cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of Early Mobilization on Glycemic Control and ICU-Acquired Weakness in Critically Ill Patients Who Are Mechanically Ventilated

Background ICU-acquired weakness (ICU-AW) has immediate and long-term consequences for critically ill patients. Strategies for the prevention of weakness include modification of known risk factors, such as hyperglycemia and immobility. Intensive insulin therapy (IIT) has been proposed to prevent critical illness polyneuropathy. However, the effect of insulin and early mobilization on clinically apparent weakness is not well known. Methods This is a secondary analysis of all patients with mechanical ventilation (N = 104) previously enrolled in a randomized controlled trial of early occupational and physical therapy vs conventional therapy, which evaluated the end point of functional independence. Every patient had IIT and blinded muscle strength testing on hospital discharge to determine the incidence of clinically apparent weakness. The effects of insulin dose and early mobilization on the incidence of ICU-AW were assessed. Results On logistic regression analyses, early mobilization and increasing insulin dose prevented the incidence of ICU-AW (OR, 0.18, P = .001; OR, 0.001, P = .011; respectively) independent of known risk factors for weakness. Early mobilization also significantly reduced insulin requirements to achieve similar glycemic goals as compared with control patients (0.07 units/kg/d vs 0.2 units/kg/d, P Conclusions The duel effect of early mobilization in reducing clinically relevant ICU-AW and promoting euglycemia suggests its potential usefulness as an alternative to IIT.
Endogenous Opioid Peptides Contribute to Suckling-Induced Prolactin Release by Suppressing Tyrosine Hydroxylase Activity and Messenger Ribonucleic Acid Levels in Tuberoinfundibular Dopaminergic Neurons

The endogenous opioid peptides have been implicated in the control of the suckling-induced PRL rise during lactation. This study examined the role of the endogenous opioid peptides in suppressing tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic neuronal activity during lactation. In the first experiment, lactating rats were constantly exposed to pups. Naloxone (NAL; 60 mg/kg·h; iv), an opioid receptor antagonist, or saline was infused for 12 h. Blood was collected before and at 2-h intervals during the infusion. NAL suppressed circulating PRL levels to less than 36% of control values at 4, 6, 8, and 12 h after the onset of the infusion. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) activity in the stalk-median eminence and TH messenger RNA signal levels in the arcuate nucleus were determined at the end of the NAL infusion. TH activity and TH messenger RNA signal levels were increased 2.5- and 2.7-fold, respectively, after the 12-h NAL infusion. Even though the time spent with their pups was similar between the two groups, the pups in the NAL...
The effect of acute arterial hypertension on the blood-brain barrier to protein tracers.

A study was made on the effect of acute hypertension on the blood-brain barrier to proteins. The arterial blood pressure was raised by intravenous injections of metaraminol bitartrate (Aramine) and Evans Blue was used as protein tracer. Multiple foci Evans Blue extravasation became evident in the gray matter of the brain as early as 10 min after the sudden increase of blood pressure by 90 mm Hg or higher. As observed under the fluorescence microscope, the tracer had penetrated the walls of intracerebral vessels and accumulated in numerous adjacent neurons. EEG recordings from blue stained areas of the cerebral cortex showed changes in neuronal activity.
Exploration of the relationship between parent/guardian sociodemographics, intention, and knowledge and the oral health status of their children/wards enrolled in a Central Florida Head Start Program

Objective The purpose of this study was to identify possible relationships between parent/guardian sociodemographics, intention, knowledge, and the oral health status of their child/ward. Intention includes three factors as defined in the Theory of Planned Behavior: attitudes, subjective norms and perceived control, and oral health status was measured by decayed, missing and filled teeth (dmft) scores. Methods A convenience sample of parent/guardian with child/ward with age of three to five (n = 181 dyads) enrolled in a Head Start program in the state of Florida participated. A cross-sectional observational study comprised of two components, parent/guardian questionnaire and an oral health status form for recording dmft scores of participating child/ward was employed. Results Parent/guardian race/ethnicity and years of education were significantly related to dmft of child/ward. The highest rates of severe early childhood caries (ECC) were found in child/ward whose parent/guardian is Hispanic and parent/guardian with less than a high school education. Multivariate regression analysis found that increased education level of parent/guardian was significantly associated with lower dmft in this population. No significant relationship was found between parent/guardian self-reported intention (attitudes, subjective norms and perceived control), knowledge and dmft scores of the child/ward. Conclusion Researchers have called for greater attention to the impact of parental influences in the aetiology of ECC. Results from this study were consistent with current studies where parent/guardian race/ethnicity and educational level served as predictors of oral health status of children. In this study population, parent/guardian intention and knowledge were not shown to significantly impact the oral health status of their child/ward.
Tracheotomy: A Method for Transplantation of Stem Cells to the Lung

Lung disease is a leading cause of death and likely to become an epidemic given increases in pollution and smoking worldwide. Advances in stem cell therapy may alleviate many of the symptoms associated with lung disease and induce alveolar repair in adults. Concurrent with the ongoing search for stem cells applicable for human treatment, precise delivery and homing (to the site of disease) must be reassured for successful therapy. Here, I report that stem cells can safely be instilled via the trachea opening a non-stop route to the lung. This method involves a skin incision, caudal insertion of a cannula into and along the tracheal lumen, and injection of a stem cell vehicle mixture into airways of the lung. A broad range of media solutions and stabilizers can be instilled via tracheotomy, resulting in the ability to deliver a wider range of cell types. With alveolar epithelium confining these cells to the lumen, lung expansion and negative pressure during inhalation may also assist in stem cell integration. Tracheal delivery of stem cells, with a quick uptake and the ability to handle a large range of treatments, could accelerate the development of cell-based therapies, opening new avenues for treatment of lung disease.
Adults with Childhood Onset Disabilities: A Focused Review of Three Conditions

Adults with childhood onset conditions now have improved survival rates, and are experiencing health, medical, and performance issues related to their original conditions or treatments. The published science regarding the medical and performance issues of adults with cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and pediatric central nervous system cancer is increasing in quality, rigor, and clinical usefulness. This article is a systematized, focused review, with an appraisal of the literature, of these three conditions. Most of the published research is observational, from which recommendations can be made; however, there are few studies that demonstrate effective interventions. Although each of the three conditions has associated specific health and medical issues, they also have common problems and concerns related to health care, activity, performance, participation, and quality of life.
Randomized prospective evaluation of the EEA stapler for colorectal anastomoses

A randomized, prospective study should be done to evaluate any new procedure or instrument. Our experience with the end-to-end anastomosis (EEA) stapler suggests that an anastomosis can be created in a shorter time than is required for the traditional hand-sewn technique. This difference is even greater when the anastomosis is technically difficult and located deep within the pelvis. There appears to be little difference in the security of a hand-sewn anastomosis compared with that of stapled anastomosis. Postoperative complications appear similar. With the stapler, however, there is an increased risk of intraoperative complications that are not apparent with the traditional hand-sewn technique. These include rectal tears and anastomotic defects. It appears that the EEA stapler can save as many as 12 percent of rectums that otherwise might have to be removed because of technical inability to perform an anastomosis.
Synergy or antagonism—interactions between stressors on coral reefs

Throughout the coral reef scientific literature, there are many examples where the words ‘synergy’ and ‘synergism’ are being misused, particularly in the area of study involving interactions between physical stressors. This Perspective discusses the concept of synergy and more generally, interactions; summarises the tools available for detecting and interpreting interactions, including the use of ANOVA, generalized linear models, classification and regression trees and isobolographic analysis; and critically examines specific areas of the scientific literature where synergy has been reported. The aim is to promote further discussion of this topic, avoid future misuse of the term, and assist future experimental design and research into this subject.
Ecdysteroid action in imaginal discs of Drosophila melanogaster does not involve cyclic AMP

Abstract A possible role for cAMP in the mechanism of ecdysteroid induction of morphogenesis in imaginal discs of Drosophila melanogaster was explored in a variety of experiments. Neither cAMP, supplied externally, nor theophylline at concentrations which increase internal cAMP levels 2–3 fold will substitute for the hormone in the induction of morphogenesis. Hormone action in imaginal discs is neither enhanced nor repressed by externally supplied cAMP or theophylline. Internal cAMP levels in discs, determined by kinase binding assays, are not altered by juvenile hormone or 20-hydroxy-ecdysone under incubation conditions which permit ecdysteroid stimulation of RNA synthesis and induction of morphogenesis. Adenylate cyclase activity in disc extracts is not stimulated or depressed by 20-hydroxy-ecdysone or juvenile hormone, but is stimulated by NaF. These findings suggest that ecdysteroid action in imaginal discs does not involve changes in the internal concentration or metabolism of cAMP.
PET/CT-guided interventions: personnel radiation dose.

To quantify radiation exposure to the primary operator and staff during PET/CT-guided interventional procedures. In this prospective study, 12 patients underwent PET/CT-guided interventions over a 6 month period. Radiation exposure was measured for the primary operator, the radiology technologist, and the nurse anesthetist by means of optically stimulated luminescence dosimeters. Radiation exposure was correlated with the procedure time and the use of in-room image guidance (CT fluoroscopy or ultrasound). The median effective dose was 0.02 (range 0–0.13) mSv for the primary operator, 0.01 (range 0–0.05) mSv for the nurse anesthetist, and 0.02 (range 0–0.05) mSv for the radiology technologist. The median extremity dose equivalent for the operator was 0.05 (range 0–0.62) mSv. Radiation exposure correlated with procedure duration and with the use of in-room image guidance. The median operator effective dose for the procedure was 0.015 mSv when conventional biopsy mode CT was used, compared to 0.06 mSv for in-room image guidance, although this did not achieve statistical significance as a result of the small sample size (p = 0.06). The operator dose from PET/CT-guided procedures is not significantly different than typical doses from fluoroscopically guided procedures. The major determinant of radiation exposure to the operator from PET/CT-guided interventional procedures is time spent in close proximity to the patient.
Computational Methods for Normalizing Acoustic Vowel Data for Talker Differences

Direct acoustic–phonetic comparison of vowels produced by different talkers can be difficult due to the effects of anatomical and physiological talker differences on first and second formant frequencies. Since the mid-1960s, numerous computational algorithms have been proposed to normalize formant frequency measures and reduce the effects of talker-specific variability. These algorithms vary widely in their conceptualization: some require samples of the entire vowel space (vowel extrinsic), whereas others can be conducted on a single vowel class (vowel intrinsic); some are based on a single-scale factor to align broad classes of talkers (such as females and males), whereas others use scale factors and/or vowel space ranges for individual talkers to align their vowel systems in the same acoustic–phonetic space. In this study, an overview of the most commonly used normalization algorithms is provided and the advantages and disadvantages of each of the approaches are discussed.
The UNLOCK system: enhancing problem solving skills in CS-1 students

Many colleges typically lose 50% of their CS1 students because they possess no fundamental problem solving skill. The development of an interactive learning tool, UNLOCK, teaches students those fundamental skills. This article describes UNLOCK. The goal is to increase CS1 retention, thereby increasing the numbers of CS graduates.
Site search and instant messaging reference: a comparative study

SUMMARY Site search and online reference, using chat or instant messaging, are two new tools for providing electronic reference services in the online environment. This study compares patrons' use of Morris Library's Site Search and Morris Messenger, its online reference service, to analyze their perceptions and the results found with each. Researchers found they are perceived and used in similar ways despite their differing purposes and mechanics. Time of peak use, content and type of queries, and location of users are similar for both tools, whereas length of session and results found were quite different. Many users do not initially realize that Morris Messenger has a human behind the interface, or that Site Search is merely another keyword search engine, limited to library Web pages. The study confirms the need for real time, human help to fill information needs.
Development of a new indicator of pollutant loads and its application to the Chesapeake Bay watershed

Pollutant load reductions are often required to restore aquatic ecosystems experiencing eutrophication. Loads can be estimated using watershed models or data from monitoring stations, however data availability can limit the timeliness or comprehensiveness of the load estimates. We developed an approach to address this challenge that used watershed model results to estimate the proportion of annual nonpoint source nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and sediment (Sed) loads derived from unmonitored catchments. This proportion was multiplied by the nonpoint portion of United States Geological Survey (USGS) estimated annual river loads to account for annual variation in hydrologic conditions. Total loads were calculated as the sum of measured river loads, reported point sources from unmonitored areas and the estimated nonpoint source loads from unmonitored catchments. We applied this approach to the Chesapeake Bay because of its socio-economic and ecological importance. Median watershed loads for N, P and Sed were 140, 6.4 and 3030 Mg year−1, respectively (1990–2004). Nonpoint source loads from the monitored areas constituted the greatest source of N, P and Sed (55, 47 and 74% respectively) to the Bay. The high N, P and Sed yield rates (7.3, 0.38 and 99 kg ha−1 year−1, respectively) from nonpoint loads originating from unmonitored areas near the Bay resulted in 25, 32 and 26% (N, P and Sed, respectively) of the Bay's total loads (excluding direct atmospheric deposition, shoreline erosion and oceanic inputs). Disproportionately high loads of P and Seds were associated with years that experienced elevated discharge whereas N loads were directly related to discharge. Error estimates indicated that our methods were most reliable for N (±6%) but reasonable for P (±22%) and provide an effective technique for the timely estimation of pollutant loads from watersheds with unmonitored catchments. Management strategies that decrease N deposition and reduce runoff to control P and Sed transport will effectively reduce pollutant loads. Published in 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Posttraumatic stress disorder in persons with developmental disabilities

Persons with developmental disabilities are more frequently abused physically, emotionally and sexually than nondisabled persons (Ammerman, Van-Hasselt, Herson, McGonigle, & Lubetsky, 1989; Sobsey, Gray, Pyper, & Reimer-Heck, 1991). Persons with developmental disabilities are susceptible to the full range of psychiatric disorders (Szymanski, Madow, Mallory, Menolascino, & Pace, 1991). There has been no comprehensive study of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in this population (Hudson & Pilek, 1990), a recent textbook of mental health and mental retardation does not contain index listings on this condition (Fletcher & Menolascino, 1989), and psychometric tests currently proposed for use with the retarded do not examine for this condition (Aman, Watson, Singh, Turbott, & Wilsher, 1986). In this preliminary study, descriptive data from 51 persons with developmental disabilities who met DSM-IIIR criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder are reported. The majority of cases were detected upon routine initial psychiatric interview and record review. Demographics, family histories, and comorbid psychiatric conditions are described. In this sample all patients who received comprehensive recommended treatment improved.
Assessing the Performance of an Ensemble Forecast System in Predicting the Magnitude and the Spectrum of Analysis and Forecast Uncertainties

AbstractThe ability of an ensemble to capture the magnitude and spectrum of uncertainty in a local linear space spanned by the ensemble perturbations is assessed. Numerical experiments are carried out with a reduced resolution 2004 version of the model component of the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Global Forecast System (GFS). The local ensemble transform Kalman filter (LETKF) data assimilation system is used to assimilate observations in three steps, gradually adding more realistic features to the observing network. In the first experiment, randomly placed, noisy, simulated vertical soundings, which provide 10% coverage of horizontal model grid points, are assimilated. Next, the impact of an inhomogeneous observing system is introduced by assimilating simulated observations in the locations of real observations of the atmosphere. Finally, observations of the real atmosphere are assimilated.The most important findings of this study are the following: predicting the magnitude of the...
Population Growth and Dental Manpower

Making predictions o f almost any kind is by nature hazardous. This fact is not gen­ erally appreciated. T he weatherman is in the difficult position o f having to make daily predictions which are heard by millions. Beyond that, his predictions are subject to verification or invalidation within a few hours, or in other words, within the memory span o f practically everyone. T he critical remarks that are current concerning the weatherman’s efforts indicate that people generally do not appreciate the special difficulties as­ sociated with prediction. Econom ic forecasting is one o f the most perilous forms o f prediction. Departments o f economics in some schools have discon­ tinued the study o f long-range economic forecasting because they have been unable to develop reliable methods. Identifica­ tion of the important variables influenc­ ing the economy has proved extremely challenging. It is true that many econo­ mists continue to make forecasts,, particu­ larly in the popular and semi-popular press, but in most cases it is fortunate for them that people will forget the forecasts before they are proved untrue.
As Others See Us: A Case Study in Path Analysis:

In 1967, Blau and Duncan proposed a path model for education and stratification. This is one of the most influential applications of statistical modeling technique to social data. There is recent u...
Interactions of NiO particles with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and acetylene generated from the pyrolysis of a model fuel

Abstract Experiments have been conducted to study the effects of NiO, a prevalent form of nickel in combustion-generated ash particles, on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and other hydrocarbons in a fuel product mixture. The fuel product mixture is generated from the gas-phase pyrolysis, in N 2 , of the model fuel catechol in a quartz tube reactor at 1100 K and 5 s, a condition that ensures full conversion of the catechol and produces a mixture—of PAH, hydrocarbon gases, and oxygen-containing species—that is representative of the products of practical liquid and solid fuels in pyrolysis and fuel-rich combustion environments. Once formed, the product mixture is passed, at the same temperature, through a bed of ultrafine NiO particles held in place by quartz wool, in the contact zone of the reactor. The products exiting the reactor are quenched, collected, and analyzed by non-dispersive infrared analyzers, gas chromatography, and high-pressure liquid chromatography with diode-array ultraviolet–visible absorbance detection. The results from the experiments at 1100 K show that—compared to the case of no inorganics in the contact zone—when NiO is present: PAH yields are reduced 86% (from 10.8% to 1.48% fed carbon); all of the highly mutagenic 5- and 6-ring PAH are eliminated; and all of the acetylene, the highest-yield hydrocarbon product when NiO is absent, and other hydrocarbons with carbon–carbon triple bonds are eliminated from the gas phase. Most of the surface-bound carbon is released as CO. Similar experiments at 1275 K show that—except for the release of the surface-bound carbon as CO—the selective surface effects of NiO bring about similar results at higher temperature: 89% reduction in PAH yield, elimination of mutagenic 5- and 6-ring PAH, removal of acetylene and acetylenic species, as well as a decrease in the production of solid carbon (not formed at 1100 K).
Gill-Net Saturation by Lake Trout in Michigan Waters of Lake Superior

Abstract We conducted experimental fishing for lake trout Salvelinus namaycush in Michigan waters of Lake Superior to determine the importance of soak time on catch per effort (CPE) in numbers per kilometer of standard gill net. We modeled CPE as a nonlinear function of the number of nights between setting and lifting (soak time), in which the nets fill at a certain rate toward some maximum after which the nets cannot hold more fish. We found that lake trout CPE increased with soak time at a rate that varied with lake trout density toward a saturation level that was independent of lake trout density. The CPE values of nets soaked 2–5 nights divided by the CPE of nets soaked 1 night were significantly lower than would be expected had CPE increased as a linear function of the number of nights soaked. We derived a means for correcting gill-net CPE values for differing soak times to a common base of 1 night soaked. We concluded that it is inappropriate to assume lake trout catches in gill nets will increase i...
Ultra-fast and efficient algorithm for energy optimization by gradient-based stochastic voltage and task scheduling

This paper presents a new technique, called Adaptive Stochastic Gradient Voltage-and-Task Scheduling (ASG-VTS), for power optimization of multicore hard realtime systems. ASG-VTS combines stochastic and energy-gradient techniques to simultaneously solve the slack distribution and task reordering problem. It produces very efficient results with few mode transitions. Our experiments show that ASG-VTS reduces number of mode transitions by 4.8 times compared to traditional energy-gradient-based approaches. Also, our heuristic algorithm can quickly find a solution that is as good as the optimal for a real-life GSM encoder/decoder benchmark. The runtime of ASG-VTS is 150 times and 1034 times faster than energy-gradient based and optimal ILP algorithms, respectively. Since the runtime of ASG-VTS is very low, it is ideal for design space exploration in system-level design tools. We have also developed a web-based interface for ASG-VTS algorithm.
Gabapentin for spasticity and autonomic dysreflexia after severe spinal cord injury

Using a complete transection spinal cord injury (SCI) model at the fourth thoracic vertebral level in adult rats, we evaluated whether blocking noxious stimuli below the injury diminishes abnormal somatic and autonomic motor reflexes, manifested in muscular spasticity and hypertensive autonomic dysreflexia, respectively. Gabapentin (GBP) is well tolerated and currently used to manage neuropathic pain in the SCI population; evidence suggests that it acts to decrease presynaptic glutamate release. As clinical evidence indicates that GBP may suppress muscular spasticity in the chronic SCI population, we hypothesized that preventing neurotransmission of noxious stimuli with GBP eliminates a critical physiological link to these distinct, debilitating SCI-induced secondary impairments. Behavioural assessments of tail muscle spasticity and mean arterial blood pressure responses to noxious somatic and/or visceral stimulation were used to test the effects of GBP on these abnormal reflexes. Lexington, Kentucky. We used femoral artery catheterization and radio-telemetric approaches to monitor blood pressure alterations in response to noxious colorectal distension (CRD) weeks after complete SCI. At 2–3 weeks post-SCI, acute GBP administration (50 mg kg−1, i.p.) significantly attenuated both autonomic dysreflexia and tail spasticity induced by noxious stimuli compared with saline-treated cohorts. These results show, for the first time, that a single-pharmacological intervention, GBP, can effectively attenuate the manifestation of both muscular spasticity and autonomic dysreflexia in response to noxious stimuli.
On measurable multifunctions with stochastic domain

In this paper we prove several random fixed point theorems for multifunctions with a stochastic domain. Then those techniques are used to establish the existence of solutions for random differential inclusions. A useful tool in this process is a stochastic version of the Tietze extension theorems that we prove. Finally we present a stochastic version of the Riesz representation theorem for Hilbert spaces.
Gender role differences in reactions to unemployment: Exploring psychological mobility and boundaryless careers

Summary Using Sullivan and Arthur’s (Sullivan & Arthur, 2006) refinement of the boundaryless career concept, this study examines whether there are gender role differences in psychological mobility (i.e., the career actor’s capacity to envision a variety of career options) in response to the same physical transition of unemployment. We surveyed 1095 individuals across numerous organizations and industries, and analyzed our data by generational cohort in light of evolving societal attitudes toward child rearing and breadwinning responsibilities. We found that for both Gen Xers and Baby Boomers, men with children were more likely to perceive unemployment as a defeat than women with children; and women with children were more likely to perceive unemployment as an opportunity than men with children. Despite the many historical, economic, social, and cultural changes in the environment over the past decades, traditional gender roles remain pervasive in response to unemployment. Based on the study’s empirical findings, we suggest critical issues for the future study of gender role differences and psychological mobility. Copyright # 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development, characterization, and performance of the EOS MODIS sensors

The MODerate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) is the keystone instrument for the NASA’s Earth Observing System (EOS). Currently two nearly identical MODIS instruments are operating on-board the EOS Terra spacecraft (launched in December 1999) and the EOS Aqua spacecraft (launched in May 2002), providing global coverage of the Earth’s land, oceans, and atmosphere with both morning and afternoon observations. This paper reviews the EOS MODIS development history, its design concepts, system implementation and calibration, current status and the follow-on Visible/Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) under development for the National Polar Orbiting Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS).
Re-Creating Touba: Pilgrimage Videos in the American Muridiyya

This article examines the relationship between new media objects and novel religious practices through a consideration of pilgrimage videos available in American Murid communities. Building upon earlier studies of Murid visual culture, it suggests a preliminary typology of videos centered on the Grand Magal in Touba and the Magal of Two Rakkas in Saint-Louis. I argue that such videos, while not a substitute for pilgrimage itself, approximate the pilgrimage experience via their internal organization and formal characteristics. In addition to mediating religious practices within dispersed Murid communities, pilgrimage videos are also acts of historicization, rewriting narratives of Murid expansion within Senegal and without.
The penetration of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin into viable and non-viable porcine skin in vitro.

Abstract Freshly harvested, full thickness porcine skin was kept metabolically viable at 4°C in a minimal essential medium for at least 48 h, as judged by the formation of lactate or 14 CO 2 from 14 C-labeled glucose. In vitro topical exposure to the environmental contaminant, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p -dioxin (TCDD, 65 ng/cm 2 ) for up to 1000 min did not affect the viability of skin. The penetration and distribution of TCDD into porcine skin was studied in an in vitro system under a variety of conditions, such as viability status, different vehicles or concentrations, or artificial removal of the stratum corneum. Loss of viability of the skin increased the rate of penetration of TCDD by about 60%. Removal of the stratum corneum to mimic lesioned skin increased the rate of dermal penetration of TCDD about 3-fold. The use of acetone as the vehicle, simulating dermal exposure to TCDD as a dust or from a volatile solvent, resulted in higher rates of penetration than the use of mineral oil as the vehicle, which simulates the situation of industrial accidents. The percentage of dose absorbed was independent of the dose of TCDD (65 or 6.5 ng/cm 2 ) administered to the surface of skin. Rates of dermal penetration of TCDD ranged form 14 to 985 pg/cm 2 skin per h, or 0.2–1.5% of the dose/h, depending on the conditions of exposure. These rates of penetration are comparable with results obtained by others in several other species, with both in vitro and in vivo sytems including human skin in vitro. Full thickness porcine skin, viable or previously frozen, is therefore a valid in vitro model to estimate dermal penetration of TCDD in humans.
Coherent Cell Rotation in Confluent Monolayer Sheets

Cell migrations play a vital role in many physiological motility processes including embryogenesis, wound-healing, immune defense and cancer metastasis. Although much effort has been directed towards motility of individual cells, the mechanisms underpinning collective cell migration remain poorly understood. Here a cell mechanics model incorporated persistent force depending on the memory effect on the past orientation of motion is developed to elucidate the coherent rotation motion of monolayer cells in the absence of external signals. This physical model is able to explain how the cell rotation is coordinated in the systems ranging from several cells to multi-cellular assemblies. We show that the competition between the active persistent and random forces is responsible for the robust rotation motion, where the passive coupling forces between cells is also necessary. It is found that the angular motion mode depends on the geometrical shape of the underlying substrate.
Aluminum Nanoparticle Synthesis by Reduction of Halides with Na/K

Solutions or mixtures of aluminum halides AlX3 (X = Cl, Br, I) or aluminum halide alkoxide (ROAlX2; R= i-Pr, X = Cl, Br) are prepared in toluene, or pentamethyldiethylenetriamine (PMDETA) and treated with a slight excess of 50:50 (wt.) sodium potassium alloy (Na/K). Upon agitation, the reaction takes place slowly. The reaction appears to be limited by the deposition of insoluble products on the surface of the Na/K since sonication in an ordinary ultrasonic cleaner is necessary to bring the reaction to completion in several hours. Aluminum nanoparticles (NPs) and Na and K halides are formed, and soluble Al compounds, are also formed in some cases. Lithium powder is used instead of Na/K to reduce Al(N(SiMe3)2)3 to Al NPs. In an effort to passivate the surface of the Al particles to oxidation or hydrolysis, various agents are added either during the reaction or afterward. The products are characterized by SEM, XRD, NMR, and TEM, and the stability to water and air is evaluated.
Structural Representation of Social Behavior in Rodents

The value of using multivariate techniques in categorization of behaviors derived from naturalistic observations was examined. It is suggested that these techniques are superior to the traditional methods of forming categories based on a priori conceptualizations, simply correlating the measures, or leaving the categorization of a multitude of behaviors to the reader. The present study used factor analytic techniques to identify both the number and nature of dimensions of rodents' social behaviors observed in the open field. Predictions as to the relationship between these derived categories and visual behaviors were then made. It was shown that rodents' social behavior is not unidimensional and is related to visual experience. Also, the utility of using multivariate statistics for both analyzing and categorizing a large number of behaviors was shown.
Non‐invasive detection and monitoring of estrus, pregnancy and the postpartum period in pygmy loris (Nycticebus pygmaeus) using fecal estrogen metabolites

Estrone-conjugates (E1C) were measured in the feces of six female pygmy lorises (Nycticebus pygmaeus) during estrus (n = 12), pregnancy (n = 4) and the postpartum period (n = 3). Noninvasive feces collection permitted frequent sampling throughout estrus and pregnancy, without disturbance of animals. The estrous period was defined as an increase in fecal E1C levels above an average of 70 ng/g feces with peaks above 100 ng/g feces obtained in consecutive fecal samples collected over a 6- to 11-day period between the end of July and the first third of October. Comparison of the periovulatory profile of E1C and the stage of labial opening of the vagina revealed a high agreement (P < 0.001). In all pregnant females, an E1C rise was found approximately 47 days postestrus, the source of which may be the growing fetal placental unit. Estimated gestation lengths ranged between 187 and 198 days (n = 4). Am. J. Primatol. 41:103–115, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A Commentary on “Sleep Disturbance in Bipolar Disorder”

Sleep disturbances are among the most common clinical features of bipolar affective disorder and are typically present in manic, hypomanic, mixed, and depressive episodes. The processes that regulate sleep are relevant to the pathophysiology of bipolar illness and further study of these processes may help to elucidate fundamental associations with central nervous system arousal and cerebral metabolism. Among the various therapeutic interventions that are used to treat insomnia associated with bipolar affective disorder, the strategies and approaches of behavioral sleep medicine warrant greater attention.
A decision tree-based approach to dynamic pointcut evaluation

Constructs of dynamic nature, e.g., history-based pointcuts and control-flow based pointcuts, have received significant attention in recent aspect-oriented literature. A variety of compelling use cases are presented that motivate the need for efficiently supporting such constructs in language implementations. The key challenge in implementing dynamic constructs is to efficiently support runtime adaptation of the set of intercepted join points at a fine-grained level. This translates to two high-level requirements. First, since the set of intercepted join points may change, such implementations must provide an efficient method to determine this set membership, i.e., whether the currently executing join point needs to be intercepted. Second, the frequency with which such set membership needs to be determined must be minimized. In previous work, Dyer and Rajan proposed a dedicated caching mechanism to address the second requirement. In this work, we propose a mechanism to address the first requirement. This requirement translates to efficiently evaluating whether a join point is intercepted by a set of pointcut expressions. In the worst case, at every join point there may be the need to determine whether it is intercepted. Therefore, even modest savings in such mechanisms is likely to translate to significant savings in the long run.
An asymptotic expansion for the error in a linear map that reproduces polynomials of a certain order

Han's 'multinode higher-order expansion' in [H] is shown to be a special case of an asymptotic error expansion available for any bounded linear map on C([a..b]) that reproduces polynomials of a certain order. The key is the formula for the divided difference at a sequence containing just two distinct points.
Particle Beam LC/FT-IR Spectrometry Studies of Biopolymer Conformations in Reversed-Phase HPLC Separations: Native Globular Proteins

A particle beam LC/FT-IR interface has been employed in the investigation of the effect of chromatographic conditions (e.g., mobile-phase composition, elution process, and stationary phase) on protein secondary structure in reversed-phase HPLC. The ability of the particle beam to obtain IR spectra which are highly representative of protein elution conformation from an HPLC column is demonstrated. Qualitative and semiquantitative measurements of major IR amide bands made from the band intensity and position enabled assessment of the secondary structure content of the eluting protein. Spectra obtained from gradient elutions with n-alkyl silica columns show a degree of randomization during separation. When deposits were redissolved into water and evaporated, however, they reverted to a structure close to the native structure. An n-octadecyl column preserved β-sheet structure, while an n-butyl retained more α-helix structure. IR spectra of lysozyme collected from isocratic elutions with varying concentrations...
Characterization of the Pressure Wave Emitted From Implosion of Submerged Cylindrical Shell Structures

Buckling of submerged cylindrical shells is a sudden and rapid implosion which emits a high pressure pulse that may be damaging to nearby structures. The characteristics of this pressure pulse are dictated by various parameters defining the shell structure such as the length to diameter ratio, shell thickness, material, and the existence and configuration of internal stiffeners. This study examines, through the use of high fidelity coupled fluid-structure finite element computations, the impact of various structural parameters on the resulting pressure wave emanating from the implosion. The results demonstrate that certain structural configurations produce pressure waves with higher peak pressure and impulse thereby enhancing the potential for damage to nearby structures.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Organizationaland Technical Communication Terminological Ambiguity in Representing Work

This case study explores the discourse on working knowledge that subject matter experts use with technical communicators to represent work in organizations. Participants constructing representations of tasks involving differing content areas bring distinct points of view to bear on the documentation process, resulting in one major source of ambiguity in technical documents. Imperative statements in documents are studied here as instances of negotiated order that represent distinct points of organizational accountability. As such, the narrative authority of speakers in the discourse process is an important point of focus for this analysis. The discussion reports on a case study in which knowledge engineers and domain experts interpret imperative statements of standards from technical documents during a knowledge acquisition meeting.
The effect of concentration of an environmental stress cracking agent on slow crack growth in polyethylenes

Abstract Slow crack growth was measured in three polyethylene copolymers by a notch tensile test at 50°C in Igepal Co-630. The concentration of Igepal was varied from 0 to 100%. The largest reduction in time to failure occurred in the concentration range between 0% and 0.1%. From 0.1 to 20% concentration, the additional effect was much less. A minimum in time to failure occurred at ∼ 50% concentration. There is a significant increase in failure time when the concentration is increased from 50 to 100%. If the failure time is 3 min in air, Igepal has practically no effect.
Use of thrombin-based hemostatic matrix during meningioma resection: a potential risk factor for perioperative thromboembolic events.

Abstract Objective Hemostatic agents are widely used in patients undergoing intracranial tumor resection to facilitate local hemostasis. We hypothesized that systemic activation of the clotting cascade after local application of hemostatic agents may result in unintended thromboembolic events, including deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). We performed a retrospective analysis to identify potential associations between hemostatic agent use and DVT/PE. Methods A single-institution review of patients undergoing surgical resection of cranial meningiomas was performed. Patient demographics including gender and BMI, procedure duration, estimated blood loss (EBL), tumor pathology, use of hemostatic matrix, and the presence of DVT/PE within 14 days of surgery were collected from the medical record. Results A total of 467 patients underwent a craniotomy for meningioma from 2009 to 2012. There were 331 women and 136 men with a mean age of 58±14 years (range 18–92) and mean BMI of 28±6. Tumor pathology included 359 grade I, 77 grade II, and 31 grade III tumors. There were 12 patients (2.6%) with thromboembolic events. Age ( p =0.66), gender ( p =0.33), EBL ( p =0.99), and procedure duration ( p =0.17) were not associated with an increased incidence of DVT/PE. Use of DVT prophylaxis initiated 72h after surgery did not significantly alter the incidence of DVT/PE ( p =0.20). Body mass index ( p =0.04) and tumor grade ( p =0.05) were associated with increased incidence of DVT/PE. Patients receiving greater than 10ml of a hemostatic agent intraoperatively had an increased incidence of DVT/PE ( p =0.02). In a multivariate model, both BMI (OR=1.07, 95% CI: 1.00–1.15, p =0.048) and use of more than 10ml of hemostatic agent (OR=8.03, CI: 1.02–63.40, p =0.048) were found to be significantly associated with the risk of DVT/PE. Conclusion Hemostatic agents are valuable tools in modern neurosurgery, however their use may be associated with an increased risk of DVT/PE in patients undergoing meningioma resection. This finding provides the impetus for more definitive clinical and laboratory studies to characterize the biology of this association and helps identify patients at increased risk for thromboembolism. This study also affirms the association between high BMI and the risk of thromboembolism. Interestingly the use of prophylactic anticoagulation after surgery did not decrease the incidence of DVT/PE.
Role of Ceramide in Suramin-Induced Cancer Cell Death

Suramin is an experimental antineoplastic agent which is currently being tested in clinical trials for its utility in treating breast and prostate cancer. Recent in vitro studies from our laboratory report a disruption in glycolipid metabolism and cell death in suramin-treated neurons. Evidence presented in this study proposes to consolidate the neurotoxic and cytotoxic effects of suramin. Electron microscopic studies, bis-benzimide staining and DNA gel electrophoresis of suramin and C2-ceramide treatment revealed apoptotic cells in human breast, prostate and rat neuron like cell lines. Apoptotic cell death was preceded by an elevation in intracellular ceramide.
Pre-operative oximetry and capnometry: Potential respiratory screening tools

The growing number of patients admitted for outpatient surgery or for same-day admission makes it difficult to obtain thorough pulmonary evaluation. We wanted to evaluate the applicability of pre-operative pulse oximetry and capnography as possible pulmonary screening tools. In this preliminary study, 200 unselected, unmedicated adult patients who were being admitted for surgery were connected to a dual parameter patient monitor (Capnomac Ultima TM , Datex). A standard adult clip-on finger probe was used for pulse oximetric oxygen saturation. Sidestream capnometry documented the end-tidal carbon dioxide and the capnogram which was recorded for further analysis. In these unmedicated patients, the oxygen saturation ranged from 91 to 99% and was found to be 94% or less in five percent (N=10) of the cases. The end-tidal carbon dioxide ranged from 21 to 48 mmHg. In five percent of the cases (N=10) it was found to be 45 mmHg or higher, reflecting elevated arterial CO2. When the shape of the capnogram was rated, it was found normal in 54% of the cases. Slow rising capnogram, indicating mild (N=84) or moderate (N=8) airway obstruction was detected in 42% or 4% of the cases respectively. Since pulse oximeter and end-tidal carbon dioxide values are often not measured until after sedation or after induction of anesthesia, patients with pre-operative abnormalities might escape pre-operative detection. In unmedicated patients, routine pre-operative or pre-admission determination of oxygen saturation, end-tidal carbon dioxide and the capnogram may be a valuable screening tool.
A two-phase broadcast scheme for underwater acoustic networks

Reliable broadcast is a critical service for Underwater Acoustic Networks (UANs). In this paper, we propose a Two-phase Broadcast Scheme (TBS) for UANs. TBS includes two phases: Fast Spreading phase and Data Recovery phase. It does not require topology or neighbor information. In the Fast Spreading phase, which is a best effort phase, opportunistic overhearing and network coding are combined to accumulate encoded packets. A probability based forwarder selection scheme is employed to alleviate the broadcast storm problem. A rebroadcast scheduling algorithm is also proposed to reduce collisions. The Data Recovery phase is to guarantee reliability if a node fails to complete data decoding in the Fast Spreading phase. Through delayed request sending, the Data Recovery phase at a node will not interfere with the Fast Spreading phase at other nodes. Through simulations, we demonstrate the advantages of TBS in terms of efficiency and reliability.
Gender, culture and authority in a university Life Sciences laboratory

Many studies document the disproportionately high attrition rate of women in science, especially at early points in their careers. This ethnographic and conversational analytical study of a univers...