cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Rates of Overdose and Hospitalization After Initiation of Medication for Opioid Use Disorder in the Inpatient vs Outpatient Setting.

Importance Whereas outpatient treatment with medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) is evidence based, there is a large network of inpatient facilities in the US that are reimbursed by commercial insurers and do not typically offer MOUD. Objective To compare the rates of opioid-related overdose and all-cause hospitalization after outpatient MOUD treatment vs inpatient care. Design, Setting, and Participants This comparative effectiveness research study used deidentified claims of commercially insured individuals in the US from the MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters Database from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2017, to obtain a sample of 37 090 individuals with opioid use disorder who initiated treatment with inpatient care and/or MOUD. Data were analyzed from October 1, 2019, to May 1, 2020. To address nonrandom treatment assignment, individuals with opioid use disorder who initiated MOUD or who entered inpatient care were matched 1:1 based on propensity scores. Exposures The independent variable of interest was the type of treatment initiated. Individuals could initiate 1 of 5 potential treatments: (1) outpatient MOUD, (2) short-term inpatient care, (3) short-term inpatient care followed by outpatient MOUD within 30 days, (4) long-term inpatient care, or (5) long-term inpatient care followed by outpatient MOUD within 30 days. Main Outcomes and Measures Opioid-related overdose and all-cause hospitalization at any point within the 12 months after treatment of opioid use disorder. The hazard for each outcome was estimated using a time-to-event Cox proportional hazards regression model. Results The cohort included 37 090 individuals matched 1:1 between inpatient and outpatient treatment (20 723 [56%] were younger than 30 years; 23 250 [63%] were male). After propensity score matching, compared with the inpatient treatments, initiation of outpatient MOUD alone was followed by the lowest 1-year overdose rate (2.2 [95% CI, 2.0-2.5] per 100 person-years vs 3.5 [95% CI, 2.7-4.4] to 7.0 [95% CI, 4.6-10.7] per 100 person-years) and hospitalization rate (39 [95% CI, 38-40] per 100 person-years vs 57 [95% CI, 54-61] to 74 [95% CI, 73-76] per 100 person-years). Outpatient MOUD was also associated with the lowest hazard of these events compared with inpatient care, which had hazard ratios ranging from 1.71 (95% CI, 1.35-2.17) to 2.67 (95% CI, 1.68-4.23) for overdose and 1.33 (95% CI, 1.23-1.44) to 1.90 (95% CI, 1.83-1.97) for hospitalizations. Conclusions and Relevance The results of this comparative effectiveness research study suggest that lower rates of subsequent overdose and hospitalization are associated with outpatient MOUD compared with short- or long-term inpatient care. When patients and clinicians have a choice of treatment, outpatient MOUD treatment may be associated with lower overdose and hospitalization on balance. Future research should assess which patients benefit most from inpatient care and how best to leverage existing inpatient treatment infrastructure.
Associations of Age, Gender, and Family Income with Quality of Life in Children With Advanced Cancer.

Background: Children with cancer often experience decreased quality of life (QOL) throughout the illness trajectory. The purpose of this study was to explore the associations of demographic charact...
2 Year Old White Female with Multiple, Small, Smooth Dome-Like Papules on Left Cheek

A 2-year-old white female presented with a solitary growth on her left facial cheek. The patient’s mother witnessed her scratching her face, arms, and legs.
Finding TIMES in Household Technologies

Practitioners and researchers have sought an understanding of tradeoffs and uses of consumer resources. It is a challenge throughout the product lifecycle and the whole consumer buying and consumption process. Combinations of methodologies are explored to broaden the knowledge of how technologies in the home are used within the context of multiple consumer resources.
Optical watermarking of 3D objects for authentication in transmission and storage

Watermarking can be considered as a method to authenticate data by hiding a piece of information within it. Some techniques to watermark 3D object are presented. We propose a technique that uses digital holography to hide a 3D object stored in the form of a digital hologram within another 3D object. The proposed technique generates the digital hologram of both the hidden 3D object and the host 3D object optically using phase shift interferometery. The watermarked hologram is double phase encoded using a different set of codes. The double phase encoding process provides a higher level of security and will guaranty the whiteness of the transmitted hologram. The watermarked hologram is robust to pixels occlusion in terms of reconstructing different poses of the 3D object due to the whiteness of the final transmitted data.
A Fair Distributed Solution for Selfish Nodes Problem in Wireless Ad Hoc Networks

In Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANETs), nodes depend on each other for routing and forwarding packets. Cooperation among nodes is a key issue in such an environment. However, some of the nodes in MANETs may behave selfishly and may not forward packets to save battery and other resources. Since nodes in MANETs communicate on a peer-to-peer basis, without any central authority (which can monitor selfish behavior of nodes), a centralized solution to stimulate cooperation is not suitable. In this paper, we present a distributed solution to judge, punish and re-admit a selfish node, forcing nodes to cooperate with each other. Unlike previous solutions, we focus on the fairness, i.e., to provide the same chance to all nodes to gain services from the network and to offer services to the network. We also consider the location privilege and counting retransmission problems which have not been emphasized in any of the previous solutions. We combine our scheme with AODV. To evaluate the performance of our scheme, we conducted simulations using Glomosim. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme improves data forwarding capability substantially in presence of selfish nodes.
Cognitive, emotional, and quality of life outcomes in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension

The effects of pulmonary arterial hypertension on cardiovascular and physical function are well documented. Limited information exists regarding the effects of pulmonary arterial hypertension on cognitive function despite patient reports of problems with memory and attention. Our primary purpose was to determine if a prospectively identified cohort of pulmonary arterial hypertension patients had cognitive sequelae. Our secondary purpose was to determine the relationships between cognitive sequelae and neuropsychological test scores with depression, anxiety, and quality of life. Forty-six adults with pulmonary arterial hypertension underwent assessment of cognitive function, depression, anxiety, and quality of life using standardized neuropsychological tests and questionnaires. The patients' scores were compared to normal population data. Medical, affective, neuropsychological, and quality of life data for patients with and without cognitive sequelae were compared using analysis of variance, Chi-square, or Fisher exact tests for categorical data. Correlations assessed relationships between neuropsychological test scores, depression, anxiety, quality of life, and medical data. Cognitive sequelae occurred in 58% (27/46) of the pulmonary arterial hypertension patients. Patients with cognitive sequelae had worse verbal learning, delayed verbal memory, executive function, and fine motor scores compared to patients without cognitive sequelae. Twenty-six percent of patients had moderate to severe depression and 19% had moderate to severe anxiety. Depression, anxiety and quality of life were not different for patients with or without cognitive sequelae. Our patients had decreased quality of life, which was associated with worse working memory. Patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension have cognitive impairments, depression, anxiety, and decreased quality of life. Depression, anxiety, and quality of life were similar for patients with cognitive sequelae compared to those without cognitive sequelae. Decreased quality of life was associated with worse verbal and working memory. Clinicians should be aware of adverse brain related outcomes in PAH patients. Attention to proximal determinants and possible interventions to prevent or reduce cognitive and emotional morbidity and decreased quality of life are warranted and should be an emphasis in outcomes research.
The Mechanism of End Product Inhibition of Serine Biosynthesis III. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF PHOSPHOGLYCERATE DEHYDROGENASE

Abstract A molecular weight of 163,000 daltons was determined by equilibrium sedimentation analysis for crystalline 3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase. The enzymatically active enzyme had a s20, w of 7.7 and treatment at alkaline pH values or with silver ions inactivated the enzyme and reduced the s20, w to 3.0. The decrease in sedimentation coefficient indicated dissociation of the enzyme and sedimentation equilibrium measurements made in 3.75 m guanidine-HCl showed that the enzyme was composed of subunits with a molecular weight between 40 and 50,000 daltons. The amino acid composition of the enzyme was determined. A p-hydroxymercuribenzoate titration showed approximately 12 readily available sulfhydryl groups and the fluorometric determination of DPN showed that the enzyme crystallized with 2 moles of DPNH bound per mole of enzyme. The intensity of the peak at 330 and 430 mµ in the fluorescence emission spectrum was altered in a characteristic way by changes in pH. Changes in the fluorescence spectrum were also observed when the enzyme was treated with silver ions or p-hydroxymercuribenzoate.
Molecular disks around young stars

There is now a substantial body of evidence that disk-like structures of gas and dust surround many protostars and young stellar objects (e.g. Rodriguez, these proceedings). We are currently studying a number of these disks to establish whether they have properties compatible with those attributed to the proto-solar nebula, in the early stages of evolution of our solar system. The frequency with which such proto-planetary disks are associated with young stars is also being investigated.
Dentoskeletal effects of a temporary skeletal anchorage device-supported rapid maxillary expansion appliance (TSADRME): A pilot study.

ABSTRACT Objective: To quantitatively evaluate maxillary skeletal expansion using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images and propose a novel way to quantify the dental tipping effects of temporary skeletal anchorage device–supported rapid maxillary expansion appliance (TSADRME). Materials and Methods: Images from 25 patients receiving rapid maxillary expansion with incorporated temporary skeletal anchorage devices (TSADs) before activation (T1) and after removal (T2) were analyzed to detect dentoskeletal changes. Results: A significant increase from T1 to T2 was found for all linear measurements except buccal maxillary width at the canines. The greatest buccal expansion was at the first molar, decreasing anteriorly. However, the greatest palatal expansion was at the first premolar. All younger subjects (8–16 years old) exhibited less dental tipping and greater expansion overall compared with the older subjects. There was great variability in dental tipping of first molars (mean = 4.31°), with some...
Properties of poly(phosphazene-siloxane) block copolymers synthesized via telechelic polyphosphazenes and polysiloxane phosphoranimines

Linear A−B, A−B−A, and B−A−B block copolymers containing polyphosphazenes and polysiloxanes were synthesized and characterized. Two methods were used in the synthesis of these novel block copolymers. The first utilized hydrosilylation chemistry to couple monotelechelic polyphosphazenes with commercially available dihydride-terminated poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS). The second involved the termination of living poly(dichlorophosphazene) chains with phosphoranimine-terminated PDMS. The semicrystalline, hydrophobic copolymers, [(CF3CH2O)2PN]x−[(Me)2Si−O]y, and the water-soluble copolymers, [(CH3OCH2CH2OCH2CH2O)2PN]x−[(Me)2Si−O]y, were prepared by the linkage of either hydrophobic or hydrophilic organic groups to the polyphosphazene backbone. These materials, with a polyphosphazene content from 19 to 73 mol % (43−90 wt %) were obtained with controlled molecular weights that ranged from 5600 to 108 900 Da. The syntheses, characterization, and physical properties of the linear polyphosphazene−polysiloxane block ...
Association Between Adult Romantic Attachment Styles and Family-of-Origin Expressive Atmosphere

This study examined the associations between attachment quality and perceived family-of-origin expressive atmosphere (FOEA) in a convenience sample of 279 participants. Multivariate analysis of var...
Mechanical properties of sputtered silicon oxynitride films by nanoindentation

Silicon oxynitride (SiON) has received a great deal of attention in micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) integration due to its composition-dependent tunability in optical, electronic and mechanical properties. In this work, silicon oxynitride films with different oxygen and nitrogen content were deposited by RF magnetron sputtering. Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy were employed to characterize the SiON films with respect to stoichiometric composition and atomic bonding structure. Time-dependent plastic deformation (creep) of SiON films were investigated by depth-sensing nanoindentation at room temperature. Young's modulus and indentation-hardness were found correlated with the nitrogen/oxygen ratio in SiON films. Results from nanoindentation creep indicated that plastic flow was less homogenous with increasing nitrogen content in film composition. Correspondingly, a deformation mechanism based on atomic bonding structure and shear transformation zone (STZ) plasticity theory was proposed to interpret creep behaviors of sputtered SiON films.
A strategy for residual acceleration data reduction and dissemination

A data reduction plan is being developed to efficiently process residual acceleration data from orbiting space laboratories. Implementation of the reduction plan will result in a useful, manageable accelerometer data base which can be readily employed by principal investigators during post-flight analysis of experimental results. The data reduction plan will also assist in the characterization of the acceleration environment of orbiters, which is important for the planning of future experimental missions. Prototype versions of the reduction plan are being tested using accelerometer data recorded during the Spacelab 3 (SL3) mission. Transient disturbances caused by shuttle and experiment operations and crew activities are being cataloged. The magnitudes of such disturbances can be as much as 0.01 g, but are rarely sustained for more than a fraction of a second and tend to vary greatly in orientation. It is found that the recorded frequency components of the SL3 disturbances do not exceed tolerance limits determined from modeling for a selected experiment set.
Molecular modeling of the pendant chain in Nafion

Ion transport through perfluorosulfonic acid ionomers such as Nafion® is controlled by both the microstructure of the polymer and the charge and water distribution in the hydrated polymer. We present here the results of theoretical calculations on the side chain of Nafion®, establishing microscopic information for the modeling of water and proton transport in the membrane. Optimized geometries for the trifluoromethane sulfonic acid fragment (CF 3 SO 3 H), the di-trifluoromethane ether fragment (CF 3 OCF 3 ), and the side chain (CF 3 -OCF2CF(CF 3 )OCF 2 CF 2 SO 3 H were determined by means of both ab initio Hartree Fock theory with second order Moller-Plesset electron correlation corrections, and density functional theory with Becke's three parameter hybrid method. Several rotational potential energy surfaces were calculated to assess chain flexibility and proton accessibility. A probe water molecule was added to each of the fragments to characterize hydrophilic sites. These calculations confirmed that the sulfonic acid group is hydrophilic and the ethers are hydrophobic. Molecular dynamics simulations were then performed on the side chain to check the conditions required to stretch the pendant chain. Thermal averages of several structural parameters assessing the flexibility and stretch of the chain were computed from selected conformations produced in the simulation and these results indicate that although the sulfonate group is free to rotate, the chain stretches little. The construction of a potential energy surface for rotation about the second ether group suggests that the side chain exists in a folded or curled up conformation. A physical continuum dielectric solvent model was sed to obtain free energies of electrostatic interaction of the fragments and the full chain with the solvent.
RATE OF DECOMPOSITION OF KYANITE AT VARIOUS TEMPERATURES

The rate at which North Carolina kyanite of various grain sizes decomposes into mullite and glass in the range 1350° to 1600 °C. is given. Kyanite from other sources is also discussed.
Effect of insulin on carbon dioxide production in adipose tissue from immature rats.

Es wurde der Einfluss von Insulin auf die CO2-Produktion im Fettgewebe unreifer Ratten mit einem Gewicht zwischen 35 und 90 g manometrisch bestimmt, wobei mit zunehmendem Gewicht bis zu 90 g eine vermehrte CO2-Produktion festgestellt werden konnte.
Epileptic seizures and abnormal electroencephalographic findings in hydrocephalus and their relation to the shunting procedures

A total of 92 patients with hydrocephalus were studied. The incidence of seizures was significantly greater in the "shunted" group (18.2% in the "non-shunted" and 65.4% in the "shunted" group). All of the shunted patients who had seizures developed them after the placement of the shunt. Left sided focal motor seizures were the commonest focal seizures in the patients with right sided shunts. There was a higher incidence of abnormal EEG tracings in the "shunt" group (47% of the "non-shunt" patients and 95% of the "shunt" group). All types of focal EEG abnormalities, but particularly the slow wave foci, were seen more frequently over the hemisphere which had the shunt, and in more than half these localized to the neighborhood of the shunt itself. It is suggested that the shunt, which may act as a foreign body, may be responsible, at least in part, for these findings.
Investigating mug shot commitment

A commitment error occurs when participants search through mug shots for the perpetrator, make a selection from the mug book, and then select that same individual from a subsequent lineup, even when faced with the actual perpetrator. The present study replicated a performance decrement arising from the commitment effect. In another condition, participants were allowed to choose several foils that resembled the perpetrator from the mug book, rather than searching for a single perpetrator. No deficit arose in the ability to pick the actual perpetrator from a subsequent lineup. Following lineup decisions, participants made source judgments for all lineup members. Commitment resulted in participants not recognizing the perpetrator, which supported a memory-blending/replacement hypothesis. In contrast, witnesses who did not commit made source-monitoring errors, attributing the perpetrator to the mug shots. This study provides additional evidence that once an eyewitness has made an identification, no further id...
Population Growth in Stationary and Suspension Culture of Paramoeba pemaquidensis Page (Amoebida, Paramoebidae)1

Paramoeba pemaquidensis Page requires attachment to a substrate in order for population growth to occur. Populations of amoebae suspended in bacterized culture media on a roller tube apparatus did not increase in size whereas amoebae maintained in stationary control tubes multiplied in number. Amoebae maintained in suspension for as long as three weeks attached and multiplied in culture when allowed to settle. This suggests that Paramoeba found suspended in the surface microlayer of the ocean may be in a “dormant” state. Implications for the survival and geographic distribution of the genus are discussed.
Aspartate 155 of human transketolase is essential for thiamine diphosphate-magnesium binding, and cofactor binding is required for dimer formation.

Abstract Active human transketolase is a homodimeric enzyme possessing two active sites, each with a non-covalently bound thiamine diphosphate and magnesium. Both subunits contribute residues at each site which are involved in cofactor binding and in catalysis. His-tagged transketolase, produced in E . coli , was similar to transketolase purified from human tissues with respect to K m apps for cofactor and substrates and with respect to cofactor-dependent hysteresis. Mutation of aspartate 155, corresponding to a conserved aspartate residue among thiamine diphosphate-binding proteins, resulted in an inactive protein which could not bind the cofactor–magnesium complex and which could not dimerize. The results are consistent with the suggestion that aspartate 155 is an important coordination site for magnesium. In support of this interpretation, binding of cofactor by wild type apo-transketolase required the presence of magnesium. Additionally, monomeric apo-his-transketolase required both magnesium and cofactor binding for dimer formation.
The cost of capital, finance and high-tech investment

Investment is the most volatile component of aggregate demand and it is often considered central to business cycles fluctuations. The responsiveness of business investment to changes in its price is thus crucial to our understanding of economic activity. In spite of the key role played by the user cost of capital in economic analysis, there is little empirical support for the existence of substantial user cost elasticity. However, most of the evidence to date is based on aggregate user cost data, which may have introduced downward biases in the estimated user cost. This paper contributes to the literature by constructing a disaggregated, industry‐specific micro user cost variable and focusing on a special class of firms – the high‐tech firms. To provide a benchmark for the results, the user cost estimates for the high‐tech sector are compared with those for the rest of the manufacturing sector. The results suggest that there is little response of investment to variations in its user cost. The findings als...
Hyperfiltration studies XVI: Salt filtration by dynamically formed and cast poly (glutamic acid) and poly (acrylic acid) membranes☆☆☆

Abstract Membranes were dynamically formed of poly(glutamic acid) and poly (acrylic acid), and their hyperfiltration (reverse osmosis) properties investigated. Rejections were high in comparison with those of organic polyelectrolytes previously studied. Rejection properties of cast (cross-linked) films were similar. Transmission rates through cast poly(glutamic acid) films were much lower than through those dynamically formed of the same polyelectrolyte, in accord with our usual experience. Cast polyacrylate membranes, however, had extremely high permeation rates for films having comparable rejection made of any material; fluxes were in many cases higher than those of polyacrylate membranes formed dynamically.
Failure Analysis of Reformer Tubes

This paper presents a failure analysis performed to investigate cracking observed in reformer tubes. Thorough investigation showed that the tubes failed by thermal shock. No signs of advanced creep failure could be observed near the ruptures or across the microstructure. Also, no material-related abnormalities were observed in the tube microstructure. The reformer tube material is suitable for the application, and there is no need for metallurgy upgrade. It is recommended that reformer operating, start-up and shut down procedures be followed to ensure safe and sustainable operation. The condition of un-replaced tubes that had been exposed to the extreme thermal cycles has to be frequently monitored.
Experimental Comparisons of the International Pyrheliometric Scale with the Absolute Radiation Scale

Solar irradiance measurements by instruments (Eppley Angstrom Pyrheliometers) reproducing the International Pyrheliometric Scale (IPS) have been compared with measurements made simultaneously by a number of JPL Active Cavity Radiometers (ACR) and the Practical Absolute Cavity Radiometer (PACRAD). The results of these tests demonstrate a systematic difference between the absolute radiation scale as defined by the ACR and PACRAD measurements and the IPS.
Cyclin G2 associates with protein phosphatase 2A catalytic and regulatory B' subunits in active complexes and induces nuclear aberrations and a G1/S phase cell cycle arrest.

Abstract Cyclin G2, together with cyclin G1 and cyclin I, defines a novel cyclin family expressed in terminally differentiated tissues including brain and muscle. Cyclin G2 expression is up-regulated as cells undergo cell cycle arrest or apoptosis in response to inhibitory stimuli independent of p53 (Horne, M., Donaldson, K., Goolsby, G., Tran, D., Mulheisen, M., Hell, J. and Wahl, A. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, 12650–12661). We tested the hypothesis that cyclin G2 may be a negative regulator of cell cycle progression and found that ectopic expression of cyclin G2 induces the formation of aberrant nuclei and cell cycle arrest in HEK293 and Chinese hamster ovary cells. Cyclin G2 is primarily partitioned to a detergent-resistant compartment, suggesting an association with cytoskeletal elements. We determined that cyclin G2 and its homolog cyclin G1 directly interact with the catalytic subunit of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A). An okadaic acid-sensitive (<2 nm) phosphatase activity coprecipitates with endogenous and ectopic cyclin G2. We found that cyclin G2 also associates with various PP2A B′ regulatory subunits, as previously shown for cyclin G1. The PP2A/A subunit is not detectable in cyclin G2-PP2A-B′-C complexes. Notably, cyclin G2 colocalizes with both PP2A/C and B′ subunits in detergent-resistant cellular compartments, suggesting that these complexes form in living cells. The ability of cyclin G2 to inhibit cell cycle progression correlates with its ability to bind PP2A/B′ and C subunits. Together, our findings suggest that cyclin G2-PP2A complexes inhibit cell cycle progression.
Monocytes/macrophages isolated from the mouse central nervous system contain infectious Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV)

Knowledge of the cells in which Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) persists is crucial to understanding the pathogenesis of TMEV-induced demyelinating disease; however, it is still uncertain whether oligodendrocytes or macrophages are the primary target for persistence. In this study, mononuclear cells (MNC) isolated directly from central nervous system (CNS) inflammatory infiltrates of TMEV-infected mice on discontinuous Percoll gradients were found to contain infectious TMEV. Macrophages appeared to be the principal MNC infected as determined by two-color immunofluorescence. Infectious center assay and double immunostaining together indicated the presence and possible synthesis of TMEV in approximately 1 in 225 to 1 in 1000 CNS macrophages, with 1 to 7 PFU produced per macrophage. On the basis of these findings, limited replication in macrophages is consistent with the total CNS virus content detected at any time during the persistent phase of the infection as well as the slow pace of the infection.
Disorder variables for a non-abelian symmetry group☆

Abstract This paper is concerned with the construction of local disorder operators for two-dimensional statistical mechanical systems, and with the representation of these operators in transfer matrix language. Each internal global symmetry operation leads to a separate disorder variable. This idea is illustrated in the example of the Ashkin-Teller model, in which the symmetry operations form a non-abelian group. There are seven non-trivial disorder operators. Five of these are shown to be simply duals of various kinds of spin operators. Series analysis is used to describe the critical behavior of one of the remaining two operators. No essentially new scaling behavior is observed.
EHD-Enhanced Drying with Needle Electrode

The enhancement of drying rate by corona discharge from a needle electrode has been experimentally evaluated in this study. The electrode produces corona wind, which resembles a round jet, impinges...
The role of radiation damping in violin sound

A generalized model combining experimental normal mode radiation efficiency and total damping trendlines and structural acoustics systematics was developed to examine violin quality-related trends in radiation damping ζrad and fraction-of-vibrational-energy-radiated FRAD up to 8 kHz. FRAD was similar for “good” and “bad” violins. ζrad and FRAD exhibit a “knee” at the critical frequency, where FRAD reached its maximum value of ∼0.5. The critical frequency falls significantly lower for “good” than “bad” violins (3-violin samples for each), which imparts a relative enhancement to acoustic output near 3 kHz for “good” violins, independent of any bridge contribution or excitation method.
The molar volume and fugacity of liquid dibenzofuran at high temperatures and high pressures

Abstract Molar volumes of liquid dibenzofuran, a potential coal liquid compound, were measured at high temperatures from 391.55 to 563.15 K and at high pressures up to 25.331 MPa. The volumetric measurements were performed in a high-temperature high-pressure v.l.e. apparatus. The vapor pressures of dibenzofuran were measured to 586.46 K and 171.756 kPa in a high-temperature static apparatus. A modified Chueh et al. equation has been used to fit the experimental volumetric results with a root-mean-square error better than 0.10 per cent. The results have been further processed to evaluate the fugacity of liquid dibenzofuran.
A new skeleton of the cryptoclidid plesiosaur Tatenectes laramiensis reveals a novel body shape among plesiosaurs

ABSTRACT Current knowledge of plesiosaurs of clade Cryptoclidia is constrained by a lack of fossils from outside the Oxford Clay deposits of England. Recent fleldwork in the Sundance Formation of the Bighorn Basin, Wyoming, has resulted in the recovery of significant new fossils of cryptoclidid plesiosaurs, including the small-bodied form Tatenectes laramiensis. A new partial skeleton of this taxon is reported here; it is the most complete and best-preserved example of the taxon found to date, comprising a complete dorsal vertebral series, many ribs and gastralia, and a complete pelvic girdle. This skeleton illuminates several unique features of the taxon, including a novel pattern of midline pachyostosis in the gastralia. In addition, a range of both axial and appendicular morphological features reveals that Tatenectes had a body shape unique among known plesiosaurs, characterized by extreme dorsoventral compression, and modest anteroposterior reduction. The combination of the new skeleton with informati...
Physiology of spinal anaesthesia and practical suggestions for successful spinal anaesthesia

There are numerous physiological effects of spinal anaesthesia. This chapter focuses on the physiological effects that are of clinical relevance to the anaesthesiologist, and provides suggestions for successful management of this simple and popular technique. The mechanisms and clinical significance of spinal-anaesthesia-induced hypotension, bradycardia and cardiac arrest are reviewed. The increasing popularity of ambulatory spinal anaesthesia requires knowledge that long-acting local anaesthetics, such as bupivacaine, impair the ability to void far longer than short-acting local anaesthetics, such as lidocaine. The importance of thermoregulation during spinal anaesthesia, and the clinical consequences of spinal-anaesthesia-induced hypothermia are reviewed. Effects of spinal anaesthesia on ventilatory mechanics are also highlighted. Lastly, the sedative and minimum-alveolar-concentration-sparing effects of spinal anaesthesia are discussed to reinforce the need for the judicious use of sedation in the perioperative setting.
Transcript Profiling of Immediate Early Genes Reveals a Unique Role for Activating Transcription Factor 3 in Mediating Activation of the Glycoprotein Hormone α-Subunit Promoter by Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone

Recent studies profiling immediate early gene responses to GnRH in the LβT2 gonadotrope cell model revealed increased expression of numerous genes including activating transcription factor (ATF) 3. The present studies demonstrate similar results with GnRH administration in vivo in ovariectomized mice. In this model, ATF3 mRNA was markedly up-regulated at 20, 40, and 60 min after in vivo administration of a GnRH analog. In αT3-1 gonadotrope cells, ATF3 mRNA and protein were induced by GnRH in a manner consistent with in vivo observations. Pharmacological studies implicated a combined role for the activities of protein kinase C isozymes, ERK and c-Jun N-terminal kinase, in modulating ATF3 expression. The role of ATF3 was further investigated in the activation of the human glycoprotein hormone α-subunit gene promoter. GnRH induced the α-subunit promoter-luciferase reporter approximately 16-fold, and this induction was completely abolished with mutations in the dual cAMP response elements (CREs) or the combin...
The pH dependence of phototautomerism in horse radish peroxidase monitored by fluorescence site-selection spectroscopy

Abstract Fluorescence site-selection spectra of mesoporphyrin horse radish peroxidase C2 were measured at cryogenic temperatures in 50% glycerol-water. With irradiation at ≈ 17300 cm−1 interconverting emission lines were detected, which are attributed to phototautomerization within the excited sites. The reactivity for tautomerization was found to be much higher at pH 5.1 than at pH 8.0. The fluorescence decay for the two tautomers is single exponential with lifetimes of 23 and 21 ns, respectively. pH sensitivity is discussed in terms of possible conformational changes of the amino acid chain or a role of the liberated histidine in the reaction pathway.
Environmental Correlates of Adolescent Substance Use and Misuse: Implications for Prevention Programs

The research in the areas of peer, family and community environmental effects on adolescent substance use and misuse clearly and consistently shows that peer substance use behavior is the primary predictor of adolescent alcohol use. Peer norms, however, are more important in the prediction of adolescent alcohol misuse. Parental norms and monitoring are secondary to the peer variables, but still of significance in the prediction of adolescent alcohol use and misuse. The intrapersonal construct of susceptibility to peer pressure is as important as the peer and parent variables in the prediction of both alcohol use and misuse in adolescence. [Translations are provided in the International Abstracts Section of this issue.]
Lantern: Empowering Refugees Through Community-Generated Guidance Using Near Field Communication

When refugees enter their new host countries, they are faced with a variety of challenges and often find themselves relying on others for help. Equipped with only basic technologies, refugees must utilize the little they have to navigate their new environments. Currently, there are no digital systems in place that ease the transition for newly arriving refugees into the USA. In response to this, we have developed Lantern, a cost-efficient mobile service that combines previous generation technology with modern, near field communication capabilities, enabling refugees to learn and navigate within their new surroundings.
Representative voter theorems

The representative voter is an individual whose strict preference for any alternative x over any alternative y implies 1) x strictly defeats y by majority rule, if there are an odd number of voters, and 2) x weakly defeats y otherwise. This result holds for the median voter if x is his ideal point or if preferences satisfy a generalized symmetry property, but not in general. We examine a formal condition that guarantees the existence of a representative voter and an economic model in which this condition holds. We also indicate a method for estimating representative voting behavior that is justified when a representative voter exists, and compare this with a method for deriving median voting behavior from an estimated demand curve.
On the potential of bluetooth low energy technology for vehicular applications

With the increasing number of sensors in modern vehicles, using an intra-vehicular wireless sensor network (IVWSN) is a possible solution for the automotive industry for addressing the potential issues that arise from additional wiring harness. Such a solution could help car manufacturers develop vehicles that have better fuel economy and performance, in addition to supporting new applications. However, which wireless technology should be used for maximizing the benefits of IVWSNs is still an open issue. In this article we propose to use a new wireless technology known as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and outline a new architecture for IVWSN. Based on a comprehensive study that encompasses an example application, it is shown that BLE is an excellent option that can be used in IVWSNs for certain applications mainly due to its good performance and low-power, lowcomplexity, and low-cost attributes.
Control of water intake: evidence for the role of a hemodynamic pontine pathway

Hypovolemia increases water intake. Bilateral lesions of a discrete region of the dorsal rostral pons, that contains neurons responding to hypovolemia, markedly increases basal water intake in cats. The critical region appears anteroventral and somewhat medial to the locus coeruleus and is anatomically distinct from a more dorsal region shown previously as essential for compensation of arterial pressure in response to hypovolemia.
Effects of bone marrow transplantation on the cardiovascular abnormalities in canine mucopolysaccharidosis VII

The genetic mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) are a family of lysosomal storage diseases resulting from defective catabolism of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Echocardiographic abnormalities in dogs with MPS type VII (Sly syndrome, beta-glucuronidase deficiency) included mitral valve thickening and insufficiency, large aortic dimensions in both the long and short axes, and thickened aortic valves. Grossly, at post mortem examination, there was nodular thickening of the mitral valve, a prominent ductus diverticulum, and a dilated aorta with thickened walls. Histologically, cytoplasmic vacuolation was seen in cells of the mitral valves, coronary arteries, and aorta. By electron microscopy, the cells of the mitral valve were packed with electron-lucent cytoplasmic vacuoles. The mean residual activity of beta-glucuronidase in the aorta and myocardium was 2. 5 times normal, and the mean GAG concentrations more than twice normal. In three MPS VII dogs that received heterologous BMT at 6 weeks of age, the echocardiographic abnormalities were improved, and the histopathologic and ultrastructural pathology was reduced. In the aorta and myocardium, the mean beta-glucuronidase activity of the BMT group was 4.5% and 11% of normal, respectively, and the hexosaminidase A activity and GAG concentrations were normalized. Bone Marrow Transplantation (2000) 25, 1289-1297.
Low Intraocular Pressure and Postural Changes in Intraocular Pressure in Patients With Hansen's Disease

We found intraocular pressures of less than 7 mm Hg in 11 of 72 patients (15%) with early Hansen's disease. Furthermore, significant postural changes in intraocular pressure (greater than 30%) occurred in 43 of 72 patients (60%). This loss of intraocular pressure homeostasis, which results from reduced aqueous humor production or increased uveoscleral outflow with reduced local adrenergic control in the ciliary body-iris-trabecular meshwork region, suggests that early autonomic neuropathy of the eye may occur in Hansen's disease. The only predictive value for significant postural change in intraocular pressure was the presence of immunologically unstable disease.
Mechanism of catalyzed graphite oxidation by monolayer channeling and monolayer edge recession

Abstract Monolayer channeling (i.e., channeling at one graphite layer depth) on the basal plane of graphite is revealed for catalysts in the graphite-oxygen reaction by employing gold decoration/TEM. Rates and mechanisms of monolayer channeling have been studied for Pt, Cu, V, and V2O5. The breakage of carbon-carbon bonds at the Pt and edge graphite interface is the rate-limiting step for Pt-catalyzed oxidation. An oxygen transfer mechanism appears to be operative in the vanadium-catalyzed oxidation, and the rate-limiting step is the oxidation of the surface of the particle which is in the reduced state of V6O13. The rate-limiting step for the copper-catalyzed reaction is a step occurring at the interface between the catalyst and edge graphite, either by the breakage of carbon-carbon bonds or the oxidation of edge carbon by CuO. Vanadium oxide also undergoes catalyzed monolayer edge recession, forming elongated hexagonal etch pits which are bound by (11 2 0) (zig-zag) edges. It is shown that there are two different graphite zig-zag steps exhibiting different reactivities which result in the unique shape of the pits. By comparing the monolayer channeling rates with the rates for deep-layer channeling reported in the literature, it is concluded that the relative contribution to the total oxidation rates by monolayer channeling is at least as important as that by deep channeling.
A Team-Based Learning Course on Nutrition and Lifestyle Modification

Objective. To create, implement, and evaluate an elective team-based learning (TBL) course on nutrition and lifestyle modification for pharmacy students. Design. An elective course with 15 contact hours was developed for second-year pharmacy students based on the principles of TBL. Student knowledge gained and satisfaction with the course were measured. Assessment. Sixty-two students completed the course. Knowledge about nutrition and lifestyle modification was significantly improved by completing the course (59% and 91%, respectively, p= 85%) responded favorably to the TBL components. Conclusion. An elective course using TBL effectively delivered course content while teaching students communication and teamwork skills. The course was well received by students.
Update in Hospital Medicine

This Update discusses four areas relevant to the care of hospitalized patients: nosocomial illness, community-acquired pneumonia, deep venous thrombosis, and prognostic variables.
Efficacy of tramadol in treatment of pain in fibromyalgia.

An outpatient, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tramadol in the treatment of the pain of fibromyalgia syndrome. One hundred patients with fibromyalgia syndrome, (1990 American College of Rheumatology criteria), were enrolled into an open-label phase and treated with tramadol 50-400 mg/day. Patients who tolerated tramadol and perceived benefit were randomized to treatment with tramadol or placebo in the double-blind phase. The primary efficacy outcome measurement was the time (days) to exit from the double-blind phase because of inadequate pain relief, which was reported as the cumulative probability of discontinuing treatment because of inadequate pain relief. One hundred patients entered the open-label phase; 69% tolerated and achieved benefit with tramadol. These patients were then randomized to continue tramadol (n = 35) or convert to a placebo (n = 34) during a 6-week, double-blind treatment period. The Kaplan-Meier estimate of cumulative probability of discontinuing the double blind period because of inadequate pain relief was significantly lower in the tramadol group compared with the placebo group (p = 0.001). Twenty (57.1%) patients in the tramadol group successfully completed the entire double-blind phase compared with nine (27%) in the placebo group (p = .015). These results support the efficacy of tramadol over a period of 6 weeks in a double blind study for the treatment of the pain of fibromyalgia in a group of patients who had been determined to tolerate it and perceive a benefit.
THE G-FUNCTION METHOD FOR ANALYZING DARWINIAN DYNAMICS

Darwinian dynamics refers to the dynamical processes underlying natural selection that drives evolution. We are interested in the evolution of strategies used by biological entities. There are two dynamical processes involved, population dynamics (relationship between population density and the agents affecting density) and strategy dynamics (relationship between strategy values and the agents affecting these values). Darwinian dynamics is a total dynamic obtained through the coupling of these two processes, the modeling of which, involves dynamical systems, optimization, stability, and game theory. Using a method called the G-function approach, we explore how an evolutionary process can take place in a set of differential equations, and we examine some interesting links between evolutionary stability and optimization as embodied in the ESS maximum principle. One of the interesting paradoxes is how a "hill-climbing" algorithm can end up at a stable local minimum and why this might have important implications in understanding speciation (the creation of new species from a homogeneous population). Finally, we will examine how these concepts are currently being applied to model the development of tumors in humans.
The Role of Family Influences on Adolescent Smoking in Different Racial/Ethnic Groups

Introduction: Although differing levels of family influences may explain some of the varying racial/ethnic trends in adolescent smoking behavior, clarification of which influences are protective against smoking may aid in the development of future ethnic-specific smoking prevention interventions. We sought to identify and compare the association of family influences on adolescent smoking among Black, Hispanic, and White adolescents in a cross-sectional national sample.
Value provided by interfamily economic exchange of goods and services in two cultures

The value of goods and services provided through interfamily economic exchange is examined from a household survey. The existence of an “exchange system” in society was documented. Over half of the respondents reported that economic transfers between families were important to the quality of their life. Estimated values varied with personal health conditions, importance attached to providing goods and services, years of residence in the community, primary recipient of services, ethnic culture, sex of respondent, and type of service provided. Estimated values can be used for calculating economic loss in community disruption and relocation, measuring family full income, and estimating the importance of nonmarket economic activity in society.
Void for Vagueness

When a "white" woman and a "Negro" man successfully sued to marry in a landmark 1948 case called Perez v. Sharp, they made California the �rst state to overturn a miscegenation statute. But despite how most historians read Perez, this victory did not center on the Fourteenth Amendment. Rather, it hinged on the liminality of the woman in question-whose background was Mexican American. Although Andrea P�rez9s in-between status was not discussed explicitly in the ruling opinion, it is essential to the opinion9s logic. This article frames Perez within the larger history of P�rez9s life and of Mexicans9 racialization in California, arguing that the state9s miscegenation law collapsed as early as it did because by 1948 the bureaucracy that sustained it could not manage the problem of the hybrid.