cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Timing of myelosuppression during thiopurine therapy for inflammatory bowel disease: implications for monitoring recommendations.

Background & Aims Thiopurines (azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine) can induce life-threatening myelosuppression. This study determined the frequency, timing, and outcomes of mild and severe myelosuppression after initiation of thiopurine therapy. Methods This retrospective cohort study included patients with inflammatory bowel disease who were new users of thiopurines; those tested for thiopurine methyltransferase levels before therapy were excluded. Patients were followed from their first thiopurine prescription until the earliest of severe leukopenia (white blood cell count, Results Among 1997 new users, the incidence of severe leukopenia per 100 person-months was 0.16 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.03–0.29; n=6) in weeks 0 to 8, 0.00 in weeks 9 to 24, and 0.01 (95% CI, 0–0.03; n=3) after week 26 of therapy. The incidence of severe neutropenia and severe thrombocytopenia per 100 person-months during the first 8 weeks of therapy was 0.51 (95% CI, 0.31–0.80; n=19) and 0.08 (95% CI, 0.02–0.23; n=3), respectively. During the first 8 weeks, the median duration from a normal white blood cell count to severe leukopenia was 13 days (range, 8–26 d) and to severe neutropenia was 14 days (range, 7–23 d). Conclusions The high incidence of severe myelosuppression justifies frequent monitoring during the first 8 weeks of therapy. Subsequently, the rate of severe myelosuppression and the proportion of patients who progress from mild to severe myelosuppression decrease, justifying less-frequent monitoring.
The quest for magnetic polymers—caveat emptor

Numerous reports claiming ferromagnetic behavior in organic polymers exist; however, the reported materials have been plagued by ill-defined compositions, low yields on a magnetic basis, and poor reproducibility. Such low values of saturation magnetization (i.e., ≪ 5600 emuG/mol spin) cause serious concern as to whether the magnetic behavior arises from extrinsic sources and thus obligate the researcher to provide a persuasive case that when a material has a low saturation magnetization, suggesting thrtt the magnetic fraction is only a small portion of the bulk, that the magnetic behavior is in fact intrinsic and not of extrinsic origin. In several cases, when reinvestigated, the magnetic behavior of reported polymeric magnetic materials has been attributed to extrinsic sources. In the cases where extrinsic sources have not been identified, verification of the magnetic behavior has not been reported by independent laboratories. Thus, to date there have not been any reports of a bulk polymer that have stood the test of confirmation for ferromagnetic or even ferrimagnetic behaviour. Hence, caveat physics—scientist beware.
Investigation of indoor radio channels from 2.4 GHz to 24 GHz

This paper provides the results of indoor radio propagation measurements at current and potential wireless LAN frequency bands, 2.4, 5.2 10, 17 and 24 GHz in the Moore laboratory at Caltech. Three scenarios (floor to floor in the hall, a line-of-sight path down the hall, and a non line-of-sight path from office to hall) were considered. The loss in going from floor to floor increased with frequency from 15 dB at 2.4 GHz to 50 dB at 24 GHz. In addition, for the line-of- sight path, we found a path loss exponent n less than 2, indicating a guiding effect of the hall. The non line-of-sight path shows a loss exponent n that is larger than 2, indicating scattering. We found that the rms delay spread decreased with frequency inside a room, but increased with frequency along a non-line-of-sight path.
Is mixed‐income development an antidote to urban poverty?

Abstract I critically assess the potential for mixed‐income development as a means of helping lift families in U.S. inner cities out of poverty. I identify four main propositions for the promise of mixed‐income development, provide a conceptual framework that delineates the pathways through which mixed‐income development can be hypothesized to improve the quality of life for the urban poor, and review the evidence from existing research on the relevance of these propositions. Because of the scale and possible elimination of the HOPE VI (Housing Opportunities for People Everywhere) program, I pay particular attention to what we have learned from it. The most compelling propositions are those that do not rely on social interaction to promote a higher quality of life for low‐income residents and instead predict benefits through greater informal social control and higher‐quality goods and services. I consider the limitations of this strategy and policy implications for future mixed‐income development.
Finite element analysis of metallic thin window: An iterative process

Thin windows are devices required by some particle accelerator physics experiments. These windows must be thin and light enough so they have a minimum effect on the beam. However, due to the boundary and loading conditions a window might observe; nonlinear structural behavior can occur from a number of different causes, such as geometric and material nonlinearities. If a structure experiences large plastic deformation, its changing geometric relationship can cause the structure to respond in a nonlinear manner. Material nonlinearities occur when the material's stress-strain relation depends on the load history as in plasticity models. The method of analysis for this study entails an FEA analysis, in which the stress and displacement are solved for a metallic membrane; these results are then compared to results obtained from an iterative process in relating the stress and strain with respect to the deformed geometry of the membrane. In addition, experimental tests will be carried out to determine the membrane displacement from a prescribed load. The study is conducted on 1145-O series Al.
Japanese Agricultural Distortions and Their Welfare Value

Using a Corden/Johnson model the welfare costs of current and future Japanese agricultural trade and production policies are evaluated for the eight major cereal and livestock commodities produced and imported in Japan. It is estimated that the net social loss in consumption and production of 1975/76 import and production distortions for the eight commodities is $276 million and $111 million respectively. If the 1985/86 Japanese farm production goals are met the net social loss in production will rise dramatically to $7.6 billion. The combined production and consumption net social losses of the 1985/86 plan are equivalent to 2% of Japan's gross national product.
Teacher labor markets and the perils of using hedonics to estimate compensating differentials in the public sector

Abstract Some scholars and policymakers who are concerned about the inequitable distribution of quality teachers suggest offering financial incentives for working in hard-to-staff schools. Previous studies have estimated compensating differentials using hedonic modeling, an approach potentially undermined by district-wide salary schedules and the lack of labor market competitiveness. To address this problem, we build hedonic wage models for both public and private schools using data from the 1999–2000 Schools and Staffing Survey and the 2000 Census. Empirical estimates suggest that both public and private schools compensate teachers for some working conditions, but there also appear to be differences between public and private schools in the magnitude of the compensating differentials, particularly for teaching low-income students.
Influence of dispersion states on the performance of polymer-based nanocomposites

Although nanoparticle-modified polymers have tremendous promise in many applications, particularly dielectric energy storage, true nanoscale dispersion is extremely difficult to achieve. In this paper, we carefully engineer various dispersion states of titania nanoparticles in polyvinylidene fluoride and analyze their impact on dielectric behavior and energy storage ability. In particular, we compare nanocomposites prepared using commercially available nanoparticles to those we prepared using in situ and ex situ synthesis of nanoparticles. SEM and TEM studies showed that the in situ case leads to the best dispersion. Interestingly, dielectric permittivity was most influenced by dispersion state where the in situ case showed a higher increase, however, dielectric breakdown and energy storage density were less affected by dispersion and more affected by procedure that minimized residues and impurities. The in situ technique, in particular, showed nanoscale dispersion, low dielectric loss and higher energy storage density. In terms of mechanical behavior, all three cases showed a similar performance in the rubbery region, whereas the impact of dispersion was more pronounced in the glassy region. In fact, the trend was opposite to the dielectric permittivity where nanoscale dispersion resulted in a lower storage modulus likely due to the lower effective mechanical load transfer going to the nanoscale. The results of our study shed some light on the role of dispersion quality and processing techniques in affecting the final dielectric, mechanical and breakdown behavior of TiO2-based polymer nanocomposites.
CVD mullite coatings in high-temperature, high-pressure air-H2O

Crystalline mullite was deposited by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) onto SiC/SiC composites overlaid with CVD SiC. Specimens were exposed to isothermal oxidation tests in high-pressure air + H2O at 1200°C. Unprotected CVD SiC formed silica scales with a dense amorphous inner layer and a thick, porous, outer layer of cristobalite. Thin coatings (∼2 μm) of dense CVD mullite effectively suppressed the rapid oxidation of CVD SiC. No microstructural evidence of mullite volatility was observed under these temperature, pressure, and low-flow-rate conditions. Results of this preliminary study indicate that dense, crystalline, high-purity CVD mullite is stable and protective in low-velocity, high-pressure, moisture-containing environments.
A novel design tool for waveguide polarizers

This paper presents a novel method for the design of broad-band waveguide polarizers. It consists of an interactive procedure where the designer places the zeros of the reflection coefficient for one polarization, simultaneously also controlling the frequency response of the other one and vice versa. In this way, the best matching condition for both polarizations can be found. This design tool is based on an automated phase control procedure and on an algorithmic characterization of the relationship between the two frequency responses. The spurious effects of multimodal interactions, frequency dispersion, and losses are taken into account and compensated by characterizing them with suitable transfer functions. Designs of iris-loaded polarizers in square and circular waveguides are described, with operative bandwidths up to 30%. Measurements on a 10% bandwidth Ka-band prototype show reflection and cross-polarization levels of approximately -50 dB, with a phase error of approximately 0.4/spl deg/.
Variation in the human cervical neural canal

Abstract Background context The dimensions of the cervical spinal canal can impact the likelihood of an individual suffering longtime effects from a spinal neck injury as well as influence recovery time. Most studies have used radiographic studies to compare differences in the neural canal, but few have examined skeletal populations to determine variation in the neural canal dimensions without the presence of soft tissue. Purpose To analyze variation seen in the cervical neural canal (anterior-posterior and transverse diameters) with respect to sex and ancestry and to define cervical canal narrowing in the sample. Study design Observational. Methods Measurements of the anterior-posterior (sagittal) (CAP) and transverse (CTR) diameters were taken from 321 individual skeletons. Comparisons were made between males and females and individuals belonging to different ancestral (racial) groups. Results CAP was narrowest at the C4 level for African-Americans and at C6 for Caucasians. CTR was narrowest at the C2/C3 level for all groups. Statistical analyses indicated that significant differences in cervical canal dimensions are due first to sexual dimorphism and then to ancestry. Conclusions Significant variation in cervical canal dimensions precludes usage of universal definitions to determine spinal stenosis in individuals; definitions should be according to sex and ancestry.
Sex differences in endothelin-1-mediated vasoconstrictor tone in middle-aged and older adults.

The prevalence of cardiovascular disease is lower in middle-aged and older women than men. Increased endothelin-1-mediated vasoconstriction has been linked to the etiology of a number of cardiovasc...
Functional Uncoupling of the Janus Kinase 3-Stat5 Pathway in Malignant Growth of Human T Cell Leukemia Virus Type 1-Transformed Human T Cells

Human T cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) transforms cytokine-dependent T lymphocytes and causes adult T cell leukemia. Janus tyrosine kinase (Jak)3 and transcription factors Stat5a and Stat5b are essential for the proliferation of normal T cells and are constitutively hyperactivated in both HTLV-1-transformed human T cell lines and lymphocytes isolated from HTLV-1-infected patients; therefore, a critical role for the Jak3-Stat5 pathway in the progression of this disease has been postulated. We recently reported that tyrphostin AG-490 selectively blocked IL-2 activation of Jak3/Stat5 and growth of murine T cell lines. Here we demonstrate that disruption of Jak3/Stat5a/b signaling with AG-490 (50 microM) blocked the proliferation of primary human T lymphocytes, but paradoxically failed to inhibit the proliferation of HTLV-1-transformed human T cell lines, HuT-102 and MT-2. Structural homologues of AG-490 also inhibited the proliferation of primary human T cells, but not HTLV-1-infected cells. Disruption of constitutive Jak3/Stat5 activation by AG-490 was demonstrated by inhibition of 1) tyrosine phosphorylation of Jak3, Stat5a (Tyr(694)), and Stat5b (Tyr(699)); 2) serine phosphorylation of Stat5a (Ser(726)) as determined by a novel phosphospecific Ab; and 3) Stat5a/b DNA binding to the Stat5-responsive beta-casein promoter. In contrast, AG-490 had no effect on DNA binding by p50/p65 components of NF-kappaB, a transcription factor activated by the HTLV-1-encoded phosphoprotein, Tax. Collectively, these data suggest that the Jak3-Stat5 pathway in HTLV-1-transformed T cells has become functionally redundant for proliferation. Reversal of this functional uncoupling may be required before Jak3/Stat5 inhibitors will be useful in the treatment of this malignancy.
Positron lifetime measurements of fatigue damage in Ni and a NiCo alloy

Periodic measurements of positron lifetime and X-ray line broadening were made at various times during the plastic fatigue cycling of pure Ni and Ni–66.5% Co alloy. Observations of the sub-structure at fracture were made by transmission electron microscopy. The positron lifetime increases rapidly during the early part of the fatigue life and remains almost constant thereafter. The mean positron lifetime changes from about 140 to about 230 ps during fatigue. This early saturation of positron lifetime far precedes the saturation of the change in X-ray particle size. Wahrend der Ermudungsprufung von reinem Nickel und einer Nickel–Kobalt-Legierung (66,5% Ni) im plastischen Beanspruchungsbereich wurden bei unterschiedlichen Zeiten periodische Messungen der Positronenlebensdauer und der Rontgenlinienverbreiterung durchgefuhrt. Mit Hilfe der Transmissionselektronenmikroskopie wurden Substrukturen beim Bruch beobachtet. Die Lebensdauer der Positronen nimmt zu Beginn der Schwingbeanspruchung sehr rasch zu und bleibt danach konstant. Die mittlere Positronenlebensdauer andert sich wahrend der Ermudungsprufung von 140 bis zu 230 ps. Dieser fruhzeitig erreichte Endzustand hinsichtlich der Positronenlebensdauer tritt wesentlich vor dem Grenzzustand der rontgenographisch ermittelten Korngrosenanderung ein.
The role of psychosocial factors in irritable bowel syndrome.

Abstract Psychosocial factors, as appreciated within the context of the biopsychosocial model, are necessary for understanding the clinical expression of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) by virtue of their key roles in the development, precipitation and perpetuation of IBS. Addressing psychosocial factors in assessment and management leads to improvement in the clinical outcome for IBS patients. Pertinent management components include adopting a ‘care’ approach within an ongoing collaborative treatment relationship; offering any psychological or psychiatric intervention as part of a multi-disciplinary treatment approach; providing education and reassurance; and using mental health professionals when indicated.
Effects of scleroderma antibodies and pooled human immunoglobulin on anal sphincter and colonic smooth muscle function.

Background & Aims Patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) have impairments in gastrointestinal smooth muscle function. The disorder has been associated with circulating antibodies to cholinergic muscarinic the type-3 receptor (M 3 -R). We investigated whether it is possible to neutralize these antibodies with pooled human IgGs (pooledhIgG). Methods We studied the effects of IgGs purified from patients with SSc (SScIgGs) on cholinergic nerve stimulation in rat colon tissues. We also examined the effects of SScIgGs on M 3 -R activation by bethanechol (BeCh), M 3 -R occupancy, and receptor binding using immunofluorescence, immunoblot, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent analyses of human internal anal sphincter (IAS) smooth muscle cells, before and after administration of pooledhIgG. Functional displacement of M 3 -R occupancy by the SScIgGs was compared with that of other IgGs during the sustained phase of BeCh-induced contraction of intact smooth muscles from rats. Results SScIgG significantly attenuated neurally mediated contraction and acetylcholine release in rat colon as well as BeCh-induced sustained contraction of the IAS smooth muscle. In immunofluorescence analysis, SScIgG co-localized with M 3 -R. In immunoblot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent analyses, M 3 -R loop-2 peptide and human IAS SMC membrane lysates bound significant amounts of SScIgG, compared with IgGs from healthy individuals and pooledhIgG. Binding was attenuated significantly by application of pooledhIgG, which by itself had no significant effect. Incubation of samples with pooledhIgG, or mixing pooledhIgG with SScIgG before administration to tissues, significantly reduced binding of SScIgG, indicating that pooledhIgG prevents SScIgG blockade of M 3 -R. Conclusions In studies of rat and human tissues, pooled human IgG prevent and reverses the cholinergic dysfunction associated with the progressive gastrointestinal manifestations of SSc by neutralizing functional M 3 -R antibodies present in the circulation of patients with SSc.
Change and Resistance Help for the Practitioner of Change

Change and the resistance to change has been a common occurrence probably since before recorded time. It is normal to resist that which may bring unfamiliarity and the unknown into ones life. As people, who in the course of our professions frequently create change we know there will be resistance. Often though, we do not know how to avoid resistance or at least minimize it. What is a person to do, where do they start? In an effort to help the practitioner this paper will summarize the findings of a selection of relevant articles, both the 'whys' of resistance and the 'what to do's'. Then we will look at three models of change management. The hope is that with this information the practitioner will be better equipped to guide the change to a satisfactory conclusion for all involved.
Exploring the Nature of Same-Sex Relationships

This study explored the relationship structure and experiences of 145 people in the United States, aged 50 and above, in long-term, same-sex relationships. A survey assessed relationship satisfaction and roles, caregiving, shared assets, and relationship protection and support. The ENRICH couple scales revealed high scores in communication, conflict resolution, and couple satisfaction. Most participants had taken steps to protect shared assets and assign legal authority to their partners. Participants expressed differing views regarding marriage. This study reveals distinctions based on gender and age that will inform practice with this population.
Learning to grasp under uncertainty

We present an approach that enables robots to learn motion primitives that are robust towards state estimation uncertainties. During reaching and preshaping, the robot learns to use fine manipulation strategies to maneuver the object into a pose at which closing the hand to perform the grasp is more likely to succeed. In contrast, common assumptions in grasp planning and motion planning for reaching are that these tasks can be performed independently, and that the robot has perfect knowledge of the pose of the objects in the environment.
Efficient synthesis of vinyl chlorides and/or gem-dichlorides from ketones by treatment with tungsten hexachloride

Treatment of cyclic ketones, e.g. 4, with tungsten hexachloride (WCl6) provided good yields of vinyl chlorides, e.g. 5, and/or gem-dichlorides. A trans-diequatorial dichloride 9 was prepared by treatment of the corresponding epoxide 8 with WCl6.
Macroeconomics: Theories and Episodes in the U.S.

This is a short book for students who have taken an introductory course in macroeconomics. The book contains a chapter on each of the major competing macroeconomic theories - Keynesian, Monetarist, real business cycle, and Austrian. Then the book presents macroeconomic data on five episodes in the U.S, one chapter for each episode. These are World War I and postwar recession and recovery, the Great Depression, the period of stagflation in the 1970s, and Great Moderation of the 1980s and 1990s, and the decade of the recent financial crisis. A narrative describes the macroeconomic events for each episode, and then assesses how well the implications of each theory comport with the narrative. The final chapter presents the views of important public officials and macroeconomic forecasters who have expressed themselves clearly in book form.
Simulation modeling to optimize healthcare delivery in an outpatient clinic

This paper presents a comprehensive exploration of an Internal Medicine outpatient clinic practice setting by applying discrete event simulation (DES) modeling. Growing demands on outpatient clinics require greater emphasis on enhancing performance and optimizing resource utilization. Therefore, a data collection plan was designed to capture total patient visit time; including waiting, clinical care, and clinical administrative time. The collected data was fed into a DES model. The model was validated through a statistical comparison with the performance of the real system. Various improvement alternatives were then proposed and investigated through the DES model, such as altering resource allocation, patient rooming and prioritization, and patient volume. For each scenario, key performance indicators of the system, resource utilization metrics, capacity metrics and turnaround time metrics were traced. Findings indicated that targeted improvement scenarios could be applied with 27.5%, 54.8% and 20% enhancement in utilization, capacity and turnaround time respectively.
The Rapidly Increasing Trend of Cannabis Use in Burn Injury

The use of cannabis is currently increasing according to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Surprisingly, cannabis use among burn patients is poorly reported in literature. In this study, rates of cannabis use in burn patients are compared with general population. Data from the National Burn Repository (NBR) were used to investigate incidence, demographics, and outcomes in relation to use of cannabis as evidenced by urine drug screen (UDS). Thousands of patients from the NBR from 2002 to 2011 were included in this retrospective study. Inclusion criteria were patients older than 12 years of age who received a drug screen. Data points analyzed were patients' age, sex, UDS status, mechanism of burn injury, total body surface area, length of stay, ICU days, and insurance characteristics. Incidence of cannabis use in burn patients from the NBR was compared against national general population rates (gathered by Health and Human Services) using chi-square tests. Additionally, the burn patient population was analyzed using bivariate analysis and t-tests to find differences in the characteristics of these patients as well as differences in outcomes. Seventeen thousand eighty out of over 112,000 patients from NBR had information available for UDS. The incidence of cannabis use is increasing among the general population, but the rate is increasing more quickly among patients in the burn patient population (P = .0022). In 2002, 6.0% of patients in burn units had cannabis+ UDS, which was comparable with national incidence of 6.2%. By 2011, 27.0% of burn patients tested cannabis+ while national incidence of cannabis use was 7.0%. Patients who test cannabis+ are generally men (80.1%, P 60% of injuries, followed by scalds that are >15%. In comparing cannabis+/- patients, cannabis+ patients are more likely to be uninsured (25.2% vs 17.26%, P < .0001). Finally, patients who test cannabis+ have larger burns (TBSA% of 12.94 vs 10.98, P < .0001), have a longer length of stay (13.31 days vs 12.6, P = .16), spend more days in the ICU (7.84 vs 6.39, P = .0006), and have more operations (2.78 vs 2.05, P < .0001). The rate patients testing positive for cannabis in burn units is growing quickly. These patients are younger and are less likely to be insured. These patients also have larger burns, spend more time in ICUs, and have a greater number of operations. The increasing use of cannabis, as expected from legalization of cannabis in multiple states, among burn patient population may lead to increased burden on already tenuous health care resources.
Preference of the Formosan Subterranean Termite (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) for Wood Damaged by Conspecifics

In a laboratory choice-feeding test, groups of termites from five colonies of Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki were presented with wood blocks that had been previously damaged by nestmates; by conspecifics from another colony; by another termite species, Reticulitermes virginicus (Banks); and that had no damage. C. formosanus preferred wood previously damaged by conspecifics, regardless of colony origin, over wood damaged by R. virginicus or undamaged wood. Additionally, they preferred wood damaged by R. virginicus over undamaged wood. Covariate analyses and trail-following assay suggested that the results were almost entirely explained by thigmotaxic cues on the surface of damaged wood blocks rather than on pheromonal cues deposited on the wood.
Dispersal and Dispersion of Aphids (Homoptera: Aphididae) and Selected Natural Enemies in Spatially Subdivided Greenhouse Environments

Matrices of potted plants within greenhouses generate spatially subdivided habitats that may influence the spread of arthropod pests and the abilities of natural enemies to locate them. Thus, the goals of current research were to quantify dispersal of the aphids Myzus persicae (Sulzer) and Aphis gossypii (Glover) in potted chrysanthemum [ Dendranthema grandiflora (Tzvelev)] greenhouses; assess the relationship between dispersal capabilities and population dispersion of aphids; and determine the influence of spatial structure on the behavior of 2 aphid natural enemies, Chrysoperla rufilabris (Burmeister) and Aphidius colemani Viereck. Replicated studies conducted in greenhouses revealed no significant differences between M. persicae and A. gossypii displacement distances, diffusion constants, and dispersion indices. Studies of the effects of localized aggregations on M. persicae population dynamics revealed decreasing rates of population increase with increasing aphid densities. Natural-enemy displacement distances and diffusion constants were significantly greater for adult A. colemani compared with 3rd instars of C. rufilabris . In addition, the percentage of A. colemani observed to be actively searching for aphids was significantly higher than the percentage of C. rufilabris larvae. Differences in dispersal capability and searching activity may explain why A. colemani successfully located 97% of all aphid-infested pots compared with the 49% located by C. rufilabris within 10 h of their release. These results suggest that aphid biological control in chrysanthemum greenhouses may be enhanced by releasing sufficient numbers of natural enemies from points a2 times their displacement distance 10 h after their releases. These distances are 325 cm apart among benches for A. colemani and 68 cm apart within benches for C. rufilabris .
Enhanced Sensitivity of α3β4 Nicotinic Receptors in Enteric Neurons after Long-Term Morphine: Implication for Opioid-Induced Constipation

Opioid-induced constipation is a major side effect that persists with long-term opioid use. Previous studies demonstrated that nicotine-induced contractions are enhanced after long-term morphine exposure in guinea pig ileum. In the present study, we examined whether the increased sensitivity to nicotine could be observed in single enteric neurons after long-term morphine exposure, determined the subunits in mouse enteric neurons, and examined the effect of nicotine in reversing opioid-induced constipation. Nicotine (0.03-1 mM) dose-dependently induced inward currents from a holding potential of -60 mV in isolated single enteric neurons from the mouse ileum. The amplitude of the currents, but not the potency to nicotine, was significantly increased in neurons receiving long-term (16-24 h) but not short-term (10 min) exposure to morphine. Quantitative mRNA analysis showed that nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subunit expression in the mouse ileum was α3 ≥ β2 > β4 > α5 > α4 > β3 > α6. Nicotine-induced currents were obtained in neurons from α7, β2, α5, and α6 knockout mice. The currents were, however, inhibited by mecamylamine (10 μM) and the α3β4 blocker α-conotoxin AuIB (3 μM), suggesting that nicotine-induced currents were mediated by the α3β4 subtype of nAChRs on enteric neurons. Conversely, NS3861, a partial agonist at α3β4 nAChR, enhanced fecal pellet expulsion in a dose-dependent manner in mice that received long-term, but not short-term, morphine treatment. Overall, our findings suggest that the efficacy of nAChR agonists on enteric neurons is enhanced after long-term morphine exposure, and activation of the α3β4 subtype of nAChR reverses chronic, but not acute, morphine-induced constipation.
Costs of Laboratory Ordering Strategies

The selection of appropriate laboratory ordering strategies is one of the unsolved issues in diagnostic medicine. While the literature of the 1970's described a variety of positive and negative reports on the utilization of automated multiphasic testing, in many instances such reports failed to consider the size, test volume, and philosophy of the institution studied. The present study was conducted at a health maintenance organization whose goals include cost-effectiveness along with the maintenance and promotion of good health. The laboratory costs associated with physicians' use of component vs profile chemistries were evaluated. The laboratory data were collected over a four-month period on patients who had not previously been diagnosed. The medical staff was free to choose a 20-item chemistry profile or single or multiple component chemistries. An average net savings of $2.36 per patient was realized when profile chemistries were used.
Monitoring and analysis of hospital disinfection in Xuchang city from 2004 to 2008

Objective:To analyze and evaluate monitoring results and find problems to come up with strategies to improve timely manner to control hospital infection.Methods:According to "Disinfection technical specifications" on the quality of hospital disinfection and sterilization,a random sample used for testing.Results:A total of 5 years,testing various types of samples were 3077,2978 were qualified to detect a pass rate of 96.8%;sterile and pressure steam sterilization micro-organisms pass rate up to 100.0%,followed by the use of disinfectant was 99.3%;air,surface and medical personnel followed by the hand pass rate 85.5%,91.6%,94.4%.Conclusion:Air,surface,hand-passing rate of poor health care workers,should be the focus of rectification.The quality of disinfection in hospitals need to strengthen supervision and management,technical knowledge and training,to improve hospital infection control.
Taliban and the Spread of Talibanistic Politics in Afghanistan–Pakistan

This chapter explains the ideological and material causes of the rise of the Taliban in the Afghanistan–Pakistan region. Offered also in this chapter is a discussion of the sociopolitical dimensions of the creation of the kind of human consciousness that underwrites the Talibanistic worldview. Furthermore, this chapter provides an in-depth study of the causes and consequences of the rise of Islamic fundamentalism in and around Pakistan.
The microsperm penetration assay: development of a sperm penetration assay suitable for oligospermic males*

Objective To develop a specialized sperm penetration assay (SPA) for the evaluation of sperm from oligospermic patients. Design The development of the assay is in four parts: determine optimal sperm number; demonstrate quality control; establish statistical limits for fertile population; compare results to in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcome. Setting and Patients A group of 63 patients with oligospermia and/or poor motility and a group of 17 fertile donors were compared using the optimized SPA and the micro-SPA. Sperm from a third group of 35 patients were simultaneously incubated with human ova (IVF) and hamster ova (micro-SPA). Main Outcome Measures Both types of SPA scores are expressed as a sperm capacitation index (penetrations per ovum). Outcome of IVF is expressed as a percent of ova fertilized. Results Using 25,000 sperm was found to be optimal. The normal fertile range was statistically determined to have a lower limit (–2 SD) of 2.0 penetrations per ovum. When scores from 63 male factor patients were compared using the optimized SPA, only 43% had sufficient swim-up sperm. However, the micro-SPA could accurately test 100% of the samples because it requires only one tenth the number of sperm. Conclusion The micro-SPA provides a valuable diagnostic test for the evaluation of the male factor patient.
The language learner's environment as a resource for linguistic input? A review of theory and research

This article reviews theory and research on the second language learning environmen as a source of input to learners and the contributions made by speakers in learners' environment to their input needs and requirements. Discussion centers on connections between the formal and interactional properties of input which have been identified in research on learners and learning environments and theoretical claims about their contributions to second language learning.
[(18)F]-Fluoro-Deoxy-Glucose Positron Emission Tomography Scan Should Be Obtained Early in Cases of Autoimmune Encephalitis.

Introduction. Autoimmune encephalitis (AE) is a clinically challenging diagnosis with nonspecific neurological symptoms. Prompt diagnosis is important and often relies on neuroimaging. We present a case series of AE highlighting the importance of an early [18F]-fluoro-deoxy-glucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) scan. Methods. Retrospective review of seven consecutive cases of autoimmune encephalitis. Results. All patients had both magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and FDG-PET scans. Initial clinical presentations included altered mental status and/or new onset seizures. Six cases had serum voltage-gated potassium channel (VGKC) antibody and one had serum N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antibody. MRI of brain showed mesial temporal lobe hyperintensity in five cases of VGKC. The other two patients with VGKC or NMDA AE had restiform body hyperintensity on MRI brain or a normal MRI, respectively. Mesial temporal lobe hypermetabolism was noted in three cases on FDG-PET, despite initial unremarkable MRI. Malignancy workup was negative in all patients. Conclusion. A high index of suspicion for AE should be maintained in patients presenting with cognitive symptoms, seizures, and limbic changes on neuroimaging. In cases with normal initial brain MRI, FDG-PET can be positive. Additionally, extralimbic hyperintensity on MRI may also be observed.
Carbamazepine, Auditory ERPs, and BCECT

The effects of carbamazepine (CBZ) on cognitive function were evaluated by using measurements of auditory event-related potentials (ERPs) and P300 latencies in 23 patients, aged 7 to 16 years, with benign childhood epilepsy and centrotemporal spikes (BCECT), at the Department of Pediatrics, Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Toyama, Japan.
Small group activities within academic communities improve the connectedness of students and faculty.

AbstractBackground: The University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine implemented a curriculum change that included reduction of lectures, incorporation of problem-based learning and other small group activities. Six academic communities were introduced for teaching longitudinal curricular content and organizing extracurricular activities.Methods: Surveys were collected from 904 first- and second-year medical students over 6 years. Student satisfaction data with their sense of connectedness and community support were collected before and after the implementation of the new curriculum. In a follow-up survey, medical students rated factors that contributed to their sense of connectedness with faculty and students (n = 134).Results: Students’ perception of connectedness to faculty significantly increased following implementation of a curriculum change that included academic communities. Students ranked small group clinical skills activities within academic communities significantly higher than othe...
Multi-Domain Modeling

This chapter presents several multi-domain system models. Multi-domain models are characterized by the fact that they have components belonging to different engineering domains. In this chapter, we will see models from the mechanical (both rotational and translational), electrical and thermodynamic domains. In addition, many of the examples contain block diagrams for some subsystems (e.g., for control systems).
Adventist Perspectives on Faith Integration: Subject Index for Christ in the Classroom, Volumes 1–20

AbstractThis article presents a bibliography of essays from the Christ in the Classroom collection, organized by subject. The essays focus on various aspects of the intersection of faith and academic fields of study. This article presents the subject index for volumes 21 through 40 of the collection, including volumes produced in the French, Portuguese, and Spanish languages. The index for volumes 1–20 was printed in 2017. All essays listed here are freely available for download at http://ChristInTheClassroom.org/.
Phase Transitioning the Centrosome into a Microtubule Nucleator.

Centrosomes are self-assembling, micron-scale, nonmembrane bound organelles that nucleate microtubules (MTs) and organize the microtubule cytoskeleton of the cell. They orchestrate critical cellular processes such as ciliary-based motility, vesicle trafficking, and cell division. Much is known about the role of the centrosome in these contexts, but we have a less comprehensive understanding of how the centrosome assembles and generates microtubules. Studies over the past 10 years have fundamentally shifted our view of these processes. Subdiffraction imaging has probed the amorphous haze of material surrounding the core of the centrosome revealing a complex, hierarchically organized structure whose composition and size changes profoundly during the transition from interphase to mitosis. New biophysical insights into protein phase transitions, where a diffuse protein spontaneously separates into a locally concentrated, nonmembrane bounded compartment, have provided a fresh perspective into how the centrosom...
End-Stage Renal Disease and Treatment of Hepatitis C Virus Infection

Purpose of Review The prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is higher among patients with chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal failure when compared to the general population. Patients with HCV infection and kidney dysfunction have been shown to have an increased morbidity and mortality in part due to multiple extra-hepatic complications including lymphoma, an increase in cardiovascular events, insulin resistance, and a more rapid progression of chronic kidney disease to end-stage renal failure. This review will summarize the current data on the use of the direct acting antivirals (DAA) in patients with more advanced kidney disease.
Headache and Its Management in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis

The purpose of this review was to discuss the prevalence, impact, pathophysiology, and treatment of headaches (H/As) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Headaches and multiple sclerosis are more common in women than in men with the ratio of female to male being 3:1. It is not entirely clear if there is a correlation or an incidental comorbidity of two neurological conditions. A review of the literature shows a variable prevalence of H/As in MS patients. Using the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD) criteria, the primary type of H/As, especially migraine, is the most common type seen in patients with MS. One of the theories of the pathophysiologic mechanisms of migraine in MS patients is inflammation leading to demyelinating lesions in the pain-producing centers in the midbrain. Secondary H/As due to MS medications such as interferons are also frequently present. H/As can be a cause for significant comorbidity in patients with MS. The treatment of H/As in patients with MS should be addressed in the same fashion as in the non-MS population, which is a combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods. Preventive medicines for the H/As should be carefully selected because of their side effect profiles. Acute attacks of migraines can be treated with medications such as triptans. Patients with MS who have migraine H/As should be educated about the phenomenon of overuse H/As, keeping headache journals, avoiding stress, and monitoring sleeping habits. The presence of depression in patients with MS and migraine affects quality of life (QOL) and should also be addressed for better outcomes.
Detection of Borrelia in Ixodes scapularis ticks by silver stain, immunohistochemical and direct immunofluorescent methods.

Background Lyme disease (LD) is one of the most common tick-borne diseases caused by several Borrelia species of spirochetes. Ixodes scapularis is responsible for the transmission of LD in the northeastern United States. The rate of infection varies with the duration of tick attachment to the host; however, this information may be unknown. In skin biopsies, it is often difficult to identify spirochetes. Testing of ticks is not routinely performed. Treatment is established by clinical presentation. Objective To test paraffin-embedded I. scapularis ticks for Borrelia by different methods. Materials/methods We examined 20 paraffin-embedded ticks by silver stain, immunohistochemical (IHC) and direct immunofluorescent (DIF) methods and compared the percentage of positivity with DIF results from the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station. Results The results were similar by DIF, which proved to be the most sensitive method, followed by the silver stain and IHC. Conclusion We found that the identification of spirochetes in paraffin-embedded ticks was less difficult than in tissue with a comparable turnaround time to that of a routine biopsy. Timely identification of Borrelia in ticks may influence the clinical management of the patients.
Psychiatric Recruitment: Suggestions to Departments of Psychiatry

This study reports the suggestions made to Departments of Psychiatry in medical schools about ways they can exert a more positive influence on medical students’ choice of psychiatry as a specialty. The suggestions were made by 222 United States medical school graduates of 1982 who went directly into a first year postgraduate psychiatric training program. The 332 suggestions were directed toward admission to medical school, psychiatric curriculum, teaching approaches, psychiatric faculty, relations with non-psychiatric departments, and psychiatry as a specialty. Of the 332 suggestions, 177 (53%) dealt with psychiatric education.
Heterogeneity of hemin.

A method for the separation of the hemin of hemoglobin into three fractions by ascending paper chromatography is presented. The relative concentration of each fraction of hemin in normal dog and human hemoglobin is fairly constant. The relative concentration of the three fractions varies in induced anemia in dogs and in various types of human anemia.
The Intersection Cohomology and Derived Category of Algebraic Stacks

The present paper provides an extension of the theory of perverse sheaves to algebraic stacks and therefore to moduli problems ℚ-varieties, algebraic spaces, etc. We also include a detailed study of the intersection cohomology of algebraic stacks and their associated moduli spaces. Smooth group scheme actions on singular varieties and the associated derived category turn up as special cases of the more general results on algebraic stacks.
The Peer Review Process in Science Education Journals.

In this paper, I explore the peer review process in electronic and print science education journals. The topics I address include how to submit manuscripts, criteria for reviews, reviewer qualifications, blind reviews, the qualifications and role of editors and associate editors, time lines, the most common reasons why manuscripts are rejected, writing to the journal audience and, how to interpret letters from editors. I include recommendations for responding to reviewers' comments when revising manuscripts and how to show editors that appropriate changes have been made to a manuscript. I conclude with a discussion of how the review process is a self-regulating mechanism that shapes the field.
Theory of atomic-scale friction

Publisher Summary The mechanisms responsible for friction at the atomic scale can sometimes be quite different from those that dominate at the macroscale. This has implications for devices such as magnetic storage disks, that have been shrinking in size steadily over the last few years and are approaching the nanometer regime where atomicscale friction, adhesion, and wear will be the dominant processes. Sometimes the frictional properties of materialsmeasured on the atomic scale do not always show agreement with macroscale measurements as was the case in the nitrogen implantation of diamond. In addition, the discussed experiments and simulations use different numbers off tips that have varying lengths and mechanical properties, making direct comparisons of the data difficult. Atomistic simulations have provided much-needed insight into the mechanisms of atomic-scale friction and operate well on atomic-scale time and length scales. However, it is difficult to compare the results to experimental data due to time-scale and system size mismatches between the two. It has been noted that the coefficient of friction is a way to describe the sum of all the atomic-scale interactions taking place at an interface when all the details are not known. However, the atomic-scale details are important, because they can lead to wide variations in the coefficient of friction for the same interface system. The research on atomic-scale friction summarized here shows how such things as the geometry of the interface, the velocity of sliding, the temperature of the system, the length scale of the measurements, and the chemistry at the interface affect the relationship between the applied normal load and the frictional forces at the interface.