cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dominance and diet are unrelated within a population of invasive crayfish

Laboratory behavioral experiments are an important tool in ecology and evolution, but whether these behaviors reflect the field function of organisms is not always clear. Directly connecting laboratory behaviors to field interactions would increase understanding of a variety of organisms. A recent study proposed using stable isotopes to link laboratory behaviors to field function of individuals, but failed to find any such links within a population of the invasive rusty crayfish Faxonius rusticus (Girard, 1852). Here, we assessed whether methodological decisions around tissue analyzed for stable isotopes, laboratory acclimation time, and timing of primary consumer collection may have affected the result, hypothesizing that more dominant crayfish would have higher trophic positions and tissue with faster turnover rates may exhibit a stronger association between laboratory behavior and recent field function. We tested this relationship using F. rusticus individuals from a single population, and related laboratory dominance to stable isotope-derived trophic position using linear regression. We failed to find a relationship between dominance and trophic position, regardless of our different methodologies. Future studies should consider alternative behaviors that may better relate to function in the field and also investigate whether laboratory behavior and field function are related between, rather than within, populations or species.
P-166 Introducing acupuncture as a non-pharmacological option for palliative care symptoms in the hospice

Background The evidence for acupuncture in a range of palliative symptoms is growing. Palliative patients are increasingly interested in non-pharmacological therapies to symptoms (O’Regan & Filshie, 2010). Acupuncture offers relief from both physical and psychological symptoms often experienced in this patient group. Acupuncture was introduced to the hospice as a non-pharmacological option for both in-patients and outpatients in 2018. Aims To monitor the effects of acupuncture on a range of palliative symptoms using visual analogue scales (VAS), patient satisfaction surveys and verbal feedback. Methods Patients who may benefit from acupuncture for a variety of symptoms were identified by the multidisciplinary team. Acupuncture points were selected by an AACP trained physiotherapist following full assessment, health screen and written informed consent. Symptoms were monitored using VAS and feedback forms prior to each session of acupuncture with each patient. Results 87% of patients who were identified by the MDT for acupuncture consented to trying this therapy in conjunction with other medical treatment. Positive results in reducing symptoms using VAS were shown in patients presenting with pain (mean VAS pre-treatment 8.7, mean VAS post-treatment 6.7) nausea (mean pre-treatment VAS 7.6, mean VAS, post-treatment 2.3) breathlessness (mean pre-treatment VAS 7.3, mean VAS, post-treatment 6.3) fatigue (mean pre-treatment VAS 8.6, mean VAS, post-treatment 6.3) and anxiety (mean pre-treatment VAS 7.6, mean VAS, post-treatment 3.6). Subjectively 70% of patients reported that acupuncture was a positive experience regardless of whether the primary symptom had improved. Patients reported feeling calmer and more relaxed during and after sessions. Conclusion Acupuncture has proved to be a popular, safe and enjoyable adjunct to therapy intervention for patients with no adverse reactions or side effects of treatment. Early results have shown quantitative improvements in VAS as well as qualitative positive results for the use of acupuncture in patients’ emotional and psychological wellbeing.
Initiation of Transdermal Fentanyl Among US Commercially Insured Patients Between 2007 and 2015

Introduction This study examined patterns of initial transdermal fentanyl (TDF) claims among US commercially insured patients and explored the risk of 30-day hospitalization among patients with and without prior opioid exposure necessary to produce tolerance. Design A retrospective cohort study of initial outpatient TDF prescriptions. Setting A 10% random sample of commercially insured enrollees within the IQVIA Health Plan Claims Database (formerly known as PharMetrics Plus). Subjects Individuals with a claim for TDF between 2007 and 2015. Methods The primary exposure was a new transdermal fentanyl claim, and the primary outcome was guideline concordance based on time and dose exposure. Results Among the 24,770 patients in the cohort, 4,848 (20%) patients had sufficient time exposure to opioids before TDF. Among those with sufficient time exposure, 3,971 (82%) had adequate opioid exposure based on the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) package insert dosing guidance. Overall, 3,971 of the 24,770 (16%) patients received guideline-consistent TDF. An exploratory analysis of 30-day hospitalization after a TDF claim did not detect a difference in odds between guideline-consistent or -inconsistent groups when adjusted for variables known to influence the risk of opioid-induced respiratory depression. Conclusions A majority of patients met FDA opioid dose thresholds for TDF but had insufficient time exposure based on package insert recommendations for tolerance. Exploratory analysis did not detect a difference in odds for all-cause hospitalization or respiratory-related 30-day hospitalization between guideline-consistent or -inconsistent TDF claims. Prescribers should continue to adhere to FDA TDF labeling, although certain aspects of the labeling should be reevaluated or clarified.
"No one could calm him down": Mothers' experience of autism diagnosis and obtainment of resources in an urban public school district.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to explore the experience of accessing autism diagnosis and resources in a Midwest urban public school district for diverse mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder. Method: We employed thematic analysis using narrative inquiry methodology to analyze the data from 9 mothers (n = 5 African American, n = 2 Hispanic, and n = 2 White) who participated in a focus group. Results: Three themes were identified by the researchers: (a) late medical diagnosis (subthemes: problems that parents didn't perceive as signs of autism spectrum disorder, making comparisons to other siblings or children), (b) negative communication experiences (subthemes: husband and wife, parent and educational professionals), and (c) coping strategies (subthemes: resources, prayer). Discussion: The mothers' narratives indicated a strong need for advocacy and parent-school partnership. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
You can['t] catch the sun in a net!: Children's misinterpretations of educational science television.

Abstract Many science television shows feature refutation narratives where characters speculate about the value of scientific misconceptions (e.g., the sun circles the earth) before learning factual information. Previous research suggests that young children misunderstand these stories, and the current study examined whether learning could be improved using interventions previously validated with adults. Children (N = 201) aged 4–7 years viewed a refutation narrative in its original form or in a modified format that lacked misconceptions or that contextualized those misconceptions with additional scaffolds. Although children’s comprehension of factual information was high across all conditions, their understanding of misconceptions depended on their prior knowledge. Specifically, children with low prior knowledge mistakenly identified misconceptions as intended factual lessons unless they viewed the story without misconceptions or with two forms of additional scaffolding. Conversely, children with high prior knowledge understood the original story best. These findings suggest that the inclusion of fantasy ideas in children’s science programming can disrupt learning for certain children and bolster learning for others.
Ascending Projections from the Cochlear Nucleus to the Inferior Colliculus and their Interactions with Projections from the Superior Olivary Complex

The cochlear nucleus represents the beginning of several pathways with distinct functional properties within the central auditory system. By far, the majority of ascending pathways eventually terminate in the inferior colliculus (IC). Projections to the IC originate from fusiform cells in the dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN) and from stellate cells in the ventral cochlear nucleus (for recent reviews see Oliver and Shneiderman,’ 91; Oliver and Huerta,’ 92; Morest, et al., this volume). This direct projection may carry monaural information to the midbrain. In contrast, the pathways that synapse in the superior olivary complex (SOC) may transmit binaural information to the IC. The projections from the bushy cells of the ventral cochlear nucleus to the SOC represent the beginning of this indirect pathway (Casseday et al., this volume; Morest et al., this volume; Smith, this volume). In turn, the principal nuclei of the SOC, the medial (MSO) and lateral superior olive (LSO), each project to the IC (Oliver and Shneiderman,’ 91; Oliver and Huerta,’ 92). Both the pathways from the cochlear nucleus and the SOC terminate in the IC in a similar tonotopically organized fashion. Yet, we still know very little about how the efferent projections of the cochlear nucleus interact with other projections at the level of the auditory midbrain.
The impact of conversational agents’ language on summary writing

This study investigated how computer agents’ language style affects summary writing in an Intelligent Tutoring System, called CSAL AutoTutor. Participants interacted with two computer agents in one...
Abundance, fate, and effects of pharmaceuticals and personal care products in aquatic environments

Abstract Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) are found in wastewater, and thus, the environment. In this study, current knowledge about the occurrence and fate of PPCPs in aquatic systems—including wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and natural waters around the world—is critically reviewed to inform the state of the science and highlight existing knowledge gaps. Excretion by humans is the primary route of PPCPs entry into municipal wastewater systems, but significant contributions also occur through emissions from hospitals, PPCPs manufacturers, and agriculture. Abundance of PPCPs in raw wastewater is influenced by several factors, including the population density and demography served by WWTPs, presence of hospitals and drugs manufacturers in the sewershed, disease burden of the population served, local regulations, and climatic conditions. Based on the data obtained from WWTPs, analgesics, antibiotics, and stimulants (e.g., caffeine) are the most abundant PPCPs in raw wastewater. In conventional WWTPs, most removal of PPCPs occurs during secondary treatment, and overall removal exceeds 90% for treatable PPCPs. Regardless, the total PPCP mass discharged with effluent by an average WWTP into receiving waters (7.35–20,160 g/day) is still considerable, because potential adverse effects of some PPCPs (such as ibuprofen) on aquatic organisms occur within measured concentrations found in surface waters.
MicroRNA-206 enhances antitumor immunity by disrupting the communication between malignant hepatocytes and regulatory T cells in c-Myc mice.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Intertumoral accumulation of regulatory T cells (Tregs) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of HCC. Because of poor understanding of the immunosuppression mechanism(s) in HCC, immunotherapy is largely unsuccessful for the treatment of HCC. APPROACH AND RESULTS Hydrodynamic injection (HDI) of c-Myc into mice resulted in enlarged spleens and lethal HCC associated with an increase in hepatic Tregs and depletion of CTLs (cytotoxic T lymphocytes). Malignant hepatocytes in c-Myc mice overproduced TGFβ1, which enhanced the suppressor function of Tregs and impaired the proliferation and cytotoxicity of CTLs. In addition to activating TGFβ signaling, c-Myc synergized with Yin Yang 1 to impair microRNA-206 (miR-206) biogenesis. HDI of miR-206 fully prevented HCC and the associated enlargement of the spleen, whereas 100% of control mice died from HCC within 5-9 weeks postinjection. Mechanistically, by directly targeting errant kirsten ras oncogene (KRAS) signaling, miR-206 impeded the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) axis that drives expression of Tgfb1. By blocking the KRAS/MEK/ERK axis, miR-206 prevented TGFβ1 overproduction, thereby impairing the suppressor function and expansion of Tregs, but enhancing the expansion and cytotoxic program of CTLs. Disrupting the interaction between miR-206 and Kras offset the roles of miR-206 in inhibiting immunosuppression and HCC. Depletion of CD8+ T cells impaired the ability of miR-206 to inhibit HCC. CONCLUSIONS c-Myc-educated hepatocytes promoted immunosuppression by overproducing TGFβ1, which promoted HCC development. miR-206, by attenuating TGFβ1 overproduction, disrupted the communication of malignant hepatocytes with CTLs and Tregs, which prevented HCC. miR-206 represents a potential immunotherapeutic agent against HCC.
Androgen Regulation of Gene Expression: Studies of Ornithine Decarboxylase in Murine Kidney

The action of androgenic steroids in their target tissues occurs in a receptor-mediated fashion similar to that of other steroid hormones. The details of steroid hormone action, as they are currently known, originate mainly from studies of glucocorticoids, estrogens, and progestins, despite the fact that the first and most convincing biological arguments for the importance of soluble receptors in the expression of steroid action are from studies of androgen resistance syndromes (1–3). There are several possible reasons that research on androgen action has lagged behind that of female sex steroids and glucocorticoids. These include problems in the measurement and purification of the androgen receptor; a relatively slow progress in isolation and characterization of androgen-responsive genes and their encoded products; and paucity of suitable experimental systems to study androgen action in cultured cells. Over the last several years, however, a number of gene products regulated by androgens have been characterized and their induction kinetics in vivo elucidated. The best defined of these genes/gene products fall, with regard to their tissues of expression, into three main categories: (i) α2u -globulin and the major urinary protein (MUP) genes are regulated by androgens in rodent liver (4–11); (ii) prostatein and seminal vesicle basic protein genes are controlled by androgens in rat accessory sex organs (12–19), and (iii) ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), β-glucuronidase, RP2, and kidney androgen-regulated protein (KAP) genes exhibit androgen regulation in murine kidney (20–31).
Factors mediating powerful voltage attenuation along CA1 pyramidal neuron dendrites

We performed simultaneous patch-electrode recordings from the soma and apical dendrite of CA1 pyramidal neurons in hippocampal slices, in order to determine the degree of voltage attenuation along CA1 dendrites. Fifty per cent attenuation of steady-state somatic voltage changes occurred at a distance of 238 μm from the soma in control and 409 μm after blocking the hyperpolarization-activated (H) conductance. The morphology of three neurons was reconstructed and used to generate computer models, which were adjusted to fit the somatic and dendritic voltage responses. These models identify several factors contributing to the voltage attenuation along CA1 dendrites, including high axial cytoplasmic resistivity, low membrane resistivity, and large H conductance. In most cells the resting membrane conductances, including the H conductances, were larger in the dendrites than the soma. Simulations suggest that synaptic potentials attenuate enormously as they propagate from the dendrite to the soma, with greater than 100-fold attenuation for synapses on many small, distal dendrites. A prediction of this powerful EPSP attenuation is that distal synaptic inputs are likely only to be effective in the presence of conductance scaling, dendritic excitability, or both.
A Decentralized Approach to Vibration Suppression in Segmented Reflector Telescopes

In the present paper the problem of vibration suppression in segmented reflector telescopes is considered. The decomposition of the structure into smaller components is discussed and control laws for vibration suppression as well as conditions for stability at the local level are derived. These conditions, and the properties of the interconnecting patterns are then utilized to obtain sufficient conditions for global stability.
Overview of Noninvasive Vascular Techniques in Peripheral Arterial Disease

Various noninvasive vascular diagnostic techniques have been described in the past four decades to help the clinician in the management of vascular patients. Although many physicians still rely entirely upon arteriography as the main tool for evaluation of peripheral arterial occlusive disease, the role of the vascular laboratory cannot be denied. These techniques should remain as a valuable adjunct to the information gained from the complete history and physical examination. Noninvasive vascular tests help the physician to evaluate the presence or absence of significant arterial occlusive disease, severity of disease, location of disease, and, in the presence of multisegmental disease, which arterial segment is mostly affected.
Reply to the long and winding road in cancer survivorship care

We thank Zanet et al for their commentary on our article,1 which documented a lack of readiness among primary care providers (PCPs) to care for survivors of breast cancer in the safety net. We agree that the transition from a model run by oncologists to one incorporating primary care has become a current reality rather than a future promise. We also share their belief that the success of this transition, as measured by quality of care and patient satisfaction, will be determined by the proficiency and confidence with which PCPs adopt their new roles. In theory, this transition could push quality in either direction. Although more limited oncologic experience and a lack of familiarity with societal guidelines could impede the clinical effectiveness of PCPs, their more general training may benefit survivors, who often struggle with medical comorbidities in addition to cancer-related conditions. Moreover, PCPs, who are accustomed to comanagement and are often more familiar with local referral patterns, are ideally positioned to guide patients through an increasingly fragmented health care system. With regard to the proposed solutions, we agree that training and experience are key, but view our results more as a needs assessment than a normative evaluation of current practices. Multiple surveys,2 including our own, have suggested that PCPs almost universally desire more training, especially in “pure oncologic problems,” which fall furthest from their previous education. However, given resource constraints, we are less keen to advocate for more centralization of care, particularly for safety-net patients, among whom economic and social barriers already limit access to many needed health services. It may indeed be a “long and winding road” ahead for both survivors and providers transitioning into new roles, but oncologists can aid efforts by improving 2-way communication with PCPs and providing survivorship care plans as they send their patients on their way.3
The local cerebral metabolic effects of morphine in rats exposed to escapable footshock.

The 2-deoxy-D-[1-14C]glucose (2-DG) method was used to examine the effects of morphine sulfate (MS) on local cerebral metabolic rates for glucose (LCMRglu) in male F-344 rats required to turn a wheel manipulandum in order to escape from nociceptive footshock. Four groups of rats were studied: control-saline, control-MS, footshock-saline and footshock-MS. All animals were administered MS (4 mg/kg, s.c.) or saline 7 days, 3 days and 10 min prior to the start of the 2-DG experiment. In agreement with its well-known effect on the emotional component of pain, MS administered to rats exposed to footshock caused a significant decrease in LCMRglu compared to footshock-saline rats in limbic structures such as the diagonal band of Broca, lateral septum, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, horizontal limb of the diagonal band, habenular complex and medial amygdala. Additionally, two components of the midline thalamus with extensive connections with the limbic system, the paraventricular and paratenial thalamic nuclei, were similarly affected by morphine. Footshock caused an overall increase in cerebral metabolism as 52 of 73 measured structures demonstrated increases in activity compared to saline control; however, statistically significant effects in specific structures were limited. These results identify limbic and midline thalamic structures important in morphine-induced analgesia and indicate that footshock tends to have a generalized stimulatory effect on LCMRglu.
Iodine-125 labeled phenylphosphonic acid: a new radiopharmaceutical for long-term investigations of the skeleton.

A skeletal seeking radiopharmaceutical labeled with a long-lived radionuclide was developed to evaluate regional bone formation and its subsequent resorption. The agent is [phosphonate (phenylmethylene hydroxy) bis]-I-125 or I-125 θPA. Tissue distribution studies in mice (N=16) showed approximately 40% of the administered dose to be retained by the skeleton up to 336 hours post IV injection. The percentage of the dose accumulated by the thyroid gland remained at less than 0.5%, indicating minimal deiodination of the I-125 θPA. Whole body retention studies in the same species revealed a triexponential release pattern with the longest component comprising 33% of the dose with a biologic half-life of 962 days. A fractured rat tibia model was studied with I-125 θPA and Tc-99m MDP. Chronic loss of the I-125 θPA relative to normal tibia was quantitated: five days (62.8%); 30 days (47.4%). Concomitant increased uptake of the Tc-99m MDP was observed at the fracture site relative to normal: five days (186%); 30 days (1,041%). The above data suggest that I-125 θPA can be utilized to measure acute bone formation and chronic resorption.
A fungal metabolite mediates degradation of non-phenolic lignin structures and synthetic lignin by laccase.

Lignin peroxidase is generally considered to be a primary catalyst for oxidative depolymerization of lignin by white-rot fungi. However, some white-rot fungi lack lignin peroxidase. Instead, many produce laccase, even though the redox potentials of known laccases are two to directly oxidize non-phenolic components of lignin. Pycnoporus cinnabarinus is one example of a laccase-producing fungus that degrades lignin very efficiently. To overcome the redox potential barrier, P. cinnabarinus produces a metabolite, 3-hydroxyanthranilate that can mediate the oxidation of non-phenolic substrates by laccase. This is the first description of how laccase might function in a biological system for the complete depolymerization of lignin.
Predictors of surgical site infection after liver resection: a multicentre analysis using National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data

Background Postoperative infections are frequent complications after liver resection and have significant impact on length of stay, morbidity and mortality. Surgical site infection (SSI) is the most common nosocomial infection in surgical patients, accounting for 38% of all such infections.
ESR Studies of carbonization and coalification processes Part II. Biological materials

The same experimental apparatus and procedures as used in Part I[1] were utilized to study the carbonization process as it occurs for various biomaterials by the ESR technique. Coals of various ranks were heat treated and a system of curves was obtained of spin concentration I vs. HTT, which strongly indicates that the laboratory heat treatments are a continuation of the coalification process. Direct carbonization of plant and animal tissues shows that biomaterials as well as coals go through the carbonization C-radical formation and destruction process at about 100°C lower temperature than the nonbiological materials, thus forming a distinctive group of their own. A study of the kinetics of radical formation in coals and biomaterials give firm support to the assumption that the radical forming process in coals is identical with the process observed in laboratory carbonization, except that it occurs in the earth's crust at lower temperatures. Thus, it becomes possible to estimate the geological times of coal formation (or geological temperatures) by extrapolating the laboratory data. Some ESR peculiarities of biomaterials in carbonization are discussed.
ELECTRON SPIN RESONANCE SPECTRA OF POLYMETHYL METHACRYLATE AND POLYETHYL METHACRYLATE

A difference was shown to exist in the electron spin resonauce spectra of commercial-grade and laboratorypurified samples of polymethyl methacrylate and polyethyl methacmylate. This difference arises because of the presence of monomer. The spectra of the pure polymers show only partial resolution, while the spectra of samples containing monomer have the nine-line pattern as previously reported. (auth)
Anticonvulsant drug potentiation by glycine in maximal electroshock seizures is mimicked by D-serine and antagonized by 7-chlorokynurenic acid.

Abstract This study evaluated a possible mechanism by which glycine potentiates the activity of anticonvulsant drugs against maximal electroshock seizures in rats. Administered concurrently, glycine (40 mmol/kg p.o.) significantly enhanced the anticonvulsant effect of phenobarbital, carbamazepine and phenytoin as determined by the occurrence of tonic hindlimb extension. Likewise, concurrent administration of the strychnine-insensitive glycine receptor agonist, D-serine (20 mmol/kg p.o.) significantly enhanced the anticonvulsant effect of phenobarbital, carbamazepine and phenytoin. L-Serine was ineffective. Administration of the strychnine-insensitive glycine receptor antagonist, 7-chlorokynurenic acid (100 nmol i.c.v.), significnatly antagonized the potentiation of anticonvulsant activity induced by glycine co-administered with either phenobarbital or phenytoin. 7-Chlorokynurenic acid did not block tonic hindlimb extension when administered alone and did not affect the activity of the anticonvulsants in the absence of glycine. These results provide evidence for the potentiation of certain anticonvulsant drugs by glycine as a specific effect that may be mediated by the strychnine-insensitive glycine receptor.
A procedure for fully evaluating the anticipated impacts of selected public system innovations on various environments using citizen-generated information inputs

Abstract A flexible, yet relatively comprehensive and easy to implement technique of project evaluation is presented. Its contrasts to traditional cost-benefit techniques are made explicit. The procedure relies on judgmental inputs from both citizens and technicians, thereby establishing an appropriate division of labor that takes expert opinion into account and at the same time permits citizens to play a key role in planning. Sample application of the technique involving the evaluation of urban transportation system innovations is presented in detail.
Disparate effects of pramipexole on locomotor activity and sensorimotor gating in Sprague–Dawley rats

Prepulse inhibition (PPI) of acoustic startle and locomotor activity are both widely studied in the preclinical development of dopaminergic agents, including those acting at D3 dopamine receptors. In mice, the dopamine D3 receptor-preferential agonist pramipexole (PPX) alters locomotor activity in a biphasic manner at doses that have no effect on PPI. The present study examined the time-course of PPX effects on locomotion and PPI in rats. In adult male Sprague-Dawley rats, PPX (0, 0.1, 0.3, 1.0mg/kg) was injected prior to measurement of locomotor activity for 90 min in photobeam chambers. Based on disparate early vs. late effects of PPX on locomotion, the effects of PPX (0 vs. 0.3mg/kg) on PPI were tested 20 and 80 min after injection. All doses of PPX decreased locomotor activity for 30 min compared to vehicle, and the higher doses stimulated hyperlocomotion later in the session; the late hyperlocomotion, but not the early hypolocomotion, was blocked by the D2-selective antagonist, L741626 (1.0mg/kg sc). In contrast to its locomotor effects, PPX caused a similar reduction in PPI at 20 and 80 min after administration. These findings suggest both a temporal and pharmacological dissociation between PPX effects on locomotor activity and PPI; these two behavioral measures contribute non-redundant information to the investigation of D3-related behavioral pharmacology.
Spectral line-by-line pulse shaping on a phase modulated CW laser

We demonstrate spectral line-by-line pulse shaping on a phase modulated CW laser. Extraction of a single line from a frequency comb is demonstrated, and the relationship between spectral line suppression and waveform distortion is investigated.
Speciation by symbiosis

In the Origin of Species, Darwin struggled with how continuous changes within a species lead to the emergence of discrete species. Molecular analyses have since identified nuclear genes and organelles that underpin speciation. In this review, we explore the microbiota as a third genetic component that spurs species formation. We first recall Ivan Wallin's original conception from the early 20th century on the role that bacteria play in speciation. We then describe three fundamental observations that justify a prominent role for microbes in eukaryotic speciation, consolidate exemplar studies of microbe-assisted speciation and incorporate the microbiota into classic models of speciation.
The Role of Community Participation in Climate Change Assessment and Research

There is currently a gap between assessment and intervention in the literature concerned with climate change and food. While intervention is local and context dependent, current assessments are usually global and abstract. Available assessments are useful for understanding the scale of the effects of climate change and they are ideal for motivating arguments in favor of mitigation and adaptation. However, adaptation projects need assessments that can provide data to support their efforts. This requires the adoption of a more local and context-sensitive approach to assessments. I suggest that Community-Based Participatory Research has the potential to be a tool for such an approach.
Computerized neurobehavioral testing: Techniques for improving test instructions

Abstract The development of new computer-administered neuropsychological tests has brought a renewed focus on the issue of written instructions. Designers and programmers often fail to take advantage of the display options and feedback potential available in modern computer systems to maximize the effectiveness of the instruction process. Guidelines from computer interface architecture and behavioral analysis are combined to present three principles tor written instructions: precise language, attention focusing, and interactive instruction. A comparison of different instruction formats in the Symbol-Digit and Simple Reaction Time tests shows that the application of these principles can reduce training time without degrading performance.
Relative bioavailability of intravenouschloramphenicol succinate and oral chloramphenicol palmitate in infants and children

The relative bioavailability of intravenously administered chloramphenicol succinate and orallyadministered chloramphenicol palmitate was compared in 18 children, ages 2 months to 14 years. The area under the serum concentration vs time curve of chloramphenicol and urinary excretion of chloramphenicol succinate were determined in each child under steady-state conditions while receiving chloramphenicol succinate and again while receiving chloramphenicol palmitate. The mean AUC was significantly greater during oral therapy compared to intravenous therapy (110 vs 78 mg hr/L, P P =0.025). The bioavailability of orally administered chloramphenicol palmitate is superior to that of chloramphenicol succinate given intravenously. Furthermore, there is a greater correlation between dose and amount of active drug in the body when the oral preparation is used. Oral administration of chloramphenicol palmitate appears to offer significant therapeutic advantages in patients who can tolerate medication given orally.
Analysis of field potentials evoked in CA1 by angular bundle stimulation in the rat

Abstract Anatomical data and in vitro electrophysiological data suggest that entorhinal cortical efferents monosynaptically excite CA1 pyramidal cells. In vivo stimulation of the angular bundle (AB) evokes an extracellular waveform, suggestive of a population spike. Previously, this waveform has been claimed to be activation of the direct entorhinal cortex to CA1 pathway and a volume-conducted response from the dentate gyrus. This study sought to distinguish between these two possibilities using several techniques in urethane anesthetized rats. A comparison of waveforms evoked in the dentate gyrus (DG) and in CA1 by a single-shock test stimulus to the AB revealed that the early positive-to-negative phase of the waveform recorded in CA1 correlated in time and amplitude to the population spike recorded in the DG. When the AB test stimulus was preceded by a single shock to the AB or to the contralateral hilus, the amplitudes of the DG population spike and the early phase of the CA1 waveform decreased equally. Current source density analysis of the response to the AB test stimulus revealed that early current sinks localized only to the DG. Finally, focal application of the local anesthetic tetracaine into CA1 did not decrease the amplitude of the waveform evoked by the AB test stimulus. Tetracaine, however, greatly decreased the population spike evoked in CA1 by stimulating the contralateral CA3. Together these data indicate that the early positive-to-negative phase of the waveform in CA1 evoked by the AB test stimulus reflects events in the DG and not direct activation of CA1 by entorhinal cortical afferents.
The devil is in the details.

The approach to clinical conundrums by an expert clinician is revealed through presentation of an actual patient's case in an approach typical of morning report. Similar to patient care, sequential pieces of information are provided to the clinician who is unfamiliar with the case. The focus is on the thought processes of both the clinical team caring for the patient and the discussant.
Mechanisms of Sertoli cell insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-binding protein-3 regulation by IGF-I and adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate.

FSH, which stimulates cAMP in the Sertoli cell, markedly lowers the concentration of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) in Sertoli cell-conditioned medium; in contrast, insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) increases BP-3 expression. In this study, the mechanisms controlling the contrasting effects of cAMP and IGF-I were investigated. The abundance of BP-3 mRNA was dramatically lowered by (Bu)2cAMP, but was unaffected by IGF-I. Analyzed by ligand blot of conditioned medium, coincubation of (Bu)2cAMP and IGF-I largely eliminated the increase observed with IGF-I alone. Based on the following evidence, the effect of IGF-I appeared to be solely related to the capacity of IGF-I to interact directly with BP-3. 1) Insulin at micromolar concentrations failed to increase BP-3 abundance despite documentation by affinity cross-linking that insulin displaced [125I]IGF-I from the IGF-I receptor. 2) A synthetic IGF-I analog, [Leu24,1-62]IGF-I, which has reduced binding affinity for rat IGF-I receptor...
Diabetes in children and adolescents. Areas of controversy

A number of important areas of controversy remain in the management of diabetes in the pediatric population. From the fluid regimen used to reverse the dehydration associated with DKA to the glycemic targets and insulin schedules suggested for young children, to the evaluation of and treatment algorithms for older children and teens suspected of having type 2 diabetes, specific data need to be derived in the pediatric population to optimize outcome and reduce risk. While further studies continue to attempt to resolve many of these important issues, those caring for children and adolescents must remain cautious.
A Lorentz-invariant clock

Relative distance and velocity magnitudes between two arbitrarily moving particles are independent of an observer's reference frame, and may be used to construct theoretically a clock whose rate is Lorentz-invariant. This result is in accord with the principle of relativity, using the interaction interpretation: Relativistic changes arise in association with momentum-energy transfer, rather than in consequence of velocity-induced changes in measuring clocks and rods.
Current controversy related to glucocorticoid and insulin therapy in the intensive care unit.

ABSTRACT Objective To review the controversy related to the widespread use of intensive insulin treatment (IIT) to maintain normoglycemia and of glucocorticoid replacement therapy in patients with sepsis in the intensive care unit (ICU). Methods We performed a MEDLINE search of the literature using a combination of words (critical/intensive care, endocrinology/endocrine, glucocorticoid/adrenal, insulin) to identify original studies and reviews on glucocorticoid therapy and IIT in the ICU. Results Glucocorticoid replacement therapy is advocated for patients with sepsis who have relative adrenal insufficiency. The current definition of relative adrenal insufficiency is poorly supported, and validated endocrine criteria that consistently identify ICU patients likely to benefit from glucocorticoid therapy are not yet available. IIT benefits postoperative patients at high risk of infection and patients who remain in the ICU more than 3 days. Potential harm caused by early IIT administration in medical ICU patients remains controversial. The role of early nutritional supplementation in major studies about IIT is largely unexplored. Improvements in insulin infusion protocols are needed to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia related to IIT. Conclusion Endocrine therapy in the ICU is entering a new era. Controversies remain related to glucocorticoid and insulin therapy even as interest in new, and old, endocrine therapies is being revived. (Endocr Pract. 2007;13:542-549)
The Status of Orchestra Programs in the Public Schools

The objective of this study was to gather descriptive information about orchestra programs that can be used as baseline data when considering the needs of school string programs. Of the 1,345 surve...
Perioperative atrial arrhythmias in noncardiothoracic patients: a review of risk factors and treatment strategies in the veteran population

Abstract Background Perioperative atrial arrhythmias (PAAs) in noncardiothoracic patients have poorly defined risk factors and management. Methods The surgical intensive care unit database was queried for patients who developed PAAs from 2008 to 2009. Demographics, comorbidities, preoperative data (electrocardiography, chest x-rays, laboratory results), medications, intraoperative variables, management, and outcomes of atrial arrhythmias were collected. Controls were randomly chosen in a 3:1 ratio. Comparisons were performed using χ2 tests, Student's t tests, or nonparametric comparisons as appropriate. Multivariate logistic regression was performed. Results Five hundred sixty-one patients were admitted to the surgical intensive care unit. Three hundred fifty-four (63%) had noncardiothoracic surgery, and 30 (8.5%) developed PAAs. The mean age of patients with PAAs was 66 ± 7.3 years, compared with 64 ± 11 years for controls (P = NS), with most patients undergoing general (60%) and vascular (33%) surgery. PAA patients were more likely to have coronary artery disease (P = .029), cardiomegaly (P = .011), and premature atrial contractions (P = .016) and to take aspirin (P = .010). On multivariate logistic regression, predictors of atrial arrhythmias were premature atrial contractions, preoperative hypokalemia, intraoperative adverse events, and cardiomegaly. Most PAA patients received amiodarone (63%). Ten percent required electrical cardioversion, and 26% received anticoagulation. PAA patients had significantly longer intensive care unit lengths of stay (P = .032). Conclusion Coronary artery disease, cardiomegaly, hypokalemia, and premature atrial contractions were significantly associated with PAAs in noncardiothoracic patients. Prospective studies are needed to define treatment guidelines.
Synthesis of high molecular weight poly(ether ketone)s by polycondensation of activated bis(aryl chloride)s with bisphenolates

The ability to achieve high molecular weight poly(ether ketone)s from the polycondensation of bis(aryl chloride)s with bis(phenolate)s has been consistently demonstrated. The polymerizations presented here help to delineate for specific bis(aryl chloride)/bisphenolate pairs the reaction conditions required to obtain high molecular weight polymers. Polycondensation of 1,3-bis(4-chlorobenzoyl)-5-tert-butylbenzene (6) and 2,2′-bis(4-chlorobenzoyl)-biphenyl (15) with various bisphenolates as well as of 2,2′-bis(4-hydroxyphenoxy)biphenyl (33) with 4,4′-dichlorobenzophenone (41) and 1,3-bis(4-chlorobenzoyl)benzene (43) were used as representative model systems to select reaction conditions that led to high molecular weight polymers. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The oxidation of the β-rhombohedral boron (111) surface

Abstract We have studied the reaction of the (111) surface of β-rhombohedral boron with O 2 using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The surfaces used were clean, as determined with XPS, and well-ordered, as determined with low-energy electron diffraction (LEED). The reaction with O 2 proceeds in two stages, an initial uptake in oxygen followed by a much slower increase in surface oxygen. The net oxygen uptake is low at room temperature, reaches a maximum at 1000–1100 K, and then falls to a low level at 1273 K. To calibrate the oxygen coverage, XPS spectra of the O 2 exposed surface were compared with spectra of B 2 O 3 multilayers directly deposited on the surface. The comparison indicates that only submonolayer oxygen coverages are achieved under the conditions used.
A novel approach to intermetallic matrix composite (IMC) processing

Abstract Intermetallic matrix composite (IMC) precursors including FeAl/Al 2 O 3 , FeCrAlY/Al 2 O 3 and NiAl/Al 2 O 3 have been fabricated using a unique processing route which infiltrates multistrand fiber tows with intermetallic powder. Composites processed accordingly are characterized by an intimate distribution of fibers within the matrix material without significantly damage to the fibers. This process involves the collection of data on the surface potential and particle size vs. pH for each material. These data, together with other material constants, are input into a previously developed computer program, Suspension Stability ®, yielding the suspension conditions under which the IMC mat may be processed satisfactorily. Specifically, the processing parameters have been adjusted to provide conditions in which the matrix-fiber interaction is unstable (to promote coating of the fiber by the particles in suspension). Details of the experimental parameters of this process are presented, together with microstructural evidence of the infiltration process.
Soil Aluminum Effects on the Growth and Aluminum Concentration of Sorghum

(...) In general the correlations between plant growth and soil Al levels were significant for topsoils [r=−0.53 * to −0.91 ** (P=0.05 and 0.01, respectively)] but nonsignificant for subsoils. Topsoil data and subsoil data were markedly different; subsoil Al values were low compared to those for topsoil (exchangeable Al 49 vs. 58 mg kg −1 ), but the plants grew better in topsoils (51 vs. 29 cm). The best predictors of plant height and plant Al were soil solution Al 3+ activity (r=−0.91 ** , 0.83 ** ) and Al saturation of the exchange complex (r=−0.89 ** , 0.82 ** ), but CaCl 2 -extractable Al was also correlated well (r=−0.78 ** , 0.94 ** )
Latent structure of the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test in a clinical sample.

Abstract The aims of this study were to: (a) examine the consistency of the published Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) factor structures; (b) determine the factor structure of the WCST in a large, heterogenous sample; and (c) compare the WCST factor analytically with other neuropsychological procedures. Two WCST factors (concept formation/perseveration and Failure-to-Maintain-Set [FMS]) were consistently reported in the literature. Our analysis of data from 473 clinical cases replicated the two factors previously reported and revealed a third on which nonperseverative errors (NPE) was the sole salient variable. This pattern was maintained in three of four diagnostically distinct subgroups. These factors are potentially clinically meaningful, with each seeming to reflect one of three qualitatively different performance styles. In the construct validation factor analysis, WCST scores loaded independently of other neuropsychological variables, indicating that the WCST contributes uniquely to neuropsychological evaluation. Nevertheless, despite the rational interpretation of the factors, the cognitive processes underlying WCST performance remain poorly understood. Future directions for the application of these factor analytic findings are discussed.
Zinc blende type HgTeMnTe solid solutions—I

Abstract The ternary phase diagram Hg-Mn-Te is discussed with special emphasis on the stability and phase limits of the solid solution range which has the zinc blende type structure. Up to about 80 per cent of the mercury atoms in HgTe can be replaced by manganese atoms with the retention of the zinc blende type structure. The possible concentration of tellurium vacancies in the lattice increases to approximately 13 per cent as the manganese content increases.
Securities market response to pension fund termination

Abstract. Capital market data are used to investigate the termination announcement effect of over- and underfunded corporate pension plans. Significant positive abnormal returns are initially observed for samples of both over- and underfunded plan terminations; however, after segmenting the samples on the basis of publicly available information regarding a firm's financial condition, significant returns are observed only for financially distressed subsamples. The evidence suggests that the property rights to pension fund assets and liabilities reside fully with the sponsoring firm, and that financially distressed firms may effect a wealth transfer to shareholders by fund termination. Resume. Les auteurs utilisent les donnees relatives au marche financier pour analyser l'incidence des avis de discontinuation de regimes de retraite surcapitalises et sous-capitalises de societes. Des rendements positifs irreguliers importants sont d'abord observes pour des echantillons de cas de discontinuation de regimes surcapitalises ainsi que sous-capitalises; toutefois, apres une segmentation des echantillons a partir de l'information mise a la disposition du public concernant la situation financiere de la societe, des rendements importants sont observes seulement pour les sous-echantillons de societes en difficulte financiere. Les resultats donnent a penser que les elements d'actif et de passif de la caisse de retraite echoient entierement a la societe promotrice et que les societes en difficulte financiere peuvent proceder a un transfert de richesses au profit des actionnaires par voie de discontinuation du regime.