cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cannabis use by Patients with Multiple Sclerosis in Colorado (P3.2-092)

Objective: To explore cannabis use among patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) treated at a large academic medical center in a state where cannabis is legal. Specifically, we examined: 1) prevalence of use, 2) patient characteristics of cannabis users (CUs) and non-users (NUs; e.g., demographics, disability status), 3) symptoms cannabis is used to manage, and 4) cannabis products used (e.g., combustable vs. edible). Background: Studies suggest that cannabis may be useful for the management of symptoms like pain and muscle spasticity. However, few studies have explored the profile of PwMS who are CUs and the characteristics of their use, particularly in a state where cannabis is legal recreationally and medicinally Design/Methods: PwMS completed a questionnaire via tablet computer assessing personal opinions about cannabis use, characteristics of cannabis use, sociodemographics, and MS history, as well as the Patient Determined Disease Steps (PDDS), Patient Reported Outcome Measure Information System (PROMIS-10), and Neuro-QoL ACGC v1.0 measures. Results: Of 251 respondents, 38% were current CUs. No sociodemographic differences between CUs and NUs were found (p > 0.05), but CUs reported significantly higher disability compared to NUs on the PDDS (p ≤ 0.05). Among CUs, 57% categorized their use as strictly medicinal. Among strictly medicinal CUs, 91% use products that are not combusted/smoked and 83% reported using products with at least some CBD (vs. only THC). Strictly medicinal CUs also had significantly reduced self-reported physical health on the PROMIS-10 (p ≤ 0.05) and higher reported disability on the PDDS (p ≤ 0.01). CUs reported using cannabis most often to manage pain and insomnia, with 79% reporting that they experience no side-effects. Conclusions: Legalization efforts appear to be increasing the number of PwMS seeking out cannabis as a complimentary-alternative medicine, with CUs self-reporting that their products of choice are highly efficacious and noting minimal side-effects. Disclosure: Dr. Domen has nothing to disclose. Dr. Weinkle has nothing to disclose. Dr. Shelton has nothing to disclose. Dr. Sillau has nothing to disclose. Dr. Nair has received personal compensation for consulting, serving on a scientific advisory board, speaking, or other activities with Astellas. Dr. Nair has received research support from Biogen, Novartis, Genentech, and Gilead Sciences. Dr. Alvarez has received personal compensation for consulting, serving on a scientific advisory board, speaking, or other activities with consulting fees from Biogen, Celgene, Genentech, Genzyme, Novartis, Teva, and TG Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Alvarez has received research support from Acorda, Biogen, Genentech, Novartis, and the Rocky Mountain MS Center.
A comparison of speaking up behavior during conflict with real and virtual humans

Speaking up about errors is an important, yet difficult, preventative technique.We examined how nurses spoke up to a human and a virtual surgeon.Nurses behaved the same while speaking up to the human and virtual surgeon.Speaking up to a virtual human can be as difficult as speaking up to a real human.Learning to speak up to virtual humans may help people speak up in the real world. Breakdowns in team communication are a common source of error. Unfortunately, even when errors are identified, team members may not speak up about the error, often out of fear of confrontation. We propose that virtual humans may be used to help prepare people to speak up. To this end, we conducted a between-subjects study examining speaking up behavior with real and virtual humans. Forty-eight nurses participated in a team training exercise that gave them an opportunity to speak up to a surgeon (either virtual or human, depending on condition) in order to protect a patient's safety. Our results suggest that speaking up behavior with the virtual surgeon closely approximated behavior with the human surgeon: no significant differences were found in participants' use of influence tactics ( p 0.149 ) or in the outcomes obtained ( p = 0.788 ) . However, participants were significantly more likely to ask the virtual anesthesiologist for input when working with the human surgeon ( p < 0.05 ) . Our findings suggest that participants found speaking up to the real and virtual surgeon to be of comparable difficulty. This is an important prerequisite before virtual humans can be used to prepare people to speak up about errors.
Tumor Resistance and Tumor Enhancement with SV40 Virus-induced Tumors

SV40 virus-induced tumors and cell cultures transformed by this virus possess new antigens. One antigen studied extensively has been the induced complement-fixation antigen, designated as SV40 “T” or neoantigen (Black et al., 1963; Rapp et al., 1964; Sabin et al., 1964; Habel et al., 1965; Gilden et al., 1965). The antigen can be detected by immunofluorescence techniques as described by Pope and Rowe (1964) employing sera from hamsters bearing noninfectious SV40-induced tumor transplants. In addition to the antigen measured by the complement-fixation (CF) reaction, evidence exists which points to the presence of cellular antigen(s) which are highly effective in promoting development of tumor resistance. This report is concerned with this latter type of antigen.
Radioactive Wastes Stabilization

This chapter focuses on radioactive wastes stabilization. The various case studies discussed in this paper demonstrate that CBPCs are a very versatile material for the stabilization of hazardous and radioactive waste streams. The waste form is a dense matrix, generally with very good mechanical properties. Also, it is nonleachable, does not degrade over time, is neutral in pH, converts even flammable waste into nonflammable waste forms, performs well within acceptable levels in radiolysis tests, and can incorporate a range of inorganic waste streams. Subsequently, organics are generally destroyed by combustion or other chemical means, and their volume is reduced The technology has been developed at ANL, which does not have the weapons waste with which the technology can be realistically demonstrated on site. Finally, only good cooperation between ANL and other, Department of Energy (DOE) sites can advance this technology.
Teaching Christian Faith Integration in Psychological Assessment Courses

Within the existing literature that emphasizes the integration of faith and psychology, topics related to psychological assessment are rare inclusions. Yet, it is commonly recognized that assessmen...
SU-E-T-513: Investigating Dose of Internal Target Volume After Correcting for Tissue Heterogeneity in SBRT Lung Plans with Homogeneity Calculation

Purpose It was recommended to use the prescription of 54 Gy/3 with heterogeneity corrections for previously established dose scheme of 60 Gy/3 with homogeneity calculation. This study is to investigate dose coverage for the internal target volume (ITV) with and without heterogeneity correction. Methods Thirty patients who received stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) to a dose of 60 Gy in 3 fractions with homogeneous planning for early stage non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were selected. ITV was created either from 4DCT scans or a fusion of multi-phase respiratory scans. Planning target volume (PTV) was a 5 mm expansion of the ITV. For this study, we recalculated homogeneous clinical plans using heterogeneity corrections with monitor units set as clinically delivered. All plans were calculated with 3 mm dose grids and collapsed cone convolution algorithm. To account for uncertainties from tumor delineation and image-guided radiotherapy, a structure ITV2mm was created by expanding ITV with 2 mm margins. Dose coverage to the PTV, ITV and ITV2mm were compared with a student paired t-test. Results With heterogeneity corrections, the PTV V60Gy decreased by 10.1% ± 18.4% (p<0.01) while the maximum dose to the PTV increased by 3.7 ± 4.3% (p<0.01). With and without corrections, D99% was 65.8 ± 4.0 Gy and 66.7 ± 4.8 Gy (p=0.15) for the ITV, and 63.9 ± 3.4 Gy and 62.9 ± 4.6 Gy for the ITV2mm (p=0.22), respectively. The mean dose to the ITV and ITV2mm increased 3.6% ± 4.7% (p<0.01) and 2.3% ± 5.2% (p=0.01) with heterogeneity corrections. Conclusion After heterogeneity correction, the peripheral coverage of the PTV decreased to approximately 54 Gy, but D99% of the ITV and ITV2mm was unchanged and the mean dose to the ITV and ITV2mm was increased. Clinical implication of these results requires more investigation.
Whistleblowing, Public Employees, and the First Amendment

The article examines the evolution of state employee First Amendment protections. What initially was fairly robust has now become much weaker and, in some cases, virtually nonexistent. For example, an individual who exposes corruption or threats to health and safety may be fired if those revelations were made in fulfillment of her professional duty. This regrettable development cannot help but result in harm, and should be reexamined.
Scanning Electron Microscope Study of Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Morphological studies utilizing various microscopy techniques have aided in our understanding of the gonococcus and gonorrhea. In this study scanning electron microscopy was used to study differences in virulent (colony types 1 and 2) and avirulent (colony types 3 and 4) gonococci relative to colony appearance, patterns of growth in liquid media, and surface features of individual cocci. Colony types of virulent gonococci are smaller in diameter but have a higher evaluation than those of avirulent mutants. Colony type 2 has a convex undersurface that is associated with surface pitting of solid media. When the colonies are grown in liquid media, various degrees of autoagglutination are observed; this is most pronounced with type 2 and least evident with type 4. Although pili may be involved in this phenomena, other mechanisms must be employed, since type 3 gonococci that lack pili autoagglutinate. Pili are seen on types 1 and 2 and are absent from types 3 and 4. They appear as individual threads radiating from the bacteria or as bundles of pili attaching adjacent cocci. Another extracellular structure consists of small spherical bodies that can coat the bacteria surface, attach to pili, or exist free from other bacterial components. These spheres are least evident with type 4. The gonococcal surface is pebbly with multiple sulci.
Gender and resource management: Community supported agriculture as caring-practice

Interviews with Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) growers in Iowa, a majority of whom are women, shed light on the relationship between gender and CSA as a system of resource management. Growers, male and female alike, are differentiated by care and caring-practices. Care-practices, historically associated with women, place priority on local context and relationships. The concern of these growers for community, nature, land, water, soil, and other resources is manifest in care-motives and care-practices. Their specific mix of motives differs: providing safe and nutritious food, educating self and others, and building relationships with other growers, shareholder-members, and the land. Care-practices include reducing or eliminating chemical usage, encouraging or accepting beneficial insects and wildlife, building soil, and creating resource management partnerships with shareholder members. CSA, viewed through a lens of care, may offer a means of transcending gender stereotypes.
Mechanism of inhibition of human neutrophil collagenase by Gold(I) chrysotherapeutic compounds. Interaction at a heavy metal binding site.

Abstract The mechanism of inhibition of two forms of human neutrophil collagenase (HNC) by six Au(I) compounds, some of which are used as chrysotherapeutic agents, has been investigated. The two forms of enzyme studied are active and latent HNC, the latter of which is activated by p-chloromercuribenzoate (PCMB). The effects of PCMB and Zn(II), which are normally included in the assays, on the activity of both forms of HNC and on their inhibition by these Au(I) compounds have also been studied. Zn(II) stimulates the activity of both the active and PCMB-activated latent forms of HNC up to a concentration of 50-100 microM, after which it inhibits markedly. PCMB activates latent HNC up to a concentration of 100 microM followed by inhibition at higher concentrations. Active HNC is not stimulated at PCMB concentrations below 100 microM, but is inhibited at higher concentrations. The stimulatory effects of Zn(II) and PCMB on HNC and its inhibition by PCMB are all attributable to binding at distinct sites. The inhibition of both active and PCMB-activated latent HNC by the Au(I) compounds is noncompetitive and is reversed by Zn(II). The inhibition of both forms of HNC by SKF 80544 and SKF 36914, which do not contain thiol ligands, is weak to moderate and is not influenced by the PCMB concentration. In contrast, PCMB markedly enhances the inhibition by Myocrisin, Sanocrisin, and Solganol by complexing to their thiol ligands to facilitate release of the Au(I) atom for binding to HNC. Cd(II) and Cu(II) also inhibit HNC noncompetitively, and inhibition is also reversed by Zn(II). Collectively, these data indicate that latent HNC contains a heavy metal binding site distinct from the active site at which Au(I), Cd(II), and Cu(II) bind to cause noncompetitive inhibition. Occupancy of this site by Zn(II) is characterized by retention of activity.
Partitioning the multiagent simple temporal problem for concurrency and privacy

In this paper, we describe the how a multiagent Simple Temporal Problem can be partitioned into private and shared components with important implications for privacy and concurrency.
Mitochondrial content and distribution changes specific to mouse diaphragm after chronic normobaric hypoxia

Chronic hypoxia reduces aerobic capacity (mitochondrial content) in limb skeletal muscles, and one of the causes seems to be decreased physical activity. Diaphragm and other respiratory muscles, ho...
Patella-tibial transfixation for posterior cruciate ligament repair and reconstruction: a biomechanical analysis.

The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) restricts posterior translation of the tibia on the femur. Because flexion of the knee increases tension on the PCL, the knee is usually immobilized in extension after PCL repair or reconstruction. Patella-tibial transfixation (olecranization), however, has been proposed to reduce the tension on the PCL without requiring immobilization of the knee. The objective of this study was: (1) to evaluate the distribution of strain in the anterolateral and posterior oblique fiber bundles of the PCLs in eight cadaveric knees before and after olecranization and (2) to measure the patellofemoral contact pressures at various degrees of knee flexion. Olecranization significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the strain on the anterolateral fiber bundles of the PCL at 15°–45° of flexion. No significant strain reduction was observed in the posterior oblique fiber bundles. Patellofemoral contact pressures measured from digitized Fuji sensitive film indicated significantly increased contact pressures (P < 0.05) following olecranization from 0°–60° of knee flexion. Increased parapatellar soft tissue tightness limited knee flexion to 90° and patella lift-off occurred at 75°. Although olecranization of the patella does reduce strain on the intact PCL within a selected range of motion, the beneficial effect of allowing early motion may be negated by the potentially harmful effects imposed upon the patellofemoral articular cartilage by increased contact pressures.
Photocatalytic degradation of p-amino-azo-benzene and p-hydroxy-azo-benzene using various heat treated TiO2 as the photocatalyst

The photocatalytic degradation of azo dyes in aqueous suspensions of TiO2 is comparatively a good method for the removal of these impurities. The extent of degradation is followed by UV–visible and IR spectroscopy. The degradation process is performed with various heat treated TiO2, in which anatase form of TiO2 exhibited marked photocatalytic activity.
Disordered media: Coherent random lasing

'Random lasing' in disordered materials was first shown over 20 years ago, but the mechanism by which it occurs is much debated. High-resolution imaging correlated to the excitation of random lasing from natural resonant cavities in conjugated polymers suggests there are many overlapping regimes and generation mechanisms involved.
Isolation and structure of amplexoside a. A new glycoside from Asclepial amplexicaulis.

A partir de la racine d'Asclepias amplexicaulis on a isole un nouveau glycoside de la serie pregnane, avec une potentialite d'action anti-cancer. Il possede l'aglycone: 12-cinnamoyl-20-O-acetylsarcostine. Les sucres asclepobiose et digitoxose se trouvent a C-3.
What Constitutes a Just Match?: A Reply to Murphy

In April of 2001 I published a brief commentary in the journal Academic Medicine questioning the current character and functioning of the National Residency Matching Program (or “the match,” as it is known in medical schools and teaching centers). The purpose of the article was to stimulate a rethinking of process. At 50 years old, the environment through which the match operates (and has helped to create) has changed, and as such I thought it time to ask ourselves whether or not the match, its algorithm, and, more important, the values it manifests might well need an overhaul.
Variations of soluble organic nitrogen and microbial nitrogen in deciduous forest soils along an urban–rural gradient

Abstract Soluble organic N and microbial N pools in terrestrial ecosystems have been less studied than those of inorganic N. Therefore, cross-system variation in their pool sizes and seasonal dynamics, both absolute and relative to inorganic N pools, needs to be quantified so that their ecological importance in different ecosystems can be evaluated. We measured extractable soil organic N (ESON), microbial biomass N (MBN), and the net production rates of ESON in red oak-dominated remnant forests, along an urban–rural gradient in the New York City metropolitan area. We were interested in (1) determining the seasonal dynamics of ESON and MBN, and (2) examining whether the contrasts in land use (urban, suburban, rural) surrounding these forest remnants were associated with different amounts of ESON and MBN. This field-based study was conducted continuously for 16 months. Yearly average ESON concentrations ranged from 60 to 140 mg kg−1 soil organic matter (SOM), 3–4 times those of inorganic N, and average MBN ranged from 600 to 1100 mg kg−1 SOM. There was a considerable MBN increase in spring in all plots across the gradient. The average increase expressed on an areal basis (to a depth of 7.5 cm) ranged from 1.75 to 4.19 g N m−2. The N incorporated into the microbial biomass in spring was gradually released later in the growing season (the mean MBN decrease ranged from 1.11 to 3.82 g N m−2). The spring MBN increase could be an important retention mechanism for conserving soil inorganic N when plant N uptake may be low. The amplitude in the seasonal dynamics of ESON was far less than that of inorganic N, as was that of net ESON production rates when compared to net N mineralization. These suggest a closer coupling of plant N uptake with inorganic N, much more than with ESON. Both ESON and MBN were significantly higher in rural soils than in urban soils, and both concentrations were positively correlated with SOM content. The variation in ESON, MBN, or SOM associated with this urbanization gradient suggests that the form of N exported, the plant N budget and soil N retention mechanisms may be differentially affected by urban, suburban and rural land uses.
Smith-Waterman peak alignment for comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC × GC-MS) is a powerful technique which has gained increasing attention over the last two decades. The GC × GC-MS provides much increased separation capacity, chemical selectivity and sensitivity for complex sample analysis and brings more accurate information about compound retention times and mass spectra. Despite these advantages, the retention times of the resolved peaks on the two-dimensional gas chromatographic columns are always shifted due to experimental variations, introducing difficulty in the data processing for metabolomics analysis. Therefore, the retention time variation must be adjusted in order to compare multiple metabolic profiles obtained from different conditions. We developed novel peak alignment algorithms for both homogeneous (acquired under the identical experimental conditions) and heterogeneous (acquired under the different experimental conditions) GC × GC-MS data using modified Smith-Waterman local alignment algorithms along with mass spectral similarity. Compared with literature reported algorithms, the proposed algorithms eliminated the detection of landmark peaks and the usage of retention time transformation. Furthermore, an automated peak alignment software package was established by implementing a likelihood function for optimal peak alignment. The proposed Smith-Waterman local alignment-based algorithms are capable of aligning both the homogeneous and heterogeneous data of multiple GC × GC-MS experiments without the transformation of retention times and the selection of landmark peaks. An optimal version of the SW-based algorithms was also established based on the associated likelihood function for the automatic peak alignment. The proposed alignment algorithms outperform the literature reported alignment method by analyzing the experiment data of a mixture of compound standards and a metabolite extract of mouse plasma with spiked-in compound standards.
DEVELOPING ONTOLOGIES FOR ENGINEERING INFORMATION RETRIEVAL

When engineering content is created and applied during the product lifecycle, it is often stored and forgotten. Since search remains text-based, engineers do not have the means to harness and reuse past designs and experiences. On the other hand, current information retrieval approaches based on statistical methods and keyword matching are not directly applicable to the engineering domain. We propose a new computational framework that includes an ontological basis and algorithms to retrieve unstructured engineering documents while handling complex queries. The results from the preliminary test demonstrate that our method outperforms the traditional keyword-based search with respect to the standard information retrieval measurement.
SURVIVAL OF Clostridium sporogenes (PA 3679) AND Bacillus coagulans IN GREEN BEANS AND TOMATOES HOME CANNED AT HIGH ALTITUDE (7200 FT)

USDA methods for home canning, adjusted for altitude, served as the control for evaluation of survival of Clostridium sporogenes (PA 3679) introduced into green bean and Bacillus coagulans into tomato packs. Variables included alterations in pounds of pressure and length of process time both greater and less than the control. Most Probable Number Technique was utilized to quantitate growth of organisms before and immediately following heat process. Growth occurred in the majority of samples processed. Neither control nor variable methods used were adequate for destruction of microorganisms in inoculated packs. USDA recommendations for canning green beans and tomatoes need to be reevaluated.
Modulation of TGF-β signaling by endoglin in murine hemangioblast development and primitive hematopoiesis

Endoglin (Eng), an accessory receptor for the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) superfamily, is required for proper hemangioblast and primitive hematopoietic development. However the mechanism by which endoglin functions at this early developmental stage is currently unknown. Transcriptional analyses of differentiating eng−/− and eng+/+ ES cells revealed that lack of endoglin leads to profound reductions in the levels of key hematopoietic regulators, including Scl, Lmo2, and Gata2. We also detected lower levels of phosphorylated Smad1 (pSmad1), a downstream target signaling molecule associated with the TGF-β pathway. Using doxycycline-inducible ES cell lines, we interrogated the TGF-β signaling pathway by expressing activated forms of ALK-1 and ALK-5, type I receptors for TGF-β. Our results indicate that ALK-1 signaling promotes hemangioblast development and hematopoiesis, as evidenced by colony assays, gene expression and FACS analyses, whereas signaling by ALK-5 leads to the opposite effect, inhibition of hemangioblast and hematopoietic development. In Eng−/− ES cells, ALK-1 rescued both the defective hemangioblast development, and primitive erythropoiesis, indicating that ALK-1 signaling can compensate for the absence of endoglin. We propose that endoglin regulates primitive hematopoiesis by modulating the activity of the Smad1/5 signaling pathway in early stages of development.
Using Psychodrama Techniques to Promote Counselor Identity Development in Group Supervision

Abstract The authors briefly introduce the concepts, techniques, and theory of identity development associated with J. L. Moreno's (1946, 1969, 1993) Psychodrama. Based upon Loganbill, Hardy, and Delworth's (1982) model, counselor identity development is conceptualized as consisting of seven developmental themes or vectors (e.g., issues of awareness and effective use of emotions in counseling, issues of professional ethics in counseling practice, etc.). Development along these seven psychosocial vectors may be regarded as resembling the process of role repertoire expansion described in Moreno's (1993) identity development theory. The authors present four representative psychodrama activities that have been used with supervisees in group supervision.
Interstitial Infusion of IL13-PE38QQR in the Rat Brain Stem

Interstitial infusion of IL13-PE38QQR, a tumor specific, chimeric cytotoxin, into the rat brain stem was performed in an effort to assess safety. Six rats underwent stereotaxic cannula placement into the pontine segment of the brain stem followed by a 24-h infusion of IL13-PE38QQR (volume of infusion (Vi) 200 microl) at a concentration of 10 microg/ml. The animals were assessed neurologically and then sacrificed either immediately or after 2 weeks. All animals tolerated the infusions without exhibiting any neurological changes. Postmortem examination of the brains revealed no significant histological changes beyond the site of the cannula tract. These findings indicate that supratherapeutic concentrations of IL13-PE38QQR administered by interstitial infusion into the rat brain stem is well tolerated and may serve as a potential therapeutic strategy for children with diffuse pontine gliomas.
Crush injury syndrome: Pathophysiology and treatment

The pathophysiology of crush injuries is reviewed with emphasis on early metabolic and renal complications. A therapeutic regimen to prevent and minimize these complications is outlined. Operative treatment should preserve as much tissue as possible, restore circulation, and decompress closed ischemic muscle compartments. Definitive closure should be delayed 48 hours when extensive contamination has occurred. Nerve and tendon repairs may be more satisfactorily accomplished at a second operation.
A new cleptoparasitoid of Gymnomerus laevipes (Hymenoptera, Vespidae, Eumeninae) and a description of its nest

Chrysis valida Mocsary was observed for the first time to be a cleptoparasitoid of Gyrnnornerus luevipes (Shuckard), as well as a new species of the Turkish. Nests constructed by G. laevipes were described from locations on creek banks approximately a meter above the base. G. laevipes makes thimble-shaped cells of clay, which are seated one a top the other, or side by side and built as a horizontal stem. The size of the nests is ranged from 11-14.5 (13.2 average) mm in length and 7.5-9 (8.6 average) mm in diameter.
Calcium Hydroxide as a Promoter of Hydrogen Absorption in 99.5% Fe and a Fully Pearlitic 0.8% C Steel during Electrochemical Reduction of Water

Abstract Calcium hydroxide (Ca[OH]2) surface films were found to enhance the efficiency of hydrogen absorption over a range of hydrogen overpotentials for cold-worked 99.5% alpha Fe and isothermall...
Therapeutic and "street" opioid users: compare the comparables.

Under-treatment of chronic pain remains a significant problem of our time. While opioids have been used to assuage pain since the dawn of history [1,2], the fear of diversion, addiction and misuse contribute to the reluctance on the part of providers to prescribe opioids for their patients. The epidemiological characterization of “street” drug users or chronic nonmalignant pain patient is complex. Outcome studies on the similarities (or differences) between these two groups following prolonged period of opioid usage would help to inform clinical providers and regulators. The study by Cowan et al. [3] compared the …
Styling Nietzsche: A Note on the Genealogy of Derridean Deconstruction

L'A. mene une comparaison entre la genealogie de la metaphysique de Nietzsche et l'entreprise derrideenne de deconstruction, ou il analyse en particulier leurs conceptions du langage
Reply to discussion of ‘Empirical vs natural weighting in random effects meta‐analysis’

Three discussion papers raise interesting points, but at the end of the day, we continue to recommend that past meta-analyses which have influenced public policy or clinical paradigms be reanalyzed by unweighted methods. For all future meta-analyses that employ either (a) fixed effects where concomitant treatment and/or eligibility are diverse or (b) classical random effects weighted methods, unweighted methods should serve as the primary analysis. Other analyses would be reasonable as secondary approaches. Two commentaries suggest that weights are only random to the extent of estimation errors in the between study and within study variance components. We shall demonstrate that even if these components are known, there is still considerable random variability in the weights. In fact, methods that try to weight the estimates inversely proportional to the variance have a number of undesirable properties, including bias, incorrect standard errors, inconsistency (including coverage of confidence intervals), and counter-intuitive properties that the expectation of the estimator changes both with the number of studies sampled and with constant multiples of sample size across all studies. These adverse properties do not exist for the unweighted approach. From the numerical example of phenylephrine 10 mg, despite the arguments of Waksman, the proper conclusion is that the collection of studies does not constitute evidence-based support for efficacy in terms of lowering nasal airway resistance. In the final section, we present two compelling examples where questionable inferences were made, with potential major public implications. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intracellular trafficking of the GLUT4 glucose transporter

Abstract GLUT4 function is dependent on cellular sorting and trafficking mechanisms that result in its intracellular sequestration in the basal state, and in its rapid redistribution to the plasma membrane in response to insulin stimulation. Structure–function studies utilizing chimeras of GLUT1 and GLUT4 have demonstrated that the 30-amino-acid COOH-terminus of GLUT4 is necessary and sufficient for its sequestration in intracellular membrane compartments in CHO, COS, L6 muscle cells, and 3T3-L1 adipocytes. When expressed in CHO, COS or other cells that do not contain endogenous GLUT4, intracellular retention is entirely dependent on a double leucine motif contained within the GLUT4 COOH-terminus, which directs both rapid endocytosis and intracellular retention of expressed transporters. However, in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, and additional motif or motifs in the 30-amino-acid COOH-terminus of GLUT4 may also operate to confer intracellular sequestration and insulin-mediated redistribution. Kinetic analyses of GLUT4 internalization and recycling indicate that insulin enhances the exocytic rate constant of GLUT4, and causes a small decrease in its internalization rate. Recent data suggest that phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases and their 3 phosphoinositide products may be required for GLUT4 exocytosis, perhaps through the regulation of components involved in membrane budding, fusion or movement. New findings support the hypothesis that insulin causes targeting of complexes containing insulin receptor substrate-1 and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase to the specialized GLUT4 sequestration compartment, providing a possible mechanism for insulin action.
Hot! Hot! – I: Eating Chilies

(1976). Hot! Hot! – I: Eating Chilies. Journal of Psychedelic Drugs: Vol. 8, No. 1, pp. 83-86.
Relevancy and pertinency in indexing

Underlying all types of subject analysis—descriptors, uniterms, subject headings, telegraphic abstracting, etc.—is the fundamental problem of selection of significant concepts and characteristics from a document to be recorded as reference points for use in future retrieval operations. Faced with several thousands of words normally found in a typical document, the analyst selects those words and ideas which seem significant, based upon his subjective knowledge of the subject matter. Such a selection is conditioned by his academic training, observance of the frequency of occurrence of certain words, knowledge of the pattern of use of the literature, acquaintance with the terminology used in the phrasing of questions to be put to the file, and comparative knowledge and ignorance of the association of ideas or relationships between the concepts recorded in the document. Pertinency is therefore in the eyes of the beholder and is relevant to the state of knowledge at any given time. The difficulty in subject analysis is one of recording characteristics for retrieval at a later date when the implications inherent in future requests are unknown at the time of recording and when the terminology has not yet crystallized into any standardized form. In the absence of a permanent description, information requests can either be translated into the archaic language and frozen concepts of the file or the file itself can be updated to match modern concepts and associations and to bring out implications subsequently made apparent by continually evolving technology. The continuous shift in traditional interests is illustrated in the current awareness type of literature search where the constant rearrangement of concepts is seen in the attempt to define interests whose relevance is not yet established. Superimposed on this is the problem of finding suitable words which characterize these shifting concepts. The words of the document are not necessarily those which are in current use, nor will they always be the same words used to characterize an information request put to the file at a later date. Thus it is necessary to use an artificial language (code, authority, list, notation, etc.) into which the natural language of the text and the languge of the request can be converted. This language should be such that it would serve as a more permanent and regularized language which would cut through the tangle of synonyms and infinity of syntactic structures. The coded thesaurus is suggested as a means of providing for this intermediary language at the same time as performing the function of being a means of bringing into coincidence the vocabularies of the future searches and retrieval system and indicate networks of related meaning and associated ideas. The association of ideas in the semantic code is suggested as a yardstick of predetermined relevancy. Experimental data will be presented to facilitate the establishment of objective criteria of relevancy and pertinency in searching operations.
EFFICIENCY OF A CONTROLLED-CYCLE EXTRACTOR

ABSTRACT Experimental studies were performed with a 4.0 in. (10.2 cm.) diameter extraction column containing ten dualflow type trays and operated in a controlled cycling mode. The systems methyl isobutyl ketone/acetic acid/water and toluene/acetone/water were used. The overall stage efficiency was found to be a function of the ratio of the volume of a phase transferred during a cycle to the volume of that phase held up on the tray, of the feed-to-solvent ratio, and of the phase throughput rates. A non-equilibrium model was developed to represent the experimental data. For the HIBK/acetic acid/water system, overall stage efficiencies were in the range of 30 to 38 percent, corresponding to HETS values of 0.46 to 0.55 meters. For the toluene/acetone/water system, overall stage efficiencies were in the range of 20 to 31 percent, corresponding to HETS values of 0.55 to 0.95 meters.
Late Holocene Lithic Procurement Strategies in the Northwestern Great Basin: The View from Paiute Creek Shelter, Nevada:

We present source provenance data from a sample of obsidian projectile points and unmodified flakes from Paiute Creek Shelter (PCS), a site in Nevada's Black Rock Desert that was first occupied 4,700 calendar years ago (cal BP). Significant differences between the source profiles of earlier (pre-1,450 cal BP) and later (post-1,450 cal BP) occupations suggest that toolstone procurement strategies changed over time at PCS. Before 1,450 cal BP, there was a heavy reliance on local toolstone directly procured from nearby sources. Although local toolstone remained important after 1,450 cal BP, non-local toolstone became more common at PCS, highlighting increased interactions with neighboring populations. The shift in toolstone use at PCS is but one of many changes in the archaeological record of the northwestern Great Basin after 1,500 cal BP.
The optical performance of perfluorocyclobutyl-based fluoropolymers and waveguides

The proliferation of optical systems has manifested the need for materials that possess a unique combination of physical, chemical, and optical properties as well as being easily fabricated into low loss waveguide structures. This paper focuses on the optical properties and waveguide performance of perfluorocyclobutyl-based (PFCB) polymers and copolymers. Topics include their experimental and theoretical optical performance, new PFCB derivatives and hybrids, and novel highly light emissive nanocomposites using inorganic lanthanide nanoparticles.
SIZE OF HOME TOWN AS A FACTOR AFFECTING ENVIRONMENTAL PERCEPTION

A semantic differential was used by 168 subjects to rate forest, beach, small town, desert, and large city. Four factor scales were produced: evaluation, spiritual, activity, and aesthetic appeal. ...
The capacity region of the discrete memoryless interference channel with strong interference (Corresp.)

The capacity region of the discrete memoryless interference channel with strong interference is established.
Kinetics of the reactions of dehydroascorbic acid in the presence of hydrogen sulfide

Abstract Kinetic measurements have been made on the reaction of dehydroascorbic acid in the presence of hydrogen sulfide. Two separate reactions were measured: a reversible reduction to ascorbic acid, and an irreversible change to an undetermined product. The order of both of these reactions was found to be 1. The rates of reaction of each were determined at various pH's and temperatures. It was found that the buffers used had a definite influence on the reactions. The rate of the irreversible reaction is at a minimum at a pH of about 3.5, and the reduction of dehydroascorbic acid is essentially complete at this pH. Below this pH, however, less than complete reduction is obtained. The rates depend on pH in such a way as to suggest that the reaction dehydroascorbic acid→ ascorbic acid takes place through the dehydroascorbate ion. The rate of reduction of dehydroascorbic acid by hydrogen sulfide was found to vary with temperature according to the Arrhenius equation, and also with the concentration of hydrogen sulfide. After correction for the change of solubility of hydrogen sulfide with temperature, the energy of activation (Δ E ) of this reaction was calculated to be 32,875 cal./mole.
A Twins study of communicative adaptability: Heritability of individual differences

Recently, a model of communication theory and research has appeared in the literature within which stable individual differences in communication behavior represent individual differences in activation thresholds of neurobiological systems. The neurobiological systems thought to underly communication traits and behavior are assumed to be primarily due to genetic inheritance. As such, the model assigns a limited role to adaptability in social situations, instead positing communication adaptability as an inherited trait. In the present study, heritability estimates for the dimensions of communicative adaptability were derived from correlations based on identical and fraternal twins’ responses to a multidimensional communicative adaptability measure. Results indicated that social composure was 88% heritable, wit was 90% heritable, social confirmation was 37% heritable, articulation ability, and appropriate disclosure were 0% heritable. Theoretical implications are discussed.
Separation of phosphatidylethanolamine from its oxidation and hydrolysis products by high-performance liquid chromatography.

Abstract 1-Palmitoyl-2-linoleoyl-phosphatidylethanolamine degrades relatively quickly when subjected to common storage and handling procedures. The degradation products consist of compounds in which double bonds in the sn -2 position acyl chain are partially oxidized and of products arising from the hydrolysis of the acyl ester bonds. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC), which is widely utilized to isolate and to ascertain the purity of phospholipids, does not readily separate the oxidation products from the parent lipid class. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), however, employing a normal phase column and an isocratic, UV-transparent solvent system, can be employed to produce a rapid analytical or preparative purification of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) from these degradative impurities.
The use of suramin, an antifibrotic agent, to improve muscle recovery after strain injury.

Background:Muscle strain injuries are extremely common in sports medicine. Muscle healing often is hindered by scar tissue formation after injury.Hypothesis:Suramin can prevent scar tissue formation and improve muscle healing after injury because of its ability to antagonize transforming growth factor– •1, a fibrotic cytokine.Study Design:Controlled laboratory study.Materials and Methods:In vitro, muscle-derived fibroblasts (a potential cell source of muscle fibrosis) were incubated with suramin and/or transforming growth factor– •1; a cell growth curve was obtained. In vivo, mouse gastrocnemius muscles were strain injured. Suramin or sham/control intramuscular injections were performed after injury at various time points. Mice were sacrificed at various time points after injury, and skeletal muscle tissue was evaluated by using histological and physiological tests. Statistical analysis was performed by using analysis of variance and Fisher tests.Results:Suramin decreased the stimulating effect of transfo...
Academic infotecture: course design for cyberschool

This article recounts the author's experiences teaching two political theory classes for the Virginia Tech CyberSchool initiative during the summer of 1996 using the World Wide Web as the near-exclusive method of delivery. It documents the planning and implementation processes, taking into specific account the role played in these processes by administrative and technological constraints. The possible roles of Web-based course delivery for large universities are discussed. The article concludes with a consideration of what the authors would change in subsequent iterations of this project as well as what he would not change.
Paleo‐oceanography of the Norwegian Sea during the past 130,000 years: coccolithophorid and foraminferal data

Faunal, floral and sedimentological properties of Norwegian Sea core V27-86 were examined in order to reconstruct the paleo-oceanographic history of this region. Downcore variations in the relative abundance of three microfossil groups and several sediment properties exhibit three different climate response patterns (CRP). Each pattern is judged to represent the response of a different part of the climate system. The covariance patterns among coccoliths, henthic foraminifera, and other properties suggest that the Norwegian Sea has been ice-free and productive during the present interhlacial. the penultimate interglacial (isotopic-stage se) and at least partially ice-free during an intermediate climatic regime (stages sa-d). A maximum change in these measures occurs at the boundary between isotopic stage 5a (an intermediate climatic regime)and isotopic stage 4 (a glacial climatic regime). In contrast, planktic foraminiferal assemblages and oxygen isotope measurements on planktic foraminifera show a major change at the end of stage 5e (the penultimate interglacial). The contrasting behavior of these two sets of observations is explained by a model which postulates a low-salinity surface layer 115,000 to 75,000 years ago (stages 5a-d).
Platelet aggregation in flowing blood in vitro. II. Dependence of aggregate growth rate on ADP concentration and shear rate

Abstract Experiments were carried out with citrated dog blood using the new experimental system described in the companion paper (E. F. Grabowski, 1978 , Microvas. Res. 16, 159–182). In this system, platelet aggregates form at and adhere to a specified, microscopic site on Cuprophan (PT 150, Enka Glanzstoff) membrane. Important features include controlled surface shear rate, controlled ADP diffusion through the membrane and into the flowing blood at the microscopic site, and quantification of aggregate growth rates by videodensitometry. In early trials it was learned that prior platelet adhesion markedly enhanced aggregation in response to ADP; the degree of prior adhesion was therefore standardized for subsequent experiments. When rate of entry of ADP was increased logarithmically, the rate of change of mean thickness of platelet aggregates adherent to the membrane increased monotonically. With an entry rate leading to ADP in micromolal concentrations at the membrane-blood interface, however, growth rate prior to embolization passed through a maximum with respect to surface shear rate (varied from 99 to 986 sec−1). The maximum occurred between 394 and 635 sec−1, the growth rate at 394 sec−1 being, for example, 3.1 ± μm/min (mean ± SD for three animals). On the other hand, aggregate growth rate for an entry rate leading to millimolal ADP increased monotonically with increasing shear rate over the same range. Aggregate growth rates appear therefore to be limited at low shear rate by platelet convection, but at higher shear rates by one or more of (1) dilution of ADP, (2) finite platelet-ADP interaction times, and (3) surface shear stress. For the range of shear rates studied, dilution of ADP seems likely to be the most important of these last factors.
Vesicular Glutamate Transporter 1 Is Required for Photoreceptor Synaptic Signaling But Not For Intrinsic Visual Functions

Glutamatergic neurotransmission requires vesicular glutamate transporters (VGLUTs) to sequester glutamate into synaptic vesicles. Generally, VGLUT1 and VGLUT2 isoforms show complementary expression in the CNS and retina. However, little is known about whether isoform-specific expression serves distinct pathways and physiological functions. Here, by examining visual functions in VGLUT1-null mice, we demonstrate that visual signaling from photoreceptors to retinal output neurons requires VGLUT1. However, photoentrainment and pupillary light responses are preserved. We provide evidence that melanopsin-containing, intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), signaling via VGLUT2 pathways, support these non-image-forming functions. We conclude that VGLUT1 is essential for transmitting visual signals from photoreceptors to second- and third-order neurons, but VGLUT1 is not necessary for intrinsic visual functions. Furthermore, melanopsin and VGLUT2 expression in a subset of RGCs immediately after birth strongly supports the idea that intrinsic vision can function well before rod- and cone-mediated signaling has matured.