cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Antivaccinationism: Parental Viewpoint

Vaccines are considered to be one of the most important and effective health interventions ever developed. Despite the great success of the childhood vaccination program in preventing disease—or, likely because of it—parental vaccine refusal rates in the USA and other developed countries are on the rise. Without firsthand experience with most vaccine-preventable diseases, parents have concerns that are increasingly focused instead on the issues of vaccine safety and personal liberties. While these issues have been raised by the public since the vaccination program began, the increasing number of parents opting out of or delaying vaccinations for their children has led to recent localized outbreaks of previously well-controlled diseases. Parents’ concerns over vaccine safety have been greatly elevated due to the profusion of information—much of it scientifically inaccurate—available on the Internet and other media outlets. Further, some parents’ postmodern skepticism toward both the government and the medical community has led them to be both less trustful of vaccination and its advocates and more open to alternative interpretations. In order to develop successful interventions that ensure that herd immunity is sustained, the public health and medical community must gain a deeper understanding of the reasons that parents refuse or delay vaccinations for their children as well as the context and sources of parents’ concerns.
Portal hypertension and ascites in pancreatic cancer.

e16242Background: Ascites is a recognized complication of pancreatic cancer. There are no guidelines for a standardized approach to its treatment but commonly used therapies include diuretics, para...
Pre-service Teachers Developing PCK in a Natural History Museum

This chapter is about the design and study of a pre-service teacher field experience that takes place at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History’s immersive space Q?rius (“curious”). Q?rius features more than 6000 specimens including shells, skeletons, fossils, rocks, and minerals that are organized in non-text collections that visitors can see, touch, and study under a microscope. Prospective 7th–12th grade teachers from the George Washington University’s Master of Education Program in Secondary Education were trained as museum volunteers to facilitate the Q?rius visitors’ experiences and tasked with attending to visitor thinking, facilitating questioning, and sustaining engagement with the artifacts. Practical outcomes for science teaching resulted in gaining confidence working with learners, becoming better questioners, and learning to inquire with visitors (instead of giving answers to them).
Shape-Based Smoothing of Binary Digital Objects Using Signed Distance Transform

Digital staircase effects and noisy protrusions and dents on object boundaries add major challenges for quantitative structural analysis and visual assessment. In this paper, we present a shape-based smoothing algorithm for binary digital objects to eliminate digital staircase artifacts and remove boundary noise. The method uses a signed distance transform image, where the zero level set defines the object boundary. The key idea of our algorithm is to smooth this zero level set by applying a smoothing filter on the signed distance transform image. The method has been applied on slice-by-slice segmentation results of human proximal femur bone volumes from hip MR imaging. The observed results are encouraging, which suggest that the new method is capable of successfully eliminating digital staircase effects, while preserving the basic geometry of the target object. Quantitative analysis of a phantom experiment results reveals that a notion of “optimum scale” of smoothing exists for the new algorithm, and it is related to the scale of noisy protrusions and dents. The quantitative experiments have shown that, at the optimum smoothing scale, the new method can achieve 98.5% to 99.6% Dice similarity coefficient for noisy protrusions and dents of different sizes.
Robust Object-based SLAM for High-speed Autonomous Navigation

We present Robust Object-based SLAM for High-speed Autonomous Navigation (ROSHAN), a novel approach to object-level mapping suitable for autonomous navigation. In ROSHAN, we represent objects as ellipsoids and infer their parameters using three sources of information – bounding box detections, image texture, and semantic knowledge – to overcome the observability problem in ellipsoid-based SLAM under common forward-translating vehicle motions. Each bounding box provides four planar constraints on an object surface and we add a fifth planar constraint using the texture on the objects along with a semantic prior on the shape of ellipsoids. We demonstrate ROSHAN in simulation where we outperform the baseline, reducing the median shape error by 83% and the median position error by 72% in a forward-moving camera sequence. We demonstrate similar qualitative result on data collected on a fast-moving autonomous quadrotor.
Clinical Dilemma - Cardiac Memory vs Myocardial Ischemia.

Cardiac memory (CM) is a commonly unrecognized entity in which electrocardiograph (EKG) changes demonstrate T wave inversions (TWI) that appear consistent with ischemia. Inability to recognize and distinguish CM from actual ischemia can be a burden for both patients and hospitals, leading to unnecessary hospital admission, cardiac testing, and cardiac catheterization. Simple EKG analysis and meticulous interpretation of T-wave axis and morphology can help differentiate between the two. We present a case with such a dilemma, and an overview literature and physiology behind this entity.
From “love actually” to love, actually: The sociometer takes every kind of fuel

Belongingness needs have generally been thought to be filled through traditional strategies, but recent research suggests that nontraditional strategies (e.g., parasocial relationship partners, TV ...
Prevalence and Mortality of Pulmonary Hypertension in ESRD: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) in the setting of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) has important prognostic and therapeutic consequences. We estimated the prevalence of PH among patients with ESRD and compared mortality between ESRD patients with and without PH. Two independent reviewers searched three databases using a search strategy built around the medical subject headings of “hypertension, pulmonary” and “kidney failure, chronic.” Keywords and synonyms were also used. Study selection criteria included (1) Enrollment of patients with ESRD undergoing hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, (2) Assessment for the presence of PH using transthoracic echocardiography, and (3) Determination of PH prevalence or associated mortality. The primary outcomes were prevalence of PH or associated mortality. The Grading, Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to rate the quality of evidence. The initial search identified 1046 publications, from which 41 studies were selected. The median prevalence of PH identified by echocardiographic criteria among patients with ESRD was 38% (range 8% to 70%), and was significantly increased in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) (median 40%, range 16–70%) as compared with peritoneal dialysis (PD) (median 19%, range 8–37%). Meta-analysis demonstrated that overall mortality was higher among ESRD patients with echocardiographic evidence of PH than ESRD patients without echocardiographic evidence of PH (RR 2.02; 95% CI 1.70–2.40). Echocardiographic evidence of PH is common among ESRD patients undergoing dialysis and associated with increased mortality. Identification of those patients with evidence of pulmonary hypertension on transthoracic echocardiography may warrant further evaluation and treatment.
From complex multivessel disease to cardiovascular health

The development of drug-eluting stents has raised great hopes that percutaneous coronary intervention has a potential role in the revascularization of patients with three-vessel disease and left main coronary artery disease. However, recent results from the SYNTAX clinical trial have shown that, compared with drug-eluting stents, bypass surgery is associated with a lower restenosis rate and a reduced incidence of major cardiovascular events. This study used an index that quantifies the severity of coronary artery disease on the basis of a number of anatomical criteria of lesion complexity (i.e. the SYNTAX score). The study results indicate that the higher the index (i.e. the more complex the lesion), the greater the benefits of surgery. Other recent studies (e.g. PROSPECT and FAME) have used imaging to investigate the natural history of acute coronary syndrome, or the role of functional parameters in identifying vulnerable plaque that can lead to complications during follow-up. The sum of the evidence available shows that therapeutic approaches to complex disease should take into account both the anatomical and structural characteristics of lesions, as well as functional parameters, and that high-resolution imaging techniques are essential for establishing both an individual's risk profile and the potential benefits of treatment. In diabetic patients with multivessel disease, the results of the FREEDOM study (currently ongoing) could be crucial for incorporating this new knowledge into practice and for defining the optimum management for this group of high-risk patients.
Ignition and combustion characteristics of decanoic acid derived alkyl esters in a fuel ignition tester

Abstract This work investigated the combustion characteristics of decanoic acid derived alkyl esters in an ASTM standard Fuel Ignition Tester (FIT), with special emphasis on the influence of carbon number variation for the alkyl moiety within the alkoxy group on the autoignition delay times. The compounds of interest include methyl, ethyl, propyl, and butyl decanoate. It was found that higher carbon numbers lead to an increase in reactivity in terms of the decreased ignition delay times for methyl through propyl decanoate. However, there was a small reduction in relative reactivity for butyl decanoate. With increasing air temperature, while the ignition delay times showed a monotonic reduction for all the four fuels, the maximum rate of pressure rise exhibited a non-linear variation. Specifically, the maximum rate of pressure rise was found to increase in the temperature range of 700–758 K and then decrease within 758–825 K. The post-combustion peak pressures also exhibited a similar trend. It is hypothesized that this reduction in reactivity with increasing temperature correlates to the negative temperature coefficient behavior. In addition, all the test fuels show a two-stage ignition response at the lowest oxidizer temperatures investigated. Therefore, the current experiments demonstrate the suitability of the FIT as a research tool that can be used to extract information on fuel reactivity other than the widely studied metric of the derived cetane number.
Oncologic outcomes of patients with Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC): A multi-institutional cohort study.

Abstract Background Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare cutaneous neuroendocrine tumor that primarily affects elderly patients. Despite aggressive treatment, overall survival (OS) remains low. Methods This study is a multi-institutional, retrospective review of 102 patients with MCC. We evaluated OS, disease-specific survival (DSS), and risk factors for recurrence. Results Median age of patients was 71.46% of patients recurred. Patients with stage I disease had median 5-year OS of 59.3%, compared to 68.1% DSS. For stage III, median 5-year OS was 46.0% vs 58.2% DSS. Disease stage and advanced age were risk factors for recurrence and decreased OS. Immunocompromised status and disease stage were the strongest predictors of DSS. Conclusions DSS is significantly better than OS for patients with MCC. Many elderly patients with newly diagnosed MCC have low remaining life expectancy, regardless of their MCC diagnosis. Patient age and overall health status should be considered to personalize care plans for patients with MCC.
Genetic counseling for advanced paternal age: A survey of genetic counselors' current practice

Advanced paternal age (APA) has no formal definition, though many publications utilize the cutoff of fathers >40 years of age. The literature demonstrates an association between APA and certain conditions including de novo autosomal dominant disorders, birth defects, and neuropsychiatric conditions. This study surveyed 165 genetic counselors within the National Society of Genetic Counselors to assess their current approach to APA. t Tests, analysis of variance, logistic regression, and chi-squared tests were performed on quantitative data, and content analysis was applied to qualitative data. Although most respondents have discussed APA with a patient (88%), there was no consensus on what age cutoff constitutes APA: >40 (N = 53, 37.9%), >45 (N = 61, 43.6%), >50 (N = 24, 17.1%), or >55 (N = 2, 1.4%). Those who discussed APA were more likely to be prenatal counselors, see more patients per week, be board certified, or be familiar with current APA guidelines. Respondents agreed the literature supports the association of APA with deleterious outcomes (mean agreement = 8.2, median = 8 on a 1 = strongly disagree to 10 = strongly agree). Individuals who discussed APA and were board certified had higher agreement. Content analysis confirmed agreement that the literature supports an association between APA and deleterious outcomes (documented in responses from 31.5% of prenatal respondents, 17.8% others) but noted that available testing and screening options for associated conditions are limited (34.4% of prenatal respondents, 17.4% others). Prenatal and non-prenatal respondents reported similar agreement with the statement that APA is associated with deleterious outcomes. However, most non-prenatal respondents were unfamiliar with current guidelines (80%), and presumably as a result, were also less likely to discuss APA with their patients. Our study identified a need to disseminate information regarding APA and current guidelines to genetic counselors, particularly non-prenatal and those with less experience.
A defect in the NOG gene increases susceptibility to spontaneous superficial chronic corneal epithelial defects (SCCED) in boxer dogs.

Superficial chronic corneal epithelial defects (SCCEDs) are spontaneous corneal defects in dogs that share many clinical and pathologic characteristics to recurrent corneal erosions (RCE) in humans. Boxer dogs are predisposed to SCCEDs, therefore a search for a genetic defect was performed to explain this susceptibility. DNA was extracted from blood collected from Boxer dogs with and without SCCEDs followed by whole genome sequencing (WGS). RNA sequencing of corneal tissue and immunostaining of corneal sections from affected SCCED Boxer dogs with a deletion in the NOG gene and affected non-Boxer dogs without the deletion were performed. A 30 base pair deletion at a splice site in Noggin (NOG) (Chr 9:31453999) was identified by WGS and was significantly associated (P < 0.0001) with Boxer SCCEDs compared to unaffected non-Boxer dogs. NOG, BMP4, MMP13, and NCAM1 all had significant fold reductions in expression and SHH was significantly increased in Boxers with the NOG deletion as identified by RNA-Seq. Corneal IHC from NOG deletion dogs with SCCEDs had lower NOG and significantly higher scores of BMP2. Many Boxer dogs with SCCED have a genetic defect in NOG. NOG is a constitutive protein in the cornea which is a potent inhibitor of BMP, which likely regulate limbal epithelial progenitor cells (LEPC). Dysregulation of LEPC may play a role in the pathogenesis of RCE.
Incompatibility of Diophantine Equations Arising from the Strong Factorial Conjecture

Abstract In the present article, we establish new evidence in support of the Strong Factorial Conjecture of Edo and van den Essen [2] by proving it in several special cases. For example, we show that the conjecture holds for powers of linear forms and sums of prime powers of the variables. Finally, we show one way of constructing new examples of polynomials satisfying the conjecture using known examples.
Cutting and Pasting Antigenic Peptides

It is well established that antigenic proteins are processed in the proteasome of antigen-presenting cells by simple proteolysis to produce antigenic peptides that can be presented to T cells. As Cresswell explains in his Perspective, two recent papers, published here ( Vigneron et al.) and elsewhere, provide an extra layer of complexity to the story with their revelation that two tumor antigenic peptides were formed by a more complicated splicing process in the proteasome.
Resource Limitations in Visual Cognition

Visual attention and visual working memory are two of the core resources that support visual perception. Foundational research has demonstrated that these resources are highly limited, but an active debate concerns exactly how they are limited. While many classic studies suggested that these resources are fundamentally discrete, with fixed capacity of 3–4 objects maximum, a number of recent studies have argued that these resources are fundamentally continuous, with no fixed upper-bound to the number of objects that can be attended or remembered. This entry reviews the state of this debate, and shows how convergence between these (often separate) areas of research is a major emerging trend in the field of visual cognition. Keywords: resource limitation; core resources; visual cognition; visual attention; working memory
Shear flow over a particulate or fibrous plate

Simple shear flow over a porous plate consisting of a planar array of particles is studied as a model of flow over a membrane. The main objective is to compute the slip velocity defined with reference to the velocity profile far above the plate, and the drift velocity induced by the shear flow underneath the plate. The difference between these two velocities is shown to be proportional to the thickness of the plate. When the geometry of the particle array is anisotropic, the directions of the slip and drift velocity are generally different from the direction of the overpassing shear flow. An integral formulation is developed to describe flow over a plate consisting of a periodic lattice of particles with arbitrary shape, and integral representations for the velocity and pressure are developed in terms of the doubly-periodic Green’s function of three-dimensional Stokes flow. Based on the integral representation, asymptotic expressions for the slip and drift velocity are derived to describe the limit where the particle size is small compared to the inter-particle separation, and numerical results are presented for spherical and spheroidal particles of arbitrary size. The asymptotic results are found to be accurate over an extended range of particle sizes. To study the limit of small plate porosity, the available solution for shear flow over a plane wall with a circular orifice is used to describe flow over a plate with a homogeneous distribution of circular perforations, and expressions for the slip and drift velocity are derived. Corresponding results are presented for axial and transverse shear now over a periodic array of cylinders arranged distributed in a plane. Streamline pattern illustrations confirm that a negative drift velocity is due to the onset of eddies between closely-spaced particles.
The study of women, infant feeding and type 2 diabetes after GDM pregnancy and growth of their offspring (SWIFT Offspring study): prospective design, methodology and baseline characteristics

Breastfeeding is associated with reduced risk of becoming overweight or obese later in life. Breastfed babies grow more slowly during infancy than formula-fed babies. Among offspring exposed in utero to maternal glucose intolerance, prospective data on growth during infancy have been unavailable. Thus, scientific evidence is insufficient to conclude that breastfeeding reduces the risk of obesity among the offspring of diabetic mothers (ODM). To address this gap, we devised the Study of Women, Infant Feeding and Type 2 Diabetes after GDM Pregnancy and Growth of their Offspring, also known as the SWIFT Offspring Study. This prospective, longitudinal study recruited mother-infant pairs from the SWIFT Study, a prospective study of women with recent gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The goal of the SWIFT Offspring Study is to determine whether breastfeeding intensity and duration, compared with formula feeding, are related to slower growth of GDM offspring during the first year life. This article details the study design, participant eligibility, data collection, and methodologies. We also describe the baseline characteristics of the GDM mother-infant pairs. The study enrolled 466 mother-infant pairs among GDM deliveries in northern California from 2009–2011. Participants attended three in-person study exams at 6–9 weeks, 6 months and 12 months after delivery for infant anthropometry (head circumference, body weight, length, abdominal circumference and skinfold thicknesses), as well as maternal anthropometry (body weight, waist circumference and percent body fat). Mothers also completed questionnaires on health and lifestyle behaviors, including infant diet, sleep and temperament. Breastfeeding intensity and duration were assessed via several sources (diaries, telephone interviews, monthly mailings and in-person exams) from birth through the first year of life. Pregnancy course, clinical perinatal and newborn outcomes were obtained from health plan electronic medical records. Infant saliva samples were collected and stored for genetics studies. This large, racially and ethnically diverse cohort of GDM offspring will enable evaluation of the relationship of infant feeding to growth during infancy independent of perinatal characteristics, sociodemographics and other risk factors. The longitudinal design provides the first quantitative measures of breastfeeding intensity and duration among GDM offspring during early life.
Silicon bipolar 12 GHz downconverter for satellite receivers

A silicon monolithic downconverter designed for consumer satellite television receivers operating from 10.7 to 12.7 GHz has been developed. The downconverter includes a double balanced mixer, oscillator, IF filter, two stage IF amplifier, and a double pole single throw switch. The chip is housed in an internally designed 16 lead dual in line plastic package. The unit provides 13 dB of conversion gain and a phase noise of 105 dBc/Hz at a 10 kHz offset when used with an external dielectric resonator. The IC requires a single 5 volt supply and draws 30 mA.
Parallel detection fusion for multisensor tracking of a maneuvering target in clutter using IMMPDA filtering

We present a (suboptimal) filtering algorithm for tracking a highly maneuvering target in a cluttered environment using multiple sensors. The filtering algorithm is developed by applying the basic interacting multiple model (IMM) approach and the probabilistic data association (PDA) technique to a two sensor (radar and infrared, for instance) problem for state estimation for the target. A detection fusion approach is followed where the raw sensor measurements are passed to a fusion node and fed directly to the target tracker. A multisensor probabilistic data association filter is developed for parallel sensor processing for target tracking under clutter. A past approach using parallel sensor processing has ignored certain data association probabilities leading to an erroneous derivation. Another existing approach applies only to non-maneuvering targets. The algorithm is illustrated via a highly maneuvering target tracking simulation example where two sensors, a radar and an infrared sensor, are used. Compared with an existing IMM-PDA filtering algorithm with sequential sensor processing, the proposed algorithm achieves significant improvement in the accuracy of track estimation.
Pharmacological characterization of LPS and opioid interactions at the toll-like receptor 4.

Background and Purpose Previous work in our laboratory showed opioid agents inhibit cytokine expression in astrocytes. Recently, Watkins and colleagues hypothesized that opioid agonists activate toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signalling, which leads to neuroinflammation. To test this hypothesis, we characterized LPS and opioid effects on TLR4 signalling in reporter cells. Experimental Approach NF-κB reporter cells expressing high levels of TLR4 were used to compare LPS and opioid effects on NF-κB activation, a pathway activated by TLR4 stimulation. Key Results LPS increased TLR4 signalling in a concentration-dependent manner and was antagonized by LPS antagonist (LPS-RS, from Rhodobacter sphaeroides). A concentration ratio analysis showed that LPS-RS was a competitive antagonist. The opioid agonists, morphine and fentanyl, produced minor activation of TLR4 signalling when given alone. When tested following LPS stimulation, opioid agonists inhibited NF-κB activation but this inhibition was not blocked by the general opioid antagonist, naloxone, nor by the selective μ opioid receptor antagonist, β-FNA. Indeed, both naloxone and β-FNA also inhibited NF-κB activation in reporter cells. Further examination of fentanyl and β-FNA effects revealed that both opioid agents inhibited LPS signalling in a non-competitive fashion. Conclusions and Implications These results show that LPS-RS is a competitive antagonist at the TLR4 complex, and that both opioid agonists and antagonists inhibit LPS signalling in a non-competitive fashion through a non-GPCR, opioid site(s) in the TLR4 signalling pathway. If confirmed, existing opioid agents or other drug molecules more selective at this novel site may provide a new therapeutic approach to the treatment of neuroinflammation.
Clearing a Path: Theorizing the Past in Native American Studies

Clearing. Path:Theorizing the Past in Native American Studies. Nancy Shoemaker, ed. New York: Routledge, 2002. 215 pp.
Requirements specifications for hybrid systems

We have presented several examples to show how the SCR requirements model can be extended to specify and to reason about hybrid systems. The next step is to extend the formal definition of the SCR model to include continuous variables, time, and accuracy. By adding such information to system and software requirements specifications, we can provide precise guidance to the developers of computer systems and a formal foundation for analyzing the behavior of these systems.
Introduction: On the 20th anniversary of the death of Ken Saro-Wiwa

Abstract This special section of Extractive Industries and Society addresses the legacy of the Nigerian writer, environmental and human rights activist Ken Saro-Wiwa on the twentieth anniversary of his hanging along with eight other Ogonis in November 1995. Saro-Wiwa conceived and led the most effective protest campaign against the activities of a transnational oil company the world has yet seen. His innovative juxtaposition of environmental and human rights issues, his highlighting the intertwined relationship between oil companies and a dictatorial regime, and the worldwide attention his death and the suffering of his Ogoni people brought to these issues fundamentally changed the relationships between extractive industries and their local host communities. This introduction highlights some of the arguments put forth by the various contributors to this special section and places them in a larger context. It also brings up to date some of the developments that have taken place in the Niger Delta in the 20 years since Saro-Wiwa’s hanging.
Buccal Expansion during Hissing in the Puff Adder, Bitis arietans

Abstract Videoradiographic analyses were made of hissing in puff adders (Bitis arietans). During the hiss the larynx remains relatively stationary immediately adjacent to the internal nares. The exhalatory portion of the hiss is characterized by a distinct expansion of the caudal buccal cavity, including a depression of the hyoid and divergence of the cornua. This buccal expansion is hypothesized to be an epiphenomenon of intraoral pressure generated by the exhalatory airstream of the hiss.
Melanoma cells can tolerate high levels of transcriptionally active endogenous p53 but are sensitive to retrovirus-transduced p53

Malignant melanomas are frequently characterized by elevated levels of wild-type p53, suggesting that p53 function could be suppressed by a mechanism different from p53 mutation. We analysed the functionality of the p53-signaling pathway in a panel of seven human melanoma cell lines consisting of one p53-deficient line, two lines with mutant p53, and four lines expressing wild-type p53. Only lines with wild-type p53 were characterized by elevated levels of endogenous p21, high activity of p53-responsive reporters and accumulation of p53 in response to genotoxic stress, common properties of functional p53. The presence of wild-type p53 was associated with depletion or loss of p14ARF and p16 expression. The levels of p33ING1b and p24ING1c, two major products of Ing1 locus and putative coregulators of p53, were elevated in all cell lines tested; however, ectopic expression of either ING1 isoform had no effect on cell proliferation. All lines retained expression of Apaf-1, and all but one remained sensitive to ectopic expression of retrovirus-transduced p53. Our data indicate that regardless of abnormally high levels of p53 in melanomas, their p53 remains competent in transactivation of its targets, and, if highly overexpressed, capable of growth inhibition. Hence, the p53 pathway in malignant melanomas can be considered for pharmacological targeting and anticancer gene therapy.
Materials for space rating electromechanical components.

Nonstructural materials for space utilization including lubricants, sliding electrical contacts and dielectrics
Effects of cocaine and fenfluramine on progressive-ratio performance.

Abstract Pigeons obtained food on a progressive-ratio schedule that required 8 additional responses for each successive reinforcement. The number of responses in the final completed ratio of the session was defined as the breaking point. When cocaine was administered (IM, 5 min presession), the breaking point increased and then decreased as a function of increasing doses (0.3–10 mg/kg). In contrast, across the same range of doses of fenfluramine, the breaking point only decreased. At doses of each drug that decreased the breaking point, the high running rate of responding was interrupted by pauses. At doses of cocaine that increased the breaking point, the running rate was also disrupted, but the disruption was characterized by lower, irregular rates rather than pausing. The increases in breaking point observed at 3 mg/kg of cocaine were no longer seen when fenfluramine was administered at the same time.
Ethanol and discriminative motor control: Effects on normal and dependent animals

Abstract The effects of ethanol on discriminative motor control were examined in rats using a task in which food pellets were made available if a manipulandum was held within a specified forceband for a fixed period of time. Following performance stabilization, the effects of acute doses of ethanol (1, 2, 3, and 4 g/kg) were determined. Then the animals were placed on a schedule-induced polydipsia regimen to produce chronic ethanol overdrinking. During this chronic ethanol overdrinking, daily performance on the discriminative motor task was measured. Further, the effects of additional acute doses of ethanol upon the task were determined. After various periods of ethanol overdrinking, the effects of short-term (5–10 hr) ethanol withdrawal upon the motor task were evaluated. Following 10 months of chronic ethanol overdrinking, the effects of complete ethanol withdrawal upon the motor task were examined. Prior to chronic ethanol exposure, only doses that produced blood ethanol levels above 120 mg/100 ml blood (3.5–4 g/kg) affected motor performance to any degree. Following chronic ethanol overdrinking, blood levels of over 230 mg/100 ml blood were needed to produce any performance decrements, indicating the development of marked tolerance. Complete ethanol withdrawal was found to disrupt performance for up to 72 hr, which is similar to the time course noted in the human alcoholic abstinence syndrome.
Redundancy among indicators in the mental health demographic profile system

This paper explores the extent of redundancy among the small area indicators of the 1970 Mental Health Demographic Profile System (MHDPS). Redundancy is equated with interindicator Pearson correlations equal to or greater than 0.80 for the census tracts within six metropolitan counties. The analysis was undertaken because the assertion had been made that the association among indicators was high, particularly within major social area dimensions, and consequently, a few indicators could be used to provide the information contained in the system. The analysis failed to support this thesis. The paper concludes by making a case for a judgmental selection of items and briefly reviewing the 1980 MHDPS.
A revised model for course content of consumer health information services

Previous studies have discussed that consumer health information services served by public librarians are not adequate. The current study highlights that the issue is closely related to the immaturity of the course of consumer health information services. The purpose of the current study is to develop a more desirable model for consumer health information services courses. The study analyzed the consumer health-related course content of 7 ischools in U. S, and conducted intensive interviews to 40 public library users and 20 public librarians. Key findings indicated that the current courses did not cover critical topics, and highlight that there are a lack of public awareness regarding health information services provided by public libraries and user needs of collaboration between health institutions and public libraries. The findings, thus, suggest that the core or additional topics such as health literacy, reference ethics, user instruction and dissemination strategies need to be included in a revised course model.
A deep-sea octopus (Graneledone cf. boreopacifica) as a shell-crushing hydrothermal vent predator

The gut contents of a female specimen of Graneledone cf. boreopacifica collected from the caldera wall of Axial Volcano, near an active hydrothermal vent in the Northeast Pacific Ocean are reported. At least 30 individual gastropods and 46 individual polychaetes are represented in the gut contents by hard parts. Shell fragments and shells removed from the gut allow ready identification of the gastropods Provanna variabilis and Lepetodrilus fucensis, both of which are known only from North Pacific hydrothermal vents. Jaws of polychaete worms are identified as those of the nereidid, Nereis piscesae, and the predatory polynoids, Levensteiniella kincaidi and an unidentified species in the subfamily Branchinotogluminae. Not only was a considerable volume of prey hard parts ingested, the gastropod shells had been crushed before being ingested. The large size of the beaks in this genus of octopus and the increased area they offer for insertion of the superior mandible muscle, the prime mover in beak closure, support the hypothesis that these beaks exert sufficient force to crush the gastropod shells. Although cephalopods had been reported to be absent from hydrothermal vents, the data presented here demonstrate that not only do they occur in vent habitats, they actively prey on vent fauna.
Effect of nifedipine on exercise-induced left ventricular dysfunction and myocardial hypoperfusion in stable angina

Abstract To assess the effects of nifedipine on left ventricular function and regional myocardial perfusion, exercise radionuclide ventriculography was performed in 15 men (median age 59 years) and exercise thallium-201 scintigraphy was done in 11 of them, before and 90 minutes after the oral administration of 20 mg of nifedipine. All patients had stable angina and angiographically proved coronary artery disease without evidence of spasm. Exercise tolerance after administration of nifedipine increased from 343 ± 42 seconds to 471 ± 50 seconds (p
Neutral Atmospheric Temperatures from Incoherent Scatter Observations

Neutral atmospheric temperatures calculated from data provided by incoherent scatter soundings of ionosphere
A derivative of the CRMP2 binding compound lanthionine ketimine provides neuroprotection in a mouse model of cerebral ischemia

Lanthionines are novel neurotrophic and neuroprotective small molecules that show promise for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. In particular, a recently developed, cell permeable lanthionine derivative known as LKE (lanthionine ketimine 5-ethyl ester) promotes neurite growth at low nanomolar concentrations. LKE also has neuroprotective, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Its therapeutic potential in cerebral ischemia and its mechanisms of neurotrophic action remain to be fully elucidated. Here, we hypothesize that the neuroprotective actions of LKE could result from induction or modulation of CRMP2. We found that treating primary cultured mouse neurons with LKE provided significant protection against t-butyl hydroperoxide-induced neuronal death possibly through CRMP2 upregulation. Similarly, in-vivo studies showed that LKE pre and/or post-treatment protects mice against permanent distal middle cerebral artery occlusion (p-MCAO) as evidenced by lower stroke lesions and improved functional outcomes in terms of rotarod, grip strength and neurologic deficit scores in treated groups. Protein expression levels of CRMP2 were higher in brain cortices of LKE pretreated mice, suggesting that LKE’s neuroprotective activity may be CRMP2 dependent. Lower activity of cleaved PARP and higher activity of SERT1 was also observed in LKE treated group suggesting its anti-apoptotic properties. Our results suggest that LKE has potential as a therapeutic intervention in cerebral ischemia and that part of its protective mechanism may be attributed in- part to CRMP2 mediated action and PARP-1/SIRT-1 modulation.
Resonant formation of strongly correlated paired states in rotating Bose gases

We study the effects of Feshbach resonant interactions in a rapidly rotating Bose gas. The resonant formation of molecules leads to the growth of pair correlations which modify the ground state of the gas. By an extension of the usual Chern-Simons theory, built of composite atoms and molecules, we are able to account for these resonance effects. Focusing on the $1∕2$ filling fraction, we find that the resulting ground state evolves from a Laughlin wave function to a unique paired wave function as one approaches the resonance.
CHILDREN'S BOOK PREFERENCES: PATTERNS, PARTICULARS, AND POSSIBLE IMPLICATIONS

A sample of 315 third, fourth and fifth grade inner‐city and suburban children from Virginia and Ohio completed an open‐ended written survey about their “most favorite” book. Titles were categorized by literary genre. Chi‐square analyses were used to identify differences and patterns in grade level, gender and geographic/socio‐economic level. Relatively little overlap occurred with individual titles named but some genre patterns emerged. One trend (although not statistically significant) was a movement away from picture books and fantasy towards realistic fiction as the children moved up in grade level. Significant differences did emerge when gender was considered, with girls favoring realistic fiction and boys selecting fantasy titles. Further significant differences showed inner‐city children selecting fantasy and suburban children, realistic fiction. Title choices for these groups revealed more classic, award‐winning titles for the suburban sample and popular series or media‐linked choices for the inne...
State-Based Scheduling via Active Resource Solving

A mixed-initiative approach to activity planning for space mission operations was introduced in the Mars Exploration Rover mission, and has been extended and adapted to other missions. The approach involves a collaboration between a human planner and automated tools that reason about activities and constraints. One important class of constraints arises from state requirements and effects. The mixed-initiative framework passively detects and reports constraint violations. At the user's request, it can also offer suggestions, obtained through automated planning techniques, for actively fixing certain violations. Due to the need for a rapid response, active solving previously used a timeline insertion strategy that limited the types of violations that could be fixed, whereas the passive checking employed an encoding of the state constraints as resource constraints that identified all the violations. In this paper, we report on an extension of the active solver to handle resource problems, allowing a unification of the passive and active strategies.
Surface roughness of microfilled composites.

Surface roughness, profile, and microstructure were compared for three microfilled composites and one conventional composite finished with white stones, rubber polisher, silicon carbide disks, and aluminum oxide disks. Microfilled resins uniformly resulted in smoother surfaces.
Perceptual organization in range data: robust detection of low order surfaces in heavy clutter

We consider the problem of detecting manmade objects in range data in the presence of extensive clutter. Such situations arise in, for example, the detection of small structures or vehicles beneath a leaf canopy in range data collected from an airborne platform. This problem calls for an extremely robust detection scheme, and it should be fast. Since most manufactured objects comprise large low-order piecewise smooth surfaces (often planes), we focus on detecting locally planar surfaces. We propose a novel technique we call distribution weighted histograms (DWH), which exploits the inherent geometric distributions of manmade objects versus the random occlusions such as those due to an overhanging leaf canopy. The DWH algorithm performs well under heavy occlusion while being computationally inexpensive (linear complexity). We present extensive experimental results.
Lithium transport in human fibroblasts: relationship to RBC lithium transport and psychiatric diagnoses

Abstract Cultured fibroblasts were prepared from six normal controls, five DSM-III manic patients, and six DSM-III schizophrenic patients. Lithium (Li + ) uptake, 24-hour Li + ratios, and steady-state membrane potential were measured in these cell lines. The uptake of 10 m M Li + reached maximum at 2 hours with an intracellular concentration of approximately 15 m M . No significant difference in uptake was found among subject groups. Twenty-four hour Li + (ratio of intracellular/extracellular Li + ) ratios were determined by incubating the cell lines for 24 hours in the presence of 2 m M Li + . No significant difference was observed among groups; nor was there any significant correlation between the fibroblast 24-hour ratios and 24-hour in vitro ratios determined in donor red cells. The relationship between membrane potential and the 24 hour Li + ratio in fibroblasts was determined. The average potential in these cell lines was -56 mV and was not affected by Li + treatment. No correlation between the Li + ratio and membrane potential was found.
Stress-only Tc-99m myocardial perfusion imaging in an emergency department chest pain unit.

Abstract Background Stress-only myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) saves time by eliminating rest imaging, which is important for emergency department (ED) throughput but has not been studied in an ED population. Study Objective To determine the prognosis of a normal stress-only MPI study compared to a normal rest-stress MPI and establish its effectiveness in an ED setting. Methods All patients evaluated in the ED over 6.5 years who underwent a stress-only technetium-99m gated MPI were compared to those who had a rest-stress study. All-cause mortality was determined using the Social Security Death Index. Survival was analyzed in patients with normal and abnormal MPI results. Results A total of 4145 studies (2340 stress-only, 1805 rest-stress) were performed. Patients' average age was 57.9 years, 38.5% were male, and most had an intermediate or low pretest risk of coronary artery disease (87.7%). Average follow-up was 35.9 ± 20.9 months. In patients with normal perfusion, at 1 year of follow-up there were 11 deaths in the stress-only group (0.5% 1-year mortality), and 13 deaths in the rest-stress cohort (1.1% 1-year mortality). At the end of follow-up, the stress-only group had a lower all-cause mortality ( p p = 0.10) than the rest-stress cohort. Patients with abnormal perfusion demonstrated the expected differential prognosis based on total perfusion deficits in both groups. Conclusions A normal stress-only MPI study has a benign 1-year prognosis similar to a rest-stress study when performed in the ED. The ability to triage patients more rapidly and reduce radiation exposure represents an attractive alternative for low-risk patients.
Dosimetry characteristics of four fast neutron generators involved in rtog interinstitutional clinical trials

Abstract Purpose: To demonstrate the consistency of dosimetry data used for four fast neutron generators involved in interinstitutional clinical trials. Methods and Materials: Central-axis dosimetry characteristics (field size dependence, percentage depth dose, beam modifier factors) at four institutions were measured by independent physicists from the Radiological Physics Center. These measurements were made in water with a single set of dosimetry equipment using tissue equivalent ionization chambers. Measurements were made with the chamber cavities filled with stationary air and flowing tissue-equivalent gas. All measurements were performed using techniques developed by the Radiological Physics Center for conventional radiotherapy equipment. The results of our measurements were compared to the data used by the institution to determine the consistency of patient doses reported to the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group. Results: The agreement of the Radiological Physics Center and institution data is similar to what is typically found with conventional radiotherapy equipment. Conclusions: The doses reported by these institutions to the Fast Neutron Working Group of the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group are consistent, within accepted clinical criteria.
Gene delivery via DNA incorporation within a biomimetic apatite coating.

Integrating inductivity with conductivity in a material may advance tissue engineering. An organic/inorganic hybrid was developed by incorporating plasmid DNA encoding for the β-gal gene complexed with Lipofectamine 2000® (DNA–Lipoplex) within apatite via coprecipitation. It was hypothesized that this system will result in enhanced transfection efficiency compared to DNA–Lipoplexes adsorbed to the mineral surface and DNA coprecipitated without Lipofectamine 2000®. PLGA films were cast onto glass slips and apatite and DNA were coprecipitated in modified simulated body fluid (mSBF). DNA–Lipoplex presence in mineral, DNA–Lipoplex stability (vs. coprecipitation time), and transfection efficiency (determined with C3H10T1/2 cells) as a function of coprecipitation time, DNA–Lipoplex concentration, and DNA incorporation method were studied. DNA–Lipoplex presence and spatial distribution on apatite were confirmed through fluorescence. Transfection efficiency was highest for 6 h of DNA–Lipoplex coprecipitation. Differences in transfection efficiency were found between the DNA concentrations, with the highest efficiency for coprecipitation being 40 μg/ml (p ≤ 0.009 relative to other coprecipitation concentrations). Significant differences in transfection efficiency existed between incorporation methods (p < 0.05) with the highest efficiency for DNA–Lipoplex coprecipitation. This hybrid material system not only integrates inductivity provided by the DNA and conductivity provided by the apatite, but it also has significant implications in non-viral gene delivery due to its ability to increase transfection efficiency.