cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A mobile unit overcomes the challenges to monoclonal antibody infusion for COVID-19 in skilled care facilities.

Background Residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities are at increased risk for severe coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) but may not be able to access monoclonal antibody therapies offered at outpatient infusion centers due to frailty and logistical issues. We describe a mobile monoclonal antibody infusion program for patients with COVID-19 in skilled nursing facilities and provide descriptive data on its outcomes. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Collaboration between Mayo Clinic and skilled nursing facilities in Southeast Minnesota was developed to administer anti-spike monoclonal antibodies under the FDA Emergency Use Authorization. Participants Seventy five residents of skilled nursing facilities at high risk of COVID-19 complications. Exposure Emergency use treatment with bamlanivimab and casirivimab-imdevimab. Measurements Hospitalization and medically attended visits. Results The mobile infusion unit, staffed by Mayo Clinic Infusion Therapy registered nurses and supported by the skilled nursing facility staff, infused anti-spike monoclonal antibodies to 45 of 75 patients (average age, 77.8 years) in December 2020. The infusions occurred at an average of 4.3 days after COVID-19 diagnosis. Fourteen days after infusion, there were no deaths, two emergency department visits, and three hospitalizations, for a combined event rate of 11.1%. There was one reported adverse event. Conclusion The implementation of a mobile infusion unit embedded in a collaborative process resulted in rapid infusion of monoclonal antibodies to high-risk COVID-19 patients in skilled nursing facilities, who would otherwise be unable to access the novel therapies. The therapies were well tolerated and appear beneficial. Further study is warranted to explore the scalability and efficacy of this program.
Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) induced disruption of intestinal epithelial tight junction barrier is mediated by NF-κB activation.

Background Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) has been shown to play a key role in mediating inflammation and tissue damage in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In patients with IBD, the intestinal tight junction (TJ) barrier is compromised as characterized by an increase in intestinal permeability. MMP-9 is elevated in intestinal tissue, serum and stool of patients with IBD. Previous studies from our laboratory showed that MMP-9 causes an increase in intestinal epithelial TJ permeability and that the MMP-9 induced increase in intestinal permeability is an important pathogenic factor contributing to the development of intestinal inflammation in IBD. However, the intracellular mechanisms that mediate the MMP-9 modulation of intestinal barrier function remain unclear. Aims The main aim of this study was to further elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved in MMP-9 induced increase in intestinal epithelial TJ permeability using Caco-2 monolayers as an in-vitro model system. Results MMP-9 induced increase in Caco-2 TJ permeability was associated with activation and cytoplasmic-to-nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65. Knocking-down NF-κB p65 by siRNA transfection prevented the MMP-9 induced expression of the NF-κB target gene IL-8, myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) protein expression, and subsequently prevented the increase in Caco-2 TJ permeability. In addition, the effect of MMP-9 on Caco-2 intestinal epithelial TJ barrier function was not mediated by apoptosis or necrosis. Conclusion Our data show that the MMP-9 induced disruption of Caco-2 intestinal epithelial TJ barrier function is regulated by NF-κB pathway activation of MLCK.
Apigenin restores endothelial function by ameliorating oxidative stress, reverses aortic stiffening, and mitigates vascular inflammation with aging.

Our study provides novel evidence that oral apigenin supplementation can reverse two clinically important indicators of arterial dysfunction with age, namely, vascular endothelial dysfunction and l...
Ormyrus labotus Walker (Hymenoptera: Ormyridae): another generalist that should not be a generalist is not a generalist

Several recent reappraisals of supposed generalist parasite species have revealed hidden complexes of species, each with considerably narrower host ranges. Parasitic wasps that attack gall-forming insects on plants have life history strategies that are thought to promote specialization, and though many species are indeed highly specialized, others have been described as generalist parasites. Ormyrus labotus Walker (Hymenoptera: Ormyridae) is one such apparent generalist, with rearing records spanning more than 65 host galls associated with a diverse set of oak tree species and plant tissues. We pair a molecular approach with morphology, host ecology, and phenological data from across a wide geographic sample to test the hypothesis that this supposed generalist is actually a complex of several more specialized species, though we identify no single unifying axis of specialization. We find 16-18 putative species within the morphological species O. labotus, each reared from only 1-6 host gall types. We also find cryptic habitat specialists within two other named Ormyrus species. Our study suggests that caution should be applied when considering host ranges of parasitic insects described solely by morphological traits, particularly given their importance as biocontrol organisms and their role in biodiversity and evolutionary studies.
Feasibility of Knowledge-Based Dose Predictions to Inform Needle Supplementation in Cervical Brachytherapy.

Purpose/objective(s) Supplementing intracavitary (IC) applicators with interstitial needles enables more customized dose distributions and allows treatment of more complex cervical cancer cases. However, there are currently no tools to assist physicians in deciding when needles are needed. The purpose of this study is to test the feasibility of using knowledge-based dose predictions to guide needle supplementation. Materials/methods Knowledge-based models for tandem-and-ring/ovoids (TR if all aims were met it was classified as IC. We generated a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and used the Youden index to determine the optimal classification threshold. To explore how clinical implementation could proceed, we used fraction 1 predictions to guide needle choice for fraction 2, fraction 2 to guide fraction 3, etc., with choice for fraction 1 based on physician. We applied this workflow to our dataset and compared model results to physicians' applicator choice, with replan OAR results determining the true classification. Results The area under ROC curve for TO this is consistent with trends observed in ROC. There likely is a band of uncertainty around the dose aims (e.g., ± 5% of aims) where physicians would accept either choice depending on preference or other factors. E.g., a physician may prefer to avoid needles if doses are very close to aims for patient comfort. In 25% of cases, replan D2cc fell within this band, making accurate binary classification more challenging and perhaps less crucial in these cases. Model thresholds could be tuned to better reflect physician preferences. Conclusion The suggested workflow using model-predicted dose to guide needle choice proved feasible, with accuracy comparable to experienced physicians. Predictions for same-day needle usage were more accurate than for subsequent fractions due to anatomical and contouring variability. Dose predictions could standardize optimal applicator selection in gynecologic brachytherapy, which is traditionally based on physician experience.
A wireless temperature sensor powered by a piezoelectric resonant energy harvesting system

We report on experimental demonstration of a wireless temperature sensor node (WTSN) powered by a piezoelectric resonant energy harvesting system. The energy harvesting circuit stores the energy generated by a piezoelectric resonant transducer into a capacitor, and uses the stored energy to power the temperature sensor and its associated signal processing circuits for wireless signal transmission. The main functions of the harvesting system are implemented by discrete components together with a power management application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The resulting WTSN transmits measured temperature data over a distance of 10m, in real time, and consumes ∼4µW to ∼13µW power (for transmission intervals from 10min to 10s, respectively), which is supplied entirely by the piezoelectric resonant energy harvester.
What Would a State of the Art Instructional Video Game Look like

What would a state of the art instructional video game look like? As far as I am concerned, we already know the answer to this question. A good many of the best commercial video games are already state of the art learning games—though their designers would go broke if too many people knew this, thanks to the poor reputation our schools have given learning in recent years (Coles 2003). A good instructional game, like many good commercial games, should be built around what I call "authentic professionalism." In such games, skills, knowledge, and values are distributed between the virtual characters and the real-world player in a way that allows the player to experience first-hand how members of that profession think, behave, and solve problems.
Manufacturing processes recognition of machined mechanical parts using SVMs

This research studied using curvature and support vector machines (SVMs) to identify manufacturing processes of mechanical parts. Prior developments in computer vision and graphics has been able to recognize shapes of 2D and 3D models. This work contributes a technique for recognizing manufacturing processes from CAD models. Prismatic machined and cast-then-machined are two typical processes for making mechanical parts; being able to recognize them respectively assists in manufacturing cost estimation. This work integrates surface curvature estimation (from computer graphics) and machine learning to perform manufacturing recognition of artifacts. Surface curvature is used as the discriminating feature; SVMs learn the separation in between the two manufacturing processes.
Differential introduction of DNA damage and repair in mammalian genes transcribed by RNA polymerases I and II.

Abstract We have developed a general quantitative method for comparing the levels of drug-induced DNA crosslinking in specific mammalian genes. We observed a dramatic difference between the efficiency of the removal of both psoralen monoadducts and interstrand crosslinks from the rRNA genes and the efficiency of their removal from the dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) gene in cultured human and hamster cells. While 90% of the interstand crosslinks were removed from the human DHFR gene in 48 h, less than 25% repair occurred in the rRNA genes. Similarly, in Chinese hamster ovary cells, 85% repair of interstrand crosslinks occurred within 8 h in the DHFR gene versus only 20% repair in the rRNA genes. The preferential repair of the DHFR gene relative to that of the rRNA genes was also observed for psoralen monoadducts in cells from both mammalian species. In human-mouse hybrid cells, the active mouse rRNA genes were five times more susceptible to psoralen modification than are the silent rRNA human genes, but adduct removal was similarly inefficient for both classes. We conclude that the repair of chemical damage such as psoralen photoadducts in an expressed mammalian gene may depend upon the class of transcription to which it belongs.
Amylase in urine as measured by a single-step chromolytic method.

We studied a new single-step direct chromolytic method (Behring D.A.T.) for measuring urinary amylase (1,4-alpha-D-glucan glucanohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.1) activity, comparing results with those by a similar, but two-step, procedure that requires an auxiliary (coupling) enzyme. The two methods gave virtually identical relative responses to purified human pancreatic and salivary amylases. Assay of four quality-control materials to evaluate the total (day-to-day) precision of the new method yielded CVs of 4 to 7%, similar to those of the comparison method for each of the four quality-control samples. Amylase activity was measured by both methods in 110 random (i.e., untimed) urine specimens. Linear regression analysis provided a slope and y-intercept of 0.947 and 4 U/L (x = comparison method, y = direct method), respectively, and a standard error of the estimate of 25 U/L for specimens in which the amylase activities ranged from 11 to 1465 U/L (mean = 358 U/L) by the comparison method. The mean rate of amylase excretion in 2-h timed urine specimens from 95 healthy volunteers, as measured by the new method, was 7.18 (SD = 3.18) U/h, and the nonparametric (95% confidence interval) reference interval was 1.6 to 15.2 U/h. We consider the new method a promising alternative to other kinetic assays that require the use of auxiliary enzymes.
Relationship Maintenance on Social Media: An Examination of Personified Brand Characters' Twitter Accounts

The interactive nature of social media provides marketers with better opportunities to have direct conversations with consumers. It thus calls for more strategic management of consumer-brand relationship on social media. The current study focuses on personified brand characters’ Twitter accounts and its use in consumer-brand relationship. A content analysis was conducted to explore how the personified brand characters within two industries (insurance and food) maintained their relationships with consumers on Twitter. Five relationship maintenance strategies (positivity, openness, sharing tasks, social networking and assurance) and three message types (informational, socio-emotional, and instrumental) were examined. Results revealed that positivity and openness were adopted by most analyzed brand characters. Informational tweets were used the most, followed by socio-emotional tweets. The insurance industry adopted a higher portion of strategies of openness and sharing tasks as well as informational tweets; while the food industry adopted a higher portion of social networking strategy and socio-emotional tweets. In addition, positivity and assurance were positively correlated to socio-emotional tweets; while openness and social networking were positively correlated to informational tweets.
Modeling and Simulation of Focused Ion Beam Based Single Digital Nano Hole Fabrication for DNA and Macromolecule Characterization

In this paper we describe a top down nano-fabrication method to make single-digit nanoholes that we aim to use for DNA and RNA characterization. There are three major steps towards the fabrication of a single-digit nanohole. 1) Preparing the freestanding thin film by epitaxial deposition and electrochemical etching. 2) Making sub-micro holes (0.2 μm to 0.02μm) by focused ion beam (FIB), electron beam (EB), atomic force microscope (AFM), or other methods. 3) Reducing the hole to less than 10 nm by epitaxial deposition, FIB or EB induced deposition. One specific aim for this paper is to model, simulate and control the focused ion beam machining process to fabricate holes which can reach single-digit nanometer scale on solid-state thin films. Preliminary work has been done on the thin film (30 nm in thickness) preparation, sub-micron hole fabrication, and ion beam induced deposition, and results are presented.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Ultrastructural analysis of synaptic relationships of intracellularly stained pyramidal cell axons in piriform cortex

Axons of pyramidal cells in piriform cortex stained by intracellular injection of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) have been analyzed by light and electron microscopy. Myelinated primary axons give rise to extensive, very fine caliber (0.2 micron) unmyelinated collaterals with stereotyped radiating branching patterns. Serial section electron microscopic analysis of the stained portions of the collateral systems (initial 1-2 mm) revealed that they give rise to synaptic contacts on dendritic spines and shafts. These synapses typically contain compact clusters of large, predominantly spherical synaptic vesicles subjacent to asymmetrical contacts with heavy postsynaptic densities. On the basis of comparisons with Golgi material and intracellularly stained dendrites, it was concluded that dendritic spines receiving synapses from the proximal portions of pyramidal cell axon collaterals originate primarily from pyramidal cell basal dendrites. Postsynaptic dendritic shafts contacted closely resemble dendrites of probable GABAergic neurons identified in antibody and [3H]-GABA uptake studies. Electron microscopic examination of pyramidal cell axon initial segments revealed a high density of symmetrical synaptic contacts on their surfaces. Synaptic vesicles in the presynaptic boutons were small and flattened. It is concluded that pyramidal cells synaptically interact over short distances with other pyramidal cells via basal dendrites and with deep nonpyramidal cells that probably include GABAergic cells mediating a feedback inhibition. This contrasts with long associational projections of pyramidal cells that terminate predominantly on apical dendrites of other pyramidal cells.
Concept Formation: Response-Time Considerations

Methodology and instrumentation suited to the objective recording of response latencies during the learning of a concept are described and the results of an exploratory study summarized.
Flash pyrolysis of hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) II : Implications of the kinetics to combustion of organic polymers

The first semi-micro kinetics analysis is described for rapid pyrolysis of an organic polymer. T-Jump/FTIR spectroscopy and structurally different hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene polymers (HTPB) were used. The rates of formation were determined for the six most prevalent volatile products from HTPB heated at 600°C/s to constant temperatures in the 450°–609°C range under 2 and 11 atm of applied pressure. The resulting Arrhenius parameters reveal that mildly exothermic, bulk-phase, heterogeneous decomposition reactions control the rate of gaseous product evolution at T 500°–530°C is controlled by desorption of fragments of the polymer rather than bulk-phase decomposition. When P = 11 atm Ar, the formation and desorption of these fragments controls the rate of product of evolution over the entire 460°–600°C range. These individual rate constants combined into a single rate yield macro kinetics of gas evolution from R45M as follows: Ea = 51 kcal/mol, ln A (s−1) = 31 for 2 atm and 450°–530°C; Ea = 18 kcal/mol, ln A (s−1) = 11 for 2 atm and 530°–609°C; Ea = 12 kcal/mol, ln A (s−1) = 6.6 for 11 atm and 460°–600°C. A generalized equation that qualitatively matches the kinetics of gaseous product evolution as a function of pressure is given.
Integrating planning and task-based design for multimedia presentation

We claim that automatic multimedia presentation can be modeled by integrating two complementary approaches to automatic design: hierarchical planning to achieve communicative goals, and task-based graphic design. The interface between the two approaches is a domain and media independent layer of communicative goals and actions. A planning process decomposes domain-specific goals to domain-independent goals, which in turn are realized by media-specific techniques. One of these techniques is taskbased graphic design. We apply our approach to presenting information from large data sets using natural language and information graphics.
Optical coherence microscopy of mouse cortical vasculature surrounding implanted electrodes

Optical coherence microscopy (OCM) provides real-time, in-vivo, three-dimensional, isotropic micron-resolution structural and functional characterization of tissue, cells, and other biological targets. Optical coherence angiography (OCA) also provides visualization and quantification of vascular flow via speckle-based or phase-resolved techniques. Performance assessment of neuroprosthetic systems, which allow direct thought control of limb prostheses, may be aided by OCA. In particular, there is a need to examine the underlying mechanisms of chronic functional degradation of implanted electrodes. Angiogenesis, capillary network remodeling, and changes in flow velocity are potential indicators of tissue changes that may be associated with waning electrode performance. The overall goal of this investigation is to quantify longitudinal changes in vascular morphology and capillary flow around neural electrodes chronically implanted in mice. We built a 1315-nm OCM system to image vessels in neocortical tissue in a cohort of mice. An optical window was implanted on the skull over the primary motor cortex above a penetrating shank-style microelectrode array. The mice were imaged bi-weekly to generate vascular maps of the region surrounding the implanted microelectrode array. Acute effects of window and electrode implantation included vessel dilation and profusion of vessels in the superficial layer of the cortex (0-200 μm). In deeper layers surrounding the electrode, no qualitative differences were seen in this early phase. These measurements establish a baseline vascular tissue response from the cortical window preparation and lay the ground work for future longitudinal studies to test the hypothesis that vascular changes will be associated with chronic electrode degradation.
One Hundred Years of Reading Research: Successes and Missteps of Edmund Burke Huey and Other Pioneers

For more than 100 years, research on the psychology of reading has proliferated. In this article, the authors wish to help modern reading researchers understand the origins of the discipline and benefit from its history. This article draws heavily on Edmund Burke Huey's 1908 landmark volume The Psychology and Pedagogy of Reading, the first scientific treatise in the field of literacy. Starting with Huey, some of the early pioneers’ enduring contributions to the field are highlighted but especially their scientific mistakes that ultimately led the field in promising new directions. An overview of the modern controversy between phonics and whole language instruction is underscored regarding how it arose from early errors.
Barriers to translating emerging genetic research on smoking into clinical practice. Perspectives of primary care physicians.

OBJECTIVE: Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death nationally. Emerging research may lead to improved smoking cessation treatment options, including tailoring treatment by genotype. Our objective was to assess primary care physicians’ attitudes toward new genetic-based approaches to smoking treatment.
Purification and properties of a factor from rat liver cytosol which stimulates vitamin K epoxide reductase

Abstract Two protein type factors which stimulate the reduction of vitamin K 1 -2,3-epoxide to vitamin K 1 have been separated from the 105,000 g -supernatant fraction (cytosol) of rat liver homogenates. One of these factors is rather labile. However the other factor was sufficiently stable to permit 900-fold purification following sequential column chromatography on DEAE-Sephacel, QAE-Sephadex, CM-Sephadex, and Sephacryl S-200. Four milligrams of this purified material were obtained in 32% yield from 11 g of soluble cytosolic protein. This factor appeared to be homogeneous as determined by gel electrophoresis and has a molecular weight of about 38,000 as determined by gel filtration. The final preparation had no vitamin K epoxide reductase activity in the presence or absence of either NADH or dithiothreitol. The results of kinetic studies using this factor were consistent with its acting as a nonessential activator of the microsome catalyzed reduction of vitamin K 1 -2,3-epoxide. The factor did not cause a large change in the apparent K m (2.2–2.5 μ m ) of vitamin K epoxide reductase, but the apparent V max was increased about fourfold.
EROSION OF THE PERSONAL INCOME TAX BASE IN CANADA AND THE UNITED STATES

THIS DISSERTATION IS concerned with the large amount of income which legally escapes the full impact of the personal income tax in both Canada and the United States. This erosion of the tax base is due to changes in the statutes and changes in taxpayer practices to take advantage of existing loopholes. In some cases, preferential treatment of certain types of income and certain groups of taxpayers has been in existence from the very beginning of the income taxes in both countries. However, in recent years, particularly under the impact of high rates since World War II, the process of erosion has been considerably accelerated and broadened in its scope. It is the purpose of this study to examine and compare the income tax structures in Canada and the United States in order to determine the extent to which the preferential provisions presently in existence contribute to the erosion of the respective tax bases and to suggest the economic consequences of this process. It is assumed that income is an economic concept rather than an accounting or legal one, and the definition used as the criterion for determining the theoretical (or uneroded) tax base is that which was most fully developed by Professor Henry Simons. To the extent that the actual statutory tax base differs from this theoretical model, erosion is said to be present. In other words, if a gain is considered income in an economic sense, it ought to be so considered for tax purposes, without any special privileges. Otherwise, it is a source of erosion. The areas examined which were found to contribute to this withering away of the tax base in one or both of these countries are (1) income excluded from the statutory concept of income, such as income in kind, part of the income of government employees, certain social security benefits, the interest on certain government obligations, and part of cash dividends; (2) gains which result from a realized increase in the value of capital assets and consequently
LAPAROSCOPIC LIVE DONOR RIGHT NEPHRECTOMY: A NEW TECHNIQUE WITH PRESERVATION OF VASCULAR LENGTH

Purpose: We report our initial experience with right laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy using a modified vascular clamp for achieving maximal length of the renal vein.Materials and Methods: Since 1999, 34 patients have undergone laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy at Charite Hospital in Berlin, including 30 on the left and 4 on the right side. The right technique involves a 4-port transperitoneal laparoscopic approach with a muscle splitting lumbar incision for kidney extraction. To duplicate completely the comparable open operation a modified Satinsky atraumatic vascular clamp (Aesculap, Inc., Center Valley, Pennsylvania) was introduced through a 1 cm. lateral incision and placed across the vena cava, enabling harvest of the full length of the renal vein flush with the vena cava. The vena cavotomy is closed with a running suture placed in intracorporeal fashion.Results: All procedures were successfully accomplished without technical or surgical complications. Mean operative time was 170 minutes. Mean re...
An adaptive neural swarm approach for intrusion defense in ad hoc networks

Wireless sensor networks (WSN) and mobile ad hoc networks (MANET) are being increasingly deployed in critical applications due to the flexibility and extensibility of the technology. While these networks possess numerous advantages over traditional wireless systems in dynamic environments they are still vulnerable to many of the same types of host-based and distributed attacks common to those systems. Unfortunately, the limited power and bandwidth available in WSNs and MANETs, combined with the dynamic connectivity that is a defining characteristic of the technology, makes it extremely difficult to utilize traditional intrusion detection techniques. This paper describes an approach to accurately and efficiently detect potentially damaging activity in WSNs and MANETs. It enables the network as a whole to recognize attacks, anomalies, and potential vulnerabilities in a distributive manner that reflects the autonomic processes of biological systems. Each component of the network recognizes activity in its local environment and then contributes to the overall situational awareness of the entire system. The approach utilizes agent-based swarm intelligence to adaptively identify potential data sources on each node and on adjacent nodes throughout the network. The swarm agents then self-organize into modular neural networks that utilize a reinforcement learning algorithm to identify relevant behavior patterns in the data without supervision. Once the modular neural networks have established interconnectivity both locally and with neighboring nodes the analysis of events within the network can be conducted collectively in real-time. The approach has been shown to be extremely effective in identifying distributed network attacks.
Analysis of Spatial Pattern in Epiphytes

A method is described for transposing the position of epiphytes on a branch to a single straight line segment. Assuming a random pattern after the transposition, when there are N. Intervals along L units of line, the rth shortest interval between neighboring epiphytes is given by L/N Sri=1/ 1/N—i + 1. This theory of the distribution of interval length is applied to a population of bromeliads in a tree, and the result compared to a Poisson distribution. The methods agree in leading to the conclusion that the pattern is random. The assumptions made in the model, the conditions under which it is applicable, and the factors leading to different patterns are discussed. See full-text article at JSTOR
Real-time analysis of molecular assembly by kinetic flow cytometry

Flow cytometry is uniquely capable of making sensitive and quantitative multiparameter fluorescence measurements with discrimination of free from particle-bound fluorophore. Recent advances in mixing and sample delivery have extended these capabilities into the sub-second time domain. Access to these time scales has enabled us to use flow cytometry to measure molecular interactions. Using the general approach of immobilizing one molecule on a microsphere and fluorescently labeling another, we have been able to make real-time measurements of ligand-receptor and enzyme-substrate interactions involving proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids. We are developing schemes for immobilizing active biological molecules in defined and homogeneous orientations relative to the surface. We are also developing approaches for homogeneous fluorescent labeling of active biomolecules and calibration schemes for quantitative measurements by flow cytometry. We will present several examples of applications of this new technology, including DNA- and protein-protein interactions, nucleic acid hybridization, and interactions on artificial membrane surfaces. These approaches should have wide applications for mechanistic analysis, diagnostics, and drug development.
The role of athlete as contributor to peer status in school-age and adolescent females in the United States: From pre-title IX to 2000 and beyond

Despite its importance for males, athleticism has been considered inconsequential as a predictor of peer status for females. In the United States, however, female sports have seen dramatic increases in participation, sport type variety, and role models since the passage of Title IX. An extensive literature review was conducted to determine if athletic variables have become more significant predictors of peer status for school-age (ages 7–13) and adolescent (ages 14–18) females in the United States over the past 30 years. An integration of findings suggested that the relation between athletic variables and peer status remained relatively stable across age groups. Review of literature addressing the internal perceptions of female athletes allowed for speculation regarding the increases in participation despite the lack of peer status benefits.
On A Priori Statistics in Minimum-Variance Estimation Problems

Errors in a priori statistics in minimum variance estimation of regression parameters and effects on a posteriori estimates
More Phantom Than Menace

In this article, I address whether the inclusion of control variables in the hopes of getting an unbiased estimate of the residual variance is a good reason for the inclusion of control variables. I conclude that the inclusion of an additional control variable is unlikely to decrease the estimated standard errors and that the tradeoffs involved with including a new control variable are simply too large.
Fluorescent imaging over an ultra-large field-of-view of 532 cm 2 using a flatbed scanner

We introduce a fluorescent imaging method that is capable of detecting fluorescent micro-particles over an ultra-wide field of view of 19 cm × 28 cm using a modified flatbed scanner. We added a custom-designed absorbing emission filter, a computer controlled two dimensional LED array, and modified the driver of the scanner to maximize the sensitivity, exposure time, and gain for fluorescent detection of micro-objects. This high-throughput fluorescent imaging device used in conjunction with a microfluidic sample holder enables rapid screening of fluorescent micro-objects inside more than 2.2mL of optically dense media (i.e., whole blood) within 5 minutes. The device is sensitive enough to detect fluorescently labeled cells, and generates images that have an effective pixel count of 2.2 Giga-pixels.
The Long-Term Impact of Early Adversity on Late-Life Psychiatric Disorders

Early adversity is a strong and enduring predictor of psychiatric disorders including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, substance abuse or dependence, and posttraumatic stress disorder. However, the mechanisms of this effect are not well understood. The purpose of this review is to summarize and integrate the current research knowledge pertaining to the long-term effects of early adversity on psychiatric disorders, particularly in late life. We explore definitional considerations including key dimensions of the experience such as type, severity, and timing of adversity relative to development. We then review the potential biological and environmental mediators and moderators of the relationships between early adversity and psychiatric disorders. We conclude with clinical implications, methodological challenges and suggestions for future research.
Kangaroo care: is it for everyone?

Purpose In spite of the benefits reported for kangaroo holding, many mothers of preterm infants requiring intensive care do not choose to hold kangaroo style. The purpose of this study is to describe factors that influence mothers healthy preterm infants to choose kangaroo holding compared to the standard care method of blanket holding. Sample Twenty-four primiparous mother of healthy infants born at 30-34 weeks gestational age. Design In this naturalistic inquiry, mothers were interviewed twice: once while the infant was hospitalized and again after the infant was discharged home. Results Mothers' holding practices divided them into three groups: (1) kangaroo holding in hospital and home, (2) blanket holding in hospital and home, and (3) holding practice switched from hospital to home. Three themes emerged from the interview data: (1) emotional state, (2) holding environment, and (3) benefits of close contact with the infant.
Evidence for an exposure-response relationship between trunk flexion and impairments in trunk postural control

Prolonged trunk flexion alters passive and active trunk tissue behaviors, and exposure-response relationships between the magnitude of trunk flexion exposure and changes in these behaviors have been reported. This study assessed whether similar exposure-response relationships exist between such exposures and impairments in trunk postural control. Twelve participants (6 M, 6 F) were exposed to three distinct trunk flexion conditions (and a no-flexion control condition), involving different flexion durations with/without an external load, and which induced differing levels of passive tissue creep. Trunk postural control was assessed prior to and immediately following trunk flexion exposures, and during 10 min of standing recovery, by tracking center of pressure (COP) movements during a seated balance task. All COP-based sway measures increased following each flexion exposure. In the anteroposterior direction, these increases were larger with increasing exposure magnitude, whereas such a relationship was not evident for mediolateral sway measures. All measures were fully recovered following 10 min of standing. The present results provide evidence for an exposure-response relationship between trunk flexion exposures and impairments in trunk postural control; specifically, larger impairments following increased exposures (i.e., longer flexion duration and presence of external load). Such impairments in trunk postural control may result from some combination of reduced passive trunk stiffness and altered/delayed trunk reflex responses, and are generally consistent with prior evidence of exposure-dependent alterations in trunk mechanical and neuromuscular behaviors assessed using positional trunk perturbations. Such evidence suggests potential mechanistic pathways through which trunk flexion exposures may contribute to low-back injury risk.
Effects of secondary interactions in proton-nucleus and nucleus-nucleus collisions using the HIJET event generator

Abstract We investigate the effects of secondary interactions in proton-nucleus and nucleus-nucleus collisions using a new formulation of the HIJET Monte Carlo event generator. Re-interaction of secondary produced particles is implemented in both the target and the projectile nuclei, with effects such as pion absorption and nuclear cascading included. A single parameter which controls the formation time is adjusted to achieve best agreement with assorted data on proton-nucleus collisions. Excellent agreement with experimental data on transverse energy distributions in nucleus-nucleus collisions is also obtained.
Morphology of segmented polyester thermoplastic elastomers

The morphology of a new family of copolyester thermoplastic elastomers is described and the physical properties of these polymers are interpreted in terms of their unusual two-phase domain structure. The elastomers were synthesized by the equilibrium melt transesterification of dimethyl terephthalate with 1, 4-butanediol and poly (tetramethylene ether) glycol, resulting in a molecule in which crystallizable tetramethylene terephthalate (4GT) segments and amorphous poly (tetramethylene ether) glycol terephthalate segments are randomly distributed along the backbone. The 4GT sequences were found to crystallize as lamellar domains measuring approximately 100 A in width and up to several thousand angstroms in length. These crystalline regions are not discrete as are the polystyrene domains in the typical polystyrene-polybutadiene-polystyrene (SBS) triblock polymers, but rather are continuous and highly interconnected. Like the glassy regions in the SBS polymers, however, they serve as intermolecular tiepoints for the amorphous portions of the molecules and lead to the formation of a three-dimensional network structure. At temperatures below the crystallite melting point, the material exhibits many properties characteristic of conventionally cured elastomers, but at elevated temperatures the melting of these thermally labile noncovalent junctures allows the material to flow and be processed as a thermoplastic. The stress-strain behavior of these polymers is discussed in terms of their morphology, and thermal analysis, electron microscopy, and x-ray diffraction results are presented.
Models for metal hydride particle shape, packing, and heat transfer

Abstract A multiphysics modeling approach for heat conduction in metal hydride powders is presented, including particle shape distribution, size distribution, granular packing structure, and effective thermal conductivity. A statistical geometric model is presented that replicates features of particle size and shape distributions observed experimentally that result from cyclic hydride decrepitation. The quasi-static dense packing of a sample set of these particles is simulated via energy-based structural optimization methods. These particles jam (i.e., solidify) at a density (solid volume fraction) of 0.671 ± 0.009 – higher than prior experimental estimates. Effective thermal conductivity of the jammed system is simulated and found to follow the behavior predicted by granular effective medium theory. Finally, a theory is presented that links the properties of bi-porous cohesive powders to the present systems based on recent experimental observations of jammed packings of fine powder. This theory produces quantitative experimental agreement with metal hydride powders of various compositions.
A sex comparison of increments in FOS immunoreactivity in forebrain neurons of gonadectomized, testosterone-treated rats after mounting an estrous female.

Abstract The protein product of the immediate-early gene, c-fos, was visualized immunocytochemically in forebrain neurons of gonadectomized male and female rats which were injected daily with testosterone propionate (TP) and either tested for mounting directed toward a sexually receptive female or left alone in a test arena. Lidocaine anesthetic paste was applied to the genital region of all subjects in an attempt to reduce the incidence of intromissive behavior patterns. In this way we hoped to compare the relative contribution in the two sexes of vomeronasal/olfactory, as opposed to genital/somatosensory, stimuli to mounting-induced forebrain Fos immunoreactivity (FOS-IR). Males displayed high levels of mounting, with very few intromissions; females displayed a similar level of mounting coupled with a significantly higher number of intromissive behavior patterns than males. Significant increments in the number of FOS-IR neurons were seen in the medial amygdala (mAMYG) and medial preoptic area (mPOA) of males and females killed 1 h after testing. In experiment 2, ovariectomized, TP-treated females were given a unilateral lesion of the olfactory peduncle and subsequently tested with an estrous female as in Experiment 1. Unilateral lesions significantly reduced the number of FOS-TR neurons counted in the ipsilateral piriform (primary olfactory) cortex, but failed to attenuate the ability of stimuli associated with mounting an estrous female to augment FOS-IR in ipsilateral mAMYG or mPOA neurons. The results suggest that vomeronasal/olfactory stimuli were primary determinants of the mounting-induced increments in neuronal FOS-IR observed in males, whereas in females a combination of genital/somatosensory and olfactory/vomeronasal stimuli account for the observed induction of forebrain FOS-IR.
Management of Household Contacts of Leprosy Patients

Abstract We describe an approach to the management of household contacts of leprosy patients and the rationale on which it is based. Initially, all household contacts should be interviewed and exam...
The mini-cog: a cognitive 'vital signs' measure for dementia screening in multi-lingual elderly.

Objectives. The Mini-Cog, a composite of three-item recall and clock drawing, was developed as a brief test for discriminating demented from non-demented persons in a community sample of culturally, linguistically, and educationally heterogeneous older adults. Subjects. All 129 who met criteria for probable dementia based on informant interviews and 120 with no history of cognitive decline were included; 124 were non-English speakers. Methods. Sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic value of the Mini-Cog were compared with those of the Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) and Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument (CASI). Results. The Mini-Cog had the highest sensitivity (99%) and correctly classified the greatest percentage (96%) of subjects. Moreover, its diagnostic value was not influenced by education or language, while that of the CASI was adversely influenced by low education, and both education and language compromised the diagnostic value of the MMSE. Administration time for the Mini-Cog was 3 minutes vs 7 minutes for the MMSE. Conclusions. The Mini-Cog required minimal language interpretation and training to administer, and no test forms of scoring modifications were needed to compensate for the extensive linguistic and educational heterogeneity of the sample. Validation in clinical and population-based samples is warranted, as its brevity and ease of administration suggest that the Mini-Cog might be readily incorporated into general practice and senior care settings as a routine ‘cognitive vital signs’ measure. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multi- and interdisciplinary research—Problems of initiation, control, integration and reward

This paper reviews some of the difficulties of initiating and completing interdisciplinary research involving both bio-physical and social systems. Drawing on the author's experience as project director of a large interdisciplinary project concerned with man's effects on Lake Tahoe, it includes a structural analysis of the organization of universities which has the effect of inhibiting interdisciplinary research. Specific suggestions for the conduct and design of such projects are made. The political implications of recent changes in national science policy are also reviewed.
Lenalidomide augments the efficacy of bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) immunotherapy in vivo

Abstract Objective Intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) is the gold standard for high-grade non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC); however, some patients do not respond to initial therapy while others relapse and/or progress. Therefore, combination strategies that can enhance the efficacy and sustainability of BCG are needed. Herein, we explore the efficacy of lenalidomide, a thalidomide derivative with immunomodulatory effects, in combination with BCG, both in vitro and in vivo. Materials and methods We explored the outcomes of lenalidomide in combination with BCG in vivo using the MBT-2 cell line implanted in C3H immunocompetent mice. Apoptosis, cell proliferation, and microvessel density were measured by immunohistochemistry. In vitro, we performed Western blotting for cell cycle and apoptosis regulatory proteins and a chromatin condensation assay to evaluate TNF-α and FasL in combination with lenalidomide. Results In the mouse model, combination therapy with BCG and lenalidomide resulted in a statistically significant decrease in tumor size compared with the control group. IHC demonstrated a nonsignificant increase in apoptosis in the combination condition and no effect on cellular proliferation. Microvessel density was decreased in all treated conditions. In vitro, caspase-3 activation and chromatin condensation studies demonstrated increased cell death in the combinations of lenalidomide and TNF-α. Conclusions The immunomodulatory molecule lenalidomide augments the response to BCG in an in vivo mouse model. This provides the rationale for studying the combination in patients with high grade NMIBC.
The Potential Impact of Nutritional Change on the Global Burden of Viral Disease

Prognostication on the future can only be based on insights from the past and, as a consequence, is always dangerous. The danger applies as much to predicting the adequacy of the nutritional status of future human populations, who will no doubt be living under markedly diverse social and economic conditions, as it does to divining the nature and speed of evolution or the adaptation of viral species and their virulence in humans. This topic demands the consideration of an exceedingly wide range of issues (Table l), including the organization of this information into knowledge and then extrapolation to the future; the latter is an even more daunting task. The range of issues that must be included stretches from projections of population growth; the capacity to produce food and the nutritional value of the food produced; the economics and politics of food production; future investments in health research; the infrastructure for food production; the capacity of the health care system to promote health and deliver health services; the exposure to, transmission of, and rate at which metabolically important infections (including subclinical infections) occur; and finally, the nature of host-pathogen interactions and viral evolution as this relates to virulence for humans.