cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Case Study: Condition Assessment of a 36-Year-Old Mechanically Stabilized Earth Wall in Virginia

AbstractIn 2012, a mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) wall was demolished in Virginia due to road realignment activities, providing an opportunity to assess the condition of the steel-bar mat rein...
Fabrication of flexible polymer bio-MEMS with submicron features

We present a fabrication method for thin-film polymer MEMS that achieves an order of magnitude improvement in feature size and resolution. Specifically, we modified the electron beam lithography (EBL) process for biocompatible poly(chloro-para-xylylene) (Parylene C), enabling flexible, encapsulated titanium structures with features as small as 100 nm. The mechanical, electrical and material properties of these Parylene nanodevices were investigated, and strategies to further reduce feature size and achieve batch scale nanofabrication are discussed.
Family Medicine-Specific Practice-Based Research Network Productivity and Clinical and Translational Sciences Award Program Affiliation.

OBJECTIVE Practice-based research networks (PBRNs) are groups of practices that work together to conduct research. Little is known about the degree to which PBRNs may be achieving success. This is the first general survey of family medicine-based PBRN directors in the United States and Canada to examine research productivity outcomes of PBRNs and explore the association between Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) program affiliation and PBRN outcomes. METHODS The Council of Academic Family Medicine Educational Research Alliance conducted the survey and e-mailed it to 102 PBRN directors from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's registration. RESULTS A total of 54 (56%) PBRN directors responded to the survey. PBRNs with an affiliation with a CTSA program were more likely to report completion of quality improvement research and participation in multiple PBRN collaboration research projects. PBRNs affiliated with CTSA programs were less likely to report maintaining funding as a significant barrier. CONCLUSIONS CTSA involvement with PBRNs results in family physician scientists' completing research and disseminating this research through publication. Also, PBRNs with CTSA partnerships have more funding availability. PBRN partnership with a CTSA is beneficial in furthering research in family medicine.
Deuterium Isotope Effects in Polymerization of Benzene under Pressure

The enormous versatility in the properties of carbon materials depends on the content of the sp2 and sp3 covalent bonds. Under compression, if intermolecular distances cross a critical threshold, then unsaturated hydrocarbons gradually transform to saturated carbon polymers. However, the mechanism of polymerization, even for benzene, the simplest aromatic hydrocarbon, is still not understood. We used high-pressure synchrotron X-ray, neutron diffraction, and micro-Raman spectroscopy together with density functional calculations to investigate the isotope effects in benzene isotopologues C6H6 and C6D6 up to 46.0 GPa. Raman spectra of polymeric products recovered from comparable pressures show the progression of polymerization exhibiting a pronounced kinetic isotope effect. Kinetically retarded reactions in C6D6 shed light on the mechanism of polymerization of benzene. We find that C6D6-derived products recovered from P < 35 GPa actively react with moisture, forming polymers with higher sp3 hydrogen contents...
Physical anthropology in 1918 and the founding of the U.S. journal.

In 1918, the first issue of the American Journal of Physical Anthropology was prepared and distributed by Ales Hrdlicka, the Curator of Physical Anthropology at the Smithsonian Institution. This was a singular act, both in the general and specific sense. It was the first journal of physical anthropology published in the United States, and it was a sole effort by Hrdlicka, who was committed to promoting and recognizing physical anthropology as a new science in America. On this 100th anniversary of the founding of the journal, Hrdlicka's efforts were successful: physical/biological anthropology is a strong and timely discipline that represents a major area of scientific research today.
XSEDE: Tackling Diversity and Inclusion in Advanced Computing

The Extreme Science and Engineering Discovery Environment (XSEDE) promotes the productivity of scholars, researchers, and engineers by providing access to advanced digital services. XSEDEs Community Engagement and Enrichment Broadening Participation program supports these goals by raising awareness of the value of advanced digital research services and recruiting users from new communities.
Gas density field imaging in shock dominated flows using planar laser scattering

Planar laser scattering (PLS) imaging of ice particulates present in a supersonic stream is demonstrated to measure 2D gas density fields of shock dominated flows in low enthalpy test facilities. The technique involves mapping the PLS signal to gas density using a calibration curve that accounts for the seed particulate size distribution change across the shock wave. The PLS technique is demonstrated in a shock boundary layer interaction generated by a sharp fin placed on a cylindrical surface in Mach 2.5 flow. The shock structure generated in this configuration has complicating effects from the finite height of the fin as well as the 3D relief offered by the cylindrical surface, which result in steep spatial gradients as well as a wide range of density jumps across different locations of the shock structure. Instantaneous and mean PLS fields delineated the inviscid, separation, and reattachment shock structures at various downstream locations. The inviscid shock assumed increasingly larger curvature with downstream distance; concomitantly, the separation shock wrapped around the cylinder and the separation shock foot missed the cylinder surface entirely. The density fields obtained from the PLS technique were evaluated using RANS simulations of the same flowfield. Comparisons between the computed and measured density fields showed excellent agreement over the entire measurable region that encompassed the flow processed by inviscid, separation, and reattachment shocks away from viscous regions. The PLS approach demonstrated in this work is also shown to be largely independent of the seed particulates, which lends the extension of this approach to a wide range of test facilities.
A survey of potential problems and quality control in peptide synthesis by the fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl procedure

The routine production of peptides by manual or automated solid-phase synthesis protocols has gained widespread usage among a variety of biological scientists as new synthetic procedures have been introduced over the past several years. We report here a detailed analysis of Fmoc synthesis procedures to identify problematic reactions and to evaluate analytical procedures for monitoring the quality of peptides during and after synthesis. The results of these studies demonstrate double additions of particular amino acids during single coupling cycles, frequent incomplete deblocking of peptides by standard piperidine reactions, and the failure of the Kaiser ninhydrin test to detect free amino groups of certain amino acids at the N-terminus of synthetic peptides. These results suggest the need for more careful monitoring of Fmoc synthesis reactions than previously recognized or recommended in standard protocols. We demonstrate the utility of plasma desorption mass spectrometry (PDMS) in analyzing peptide products and recommend a minimum sequence of analytical quality control including HPLC and PDMS.
Adoption of Electronic Dental Records: Examining the Influence of Practice Characteristics on Adoption in One State.

Objective Compared with medicine, less research has focused on adoption rates and factors contributing to the adoption of electronic dental records (EDRs) and certified electronic health records (EHRs) in the field of dentistry. We ran two multivariate models on EDR adoption and certification-capable EHR adoption to determine environmental and organizational factors associated with adoption. Methods We conducted telephone survey of a 10-item questionnaire using disproportionate stratified sampling procedure of 149 dental clinics in Tennessee in 2017 measuring adoption of dental information technology (IT) (EDRs and certification-capable EHRs) and practice characteristics, including region, rurality, specialty, and practice size. We used binomial logistic regression models to determine associations of adoption with predictor variables. Results A total of 77% of surveyed dental clinics in Tennessee had adopted some type of EDR system. When the definitions of certification capable were applied, the adoption rates in dental clinics dropped to 58%. A binomial logistic regression model for the effects of rurality, specialization, and practice size on the likelihood that a clinic would adopt an EHR product was statistically significant (chi-square (3) = 12.41, p = 0.0061). Of the three predictor variables, specialization and practice size were significant: Odds of adopting an EHR is 67% lower for specialists than for general dentists; and clinics with two or more practicing dentists were associated with a much greater likelihood of adopting an EHR-capable system (adjusted odds ratio = 3.09, p = 0.009). Conclusion Findings from this study indicate moderate to high levels of overall dental IT adoption. However, adoption rates in dental clinics do remain lower than those observed in office-based physician practices in medicine. Specialization and practice size were significant predictors of EHR-capable system adoption. Efforts to increase EHR adoption in dentistry should be mindful of potential disparities in smaller practices and between dental specialties and generalists.
Does therapy-related myelofibrosis exist? Analysis of 1100 myelofibrosis cases from a single institution.

e18558Background: The association between prior other malignancies (OM) and myelofibrosis (MF) as well as the existence of therapy-related myelofibrosis (t-MF) are largely unknown. We aimed to dete...
Comparison of Measured and Simulated Urban Soil Hydrologic Properties.

AbstractUrban communities use hydrologic models to plan for and assess the effectiveness of stormwater control measures. Although emphasis is placed on soils as permeable surfaces that regulate the...
Species diversity of resident green algae slows the establishment and proliferation of the cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa

Abstract As harmful algal blooms (HABs) have expanded in size and become more frequent, there have been increased efforts to predict when and why blooms occur, as well as to identify the ecological factors that limit their formation. Here we report the results of a laboratory experiment in which we examined how the establishment and proliferation of Microcystis aeruginosa, a common HAB species, was influenced by competition with resident green algae. We hypothesized that competition with green algae would reduce the final biomass of M. aeruginosa, and that the effects of competition would be most pronounced in communities of high species richness and when nutrients are scarce. We found that competition with green algae did, in fact, consistently reduce the final biomass of M. aeruginosa. The effects of competition were more pronounced in species-rich than in species-poor communities, but this was only true when nutrients were abundant. When nutrients were scarce, resident diversity did not matter because competition with any resident species was sufficient to limit the growth of M. aeruginosa. Our results confirm that biotic interactions with phytoplankton are important in limiting the establishment and proliferation of HAB species like M. aeruginosa. But our work goes on to suggest that, under some nutrient conditions, diverse communities of resident phytoplankton can be more resistant to proliferation of cyanobacteria that can cause HABs.
Removal of Water and Extractives from Softwood with Supercritical Carbon Dioxide

Supercritical CO2 (sCO2) removes both water and extractives from wood chips and flakes at 60 °C. The water appears to be mostly displaced by sCO2 because its nominal concentration in sCO2 exceeds its solubility limit. SEM imaging and contact angle measurements show no major differences in surface properties between sCO2-treated and thermally dried flakes, which suggests that their interaction with resin should be similar. An economic analysis for the removal of water and extractives from pine flakes for the manufacture of oriented strand board shows that sCO2 treatment is potentially much more cost-effective than thermal drying from both capital and operational perspectives. The main reasons are that the water is removed by displacement rather than through evaporation, environmental control costs are drastically reduced, and the extractives removed represent a value stream instead of pollutants whose emissions need to be controlled. Because the sCO2 is largely recirculated, the process is greener than con...
Progression of anal intraepithelial neoplasia in HIV-positive individuals: predisposing factors

The aim of the present study was to evaluate patient factors that affect the progression of anal dysplasia in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive individuals. A retrospective cohort study of HIV-positive adults with human papilloma virus related anal lesions was performed from 2012 to 2017. All patients underwent surgical excision or biopsy and fulguration of lesions in the operating room without using high resolution anoscopy. Patients with initial presentation of squamous cell carcinoma were excluded. The study was designed to investigate progression between the first available histology and either the follow up histology or a negative examination. Patient files were reviewed and data was collected. A bivariate analysis of continuous and categorical variables was performed. One hundred and sixty-one patients met the inclusion criteria. Ninety-seven percent were male. Mean age was 41 years. Thirty-five percent were African American and 47% were Caucasian. After a median follow-up interval of 331 days (IQR 120–615 days) 14 (9%) of patients had progression of disease. Visible lesions on initial presentation, as opposed to lesions found in patients undergoing examination under anesthesia because of HSIL on anal pap smear, was associated with progression (p = 0.0.2). A lower initial CD4 count (p = 0.01) and initial surgical pathology of anal condylomata (p = 0.01) were also associated with progression. High-risk serotype was associated with no change or regression (p = 0.01). In our large cohort of HIV-positive patients treated without high resolution anoscopy the rate of progression was low. Most notably, visible lesions at initial presentation and CD4 count when lower were associated with progression. Initial surgical pathology of anal condylomata was associated with progression, while high-risk serotypes correlated with regression or stability. Identification of risk factors has important implications concerning postoperative surveillance and counseling of HIV-positive patients with anal condylomata/ anal dysplasia.
Near perfect solar energy conversion for vapor generation

We demonstrate a strategy to realize ~ 100% efficiency for solar vapor generation by managing the energy flow, and to further enhance the evaporation by taking energy from the warmer environment. © 2019 The Author(s)
Do-It-Yourself Evaluation of Experimental Research:

This article provides guidelines for readers who, for professional reasons, must read research articles but lack formal training in research and statistics. While discussing the purpose and content...
Primed for Health: Future Thinking Priming Decreases Delay Discounting.

Objective Delay discounting, the propensity to devalue delayed rewards, has robust predictive validity for multiple health behaviors and is a new therapeutic target for health behavior change. Priming can influence behaviors in a predictable manner. We aimed to use the Future Thinking Priming task, administered remotely, to reliably decrease delay discounting rates. Methods In this pre-post randomized control group design, participants completed multiple delay discounting measures at baseline; then, 2 weeks later, they were randomized to Future Thinking Priming or Neutral Priming conditions. We hypothesized that Future Thinking Priming would significantly decrease delay discounting rates accounting for baseline delay discounting rates and time in repeated measures analyses. Results Participants randomized to Future Thinking Priming (N = 783) demonstrated significantly lower delay discounting rates post-intervention than those randomized to Neutral Priming (N = 747) on multiple delay discounting measures and magnitudes. Conclusions A single administration of Future Thinking Priming produces statistically reliable reductions in delay discounting rates. The task is brief, can be administered remotely, and is highly scalable. If found to support behavior change, the task might be disseminated broadly to enhance evidence-based behavior change interventions. Future research must determine optimal exposure patterns to support durable health behavior change.
Notch4 activation aggravates NF-κB-mediated inflammation in HIV-1-associated nephropathy

Notch pathway activation plays a central role in the pathogenesis of many glomerular diseases. We have previously shown that Notch4 expression was upregulated in various renal cells in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated nephropathy (HIVAN) patients and rodent models of HIVAN. In this study, we examined whether the Notch pathway can be distinctly activated by HIV-1 gene products and whether Notch4, in particular, can influence disease progression. Using luciferase reporter assays, we did not observe activation of the NOTCH4 promoter with the HIV protein Nef in podocytes. Further, we observed upregulated expression of a gamma secretase complex protein, presenilin 1, but not Notch4, in podocytes infected with an HIV-1 expression construct. To assess the effects of Notch4 on HIVAN disease progression, we engineered Tg26 mice with global deletion of the Notch4 intracellular domain (Notch4dl ), which is required for signaling function. These mice (Notch4d1/Tg26+ ) showed a significant improvement in renal function and a significant decrease in mortality compared to Tg26 mice. Histological examination of kidneys showed that Notch4d1/Tg26+ mice had overall glomerular, tubulointerstitial injury and a marked decrease in interstitial inflammation. A significant decrease in the proliferating cells was observed in the tubulointerstitial compartments of Notch4d1/Tg26+ mice. Consistent with the diminished inflammation, kidneys from Notch4d1/Tg26+ mice also showed a significant decrease in expression of the inflammatory cytokine transcripts Il-6 and Ccl2, as well as the master inflammatory transcription factor NF-κB (Nfkb1 transcripts and p65 protein). These data identify Notch4 as an important mediator of tubulointerstitial injury and inflammation in HIVAN and a potential therapeutic target.
Reply to Brewer: Liver-targeted ALDH2 inhibition may reduce alcohol-seeking behaviors with limited side effects

We are pleased to read the Letter from Dr. Brewer (1) on our paper in PNAS (2). In our manuscript, we only briefly discuss our current knowledge about aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) inhibition therapy for the treatment of alcohol user disorder (AUD) due to space limitation. We greatly appreciate Dr. Brewer for elaborating on previous findings in the area of ALDH2 inhibition therapies that were tested both in patients and in animal models (1). It is true that the effects of ALDH2 genotype on alcohol-seeking behavior have been well documented (3) and many drugs that … [↵][1]2To whom correspondence may be addressed. Email: bgao{at}mail.nih.gov. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
Combined Inhibition of PIM and CDK4/6 Suppresses Both mTOR Signaling and Rb Phosphorylation and Potentiates PI3K Inhibition in Cancer Cells

Aberrant activation of mitogenic signaling pathways in cancer promotes growth and proliferation of cells by activating mTOR and S6 phosphorylation, and D-cyclin kinases and Rb phosphorylation, respectively. Correspondingly, inhibition of phosphorylation of both Rb and S6 is required for robust anti-tumor efficacy of drugs that inhibit cell signaling. The best-established mechanism of mTOR activation in cancer is via PI3K/Akt signaling, but mTOR activity can also be stimulated by CDK4 and PIM kinases. In this study, we show that the CDK4/6 inhibitor abemaciclib inhibits PIM kinase and S6 phosphorylation in cancer cells and concurrent inhibition of PIM, CDK4, and CDK6 suppresses both S6 and Rb phosphorylation. TSC2 or PIK3CA mutations obviate the requirement for PIM kinase and circumvent the inhibition of S6 phosphorylation by abemaciclib. Combination with a PI3K inhibitor restored suppression of S6 phosphorylation and synergized to curtail cell growth. By combining abemaciclib with a PI3K inhibitor, three pathways (Akt, PIM, and CDK4) to mTOR activation are neutralized, suggesting a potential combination strategy for the treatment of PIK3CA-mutant ER+ breast cancer.
Probing Crystallization Effects when Processing Bulk-Heterojunction Active Layers: Comparing Fullerene and Nonfullerene Acceptors

Control of polymer aggregation by selective introduction of backbone disorder via random copolymerization has proven to be effective for optimizing the coating of fullerene-based bulk-heterojunctio...
Drinking water contaminants in California and hypertensive disorders in pregnancy.

Author(s): Padula, Amy M; Ma, Chen; Huang, Hongtai; Morello-Frosch, Rachel; Woodruff, Tracey J; Carmichael, Suzan L | Abstract: Environmental pollutants have been associated with hypertensive disorders in pregnancy including gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and eclampsia, though few have focused on drinking water contamination. Water pollution can be an important source of exposures that may contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes.MethodsWe linked water quality data on 13 contaminants and two violations from the California Communities Environmental Health Screening Tool to birth records from vital statistics and hospital discharge records (2007-2012) to examine the relationship between drinking water contamination and hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. We examined contaminants in single- and multipollutant models. Additionally, we examined if the relationship between water contamination and hypertensive disorders in pregnancy differed by neighborhood poverty, individual socioeconomic status, and race/ethnicity.ResultsArsenic, nitrate, trihalomethane, hexavalent chromium, and uranium were detected in a majority of water systems. Increased risk of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy was modestly associated with exposure to cadmium, lead, trihalomethane, and hexavalent chromium in drinking water after adjusting for covariates in single pollutant models with odds ratios ranging from 1.01 to 1.08. In multipollutant models, cadmium was consistent, lead and trihalomethane were stronger, and additional contaminants were associated with hypertensive disorders in pregnancy including trichloroethylene, 1,2-Dibromo-3-chloropropane, nitrate, and tetrachloroethylene. Other contaminants either showed null results or modest inverse associations. The relationship between water contaminants and hypertensive disorders in pregnancy did not differ by neighborhood poverty.ConclusionsWe found increased risk of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy associated with exposure to several contaminants in drinking water in California. Results for cadmium, lead, trihalomethane, and hexavalent chromium were robust in multipollutant models.
Stemmed versus stemless total shoulder arthroplasty: a comparison of operative times

Abstract Background Total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) is the gold standard treatment of end-stage glenohumeral osteoarthritis. TSA with stemless humeral implants have shown comparable rates of success to stemmed components. Prolonged operative time is associated with increased cost, surgical, and medical complications, and higher rates of infection. Therefore, the goal of this study was to evaluate operative time with stemless TSA compared to stemmed TSA. We hypothesize that stemless TSA will be associated with less operative than stemmed TSA. Methods In this retrospective case-control study of 80 consecutive patients, 40 patients underwent stemless TSA and 40 patients underwent stemmed TSA. To eliminate potential bias due to individual surgeons surgical techniques, the cohorts were matched by surgeon in a 1:1 ratio. Only primary TSA, without augmented glenoid implants, were included. We evaluated the difference in operative time between groups. Operative time was defined as time from incision to commencement of wound closure. Results Our sample included 62.5% and 55% females in the stemmed and stemless cohorts respectively. Patients in the stemless group were noted to be younger with a mean age of 61 compared to 68 in the stemmed group (P Conclusion In this case-control study, matched by surgeon to avoid technique bias, evaluating stemmed and stemless humeral components for anatomic TSA, we noted a significantly shorter operative time in favor of stemless TSA. The clinical and economic impact of this difference remains unclear.
Racial differences in indications for obstetrical toxicology testing and relationship of indications to test results.

BACKGROUND Despite illicit substance use in pregnancy occurring across all demographic groups, minority pregnant and delivering patients with a low income tend to undergo testing at a higher rate than their counterparts. National guidelines for indications do not exist and ordering of toxicology testing may be applied inequitably. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate whether any documented indications in a large cohort of patients were associated with a positive toxicology test and whether indications for urine toxicology testing were applied consistently to different demographic groups. STUDY DESIGN This was a retrospective cohort study reviewing pregnant and delivering patients who underwent toxicology testing on obstetrical units at 1 institution from May 30, 2015, to December 31, 2018. Age, race, marital status, median income of residential ZIP code, indications for testing, and test results were collected for each patient by individual chart review. Indications included preterm complications (preterm prelabor rupture of membranes or preterm labor), abruption or hypertension, reported substance use, fetal complications, maternal complications, and none. Multivariate logistic regression models were analyzed for the association between indication and test result and the likelihood of marijuana as the sole positive test result. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the relationship of indication for testing with maternal race. RESULTS Among 20,274 births, 551 patients underwent toxicology testing during the study period. No indication for drug toxicology testing was associated with a positive result, except reported current or previous substance use. Compared with White patients, Black and Hispanic women were 4.26 times (95% confidence interval, 2.55–7.09) and 5.75 times (95% confidence interval, 2.89–11.43) more likely to have toxicology testing for an indication other than reported substance use, respectively. Of all patients with positive test results (n=194), 48% tested positive for marijuana only. CONCLUSION Compared with their White counterparts, Black and Hispanic pregnant and delivering patients may be more frequently toxicology tested for indications less clearly associated with illicit substance use. The absence of evidence-based guidelines for toxicology testing on obstetrical units risks inequitable care and stigmatization of patient groups.
The Predictive Role of the Theories of Markedness and Language Transfer in Second Language Acquisition

The aim of this paper is twofold: one, to focus on one of the most neglected areas of second language acquisition research - the phonology/phonetics of second languages (See Tarone, 1978); and, two, to examine the predictive role of two different theories - the theory of Markedness (Jakobson, 1941; Chomsky and Halle, 1968; and Postal, 1968) and the theory of Language Transfer (Lambert and Rawlings, 1969). The two theories are selected for their relevance for language universals and language acquisition patterns. These two goals are achieved by way of conducting an experimental study of the acquisition of Hindi aspiration in adult learners with English as their native language.
Broadband Scattering from Sand and Sand/Mud Sediments with Extensive Environmental Characterization

Abstract : The long-term goal is to model the effects of volume heterogeneities, both discrete and continuous, in scattering from sand and mud sediments. A better understanding of the role of heterogeneities in seabed scattering could lead to improvements in sediment characterization using remote sensing techniques and a greater understanding of the mechanisms that affect mid-frequency reverberation.
National Cost Savings From Observation Unit Management of Syncope

Objectives Syncope is a frequent emergency department (ED) presenting complaint and results in a disproportionate rate of hospitalization with variable management strategies. The objective was to estimate the annual national cost savings, reduction in inpatient hospitalizations, and reduction in hospital bed hours from implementation of protocolized care in an observation unit. Methods We created a Monte Carlo simulation by building a model that reflects current clinical practice in the United States and uses inputs gathered from the most recent available peer-reviewed literature and national survey data. ED visit volume was adjusted to reflect observation unit availability and the portion of observation visits requiring subsequent inpatient care. A recent multicenter randomized controlled study informed the cost savings and length of stay reduction per observation unit visit model inputs. The study population included patients aged 50 years and older with syncope deemed at intermediate risk for serious 30-day cardiovascular outcomes. Results The mean (±SD) annual cost savings was estimated to be $108 million (±$89 million) from avoiding 235,000 (±13,900) inpatient admissions, resulting in 4,297,000 (±1,242,000) fewer hospital bed hours. Conclusions The potential national cost savings for managing selected patients with syncope in a dedicated observation unit is substantial. Syncope is one of many conditions suitable for care in an observation unit as an alternative to an inpatient setting. As pressure to decrease hospital length of stay and bill short-stay hospitalizations as observation increases, syncope illustrates the value of observation unit care.
Recommendations for the 90's

The paper reports on the changing role of the small college counselor in the 90's and the subsequent difficulties. Also reported are eleven recommendations to help counselors cope with these changes and to help alleviate the stresses of the new role.
5‐[4‐(9‐Fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl)aminomethyl‐3,5‐dimethoxyphenoxy]pentanoic Acid (PAL Linker)

[115109-65-4] C29H31NO7 (MW 505.57) InChI = 1S/C29H31NO7/c1-34-26-15-19(36-14-8-7-13-28(31)32)16-27(35-2)24(26)17-30-29(33)37-18-25-22-11-5-3-9-20(22)21-10-4-6-12-23(21)25/h3-6,9-12,15-16,25H,7-8,13-14,17-18H2,1-2H3,(H,30,33)(H,31,32) InChIKey = ATYUCXIJDKHOPX-UHFFFAOYSA-N (acid-labile linker/handle used for solid-phase synthesis of peptide amides, and more general applications to solid-phase organic synthesis) Alternate Names: peptide amide linker, Fmoc-PAL. Physical Data: mp 178–180 °C (para), 116–118 °C (ortho). Analytically calculated for C29H31NO7 (MW 505.57): C, 68.90; H, 6.18; N, 2.77. Found: C, 68.92; H, 6.16; N, 2.80. Solubility: soluble in most polar organic solvents. Form Supplied in: the title compound is a crystalline solid. It is available in its pure para, pure ortho, or ortho/para mixture as a solid, off-resin. It can also be obtained attached to a suitable solid support. See main text for further details. Analysis of Reagent Purity: NMR, elemental analysis, TLC, or other chromatographic criteria. Preparative Methods: can be prepared in five steps in solution, starting with Vilsmeier formylation of 3,5-dimethoxyphenol. Purification: para—recrystallization from minimal hot MeOH–CHCl3 (2:1), then chilling to −20 °C; ortho—recrystallization from minimal hot MeOH. Handling, Storage, and Precautions: no special precautions are necessary. Details depend on whether the reagents are solid organic compounds or are attached to a solid support. If possible, they should be refrigerated to increase the shelf-life. Disposal: these compounds are not particularly hazardous, and standard methods for solid organic waste disposal should be adequate.
Detection of a Circulating Gastric Secretagogue in Plasma Extracts from Normogastrinemic Patients With Acid Hypersecretion

Extracts were prepared from plasma of 12 subjects with normal serum gastrin concentration (less than 125 pg/ml), 5 normal subjects and 7 patients with duodenal ulcer and basal gastric acid hypersecretion (greater than 15 mEg/hr). Bioassays of plasma extracts were performed in anesthetized rats with perfused stomachs and acid out-puts were compared with those produced by normal saline and by 50 ng pentagastrin given in random order. Compared with saline, plasma extracts from 5 of 7 hypersecretor patients produced significant stimulation of acid secretion while none of the extracts from normal subjects produced acid stimulation. The stimulant identified in plasma from hypersecretor patients appears to be distinct from gastrin.
Bilateral intranigral microinjection of morphine and opioid peptides produces antinociception in rats

Bilateral intranigral microinjection of morphine produced dose-related and naloxone-reversible antinociceptive effects on the tail-flick and hot-plate tests. Intranigral injection of enkephalin had antinociceptive effects on both tests, and dynorphin had an antinociceptive effect on the hot-plate test. This is the first report of evidence that nigral opiate receptors may mediate antinociception.
Myocardial infarction complicating bacterial endocarditis in rheumatic heart disease

A case of rheumatic heart disease with massive myocardial infarction from coronary embolism complicating bacterial endocarditis is reported. The rarity of this complication in the pediatric age group as compared to the adult age group remains unexplained. Early recognition depends on serial electrocardiographic and enzymatic determinations.
The C13(p, n)N13 reaction cross section from threshold to 13 MeV

The cross section for the C/sup 1//sup 3/(p,n)N/sup 1//sup 3/ reaction is measured at 0 deg from threshold to 13.1 Mev and at 90 deg from threshold to 5.3 Mev. Resonances are observed, some of which can be attributed to known states in N/sup 1//sup 4/. No indication is found of a neutron group leading to the first excited state in N/sup 1//sup 3/, but above 8 Mev there is evidence for neutrons leading to the second or third excited state. In the energy range between threshold and 13 Mev fifty angular distributions of the neutrons leading to the ground state of N/sup 1//sup 3/ are determined. The angular distributions are similar in shape over energy intervals of two or three Mev. At the end of an interval the angular distributions change character quite suddenly. Over much of the energy range there is pronounced backward peaking with a secondary maximum near 50 deg and no forward peak. Above 11.4 Mev the angular distributions are in qualitative agreement with a simple direct interaction calculation. The differential cross sections are integrated to give the total cross section for the reaction. (auth)
Case studies of vector generalized additive models in environmental health and combustion research

Two case studies are presented in which vector-valued, generalized additive models (VGAM) have played pivotal roles. In Case 1, each subject was sequentially exposed via face mask to five concentrations of butanol, with 60 s allowed between exposures to record sensations on six response scales (overall and odor intensity, eye, nose and throat irritation, and pleasantness). This was repeated immediately for a second replication, and then repeated twice again using five concentrations of pentanone. Preliminary data analysis indicated both a lack of trend in response with increasing exposure concentration and poor reproducibility between replications. Both problems were resolved by introducing two covariates, namely optimally scaled, monotone transforms of the previously recorded overall and odor intensity scores. This suggested that either (1) the mechanical system was not zeroing between exposure levels, or (more likely) (2) subjects retained either a residual of the actual stimulus or sensations of the stimulus from the previous exposure. This case illustrates that optimal transforms need not always be identified in terms of known functions. Case 2 is based on molecular structures of dioxin and furan, each of which admits the presence of 1–8 chlorine atoms. Measurements of these 16 homologues were reported for 24 test runs when burning refuse derived fuel (RDF) under varying conditions of HCl, coal, and lime injection. VGAM results, based on log-ratios of homologue composition, suggested that the effects of [SO2] and [SO2]/[HCl] were implemented through Michaelis–Menten kinetics. All-possible-subsets selection among VGAMs was crucial to model selection, and is illustrated. Empirical transforms were sufficient for simulations under alternative test conditions. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of Nonlinear Transient Motion of Cables Using Bond Graph Method

The dynamic motion of underwater cable systems under hydrodynamic load is investigated using the system formulation of bond graph technique. The cable system can be a single mooring line or a multimooring system with nonuniform cables. The dynamic behavior of the cable systems due to fluid excitations, such as strumming force and surface waves is calculated in this paper by using digital simulation programs. Based on the results of this study, the author concludes that the complicated transient motion of underwater cable systems can be treated successfully with this technique.
5-HT1A receptors mediate (+)8-OH-DPAT-stimulation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MAP kinase) in vivo in rat hypothalamus: Time dependence and regional differences

Abstract Brain serotonin 1A (5-HT 1A ) receptors play an important role in mood disorders and can modulate various intracellular signaling mechanisms. We previously reported that systemic administration of either full or partial 5-HT 1A agonists increases neuroendocrine responses and that tandospirone, an azapirone partial agonist, can activate (phosphorylate) extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN). In contrast, decreased levels of phosphoERK (pERK) have been reported in hippocampus following in vivo administration of either azapirone or aminotetralin 5-HT 1A agonists, such as 8-hydroxy-2-dipropylaminotetralin (8-OH-DPAT). The present study investigated the time-dependent activation of MAP kinase in hypothalamus by (+)8-OH-DPAT to determine the regional differences and receptor specificity of the changes in pERK. Adult male rats received a systemic injection of (+)8-OH-DPAT (200 μg/kg, s.c.). The time-dependent changes in ERK activation were examined in hypothalamic nuclei as well as other brain regions associated with modulation of mood. (+)8-OH-DPAT produced a rapid increase (at 5 min) and transient return (at 15 min) of pERK levels in PVN and medial basal hypothalamus. In contrast, pERK levels in hippocampus were reduced at both 5 and 15 min after (+)8-OH-DPAT. Pretreatment with the 5-HT 1A receptor-specific antagonist N -[2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]- N -(2-pyridinyl)cyclohexanecarboxamide (WAY100635) completely blocked the (+)8-OH-DPAT-mediated changes in pERK levels in PVN, medial basal hypothalamus, and hippocampus. No significant (+)8-OH-DPAT-induced changes in pERK were observed in dorsal raphe or amygdala. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that 8-OH-DPAT activation of MAP kinase signaling in vivo is a transient and region-specific phenomenon and in rat hypothalamus and hippocampus is mediated by 5-HT 1A receptors.
Clinical Results with the Acorn Cardiac Restraint Device with and without Mitral Valve Surgery

Progressive left ventricular (LV) remodeling is part of the unfavorable natural history in patients with heart failure (HF). The CorCap™ Cardiac Support Device (CSD) is a mesh device that is implanted around the heart to reduce wall stress and the first therapy specifically designed to address LV remodeling. Early clinical studies have shown that the CSD is safe and associated with improvements in LV structure and function and patient symptoms. The CorCap™ was studied in the largest prospective randomized multicentered trial of a surgical device ever completed. The study demonstrated both safety and effectiveness of the CorCap™ in patients with advanced heart failure and remodeled ventricles.
Bendless Alters Thoracic Musculature in Drosophila

bendless- (ben-) is an X chromosome mutation in Drosophila melanogaster, known to alter patterns of connections in the CNS and thus modify behavior (Thomas and Wyman, 1984). We report that in addit...
The Effect of Principal Bending Curvature on the Lateral Buckling of Uniform Slender Beams

The general lateral buckling equation is developed for a uniform, slender, simply supported beam fixed in tersion and with a load applied at the shear center of the midspan cross section. In this general equation, the effect of principal bending curvature (i.e., beam deflection prior to buckling) is completely accounted for. Therefore, a distinction is made between beams fixed in torsion about the deformed or undeformed elastic axis, and distinct boundary conditions are derived for each case. The equations for each of the two support conditions are then specialized to include only the first-order effect of principal bending curvature and these equations are compared with similar equations for cantilever beams and beams in pure bending. Finally, simplified buckling load formulas are derived and compared with numerical solutions of the general equations for each of the lateral buckling configurations. The comparison shows that the approximate formulas provide good estimates for the buckling load and that the classical buckling load formulas that neglect principal bending curvature are not always conservative for infinitely slender beams. /Author/
Twilight migrations and foraging activities of the copper sweeper Pempheris schomburgki (Teleostei: Pempheridae)

During 1976 and 1977, movements and foraging activities of Pempheris schomburgki were studied on the shallow coral reefs of northeastern St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. P. schomburgki emerge from daytime refuges on the backreef at about local sunset. Fifteen to 20 min after sunset, local milling groups move beyond the confines of the reef and assemble into larger groups. Twenty-five to 30 min after sunset they move in several waves along complex routes through the reef to forereef feeding grounds. Migrations of up to 1 km occur along the forereef. The reverse sequence occurs in the morning, but is earlier with respect to ambient light levels. The principal stages of these activities appear to be triggered by a combination of absolute light level, rate of change of light and state of adaptation of the eye. Migrating aggregations gradually split up into small, well-dispersed feeding groups, relatively evenly spaced along the forereef. Few individuals feed on the backreef. The principal available food consists of meroplanktonic crustaceans not available during the daytime. P. schomburgki mainly select the larger-sized individuals (mean length 5 to 6 mm), although some particles less than 1 mm are taken. These events probably represent adaptations to optimize diurnal sheltering sites, feeding grounds and the avoidance of predator activity.
IC-P-076: Patterns of age-related reduced cerebral blood flow and diminished white matter integrity by high-field perfusion and diffusion MRI

connectivity between the right middle FG and all other voxels in the brain. Results: Task performance was not statistically different between groups. There was no statistically significant difference in activation between groups. The right middle FG of the HC and MCI groups had strong positive linear correlation bilaterally to the visual cortex, inferior and superior parietal lobules, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and anterior cingulate. The HC group had higher positive linear correlation of the right middle FG to the visual cortex, parietal lobes and right DLPFC compared to the MCI. The MCI had higher positive linear correlation to the cuneus and inferior parietal lobule. In both groups the right middle FG had negative linear correlation to inferior parietal lobules and medial temporal regions and additionally in the HC to the medial frontal areas. In the negatively linearly correlated regions, the MCI group had smaller functional connectivity to the medial frontal areas compared to the HC because there was no linear correlation in the MCI group. Conclusions:The putative presence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) neuropathology in MCI affects functional connectivity from the right middle FG to the visual areas and medial frontal areas. In addition, higher linear correlation in the MCI group in the parietal lobe may indicate the initial appearance of compensatory processes. Functional connectivity can be an effective marker for detecting functional changes in MCI subjects.
Effects of verb bias and syntactic ambiguity on reading in people with aphasia

Background: The Lexical Bias Hypothesis claims that people with aphasia (PWA) have difficulty understanding sentences when the verb’s argument structure bias conflicts with the sentence structure. This hypothesis can account for comprehension deficits that affect simple sentences, but the role of verb bias has not been clearly demonstrated in temporarily ambiguous sentences.Aims: This study examined how verb bias affects comprehension of temporarily ambiguous and unambiguous sentences using self-paced reading.Methods & Procedures: PWA and controls read sentences that contained sentential complements (e.g., The talented photographer accepted (that) the fire could not have been prevented). The main verb was biased to take a direct object (e.g., accepted) or a sentential complement (e.g., admitted). In addition, the sentential complement was either introduced by the complementiser that (i.e., unambiguous) or unmarked (i.e., ambiguous).Results: The reading times of PWA were affected more by verb bias than by ...
Modulation of Rho GTPase Signaling Regulates a Switch between Adipogenesis and Myogenesis

Mature adipocytes and myocytes are derived from a common mesenchymal precursor. While IGF-1 promotes the differentiation of both cell types, the signaling pathways that specify the distinct cell fates are largely unknown. Here, we show that the Rho GTPase and its regulator, p190-B RhoGAP, are components of a critical switch in the adipogenesis-myogenesis "decision." Cells derived from embryos lacking p190-B RhoGAP exhibit excessive Rho activity, are defective for adipogenesis, but undergo myogenesis in response to IGF-1 exposure. In vitro, activation of Rho-kinase by Rho inhibits adipogenesis and is required for myogenesis. The activation state of Rho following IGF-1 signaling is determined by the tyrosine-phosphorylation status of p190-B RhoGAP and its resulting subcellular relocalization. Moreover, adjusting Rho activity is sufficient to alter the differentiation program of adipocyte and myocyte precursors. Together, these results identify the Rho GTPase as an essential modulator of IGF-1 signals that direct the adipogenesis-myogenesis cell fate decision.