cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Patient Safety during Rapid Sequence Intubation When Using Succinylcholine Instead of Nondepolarizing Paralytic Agents: Should We Change a Common Rapid Sequence Intubation Pathway?

Background: Succinylcholine is a depolarizing agent used for rapid sequence intubation (RIS). While the agent is the most widely used drug of choice in most emergency departments (EDs), the adverse effect profile is lengthy compared to nondepolarizing paralytic agents included rocuronium and vecuronium. Objectives: Our objective in this analysis is to detect potential safety signals and differences in safety related outcomes between patients that received succinylcholine compared to those that received rocuronium or vecuronium when undergoing RSI. Specifically, we asked whether there was a difference in all-cause mortality, whether succinylcholine was used in patient later found to have contraindications to the medication, as well as differences in the rates of rescue airway or difficult airway algorithms utilized. Methods: We utilize two clinical cases as a framework to review adverse events among ED patients undergoing RSI when using succinylcholine compared to nondepolarizing agents over a 7 years’ period at our institution as part of a quality review project. The review is retrospective and does not allow us to link adverse events specifically with drug but, instead, considers aggregate level event frequency. Results: From January 31, 2013, to January 31, 2018, there were 36,059 intubations with paralytics in the ED (75.39% with succinylcholine and 24.61% with rocuronium or vecuronium). There was no evidence of death or associated adverse events in 98.49% of patients. Of 36,059 intubations, 14 patients expired, representing 0.039% of all RSI encounters. There were 39/100,000 total deaths during RSI events. There was a higher rate of mortality in the combined vecuronium/rocuronium group (90/100,000) compared to the sample of patients intubated with succinylcholine (22/100,000). Conclusions: While the succinylcholine adverse effect profile is concerning, data from our institution does not support removal of the agent as an available option for RSI as the mortality rate among patients receiving succinylcholine was lower than that of patients receiving non-depolarizing agents. Patient level data will be needed in future work to further understand why the all-cause mortality rate was higher in the group receiving rocuronium or vecuronium and whether those patients had increased risk of mortality from underlying disease at time of presentation.
Exposure to Sleep, Rest, or Exercise Impacts Skill Memory Consolidation but so Too Can a Challenging Practice Schedule.

When discussing procedural learning, it is now routine to consider both online and offline influences for skill acquisition. This is because it is commonly assumed that the evolution of a novel skill memory continues well after practice is over. Indeed, factors impacting offline contributions to skill memory development such as sleep and exercise have garnered considerable research interest in recent years. This is partly due to their capacity to foster post-practice consolidation, a process that has been identified as critical to moving a skill memory from a labile to more stable or elaborate form. While uncovering the potency of non-practice factors to facilitate consolidation is undoubtedly important, the present opinion is designed to remind the reader that a practice schedule, organized to challenge the learner, can, in and of itself, be effective in supporting consolidation resulting in significant gains in long-term skill retention. Significance Statement Adopting “best practices” is an objective for training and rehabilitation design and typically focuses on practice composition. Recent work has championed post-practice activities, such as sleep and exercise, as critical to the evolution of skill memory. Such practice adjuncts presumably facilitate skill acquisition by improving memory consolidation. The present opinion highlights the potency of practice organization as a means to also improve post-practice consolidation illustrated by findings revealing that experience with an interleaved rather than repetitive practice format results in performance gains for up to 72-hr following the conclusion of training. Such latent gains are associated with heightened primary motor cortex excitability following practice in a manner similar to that observed when supplementing practice with sleep or exercise.
Kinetic changes associated with extended knee landings following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in females

Abstract Objectives To determine the relationship between knee flexion excursion symmetry and lower extremity kinematics, kinetics, and muscle, joint, and ligament forces in females 1–3 years after ACL reconstruction. Design Cross-sectional. Setting Laboratory. Participants Twenty-one, college-aged females. Main outcome measures Lower extremity kinetics and kinematics, including estimated muscle, tibiofemoral, and ligament forces were assessed using 3D motion analysis and a musculoskeletal modeling approach. Participants demonstrating greater than 10% asymmetry in knee flexion excursion were classified as landing with an “extended knee”. Group and between-limb differences were compared. Results Ten participants were classified as landing with an “extended knee” on the involved limb, while eleven exhibited a symmetric landing pattern. Participants landing with an “extended knee” demonstrated reduced knee extension moment and quadriceps force in the involved limb (p Conclusions These findings indicate that an “extended knee” landing pattern was associated with reduced knee extension moment and quadriceps muscle force in females 1–3 years after ACL reconstruction. This may represent an altered strategy that clinicians may choose to identify and address during rehabilitation.
An Evaluation of Natural Environment Interventions for Informal Cancer Caregivers in the Community.

Home-based informal caregiving by friends and family members of patients with cancer is be-coming increasingly common globally with rates continuing to rise. Such caregiving is often emo-tionally and cognitively demanding, resulting in mental exhaustion and high perceived burden. Support for caregivers may be fostered by engagement with the natural environment. Interaction with nature is associated with mental health benefits such as stress reduction and improved well-being. The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the state of the science regarding the use of nat-ural environment interventions to support caregivers of cancer patients in the community. A comprehensive scoping review using the Arksey and O’Malley framework and the Preferred Re-porting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses assessed natural environment therapies and mental health outcomes among cancer caregivers. Databases searched included CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Alt HealthWatch. Findings recovered a total of five studies over a 10-year period that met criteria, demonstrating a lack of empirical evidence addressing this po-tential resource to support caregivers. Often, study appraisal was not on nature exposure, but ra-ther other aspects of the projects such as program evaluation, exercise, or complementary thera-pies. Both qualitative and quantitative designs were used but sample sizes were small. Caregivers experienced beneficial results across the various studies and future work could enhance these findings.
Extracellular matrix as a solid-state regulator in angiogenesis: identification of new targets for anti-cancer therapy

Angiogenesis, the growth of blood capillaries, is regulated by soluble growth factors and insoluble extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules. Soluble angiogenic mitogens act over large distances to initiate capillary growth whereas changes in ECM govern whether individual cells will grow, differentiate, or involute in response to these stimuli in the local tissue microenvironment. Analysis of this local control mechanism has revealed that ECM molecules switch capillary endothelial cells between differentiation and growth by both binding specific transmembrane integrin receptors and physically resisting cell-generated mechanical loads that are applied to these receptors. Control of capillary endothelial cell form and function therefore may be exerted by altering the mechanical properties of the ECM as well as its chemical composition. Understanding of this mechanochemical control mechanism has led to the development of new angiogenesis inhibitors that may be useful for the treatment of cancer.
Interdisciplinary team teaching improvements

Interdisciplinary team teaching improvements are described for a sophomore mathematics course on differential equations and linear algebra offered at the University of Kansas every semester in a team environment by mathematics and engineering professors. The five-hour course is required for engineering, computer science, and atmospheric science majors. Significant improvements are described beyond the team teaching experiences reported at FIE 1996. In response to a recent ABET visit, a coordinating committee composed of engineering and mathematics professors who had been involved with the course mandated several changes to be initiated in fall 2002. The implementation and success of these course changes are described from the viewpoints of the engineering professor (the author), mathematics professor, teaching assistants, and sophomore students in the course. The author had team-taught the course twice previously, served on the coordinating committee, and teamed up with one of the mathematics professors to teach during the initial semester under a new format. This paper describes recent improvements in the interdisciplinary team-taught course, discusses the strategy of using and coaching teaching assistants for weekly recitations, and describes a process for continuous improvement in compliance with EC 2000.
Correction of the amino acid sequence of calf liver microsomal cytochrome b5.

Abstract Reinvestigation of the amino acid sequence of calf liver microsomal cytochrome b5 revealed the presence of an additional nonapeptide. The position of this hydrophobic peptide in the sequence is distal to the lysine Residue 19.
Evaluating Experiential Teaching Methods in a Policy Practice Course: The Case for Service Learning to Increase Political Participation

This study compares the effects of experiential learning on policy-related values, competency, and activity levels of two groups of recent MSW graduates from one university. The study group received experiential service learning in the MSW program, primarily in an advanced policy course, while the comparison group did not. The author explains experiential teaching and service learning methods, as well the activities included in the policy course. Results indicate that both groups placed a high value on political skills. However, the experiential group was significantly more likely to perceive themselves as competent policy practitioners and to perform policy-related activities after graduation.
Scalable HAIPE discovery using a DNS-like referral model

This paper presents a scalable concept for the dynamic discovery of High Assurance Internet Protocol Encryption (HAIPE) devices situated across multiple "striped" network segments. The term "striped" in this context refers to traversing from a red (or classified) network to a black (or unclassified) network to a red network in multiple concatenated fashion (i.e., red-black-red-black-red...) There are many reasons why network "segmentation" using IP encryption may occur: use of a commercial satellite link, traversing from one secure facility to another on an existing base networks, operating over a radio frequency network, and so on. Each of these network segments or enclaves need to be secured (in this case, via IP encryption) which causes the segments to exist. The boundary between red and black sides is assumed to be protected via a HAIPE device. Our design also addresses mobile enclaves (where whole networks may come and go every 15 minutes) and multi-homed enclaves (where multiple entry/exit points exist). Finding how one traverses this striped environment and operate on a global scale (millions of network) are key challenges and the subject of this paper
Calibrating bayesian network representations of social-behavioral models

While human behavior has long been studied, recent and ongoing advances in computational modeling present opportunities for recasting research outcomes in human behavior. In this paper we describe how Bayesian networks can represent outcomes of human behavior research. We demonstrate a Bayesian network that represents political radicalization research – and show a corresponding visual representation of aspects of this research outcome. Since Bayesian networks can be quantitatively compared with external observations, the representation can also be used for empirical assessments of the research which the network summarizes. For a political radicalization model based on published research, we show this empirical comparison with data taken from the Minorities at Risk Organizational Behaviors database.
Genetic analysis workshop 9: Development of problem 1

Problem 1 was designed to involve an oligogenic model with four "disease susceptibility" loci, such that all individuals with at least four "upper-case" alleles were at equal risk to be affected (and those with three or fewer were not at risk). Two of these loci were identical to marker loci, thus giving rise to weak disease-marker associations. The other two were located between marker loci, with no linkage disequilibrium. Participants were given 200 nuclear families with at least one affected child, along with 100 control families with no affected individuals. The first two loci were intended to be detectable via association analysis. The remaining two loci were virtually undetectable in this data set.
CABG after successful PTCA: A case-control study

We sought characteristics predictive of the need for operative revascularization subsequent to a successful coronary angioplasty. Through June 1993, 128 patients who had successful percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) between January 1982 and March 1989 required subsequent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) at our hospital. These cases were matched with 128 controls who had a successful PTCA but did not require subsequent CABG. Controls were matched to cases by the date of their initial PTCA. Before initial PTCA there were no differences between the cases and controls in terms of age, sex, prior myocardial infarction, ejection fraction, duration of anginal symptoms, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, family history, or obesity (all not significant). A greater number of cases had diabetes (35 versus 18; p = 0.009). Angiography before initial PTCA revealed that cases had a greater mean number of total lesions (4.1 versus 3.3; p = 0.002) and a higher incidence of left anterior descending and circumflex artery stenoses of 70% or greater (98 versus 75 and 57 versus 34, respectively; p = 0.006). The mean number of lesions successfully dilated was greater in cases (2.4 versus 1.7; p = 0.0001). Cases had CABG at a mean interval of 16.7 ± 23 months. There were 17 late deaths among cases and 9 among the controls at a mean of 38.6 ± 30 months. The survival probability at 5 years was 94.5% for controls and 87.9% for cases ( p = 0.048). Initial revascularization by PTCA is followed by CABG at a brief interval in a subset of patients who have markers of more severe disease than do patients who do not require early CABG. Patients treated with PTCA and CABG have a poorer long-term survival. The method of initial revascularization should be considered carefully as markers of more severe disease may indicate primary CABG and avoidance of an initial PTCA.
Effects of early experience with electric shock and dexamethasone on avoidance conditioning at adulthood

The effects of dexamethasone on adult avoidance behavior and plasma corticosterone levels was observed in rats subjected to electric shock stimulation and/or dexamethasone treatment during early life. In the absence of dexamethasone, early stimulation increased the number of avoidance responses. Dexamethasone did not influence avoidance behavior in any systematic manner, but did decrease corticosterone levels when administered at maturity. Electric shock stimulation during infancy resulted in lower corticosterone levels relative to unmanipulated controls whether or not these animals had been treated with dexamethasone.
Adsorption and diffusion properties of flours from different types of rice

The adsorption of acid and basic dyes on rice flour from three different U.S. rice varieties has been studied by means of new kinetic analytical methods. The reaction conditions were adjusted such that protein was the predominant adsorbent of the dyes used in the adsorption experiments. The rice flour protein, which was mostly glutelin (80–95% of the total protein) had nucleophilic character, and the binding to protein was a strongly diffusion limited process. The adsorption and the average stoichiometric adsorption ratios of the cationic dyes were much higher than the same ratios with acid dyes (7·5 vs. 0·3). Dye adsorption of medium rice grains was different from the other two rice grains (long and short), and the experiments revealed indirectly the differences in protein structures and in the diffusion resistance structure of rice flours and starches.
Experimental methods for speech synthesis by rule

An experimental system for synthesis by rule has been developed, consisting of a parallel-resonance synthesizer, a laboratory computer, and two computer programs. To drive the synthesizer, values for each of its parameters must be specified at appropriate intervals. The "Rules" program (an elaboration of earlier work done with Holmes and Shearme at the Joint Speech Research Unit) accepts an input string representing an utterance phonemically, and an auxiliary input consisting of rules in tabular form for synthesis of the segmental and prosodic phonemes of a particular dialect. From these inputs, the sets of parameter values for the utterance are calculated. The "Executive" program reads the parameter value sets into memory and transmits them to the synthesizer. This program also enables the variation of the transmission rate editing of the stored values, disk storage and retrieval of the parameter value sets for a large number of utterances and synthesis of a sequence of utterances.
A competitive test of the core solution in side‐payment games

This study investigates multiperson decision making in group systems. An experiment was conducted to test the core solution against other theories of payoff allocation in n-person games. Five hundred seventy-six subjects participated in three-person cooperative, superadditive, side-payment games with nonempty core. The manipulated experimental variables included core size, location of the equality payoff vector with respect to the core, and strength of the 23 coalition. Results indicate that the core solution has greater predictive accuracy in games having small rather than large cores and in games with the equality vector located inside rather than outside the core. More important, the results show that the core solution is less accurate than the Shapley, nucleolus, and disruption nucleolus solutions. These findings cast doubt regarding the empirical accuracy of the core solution in side-payment games.
Effects of adenosine analogs and ouabain on rhythmicity in human coronary artery

Abstract The effects of adenosine receptor agonists and ouabain on rhythmicity were studied in coronary arteries obtained from 12 human donors. Ring segments of left anterior descending coronary arteries were suspended in organ baths for measurement of isometric tension. Prostaglandin F 2α (PGF 2α ; 10 μM) produced tonic contractions followed by phasic relaxations. The phasic relaxations were completely abolished by either 100 nM ouabain or 50 nM KCl and changed to tonic contraction. The rhythmicity was also inhibited in K + -free medium. The adenosine analogs, 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA) and 2-chloroadenosine (CAD) caused a concentration-dependent relaxation of the maximum force, minimum force, and decreased the frequency of rhythmicity. In rings that did not show phasic activity in response to PGF 2α , NECA and CAD produced concentration-dependent relaxation of the tonic contraction. Prior treatment with ouabain (100 nM) prevented the relaxing response of these compounds and the development of rhythmicity. Our data show that PGF 2α -induced rhythmicity in human coronary arteries could be inhibited by ouabain, alterations in K + concentrations and by adenosine analogs. The relaxations produced by adenosine analogs could also be inhibited by ouabain.
Magnitude-Estimation Scaling of Computerized (Digitized) Speech under Different Listening Conditions

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the quality of tape-recorded speech sentences and speech sentences digitized at low, moderate, and high sampling rates by young adults under different listening conditions (quiet vs noise) using magnitude-estimation scaling. A single group of 24 young adults participated as subjects. The tape-recorded speech sentences and digitized speech sentences were presented to each subject in quiet and in the presence of background noise at a signal-to-noise ratio of 0 dB. The subjects were instructed to use magnitude-estimation scaling to evaluate these sentences by assigning a number that corresponded to the speech quality of each sentence. An analysis of variance with repeated measures was performed to assess the effects of mode of speech and listening condition on the magnitude-estimation responses. The analysis showed that the main effects for mode of speech and listening condition were statistically significant. The interactions of mode of speech by listening condition were also statistically significant. Pairwise comparisons showed that the magnitude-estimation responses were higher in the quiet condition than in the corresponding noise condition for each level of mode of speech. Based on the results, the implications of the present study and several avenues for later research are discussed.
Muscle Fatigability and Control of Force in Men with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Introduction Acute stress can increase fatigability and decrease steadiness of sustained low-force contractions that are required for functional tasks in upper limb muscles. Whether motor performance is more impaired in people with a chronic stress disorder is not known. Purpose This study compared the fatigability and steadiness (force fluctuations) of handgrip muscles in veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and civilian controls in the presence and absence of varying levels of cognitive demand. Methods Eighteen veterans with PTSD and 21 healthy controls (33 ± 9 yr) attended three randomized experimental sessions to perform an isometric fatiguing contraction (20% of maximal strength) with the handgrip muscles. Two sessions involved performing a cognitive task during the fatiguing contraction: 1) difficult mental math task (stressor) and 2) a simple mental math task (mental attentiveness). A third session involved a fatiguing contraction with no mental task (control). Results Stress elevated heart rate, blood pressure, and levels of anxiety in veterans with PTSD (P 0.05). Conclusions Veterans with PTSD demonstrated greater fatigability and loss of steadiness (greater force fluctuations) of the handgrip muscles compared with healthy controls. Significance Male veterans with PTSD demonstrated altered neuromuscular function of arm muscles that potentially affects functional tasks during daily, ergonomic, and military activities.
Oxygen recombination kinetics following laser photolysis of oxyhemoblobin

Summary Oxygen recombination kinetics following laser flash photolysis of human oxyhemoglobin have been measured. Photolysis levels of 60–70% have been achieved with a 1 joule, 1 microsecond, 580 nanometer Rhodamine 6-G-ethanol liquid dye laser. The ratio of fast to slow rate constants was found to be 7 with the fast phase having a value of 5 × 107M−1 sec−1 and the slow phase a value of 7 × 106M−1sec−1. Both values were obtained with 40μM heme in 0.1 M phosphate at pH 7 and 23°C. The quaternary conformational change in hemoglobin at pH7 occurs in less than a few microseconds.
Formation of Mo and MoSx nanoparticles on Au(111) from Mo(CO)6 and S2 precursors: electronic and chemical properties

Abstract Mo(CO) 6 can be useful as a precursor for the preparation of Mo and MoS x nanoparticles on a Au(1 1 1) substrate. On this surface the carbonyl adsorbs intact at 100 K and desorbs at temperatures lower than 300 K. Under these conditions, the dissociation of the Mo(CO) 6 molecule is negligible and a desorption channel clearly dominates. An efficient dissociation channel was found after dosing Mo(CO) 6 at high temperatures (>400 K). The decomposition of Mo(CO) 6 yields the small coverages of pure Mo that are necessary for the formation of Mo nanoclusters on the Au(1 1 1) substrate. At large coverages of Mo (>0.15 ML), the dissociation of Mo(CO) 6 produces also C and O adatoms. Mo nanoclusters bonded to Au(1 1 1) exhibit a surprising low reactivity towards CO. Mo/Au(1 1 1) surfaces with Mo coverages below 0.1 ML adsorb the CO molecule weakly (desorption temperature x nanoparticles. The formed MoS x species are more reactive towards thiophene than extended MoS 2 (0 0 0 2) surfaces, MoS x films or MoS x /Al 2 O 3 catalysts. This could be a consequence of special adsorption sites and/or distinctive electronic properties that favor bonding interactions with sulfur-containing molecules.
The Influence of Surface Modification on the Epoxidation Selectivity and Mechanism of TiSBA15 and TaSBA15 Catalysts with Aqueous Hydrogen Peroxide

The thermolytic molecular precursor method was used to introduce site-isolated Ti(IV) and Ta(V) centers onto the surface of a mesoporous SBA15 support. The resulting surface SiOH, TiOH, and TaOH sites were modified with a series of (N,N-dimethylamino)trialkylsilanes, Me2NSiMe2R (where R = Me, n Bu, or n Oc). Compared to the unmodified catalysts, the surface-modified catalysts are more active in the epoxidation of cyclohexene with H2O2 and exhibit a markedly greater selectivity for cyclohexene oxide (up to 58% for Ti(IV) and greater than 95% for Ta(V)). In situ spectroscopies were used to probe this phenomenon, and it was determined that a siloxy-capped Ti(IV) or Ta(V) site is essential to achieve the high epoxide selectivity.
A parallel edge-betweenness clustering tool for Protein-Protein Interaction networks

The increasing availability of protein-protein interaction graphs (PPI) requires new efficient tools capable of extracting valuable biological knowledge from these networks. Among the wide range of clustering algorithms, Girvan and Newman's edge betweenness algorithm showed remarkable performances in discovering clustering structures in several real-world networks. Unfortunately, their algorithm suffers from high computational cost and it is impractical for inputs of the size of large PPI networks. Here we report on a novel parallel implementation of Girvan and Newman's clustering algorithm that achieves almost linear speed-up for up to 32 processors. The tool is available in the public domain from the authors' website.
Informing and evaluating a metadata initiative: Usability and metadata studies in Minnesota’s Foundations Project

Abstract Minnesota’s Foundations Project is a multiagency collaboration to improve access to environmental and natural resources information. The Project chose the Dublin Core metadata standard for web resources. Three studies were conducted: needs assessment, Bridges web site user interface, and usability of controlled vocabulary in Dublin Core metadata. Based on these findings and information architecture, the Project published best practice guidelines. Controlled vocabulary is important to facilitate access. This is relevant to the third study on Dublin Core metadata, which tested keyword searches of web pages to determine the effectiveness of controlled vocabulary in the Dublin Core subject tag. Central to the Best Practice Guidelines is the User Guide to Dublin Core, which offers an element-by-element understanding of the metadata schema. Current bibliographies and reports show further background work that informed the decision-making process for such important choices as metadata schema, thesaurus and thesaurus management software, search engine, and RDF/XML standards.
ACE inhibitor-induced angioedema.

Much has been written about hereditary angioedema (HAE) in recent literature; however, the prevalence of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor–induced angioedema (ACEiIA) far exceeds that of HAE. Similarly, multiple therapies have been developed for HAE, yet no definitive therapy is available for ACEiIA. In this article, we discuss the mechanism, prevalence, pathophysiology, and management of ACEiIA, with focus on newer therapies recently approved for HAE and how they may be effective for ACEiIA.
(D-(p-benzoylphenylalanine)13, tyrosine19)-melanin-concentrating hormone, a potent analogue for MCH receptor crosslinking.

A photoreactive analogue of human melanin-concentrating hormone was designed, [d-Bpa13,Tyr19]-MCH, containing the d-enantiomer of photolabile p-benzoylphenylalanine (Bpa) in position 13 and tyrosine for radioiodination in position 19. The linear peptide was synthesized by the continuous-flow solid-phase methodology using Fmoc-strategy and PEG-PS resins, purified to homogeneity and cyclized by iodine oxidation. Radioiodination of [d-Bpa13,Tyr19]-MCH at its Tyr19 residue was carried out enzymatically using solid-phase bound glucose oxidase/lactoperoxidase, followed by purification on a reversed-phase mini-column and HPLC. Saturation binding analysis of [125I]-[d-Bpa13,Tyr19]-MCH with G4F-7 mouse melanoma cells gave a KD of 2.2±0.2×10−10 mol/l and a Bmax of 1047±50 receptors/cell. Competition binding analysis showed that MCH and rANF(1–28) displace [125I]-[d-Bpa13,Tyr19]-MCH from the MCH binding sites on G4F-7 cells whereas α-MSH has no effect. Receptor crosslinking by UV-irradiation of G4F-7 cells in the presence of [125I]-[d-Bpa13,Tyr19]-MCH followed by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and autoradiography yielded a band of 45–50 kDa. Identical crosslinked bands were also detected in B16-F1 and G4F mouse melanoma cells, in RE and D10 human melanoma cells as well as in COS-7 cells. Weak staining was found in rat PC12 phaeochromocytoma and Chinese hamster ovary cells. No crosslinking was detected in human MP fibroblasts. These data demonstrate that [125I]-[d-Bpa13,Tyr19]-MCH is a versatile photocrosslinking analogue of MCH suitable to identify MCH receptors in different cells and tissues; the MCH receptor in these cells appears to have the size of a G protein-coupled receptor, most likely with a varying degree of glycosylation. Copyright © 1999 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ions upstream of the Earth's bow shock: A theoretical comparison of alternative source populations

The trajectories of ions reflected or leaked upstream from the earth's bow shock and subject solely to the Lorentz force in a steady interplanetary magnetic field B and the V x B electric field are studied theoretically. Expressions are obtained for the guiding center motion and gyromotion in a frame (the Hoffman-Teller frame) moving parallel to the shock surface with sufficient speed to transform the incident solar wind velocity into motion entirely along the interplanetary magnetic field. Equations are derived which transform these motions back to the observer's frame. The predicted upstream motions for four different source models for upstream ions are compared using these expressions: magnetic moment-conserving reflection of solar wind ions, specular reflection of solar wind ions, magnetic moment-conserving leakage of magnetosheath ions, and leakage of magnetosheath ions parallel to the shock normal.
Rabbit muscle glycogen-bound phosphoprotein phosphatases: substrate specificities and effects of inhibitor-1.

Abstract A phosphoprotein phosphatase which has an apparent molecular weight of 240,000 was partially purified (500-fold) from the glycogen-protein complex of rabbit skeletal muscle. The enzyme exhibited broad substrate specificity as it dephosphorylated phosphorylase, phosphohistones, glycogen synthase, phosphorylase kinase, regulatory subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase, and phosphatase inhibitor 1. The phosphatase showed high specificity towards dephosphorylation of the β-subunit of phosphorylase kinase and site 2 of glycogen synthase. With the latter substrate, the presence of phosphate in sites 1a and 1b decreased the apparent Vmax, perhaps by inhibiting the dephosphorylation of site 2. The phosphorylated form of inhibitor 1 did not significantly inhibit this high-molecular-weight phosphatase. However, an inhibitor 1-sensitive phosphatase activity could be derived from this preparation by limited trypsinization. Furthermore, greater than 70% of the phosphatase activity in skeletal muscle extracts and in the glycogen-protein complex was insensitive to inhibitor 1. Limited trypsinization of each fraction obtained from the phosphatase purification increased the total activity (1.5- to 2-fold) and converted the enzyme into a form which was inhibited by inhibitor 1. The results suggest that inhibitor 1-sensitive phosphatase may be a proteolyzed enzyme.
Grabbing Hold of a Moving Target: Identifying and Measuring the Transformative Learning Process

In this literature review, 10 empirical qualitative research articles published since 1999 are analyzed to better understand how researchers use Jack Mezirow's transformative learning theory as a f...
Exciton states in organic alloys: Naphthalene-perdeuteronaphthalene

Abstract The lower band-edge energy of the first single exciton of naphthalene has been determined as a function of concentration in a C10H8/C10D8 alloy. Experimentally, the vibronic 0–512 fluorescence at 2 K and 1 cm−1 resolution has been measured. Theoretically, the coherent potential approximation (CPA) and the negative factor counting (NFC) results have been derived from the work of Hong and Kopelman. Agreement is good within the experimental and computational uncertainties (2–3 cm−1).
Structural aspects of sessile invertebrates as organizing forces in an Estuarine fouling community

Abstract The role of physical structure in the development of a fouling community in the Broadkill River Estuary, Delaware, was examined over the period March 1975 through January 1976. Asbestos cement panels and “mimic” panels were used to collect sessile fouling organisms and their motile associates. “Mimic” panels contained various objects representing the structural aspects of dead barnacles, tunicates, and hydroids. These are the dominant structural forms of early successional stages in the community. Structure provided by mimics enhanced settlement of both mussels (Mytilus edulis L.) and tunicates (Molgula manhattensis (DeKay)). Settlement of the hydroid Tubularia crocea (Agassiz) was unaffected by mimic structure, while colonization by barnacles (Balanus improvisus Darwin) and serpulid polychaetes (Hydroides dianthus Verrill) was more successful on bare surfaces than on mimic panels. These responses to structure correspond with patterns observed in the unaltered community, and which eventually determined its species composition. Balanus and Hydroides selected only bare surfaces for settlement and were earlier successional species. Molgula and Mytilus prefered previously occupied substrates, and Mytilus eventually dominated. The number of motile species on panels was positively correlated with the number of sessile species and negatively correlated with sessile species dominance. Sessile and motile diversity were causally related; this resulted from responses of motile species to structure supplied by sessile forms. More motile species were found on mimic as opposed to plain panels during early development. Physical structure supplied by sessile fouling species is an important characteristic of the system that determines habitat preferences and habitat suitability for both other sessile species and associated motile forms.
Taking a sexual history

Why should you inquire about sexual concerns? The importance of sexual health to a woman's quality of life and general health and well-being cannot be overstated, yet the topic is too often ignored by gynecologists and primary care physicians. This article has been geared toward helping overcome some of the barriers to physicians simply opening the door to the topic and conducting at least a basic sexual history and screening of sexual concerns. Although treatment options are addressed elsewhere in this issue, the most effective treatment of all is to ask. You cannot treat a problem if you do not know it exists.
Association as a Psychological Justification for Ownership

Abstract As noted by legal scholars (e.g., Saks, 1986), little research has been conducted on the psychology of ownership decision making. The present research examined this issue within a psychological framework which showed that an individual's judgments about a target can be affected by the presence of an association between the target and another entity. In three experiments, subjects were asked to resolve a dispute between two parties over possession of an object. In Study 1, subjects judged that the person pictured with an object had a stronger claim of ownership over it. Study 2 showed that prior use was a justification for ownership and that past investment in an object (in terms of working with it) was a justification for ownership, a finding replicated in the third study. In Study 3, the intentions of the disputants affected the strength of their perceived claim of ownership.
GROWTH HORMONE TREATMENT IN A CHILD WITH LATEX ALLERGY AND MYELOMENINGOCELE. 50

Latex allergy is recognized with increasing frequency in children with myelomeningocele. A 5 year old female child with a documented history of latex allergy and myelomeningocele was evaluated for poor growth. The patient had a history of rashes/urticaria and one episode of wheezing upon exposure to products made of natural rubber latex. Following an endocrinologic evaluation growth hormone (GH) therapy was planned. GH is routinely dispensed in powdered form in a glass vial with rubber stopper and administered by insulin syringe. The stopper is entered by syringe multiple times (once when the diluent is added and then daily to withdraw the GH for injection), potentially releasing latex particles into the solution, which could be injected into the patient along with the GH. Prior to initiating GH therapy the patient had a positive latex-specific IgE antibody test =7.1 ng/ml (> than 2.0 ng/ml indicates a high propensity for developing an allergic reaction). Because of concern of anaphylaxis, the patient was admitted to the hospital for prick and intradermal skin testing with the prepared GH solution. In order to more closely mimic home administration of GH, the diluent was added 7 days prior to use. The vial was stored inverted (to maximize contact with the rubber stopper) and the rubber stopper entered several times with a needle. The patient's response to this solution of GH (0.74 mg= daily dose) was equal to that of the negative control (saline) while demonstrating an adequate response to the positive control (histamine). The patient has been treated with GH (0.3 mg/kg/week) for a total of 9 months without any adverse reactions. Despite an increase in the latex-specific IgE antibody test to 11.1 ng/ml one month after the initiation of GH therapy, she has never experienced any local nor systemic reactions to the GH and continues on this current therapy. The development of latex allergy in children with myelomeningocele is of increasing concern. Latex allergy should not preclude treatment with GH. With appropriate measures, children with latex sensitivity may be treated with GH without adverse reaction.
Surgical Residency and Attrition: Defining the Individual and Programmatic Factors Predictive of Trainee Losses

Background Voluntary resident attrition remains problematic despite recent changes in postgraduate general surgery training, including reduction of work hours. Study Design We conducted a prospective study of all postgraduate year (PGY)-1 and -2 trainees on the 2008 American Board of Surgery resident roster (ABS-RR) who completed the National Study of Expectations and Attitudes of Residents in Surgery (NEARS) survey after the American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination (ABSITE) in 2008 or 2009. Results Among 2,222 PGY-1 and -2 residents on the 2008 ABS-RR, 2,033 completed the NEARS survey in 2008 or 2009 (91.5%). The only demographic or programmatic variables associated with voluntary attrition on univariate analysis were PGY-1 status (9.4% risk vs 4.5% risk for PGY-2, p Conclusions Resident attitudes, PGY-1 status, and program location are most frequently associated with voluntary attrition. Our risk score calculation represents a novel potential tool for programs to quantify deficiencies in the training experience of residents, and develop targeted strategies to limit disaffection and improve resident retention.
An options view of investments in expansion-flexible manufacturing systems

Traditional financial investment evaluation methods are often unsuitable for evaluating investments in flexible manufacturing systems. We present a novel method of valuing expansion flexibility, based on options theory, and illustrate its use through a detailed example. This method captures additional characteristics of the problem that are not addressed by traditional methods, and can be used for comparing investment alternatives as well as justifying them. The managerial implications of this method are analyzed.
Ground-Water Quality and Structural Control in Southeastern Virginia

Investigations into the stratigraphy, structure, piezometric surfaces, and ground-water chloride concentrations of the York-James peninsula and adjacent Coastal Plain areas to the south indicate that these geologic factors display a mutual dependence. North-south e-log correlations across the area support existence of the proposed Hampton Roads fault in the vicinity of the James River. Isochlor contours trend subparallel to the James River in the York-James peninsula, and piezometric surfaces show a marked dissimilarity on either side of this river boundary. The high chloride concentrations in this area, plus the disruption of the ground-water system, imply fault control and incursions of saline waters along the Hampton Roads fault zone during times of recurrent movement. A similar situation exists near the confluence of the James River with the Chesapeake Bay, where a disrupted piezometric surface and a high chloride zone are found in conjunction with a proposed north to north-westerly trending fault zone, the Norfolk Hinge. Highest chloride concentrations, greatest disruption of the piezometric surface, and greatest stratigraphic displacement occur near the intersection of these two faults.
Medically treated prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas: when should we operate?

AbstractBackground. The incidence of medical failure for prolactin (PRL)-secreting pituitary tumours is not well known. Object. The purpose of this study is to report clinical, radiographic and laboratory findings of PRL-secreting tumours that predict failed medical management. Methods. An analysis of 92 consecutive patients was performed that met the inclusion criteria. Decision for surgery was made based on failure of dopamine agonists to either control clinical symptoms and normalise hormonal level or diminish mass effect on follow-up evaluation. Results. Of the 92 patients treated, 14 patients (15%) required trans-nasal, trans-sphenoidal pituitary surgery (TSS). One patient underwent surgery for repair of a skull defect and 13 patients (14%) required surgery after failed medical management. Higher initial PRL was statistically significant regarding the need for surgical intervention, but a persistently abnormal level after initiation of treatment was a more significant predictor (Fisher exact test, p ...
Cell biology: a channel for protein waste.

Cells destroy misshapen proteins; viruses use the same methods to destroy healthy cellular proteins that are involved in antiviral defences. A long-sought intermediary in the process has now been uncovered.
The viscosity of liquid metals

In order to make the kinetic theory of liquid viscosity tractable, an approximate from is suggested for the perturbation of the radial distribution function of a monatomic liquid by a nonuniform flow field. Substitution of this form into the microscopic expression for the pressure tensor yields an equation for liquid viscosity in terms of the equilibrium distribution function and the interatomic potential energy function. This equation establishes the basis for a corresponding states correlation of the viscosity of liquid metals based on atomic parameters. The viscosity data for twenty-one molten metals are made to fall on a single curve by the adjustment of one microscopic parameter. It is found that this empirically determined parameter has the proper fundamental significance. Therefore it is possible to estimate it independently and to use the general correlation for estimating the viscosity of a metal for which data are not available. Also it is suggested that the atomic parameters determined from viscosity data in this way might be used to correlate other properties of the liquid metals.
Influence of the Number of Statewide Referenda Involving Emotionally-Charged Issues on Voter Turnout, 2006

The issue of same-sex marriage is an emotionally charged one. So is the issue of abortion. This is true to the point where it has resulted in several cases in the placement of statewide referenda on the ballot for voter approval or disapproval. This study tests the hypothesis that greater numbers of such emotionally charged referenda may increase voter turnout because they may elevate the expected gross benefits of voting by empowering “interested voters” while not significantly increasing the expected gross costs of voting. Using state-level data for all 50 states for the 2006 general election, and after allowing for a variety of economic and demographic factors, this study finds compelling evidence that the numbers of statewide referenda dealing with same-sex marriage and abortion did in fact significantly increase voter turnout.
Radical palliative surgery: new limits to pursue.

This case report describes the radical subtotal palliative resection of a massive recurrent desmoid tumor encompassing the abdomen, pelvis, and groin in a child who was 13 years old at the time of initial resection. Given the extensive distribution of the tumor en bloc resection, which is the standard treatment of desmoid tumors, would have meant performing a hemipelvectomy and repair of a large abdominal wall defect, likely with skin grafts and mesh. The patient’s personal goals however were to alleviate the pain and limited mobility that would allow her to re-attend high school and appear normal to her peers. Therefore, palliative surgery was pursued and currently the patient is 5 years out from her last surgery doing well. We believe that the option of surgical palliation in this case was warranted and should be an option for similar cases in the future.