cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Model For Community Health Nursing Care: Application To An Integrated Asthma Intervention Program:

The article describes the use of a model for community health nursing care applied to an integrated asthma intervention program in an inner-city context. Asthma is a chronic childhood disease with broad physical, social, and economic impact on children, families, and communities. Despite recent advances in asthma understanding and treatment, morbidity and mortality continue to rise. This model suggests ways to combine individual, family, school, and community interventions to enhance coordination and increase the impact of services. It outlines needs and opportunities for collegial collaboration between professional nurses in varied practice settings. Application of the model to the management of asthma in the urban setting demonstrates the potential to produce significant improvement in the management of conditions such as asthma and highlights the key role that school nurses play.
Integrated analysis of computer and physical experiments

Scientific investigations frequently involve data from computer experiment(s) as well as related physical experimental data on the same factors and related response variable(s). There may also be one or more expert opinions regarding the response of interest. Traditional statistical approaches consider each of these datasets separately with corresponding separate analyses and fitted statistical models. A compelling argument can be made that better, more precise statistical models can be obtained if the combined data are analyzed simultaneously using a hierarchical Bayesian integrated modeling approach. However, such an integrated approach must recognize important differences, such as possible biases, in these experiments and expert opinions. We illustrate our proposed integrated methodology by using it to model the thermodynamic operation point of a top-spray fluidized bed microencapsulation processing unit. Such units are used in the food industry to tune the effect of functional ingredients and additive...
External Variables, Subjective Expected Utility, and Adolescent Behavior with Alcohol and Cigarettes1

A classic social psychological model is that external variables influence behavior through their impact on subjective expected utility, the extent to which more good or harm is expected from behavior. The purpose of this research was to determine whether subjective expected utility is a major intervening variable that links external variables and the onset of alcohol drinking and cigarette smoking. The data are from two longitudinal studies of adolescents. The findings suggest that subjective expected utility does not account for the relationship between external variables and behavior.
Variation in Body Size, Growth, and Population Structure of Actinemys marmorata from Lentic and Lotic Habitats in Southern Oregon

Turtle body size and growth rates are affected by several environmental factors, including thermal regimes. Small lentic habitats in northern latitudes often are thermally stratified in summer and, overall, provide a warmer environment than lotic habitats, which usually lack stratification because of flowing current. Several studies indicate that the amount of food consumption and rate of growth of turtles are higher, and body size larger, in warmer environments than cooler habitats. However, few sites have been examined. To better test these patterns, we compared the growth, body size, and population structure of the Western Pond Turtle (Actinemys marmorata) from six small lentic and four lotic habitats in southern Oregon. We found that adult size and growth rates were the same for the four lotic habitats and variable but not consistently greater at lentic sites. There were a high proportion of large turtles at all lotic sites but a variable proportion of sizes among lentic sites. Age structures did not match size structures for most populations because we found many young turtles in these populations but few small-sized turtles. Thus, we caution against reliance on size alone as a measure of population structure or trends in turtle populations. Further, our study suggests that sampling at a relatively large number of sites (e.g., ≥3 of each habitat type) improves inference of results.
Effects of serotonin on cerebellar Purkinje cells are dependent on the baseline firing rate.

Serotonin applied iontophoretically to cerebellar Purkinje cells elicited one of three effects: inhibition (62% of the cells), biphasic response (27%), and excitation (11%). This study describes a correlation between the spontaneous discharge rate of Purkinje cells and the action of serotonin. Purkinje neurons that responded to serotonin with an increase in firing rate had a significantly slower predrug firing frequency (40 Hz) than those cells that were suppressed by serotonin (51 Hz). Furthermore, it was shown that with increasing firing rates the proportion of excitations decreased, and the proportion of depressions increased. A quantitative comparison revealed a statistically significant correlation between the spontaneous discharge rate of cells displaying excitation and the magnitude of the excitatory response. On several occasions, the direction of the Purkinje cell response to serotonin reversed following a decrease or increase in the baseline spontaneous rate. Glutamate- or asparate-induced excitations elicited an augmentation of serotonin-mediated inhibition and in some cases a reversal of excitation to inhibition. Likewise, the lowering of neuronal activity by the continuous application of glycine augmented excitation and reduced and reversed serotonin inhibitions. Preliminary results from experiments in which various receptor antagonists were tested against serotonin actions suggest that the effects of serotonin occur, at least in part, at postsynaptic sites on Purkinje cells. These results strongly suggest that the overall qualitative effects of serotonin is to set Purkinje cells at a preferred firing rate. In this sense, the term biaser or modulator may best describe the role of serotonin in the cerebellum.
Study of low-temperature plasma development utilizing a GPU-implemented 3D PIC/MCC simulation

Summary form only given. A GPU-accelerated 3-dimensional PIC/MCC simulation code was developed using the CUDA environment to study the physical processes involved in the development of a low-temperature plasma. The simulation results aid in quantifying transient plasma development as it is often inaccessible experimentally in detail even with modern noninvasive techniques such as non-linear laser spectroscopy or high-speed electrical diagnostics. Hence, computational methods, such as Particle-in-Cell (PIC) and Monte Carlo Collision (MCC), provide a complementary approach to determining the mechanisms leading to plasma development. However, fully modeling the physics of the plasma development is made difficult by the number of plasma processes that must be tracked simultaneously, and only recently have computing resources provided the capability to track tens of millions of particle interactions. Furthermore, the introduction of graphics processing unit (GPU) computing provides an attractive means for economical and efficient parallelization of scientific codes through a framework such as NVIDIA CUDA. As such, a GPU-accelerated 3-dimensional PIC/MCC simulation was developed using the CUDA environment to provide characteristics during the initial stage of plasma development in atmospheric pressure nitrogen. The simulation was run on a NVIDIA GTX 580 with 3 GB of memory and 512 CUDA cores. The simulated geometry consists of two paraboloid electrodes with a gap distance of 5 millimeters with Dirichlet boundary conditions, and 22 unique electron interactions with molecular nitrogen are considered. The electrodes are excited with a step voltage pulse of several thousand volts also assuming a uniformly distributed initial electron density of 104 cm-3 in the volume. For instance, results from a 5 nanosecond simulation reveal the development of positive ion space charge channels near the anode and cathode regions. These channels appear consistent with high-speed streamer photographs captured during plasma formation. The electron energy distribution function (EEDF) indicates a non-Maxwellian velocity distribution during the application of the high electric field. Furthermore, a typical electron density near the cathode is on the order of 7 × 108 cm-3. The results from numerical simulation will be compared in detail to experimentally accessible parameters such as electron temperature and dissociation degree.
Application of immunohistochemistry to breast lesions.

Abstract Context.—Immunohistochemistry has an expanding role in mammary pathology that has been facilitated by a growing list of available antibodies and a better understanding of biology. Objective.—To explore the key role of immunohistochemistry in guiding adjuvant therapy decisions and sentinel node staging in breast cancer, as well as the role of immunohistochemistry as an aid to distinguishing usual ductal hyperplasia from atypical ductal hyperplasia/low-grade carcinoma in situ; subtyping a carcinoma as ductal or lobular, basal or luminal; ruling out microinvasion in extensive intraductal carcinoma; distinguishing invasive carcinoma from mimics; and establishing that a metastatic carcinoma of unknown primary site has originated in the breast. Data Sources.—Current literature is reviewed, including clinical and pathologic journals. Conclusions.—As new, targeted treatments for breast cancer are developed, pathologists can expect additional immunohistochemistry applications in the future.
A new stochastic image model based on Markov random fields and its application to texture modeling

Stochastic image modeling based on conventional Markov random fields is extensively discussed in the literature. A new stochastic image model based on Markov random fields is introduced in this paper which overcomes the shortcomings of the conventional models easing the computation of the joint density function of images. As an application, this model is used to generate texture patterns. The lower computational complexity and easily controllable parameters of the model makes it a more useful model as compared to the conventional Markov random field-based models.
Plant growth modelling without integrating mechanisms

The integration of root and shoot activity for resource acquisition and allocation is a central problem both in experimental physiology and in mathematical growth modelling. A key feature in all proposed solutions is the mechanism by which roots and shoot communicate their resource status, their needs or their demands. In experimental studies, chemical messengers (hormones or nutrients) have been central. In mathematical models, partitioning or productivity functions of one form or another have been incorporated to fill a similar role. In this paper, the central hypothesis is that growth and resource allocation can be based solely on local, internal, non-structural resource concentrations and local kinetic rules, without the need for additional mechanisms to integrate activities at the organis-mal level. The specific objective was to develop a formal model using the classical two-compartment, two-resource framework which did not include direct intercompartmental coordinating or communicating mechanisms or resource partitioning functions. The formalization effort was successful based on two criteria. First, the ‘plants’ grow at steady and balanced rates when ‘growth conditions’ are constant; and second, challenged with experimental manipulations such as pruning or limitations in resource acquisition, their growth responses mimic those of real plants. Analysis of the results indicates that the complex integrated growth patterns of the modelled plants are emergent properties – having no direct or indirect mechanistic basis – of the simple system. They imply that similar ‘mechanism-less’ integration is possible in real plants as an emergent property of strictly local, cellular-level activities.
Aortic Pressure Augmentation Predicts Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Patients With Established Coronary Artery Disease

Pulse pressure (PP), a marker of arterial stiffness, predicts cardiovascular risk. We aimed to determine whether augmentation pressure (AP) derived from the aortic pressure waveform predicts major ...
Receptor-mediated membrane adhesion of lipid-polymer hybrid (LPH) nanoparticles studied by dissipative particle dynamics simulations.

Lipid–polymer hybrid (LPH) nanoparticles represent a novel class of targeted drug delivery platforms that combine the advantages of liposomes and biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles. However, the molecular details of the interaction between LPHs and their target cell membranes remain poorly understood. We have investigated the receptor-mediated membrane adhesion process of a ligand-tethered LPH nanoparticle using extensive dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) simulations. We found that the spontaneous adhesion process follows a first-order kinetics characterized by two distinct stages: a rapid nanoparticle–membrane engagement, followed by a slow growth in the number of ligand–receptor pairs coupled with structural re-organization of both the nanoparticle and the membrane. The number of ligand–receptor pairs increases with the dynamic segregation of ligands and receptors toward the adhesion zone causing an out-of-plane deformation of the membrane. Moreover, the fluidity of the lipid shell allows for strong nanoparticle–membrane interactions to occur even when the ligand density is low. The LPH–membrane avidity is enhanced by the increased stability of each receptor–ligand pair due to the geometric confinement and the cooperative effect arising from multiple binding events. Thus, our results reveal the unique advantages of LPH nanoparticles as active cell-targeting nanocarriers and provide some general principles governing nanoparticle–cell interactions that may aid future design of LPHs with improved affinity and specificity for a given target of interest.
Medicaid family planning expansions and related preventive care.

I examined the impact of state expansions in eligibility for Medicaid family planning services on the utilization of Papanicolaou (Pap) tests, clinical breast examinations, HIV testing, and routine doctor check-ups among women aged 21 to 44 years using the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (1993–2009). Using a natural experiment approach, I found significant increases in Pap tests and clinical breast examinations among women eligible for services under the expansions but no significant change in HIV testing or routine doctor check-ups.
An implicit time-stepping scheme for rigid body dynamics with Coulomb friction

In this paper a new time-stepping method for simulating systems of rigid bodies is given. Unlike methods which take an instantaneous point of view, our method is based on impulse-momentum equations, and so does not need to explicitly resolve impulsive forces. On the other hand, our method is distinct from previous impulsive methods in that it does not require explicit collision checking and it can handle simultaneous impacts. Numerical results are given for one planar and one three dimensional example, which demonstrate the practicality of the method, and its convergence as the step size becomes small.
An efficient bitmap encoding scheme for selection queries

Bitmap indexes are useful in processing complex queries in decision support systems, and they have been implemented in several commercial database systems. A key design parameter for bitmap indexes is the encoding scheme, which determines the bits that are set to 1 in each bitmap in an index. While the relative performance of the two existing bitmap encoding schemes for simple selection queries of the form “v1 ≤ A ≤ v2” is known (specifically, one of the encoding schemes is better for processing equality queries; i.e., v1 = v2, while the other is better for processing range queries; i.e., v1
Regional comparison of West African convective characteristics: a TRMM-based climatology

A 13-year (1998–2010) climatology of mesoscale convective characteristics associated with the West African monsoon are investigated using precipitation radar and passive microwave data from the NASA Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission satellite. Seven regions defined as continental northeast and northwest, southeast and southwest, coastal, and maritime north and south are compared to analyse zonal and meridional differences. Data are categorized according to identified African easterly wave (AEW) phase and when no wave is present. While some enhancements are observed in association with AEW regimes, regional differences were generally more apparent than wave vs. no-wave differences. Convective intensity metrics confirm that land-based systems exhibit stronger characteristics, such as higher storm top and maximum 30 dBZ heights and significant 85 GHz brightness temperature depressions. Continental systems also contain a lower fraction of points identified as stratiform. Results suggest that precipitation processes also varied depending upon region and AEW regime, with warm-rain processes more apparent over the ocean and the southwest continental region and ice-based microphysics more dominant over land, including mixed-phase processes. AEW regimes did show variability in stratiform fraction and ice and liquid water content, suggesting modulation of mesoscale characteristics possibly through feedback with the synoptic environment. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Prevalence and Determinants of Self-reported Morbidity among Pregnant Women in Rural Areas of Pakistan.

Background : The maternal mortality ratio (MMR) in Pakistan is estimated at 400 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. Prevalence of minor and major illnesses related with pregnancy and childbirth is much higher. However, most births in the rural areas take place at home, conducted by untrained traditional birth attendants. Data on the prevalence of maternal morbidity is, therefore, limited. Self-reporting of illnesses related with pregnancy and childbirth is generally considered as unreliable, as women’s perception of the seriousness of the health problems is inadequate. Method : The data were collected in a baseline survey that was conducted for an operations research project of the Ministry of Health, Government of Pakistan. The baseline survey comprised interviews with the ever-married women in the reproductive ages (15-49 years). For the selection of eligible women for the interview, a two-staged cluster random sampling procedure was applied. The response rate was 94.4% and interviews with 9,118 of the identified 9,655 females were successfully completed. The interviews were conducted by female interviewers having graduate degree or above. Completed questionnaires were edited and coded by a team of professional data editors. Results : The prevalence of maternal morbidity in this study was 20%, which is considered to be high, although can be expected in this population. Nearly half of the women reported some kind of illness during pregnancy, which is also expected. This study also estimated that the unmet obstetric need among rural women was very high; this finding has policy implication, as the need for alternative and more operational indicators of maternal health is increasingly felt. Conclusion : It is recommended that population-based studies and national surveys routinely incorporate well designed questions to elicit information on self-reported maternal morbidity; the same studies can also be used to identify the determinants of common obstetric problems and to estimate the unmet need of obstetric care.
DNA thin films as semiconductors for BioFET

In this paper we report the latest results on DNA based field effect transistor. Blending DNA with either conductive polymers, carbon based nanoparticles or metal based compounds show an increase in surface conductivity and evidence of a field effect modulation of the drain-source currents.
Robot localization from landmarks using recursive total least squares

In the robot navigation problem, noisy sensor data must be filtered to obtain the best estimate of the robot position. We propose using a recursive total least squares algorithm to obtain estimates of the robot position. We avoid several weaknesses inherent in the use of the Kalman and extended Kalman filters, achieving much faster convergence without good initial (a priori) estimates of the position. The performance of the method is illustrated both by simulation and on an actual mobile robot with a camera.
β-Lactamase induction and aminoglycoside susceptibility in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Recent clinical reports have described the emergence of cross-resistance to aminoglycosides during beta-lactam therapy. We therefore studied the effect of imipenem-mediated beta-lactamase induction on the susceptibilities of 92 clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to gentamicin, tobramycin, and amikacin. We performed a disc approximation test to look for truncation by imipenem of the inhibitory zone sizes of the aminoglycosides. We also compared aminoglycoside inhibitory zone sizes of strains grown in the presence and absence of subinhibitory concentrations of imipenem. Finally, we compared aminoglycoside MIC values determined with and without subinhibitory concentrations of imipenem. The results showed that simultaneous emergence of resistance to beta-lactams and aminoglycosides is very rare.
The Design, Implementation, and Evaluation of a Banded Linear Solver for Distributed-Memory Parallel Computers

This paper describes the design, implementation, and evaluation of a parallel algorithm for the Cholesky factorization of banded matrices. The algorithm is part of IBM's Parallel Engineering and Scientific Subroutine Library version 1.2 and is compatible with ScaLAPACK's banded solver. Analysis, as well as experiments on an IBM SP2 distributed-memory parallel computer, show that the algorithm efficiently factors banded matrices with wide bandwidth. For example, a 31-node SP2 factors a large matrix more than 16 times faster than a single node would factor it using the best sequential algorithm, and more than 20 times faster than a single node would using LAPACK's DPBTRF. The algorithm uses novel ideas in the area of distributed dense matrix computations that include the use of a dynamic schedule for a blocked systolic-like algorithm and the separation of the input and output data layouts from the layout the algorithm uses internally. The algorithm also uses known techniques such as blocking to improve its communication-to-computation ratio and its data-cache behavior.
Controlled deposition of individual single-walled carbon nanotubes on chemically functionalized templates

Carbon nanotubes offer great promise as molecular wires because they exhibit high electrical conductivity and chemical stability. However, constructing nanotube-based electronic devices requires a controlled means of assembling the tubes. We report procedures both for producing individual short SWNT segments and for their reliable deposition on chemically functionalized nanolithographic templates. Using this method, we have positioned individual nanotubes at specific locations and orientations in such a way that the nanotubes contact metal electrodes. This discovery is potentially very important for fabrication of simple electrical circuits with nanotubes, and provides a new tool for study of electron transport in nanotubes. q 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
The Activation of Bovine Plasminogen by PauA Is Not Required for Virulence of Streptococcus uberis

A mutant of Streptococcus uberis carrying a single copy of ISS1 within pauA was unable to activate bovine plasminogen. Contrary to a hypothesis postulated previously, this mutation did not alter the ability of the bacterium to grow in milk or to infect the lactating bovine mammary gland.
A multimaterial extension to subzonal reconstruction

We present a new algorithm for reconstructing material-dependent subzonal information based on staggered primary/dual-mesh remapping of material-dependent conserved quantities. The algorithm is appropriate in the context of geometric, intersection-based overlay remapping methods, with specific application to staggered, total energy conserving, multi-material Lagrangian hydrodynamics schemes that discretize material masses on subzonal mesh elements. Our new approach avoids direct remapping of material-dependent subzonal variables; instead, the spatial profile of each variable is reconstructed using a combination of material-dependent zone (primary mesh) information, material-independent node (dual mesh) information, and discrete interface-reconstructed material concentration information. Conservation and convergence properties of the new algorithm are established through several challenging multi-material remapping and hydrodynamics tests.
Transverse mode competition in index-antiguided waveguide lasers

Transverse mode competition in large-mode-area index-antiguided planar waveguide lasers is investigated. We show that, with very large core width and/or index difference between the core and cladding, high-order modes can oscillate and contribute to output lasing power. We have developed a theoretical model for transverse mode competition that takes into account transverse spatial hole burning. Experiments conducted on index-antiguided waveguide lasers with core width of 220 μm and 400 μm are compared to theory with good agreement.
Mutations in a Highly Conserved Motif of nsp1β Protein Attenuate the Innate Immune Suppression Function of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) nonstructural protein 1β (nsp1β) is a multifunctional viral protein, which is involved in suppressing the host innate immune response and activating a unique −2/−1 programmed ribosomal frameshifting (PRF) signal for the expression of frameshifting products. In this study, site-directed mutagenesis analysis showed that the R128A or R129A mutation introduced into a highly conserved motif (123GKYLQRRLQ131) reduced the ability of nsp1β to suppress interferon beta (IFN-β) activation and also impaired nsp1β's function as a PRF transactivator. Three recombinant viruses, vR128A, vR129A, and vRR129AA, carrying single or double mutations in the GKYLQRRLQ motif were characterized. In comparison to the wild-type (WT) virus, vR128A and vR129A showed slightly reduced growth abilities, while the vRR129AA mutant had a significantly reduced growth ability in infected cells. Consistent with the attenuated growth phenotype in vitro, pigs infected with nsp1β mutants had lower levels of viremia than did WT virus-infected pigs. Compared to the WT virus in infected cells, all three mutated viruses stimulated high levels of IFN-α expression and exhibited a reduced ability to suppress the mRNA expression of selected interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs). In pigs infected with nsp1β mutants, IFN-α production was increased in the lungs at early time points postinfection, which was correlated with increased innate NK cell function. Furthermore, the augmented innate response was consistent with the increased production of IFN-γ in pigs infected with mutated viruses. These data demonstrate that residues R128 and R129 are critical for nsp1β function and that modifying these key residues in the GKYLQRRLQ motif attenuates virus growth ability and improves the innate and adaptive immune responses in infected animals. IMPORTANCE PRRSV infection induces poor antiviral innate IFN and cytokine responses, which results in weak adaptive immunity. One of the strategies in next-generation vaccine construction is to manipulate viral proteins/genetic elements involved in antagonizing the host immune response. PRRSV nsp1β was identified to be a strong innate immune antagonist. In this study, two basic amino acids, R128 and R129, in a highly conserved GKYLQRRLQ motif were determined to be critical for nsp1β function. Mutations introduced into these two residues attenuated virus growth and improved the innate and adaptive immune responses of infected animals. Technologies developed in this study could be broadly applied to current commercial PRRSV modified live-virus (MLV) vaccines and other candidate vaccines.
The Search for 'Something Less': A Non-Delegation Approach to Agency Preemption

This paper argues that proposals for replacing Chevron deference in agency preemption cases are all too deferential to federal agencies, and that the courts should not even recognize agency preemption except in very limited circumstances. Furthermore, Congress should end its practice of delegating authority to agencies to preempt state law absent very explicit instructions to the agency about whether Congress intended to preempt a specific state law. When Congress’s intent to delegate preemptive authority to an agency is unclear, or a specific application of this delegated authority does not clearly reflect Congress’s intent, the courts should not allow an agency to preempt state law.
Immune alterations in morphine-treated rhesus monkeys.

The effect of morphine treatment on immunocompetence was investigated in rhesus monkeys (Mucaca mulatta). Monkeys that received morphine daily (3.2 mg/kg) had suppressed peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) natural killer (NK) activity as well as a decrease in the percentage of CD8+CD16+ cells compared with saline-treated (controls) or infrequently treated (i.e., opioids once or twice weekly) monkeys. However, an increase (20 +/- 5%) in the percentage of CD8+ lymphocytes was found in both the daily and infrequent opioid-treated monkeys compared with controls. Conversely, the percentage of total CD4+ lymphocytes and CD4+CD45RA+ was reduced (12 +/- 2% and 28 +/- 10% respectively) in both daily and infrequent opioid-treated animals compared with saline-treated controls. In a reciprocal fashion, there was an increase in the CD4+CD29+ population in daily morphine-treated monkeys (54% of the total CD4+ cells) compared with untreated animals (37% of the total CD4+ cells). In addition, cultured PBMC obtained from monkeys treated daily with morphine produced significantly (P < .01) more polyclonal immunoglobulin (Ig) G (366 ng/ml) and polyclonal IgM (233 ng/ml) compared with PBMC production of polyclonal IgG (96 ng/ml) and polyclonal IgM (67 ng/ml) from saline-treated controls. However, no differences were found in the percentage of CD19+ lymphocytes among any of the groups. In summary, daily treatment with a relatively low dose of morphine (3.2 mg/kg) affects immunocompetence which could have important implications in the regulation of viral pathogens in i.v. drug abusers (e.g., AIDS).
Transforming Growth Factor-β Family Ligands Can Function as Antagonists by Competing for Type II Receptor Binding

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) family ligands are pleiotropic cytokines. Their physiological activities are not determined by a simple coupling of stimulus and response, but depend critically on context, i.e. the interplay of receptors, ligands, and regulators that form the TGF-β signal transduction system of a cell or tissue. How these different components combine to regulate signaling activities remains poorly understood. Here, we describe a ligand-mediated mechanism of signaling regulation. Based on the observation that the type II TGF-β family receptors ActRIIA, ActRIIB, and BMPRII interact with a large group of overlapping ligands at overlapping epitopes, we hypothesized high affinity ligands compete with low affinity ligands for receptor binding and signaling. We show activin A and other high affinity ligands directly inhibited signaling by the low affinity ligands BMP-2, BMP-7, and BMP-9. We demonstrate activin A functions as a competitive inhibitor that blocks the ligand binding epitope on type II receptors. We propose binding competition and signaling antagonism are integral functions of the TGF-β signal transduction system. These functions could help explain how activin A modulates physiological signaling during extraordinary cellular responses, such as injury and wound healing, and how activin A could elicit disease phenotypes such as cancer-related muscle wasting and fibrosis.
Risk factors and co-morbidities in adolescent thromboembolism are different than those in younger children

Abstract Introduction In adolescent thromboembolism (TE), multiple risk factors (RFs) and co-morbidities (CMs) are reported, though overall prevalence has not been evaluated. We hypothesized that the spectrum of RFs/CMs in adolescent TE differs from children overall and sought to review Texas Children's Hospital's experience. Patients/methods Medical records of adolescents aged 12–21 years, diagnosed with arterial or venous TE (AT/DVT) from 2004 to 2014, were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed with IRB approval. Results Sixty-four adolescents (median age 16, range 12–20 years) met study criteria. Fifty-seven (89%) had DVT and six (9%) had AT. Associated RFs/CMs included obesity (47%), CVC (27%), infection (27%), surgery (27%), autoimmune disease (19%), immobility (22%), anatomical abnormality (20%), cancer (8%), estrogen therapy (6%), tobacco use (6%), trauma (3%), inherited thrombophilia (19%), and other medical conditions (11%). Fifty-two (81%) had ≥ 2 RFs/CMs. Therapy included anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, and interventional therapy. Of those with follow-up imaging, 49 had complete or partial resolution, 5 had no change and 4 had progression. Fourteen (22%) had recurrent TE. The majority with recurrent TE (79%) had ≥ 2 RFs at initial diagnosis. Mean time to recurrence was 4.80 years; time to recurrence was shorter for occlusive TE (p = 0.026). Conclusion Adolescent TE is often multi-factorial with the majority having ≥ 2 RFs at diagnosis, suggesting the need for detailed evaluation for RFs in this population, which may enable optimal management including thromboprophylaxis, and institution of RF-modifying strategies to prevent occurrence/recurrence.
Preparation of Specimens Submitted for Identification to the Systematic Entomology Laboratory, USDA

The insect and arachnid identification service maintained by the Systematic Entomology Laboratory (SEL), IIEIII, with the aid of SEL Cooperating Scientists, taxonomists of the Smithsonian Institution, and other specialists, provides identifications of about ⅓ of a million specimens per year for a. wide variety of users. The Systematic Entomology Laboratory and almost all of our collaborators lack sufficient technical help to mount and prepare specimens prior to identification by the research scientists.
The Emergence of Homestead Exemption in the United States: Accommodation and Resistance to the Market Revolution, 1840–1880

"The time must come, sooner or later," proclaimed Schuyler Colfax in 1850 at the Indiana constitutional convention, "when the Home shall be secure-when the cabin of the poor man shall be really his castle." Colfax's hopes quickly bore fruit, for a new state constitution incorporated a homestead exemption provision. Indeed, most states adopted that policy, either by statute or by constitutional mandate. Indiana's 1851 constitution provided that the "privilege of the debtor to enjoy the necessary comforts of life shall be recognized by wholesome laws, exempting a reasonable amount of property from service or sale for the payment of any debt." In 1852 Indiana gave statutory specificity to constitutional provision by exempting from seizure up to $300 in real or personal property. Over a decade earlier, Georgia had taken similar action, declaring that "it does not comport with the principles of justice, humanity or sound policy to deprive the family of an unfortunate debtor of a home and the means of an honest subsistence." Georgia's 1841 "Poor Man's Law" secured from seizure 20 acres (and an additional 5 acres for each child) to any white
Prices, Price Processes, Volume and Their Information - A Survey of the Market Microstructure Literature -

This paper provides an up-to-date review and summary of the existing literature on the informational aspects of price processes. A common feature of these models is that prices reflect information that is dispersed among many traders. The paper begins by contrasting the Rational Expectation Equilibrium concept with the Bayesian Nash Equilibrium concept, and then draws a connection between market completeness and information revelation. The No-Speculation Theorem and the No-Trade Theorems are also explained. The No-Trade Theorems describe circumstances where asymmetric information can lead to market breakdown even though there are gains from trade. The paper also examines situations under which bubbles can occur even when all traders are rational and forward looking. The second part of the survey addresses CARA-Gaussian market microstructure models. These models are classified into five groups. A distinction is drawn between limit order models and market order models. These models are further subdivided into models with strategic or competitive traders. Dynamic models are used to illustrate a rationale for technical/chart analysis. The various types of herding models are described in the final section.
Failure of desmopressin to lower serum sodium or prevent crisis in patients with sickle cell anemia

An analogue of arginine vasopressin (desmopressin, DDAVP) was evaluated for production chronic hyponatremia and prevention of sickle cell crisis. With sodium restriction (100 meq Na + / day) and water loading ( greater than 3 liters/day), persistent hyponatremia could not be achieved, nor could crises be prevented or aborted. Patients would not comply with a regimen of lower salt and higher fluid intake. More rigorous treatment might be practical during acute sickle cell crises, and a regimen similar to that used here might be more effective in children, whose renal concentrating mechanisms are still intact.
Primary Realignment of Posterior Urethral Injuries

The records of 34 patients with posterior urethral disruptions secondary to blunt pelvic trauma who were treated with primary realignment were reviewed. Among the 29 evaluable patients there was a 38 per cent incidence of stricture (11 of 29), a 3 per cent incidence of incontinence (1 of 29) and a 15 per cent incidence of impotence (4 of 27). Primary realignment has a low morbidity and an acceptable rate of incontinence, impotence and stricture formation, and is recommended in the treatment of posterior urethral injuries.
Contemporary imaging approach to pediatric urologic problems

This article has tried to do two things: review the more commonly used imaging modalities and apply them to the topics of obstruction and reflux. Increasingly, sonography is the initial diagnostic tool, obviously the only one usable in utero. The VCUG is the next most important method, especially in working out the often confusing sonographic images of the upper urinary tracts. Nuclear medicine remains drastically underused; it is the best way to detect parenchymal inflammatory disease and offers a method of examination and follow-up that requires low dosages and allows quantification of data. It will be interesting 10 years from now to review this subject and see what remains of the old and current methods and what will emerge.
MO-F-204-03: Preparing for Part 3 of the ABR Diagnostic Physics Exam

Adequate, efficient preparation for the ABR Diagnostic and Nuclear Medical Physics exams is key to successfully obtain ABR certification. Each part of the ABR exam presents its own challenges: Part I: Determine the scope of basic medical physics study material, efficiently review this material, and solve related written questions/problems. Part II: Understand imaging principles, modalities, and systems, including image acquisition, processing, and display. Understand the relationship between imaging techniques, image quality, patient dose and safety, and solve related written questions/problems. Part III: Gain crucial, practical, clinical medical physics experience. Effectively communicate and explain the practice, performance, and significance of all aspects of clinical medical physics. All parts of the ABR exam require specific skill sets and preparation: mastery of basic physics and imaging principles; written problem solving often involving rapid calculation; responding clearly and succinctly to oral questions about the practice, methods, and significance of clinical medical physics. This symposium focuses on the preparation necessary for each part of the ABR exam. Although there is some overlap, the nuclear exam covers a different body of knowledge than the diagnostic exam. A separate speaker will address those unique aspects of the nuclear exam, and how preparing for a second specialty differs from the first. Medical physicists who recently completed each ABR exam portion will share their experiences, insights, and preparation methods to help attendees best prepare for the challenges of each part of the ABR exam. In accordance with ABR exam security policy, no recalls or exam questions will be discussed. Learning Objectives: 1.How to prepare for Part 1 of the ABR exam by determining the scope of basic medical physics study material and related problem solving/calculations 2.How to prepare for Part 2 of the ABR exam by understanding diagnostic and/or nuclear imaging physics, systems, dosimetry, safety and related problem solving/calculations 3.How to prepare for Part 3 of the ABR exam by effectively communicating the practice, methods, and significance of clinical diagnostic and/or nuclear medical physics.
Changes in Aerobic Plate and Escherichia coli-Coliform Counts and in Populations of Inoculated Foodborne Pathogens on Inshell Walnuts during Storage.

ABSTRACT After harvest, inshell walnuts are dried using low-temperature forced air and are then stored in bins or silos for up to 1 year. To better understand the survival of bacteria on inshell walnuts, aerobic plate counts (APCs) and Escherichia coli–coliform counts (ECCs) were evaluated during commercial storage (10 to 12°C and 63 to 65% relative humidity) over 9 months. APCs decreased by 1.4 to 2.0 log CFU per nut during the first 5 months of storage, and ECCs decreased by 1.3 to 2.2 log CFU per nut in the first month of storage. Through the remaining 4 to 8 months of storage, APCs and ECCs remained unchanged (P > 0.05) or decreased by <0.15 log CFU per nut per month. Similar trends were observed on kernels extracted from the inshell walnuts. APCs and ECCs were consistently and often significantly higher on kernels extracted from visibly broken inshell walnuts than on kernels extracted from visibly intact inshell walnuts. Parameters measured in this study were used to determine the survival of five-st...
Untoward events associated with aberrant fluid infusion during cataract surgery: Laboratory study with corroborative clinical observations

Purpose To determine the relationship between untoward events noted during phacoemulsification surgery associated with aberrant infusion misdirection and their causal relationship to current infusion sleeve design. Setting The New York Eye & Ear Infirmary of Mt. Sinai, New York, New York, USA. Design Retrospective case reports and experimental study. Methods Observations of live cataract surgery were documented with high-definition videography using 3 commercial phacoemulsification platforms. Laboratory studies using a Photron MC2 high-speed camera and the Kitaro cataract surgical system were used to simulate surgical maneuvers and assess flow patterns and visualize the dynamics of fluid movement in the anterior chamber. Color-flow Doppler ultrasound studies were used to demonstrate the effect of infusion fluid on the iris during surgery. Results Misdirected infusion and floppy-iris leaflets were determined to be secondary to a fulcrum effect at the corneal wound that constrained movement of the standard silicone sleeves. The phacoemulsification needles could therefore decenter independently of the infusion sleeve, attenuating infusion volume down 1 side of the sleeve and, as a result, obstructing fluid exiting the ipsilateral port. Conclusions Untoward events associated with aberrant fluid infusion during phacoemulsification surgery were secondary to a fulcrum effect at the corneal wound. Complications included misdirected infusion that facilitated the transport of retained nuclear fragments to the vitreous, inconsistent lens followability during phacoemulsification, and exaggerated movements of the iris particularly consistent with intraoperative floppy-iris syndrome and pseudoexfoliation. Financial Disclosure None of the authors has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.
Comparison of Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia Treated with Direct Thrombin Inhibitors.

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a clinical syndrome that has been reported to occur in 3–5% of patients treated with unfractionated heparin. If untreated, 36–50% of patients diagnosed with HIT develop life or limb-threatening thromboses. The occurrence of thrombosis, the most common serious complication of HIT, results in rates of amputation and death of 10–20% and 20–30% respectively. Thus, the desired clinical outcomes in patients with HIT are the prevention of thromboembolic complications, limb amputation, and death. The three direct thrombin inhibitors available in the U.S. are lepirudin, argatroban and bivalirudin. Lepirudin and argatroban have both been shown in clinical trials to significantly decrease the incidence of these complications in patients with HIT. Our institution also has experience with bivalirudin as treatment for HIT. We therefore sought to confirm whether all-cause mortality, length of stay, bleeding rate, time to platelet recovery, absolute change in platelet count following therapy, and percentage of therapeutic APTTs differed among patients treated with these agents at our institution. Data were collected by retrospective chart reviews, and from the Florida Hospital pharmacy computer system. Length of stay was calculated as the time to hospital discharge following the finding of a positive heparin-platelet factor 4 antibody test. For the purposes of comparison, the therapeutic range for APTT was taken as 50–90 seconds. As shown in the table, there were no statistically significant differences in any of the endpoints, when the efficacy and safety of the three direct thrombin inhibitors were compared. It therefore appears that within our institution, each of the direct thrombin inhibitors are equally efficacious and safe in treating the clinical syndrome of HIT, with similar outcomes with respect to length of stay, recovery of platelet counts, incidence of bleeding, and overall mortality. We conclude that selection of a direct thrombin inhibitor can be guided by the patient’s clinical status and organ function instead of efficacy and safety considerations.
Robotic transabdominal cerclage: a case series illustrating costs

The incidence of cervical insufficiency is 0.1-1% of all pregnancies and 8% of second trimester losses. After failed vaginal cerclages or in patients with amputated or congenitally abnormal cervices, transabdominal cerclages may be performed. Recent advances allow for use of the da Vinci robot to perform transabdominal cerclages. This case series presents three cases of robotically placed cerclages, performed prior to pregnancy. All patients had experienced prior second trimester losses. Two of the three had previously failed vaginal cerclage placement. All patients were discharged home the same day with minimal intraoperative blood loss and postoperative pain. Though, historically, robotic surgeries are more expensive, the total hospital costs for the three robotic cerclages were similar to the open abdominal approach performed at the same institution. These cases suggest robotically placed cerclage as a viable and less invasive alternative to the traditional transabdominal cerclages.