cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spontaneous inhibitors to coagulation factors

Spontaneous inhibitors to coagulation factors are autoantibodies that usually appear in the elderly, but may also occur in patients with immunological disorders such as lupus, lymphoma, asthma or drug reactions. Most antibodies are directed against factor VIII, but any coagulation protein may be affected. They should be suspected in individuals who previously had normal haemostasis, but who now begin to experience bleeding into the skin and muscles, or suffer haemorrhages after routine procedures such as insertion of vascular catheters, intramuscular injections, or minor surgery. The haemostasis laboratory is critical in identifying the particular inhibitor and quantitating its potency. Factor VIII inhibitors prolong the partial thromboplastin time (PTT) but not the prothrombin time (PT), and incubating mixtures of patient plasma and normal plasma enhances the prolongation of the clotting time. The Bethesda assay provides a rough assessment of inhibitor potency. Inhibitors of von Willebrand factor prolong the bleeding time and impair ristocetin-induced platelet aggregation. Factor V inhibitors are associated with a prolonged PTT and PT, not correctable with normal plasma. Patients will often have a history of exposure to bovine thrombin in fibrin glue. The antibodies most difficult to recognize are those that alter fibrin polymerization or stabilization. Abnormal clot retraction or clot solubility in urea solutions are an important clue. The management of these disorders depends on characterization of the inhibitor, and using appropriate clotting factor concentrates to control acute bleeding. For example, recombinant human factor VIII or desmopressin may be effective for patients with low titre factor VIII inhibitors, whereas porcine factor VIII, recombinant factor Vlla, or prothrombin complex concentrates stem bleeding in those with high titres. Inhibitors of von Willebrand factor may be amenable to desmopressin, cryoprecipitate, or von Willebrand factor concentrates. Some patients with factor V inhibitors have responded to platelet transfusions, as the platelet factor V may be shielded from the autoantibody. Bleeding due to factor XIII inhibitors may be managed with fibrogammin, a factor XIII concentrate. All patients should be treated for underlying disorders and given drugs such as corticosteroids and cytotoxic agents to suppress inhibitor formation. Major advances in new immunosuppressive technologies, such as monoclonal B-cell antibodies, offer hope of more effective therapies for spontaneous inhibitors to coagulation factors.
An optimal secondary voltage-VAR control technique

Abstract French researchers have recently introduced the concept of secondary voltage-VAR control based on pilot points. The French have proposed that such secondary control can be automated by monitoring certain key buses and making adjustments based on these pilot point voltages. The pilot points and the control strategy proposed are based on engineering intuition. We pose the problem of determining the optimal pilot point or points as an optimization problem using a Chebyshev norm. That is, we seek a pilot point and a control strategy that will minimize the maximum voltage deviation under a class of disturbances. If all voltage magnitudes are monitored we show that optimal secondary control is achieved through the solution of an overdefined set of equations in the Chebyshev sense. Various control strategies based on less information (a number of pilot points) are investigated including the original French strategy. As an example the optimal pilot point for the IEEE 30 bus test system is determined.
The evolution of distyly: pollen transfer in artificial flowers.

A recent model by Lloyd and Webb derives conditions necessary for the evolution of distyly based on pollen-transfer probabilities between ancestral morphs and invading mutants. We used bumblebees visiting artificial flowers to measure the parameters of the model. Our findings supported the first evolutionary step proposed by the model, establishment of a stigma-height polymorphism. Conditions for the subsequent establishment of an anther-height polymorphism were not satisfied by pollen-transfer patterns alone. Because conditions for the first step are considered more onerous, however, and because the second stage depends on inbreeding depression as well as pollen-transfer patterns, we interpret our results as supporting the plausibility of the Lloyd-Webb model. Video images of bees visiting glass-sided artificial flowers demonstrate a mechanism for disassortative pollination between the ancestral and mutant morph. In general, pollen-transfer probabilities were negatively correlated with the height difference between anthers of the donor and stigma of the recipient. Style length affects bee feeding posture in such a way that disassortative pollination could feasibly occur in the absence of an anther-height polymorphism.
Influence of shear-induced migration on turbulent resuspension

Abstract In this paper we propose a model which predicts the point at which particles are first ejected from the viscous sublayer of a fluid flowing over a settled layer of particles into the turbulent core. The model, which combines viscous resuspension observations and an understanding of the structure of near-wall turbulence, is expected to be valid only for fine particles where the particle Reynolds number (based on the particle diameter and friction velocity) at resuspension is small. If a settled bed with fluid on top is sheared in a plane Couette device with the bottom plate fixed at low Reynolds nunber (based on the velocity of the top plate and the width of the gap), it has been shown that the shear-induced effective particle diffusivity arising from particle interactions causes the bed to expand. This expansion occurs in a narrow transition region between the settled bed and a region devoid of particles. If this region is thin with respect to the dimensions of the viscous sublayer of the flow, then the turbulent shear stress variations in the near-wall region will be impressed on the resuspending layer. Turbulent resuspension would be expected to occur by this mechanism when the bed has expanded enough that the upward velocity at some point in the resuspending layer caused by the turbulent eddies is greater than the downward settling due to gravity. By formulating the problem in this manner, the contribution of viscous effects to the onset of turbulent resuspension may be predicted from known quantities. The dimensionless steady-state concentration profile caused by the interaction between viscous resuspension and turbulent eddies is found to be characterized by the parameter S = β+[(9/2)ψ]2(9/2ψ)2(ReP+); where β+ is the dimensionless magnitude of the vertical velocity of the eddies, measured previously to be β+ = 0.005; ψ is the Shields parameter τ/ΔApga, where τ is the wall shear stress, Δp is the density difference between the particles and the fluid, g is the gravitational acceleration and a is the particle radius; and ReP+ is the particle Reynolds number u ∗ d P /v , where u ∗ =(τ/p) 1 2 is the friction velocity, dP is the particle diameter, v is the kinematic viscosity and p is the fluid density. The point at which the model predicts incipient turbulent resuspension to occur is given by S ≈ 5. This point is shown to lie between the Shields criterion for the onset of first motion in a settled layer and the minimum flow condition for the complete resuspension of a settled layerm suggesting that viscous effects do play an important role in incipient turbulent resuspension at low particle Reynolds numbers.
A low‐cost autonomous mobile robotics experiment: Control, vision, sonar, and Handy Board

The aim of the paper is to demonstrate a design of a low-cost mobile robotics experiment using LEGO Mindstorms Robotic Invention System kit, Handy Board microcontroller board, CMU camera, and SRF04 sonar sensor. The experiment is designed to be used as a laboratory session of a course on Fundamentals of Autonomous Robots. This hands-on course aims to foster students' interests from different fields to autonomous mobile robotics and improve the education in this area. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 20: 203–213, 2012
Crystal Structure of Trimeric Carbohydrate Recognition and Neck Domains of Surfactant Protein A

Surfactant protein A (SP-A), one of four proteins associated with pulmonary surfactant, binds with high affinity to alveolar phospholipid membranes, positioning the protein at the first line of defense against inhaled pathogens. SP-A exhibits both calcium-dependent carbohydrate binding, a characteristic of the collectin family, and specific interactions with lipid membrane components. The crystal structure of the trimeric carbohydrate recognition domain and neck domain of SP-A was solved to 2.1-A resolution with multiwavelength anomalous dispersion phasing from samarium. Two metalbinding sites were identified, one in the highly conserved lectin site and the other 8.5 A away. The interdomain carbohydrate recognition domain-neck angle is significantly less in SP-A than in the homologous collectins, surfactant protein D, and mannose-binding protein. This conformational difference may endow the SP-A trimer with a more extensive hydrophobic surface capable of binding lipophilic membrane components. The appearance of this surface suggests a putative binding region for membrane-derived SP-A ligands such as phosphatidylcholine and lipid A, the endotoxic lipid component of bacterial lipopolysaccharide that mediates the potentially lethal effects of Gram-negative bacterial infection.
Cerebral glucose utilization: local changes during and after recovery from spreading cortical depression

Cerebral glucose utilization is markedly increased in most areas of the cerebral cortex and reduced in many subcortical structures during spreading cortical depression. During recovery, cortical glucose utilization is still elevated, but the increased metabolic activity is distributed in columns running perpendicularly through the cortex.
95 Years of Teaching High School Sociology

A neglected part of the history of teaching sociology is the history of teaching high school sociology. The American Sociological Association's centennial in 2005 affords sociologists an opportunity to reflect on the teaching of sociology–anywhere and everywhere that it happens. In the spirit of contributing to the history of teaching sociology in the United States, this paper outlines the roughly 95-year history of the teaching of high school sociology. I rely upon published course descriptions written by high school sociology teachers and empirical studies conducted by academic sociologists. They demonstrate that past high school sociology courses have focused primarily on examining social problems and current events, and on promoting citizenship education. This remains the case today. I offer several reasons why the courses have looked as they have over the past 95 years, and conclude with four predictions about the future of teaching high school sociology.
Characterization of natural and artificial optical activity by the Mueller matrix for oblique incidence, total internal reflection, and Brewster angle

Optically active natural or artificial materials are characterized by their optical rotation and circular dichroism. The optical activity of materials is expressed here by the constitutive equations, through a complex chiral parameter. The characteristic equations of optically active materials are the right and left circularly polarized waves with different propagation coefficients. The optical rotation (OR) is associated with differences in the phase velocities, and circular dichroism (CD) is associated with differences in the attenuation constants. These properties can be used to detect and identify biological materials. Artificial materials that are optically active have novel applications. The OR and the CD are usually defined for waves that are normally incident upon chiral materials. At oblique incidence the reflected waves are depolarized. In this manuscript we present numerical simulations to identify pairs of Mueller matrix elements suitable for the measurement of OR and CD for waves obliquely incident upon optically active dissipative media. These simulations can also be used to determine the dependence of the Mueller matrix elements upon the angles of incidence, the permittivity and permeability of the host medium, and the wavelength. For a low-loss host medium, the measurements of OR and CD decouple. Total internal reflection and the Brewster angle are also considered for these optically active materials. These investigations have potential applications in biochemistry, medicine, defense, homeland security, and for the optimum excitation of metamaterial devices.
Protein phosphorylation in rod outer segments from bovine retina: cyclic nucleotide-activated protein kinase and its endogenous substrate.

Abstract Protein kinase activity of isolated rod outer segments from bovine retinas is activated by cGMP when in a soluble form, and it is cyclic nucleotide independent when associated with the rod outer segment membranes. The soluble protein kinase phosphorylates in a cyclic nucleotide-dependent manner only a single endogenous protein with an apparent molecular weight of 30,000 daltons. The 30,000-dalton phosphoprotein is localized specifically in the visual cells of the retina. It is proposed that the light-induced changes in cGMP levels that occur in rod outer segments in vivo are linked by the cyclic nucleotide-dependent protein kinase to alterations in the content of the 30,000-dalton phosphoprotein.
Compressed sensing embedded in an operational wireless sensor network to achieve energy efficiency in long-term monitoring applications

Compressed sensing (CS) is a powerful new data acquisition paradigm that seeks to accurately reconstruct unknown sparse signals from very few (relative to the target signal dimension) random projections. The specific objective of this study is to save wireless sensor energy by using CS to simultaneously reduce data sampling rates, on-board storage requirements, and communication data payloads. For field-deployed low power wireless sensors that are often operated with limited energy sources, reduced communication translates directly into reduced power consumption and improved operational reliability. In this study, acceleration data from a multi-girder steel-concrete deck composite bridge are processed for the extraction of mode shapes. A wireless sensor node previously designed to perform traditional uniform, Nyquist rate sampling is modified to perform asynchronous, effectively sub-Nyquist rate sampling. The sub-Nyquist data are transmitted off-site to a computational server for reconstruction using the CoSaMP matching pursuit recovery algorithm and further processed for extraction of the structure?s mode shapes. The mode shape metric used for reconstruction quality is the modal assurance criterion (MAC), an indicator of the consistency between CS and traditional Nyquist acquired mode shapes. A comprehensive investigation of modal accuracy from a dense set of acceleration response data reveals that MAC values above 0.90 are obtained for the first four modes of a bridge structure when at least 20% of the original signal is sampled using the CS framework. Reduced data collection, storage and communication requirements are found to lead to substantial reductions in the energy requirements of wireless sensor networks at the expense of modal accuracy. Specifically, total energy reductions of 10?60% can be obtained for a sensor network with 10?100 sensor nodes, respectively. The reduced energy requirements of the CS sensor nodes are shown to directly result in improved battery life and communication reliability.
162 FURAZOLIDONE-INDUCED CARDIOMYOPATHY IN TURKEYS: ASSOCIATION WITH A RELATIVE ALPHA-I-ANTITRYPSIN DEFICIENCY

A naturally occurring cardiomyopathy (Round Heart Disease) which is potentiated by inbreeding and a cardiomyopathy produced by furazolidone, a nitrofuran derivative, were studied for an associated alpha-l-antitrypsin deficiency in two flocks of turkeys-one inbred for Round Heart Disease and a commerical flock. At age four weeks, the furazolidone fed birds of both flocks, demonstrated a significant increase in mortality and cardiac dilatation associated with disordered hepatic metabolism when compared to their controls. (p<.01) Although PAS positive, diastase-resistant globules were observed in the livers of both strains of turkeys fed furazolidone, these globules were present inlysosomes and not in the rough endoplasmic reticulum as in alpha-l-antitrypsin deficiency. The control inbred birds with Round Heart Disease did not demonstrate histologic or biochemical evidence of an alpha-l-antitrypsin deficiency. It is proposed that furazolidone in the turkey produces primary hepatic damage that is reflected in lowered total serum proteins including trypsin inhibitory capacity and that the alterations produced by furazolidone are super imposed on Round Heart Disease in the inbred flock.
Positive interference of nitrous acid in the determination of gaseous HNO3 by the NOx chemiluminescence-nylon cartridge method: Applications to measurements of ppb levels of HONO in air

Abstract Gaseous nitrous acid in air has been simultaneously monitored in environmental chambers by an absolute method, differential optical absorption spectroscopy, and by a nylon cartridge-chemiluminescence NO x technique originally developed by Spicer and co-workers for gaseous HNO 3 . In the absence of HNO 3 , the latter technique proved to be a simple and accurate method for measuring ppb levels of HONO in air. However, the positive interference by HONO in the nylon cartridge-chemiluminescence technique may have important ramifications due to possible artifacts in measurements of gaseous HNO 3 by removal on nylon surfaces. Thus, previous observations in night-time atmospheres or environmental chambers attributed entirely to gaseous HNO 3 may have been, at least in part, due to the presence of gaseous HONO.
Null Mutations in a Nudix Gene, ygdP, Implicate an Alarmone Response in a Novel Suppression of Hybrid Jamming

Induction of the toxic LamB-LacZ protein fusion, Hyb42-1, leads to a lethal generalized protein export defect. The prlF1 suppressor causes hyperactivation of the cytoplasmic Lon protease and relieves the inducer sensitivity of Hyb42-1. Since prlF1 does not cause a detectable change in the stability or level of the hybrid protein, we conducted a suppressor screen, seeking factors genetically downstream of lon with prlF1-like phenotypes. Two independent insertions in the ygdP open reading frame relieve the toxicity of the fusion protein and share two additional properties with prlF1: cold sensitivity and the ability to suppress the temperature sensitivity of a degP null mutation. Despite these similarities, ygdP does not appear to act in the same genetic pathway as prlF1 and lon, suggesting a fundamental link between the phenotypes. We speculate that the common properties of the suppressors relate to secretion defects. The ygdP gene (also known as nudH) has been shown to encode a Nudix protein that acts as a dinucleotide oligophosphate (alarmone) hydrolase. Our results suggest that loss of ygdP function leads to the induction of an alarmone-mediated response that affects secretion. Using an epitope-tagged ygdP construct, we present evidence that this response is sensitive to secretion-related stress and is regulated by differential proteolysis of YgdP in a self-limiting manner.
Electromechanical behavior of aligned carbon nanotube arrays for bio-inspired fluid flow sensors

Hierarchical carbon fibers show potential as a bio-inspired fluid flow sensor. The sensor is inspired from bat wings, which have thousands of micro-scale hairs that are deflected due to the flow and are believed to feedback flow information through force sensitive cells. Radially aligned carbon nanotube arrays on carbon fiber could function as the transducer in a similar device by decreasing resistance with the application of compressive strain. The bio-inspired flow sensor is first modeled to determine the compliance of the fiber and strains applied to the carbon nanotube arrays. Vertically aligned carbon nanotube arrays are then prepared on planar conductive substrates through transfer from insulating Si wafers; which simplifies the analysis of the mechanical properties of the material. The electromechanical material properties are measured by a modified dynamic mechanical analyzer. Results are presented along with recommendations for the next phase of electromechanical property evaluation.
Opposing Action of Estrogen Receptors α and β on Cyclin D1 Gene Expression

Induction of cyclin D1 gene transcription by estrogen receptor α (ERα) plays an important role in estrogen-mediated proliferation. There is no classical estrogen response element in the cyclin D1 promoter, and induction by ERα has been mapped to an alternative response element, a cyclic AMP-response element at −57, with possible participation of an activating protein-1 site at −954. The action of ERβ at the cyclin D1 promoter is unknown, although evidence suggests that ERβ may inhibit the proliferative action of ERα. We examined the response of cyclin D1 promoter constructs by luciferase assay and the response of the endogenous protein by Western blot in HeLa cells transiently expressing ERα, ERαK206A (a derivative that is superactive at alternative response elements), or ERβ. In each case, ER activation at the cyclin D1 promoter is mediated by both the cyclic AMP-response element and the activating protein-1 site, which play partly redundant roles. The activation by ERβ occurs only with antiestrogens. Estrogens, which activate cyclin D1 gene expression with ERα, inhibit expression with ERβ. Strikingly, the presence of ERβ completely inhibits cyclin D1 gene activation by estrogen and ERα or even by estrogen and the superactive ERαK206A. The observation of the opposing action and dominance of ERβ over ERα in activation of cyclin D1 gene expression has implications for the postulated role of ERβ as a modulator of the proliferative effects of estrogen.
Reply to Giere

Abstract In his “A New Program for Philosophy of Science?”, Ronald Giere expresses qualms regarding the critical and political projects I advocate for philosophy of science—that the critical project assumes an underdetermination absent from actual science, and the political project takes us outside the professional pursuit of philosophy of science. In reply I contend that the underdetermination the critical project assumes does occur in actual science, and I provide a variety of examples to support this. And I contend that the political project requires no more than what other academic fields even in science studies are already providing.
Semi-grand canonical molecular dynamics simulation of bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor

Abstract In the quest to understand both the structural and thermodynamic facets of biomolecular–solvent systems semi-grand canonical ensemble molecular dynamics simulations of a protein in solution are performed. In these simulations only the water molecules in the system are allowed to fluctuate; the final number of water molecules is determined by the chemical potential. An unbiased sampling technique is used for the insertion/deletion procedure of the water molecules thereby providing a benchmark grand ensemble simulation of the hydration structure of proteins. Three different chemical potential simulations were carried out offering a direct route to thermodynamic information from a molecular dynamics simulation.
The Tumultuous Journey of Nesiritide: Past, Present, and Future

Almost 3 decades ago, we witnessed the discovery of the natriuretic peptides and the role of the heart as an endocrine organ in which peptides of cardiovascular origin emerged as a humoral link between the heart and the kidney in cardiorenal homeostasis. In the United States, one such natriuretic peptide, B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2001 as a drug (nesiritide) for the treatment of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). The rationale for the use of BNP as a cardiovascular therapy was in response to laboratory-based research and a series of clinical trials. What emerged was a theme that BNP was an endogenous ligand for the natriuretic peptide-A receptor that is linked to particulate guanylyl cyclase and the second messenger 3′,5′-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP).1 After receptor activation, the biological actions of BNP include vasodilatation, diuresis and natriuresis, positive lusitropism, inhibition of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, suppression of the myocardial hypertrophy response to pressure overload, and attenuation of myocardial fibrosis. Article p 9 Although a hallmark of acute and chronic congestive heart failure (CHF) is an increased plasma level of BNP, there are functional derangements in the BNP/cGMP signaling pathway that provide additional rationale for the exogenous administration of BNP or nesiritide to treat CHF. The 2 most compelling abnormalities include increased production of less biologically active BNP forms and increased renal resistance to BNP in severe experimental CHF.2–5 Since the initial report in 1991 by Yoshimura et al6 and after several clinical trials over the past decade,7–10 the consensus has been that human recombinant BNP (nesiritide) in patients with ADHF improved cardiovascular hemodynamics and/or renal function in association with improved symptoms of HF. Moreover, some investigators reported that nesiritide therapy was safer than the use of positive inotropic drugs …
Familial Mortality in the Utah Population Database: Characterizing a Human Aging Phenotype

We examine the effects of familial longevity and familial mortality on mortality rates for 10 leading causes of death in a Utah Population Database (UPDB) cohort. Familial excess longevity (FEL) and familial standardized mortality ratios (FSMR) were estimated for 666,921 individuals born from 1830 through 1963, who survived to at least age 40. Cox regression analysis shows that familial death and familial longevity have independent effects on cause-specific mortality rates for 10 leading causes of death. A family history of disease increases one's risk of dying from the same cause, whereas a family history of longevity is protective, except in the case of cancer. Families with greater longevity do not die of causes distinct from other members of the cohort, but they die from the same causes at reduced rates. Individuals from longer lived families have lower mortality from most age-related diseases including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, but not cancer.
Addressing Patients’ Psychic Pain

Case 1: Protracted Grief “Ms. A,” age 36, had been in agony since the death of her 18-year-old daughter, “Laurel,” from acute leukemia 2 years earlier, and was referred by her primary care physician. Her anguish seemed boundless, and she grieved at her daughter’s grave virtually daily, still crying inconsolably from time to time. Her husband described Ms. A as “irreparably devastated.” Ms. A had been raised in a poor and emotionally unsupportive household, and at age 16 she became pregnant by her “wild” boyfriend and gave birth to Laurel. Two years later, she gave birth to a second daughter, “Holly,” fathered by the same boyfriend, who, shortly thereafter, was incarcerated for drug dealing. As the girls grew up, differences in their personalities became more pronounced. Laurel was a “perfect child” who Ms. A hoped would achieve the kind of life that she could only dream about for herself. Laurel was “the light of my life,” “my best friend,” “the source of my joy in the world,” and the “one good thing I ever did.”Holly, on the other hand, “took after her father”—tough, angry, and oppositional, a frequent runaway, drinking andexperimenting with street drugs. At age 16, Laurel was diagnosed with acute leukemia. She subsequently suffered through multiple medical hospitalizations, enduring a great deal of pain, but rarely complaining, because she didn’t want to upset her family. After 2 years she died, her last few weeks a drawn-out misery for all concerned. Ms. A’s anguished, convulsive crying lasted for weeks. She described experiencing “unbearable pain,” feeling as if her life had been simply “torn to pieces.” For months, she visited the grave site daily, lamenting, often wishing that she might die to join her daughter in an afterlife. My ongoing therapeutic work withMs. A consisted of listening, facilitating her grief-filled explorations of both painful and loving reminiscences, attempting to offer consoling perspectives, and being with her, validating her own efforts to achieve some degree of ultimate acceptance. Even with psychiatric treatment, intermittent psychic pains persisted for years. Case 2: Mood Disorder, Eating Disorder, and
Sleep and Culture in Children with Medical Conditions

Objectives To provide an integrative review of the existing literature on the interrelationships among sleep, culture, and medical conditions in children. Methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Medline, and PsychINFO computerized databases and bibliographies of relevant articles. Results Children with chronic illnesses experience more sleep problems than healthy children. Cultural beliefs and practices are likely to impact the sleep of children with chronic illnesses. Few studies have examined cultural factors affecting the relationship between sleep and illness, but existing evidence suggests the relationship between sleep and illness is exacerbated for diverse groups. Conclusions Sleep is of critical importance to children with chronic illnesses. Cultural factors can predispose children both to sleep problems and to certain medical conditions. Additional research is needed to address the limitations of the existing literature, and to develop culturally sensitive interventions to treat sleep problems in children with chronic illnesses.
Photoelectron angular distribution and molecular structure in multiply charged anions.

Photoelectrons emitted from multiply charged anions (MCAs) carry information of the intramolecular Coulomb repulsion (ICR), which is dependent on molecular structures. Using photoelectron imaging, we observed the effects of ICR on photoelectron angular distributions (PAD) of the three isomers of benzene dicarboxylate dianions C6H4(CO2)22− (o-, m- and p-BDC2−). Photoelectrons were observed to peak along the laser polarization due to the ICR, but the anisotropy was the largest for p-BDC2−, followed by the m- and o-isomer. The observed anisotropy is related to the direction of the ICR or the detailed molecular structures, suggesting that photoelectron imaging may allow structural information to be obtained for complex multiply charged anions.
Becoming symbol-minded

No facet of human development is more crucial than becoming symbol-minded. To participate fully in any society, children have to master the symbol systems that are important in that society. Children today must learn to use more varieties of symbolic media than ever before, so it is even more important to understand the processes involved in symbolic development. Recent research has greatly expanded what we know about early symbol use. We have learned, for example, that infants initially accept a wide range of entities as potential symbols and that young children are often confused about the nature of symbol-referent relations. During the first few years of life, however, children make rapid progress towards becoming competent symbol users.
Pharmacists Belong In Accountable Care Organizations And Integrated Care Teams

Effective health care workforce development requires the adoption of team-based care delivery models, in which participating professionals practice at the full extent of their training in pursuit of care quality and cost goals. The proliferation of such new models as medical homes, accountable care organizations, and community-based care teams is creating new opportunities for pharmacists to assume roles and responsibilities commensurate with their capabilities. Some challenges to including pharmacists in team-based care delivery models, including the lack of payment mechanisms that explicitly provide for pharmacist services, have yet to be fully addressed by policy makers and others. Nevertheless, evolving models and strategies reveal a variety of ways to draw on pharmacists’ expertise in such critical areas as medication management for high-risk patients. As Affordable Care Act provisions are implemented, health care workforce projections need to consider the growing number of pharmacists expected to pl...
P2P-ISP Cooperation: Risks and Mitigation in Multiple-ISP Networks

Several proposals on P2P-ISP cooperation have recently been developed using information sharing for locality-based peering. Their benefits in terms of P2P efficiency, ISP cost, and traffic localization have been demonstrated in the single ISP case. However, potential risks associated with such cooperation have not been well examined. This paper develops a taxonomy and a mathematical model to explore the unintended and counter-intuitive behaviors emerging out of these cooperations in the multiple ISP case. Through both numerical examples and analytical results, we illustrate how such behaviors may become damaging to both P2P providers and ISPs, and how they might be mitigated so that the full benefit of cooperation can be maintained.
The Perpetration of Intimate Partner Violence among LGBTQ College Youth: The Role of Minority Stress

Preliminary research suggests that partner vio- lence is a problem among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) college youth. However, there is no study to date with college youth on the factors associated with perpetration of same-sex partner violence, which is needed to inform prevention efforts specific to this population. Thus, the purpose of the current study was to assess how facets of minority stress (i.e., sexual-orientation- related victimization, sexual minority stigma, internalized homonegativity, sexual identity concealment) relate to physical, sexual, and psychological partner violence perpe- tration among LGBTQ college youth (N = 391; 49 % identified as men; 72 % Caucasian; M age: 20.77 years). At the bivariate level, physical perpetration was related to identity concealment and internalized homonegativity; sex- ual perpetration was related to internalized homonegativity; and psychological perpetration was related to sexual-orien- tation-related victimization. However, at the multivariate level (after controlling for concurrent victimization), psy- chological perpetration was unrelated to minority stress variables, whereas physical and sexual perpetration were both related to internalized homonegativity; physical per- petration was also related to identity concealment. These results underscore the utility of understanding partner vio- lence among LGBTQ youth through a minority stress framework. Moreover, the current study highlights the need for a better understanding of factors that mediate and mod- erate the relationship between minority stress and partner violence perpetration among LGBTQ youth in order to inform prevention and intervention efforts.
Estimating community prevalence of ocular Chlamydia trachomatis infection using pooled polymerase chain reaction testing.

AbstractPurpose: Trachoma is the leading cause of blindness from infection worldwide. Treatment programs require accurate Chlamydia trachomatis infection prevalence rates to guide decision making. The use of clinical examination is by far the most common way to monitor activity, but may yield overestimates of infection prevalence. Laboratory testing on individual specimens such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is highly sensitive and specific, but prohibitively expensive. Here we demonstrate simulations of pooled PCR results may estimate infection prevalence of an entire community yielding substantial cost savings if pool size is chosen correctly.Methods: Community infection prevalence was estimated using maximum likelihood estimation with data collected from a previously described study. Simulations for communities were performed to determine the accuracy of prevalence estimation using pooled results. The root mean squared error was then used to determine an acceptable inaccuracy in estimates allowing ...
RAPIDLY PROGRESSIVE MYELOMONOCYTIC LEUKEMIA (JUVENILE CML)

A rare type of rapidly fatal childhood leukemia, generally called juvenile chronic myelogenous leukemia, is characterized by absence of the Philadelphia chromosome and a predominantly monocytic proliferation, among other features. Unlike Philadelphia chromosome positive chronic myelogenous leukemia, this disease is neither chronic nor principally a disorder of granulocytic cell lines. A case is presented, with several clinical and laboratory parameters useful in establishing the correct diagnosis, and a change in terminology to “rapidly progressive juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia” is proposed.
LTB4 Production and Lysosomal Enzyme Release by Rat Alveolar Macrophages: Effects of Phagocytosis, Receptor Binding, and Ionophore Stimulation

We have previously shown that the predominant lipoxygenase product of arachidonic acid metabolism in rabbit alveolar macrophages is leukotriene (LT) B4. LTB4 was not detectable in normal unstimulated rabbit macrophages, but its production was increased following calcium ionophore A23187 stimulation, especially after in vivo activation of the immune system. In the present study, we describe that (a) rat alveolar macrophages produced LTB4 in response to natural, biological stimuli such as binding of Fc receptors and complement receptors, as well as zymosan phagocytosis and ionophore stimulation. In contrast, binding of lectin receptors such as concanavalin A and phytohemagglutinin failed to elicit significant increase of LTB4. (b) The predominant LT that was produced was LTB4 regardless of the type of stimulus. This pattern is similar to that of rabbit lung macrophages, but rat alveolar macrophages released higher quantities of LTB4, which can be easily quantitated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). (c) Phorbol myristate acetate by itself was a weak agonist for LTB4 release. Yet, in combination with a low dose of calcium ionophore A23187 it resulted in LTB4 production. (d) There was a general correlation between release of LTB4 and lysosomal enzymes. In other words, the stimulus that is effective for eliciting enzyme release was usually also effective in causing LTB4 production. (e) A considerable proportion of the LTB4 produced was retained intracellularly. This phenomenon was especially pronounced when zymosan was used as stimulus. (f) Despite the parallelism between LTB4 production and lysosomal enzyme release, the former probably does not regulate the latter. The time courses of their release are dissimilar, and nordihydroguaiaretic acid fails to inhibit lysosomal enzyme release by a dose markedly inhibiting LTB release. (g) Contrary to rabbit lung macrophages rat lung macrophages showed a predominance of lipoxygenase pathway over cyclooxygenase pathway following zymosan ingestion. However, macrophages from both species produced mainly cyclooxygenase products in response to exogenous arachidonic acid.
Simulator Evaluation of an Integrated Road Safety Training Program

Younger drivers aged 16 to 18 show disproportionately higher crash rates than middle-aged drivers, partly due to a decrement in their abilities to anticipate latent hazards, mitigate hazards and maintain attention on the forward roadway. Training programs have been developed to train novice drivers on each of the specific skills, hazard anticipation (RAPT), hazard mitigation (ACT), and attention maintenance (FOCAL). The current study both measures the effectiveness of a novel integrated training program (SAFE-T) that takes only a third as long to complete as do the three individual training programs and determines if integrating the training of all three higher cognitive skills will yield results comparable to the existing programs. The results indicated that drivers in the SAFE-T-trained group were significantly more likely to anticipate hazards, quicker and more effective at responding to hazards, and more likely to keep glance durations under a critical threshold of 2 seconds as compared to drivers in ...
Gabapentin Therapy of Hiccups

Objective To determine whether gabapentin is effective in the treatment of persistent or intractable hiccups. Data sources A search of MEDLINE (1966-March 2013) using the MeSH search terms gabapentin, hiccups, and hiccups/drug therapy was performed. Additional databases searched included Web of Science (1945-March 2013) and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970-March 2013) using the text words gabapentin and hiccups. Bibliographies of relevant articles were reviewed for additional citations. Study selection and data extraction All data sources were considered for inclusion. Preference was given for articles written in English, although one abstract in German was used. Data synthesis Because of the low incidence of persistent or intractable hiccups, few if any controlled clinical trials are conducted on the efficacy of drug treatment. Therefore, most of the data involve case reports or case series. We evaluated 17 case reports and 2 case series involving gabapentin therapy for persistent or intractable hiccups. Therapeutic outcomes with gabapentin were positive in all cases, with temporal evidence suggesting an effect, but outcomes often were obscured by combination therapy and comorbidities in some cases. Case reports suggest that gabapentin might be useful as a second-line agent in patients undergoing stroke rehabilitation or in the palliative care setting where chlorpromazine adverse effects are undesirable. Gabapentin was very well tolerated, with only a few minor adverse effects. Conclusions Gabapentin has a similar body of evidence as other pharmacotherapeutic agents used to treat hiccups. Gabapentin is well tolerated and should be considered as a second-line agent in selected patients.
Guided expert self-elicitation: generalizing captured expertise

Exploratory research developed and tested a knowledge elicitation methodology that uses guided expert self-elicitation. The methodology is based on the production system model of rule-based cognitive processing, human abilities to recognize and categorize their own perceptions, the power of cognitive rehearsal to reconstitute thought processes and the ability to verbally report concurrent cognitive information processing. Continuing research aims at extending existing guidance protocols to enable self-eliciting experts to generalize their own rule-instances and to expand the varieties of knowledge they may self-elicit. Experiments were designed and performed to record and elicit specific performed expertise of a single consulting decision analyst expert. A two party subjective probability assessment interview was used as a carefully bounded task domain in which the decision analyst helped a participating client assess a targeted uncertain variable. >
Tailoring High-Frequency Properties of Permalloy Films by Submicrometer Patterning

We have measured shape-induced high frequency properties of patterned submicrometer permalloy (Py) arrays. We sputtered and patterned Py films on gold (Au) transmission lines, using chromium (Cr) as adhesion layers for Au and Py deposition. Each Py bar in the arrays is 10 mum long and 100 nm thick. The widths of the Py bars in two different arrays are 240 and 550 nm, respectively. Micromagnetic simulations indicate single domain magnetization distribution in these Py structures. The measured ferromagnetic resonance frequencies without bias field are approximately 11.5 and 8 GHz, respectively. We obtained the corresponding susceptibilities. The experimental results agree with theoretical predictions.
Movement behavior for soldier agents on a virtual battlefield

We have developed a movement behavior model for soldier agents who populate a virtual battlefield environment. Whereas many simulations have addressed human movement behavior before, none of them has comprehensively addressed realistic military movement at individual and unit levels. To design an appropriate movement behavior model, we found it necessary to • elaborate all of the requirements on movement from the military tasks of interest, • define a behavior architecture that encompasses all required movement tasks, • select appropriate movement planning and control approaches in light of the requirements, and • implement the planning and control algorithms with novel enhancements to achieve satisfactory results.The breadth of requirements in this problem domain makes simple behavior architectures inadequate and prevents any single planning approach from easily accomplishing all tasks. In our behavior architecture, a hierarchy of tasks is distributed over unit leaders and unit members. For movement planning, we use an A* search algorithm on a hybrid search space comprising a two-dimensional regular grid and a topological map; the plan produced is a series of waypoints annotated with posture and speed changes. Individuals control movement with reactive steering behaviors. The result is a system that can realistically plan and execute a variety of unit and individual agent movement tasks on a virtual battlefield.
Use of sedatives and analgesics in a surgical intensive care unit: A follow-up and commentary

Proper use of drugs to treat agitation and pain may improve the quality of the hospital stay and benefit hemodynamics in critically ill patients. 1 Until recently, little information has been published about drugs used to treat anxiety, agitation, and pain in critically ill patients. 2, 3 These studies suggest that most patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) receive a wide variety of drugs by many routes of administration for these conditions. There appears to be a lack of understanding of the basic pharmacology of drugs such as benzodiazepines and neuromuscular blockers by physicians and nurses. 4 Furthermore, proper selection and use of these drugs can have significant effects on drug costs. 5 Additional research into the appropriate use of sedatives and analgesics therefore appears warranted. Sun et al. 6 recently reported in the JOURNAL a study of sedative and analgesic usage in surgical ICU patients. 6 They found that morphine sulfate was the most commonly prescribed drug for sedation and pain and that the dose administered was considerably less that the maximal dosage allowed by the physician's order. This study did not evaluate whether patients required the maximal dose or the effectiveness of the dose administered. In addition, most orders were written "as required" (p.r.n) and therefore the nurse had considerable latitude in selecting the dose and frequency of administration for their patient. In a previous study by Sun et al., they found an increased number of sedative doses were administered between 12 midnight and 4 AM. 3 In contrast, Sessler et al. 7 found that agitation was not greater at night in a group of medical ICU patients.
Affinity: a concurrent programming environment

Affinity is a small and comprehensible programming model for concurrent computation. Affinity consistency and coherence properties provide a tractable discipline for the dangerous power of a concurrent, shared-memory programming style. Affinity program are less tediously detailed than their message-passing counterparts while demonstrating comparable efficiency, scalability, and tolerance of network latency. By use of memory-management hardware, the programming environment can transparently convert conventional C++ operations into a sequence of synthetic transactions on the computational state. The combination of inherent fault-tolerance and insensitivity to communications latency may prove particularly valuable for distributed workstation clusters. >