduction in total RNA and DNA synthesis; however, the specific mechanism involved in this inhibition of proliferation is unknown. Miller et al. have reported that lowering intracellular GSH levels by greater than 30%, in murine and human tumor cell lines of non-hematopoietic origin, leads to down-regulation of Ha-, Ki-, and N- ras oncogene expression [Miller, A.C., Gafner, J., Clark, E.P. and Samid, D. (1993) Mol. Cell Biol., 13, 4416–4422]. The reduction in ras transcript levels correlated with the extent of GSH depletion and was independent of the specific mode of oncogene activation. Since the activity of p21 ras is thought to be involved in pathways of T cell activation, we set out to determine whether down-regulation of ras expression in T cells could be the mechanism by which T cell proliferation was inhibited in GSH-depleted T lymphocytes. Despite reducing the GSH level of concanavalin A-activated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells by 66%, no effect on ras mRNA expression was observed. Similarly, no reduction of ras transcript levels were detected in a human T cell line (Jurkat) or in a human monocytic cell line (THP-1) depleted of glutathione. Our results demonstrate that the mechanism by which GSH depletion inhibits T cell proliferation does not appear to involve a decrease in ras mRNA expression. In addition, our results suggest that differences in the regulation of ras mRNA expression may exist between lymphoid/monocytic cells and cells of non-hematopoietic origin.
Novel Anti-inflammatory Role for Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3β in the Inhibition of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α- and Interleukin-1β-induced Inflammatory Gene Expression

Abstract Glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) is a serine/threonine kinase with a broad array of cellular targets, such as cytoskeletal proteins and transcription factors. Recent studies with GSK-3β-null mice showed impaired NFκB-mediated survival responses. Because NFκB serves a dual role as a key regulator of cytokine-induced inflammatory gene expression and apoptosis, we investigated whether modulation of GSK-3β expression affects cytokine-induced and NFκB-mediated inflammatory gene expression. We observed that tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) treatment of primary cultures of human microvascular cells reduced net endogenous active GSK-3β protein levels while inducing inflammatory cytokine (IL-6 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1)) expression. Interestingly, inhibition of GSK-3β by antisense oligonucleotides or pharmacological agent (10 mm lithium) potentiated TNF-induced expression of IL-6 and MCP-1 by 2–6-fold suggesting that inhibition of GSK-3β under inflammatory conditions (exposure to TNF-α and IL-1β) may contribute to enhanced cytokine expression. Overexpression of GSK-3β in endothelial cells, in contrast, significantly inhibited (by 70%, p < 0.01) both TNF-α and IL-1β-induced expression of IL-6, MCP-1, and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1. Using adenoviruses in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated mice, overexpression of GSK-3β significantly decreased TNF-α expression in lung and heart tissues (38 and 15%, respectively), further confirming the anti-inflammatory role of GSK-3β. Overexpression of GSK-3β did not affect the TNF-α-induced nuclear translocation of NFκB but reduced the nuclear half-life of TNF-α-induced NFκB considerably (by as much as 9 h) and enhanced phosphorylation (by as much as 33%). Interestingly, neither endothelial cell survival nor NFκB-mediated expression of anti-apoptotic genes was affected by GSK-3β overexpression. We conclude that GSK-3β selectively regulates NFκB-mediated inflammatory gene expression by controlling the flow of NFκB activity between transcription of inflammatory and survival genes.
Vegetation biopsy using transesophageal echocardiography guidance: a technique to aid in diagnosis of culture-negative endocarditis.

A method of obtaining a vegetation sample in a culture-negative endocarditis is described. A combination of fluoroscopy and transesophageal echocardiography was utilized to obtain the sample. The results positively influenced the diagnosis and treatment in this 16-yr-old male with complex congenital heart disease. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Sustainable architecture and urban design at Carnegie Mellon Qatar

As Associate Teaching Professors of Architecture at Carnegie Mellon University, Rami El Samahy and I hold joint appointments, teaching at the Carnegie Mellon University main campus in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in the US every fall semester, and at the branch campus in Doha, Qatar every spring semester. In Doha, we offer elective courses in architecture to non-majors, including students studying Business, Information Systems, and Computer Science. These students have the option to earn a minor in Architecture. One of the required courses for the minor in Architecture is a course titled Architecture for non-majors. In this course, students gain knowledge about the breadth of architectural practice through various forms of study, and assimilate these skills as they develop their own approach. In the first weeks, students learn how to measure, draw, and build models. Throughout the semester, students learn to sketch and design. They gain an understanding of local vernacular passive techniques and are encourag...
The Influence of Calcitonins on the Disappearance of Radiocalcium and Radiophosphorus from Plasma11

The early temporal (0–2 hr) effects of porcine thyrocalcitonin and salmon ultimobranchial calcitonin were studied in intact rats administered both 45Ca and 32P either 2 weeks before (long-range label) or S min after (shortrange label) sc injection of hormone. Effects of calcitonins on plasma calcium, 45Ca and SA were similar to those reported previously by numerous workers and thereby could be explained by the concept that these hormones act primarily by inhibiting entry of calcium into the plasma. A minor increase in the rate of calcium exit from plasma, has been reported previously, and was also observed in the present study. Effects of calcitonins on 32P were in marked contrast to those on 45Ca. By 20 min after hormone administration, concentrations of both phosphate and 32P in plasma were significantly lower than in control animals and by 1 hr, reached levels 25% less than those in controls. The same results occurred in both short- and long-range experiments. Since both plasma phosphate and 32P fell c...