cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Developing a State Outcomes Monitoring System in Public Health Maternal and Child Health

State outcomes monitoring systems are increasingly important as state governments develop outcomes-based accountability in response to recent federal legislation. A state outcomes monitoring system developed for state and local maternal and child public health departments allows for outcomes research as well as administration and management.
Homicide-suicide in police families: an analysis of cases from 2007-2014

Purpose – There is a burgeoning body of evidence showing that police officers are at a higher risk of committing homicide-suicide than civilian counterparts. The purpose of this paper is to provide an update and expansion of previous work by Violanti (2007) on homicide-suicide in law enforcement families. Design/methodology/approach – Police-perpetrated homicide-suicide cases were obtained through an online forum dedicated to topics related to domestic violence in police families. A total of 43 police-perpetrated homicide-suicides was identified and reviewed for presence/absence of variables similar to those examined by Violanti (2007), with the addition of new factors. χ2 analyses were performed to test for inter-study differences in proportions on variables of interest. Findings – Results indicated a significantly smaller proportion of homicide-suicide incidents perpetrated by State officers. The remainder of the variable frequencies remained relatively consistent between studies. Of particular importan...
Alcohol: no ordinary health risk.

Keywords: Alcohol; carcinogen; industry influence; moderate drinking; nutrition; public health
Fearful behavior by caged hens of two genetic stocks

Abstract Two White Leghorn stocks (Y 1 and Y 2 ) and sire families within each were compared for nervousness scores and for latencies to feed and to return to "normal" activity after being subjected to fear-inducing stimuli, involving either a metronome or the cage being struck by a human observer. Information on feather damage and loss, age at sexual maturity, and part-year egg-mass production was also collected. Strain differences were clearly evident for nervousness score, duration of fearful behavior, and feather loss. The strain having more nervous and fearful hens also suffered greater feather damage and loss. Sire-family differences were erratically present for the same traits. Correlation coefficients calculated within strains for latency data obtained by 2 observers, working independently, indicated significant repeatability in 5 of 8 comparisons ( r values from 0.50 to 0.91). Correlations of latencies within strains obtained by the use of 2 kinds of fear-inducing stimuli also indicated significant repeatability in 4 of 8 comparisons ( r values from 0.35 to 0.88). Further intra-strain correlation analyses indicated that fearful behavior, as measured by latencies, tended to be associated with number of hens per cage, but was relatively independent of neighbors' behavior. Greater nervous and fearful behavior of caged groups tended to be significantly associated with greater feather loss and non-significantly associated with earlier sexual maturity and lower egg-mass production of 30 – 40-week-old pullets.
Cardiac patterning and morphogenesis in zebrafish

Development of the embryonic vertebrate heart requires the precise coordination of pattern formation and cell movement. Taking advantage of the availability of zebrafish mutations that disrupt cardiogenesis, several groups have identified key regulators of specific aspects of cardiac patterning and morphogenesis. Several genes, including gata5, fgf8, bmp2b, one-eyed pinhead, and hand2, have been shown to be relevant to the patterning events that regulate myocardial differentiation. Studies of mutants with morphogenetic defects have indicated at least six genes that are essential for cardiac fusion and heart tube assembly, including casanova, bonnie and clyde, gata5, one-eyed pinhead, hand2, miles apart, and heart and soul. Furthermore, analysis of the jekyll gene has indicated its important role during the morphogenesis of the atrioventricular valve. Altogether, these data provide a substantial foundation for future investigations of cardiac patterning, cardiac morphogenesis, and the relationship between these processes.
Carbaryl Concentration Gradients in Realistic Environments and Their Influence on Our Understanding of the Tadpole Food Web

Although exposure to pesticides has been correlated with amphibian declines, the mechanism of their role remains enigmatic. Declines have been associated with sublethal exposure, but few outdoor studies have evaluated impacts of low pesticide concentrations. Understanding the effects of a range of pesticide concentrations on amphibians in outdoor mesocosms provides a framework for both direct and indirect effects of exposure. Indirect effects are challenging to glean from lab studies, which typically lack a food web. Our design tested direct and indirect effects of exposure to the insecticide carbaryl on the American toad (Bufo americanus) and the northern leopard frog (Rana pipiens) tadpole survival and growth. We evaluated the effects of five concentrations (2.0, 0.2, 0.02, 0.002, and 0 mg carbaryl/l). Specifically, we predicted a threshold effect in which carbaryl concentrations great enough to reduce zooplankton abundance would have negative indirect effects on tadpoles, but the degree of these effects would not be concentration-specific. Similarly, we predicted that lower carbaryl concentrations (where zooplankton abundance was not reduced) would not differ in effect from controls. We did not observe a threshold effect or any negative effect on tadpoles. The highest carbaryl concentration expedited the time to metamorphosis in the northern leopard frogs by ~4 days. The toads were unaffected by any concentration of carbaryl. Despite significant reductions in zooplankton abundance and increases in phytoplankton abundance, periphyton abundance was unaffected by carbaryl. Taken together, these results suggest that despite evidence from studies using single concentrations of pesticides, trophic cascade models do not sufficiently explain sublethal effects on larval amphibians.
Mode Transitions for the ST7 Disturbance Reduction System Experiment

The Space Technology 7 Disturbance Reduction System experiment will perform an on-orbit system-level validation of two technologies: a gravitational reference sensor employing a free-floating test mass and a set of colloidal micronewton thrusters. The Disturbance Reduction System is designed to maintain the spacecraft s position with respect to a free floating test mass to less than 10 nm/& over the frequency range of 1 to 30 m= mi paper presents the modes that compose the Disturbance Reduction System spacecraft control as well as the strategy used to transition between modes. A high-fidelity model of the system, which incorporates rigid-body models of the spacecraft and two test masses (18 degrees of freedom), is developed and used to evaluate the performance of each mode and the efficacy of the transition strategy.
Pricing and Lead Time Decisions for Make-to-order Firms with Contingent Orders

Abstract Make-to-order (MTO) firms have few standard products and volatile, difficult-to-predict demand. A production order usually stems from a successful bid, which presents the MTO firm's terms (including price and lead time) to satisfy a prospective customer's stated requirements. The customer may decide to accept, reject, or modify these terms. Until the customer decides, the tendered bid is a contingent demand on the MTO firm's future production capacity. In the short run, this capacity may be relatively fixed and, if the customer awards the contract to another bidder, it may simply go to waste. To hedge against this possibility, the MTO firm can bid on other projects that require the same capacity. However, this strategy introduces a new source of lead time uncertainty. If two or more booked orders must contend for the same resources, some work will inevitably be “bumped” to later time periods. Thus, a hedging strategy carries the risk of penalties for late deliveries. In this paper we model this little-discussed source of lead time uncertainty and introduce a technique that simultaneously optimizes pricing and lead time decisions for MTO firms with contingent orders. We illustrate the procedure with a simple numerical example.
Activation of Sulfur- and Nitrogen-Containing Heterocycles by a Dinuclear Iridium Complex

[Cp*IrH3]2 was found to activate both nitrogen- and sulfur-containing heterocycles in the presence of a hydrogen acceptor, giving novel dinuclear organometallic products. In the case of 2-methylthi...
Is new immigrant screening for tuberculosis still worthwhile

Background new immigrant screening in the 1980s showed that the official Port of Arrival (POA) system performed poorly, that there was a significant yield in terms of clinical tuberculosis, and that perventive measures (chemoprophylaxis and BCG) were appropriate in a substantial minority Data for the 1990s was sought for comparison. Methods prospective data on new immigrant screening for 1990–1994 inclusive in the Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley local government areas were analysed, and compared with previous 1983–1988 data. Results of the 2242 new immigrants screened, 1333 wer from Pakistan, 604 from india and 305 from the rest of the world. A total of 898 (40%) were foud via the POA system, but 1344 (60%) were only identified by local links with the Family Health Services Authority (FHSA). Ten cases of active tuberculosis were found (0.45%), chemoprophylaxis was given to 19/465 (4.1%) of children aged 0–15 years, and BCG vaccination to S30/1705 (31%) of those aged under 30 years. Conclusions between 1990–1994 the official POA system continued to perform poorly. The yield of new tuberculosis cases detected was lower than in the 1980s. Chemoprophylaxis at 4% and BCG vaccination at 31% showed that preventive health measures were appropriate for over one-third of new immigrants aged under 30.
Effect of Hypoadrenalism and Excessive Doses of Desoxycorticosterone Acetate upon Response of the Rat to Ouabain

The influence of alterations of adrenal function upon the responsiveness of the rat to intravenously administered ouabain was studied electrocardiographically by the string galvanometer. Conduction disturbances followed by cardiac arrest were the criteria for a definitive response. Adrenalectomized rats showed a significant increase in sensitivity to ouabain as compared with normal controls. Normal animals implanted with pellets of desoxycorticosterone acetate and continuously maintained on saline drinking water did not show a significant alteration in their responsiveness to ouabain.
Reviews of Science for Science Librarians: Ebola Virus Disease

Ebola virus disease is a viral hemorrhagic fever found most commonly in Central Africa. It was first documented in 1976 in Central Africa. The natural host for the virus is unknown, but fruit bats have been suggested as the natural reservoir. Transmission of the virus occurs through body and body fluid contact. There are five subtypes. Ebola Zaire is the most deadly. In 2014 the virus spread from Central to West Africa. Prevention of the spread of the virus includes increasing awareness about the disease, rapid recognition, and proper access and means to isolate infected persons. Reducing the risk of infection requires extensive education and resources. Current treatment includes isolation of the infected and supportive care. There have been delays in vaccine development and production by restrictions placed on testing vaccines on chimpanzees to inoculate wild animals in Africa. Investigational uses of drugs to boost immune responses have been tried, and testing has resumed to find a vaccine to protect hu...
Rate versus Rhythm Control – An Open and Shut Case?

Accessible online at: www.karger.com/hed Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) are the cardiovascular epidemics of the 21st century. AF is the most common sustained arrhythmia in man and is a significant cause of health care expenditure in the industrialized world. Although predominantly an arrhythmia of the aged (110% of individuals over the age of 65 years will experience AF), both the AF itself and the clinical context in which it occurs are very heterogeneous. The prevalence and persistence of AF and the relative inefficacy of pharmacotherapy have complicated the management of this rhythm disturbance and have motivated the search for alternative methods to manage patients. Catheter-based techniques are increasingly utilized rhythm and rate control therapeutic modalities in patients with AF [e.g. 1, 2]. Finally, the risk of thromboembolism adds to the complexity and patient dissatisfaction associated with treatment of AF. In the past several years four randomized clinical trials (AFFIRM, Dutch RACE, PIAF and STAF) have been published that demonstrate the equivalence (or noninferiority) of rate versus rhythm control strategies on mortality and other major trial endpoints [3–6]. In general the rate control therapeutic approaches were associated with a trend toward lower mortality, a reduced frequency of hospitalization and a lower incidence of drug-associated side effects. Case closed, right? Not so fast. The populations in these trials share a number of demographic features that may limit the generalizability of these data to all patients with AF. First, the mean age of patients in all of these trials exceeded 65 years. Second, patients in AF with their ventricular rate controlled were minimally symptomatic. Third, in most cases, patients had a prior clinically recognized episode of AF. Fourth, the efficacy of pharmacological rhythm control was at best marginal, thus patients were subjected to the risk of antiarrhythmic drugs with only marginal therapeutic benefit. As a corollary it is not surprising that patients in the rhythm control arms of these trials suffered thromboembolic complications at rates comparable to patients managed with rate control strategies. The limited efficacy of rhythm control strategies is in part responsible for the increased hospitalization rate in this group; patients were admitted to hospital for antiarrhythmic drug therapy, cardioversion and decompensation of underlying structural heart disease. Contemporary methods such as radiofrequency catheter ablation may afford improved rhythm control [1, 2] allowing for the constitution of a true rhythm control group. Landolina et al. [7] nicely summarize the limitations of a broad general application of rate control as a first-line management approach to AF. In addition they report a small prospective nonrandomized study of younger patients with advanced HF that suggests that a rhythm control strategy has a reasonable chance of success and may have a salutary effect on left ventricular function. It is important to note that in addition to the atrial remodeling
Mechanism of pyruvate dehydrogenase activation by increased cardiac work

The effects of increased cardiac work, pyruvate and insulin on the state of pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) activation and rate of pyruvate decarboxylation was studied in the isolated perfused rat heart. At low levels of cardiac work, 61% of PDH was present in the active form when glucose was the only substrate provided. The actual rate of pyruvate decarboxylation was only 5% of the available capacity calculated from the percent of active PDH. Under this condition, the rate of pyruvate decarboxylation was restricted by the slow rate of pyruvate production from glycolysis. Increasing cardiac work accelerated glycolysis, but production of pyruvate remained rate limiting for pyruvate oxidation and only 40% of the maximal active PDH capacity was used. Addition of insulin along with glucose reduced the percent of active PDH to 16% of the total at low cardiac work. This effect of insulin was associated with increased mitochondria NADH/NAD and acetyl CoA/CoA ratios. With both glucose and insulin the calculated maximum capacity of active PDH was about the same as measured rates of pyruvate oxidation indicating that pyruvate oxidation was limited by the activation state of PDH. In this case, raising the level of cardiac work increased the active PDH to 85% and although pyruvate oxidation was accelerated, measured flux through PDH was only 73% of the maximal activity of active PDH. With pyruvate as added exogenous substrate, PDH was 82% of active at low cardiac work probably due to pyruvate inhibition of PDH kinase. In this case, the measured rate of pyruvate oxidation was 64% of the capacity of active PDH. However, increased cardiac work still caused further activation of PDH to 96% active. Thus, actual rates of pyruvate oxidation in the intact tissue were determined by (1) the supply of pyruvate in hearts receiving glucose alone, (2) by the percent of active PDH in hearts receiving both glucose and insulin at low work and (3) by end-product inhibition in hearts receiving glucose and insulin at high work or at all levels of work with pyruvate as substrate. The increase in active PDH with higher levels of cardia work was associated most closely with reduced mitochondrial NADH/NAD ratios and with decreased acetyl CoA/CoA ratios when insulin or pyruvate were present.
Lawsuits as Negotiations

litigating a dispute is both a major alternative to negotiating it and a way to force its negotiation. litigation arises when the parties to a "mature" dispute have attempted to negotiate it and failed, or have ignored, or refused, the possibility of negotiating it. If the dispute goes to trial, the parties will, through the cases they present, importantly influence the result. Nevertheless, a judge or jury, rather than the parties, will decide the outcome. On the other hand, parties settle most lawsuits rather than try them. Indeed, it is the deadline that a pending trial imposes on the possibilities of a negotiated settlement, the risk of loss at trial, and possibly the added expense of trial that motivates many lawsuit settlements. Since most lawsuits settle before trial, it is useful to view litigation not solely as a way to reach an adjudicated result, but also as a highly structured negotiation game, a refmed and constrained version of competitive bargaining.' litigation is, in effect, a "branched track" mode of dispute resolution: Although apparently heading for an adjudicated result, the parties can, and usually do, shunt their dispute away from the trial station and onto a negotiation siding. It is therefore important to consider how and why parties progress toward a litigated result while at the same time moving toward settlement, and to understand why the process works as it does.
Actions of δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol on neuromuscular transmission in the rat diaphragm

Abstract The actions of in vivo and in vitro administration of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol on neuromuscular transmission were studied using the rat phrenic nerve-diaphragm preparation. Diaphragms obtained from animals treated acutely with intravenously administered Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (4 mg kg ) showed an increase in both frequency and amplitude of miniature end-plate potentials as well as a prolonged duration of the end-plate potentials. Similar changes were observed when diaphragms were treated in vitro with 10−4 M Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol administered either in vivo or in vitro had no significant effect on cholinesterase activity, and had no effect on the resting membrane potential of muscle fibres. [14C]-Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol was not specifically localized at the end-plate regions but was distributed equally throughout the muscle fibres. While the data suggest that Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol acts mainly on the presynaptic site, an additional action on the postsynaptic membrane cannot be excluded.
DEGENERATIVE CHANGES IN THE SEMINAL EPITHELIUM AND ASSOCIATED HYPERPLASIA OF THE INTERSTITIAL TISSUE IN THE MAMMALIAN TESTIS

INTRODUCTION Degenerative changes in the mammalian testis, due to a wide variety of causes, have been described by a number of observers. Such changes involve primarily the seminal epithelium. However, not infrequently degenerating testes also show hyperplasia of the interstitial tissue, and such hyperplasia has been interpreted as an accompaniment or a result of the degeneration of the seminal epithelium. The writer (’19) has recently described degenerative changes in the seminal epithelium and associated hyperplasia1 of the interstitial secretory tissue in the testis of the dog, following elimination of the sympathetic nerve supply to the testes and unilateral ligation and resection of the ductus def erens. The present paper embodies the results of further experimental studies undertaken in an effort to determine whether the degenerative changes which occur in the testes following operative procedures are the direct results of these operations, or whether, in some instances, they may be but an expressio...
Management strategies for achalasia

Treatment options for achalasia include oral pharmacologic therapy, endoscopic injection of botulinum toxin, pneumatic dilation, and myotomy (conventionally by laparoscopy, but more recently by an endoscopic approach). Oral pharmacologic agents have fallen out of use because of insufficient efficacy and frequent side effects. Endoscopic injection of botulinum toxin is safe and has good short-term effectiveness, but as the effect invariably wears off after a few months, this treatment is reserved for patients who are not candidates for more definitive treatments. Pneumatic dilation and surgical myotomy are currently considered the most effective treatments, with similar effectiveness in randomized controlled trials with follow-up of up to 2 years. The risk/benefit ratio and choice of therapy depend on patient characteristics (age, comorbidities, disease stage, prior treatments), patient's preference, and locally available expertise. Treatment of patients who fail or relapse after initial therapy is challenging and the success rate of pneumatic dilation or myotomy in this group is lower compared with previously untreated patients. The recently developed peroral endoscopic approach to myotomy has achieved excellent results in early uncontrolled studies, but high-quality randomized trials are needed to ensure widespread adoption is reasonable. Finally, retrospective data suggest that achalasia subtypes as defined by high-resolution esophageal pressure topography may guide treatment choice, but confirmation in prospective outcome studies is awaited.
Mathematical Models for Economic and Political Advertising Campaigns

We propose a basic model for a two-competitor advertising campaign. Game-theoretic saddle-point solutions are found for the following four problems. How large should the total advertising budget be to maximize profits? How should the budget be distributed in a differentiated market, and how much is saved by this distribution? How should one distribute advertising dollars in order to maximize one's expected total number of votes on a political campaign? How should one allocate expenditures over time in order to maximize one's expected number of votes at election day? Finally, the model is tested against empirical data from actual election campaigns and is found to yield a very high correlation between actual and predicted behavior.
Genetics of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. Role of HLA matching, functional variation in immune response genes

Successful outcome following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is ultimately determined by the ability to achieve sustained engraftment and immune reconstitution, control of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), and in patients with hematological malignancy the complete eradication of abnormal or malignant cells. GVHD, which can be a serious and fatal complication, is an immune reaction that is initiated by donor T cells in response to recipient alloantigens. Genetic variation in both patient and donor can significantly affect transplant outcome by causing disparity for transplant antigens, and by altering the function of immune response genes that control cellular activation and inflammation. Genetic variation can modulate the intensity of the alloimmune response, the risk of transplant-related organ toxicity and mortality, and may also affect the development of tolerance and the reconstitution of the immune system following HSCT.
A long-term study of the effects of water-soluble fractions of No. 2 fuel oil on the survival, development rate, and growth of the mud crab Rhithropanopeus harrisii

Mud crabs, Rhithropanopeus harrisii (Gould), were exposed continuously for 6 months after hatching to water-soluble fractions (WSF) of No. 2 fuel oil. Survival, growth and development rate were monitored during this time. The zoeal stages were the most sensitive to fuel oil. A 20% WSF (0.36 ppm total naphthalenes, 1.26 ppm total hydrocarbons) was acutely toxic to these stages. Of the zoeal stages, the first stage appeared to be the most sensitive. The combined duration of the 4 zoeal stages was significantly increased by increasing WSF exposure concentrations. The megalopa and crab stages were not particularly sensitive to continued petroleum hydrocarbon exposure, particularly when compared to zoeal stages. However, mean duration of the megalopa and first crab stages was significantly affected by oil exposure. Individuals which survived the highest exposure concentrations as larvae appeared to grow larger during the crab stages, so that at the end of 6 months comparably staged crabs were equal to or larger than both control crabs and those exposed to low WSF concentrations. Stage distributions at the end of 6 months showed no differences due to WSF exposure. Sex ratios, which could be determined at the end of 6 months, were approximately 1, indicating no sex-related differential sensitivity to WSF exposure, at least as larvae or juveniles. The data indicate that these crabs possess considerable ability to recover from the effects of chronic sublethal exposure to petroleum hydrocarbons. The most deleterious effects of oil pollution on this species may be due to its impact on larval recruitment into the adult population.
Physical properties of corrective impression pastes

Abstract A study of seven zinc oxide-eugenol impression pastes has been described on the basis of some physical characteristics. These pastes showed measurable differences in properties when one paste was compared with another. The pastes also showed a different response to various manipulative procedures. Comparisons have been made on the basis of mixing consistency, setting time, compressive and bend strength, reproduction of surface detail, and the general qualities of adhesiveness, surface tackiness, and solubility. It was not the purpose of this study to determine that one product is superior to another, because, at present, it is not known what qualities would constitute a superior product. Rather it was the purpose to establish the degree of variation that might be expected between different products and as a result of manipulation. It is believed that this study shows the need for a specification for corrective impression pastes, based on appropriate physical or mechanical tests.
Posttreatment ureteral obstruction in invasive carcinoma of uterine cervix

Abstract There were 2,016 new cases of invasive carcinoma of the cervix (Stages I–IV) who were seen from January 1951 to January 1981, in LSU Medical Center. One thousand, one hundred and five cases were Stages I and II (early stages), and 911 cases were Stages III and IV (advanced stages). One hundred and thirty-seven cases of early stages (12%) were recorded to have ureteral obstruction that developed after completion of the treatment for cervical carcinoma. Ninety-four (69%) of the 137 patients with ureteral obstruction in early stages are dead, and autopsy information is available in 28 cases. There was evidence of cervical carcinoma causing ureteral obstruction in 13 autopsy cases. Of the 66 patients who died and were not autopsied, 26 cases had biopsy-proven evidence of either persistent or recurrent cervical carcinoma. All 43 patients surviving in this group are biopsy negative or clinically with no evidence of disease (NED). One hundred and sixty-three patients in advanced stages (18%) who did not have ureteral obstruction prior to definitive treatment for cervical carcinoma developed ureteral obstruction after completion of treatment. One hundred and forty-two (87%) of the 163 patients with ureteral obstruction in advanced stages are dead, and autopsy information is available in 36 cases. There was evidence of recurrent or persistent carcinoma causing ureteral obstruction in 25 cases (69%). Of the 106 patients who died and were not autopsied, 76 had biopsy-proven Ca (72%) in the pelvis and abdomen prior to death. In this group, 21 patients survived until January 1, 1985, and four of them had biopsy-proven Ca which caused ureteral obstruction. In both early and advanced stages, 13 patients with post-treatment ureteral obstruction were lost to follow-up, but the remaining 287 cases have been followed until death or at least 4 years after detection of the ureteral obstruction. The median follow-up was 64.2 months, and seven patients have survived beyond 10 years. This review shows that 12% of the patients with early stage and 18% with advanced stage carcinoma of the uterine cervix seen in this institution developed some degree of detectable ureteral obstruction. Biopsy-proven evidence of recurrent or persistent carcinoma indicating the Ca to cause posttreatment ureteral obstruction in early stages of cervical carcinoma was 40% and in advanced stages was 66%. Twenty-six percent (26%) of the patients who received combination of radiation treatment and surgery developed ureteral obstruction in contrast to 15% of the patients who received definitive radiation alone and 10% of the patients who were treated by surgery alone. The purpose of this study is to determine the incidence and survival rate of posttreatment ureteral obstruction in Ca of the cervix according to the stage and modality of treatment.
Noninvasive assessment of regional and temporal variations in tissue oxygenation by near-infrared spectroscopy and imaging

A combination of near-infrared spectroscopy and discrete wavelength near-infrared imaging is used to noninvasively monitor the forearm during periods of restricted blood outflow (venous outflow restriction) and interrupted blood inflow (ischemia). Multivariate analysis of image and spectral data time courses was used to identify highly correlated spectral and regional domains, while fuzzy C-means clustering of image time courses was used to reveal finer regional heterogeneities in the response of stressed tissues. Localized near-infrared spectroscopy was used to investigate the magnitude of the bulk changes in the tissue optical properties and the variation in tissue oxygenation saturation during venous outflow restriction and complete forearm ischemia. The imaging and spectroscopic analyses revealed highly localized regional variations in tissue oxygen saturation during forearm ischemia as compared to the more diffuse and global response of the forearm during venous outflow restriction.
A consensus report of the Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group of North America Conference, Little Rock, Arkansas, May 2002.

The Fourth Annual Meeting of the Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group of North America was held in Little Rock, Arkansas on May 18–20, 2002. The meeting provided a forum for review of new information concerning the management of pregnancies complicated by pregestational as well as gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The areas highlighted included new treatment modalities, the ideal blood glucose profile, antepartum testing, lung maturation studies, and the timing and delivery of the macrosomic infant. Consensus panel selection was based on national expertise in diabetes and pregnancy-related research and clinical care. Consensus and recommendations were developed following careful consideration of the research and clinical data presented as well as a review of the literature. The following represent the recommendations reached by the various panels.
Agricultural technology commercialisation: stakeholders, business models, and abiotic stressors – Part 1

A wide range of innovative technologies have emerged to facilitate the creation, expansion, and streamlining of food value chains (FVCs) in developing countries. These technologies target agricultural production, processing, storage, marketing, distribution, and consumption. Technology has the potential to bolster food security and make FVCs more efficient. Commercialisation of technologies requires sound business strategies for products to sustain. A typology of business models is presented to assist entrepreneurs in integrating their technologies into FVCs. The impacts of abiotic stressors like access to capital, supply chain resiliency, and ownership dynamics are discussed to help entrepreneurs develop strategies for their own agricultural ventures.
Entwining structure into web search

Keyword based retrieval has dominated web search with its simplicity and effectiveness. However, given the abundance of structured and semi-structured data, there is an opportunity for an improved user experience. In this paper, we present an overview of our past work on analyzing keyword queries and extracting latent structured semantics, mapping them to corresponding data sources and enriching the user experience with the inclusion of structured content.
The adult patient with congenital heart disease

Summary In adults with congenital heart disease who are confronted with noncardiac surgery, perioperative risks can be reduced, often appreciably, when problems inherent to this patient population are anticipated. 218 The first necessity is to clarify the diagnosis and to be certain that appropriate information is obtained from a cardiologist with adequate knowledge of congenital heart disease in adults. Physiology and anatomy can vary significantly among patients who superficially carry identical diagnoses. Elective noncardiac surgery should be preceded by clinical assessment including review of clinical and laboratory data and securing the results of necessary diagnostic studies. Preoperative assessment should be performed far enough in advance of the anticipated date of surgery to allow critical assessment of the data and potential discussions with colleagues. Appropriate cardiovascular laboratory studies to be obtained or reviewed include electrocardiograms, chest radiographs, echocardiograms, and cardiac catheterization data, which may include specialized intracardiac electrophysiologie testing. Congenital heart disease in adults is a new and evolving area of special interest and expertise in cardiovascular medicine. 219 Multidisciplinary centers for the care of these patients are being developed. The 22nd Bethesda Conference recommended that these centers include among their consultants anesthesiologists with special expertise in managing patients with congenital heart disease. 220 These anesthesiologists can have the option of serving either as the attending anesthesiologists when patients require noncardiac surgery or as consultants and resource individuals to other anesthesiologists.
Visual pigments in dichromats.

Abstract Cone pigments in protanopes and deuteranopes were measured by retinal densitometry, and the energy of various monchromatic lights found that bleached at a fixed rate of 25 per cent total pigment per minute. The same bleaching lights were matched with a fixed yellow in a bipartite field. Lights matched for bleaching were found to look equally bright to dichromats. It is concluded that the pigments measured by densitometry arevisual pigments; their action spectrum coincides closely with the spectral sensitivity curves of Pitt for protanopes and deuteranopes.
N-substituted amine-borane ionic liquids as fluid phase, hydrogen storage materials

A selection of task specific N-substituted amine-borane ionic liquids (N-ABILs) were synthesized in good yield using silyl protecting groups with the aim of developing hydrogen (H2) storing fuels for automotive applications. A new anhydrous anion exchange method, based on trimethylsilyl reagents, was employed so sensitive pendant functionalities like borane could be incorporated. Controlled thermoylsis of N-ABILs indicate members of this class may be liquids pre- and post-dehydrogenation, joining a relatively small population of putative H2 storing fuels that can be readily loaded/unloaded from a vehicle. N-ABILs were also blended with ammonia-borane to improve overall H2 capacity, in one case by ∼2.5×. The products of thermolysis consist of co-oligomerized BN species and highly pure (<1% impurity) H2 gas.
Addition polyimide adhesives containing ATBN and silicone elastomers

A study was conducted to determine the effects of added elastomers on the thermal stability, adhesive strength, and fracture toughness of LARC-13, a high-temperature addition polyimide adhesive. Various butadiene/acrylonitrile and silicon elastomers were incorporated into the polyimide resin either as physical polyblends, or by chemically reacting the elastomers with the polyimide backbone. Adhesive single lap-shear and T-peel strengths were measured before and after ageing at elevated temperature. A tapered double-cantilever beam specimen was used to determine the fracture toughness of the elastomer-modified polyimide adhesives.
Endoscopic removal of pharmacobezoar in case of intentional potassium overdose.

Abstract Background Hyperkalemia is a potentially life-threatening electrolyte abnormality commonly seen in the emergency department (ED). Intentional overdose of potassium supplements is an uncommon occurrence. Objective This case illustrates a novel approach to treatment of pharmacobezoar with esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and demonstrates its effectiveness in the setting of extended-release potassium chloride overdose. Case Report A 44-year-old female presented to the ED with intentional ingestion of an unknown amount of extended-release potassium chloride (K-Dur®) tablets and alprazolam (Xanax®). The patient's serum potassium was initially 7.3 mmol/L and she was treated with standard treatments, including albuterol, calcium gluconate, insulin, dextrose, and sodium bicarbonate. Radiographic investigation showed a pharmacobezoar in the gastric fundus. Treatment was then augmented with whole bowel irrigation (WBI) using polyethylene glycol solution via nasogastric tube. Patient did not tolerate the nasogastric tube, became combative with increasing alteration in her level of consciousness, and WBI therapy was stopped. After discussion with the gastroenterologist, the patient was treated with EGD to remove the pharmacobezoar. The EGD was successful in the removal of the pharmacobezoar and the patient's potassium normalized without complications. Conclusions We recommend that in cases of suspected or confirmed potassium drug bezoar in the stomach, physicians consider EGD for removal. This allows for normalization of potassium level while preventing adverse sequelae.
S-adenosylmethionine: protein-carboxyl methyltransferase from erythrocyte.

Abstract Protein methylase II ( S -adenosylmethionine:protein—carboxyl methyltrans-ferase), which modifies free carboxyl residues of protein, was purified from both rat and human blood, and properties of the enzymes were studied. The pH optima for the reaction were dependent on the substrate proteins used; pH 7.0 was found with endogenous substrate, 6.1 with plasma, 6.5 with γ-globulin, and 6.0 with fibrinogen. The molecular weight of the enzymes from both rat and human erythrocytes were identical (25,000 daltons) determined by Sephadex G-75 chromatography. Partially purified enzyme from rat erythrocytes showed three peaks on electrofocusing column at pH 4.9, 5.5 and 6.0. The K m values of the enzymes from rat and human erythrocytes showed 3.1 × 10 −6 m and 1.92 × 10 −6 m at pH 6.0, 1.96 × 10 −6 m and 1.78 × 10 −6 m at pH 7.2, respectively, for S -adenosyl- l -methionine. It is also found that S -adenosyl- l -homocysteine is a competitive inhibitor for protein methylase II with K i value of 1.6 × 10 −6 m .
A view of our future: the case for redesigning rheumatology practice.

“At no time in the history of medicine has the growth in knowledge been so profound… As medical science and technology have advanced at a rapid pace, however, the health care delivery system has foundered in its ability to provide consistently high quality care for all Americans…The American health care delivery system is in need of fundamental change.” Committee on Quality Health Care in America, Institute of Medicine (1).
A highly stereoselective synthesis of davanone

Abstract Iodocyclization of the anti 4-bromobenzyl ether acetate 4f is a key step in the first stereocontrolled synthesis of the trisubstituted tetrahydrofuran davanone.
Effects of Dietary Antioxidants and Oxidized Oil on Membranal Lipid Stability and Pork Product Quality

The effects of dietary tocopherol and oxidized oil on the oxidative stability of membranal lipids in pig muscles and on the oxidative stability of pork products during refrigerated and frozen storage were evaluated. Membrane-bound α-tocopherol stabilized the membranal lipids and reduced the extent of lipid oxidation occurring in pork patties and pork chops during storage. Oxidized dietary oil had an adverse effect on the stability of both the membranal lipids and pork products. The addition of salt to the pork patties accelerated the oxidative process when the patties were stored under fluorescent light and in the dark.
Decay of 5.4 d Pm148

The spin and parity of the 1.46 MeV excited state of Sm148 populated by the decay of 5.4 d Pm148 have been investigated using angular correlation techniques. Both directional correlation and polarization direction correlation measurements have been made on the 910–550 keV cascade. On the basis of these measurements, it has been possible to make an assignment of 1− for the spin and parity of the 1.46 MeV level.
A Note On the Effect of Changes in Ad Valorem Tax Rates On Net Revenue of Firms: an Application To the Hotel Room Tax:

This article employs comparative static analysis to derive a general expresscon for Abstract the effect of an increase in the ad valorem tax rate on a good on the net revenue of firms. The magnitud...
Helping Students Avoid Plagiarism in Online Courses: A Design-Based Research Approach

This study used design-based research approaches to investigate student plagiarism in an online course, with the objective of determining the instructional interventionist strategies that can help students avoid the practice in online courses. Twenty eight 28 undergraduate students who were engaged in a semester-long online course in Educational Technology at a private university in Ghana participated in the study. Drawing on relevant learning and related theories, the study implemented different learning activities pertaining to plagiarism at regular intervals during the semester, and then subsequently analyzed students' individual and group course writings for evidence of plagiarism. Findings reveal that regular and varied instructional interventions helps students reduce and eventually avoid plagiarism in the online learning environment. Students were also found to plagiarize to a much lesser extent when they worked in groups than when they worked individually. Implications of these findings for the design and management of online learning courses in higher education are briefly discussed.
Chiral separation of anionic and neutral compounds using a hepta‐substituted cationic β‐cyclodextrin as a chiral selector in capillary electrophoresis

Enantiomeric separations of six anionic and two neutral racemates were achieved using a fully substituted heptakis(6-hydroxyethylamino-6-deoxy)-beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD-EA) as a chiral selector. As beta-CD-EA provides a dynamic coating on the capillary wall, reverse-polarity capillary electrophoresis (CE) configuration is applied for separations of anionic and neutral chiral compounds. Chiral separations of various classes of anionic and neutral enantiomers were found to be highly dependent on pH because the degree of protonation of beta-CD-EA can alter the shape of the CD cavity by charge repulsion, altering complexation, aiding selectivity, and leading to better enantiomeric separation. In general, the chiral resolution of anionic enantiomers was enhanced at higher pH. This suggests that carboxylate or phosphate groups on the analyte may interact with the protonated amine groups of cationic CD. The successful enantioseparation was achieved in a pH range of 6.6-7.8 for all six anionic analytes, in the presence of 10 mM beta-CD-EA.
The bovine corneal SGP-complex is related to the tissue form of type VI collagen.

A polyclonal antiserum was prepared in rabbits against the structural glycoprotein (S6P) complex previously isolated from a bacterial collagenase digest of bovine corneal stroma (R. Alper, Curr. Eye Res. 2:479, 1983). Direct and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays indicated that the antiserum was specific for the SGP-complex and did not react with Types I, III and IV collagen, fibronectin, laminin or actin. Immunoblot experiments indicated that the antiserum reacted with all of the components of the SGP-complex as well as with the cell matrix laid down by bovine keratocytes in culture. An attempt was made to isolate individual antibodies from the antiserum by selective elution from immunoblots of the components of the SGP-complex separated by SDS-PAGE. It was found that regardless of the protein band from which the antibody was eluted, every antibody isolated reacted with every protein component of the SGP-complex suggesting that the SGP-complex may have been derived from a single precursor protei...
Effects of Responding or Not Responding to Hecklers on Audience Agreement with a Speaker

The hypothesis that responding to hecklers would produce more agreement with a speaker than not responding, stemmed from commodity theory (Brock, 1968). One hundred twenty-one introductory speech students participated in what they were told was a “speech workshop” (not a psychology experiment). Two types of responding to live hecklers were used: In one, the speaker responded in a calm, relevant manner; in the other, she responded in an upset, irrelevant manner. In a third condition, the speaker did not respond to the heckles. There were two additional conditions: One in which the speaker responded to interruptions, and a further control in which there were neither heckles nor interruptions. In these five conditions, the speaker either argued for or against the audience's position. Regardless of whether or not the speaker's position agreed with the audience's, upset-irrelevant responding decreased the speaker's persuasiveness over making no response, while calm-relevant responding tended to enhance persuasiveness. Finally, in agreement with all other empirical studies, it was clearly shown that heckling, whether responded to or not, did not improve the speaker's effectiveness.
Embodying networks: bubble diagrams and the image of modern organicism

Architecture has long been conceived as a third entity bridging between the microcosmos of the body on the one hand and the macrocosmos of the world on the other, reflecting organic metaphors from ...