cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
I-PASS Handoff Program: Use of a Campaign to Effect Transformational Change.

Background Behavior change is notoriously difficult to achieve within health care systems. Successful implementation of the I-PASS handoff bundle with subsequent decreases in medical errors and preventable adverse events represents an example of successful transformational change within academic medical centers. Objective We designed a campaign to support and enhance uptake of the I-PASS handoff bundle at 9 study sites from 2011 to 2013. Methods Following Kotter's model of transformational change, we established urgency using local data and institutional mandates, and site leaders built local guiding coalitions with institutional leaders, key faculty, and Chief Residents. We created and communicated our vision using a branded campaign and empowered others to act by soliciting and acting on feedback and supporting systems changes. Site leaders planned for and created short-term wins by recognizing residents who engaged with I-PASS, consolidated improvements, and institutionalized new approaches. Results Implementation of I-PASS was successful, with achievement of substantial improvements in rates of medical errors and preventable adverse events. Data from the initial I-PASS study have continued to drive a national campaign that has included national recognition by leaders in the field of patient safety and pediatrics. Momentum has increased significantly to support mentored implementation of the I-PASS handoff program at over 35 academic medical centers across North America. Conclusions I-PASS provides an example of transformational change achieved through a combination of educational interventions and change management to address resistance/barriers, supported by a robust campaign. We encourage others in academic medicine to consider using change models, including campaigns, to support health care improvement programs.
Future Prospects of Ocean Dumping

The dumping of wastes in the ocean will be an important consideration in waste disposal management in the coming years. Maintaining the quality of the marine environment will require an improved understanding of the fate and effect of wastes in the ocean. In addition to the industrial chemicals, dredged material, and sewage wastes presently dumped in the ocean, consideration should be given to the behavior in the ocean of radioactive wastes, ocean mining wastes, and incineration residues. The concept of assimilative capacity provides a basis for identifying the physical, chemical, and biological processes in the ocean which are important in waste disposal considerations, and one can recognize the distinctive behaviors in the ocean of several types of chemicals such as biodegradable substances, toxic metals, and persistent synthetic organic chemicals. There is a need to improve the assessment of the biological effects of pollutants in the marine environment. Strategies for monitoring waste disposal in the sea should provide an early warning of environmental degradation and should enhance the understanding of marine processes in order to assure effective management of ocean dumping practices.
“They say we are Criminals”: The Stress, Fears, and Hopes of Migrant Dairy Workers as a Result of US Immigration Policies

Agricultural and dairy work is among the most dangerous work in the US. In addition to the dangers of work, undocumented migrant workers may face additional stress as a result of the increase in an...
Optimization of intravenous immune globulin use at a comprehensive cancer center.

PURPOSE Intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) is a high-cost medication used in a diverse range of settings. At many institutions, IVIG is dosed using total body weight (TBW). Recent evidence suggests that alternative dosing weights reduce waste without compromising clinical outcomes. The objective of this study was to quantify the waste reduction potential generated through the use of alternative IVIG dosing weights. METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis of all IVIG doses administered from January 2011 through January 2016 to adults (≥18 years). TBW and height at the time of administration were used to calculate prescribed dose (g/kg), ideal body weight (IBW), and adjusted body weight (AdjBW). Three dosing methods were analyzed, as follows: use of AdjBW if TBW is >120% IBW (method 1), AdjBW for all doses (method 2), and IBW for all doses (method 3). Outcomes included potential IVIG use averted, direct drug cost savings, and reductions in outpatient infusion times for each method. RESULTS A total of 9,918 doses were administered to 2,564 patients over 5 years, representing an average usage of 75,994 g/year. If dosing methods 1, 2, and 3 had been used, the annual use of IVIG would have decreased by 21.9% (16,658 g/year, p < 0.001), 24.2% (18,371 g/year, p < 0.001), and 35.9% (27,252 g/year, p < 0.001), respectively. This translates into average annual cost differences of $2.37 million, $2.62 million, and $3.89 million and average annual outpatient infusion time savings of 841 hours, 920 hours, and 1,366 hours, respectively. CONCLUSION IVIG dosing optimization through use of alternative dosing weights represents a significant source of waste reduction and cost reduction.
144-P: COLLEGE OF AMERICAN PATHOLOGISTS HLA-B 27 PROFICIENCY TESTING DATA REVEALS INCREASED FALSE POSITIVE RATES FOR FLOW CYTOMETRY METHODS

Aim Testing for HLA-B27 for disease association is performed using a variety of methodologies. Many laboratories use flow cytometry, a method typically not used for other HLA typing purposes. We evaluated five years of College of American Pathologists (CAP) HLA-B27 proficiency test (PT) results in order to compare flow cytometry to other methods. Methods We examined the results of the HLA-B27 CAP PT survey for 2008–2012. Results were classified as flow cytometry, molecular methods and microcytotoxicity. Results A total of 50 samples, 24 negative and 26 positive, were distributed. 6,130 of 6,370 (96%) results were classified as flow cytometry (3,870; 60.7%), molecular methods (1,617; 25.4%) or microcytotoxicity (643; 10.1%). The remaining results were obtained using more than one method in combination. The number of false negative results reported for the samples that were positive for HLA-B27 by method was 19/1991 (0.95%) for flow cytometry, 11/848 (1.30%) for molecular methods and 6/336 (1.79%) for microcytotoxicity. The number of false positive results reported for the samples that were negative for HLA-B27 by method was 41/1879 (2.18%) for flow cytometry, 1/769 (0.13%) for molecular methods and 5/307 (1.63 %) for microcytotoxicity. The false positive results from the negative samples were further analyzed for the HLA-B7 antigen in the sample. Eight of the 24 HLA-B27 negative samples were positive for the HLA-B7 antigen. Although these samples represented only 33 percent of the HLA-B27 negative samples, they accounted for 35 of the 41 (85%) incorrect responses by flow cytometry, while only accounting for 2 of the 5 (40%) incorrect responses by microcytotoxicity and none of the incorrect responses by molecular methods. Conclusions HLA-B27 typing by flow cytometry is more likely to yield false positive results in the presence of HLA-B7 than is typing by molecular methods or microcytotoxicity. The rate of false negative results when HLA-B27 was present was similar amongst the three methodologies.
SERCA2a-activating PLB mutant improves calcium handling in dilated cardiomyopathy model of hiPSC-CMs

There is increasing momentum toward the development of gene therapy for heart failure, cardiomyopathy, and chronic cardiac diseases attributed to impaired calcium (Ca) transport and reduced contractility. Here, we established a novel FRET assay using fluorescently-tagged SERCA2a (the cardiac Ca pump) and PLB (its endogenous regulator) that directly tests the capacity of loss-of-function PLB mutants (PLBM) to compete with wild-type PLB (PLBWT) to relieve SERCA2a inhibition. The combination of a mutation conferring loss-of-inhibitory-function (L31A-PLBM) and a mutation associated with increased binding affinity (I40A-PLBM) resulted in a PLBM (L31A/I40A) capable of displacing PLBWT. Overexpression of L31A/I40A-PLBM increased Ca-ATPase activity in PLBWT-expressing HEK293-6E cells. In human induced pluripotent stem cell derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) from healthy individuals, recombinant adeno-associated virus 2 (rAAV2) driven expression of L31A/I40A-PLBM significantly enhanced Ca-release amplitude and removal. Furthermore, L31A/I40A-PLBM expression in a hiPSC-CM dilated cardiomyopathy fully rescued irregular Ca transients and decreased Ca transport. Taken together, these results suggest that gene transfer of PLBM is a potential therapy for cardiac diseases associated with impaired Ca transport and muscle contractility.
UnCanny: Exploiting Reversed Edge Detection as a Basis for Object Tracking in Video.

Few object detection methods exist which can resolve small objects (<20 pixels) from complex static backgrounds without significant computational expense. A framework capable of meeting these needs which reverses the steps in classic edge detection methods using the Canny filter for edge detection is presented here. Sample images taken from sequential frames of video footage were processed by subtraction, thresholding, Sobel edge detection, Gaussian blurring, and Zhang–Suen edge thinning to identify objects which have moved between the two frames. The results of this method show distinct contours applicable to object tracking algorithms with minimal “false positive” noise. This framework may be used with other edge detection methods to produce robust, low-overhead object tracking methods.
Big Geospatial Data Processing Made Easy: A Working Guide to GeoSpark

In the past decade, the volume of available geospatial data increased tremendously. Such data includes but not limited to: weather maps, socio-economic data, and geo-tagged social media. Moreover, the unprecedented popularity of GPS-equipped mobile devices and Internet of Things (IoT) sensors has led to continuously generating large-scale location information combined with the status of surrounding environments. For example, several cities have started installing sensors across the road intersections to monitor the environment, traffic and air quality. Making sense of the rich geospatial properties hidden in the data may greatly transform our society. This includes many subjects undergoing intense study: (1) Climate analysis: that includes climate change analysis (N. R. C. Committee on the Science of Climate Change 2001), study of deforestation (Zeng et al. 1996), population migration (Chen et al. 1999), and variation in sea levels (Woodworth et al. 2011), (2) Urban planning: assisting government in city/regional planning, road network design, and transportation/traffic engineering, (3) Commerce and advertisement (Dhar and Varshney 2011): e.g., point-of-interest (POI) recommendation services. These data-intensive spatial analytics applications highly rely on the underlying database management systems (DBMSs) to efficiently manipulate, retrieve and manage data.
The Book of Daniel as Witness to the Pluriform Bible

The Book of Daniel is an anthology that comes to us in a variety of compositional configurations distinguished in their organization by genre and chronology. Daniel’s varied compositional configura...
Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Among Pediatric Ophthalmology Patients in San Diego, California

Objectives: Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) has become increasingly common in pediatrics. While previous studies have evaluated pediatric CAM use across various subspecialties, estimates regarding pediatric CAM use in ophthalmology are lacking. This study explores CAM use among pediatric ophthalmology patients in a pediatric ophthalmology practice. Methods: 609 self-report questionnaires were distributed to parents whose children were seen at the University of California, San Diego / Ratner Children’s Eye Center between July 2009 and January 2010. The survey included questions regarding demographic information of the parent, eye condition of the child, and CAM use by the child. The two main outcomes were CAM use in the past and preference for CAM use in the future. Results: 126 surveys were included in the final analysis. Overall, 11% of parents reported previous CAM use for their child’s eye condition, and 44% of parents indicated a preference for CAM use for their child’s eye condition, depending on the side effects. Logistic regression revealed that past CAM use was not associated with the parent’s race, gender, or level of education. However, CAM preference was negatively associated with the parent’s level of education (p = 0.045). Discussion: As with other pediatric subspecialties, treatment of children with CAM is common in pediatric ophthalmology. Given the significant number of parents who reported using CAM and/or a preference for CAM, our results emphasize the need for all pharmacists, ophthalmologists, and pediatricians to discuss CAM use with patients and their families.
Enhancing marketing recruitment strategies: administrator tenure and nursing expenditures.

When recruiting nurses, long-term care facilities require an ability to identify salient organizational characteristics that are attractive to potential nursing services candidates vis-a-vis their competitors. The findings of this study suggest that information on administrative tenure can be utilized to attract applicants by appealing to criteria within their high-involvement job search activities. High-involvement applicants proactively seek recruitment content that provides essential job attributes that match their needs and skills and are more apt to be a higher quality candidate. Based upon the study's findings, managers are offered marketing strategy recommendations for tailoring recruiting messages that appeal to high-involvement job seekers.
Midtrimester abortion induced by serial intramuscular injections of 15(S)-15-methyl-prostaglandin E2 methyl ester☆

Abstract Midtrimester abortion was successfully induced in 29 of 30 patients with serial intramuscular injections of 15(S)-15-methyl-prostaglandin E 2 methyl ester (15-ME-PGE 2 ). The mean abortion time was 9.52 hours; parous patients aborted somewhat faster (mean, 8.76 hours) than nulliparous patients (mean, 10.47 hours). Eight patients were monitored throughout the abortion procedure and uterine activity was calculated and analyzed. Uterine response to a single injection of 5 μg 15-ME-PGE 2 was characterized by the rapid appearance of low-amplitude, high-frequency contractions accompanied by a rise in intrauterine baseline tonus. Uterine activity rose to a mean of 500 Montevideo Units within 40 minutes of the initial intramuscular injection of 15-ME-PGE 2 . The most frequently encountered side effect of intramuscular injections of 15-ME-PGE 2 was temperature elevation of 2° F. or higher, which occurred in 29 of 30 patients. Five patients complained of shaking and chills but only five patients had any gastrointestinal side effects. From this study it appeared that on a weight-for-weight basis 15-ME-PGE 2 is at least 20 times more potent than 15-ME-PGE 2α and 1,000 times more potent than the naturally occurring PGE 2 .
New Method of Preparing Immunizing Antigens for the Production of Anti-M Sera Against Certain Serotypes of Group A Streptococci

Ashworth, Helen (Communicable Disease Center, Atlanta, Ga.), and William K. Harrell. New method of preparing immunizing antigens for the production of anti-M sera against certain serotypes of group A streptococci. J. Bacteriol. 89:141–145. 1965.—Antisera against types 4, 29, 41, and 46 streptococci have been prepared by use of a vaccine killed by adjusting the pH to 11.7 and heating for 1 hr at 56 C. Heating at the high pH destroyed the antigenic material responsible for the major reciprocal crosses present in cells of types 4, 29, and 46 without affecting the M protein. Antisera prepared with the “alkaline-treated” vaccine did not contain the major reciprocal crosses. Antibodies against the M protein were shown to be present by the bactericidal test, failure to react in the precipitin test with acid extracts of homologous trypsinized cells, and retention of the precipitin reaction after absorption with homologous trypsinized cells. The antisera did not react with the “B” antigen of the provisional type B 3264. Type 11 antisera prepared with alkaline-treated vaccine did not contain antibodies against the M protein. The usefulness of this type vaccine, particularly for the preparation of type 4 antiserum, is discussed, as well as its limitations.
Acidification-induced sensitization to thermoradiotherapy in breast cancer

Hyperthermia is an extensively studied cytotoxic agent, with strong radio- and chemosensitizing potential. Recent positive clinical trials combining superficial or deep heating techniques with radiation therapy strongly support a role for hyperthermia as an adjuvant to radiation. Many in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that acute extracellular acidification will compromise fundamental protective cellular responses and enhance tumor response to hyperthermia and chemotherapy. Breast cancers, like most other tumors, exhibit elevated levels of lactate production that provides a basis for selective acidification. A phase I/II clinical trial is underway to test the hypothesis that hyperglycemia-induced acute acidification will sensitize carcinoma of the breast to thermoradiotherapy. Six patients consented to fast for at least 4 h and ingest oral glucose (2 g/kg, 0.44 g/ml) 1.5 h before each hyperthermia treatment (HT) during a course of thermoradiotherapy. Hyperglycemia reduced tumor pHe before the first hyperthermia session by 0.10 ± 0.04 pH unit (-0.29 to +0.08) from 7.12 ± 0.11 (6.65-7.52); and during the third week of treatment hyperglycemia reduced tumor pHe in five patients by 0.01 ± 0.04 pH unit (-0.06 to +0.1). The three patients with a CR (60%) exhibited tumor acidification during both sessions, in contrast to the two patients with a PR (40%) who exhibited tumor acidification only during one session. Tumor acidification may indicate tumor response. Human tumor cells adapted to growth at pHe 6.7 do not show thermosensitization until pHe is below 6.3 (pHi < 6.45). Combining an inhibitor of respiration such as MIBG with hyperglycemia blocks mitochondrial respiration and increases lactate production. Thus, tumor oxygenation occurs coincidentally with acute acidification. Rats bearing the R3230 Ac rat mammary adenocarcinoma were administered 1 g/kg glucose ip, and/or 20 mg/kg MIBG ip. The median pO2 for glucose plus MIBG was increased from 5.3 to 13.8 mmHg. A single ip injection of glucose or MIBG in rats fasted for 24 h before irradiation did not show an increase in tumor growth delay compared with 5 Gy radiation alone. However, combined treatment with glucose plus MIBG significantly inhibited tumor growth delay. Radiation therapy and glucose plus MIBG was more than additive. These results support our hypothesis that hyperglycemia plus an inhibitor of respiration will sensitize tumors to radiation by oxygenation, in addition to enhanced hyperthermia sensitization by acute acidification. Supported in part by USPHS grant CA59960.
Children's coordination of force output in a pinch grip task.

This study examined the role of sensorimotor system noise in the organization of the force output of the thumb and index finger and the coordination between the two digits in an isometric pinch grip force task as a function of age (6, 8, 10, 18-22 years), feedback condition (with and without visual feedback information), and force level (5, 15, 25, and 35% of maximal voluntary force. With increases in age under the visual feedback conditions, the signal-to-noise ratio increased, the sequential structure of the force output signals became more irregular, the degree of coherence between the digits at higher force levels was enhanced, and the digits exhibited a greater degree of coherence across the higher frequencies of the power spectrum at all force levels. However, these age differences were either minimized or eliminated under conditions without feedback. These findings show that the age-related performance differences in grip force variability are primarily due to more effective use of visual information rather than age differences in intrinsic sensorimotor noise.
Theory of adequate function of cells and the organism — The theoretical basis for contemporary medicine

The theory of adequate function of the cells and the organism is introduced as the theoretical basis for contemporary medicine. In accordance with this theory, the organism tends to function adequately to the needs directed toward the maintenance of life under various conditions. Mechanisms responsible for adequate function include those of regulation, compensation and defense. Their interactions provide for adequate function in both steady and transient physiological conditions, as well as in pathological conditions. Examples of adequate function under various conditions are discussed. The notion of optimal adequate function of cells and the organism is introduced, which implies the complete satisfaction of the needs of the cells and the demands imposed upon these cells by the organism. The dual character of the cell's adequate function contributes to the possibilities for disease. Imbalance between the needs of the cell and the needs of the organism is proposed to be the general mechanism of chronic diseases. Maintenance of the optimal balance of adequate function throughout the life of an individual is considered to be the major objective through which the prophylaxis and early treatment of chronic diseases can be achieved.
Accurate 238U neutron capture rate determinations

Abstract Accurate techniques for the measurements of 238U neutron-capture rates in metallic samples using Ge(Li) detector and the 24Am calibration method are described. Uncertainties of ⩽ 1% were achieved by using three different experimental determinations of gamma absorption and sum-coincidence effects. Verification of the 243Am calibration method was obtained with a calibration based upon the well known thermal-neutron cross sections of gold and 238U. Emphasis method was on consistency of 238U capture rate measurements in cross-section experiments and fission-reactor applications.
Salsolinol, an Alkaloid Derivative of Dopamine formed in vitro during Alcohol Metabolism

THE Pictet–Spengler reaction is a special example of the Mannich reaction involving condensation of β-aryl-ethylamines with carbonyl compounds1. In the case of phenylethylamines the resulting products would be 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines, which are particularly interesting because they could be formed from endogenous biogenic amines. The synthesis of simple tetra-hydroisoquinolines in physiological conditions which occur in plants was described in 19342. The facility of this chemical reaction between dopamine and acetaldehyde in conditions which exist in both plants3 and animals4,5 has been confirmed. Because acetaldehyde is the primary metabolite of ethanol, it has been suggested that tetra-hydroisoquinolines are formed in mammals after the ingestion of alcohol4–6. Indeed, this reaction forms the basis for the histochemical localization of catecholamines in nerve tissue for which formaldehyde vapour is used as the carbonyl agent. Reaction products of this type have been demonstrated in animals after administration of methanol7.
Environmental sociology and the environmental movement: towards a theory of pragmatic relationships of critical inquiry

This article explores the question of: what is the relationship between environmental sociology and the environmental movement? In addition to the historical strong links between the two, both have grown tremendously in the last decade. This poses an interesting challenge/problem of practice for environmental sociology. Drawing on the American Pragmatist Movement, I argue that one possible relationship between the subdiscipline and the movement is that of critical inquirers, who constantly rewrite and revise the dominant signs and symbols of the movement, harnessing the vibrant intellectual community and rich research traditions of environmental sociology to enter into a grounded discourse that prevents the movement from becoming stale and/or oppressive, to pull from inventories of stored tools to construct new social spaces to occupy and ways to get there when the old spaces are no longer recognized as adequate, and to forge ahead of the movement, identifying prejudices, barriers, and unforeseen problems of past, current, or future actions.
Arthroscopic meniscectomy in the anterior cruciate ligament-deficient knee.

Abstract Patients with injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) frequently develop tears of the menisci. Removal of the meniscus, while relieving some complaints, may increase the patient's instability. To evaluate our success and quantify the reasons for failure, we evaluated 48 patients who underwent arthroscopic partial meniscectomy from 1979 to 1982. Patients were evaluated as to their subjective complaints, scored on a 100-point knee evaluation, and evaluated with standing x-rays. In addition, measurement using the KT-1000 knee arthrometer was made to assess the degree of tibial translation. Follow-up averaged 32 months, with a range of 24–50. At followup, 29 patients (60%) were judged to be clinical successes with resolution of their complaints and no aggravation of their instability. Nineteen patients (40%) were judged to be clinical failures in that their complaints persisted (14 patients) or ACL reconstruction was required (5 patients). Eight patients noted some increase in their instability, and three required a repeat meniscectomy. Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy can be a useful procedure in some patients with injury to the ACL. Patients more likely to do well are those with a torn medial meniscus with a chief complaint of locking. Examination would demonstrate a mild pivot shift, absence of generalized ligamentous laxity, and an anterior tibial translation difference of less than 5 mm.
Recreational Specializations and Motivations of Virginia River Anglers

Abstract On-site interviews and a mail questionnaire survey of 377 anglers on two Virginia rivers were used to evaluate the concept of recreational specialization for differentiating angler subgroups. Specialization was defined for four dimensions of angler behavior: (1) fishery resource use, (2) experience, (3) investment, and (4) centrality of angling to lifestyle. Six types of anglers, representing low to high levels of specialization, were identified by cluster analysis. The experience dimension was the most important contributor to the framework, accounting for 24% of the variance in the data. A combination of the resource, investment, and centrality dimensions explained 48% of the variance. Highly specialized anglers were likely to cite resource-related motives (e.g., trophy fish), to rely on skill to catch fish, to prefer to catch and release larger fish, and to favor restrictive harvest regulations. Less specialized anglers cited escape and family-oriented recreation as motivations for fishing, pl...
Comparison of the simplicial method with Wilson's lattice gauge theory for U(1)3

Abstract In the simplicial version of lattice gauge theory, euclidean path integrals are approximated by tiling spacetime with simplexes and by linearly interpolating the fields throughout each simplex from their values at the vertices. This method is compared with Wilson's lattice gauge theory for U(1) in three dimensions. As a standard of comparison, the exact values of Creutz ratios of Wilson loops in the continuum theory are computed. Monte Carlo computations using the simplicial method give Creutz ratios within a few percent of the exact values for reasonably sized loops at β = 1,2,and10. Similar computations using Wilson's method give ratios that typically differ from the exact values by factors of two or more for 1 ⩽ β ⩽ 3.5 and that have the wrong β dependence. The better accuracy of the simplicial method is due to its use of the action and domain of integration of the exact theory, unaltered apart from the granularity of the simplicial lattice. Data on the action density and the mass gap are also presented.
Facilitated transport enhances spray layer-by-layer assembly of oppositely charged nanoparticles

We investigate the fundamental mechanism of spray-assisted layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly of oppositely charged silica nanoparticles. Alteration of the major operating parameters such as suspension concentration, spray flow rate, and spray duration allows us to develop a kinetic model for spray-assisted LbL deposition. The spray-deposition mechanism is broken down into two sequential mass transport steps: bulk spray flux to the substrate surface followed by random motion of nanoparticles through a thin liquid film that adheres to the substrate throughout the spray procedure. We demonstrate that the second transport step limits the overall deposition rate, and we examine the importance of a convective driving force in accelerating this random motion close to the substrate by controlling the depth of the liquid film atop the substrate. Finally, we generalize the idea of convective acceleration and find that sufficient agitation can be used to enhance the rate of dip layer-by-layer assembly as well.
Cerebral phosphoinositide, triacylglycerol and energy metabolism during sustained seizures induced by bicuculline.

In ventilated rats, levels of phosphatidylinositol (PI), phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PIP), phosphatidylinositol 4,5-biphosphate (PIP2), diacylglycerol (DAG), triacylglycerol (TAG), free fatty acids (FFA) and phosphatidic acid, as well as their fatty acid contents, were measured in forebrain tissue after 1, 20 and 60 min of seizures induced by bicuculline. Cerebral energy state was also measured. PI decreased progressively throughout 60 min of seizures, whereas the levels of PIP and PIP2 did not change. DAG increased modestly and persistently. FFA increased markedly during the early seizure period, but decreased later. Following an initial drop, TAG rose above control. Phosphatidic acid did not change. The levels of ATP and energy charge potential decreased slightly and lactate accumulated. Stearic acid (18:0) and arachidonic acid (20:4) primarily accounted for the changes in the levels of the lipids. At the onset of seizures, the decrease of 18:0 and 20:4 in PI occurred in parallel with an enrichment of these fatty acids in FFA and DAG. Despite the fact that the losses of 18:0 and 20:4 from PI were quantitatively similar to each other at all times examined, the increase in free 18:0 was much larger than the increase in free 20:4 at 20 min of seizures. Concurrently there was a rise of 20:4 in TAG. As the FFA levels declined thereater, 20:4 and docosahexaenoate (22:6) in TAG continued to increase. The results are consistent with the view that seizure activity stimulates the hydrolytic breakdown of brain phosphoinositides—the pathway catalyzed by phosphodiesterase of the phospholipase C type followed by lipases, and probably the pathway catabolized by phospholipases A as well. Preferential incorporation of polyunsaturated fatty acids into TAG-acyl residues may represent a mechanism to reduce the level of their free forms when the latter are produced in large amounts.
Review Essay: On Common Ground: World Religions in America

Diana L. Eck and the Pluralism Project at Harvard University, On Common Ground: World Religiions in America
Synthesis of Imine-Bridged Planar Poly(pyridinethiophene)s. Combination of Planarization and Intramolecular Charge Transfer in Conjugated Polymers

This paper describes an approach to maximize π-conjugation in conjugated polymers by combining two complementary effects: polymer backbone planarization and intense intramolecular charge transfer (ICT). Independently, each of these methods is known to promote a significant lowering of the optical band gap in conjugated polymers. However, as described here, the combination of both strategies, planarization and ICT, only has a marginal effect on reducing the optical band gaps over that of the planarized materials that possess little ICT. The polymers studied here are planar poly(pyridinethiophene)s (PPyThs). The synthesis of the requisite polymers is accomplished by Pd-catalyzed coupling of N,N'-bis(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-3,4-diamino-2,5-bis(tri-n-butylstannyl)thiophene and 2,5-bis(1'-oxo)-3,6-dibromopyridines to afford PPyThs that are then planarized via Schiff base formation upon protic activation. The planar PPyThs exhibit enormous changes in their optical absorption properties when iodide is present in solution; this dramatic change is not observed with fluoride, chloride, or bromide salts, regardless of the cation. Therefore, these polymers have a propensity to optically distinguish iodide from the other halogens.
Prewar, War-Zone, and Postwar Predictors of Posttraumatic Stress in Female Vietnam Veteran Health Care Providers

Using the National Vietnam Veterans Readjustment Study database, we explored predictors of current posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity in 373 female Vietnam veteran health care pr...
Progesterone and the ovarian-adrenal modulation of energy balance in rats

Abstract Intact female rats injected daily with 5 mg progesterone beginning at Day 27 of age weighed more than oil-treated controls on Day 39, i.e., prior to puberty; progesterone did not, however, increase food intake until well after puberty (Day 54). Progesterone may affect body weight independently of its interactions with estrogens and via mechanisms that do not involve the central substrate for food intake or energy balance. The ability of progesterone to influence food intake also depends in part on its modulation of estrogen-sensitive mechanisms that do not become functional until after puberty. Progesterone increased food intake of prepubertal overiectomized-adrenalectomized rats but not that of ovariectomized rats of any age. It was concluded that progesterone mimics the actions of adrenal hormones and that it permissively increases food intake of adrenalectomized rats by improving the health of these animals. Progesterone only partially substitutes for adrenal secretions in ovariectomized-adrenalectomized rats and supplementary sodium ingestion may be necessary for progesterone to produce positive energy balance.
A comparison of the tryptic peptides of hemoglobin from two microtine genera: Clethrionomys and Ondatra

Abstract The composition of tryptic peptides was determined for Hb (major or fast electrophoretic component) from Clethrionomys rutilus and from Ondatra zibethicus . Analysis of the separated α and β-Hb chains made possible the definition of theαT9 and βT12 peptides and the resolution of uncertainties in earlier Microtus data for peptides αT9,αT12b,βT9,βT12 and βT13. The previous postulate of two deletions in peptide βT5 is supported by the present data, and the independent dipeptide βT6 appears in the Ondatra Hb. A Microtus stem sequence is inferred and used for comparison with the new data, and cladograms are given to accomodate the extended phylogenetic progression.
Tissue sampling as a potential source of error in experimental studies of cartilage.

Although it might seem trite to point out that tissue sampling is a potential source of experimental error, this survey disclosed that even experienced investigators in fact often work with cartilage that is contaminated by non–cartilaginous tissue of which they were unaware. Twenty–two specimens ranging from chick embryo sternum to bovine nasal septum were studied by serial sectioning. Eighteen of the 22 contained extraneous tissue comprising from 3 to 50% of the cross–sectional area. The impact of the contamination depends on the use being made of the material and probably is greatest in cell culture studies because chondrocytes and fibroblasts have large differences in population doubling time. Several approaches for minimizing the error are suggested by the findings. Histological examination of specimen material is thus a desirable quality control procedure in the design and interpretation of experiments on cartilage as well as other tissues.
Revue rétrospective de l’utilisation du stent de Palmaz dans les collets aortiques lors du traitement endovasculaire pour anévrysme

Introduction L’objectif de cette etude etait de revoir les caracteristiques des collets aortiques, les types d’endoprotheses et les resultats techniques des stents de Palmaz lors du traitement endovasculaire pour anevrysme (EVAR). Methodes Une revue retrospective de 110 cas consecutifs d’EVAR identifiait 18 cas dans lesquels un stent de Palmaz etait mis en place en adjonction a EVAR. Les types d’endoprotheses, les caracteristiques hostiles des collets aortiques (diametre >26 mm, longueur 60°, morphologie conique) et les succes techniques etaient identifies. Resultats Un succes technique etait obtenu dans 17 des 18 cas de mise en place d’un stent de Palmaz proximal. L’indication du stent de Palmaz etait le traitement d’une endofuite de type I chez 17 des 18 patients. Un stent etait mis en place de maniere prophylactique dans un cas de collet hostile. La mise en place d’un stent proximal conduisait au traitement immediat de l’endofuite de type I chez 16 des 17 patients—un echec survenait chez un patient avec une endofuite de type I tardive. L’analyse de l’anatomie du collet aortique revelait que deux des 18 patients ne presentaient pas de critere de collet hostile, 7 avaient un critere et 9 avaient au moins deux criteres. Concernant les types d’endoprotheses, il s’agissait d’une Endologix Powerlink dans 9 des 18 (50%) cas, une Gore Excluder dans 6 cas, une Cook Zenith dans deux cas, et une Medtronic Talent dans un cas. Avec un suivi moyen de 254 jours, 16 des 17 endofuites de type I restaient traitees. Conclusions Avec une selection attentive et une technique adaptee, le stent de Palmaz peut traiter efficacement les endofuites de type I proximales.
The Trk A, B, C's of neurotrophins in the cochlea.

The spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) are the afferent neurons of the cochlea, connecting the auditory sensory cells—hair cells—to the brainstem cochlear nuclei. The neurotrophins neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are expressed in the cochlea and both support SGN survival during development. These neurotrophins remain expressed in the postnatal cochlea and continue to play additional roles for SGNs, contributing to maintenance of hair cell-SGN synapses and regulating expression of ion channels, presynaptic and postsynaptic proteins, and SGN membrane electrical properties in a physiologically important spatial pattern. Remarkably, NT-3 and BDNF have different, even opposing, effects on SGN physiology despite the close similarity of their receptors TrkB and TrkC. Recent studies have also raised the possibility that precursor proneurotrophin forms of the neurotrophins play a role in responses to trauma in the cochlea, signaling through the proneurotrophin receptor p75NTR. Here, we review expression and function of neurotrophins and their p75NTR and Trk-family receptors in the cochlea. We focus, in particular, on neurotrophin functions other than support of SGN survival, including regulation of SGN neurite growth, synaptic and membrane physiology. These functions, unlike survival, are ones for which BDNF and NT-3 substantially differ in their effects. Signal transduction mechanisms of p75NTR and of Trk-family receptors are discussed, indicating how these lead to different responses, and we speculate on how BDNF and NT-3 can cause different phenotypic changes in SGNs. Because these complex signaling interactions remain incompletely understood, use of neurotrophins as therapeutic agents in the cochlea should be approached with caution. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Efficient estimation of the link function parameter in a robust Bayesian binary regression model

It is known that the robit regression model for binary data is a robust alternative to the more popular probit and logistic models. The robit model is obtained by replacing the normal distribution in the probit regression model with the Student's t distribution. Unlike the probit and logistic models, the robit link has an extra degrees of freedom (df) parameter. It is shown that in practice it is important to estimate (rather than use a prespecified fixed value) the df parameter. A method for effectively selecting the df parameter of the robit model is described. The proposed method becomes computationally more effective if efficient MCMC algorithms are available for exploring the posterior distribution associated with a Bayesian robit model. Fast mixing parameter expanded DA (PX-DA) type algorithms based on an appropriate Haar measure are developed for significantly improving the convergence of DA algorithms for the robit model. The algorithms built for sampling from the Bayesian robit model shed new light on the construction of efficient PX-DA type algorithms in general. In spite of the fact that Haar PX-DA algorithms are known to be asymptotically ''optimal'', through an empirical study it is shown that it may take millions of iterations before they provide improvement over the DA algorithms. Contrary to the popular belief, it is demonstrated that a partially reparameterized DA algorithm can outperform a fully reparameterized DA algorithm. The proposed methodology of selecting the df parameter is illustrated through two detailed examples.
Social Problem Solving: Effect of Context and Parent Sex

A group of 368 children, ages 3, 5, and 7, half boys and half girls, were seen with their mothers and fathers in two contexts. First, they were observed with all family members in their homes, with instructions to continue with normal activities. Then they were seen separately in the laboratory with each parent, who was asked to help them solve a problem involving a common social situation. In the laboratory situation, boys and girls were given equal amounts of help by their parents. Mothers and fathers behaved in similar fashion in the laboratory, and the only significant differences were with the children's ages. In the home, mothers and fathers did differ, with the mother giving more instruction and providing more instruction to girls.
A LED light calibration source for dual-wavelength microscopy

An LED light source for dual-wavelength calibration of light microscope recording systems is described. A 1 mm2 circular field of bi-chromatic illumination is formed by passing the crossed beams of two light emitting diodes (LEDS) through an optical diffuser and circular mask. The source is constructed using LEDs which emit light at wavelengths overlapping those of many of the dual-emission molecular probes used for measurement of calcium, pH and membrane potential. The light output can be independently varied to set the ratio of light intensities recorded at two wavelengths. Internally sampled voltages which are proportional to LED light output intensity provide an internal reference for comparison with optical recordings. The LED source is useful for obtaining the optical response of dual emission recording equipment for specific recording conditions defined by the filtering and light detection components of the system.
Life in the US–Mexican Border Region: Residents’ Perceptions of the Place

There are both multiple realities and truths along the US–Mexican border region. Within this dichotomy, there are overriding themes by which a sense of place indeed matters when examining an individual resident's quality of life. This study reviews quality of life data for four city pairs along the US–Mexican border region, providing an insight into how residents perceive their sense of place as that mirrored in the community on the opposite side of the border. The conclusions that are drawn from this comparison show a greater need for better understanding and joint policy making along the US–Mexican border. With this coordination, a stronger, more mutually beneficial relationship can be achieved among and between the different levels of both governments and residents.
New Examples of Half-Sandwich (Borylcyclopentadienyl)titanium Trichloride Complexes and an X-ray Structural Characterization of the Homobimetallic Complex [TiCl3{η5-C5H4}]2BPh

A new series of half-sandwich (borylcyclopentadienyl)titanium trichloride complexes have been prepared which include the boryl substituents [1,2-(C6H4O2)]B−, Ph(Cl)B−, Ph2B− and a (PhB<)-bridged bimetallic complex. No correlation was found between the 1H and 13C NMR chemical shifts of the cyclopentadienyl ring in these complexes and the Lewis acidity of the attached boryl group. The crystal structure of the phenylboron-bridged bimetallic complex PhB{(η5-C5H4)TiCl3}2 was determined. The cyclopentadienyltitanium units of the molecule are twisted away from each other, forming an angle of 41° between the cyclopentadienyl ring planes. Each cyclopentadienyl ring is twisted out of the trigonal plane of the boron by 24°. Preliminary results concerning the Ti-alkylation of some of these complexes are described.
Bulk, surface, and interfacial waves in anisotropic linear elastic solids

The current state of what is known about bulk, surface (Rayleigh), and interfacial (Stoneley) waves in infinite and semi-infinite anisotropic linear elastic solids is surveyed. Features of wave propagation which are not usually presented or even found in treatments involving purely isotropic solids are discussed, and the use of the so-called Stroh formalism for treating certain plane problems of steady wave propagation is reviewed.
Jagged1 is necessary for postnatal and adult neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus

Understanding the mechanisms that control the maintenance of neural stem cells is crucial for the study of neurogenesis. In the brain, granule cell neurogenesis occurs during development and adulthood, and the generation of new neurons in the adult subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus contributes to learning. Notch signaling plays an important role during postnatal and adult subgranular zone neurogenesis, and it has been suggested as a potential candidate to couple cell proliferation with stem cell maintenance. Here we show that conditional inactivation of Jagged1 affects neural stem cell maintenance and proliferation during postnatal and adult neurogenesis of the subgranular zone. As a result, granule cell production is severely impaired. Our results provide additional support to the proposal that Notch/Jagged1 activity is required for neural stem cell maintenance during granule cell neurogenesis and suggest a link between maintenance and proliferation of these cells during the early stages of neurogenesis.
An employee involvement strategy for ISO 9000 registration and maintenance: a case study for Hong Kong and China companies

Examines the involvement of all levels of employees in Hong Kong and China companies for ISO 9000 registration and maintenance. For convenience, the employee levels are divided into management, supervision, staff and operator level categories. The extent and the nature of involvement among these four levels of employees are studied and an appropriate employee strategy for ISO 9000 registration and maintenance is formulated. Based on the literature review, and the analysis of case studies and personal interviews that are conducted for selected Hong Kong and China ISO 9001/2 certified companies, we have formulated an employee involvement strategy to establish, implement and maintain the ISO 9000 based quality system. Then a questionnaire survey is conducted and the survey data are analyzed to validate and revise the strategy formulated earlier.