cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Group education sessions for women veterans who experienced sexual violence: Qualitative findings.

Introduction The impact of sexual violence (SV) on mental health, self-care, and interpersonal relationships is profound and poses special challenges to health care delivery. Reproductive health care merits special attention because the care required may be linked to reminders of past abuse. We explored facilitators and barriers affecting the use of reproductive health services among women veterans with a history of SV. Method Between June and September 2015, we conducted 2 focus groups and 3 general education sessions with 27 female veterans with a history of SV at 1 medical center. We analyzed transcripts according to applied thematic analysis and used Nvivo software for data management and retrieval. Results Three main themes emerged from the focus groups and education sessions. Participants (a) expressed a desire for greater agency in relation to the control they have over their bodies and medical care; (b) described how posttraumatic stress symptoms are retriggered during medical care; and (c) expressed needs for additional education, peer and provider support within the medical system. Discussion For women with a history of SV, multiple individual and systemic barriers complicate how they utilize reproductive health services. Group education sessions were an effective mode of support, information and connection to other women within the Veterans Health Administration. (PsycINFO Database Record
An Intergenerational Teaching Kitchen: Reimagining a Senior Center as a Shared Site for Medical Students and Elders Enrolled in a Culinary Medicine Course

In the early 21st century, increases in demographic aging and urbanization and global economic instability, brought on by the worldwide recession and accompanying austerity measures enacted in many...
Patternable Solvent-Processed Thermoplastic Graphite Electrodes

Since their invention in the 1950s, composite carbon electrodes have been employed in a wide variety of applications, ranging from batteries and fuel cells to chemical sensors, because they are easy to make and pattern at millimeter scales. Despite their widespread use, traditional carbon composite electrodes have substandard electrochemistry relative to metallic and glassy carbon electrodes. As a result, there is a critical need for new composite carbon electrodes that are highly electrochemically active, have universal and easy fabrication into complex geometries, are highly conductive, and are low cost. Herein, a new solvent-based method is presented for making low-cost composite graphite electrodes containing a thermoplastic binder. The electrodes, which are termed thermoplastic electrodes (TPEs), are easy to fabricate and pattern, give excellent electrochemical performance, and have high conductivity (700 S m–1). The thermoplastic binder enables the electrodes to be hot embossed, molded, templated, a...
PoLiMEr: An Energy Monitoring and Power Limiting Interface for HPC Applications

Power and energy consumption are now key design concerns in HPC. To develop software that meets power and energy constraints, scientific application developers must have a reliable way to measure these values and relate them to application-specific events. Scientists face two challenges when measuring and controlling power: (1) diversity---power and energy measurement interfaces differ between vendors---and (2) distribution---power measurements of MPI simulations should be unaffected by the mapping of MPI processes to physical hardware nodes. While some prior work defines standardized software interfaces for power management, these efforts do not support distributed environments. The result is that the current state-of-the-art requires scientists interested in power optimization to write tedious, error-prone application-and system-specific code. To make power measurement and management easier for scientists, we propose PoLiMEr, a user-space library that supports fine-grained application-level power monitoring and capping. We evaluate PoLiMEr by deploying it on Argonne National Laboratory's Theta system and using it to measure and cap power, scaling the performance and power of several applications on up to 1024 nodes. We find that PoLiMEr requires only a few additional lines of code, but easily allows users to detect energy anomalies, apply power caps, and evaluate Theta's unique architectural features.
Autonomic ganglion cells: likely source of acetylcholine in the rat carotid body.

Peripheral arterial chemoreceptors are essential to respiratory and cardiac homeostasis. Although the components of these chemoreceptors lie within a tiny structure, the carotid body, the physiological affects resulting from activation of the peripheral arterial chemoreceptors have profound effects on arousal responses and cardiorespiratory responses to hypoxia and asphyxia (Gonzalez et αl., 1994). In response to hypoxia, hypercapnia and acidosis the glomus cell within the arterial chemoreceptor depolarizes; intracellular calcium levels rises, and neurotransmitters are released. These neurotransmitters bind to autoreceptors on the glomus cell and postsynaptic receptors on the carotid sinus nerve. Binding of neurotransmitters to autoreceptors on glomus cells regulates further neurotransmitter release, while binding to postsynaptic receptors on chemoafferent nerve fibers results in electrical output through the carotid sinus nerve (for reviews, see Gonzalezet al., 1994; Prabhakar 1994).
Bayesian inference for psychology, part IV: parameter estimation and Bayes factors

In the psychological literature, there are two seemingly different approaches to inference: that from estimation of posterior intervals and that from Bayes factors. We provide an overview of each method and show that a salient difference is the choice of models. The two approaches as commonly practiced can be unified with a certain model specification, now popular in the statistics literature, called spike-and-slab priors. A spike-and-slab prior is a mixture of a null model, the spike, with an effect model, the slab. The estimate of the effect size here is a function of the Bayes factor, showing that estimation and model comparison can be unified. The salient difference is that common Bayes factor approaches provide for privileged consideration of theoretically useful parameter values, such as the value corresponding to the null hypothesis, while estimation approaches do not. Both approaches, either privileging the null or not, are useful depending on the goals of the analyst.
The Matrix Relative to a Given Basis

In Chapter 3.2 we assigned to each linear transformation T of ℝ3 a matrix m(T) as follows: $$ \begin{array}{l} If\;\;\;T\left( {\begin{array}{*{20}{c}} {{x_1}}\\ {{x_2}}\\ {{x_3}} \end{array}} \right)\;{\rm{ = }}\;\left( {\begin{array}{*{20}{c}} {{a_1}{x_1}\;{\rm{ + }}\;{a_2}{x_2}\;{\rm{ + }}\;{a_3}{x_3}}\\ {{b_1}{x_1}\;{\rm{ + }}\;{b_2}{x_2}\;{\rm{ + }}\;{b_3}{x_3}}\\ {{c_1}{x_1}\;{\rm{ + }}\;{c_2}{x_2}\;{\rm{ + }}\;{c_3}{x_3}} \end{array}} \right),\;\;\;{\rm{then}}\\ m(T)\;{\rm{ = }}\;\left( {\begin{array}{*{20}{c}} {{a_1}}&{{a_2}}&{{a_3}}\\ {{b_1}}&{{b_2}}&{{b_3}}\\ {{c_1}}&{{c_2}}&{{c_3}} \end{array}} \right)\;. \end{array} $$
Early Androgen and Age-Related Modifications in Female Rat Reproduction

Basic Assumptions. The organizational hypothesis of sexual differentiation proposed by Phoenix, Goy, Gerall, and Young (1959) set the stage for research establishing that gonadal hormones permanently alter the expression of reproductive physiological and behavioral processes. It distinguished between two modes of steroid hormone action: activational or transient and organizational or permanent consequences on brain action. Organizational effects of hormones were restricted to fetal and neonatal developmental periods, whereas activational effects occur at any time after birth.
Pentamethylcyclopentadienyl derivatives of transition metals : III. Some reactions of pentamethylcyclopentadienyl-metal carbonyl derivatives of cobalt and manganese☆

Abstract Some reactions of (CH3)5C5Co(CO)2 and (CH3)5Mn(CO)3 are described. Reactions of (CH3)5C5Co(CO)2 with iodine and with 2-iodoheptafluoropropane give black (CH3)5C5Co(CO)I2 and black (CH3)5C5Co(CO)[CF(CF3)2]I, respectively. Reaction of (CH3)5C5Co(CO)I2 with triphenylphosphine gives green (CH3)5C5CoI2P(C6H5)3. Reaction of (CH3)5C5Co(CO)I2 with pentafluorophenyllithium gives low yields of yellow (CH3)5C5Co(CO)(C6F5)2 and green (CH3)5C5Co(CO)(C6F5)I. Reaction of (CH3)5C5Co(CO)2 with diphenylacetylene gives the tetraphenylcyclobutadiene derivative (CH3)5C5CoC4(C6H5)4. Reaction of (CH3)5C5Co(CO)2 with 1,7-cyclododecadiyne gives the tricyclic cyclobutadiene derivative (CH3)5C5CoC12H16. Reaction of (CH3)5C5Co(CO)2 with dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate gives red (CH3)5C5CoC6(CO2CH3)6 and green (CH3)5C5Co[C6(CO2CH3)6]2. The manganese compounds (CH3)5C5Mn(CO)2P(C6H5)3, [(CH3)5C5Mn(CO)2NO][PF6], and [(CH3)5C5Mn(CO)(NO)P(C6H5)3][PF6] have been prepared from (CH3)5C5Mn(CO)3 by methods completely analogous to the preparation of the corresponding unsubstituted cyclopentadienyl derivatives from C55Mn(CO)3. Some spectroscopic properties of these new compounds are given.
High-Mobility Group Box 1: An Amplifier of Stem and Progenitor Cell Activity After Stroke

Stroke induces a highly complex web of pathophysiology that usually leads to serious long-term ­disability. Molecules from the damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) family immediately increase after stroke. DAMPs are known to cause massive inflammation and brain damage. Thus, they may be targets for neuroprotection. However, emerging data now suggest that DAMPs may not always be detrimental. The high-mobility group box1 (HMGB1) protein is discussed as an example of this idea. During the acute phase after stroke, HMGB1 amplifies neuroinflammation. But during the brain remodeling phase of stroke recovery, HMGB1 can mediate beneficial plasticity and enhance stem and progenitor cell recruitment, proliferation, and differentiation within damaged brain. These emerging findings support the hypothesis that HMGB1 might be an important molecule for regulating stem and progenitor cell therapies in stroke patients.
Contingent Imitation and Young Children At-Risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder:

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by early and pervasive deficits in social orienting and social engagement. Although parent-implemented interventions us...
Modeling and Optimization of Lateral High Voltage IC Devices to Minimize 3-D Effects

High Voltage blocking capability of the RESURF or Lateral Charge Control (LCC) devices are strongly junction curvature dependent. A new charge model has been developed to translate 3-D curvature effect into 2-d plane. Existing 2-D computer program in conjunction with this new model has been utilized to model and optimize the LCC devices for high voltage 9C's. Theoretical predictions of this model are within 10% of the measured results.
Whole-body and segment angular momentum during 90-degree turns.

Abstract Background Turning is a frequently performed, asymmetric task of daily living. The asymmetric nature makes turning challenging to perform while maintaining balance. Research question How do healthy individuals maintain dynamic balance, quantified as whole-body angular momentum, during a 90-degree turn compared to straight-line walking? Methods The kinematics of sixteen healthy individuals were tracked during walking in a straight-line and during left and right 90-degree turns at a comfortable pace. Whole-body and segment angular momenta were calculated and the relative contributions of the legs, arms, pelvis and head/trunk to whole-body angular momentum were evaluated. Results Average whole-body angular momentum was different during turning compared to straight-line walking in all planes of motion. The initiation of a turn required generation of whole body angular momentum in all three planes of motion, which was counteracted at the end of the turn by a generation of angular momentum in the opposite direction in the frontal and sagittal planes. Transverse plane momentum was always directed in the turn direction. All segment groups, except for the inside leg, had a greater magnitude of angular momentum during turning compared to straight-line walking. The outside leg and head/trunk segments were the largest contributors to frontal and transverse plane whole-body angular momentum. Significance Understanding how body segments contribute to maintaining balance during a 90-degree turn can be useful for designing rehabilitation paradigms for people who have difficulty turning or impaired balance.
A geometrically-exact momentum-based non-linear theory applicable to beams in non-inertial frames

Abstract A geometrically-exact non-linear beam model is developed based on conservation of momentum for application to arbitrarily-shaped beams having large deformations and large overall motions. Coordinate transformations are used to derive the non-linear inertial forces and moments and the non-linear relationships between displacements and strains, enabling rigorous consideration of kinematic and geometric nonlinearities. General non-linear equations of motion are first derived in a differential form, and then are simplified using practical engineering assumptions, including developments of a linearized model for small angles and small strains and a discretized model using finite volumes. A separation of displacements technique is proposed, which enables non-linear beam dynamics to be rigorously reduced to a series of piecewise-linear models. The proposed model is unique amongst existing geometrically-exact beam formulations in that it is formulated using dynamic quantities relative to intermediate non-inertial coordinates, allowing general Lagrangian formulations to be established in floating frames with inertial coupling effects, which is compatible with multibody models. The practical value of these theoretical developments is demonstrated through numerical implementation and convergence analyses. The piecewise-linear dynamic solver in which displacements are computed from an evolving configuration is shown to capture non-linear dynamic behaviors using linear solutions without iteration at each time-step.
Droplets of Hope: Searching for Sustainability and Common Ground in the Arab/Israeli Conflict

The current state of impasse in the peace process between Israelis and Palestinians, with the Israelis’ refusal to stop building additional settlements and the factional split between Hamas and Fatah, has left most Palestinians disillusioned with their current leadership. Both the state of the environmental problems facing Israelis and Palestinians and the current political conditions do not hold out many droplets of hope. This situation bodes ill for any kind of settlement between the two peoples in the near future, let alone a long-term agreement on water sharing between Israel, its Arab neighbours, and the Palestinians.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders and Classroom-Based Interventions: Evidence-Based Status, Effectiveness, and Moderators of Effects in Single-Case Design Research

Students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) experience symptoms of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity that often manifest as academic impairment. As such, teachers must s...
Patterns of antiepileptic drug use among elderly patients with epilepsy: 2004-2015

Abstract Objective Certain antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) may be more suitable for elderly patients with epilepsy (EWE) relative to others. However, little is known regarding which antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are being used to treat EWE in the United States and how it has changed over time. Methods We performed a serial cross-sectional study evaluating noninstitutionalized US adults aged 65 years or older with a diagnosis of epilepsy using data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) from 2004 through 2015. Trends in AEDs used among EWE were examined. Using each AED as a dependent variable, we determined the p-value for the trend by performing a linear regression with the time interval as the explanatory variable. Results There was a weighted total of 399,801 EWE. Between the years 2004–2006 and 2013–2015 use of phenytoin, carbamazepine and phenobarbital decreased from 60.7% to 31.1% (p ≤ 0.001), 13.7 % to 5.22 % (p = 0.03) and 12.5 % to 5.91 % (p = 0.04), respectively. Use of levetiracetam concomitantly increased from 6.70 % to 43.1 % (p ≤ 0.001). Patients with more medical comorbidities as measured by the Charlson Comorbidity Index had higher odds of levetiracetam use (OR = 2.52, 95 % CI = 1.19–5.34) and lower odds of phenytoin use (OR = 0.46, 95 % CI = 0.24-0.88). Conclusions There have been significant changes in AED prescriptions to EWE between 2004–2015. However, potentially harmful AEDs (e.g. phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, primidone and valproate) were still being prescribed to 42.9 % of all patients between 2013–2015. Increased work to educate providers regarding the use of more appropriate AEDs in this population is needed.
Work function measurements of clean and modified carbon nanospikes

Abstract Carbon surfaces incorporating densely packed spikes with nanometer sharpness have shown exceptional electrocatalytic properties attributed to the enhanced electric field from the topography of the spikes. In this article, the composition of nanospike surfaces is identified by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and their absolute work function determined using ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy (UPS). Low temperature annealing of as-grown samples above 275 °C is required to produce a clean surface which has a 4.13 eV work function, a half volt lower than that of flat graphite. Treatments that contaminate the spiked surface, including exposure to air, oxidation at elevated temperature, or immersion in water or hydrocarbons, all increase the work function. Processing that blunts the spikes, including exposure to an oxygen plasma, argon sputtering, or high temperature annealing (800 °C) result in a work function close to that of flat graphite. An unusual double onset in the UPS secondary electron intensity is observed on as-grown nanospike samples and is reproduced by absorbing hydrocarbons on the surface. This double onset appears to be unique to carbon substrates and may originate in inelastic scattering of photoelectrons.
Examining the Impacts of Middle School Disciplinary Policies on 9th Grade Retention

In this paper we estimate the impact of exclusionary discipline given in 8th grade on the probability of 9th grade retention. We use a rich seven year, student level, panel dataset from Arkansas. We use a novel approach by limiting our sample to students who switch schools between 8th and 9th grade. This movement gives each student a fresh start, and removes the potential confound of a student’s reputation as a “problem student” that could influence teachers to be harsher on students who already have a disciplinary record. We find that students who receive exclusionary discipline in 8th grade are more likely to be retained in 9th grade compared to students who received no exclusionary discipline. We find nominal evidence that the impact of exclusionary discipline is attenuated for students of color and students receiving FRL; however, the differences are not significant.
Engaging stakeholders to improve social validity: intervention priorities for students with complex communication needs.

Many factors impact intervention implementation in everyday practice, including the social validity of these interventions. As a way of addressing social validity, this study aimed to understand th...
Effects of wind patterns and changing wind velocities on aeolian drift potential along the Lake Michigan shore

Abstract Climate influences the amount of wind energy available to transport sand in coastal dune complexes. Wind data from meteorological stations were used to calculate aeolian sand drift potential along the Lake Michigan shore and surrounding region. Data from 11 nearshore stations were used to identify 83 potential aeolian transport events during 2015. All events were associated with the passage of cyclones and anticyclones with the strongest pressure gradients occurring when the lake was between high- and low-pressure centers. There are statistically significant correlations between the positions of cyclones and anticyclones and the orientation of the shores with onshore drift potential. There is enough variability in cyclone and anticyclone tracks to drive aeolian activity on the north, east and south coasts, not all of which can be explained by the regional “prevailing” winds. Wind data from seven airports were used to examine changes in regional drift potential since 1948. Total drift potential decreased over this time, including a decrease of approximately 40% over the period 1961–2019. Trends in directional drift potential are less clear and appear to indicate a decrease in the proportion of onshore drift potential for the east and north shores and an increase for the south shore. This decrease in the ability of winds along Lake Michigan shores to transport sand should contribute to a stabilization of the coastal dunes. Shifts in the tracks of cyclones and anticyclones associated with climate change are anticipated to shift the relative amounts of aeolian activity associated with shores of different orientations.
Reducing Annotation Effort on Unbalanced Corpus based on Cost Matrix

Annotated corpora play a significant role in many NLP applications. However, annotation by humans is time-consuming and costly. In this paper, a high recall predictor based on a cost-sensitive learner is proposed as a method to semi-automate the annotation of unbalanced classes. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach in the context of one form of unbalanced task: annotation of transcribed human-human dialogues for presence/absence of uncertainty. In two data sets, our cost-matrix based method of uncertainty annotation achieved high levels of recall while maintaining acceptable levels of accuracy. The method is able to reduce human annotation effort by about 80% without a significant loss in data quality, as demonstrated by an extrinsic evaluation showing that results originally achieved using manually-obtained uncertainty annotations can be replicated using semi-automatically obtained uncertainty annotations.
Focus Groups and Related Rapid Assessment Methods: Identifying Psychoeducational HIV/AIDS Interventions in Botswana

Publisher Summary This chapter offers an introduction to focus groups as a qualitative research method. The focus group approach to research lends itself well to use as a qualitative method insofar as it assists in obtaining in-depth understandings of perceptions, opinions, and the ways in which people make meaning of a variety of aspects of their lives. Making preliminary decisions about all aspects of the focus group is an obvious important early step in the planning process. An essential first step is ensuring that the research design has undergone a human subject review. The protocol for the focus group must be developed, and the size and composition of the group must be determined. A sample of one specific application, relating to an HIV/AIDS intervention is presented, illustrating how the focus group can be used as a qualitative research strategy in this context.
Expanding and Enlarging a Remediation Site

Locating the range impact areas is the most crucial activity for most munitions sites. If one does not find all the sites, one cannot find and safely remove all the munitions. This chapter illustrates how historical documents, aerial photography, geophysical investigations, anecdotal information, old maps, knowledge of artillery fire (trajectory, accuracy, projectile range, terrain, and dud ratios), and explosive and CWM sampling can be brought to bear on the search. Concrete examples are presented to assist to meld the various bits and pieces of knowledge to give the highest probability of finding impact areas. Further, discussion illustrates why a site must constantly be reevaluated based on new information and the rethinking of old information. Residents, stakeholders, and regulators will see specific examples of how to add points of interest as new information is developed. For example, if a range-impact area is known to have existed on the site, the suspected area should be sampled and geophysically surveyed. If neither frag nor munitions constituents are found, then by deductive reasoning the impact area must be somewhere else. It cannot simply be ignored. In environmental studies, the absence of something is almost as important as finding something. All too often, the primary responsible party is in a hurry to leave once nothing is found. The failure to find a known hazard on the first attempt does not end the search.
Adolescent Satisfaction with School-Based Mental Health Services

Examining adolescents' satisfaction with mental health services is an important program evaluation activity. Their perceptions of whether services were beneficial and resulted in improved functioning are indices of treatment quality. Assessment of adolescent satisfaction with school-based mental health programs has been limited. In our study, adolescents receiving services from a School Mental Health Program (SMHP) completed satisfaction surveys. Participants were predominantly minority youth residing in an urban area. Results indicated that students were highly satisfied with their mental health services. Students valued the therapeutic relationship, "catharsis" associated with therapy, and skills they learned during therapy. Several factors influenced satisfaction ratings including clinician training and availability.
Pathway knowledge base: An integrated pathway resource using BioPAX

The role of proteins and their function in pathways is crucial to understanding complex biological processes and their failures that lead to disease. With over 200 pathway databases in existence, it is not possible for biologists to examine a pathway in all of them. The emergence and adoption of Biological Pathways Exchange (BioPAX), a standardized format for exchanging pathway information, provides a unique opportunity to integrate knowledge from multiple pathway databases. We conducted a case study integrating multiple pathway databases using BioPAX and Oracle's resource description framework (RDF) data repository. This integration enables querying across different species and across multiple pathway resources simultaneously. It also enables comparison of the degree of complementarity across different pathway sources. We find that BioPAX and RDF are powerful mechanisms for data exchange and integration and are instrumental in enabling an integrated resource. The integrated dataset/s and code for our implementation in this case study is available as a resource we named the pathway knowledge base (PKB, http://pkb.stanford.edu).
Stem cells, growth factors and scaffolds in craniofacial regenerative medicine

Current reconstructive approaches to large craniofacial skeletal defects are often complicated and challenging. Critical-sized defects are unable to heal via natural regenerative processes and require surgical intervention, traditionally involving autologous bone (mainly in the form of nonvascularized grafts) or alloplasts. Autologous bone grafts remain the gold standard of care in spite of the associated risk of donor site morbidity. Tissue engineering approaches represent a promising alternative that would serve to facilitate bone regeneration even in large craniofacial skeletal defects. This strategy has been tested in a myriad of iterations by utilizing a variety of osteoconductive scaffold materials, osteoblastic stem cells, as well as osteoinductive growth factors and small molecules. One of the major challenges facing tissue engineers is creating a scaffold fulfilling the properties necessary for controlled bone regeneration. These properties include osteoconduction, osetoinduction, biocompatibility, biodegradability, vascularization, and progenitor cell retention. This review will provide an overview of how optimization of the aforementioned scaffold parameters facilitates bone regenerative capabilities as well as a discussion of common osteoconductive scaffold materials.
Fluidic switching and tuning of Fabry-Perot antenna

A Fabry-Perot Cavity (FPC) antenna with an integrated fluidic channel is proposed. The channel housing is filled with air or deionized (DI) water. The fluidic channel provides the control of the resonant frequencies of the FPC antenna and makes the antenna switch on/off. A tunable range is from 10.4GHz to 7.3GHz and from 11.7GHz to 11.1GHz when DI water is injected into the channel. The effects of the air and DI water in the FPC design are investigated.
Artificial hair cell and artificial lateral line

We report the development and application of an artificial hair cell (AHC) flow sensor inspired by biological systems. With optimized design and fabrication process, the AHC is characterized in terms of sensitivity, calibration, and robustness. Especially, an AHC can discern variations of water flow down to 0.1mm/s and survive 55 o deflections. The sensor has been applied to flow field measurements, matching perfectly with analytical and previous experimental results. By employing arrays of such AHC sensors, an artificial lateral line is constructed for biomimetic studies on localizing and tracking hydrodynamic events.
Inhibition of Malonaldehyde and Acetaldehyde Formation from Blood Plasma Oxidation by Naturally Occurring Antioxidants

The inhibitory effect of 2‘‘-O-glycosylisovitexin (2‘‘-O-GIV), 2,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxy-3(2H)-furanone (DMHF), l-ascorbic acid (vitamin C), and 4,4‘-(isopropylidenedithio)bis(2,6-di-tert-butylphenol) (probucol) on malonaldehyde (MA) and acetaldehyde formation from horse blood plasma oxidized with Fenton's reagent was determined by gas chromatography. 2‘‘-O-GIV, DMHF, and l-ascorbic acid inhibited MA formation at a level of 100 nmol by 60, 22, and 22%, respectively; probucol did not show any inhibitory activity on MA formation. Improved inhibitory activity toward MA formation was observed when 2‘‘-O-GIV or DMHF was mixed with l-ascorbic acid in equal amounts. Approximately 80−90% of acetaldehyde formation was inhibited by 300 nmol of 2‘‘-O-GIV and probucol, whereas DMHF required 1000 nmol to exhibit the same level of inhibition. Keywords: Malonaldehyde; acetaldehyde; blood plasma; natural antioxidants
Phase II trial of cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and dexamethasone in the treatment of androgen-independent prostate carcinoma.

BACKGROUND In this Phase II study, the authors assessed the toxicity and anti-tumor activity of a combination of oral cyclophosphamide, oral low-dose dexamethasone, and intravenous vincristine (CVD) in patients with metastatic androgen-independent prostate carcinoma (AI-PCa). METHODS Patients with histologic proof of adenocarcinoma of the prostate progressing despite adequate hormonal therapy and adequate organ function were treated with oral cyclophosphamide, 250 mg/daily (Days 1–14); intravenous vincristine, 1 mg daily (Days 1, 8, 15); and oral dexamethasone, 0.75 mg twice a day (Days 1–14) in 28-day cycles. Study endpoints were toxicity, rate of prostate specific antigen (PSA) decline > 50%, and/or measurable disease response. RESULTS Fifty-two (95%) of 55 registered patients were evaluable. The majority (65%) of patients had received prior chemotherapy. The median number of treatment cycles given was two (range, one–seven cycles). Twenty-nine percent of the patients were found to have a > 50% decline in PSA level compared with baseline levels, and 25% of the patients with bidimensionally measurable soft-tissue or visceral disease were found to have a partial response. The median progression-free survival duration was 10 weeks, and the median overall survival duration was 10.6 months. There were no thromboembolic events, and hematologic and nonhematologic toxicity was minimal. CONCLUSIONS CVD was found to be an active and well-tolerated regimen for AI-PCa. The low toxicity profile makes CVD a useful treatment option for patients with significant comorbidities and high risk for treatment-related toxicity, especially thromboembolic events and myelotoxicity. Cancer 2003;97:561–7. © 2003 American Cancer Society. DOI 10.1002/cncr.11078
Salt effects on nucleic acids.

Abstract Salt-dependent electrostatic effects are a major factor in determining the stability, structure, reactivity, and binding behavior of nucleic acids. Increasingly detailed theoretical methods, especially those based on Monte Carlo and Poisson—Boltzmann methodologies, combined with powerful computational algorithms are being used to examine how the shape, charge distribution and dielectric properties of the molecules affect the ion distribution in the surrounding aqueous, solution, and how they play a role in ligand binding, structural transitions and other biologically important reactions. These studies indicate that inclusion of detailed structural information about the nucleic acid and its ligands is crucial for improving models of nucleic acid electrostatics, and that better treatment of the ion atmosphere and dielectric effects is also of major importance
Articulatory timing in selected consonant sequences

Cinefluorographic films of three normal adult speakers of American English were analyzed to determine the timing of the articulatory submovements in /spr/, /spl/, and /skw/ sequences containing variously positioned word and morpheme boundaries. The data reveal that some articulatory events are separated by as little as 10 msec and that certain articulatory intervals are essentially unaffected by variations in the position of linguistic boundaries. Feedback and preprogramming models of motor timing are discussed in relation to the temporal structure of the test sequences.
Increased drug delivery to the brain by P-glycoprotein inhibition.

Background Although the antidiarrheal loperamide is a potent opiate, it does not produce opioid central nervous system effects at usual doses in patients. On the basis of in vitro studies demonstrating that loperamide is a substrate for the adenosine triphosphate–dependent efflux membrane transporter P-glycoprotein, we postulated that inhibition of P-glycoprotein with quinidine would increase entry of loperamide into the central nervous system with resultant respiratory depression. Methods To test this hypothesis, a 16-mg dose of loperamide was administered to eight healthy male volunteers in the presence of either 600 mg quinidine, a known inhibitor of P-glycoprotein, or placebo. Central nervous system effects were measured by evaluation of the respiratory response to carbon dioxide rebreathing as a measure of opiate-induced respiratory depression. Results Loperamide produced no respiratory depression when administered alone, but respiratory depression occurred when loperamide (16 mg) was given with quinidine at a dose of 600 mg (P < .001). These changes were not explained by increased plasma loperamide concentrations. Conclusion This study therefore demonstrates first the potential for important drug interactions to occur by a new mechanism, namely, inhibition of P-glycoprotein, and second that the lack of respiratory depression produced by loperamide, which allows it to be safely used therapeutically, can be reversed by a drug causing P-glycoprotein inhibition, resulting in serious toxic and abuse potential. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2000) 68, 231–237; doi: 10.1067/mcp.2000.109156
Modeling gas holdup in gas-liquid-fiber semibatch bubble columns

Three gas holdup models are developed that correspond to different flow regimes in a 15.24-cm-diameter semibatch bubble column filled with various fiber suspensions. Three different perforated plate aerators are used and have open area ratios (A) of 0.57%, 0.99%, and 2.14%. Rayon fiber suspensions with lengths (L) of 3, 6, and 12 mm and cellulose fibers are used to form the fiber suspensions over a range of fiber mass fractions up to 1.8%. The models reproduce most of the data within ±15%. A limitation of the current models, due to limited experimental data, is that the model coefficients and exponents vary with aeration plate open area ratio and column diameter.
Factors Impacting Musculoskeletal Knowledge and Clinical Confidence in Graduating Medical Students

Background: Despite the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders, the degree to which medical schools are providing students with the knowledge and confidence to treat these problems is unclear. This study evaluated the factors that impact musculoskeletal knowledge and clinical confidence among fourth-year medical students. Methods: Over a three-year period, 253 fourth-year medical students participated in the study at a single institution. Musculoskeletal knowledge was evaluated using a National Board of Medical Examiners’ musculoskeletal medicine subject examination. Factors analyzed included sex, class year, musculoskeletal elective experience, duration of musculoskeletal elective, career choice, and musculoskeletal curriculum satisfaction. Results: The participation rate was 95%. The mean National Board of Medical Examiners’ musculoskeletal assessment score (and standard deviation) was 70.7 ± 9.5 points for all fourth-year medical students. Taking a musculoskeletal elective significantly increased knowledge (p < 0.001) but not clinical confidence. Increased satisfaction with how musculoskeletal medicine was taught was associated with increased clinical confidence (p < 0.001). No significant differences were seen if students were going into musculoskeletal medicine or primary care for either musculoskeletal knowledge or clinical confidence. Multivariate analysis of musculoskeletal knowledge found that taking a musculoskeletal elective for two weeks led to an increase of 6 points (from a possible 100 points) in the National Board of Medical Examiners’ subject examination scores. Conclusions: This study reveals that participation in a clinical elective is the only factor that led to a significant increase in musculoskeletal knowledge in fourth-year medical students. A two-week clinical elective can be sufficient time to have an impact on musculoskeletal knowledge, but it alone does not increase clinical confidence. Further studies are needed to determine how to improve musculoskeletal clinical confidence.
THE PREOPERATIVE ASSESSMENT CLINIC: Its Value and Function

The value of preoperative assessment is often assumed to be related to a reduction in morbidity and mortality during the perioperative period; but the paucity of evidence supporting this concept makes the benefit theoretical, at best. The documented value 5,6,13 of an organized approach to preoperative assessment includes cost-effective patient evaluation improved operating room efficiency improved patient safety through preoperative anticipation of intraoperative needs improved patient satisfaction because of clear communication and allayed anxiety regarding the risks and procedures associated with the administration of anesthesia If properly performed, therefore, the comprehensive preoperative assessment becomes a value-added service provided by the anesthesiologist. This serves to expand our role well beyond that of the physician-anesthetist to that of the perioperative physician. Such a role is vital to our function and survival in the future medicoeconomic environment. 17
Enacting and implementing open government information regulations in China: motivations and barriers

The State Council, China's cabinet, enacted its Open Government Information Regulations in April 2007. This paper examines the political, economic and administrative motivations for the enactment of the regulation, and then explores the potential legal, institutional, administrative, social and economic barriers for the implementation of the regulation.
Induced circular dichroism as an indicator of double intercalation.

Abstract The circular dichroism bands induced by exciton interaction between chromophores intercalated into DNA is shown to be a simple test for double intercalation of bis-phenanthridinium ions. The same technique should be applicable to other chromophores as well. The number of base pairs occupied by a bound double intercalator can be inferred from the dependence of the intensity of the CD bands on saturation of DNA binding sites.
Effect of Primary Care Visits on the Demand for Specialty Care in Health Maintenance Organizations

Health maintenance organizations (HMOs) provide low cost access to primary care physicians (PCPs) in an effort to restrict expensive specialty use. Although managed care plans hope that low cost primary care will reduce specialist use, the theoretical effect of easing access to primary care on specialty use is unclear. Despite the importance of estimating the effect of PCP visits on specialty use, no previous studies have directly addressed this question at the enrollee level. This study examines the effect of visits to the PCP on the demand for episodes of specialty care in two health plans: a gatekeeper HMO and a point-of-service plan. Using person-level data, we estimate a generalized method of moments model of specialty episodes that accounts for the endogeneity of PCP visits within a count-data framework. We compare this model to three alternative models—an OLS model, a negative binomial model, and a two-stage least squares model. We find evidence that increases in primary care visits increase episodes of specialty care in both plans. We also find that the three alternative models yield biased but more efficient estimates compared to the generalized method of moments model.
Behavioral Health Services Following Implementation of Screening in Massachusetts Medicaid Children

OBJECTIVES: To determine the relationship of child behavioral health (BH) screening results to receipt of BH services in Massachusetts Medicaid (MassHealth) children. METHODS: After a court decision, Massachusetts primary care providers were mandated to conduct BH screening at well-child visits and use a Current Procedural Terminology code along with a modifier indicating whether a BH need was identified. Using MassHealth claims data, a cohort of continuously enrolled (July 2007-June 2010) children was constructed. The salient visit (first use of the modifier, screening code, or claim in fiscal year 2009) was considered a reference point to examine BH history and postscreening BH services. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine predictors of postscreening BH services. RESULTS: Of 261 160 children in the cohort, 45% (118 464) were screened and 37% had modifiers. Fifty-seven percent of children screening positive received postscreening BH services compared with 22% of children screening negative. However, only 30% of newly identified children received BH services. The strongest predictors of postscreening BH services for children without a BH history were being in foster care (odds ratio, 10.38; 95% confidence interval, 9.22-11.68) and having a positive modifier (odds ratio, 3.79; 95% confidence interval, 3.53-4.06). CONCLUSIONS: Previous BH history, a positive modifier, and foster care predicted postscreening BH services. Only one-third of newly identified children received services. Thus although screening is associated with an increase in BH recognition, it may be insufficient to improve care. Additional strategies may be needed to enhance engagement in BH services. Language: en
Real-time thermal lens absorption measurements with application to flow-injection systems

Flow-injection methods are shown to reduce effectively the blank-related uncertainties in trace-level spectrophotometry. When thermal lens detection is used with efficient, real-time data processing, sensitive determinations are possible with response times adequately fast for flow-injection monitoring. Absorbance detection limits of 8.5 × 10−7 in a 1−cm pathlength flow cell were obtained for injections into carbon tetrachloride solvent. Thermal lens detection of iron with 1,10-phenanthroline as reagent produced detection limits of 37 pg of iron in the 100-μl injection volume. The advantages of flow injection for minimizing problems with photochemically unstable analytes in thermal-lens measurements are demonstrated.
Quantification in dynamic SIMS: Current status and future needs

Abstract Dynamic SIMS has made great strides in quantification. The use of ion-implanted standards has made quantification routine for any element in a wide range of matrices. Both contaminant and matrix measurements can be reliably quantified in the same depth profile for selected multi-element substrates, such as SiGe and AlGaN. Dose measurements with less than 1% reproducibility have been demonstrated for magnetic sector, quadrupole, and time-of-flight instruments. Progress has been made in quantification at the surface, at interfaces, in thin layers, in insulators, within small areas, and for two and three dimensions. Current challenges include quantification in a proliferation of layers, interfaces, and elements, and obtaining quantitative information from the smallest possible area. Analyses using complementary techniques will be useful for these difficult SIMS measurements. Focused ion beam specimen preparation has shown promise for small area and three-dimensional analyses. Developments in ion sources show potential for small area analysis using focused ion beam SIMS.
Nurses' communication of pharmacogenetic test results as part of discharge care

As pharmacogenetic (PGx) testing is becoming integrated into routine clinical procedures for admitted hospital patients, consideration is needed as to when test results will be communicated to patients and by whom. Given the implications of PGx test results for current and future care, we propose that if results are not promptly discussed with patients when testing is completed, results should be discussed with patients during discharge care when possible, included in the printed or electronic discharge summary and a copy of the results sent to their primary provider. Nurses play an important role in discharge planning and care by providing patients with the necessary information and support to transfer from the hospital setting to an outpatient setting or to return to home and work. To promote nurses’ ability to fulfill the role of communicating PGx test results, revised curricula and interprofessional and clinical decision support are needed.
Bayesian Sample Size Estimates for One Sample Test in Clinical Trials With Dichotomous and Countable Outcomes

This article presents a Bayesian approach to sample size determination in binomial and Poisson clinical trials. It uses exact methods and Bayesian methodology. Our sample size estimations are based on power calculations under the one-sided alternative hypothesis that a new treatment is better than a control by a clinically important margin. The method resembles a standard frequentist problem formulation and, in the case of conjugate prior distributions with integer parameters, is similar to the frequentist approach. We evaluate Type I and II errors through the use of credible limits in Bayesian models and through the use of confidence limits in frequentist models. Particularly, for conjugate priors with integer parameters, credible limits are identical to frequentist confidence limits with adjusted numbers of events and sample sizes. We consider conditions under which the minimal Bayesian sample size is less than the frequentist one and vice versa.