cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Navigating Psychosocial Challenges in Primary Care with an Integrated Behavioral Health Model

Research has demonstrated that physical health outcomes are often related to behavioral health outcomes. Integrated behavioral health models, particularly in primary care settings, help bridge gaps in care by linking the treatment of physical and emotional problems together. Social workers are a key part of the primary care treatment team because they are trained to assess patients within the full context of their biopsychosocial and spiritual needs. The following article explores the ways in which social workers can engage in integrated behavioral health models as an adaptive healthcare practice, the common healthcare challenges social workers face, and suggested interventions in integrated settings. Implications for practice are discussed including the necessary skills and background social workers in these settings should have, the need to further expand the social work workforce in integrated healthcare, and the role of social workers in the continued development and evaluation of integrated models.
Is Phosphatidylinositol Involved in the Release of Free Fatty Acids in Cerebral Ischemia

Since acyl groups of phosphatidylinositol (PI) are enriched in stearic (18:0) and arachidonic (20:4) acids, and these fatty acids are preferentially released during cerebral ischemia, a metabolic relationship between PI and the free fatty acid (FFA) release is suggested. However, several lines of evidence have pointed against a direct involvement of the PI in this event. In our studies, ischemia elicited an increase in the level of diacylglycerols (DG) enriched in 18:0 and 20:4, but the level of PI in rat brain synaptosomes was not changed. Furthermore, active hydrolysis of PI by phosphodiesterase could not be demonstrated in synaptosomes under physiologically feasible conditions, although incubation of the same fraction resulted in a two-fold increase in DG. When rats pre-labeled with 32Pi were subjected to post-decapitative ischemic treatment, radioactivity of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI P2) and phosphatidate (PA) in synaptosomes was decreased, but that of PI increased. These results suggest that an increase in enzymic degradation of these lipids coupled with hydrolysis of DG by DG lipase may account for the increase in DG and FFA enriched in 18:0 and 20:4 during the early phase of cerebral ischemia.
Estimated Association Between Organ Availability and Presumed Consent in Solid Organ Transplant.

Importance Presumed consent, or an opt-out organ transplant policy, has been adopted by many countries worldwide to increase organ donation. The implication of such a policy for transplants in the United States is uncertain, however. Objective To simulate the potential implications of a presumed consent policy in the United States. Design, Setting, and Participants In a decision analytical model, a simulation model was developed using cohort data from January 1, 2004, to December 31, 2014, in the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Standard Transplant Analysis and Research files. All US patients (n = 524 359) who were on the waiting list for at least 1 solid organ and all deceased organ donors during the study period were included in the analyses. All data and statistical analyses were performed from January 30, 2019, to July 31, 2019. Main Outcomes and Measures Increase in the organs available for donation and life-years gained associated with a 5%, 15%, or 25% increase in deceased donors, based on the published changes from a presumed consent policy. Results This study considered 524 359 unique candidates (aged ≥18 years; 320 908 [61.2%] male) for a solid organ transplant from January 1, 2004, to December 31, 2014. With a base case scenario of a 5% presumed consent–associated increase in donors, the removals (owing to death or illness) from the waiting list for all organs would have an associated 3.2% to 10.4% mean reduction, depending on the random or ideal allocation of new organs to patients on the waiting list. Sensitivity analyses showed that waiting list removals could be decreased up to 52%; however, this reduction was not enough to completely eliminate waiting list removals during the study period. The biggest estimated increases in annual life-years gained associated with a presumed consent policy were in kidney transplant candidates (95% CIs by deceased donor increase: 5% increase, 3440-3466 years; 15% increase, 10 321-10 399 years; 25% increase, 17 201-17 332 years) and liver transplant candidates (95% CIs by deceased donor increase: 5% increase, 898-905 years; 15% increase, 2693-2714 years; 25% increase, 4448-4523 years). Adoption of a presumed consent policy could result in a 4295-year (95% CI, 4277-4313 years) to 11 387-year (95% CI, 11 339-11 435 years) increase in life-years, accounting for the survival advantages associated with a transplant. Conclusions and Relevance In this study, presumed consent was estimated to be associated with modest but important improvement in the number of organ transplants and increases in life-years gained for patients awaiting an organ transplant. Further consideration and even debate about the ethical and public policy implications of a presumed consent policy are warranted.
Mucin glycans attenuate the virulence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in infection

A slimy, hydrated mucus gel lines all wet epithelia in the human body, including the eyes, lungs, and gastrointestinal and urogenital tracts. Mucus forms the first line of defence while housing trillions of microorganisms that constitute the microbiota1. Rarely do these microorganisms cause infections in healthy mucus1, suggesting that mechanisms exist in the mucus layer that regulate virulence. Using the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa and a three-dimensional (3D) laboratory model of native mucus, we determined that exposure to mucus triggers downregulation of virulence genes that are involved in quorum sensing, siderophore biosynthesis and toxin secretion, and rapidly disintegrates biofilms—a hallmark of mucosal infections. This phenotypic switch is triggered by mucins, which are polymers that are densely grafted with O-linked glycans that form the 3D scaffold inside mucus. Here, we show that isolated mucins act at various scales, suppressing distinct virulence pathways, promoting a planktonic lifestyle, reducing cytotoxicity to human epithelia in vitro and attenuating infection in a porcine burn model. Other viscous polymer solutions lack the same effect, indicating that the regulatory function of mucin does not result from its polymeric structure alone. We identify that interactions with P. aeruginosa are mediated by mucin-associated glycans (mucin glycans). By isolating glycans from the mucin backbone, we assessed the collective activity of hundreds of complex structures in solution. Similar to their grafted counterparts, free mucin glycans potently regulate bacterial phenotypes even at relatively low concentrations. This regulatory function is likely dependent on glycan complexity, as monosaccharides do not attenuate virulence. Thus, mucin glycans are potent host signals that ‘tame’ microorganisms, rendering them less harmful to the host. Host mucin glycans downregulate virulence processes of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and can be used therapeutically to attenuate infection in vivo in a burn wound model.
Independent Functional Outcomes after Prolonged Coma following Cardiac Arrest: A Mechanistic Hypothesis.

Objective Survivors of prolonged (>2 weeks) post-cardiac arrest (CA) coma are expected to remain permanently disabled. We aimed to investigate 3 outlier patients who ultimately achieved independent functional outcomes after prolonged post-CA coma to identify electroencephalographic (EEG) markers of their recovery potential. For validation purposes, we also aimed to evaluate these markers in an independent cohort of post-CA patients. Methods We identified 3 patients with late recovery from coma (17-37 days) following CA who recovered to functionally independent behavioral levels. We performed spectral power analyses of available EEGs during prominent burst suppression patterns (BSP) present in all 3 patients. Using identical methods, we also assessed the relationship of intraburst spectral power and outcomes in a prospectively enrolled cohort of post-CA patients. We performed chart reviews of common clinical, imaging, and EEG prognostic variables and clinical outcomes for all patients. Results All 3 patients with late recovery from coma lacked evidence of overwhelming cortical injury but demonstrated prominent BSP on EEG. Spectral analyses revealed a prominent theta (~4-7Hz) feature dominating the bursts during BSP in these patients. In the prospective cohort, similar intraburst theta spectral features were evident in patients with favorable outcomes; patients with BSP and unfavorable outcomes showed either no features, transient burst features, or decreasing intraburst frequencies with time. Interpretation BSP with theta (~4-7Hz) peak intraburst spectral power after CA may index a recovery potential. We discuss our results in the context of optimizing metabolic substrate availability and stimulating the corticothalamic system during recovery from prolonged post-CA coma. ANN NEUROL 2020;87:618-632.
Exploration of Influential Factors of Student Attributes On Lifelong Learning

The research to practice full paper aims to demonstrate the quantitative relationship between specific attributes of engineering students and the likelihood that they will engage in life-long learning. With the utilization of senior exit survey data provided by the Civil Engineering Department at Cal Poly Pomona, student responses were analyzed using a multinomial logistic regression model. The senior exit survey data consist of the categorical responses to the department’s questions from the graduating class from the years 2013-2018. The collected data contain specific information such as student’s name, the year they started, career outlook, and individual capabilities. The data were then utilized for implementing a multinomial logistic regression model because of the many benefits it could provide. The benefits include the precise identification of data anomalies and individual effects of each covariate in the research, which can result in the optimal independent. Although several other research papers have explored this topic, little research involving the use of statistical models have been conducted to develop a better understanding of factors that may influence engagement in life-long learning. Past research has mostly investigated ways in which the practice of life-long learning can be enhanced or more efficiently practiced. The multinomial logistic regression model was produced using the statistical software package R. The results demonstrate the student attributes which play a role in determining engagement in life-long learning. Among the eleven student attributes tested in the study, only three are statistically significant; these attributes consist of cognizance of current engineering issues, confidence in applying engineering fundamentals, and confidence in being an effective team leader.
A Mixed-Methods Examination of the Unique Associations of Gender-Sexuality Alliance Involvement and Family Support on Bravery in Sexual and Gender Minority Youth.

Research among sexual and gender minority (SGM) youth has suggested associations between Gender-Sexuality Alliance (GSA) involvement and better health. Emergent research has similarly demonstrated ...
Myocardial matrix material supports a proliferative microenvironment for cardiomyocytes

Abstract Novel therapeutics have sought to stimulate the endogenous repair mechanisms in the mammalian myocardium as the native regenerative potential of the adult cardiac tissue is limited. In particular, a myocardial matrix derived injectable hydrogel has shown efficacy and safety in various animal myocardial infarction (MI) including evidence of increased myocardium. In this study, investigation on the properties of this myocardial matrix material demonstrated its native capability as an effective reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger that can protect against oxidative stress and maintain cardiomyocyte proliferation in vitro. In vivo assessment of of myocardial matrix hydrogel treatment post-MI demonstrated increased thymidine analog uptake in cardiomyocytes compared to saline controls along with co-staining with cell cycle progression marker, phospho-histone H3. Overall, this study provides further evidence that properties of the myocardial matrix hydrogel promote an environment supportive of cardiomyocytes undergoing cell cycle progression.
Motivations for Treatment Engagement in a Residential Substance Use Disorder Treatment Program: A Qualitative Study.

Aims:The aim of this study was to explore perspectives on motivations for treatment engagement from substance use disorder (SUD) clients in a long-term residential rehabilitation program.Design and...
Implications of detecting serum monoclonal protein by MASS‐fix following stem cell transplantation in multiple myeloma

Measurable residual disease (MRD) assessment by marrow-based next-generation flow cytometry (NGF) following autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) may lead to false-negative results due to patchy marrow involvement and extramedullary disease in patients with multiple myeloma. We assessed the value of simultaneous MRD evaluation with NGF and serum matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MASS-FIX). Of all 61 complete responders who were NGF-negative for MRD, around day-100 post ASCT, 59% were MASS-FIX-positive. At median follow-up of 26 months, 69% of MASS-FIX(+)/NGF(-) patients were alive and progression-free versus 96% of MASS-FIX(-)/NGF(-) patients, P = 0·02. MASS-FIX, a simple peripheral blood-based assay complements marrow-based NGF to accurately prognosticate patients with myeloma.
Student Docent Projects as Socially Engaged Art History

In this chapter, the authors discuss how projects designed to train undergraduate students as art docents is an example of socially engaged art history that can change art historical praxis. The authors track their development and implementation of two distinctive undergraduate student docent projects—one designed for students within a university art museum and one designed to engage non-art major undergraduate students with their university’s public art collection. The authors argue that student docent projects offer a sustainable and socially engaged pedagogical possibility in art history curricula. More importantly, student docent projects have the potential to produce confident and knowledgeable citizens, able to facilitate meaningful discussion of social issues in art long after they have left the art history class.
Prediction of Fluid Behavior Using Generalized Hydraulic Calculation Method in Hydraulic Fractures

Hydraulic fracturing has been used as one of the stimulation techniques to economically increase oil and gas production by creating small cracks in subsurface geologic formations to allow oil or gas to move toward a producing well. Hydraulics plays a vital role in many oil field operations including drilling, completion, fracturing and production. In the case of fracturing, however, the role of hydraulics becomes important since optimized hydraulics can minimize the cost and conversely, any miscalculations may cause problems such as the fluid loss or may potentially even lead to loss of the well. The current methods of the hydraulic calculation for non-Newtonian fluids necessitate determination of the robust model. This paper presented a new method for calculating pressure losses in the hydraulic fractures. The objective of this study was to develop the generalized model for hydraulic calculation for non-Newtonian fluid and run the case studies for the model validation. In the present work, detailed algorithm for the hydraulic calculation has been developed and then programmed in C++. The only input to the program is the raw rheological data, shear stress versus shear rate and the geometrical characteristics of the slit. Model validation with the new method has established a very small percentage difference between the values predicted by the model and experimental data. The results demonstrate that the new method is accurately predicting the pressure drop in both laminar and turbulent flow regimes. It is shown that the fluid behavior is more accurately represented using the new method than that with the standard fluid models available in the petroleum industry. Further validation and development to be carried out using experimental data for variety of fluid types.
Clinical effects and outcomes of perampanel overdoses reported to U.S. poison centers.

Perampanel is indicated for partial onset seizures in children and adults. The mechanism is unique among antiepileptic agents as it inhibits glutamate activity on AMPA receptors. Currently, there a...
Environmentalism among poor and rich countries: using natural language processing to handle perfunctory support and rising powers

In international politics, is environmental protection largely a “rich-country” priority? We perceive four reasons why, although individual exceptions are possible, the answer would be yes: as a co...
Digital vascular lesions detected by transillumination

Abnormalities of the capillaries of the digits in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia can be detected by shining through a narrow beam of light through the dorsal side and visualizing the vasculature on the palmar side, a procedure termed transillumination. This study was performed to determine if this method can detect digital vascular abnormalities in aortopathies and arteriopathies. Transillumination was performed in patients with Marfan syndrome (MFS), thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection (TAAD), vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (vEDS), bicuspid aortic valve with aortopathy, and arteriopathies without aortopathy. Subjects with no known vascular disorders were controls. Digital vascular abnormalities were present in some patients with all of the disorders and were especially frequent in MFS, TAAD, and vEDS. All patients had significantly more digital vascular abnormalities than control subjects. Transillumination can detect vascular abnormalities in digits of patients with a variety of conditions with aortopathy or arteriopathy.
Addressing Meso-Level Mechanisms of Racism in Medicine.

Racial inequities in medicine are the consequence of intersecting, multidimensional factors. As detailed in the articles by Braddock (2021), Mithani, Cooper, and Boyd (2021), and Yearby (2021), the...
Active Perception and Control from PrSTL Specifications.

Next-generation intelligent systems must plan and execute complex tasks with imperfect information about their environment. As a result, plans must also include actions to learn about the environment. This is known as active perception. Most active perception algorithms rely on reward or cost functions, which are usually challenging to specify and offer few theoretical guarantees. On the other hand, symbolic control methods can account for complex tasks using temporal logic but often do not deal well with uncertainties. This work combines symbolic control with active perception to achieve complex tasks in a partially observed and noisy control system with hybrid dynamics. Our basic idea is to employ a counterexample-guided-inductive-synthesis approach for control from probabilistic signal temporal logic (PrSTL) specifications. Our proposed algorithm combines bounded model checking (BMC) with sampling-based trajectory synthesis for uncertain hybrid systems. Active perception is inherently built into the framework because PrSTL formulas are defined in the chance domain.
Environmental Justice in Rural Context: Land-Application of Biosolids in Central Virginia

Abstract This article focuses on the independent role played by “rural-ness” in determining a community's vulnerability to environmental hazards. It examines the political fight over land application of biosolids (treated sewage sludge) as an agricultural soil amendment in Central Virginia. This case study casts the metropolitan versus rural conflict into sharp relief and illustrates how otherwise privileged middle-class Americans may be obligated to endure disproportionate environmental hazards simply because they live in a rural area. This article gives a broad overview of the biosolids issue, reviewing benefits and risks posed by land application, state and federal regulations that promote the practice, and the unsuccessful attempts at self-determination by three rural Virginia counties resisting sludge use. I conclude that rural whites must cooperate with traditional environmental justice communities to push back against the powerful coalition of municipalities and corporate interests which profit fro...
Gastrointestinal blood flow‐measuring techniques

The sections in this article are: 1 Microsphere Technique 1.1 Principle of Measurement 1.2 Fractionation of Intramural Blood Flow in Intestine 1.3 Microsphere Studies in Gastric Circulation 2 Laser-Doppler Velocimetry 2.1 History 2.2 Theory of Laser-Doppler Blood Flowmetry 2.3 Evaluations in Gastrointestinal Tract 3 Aminopyrine Clearance and Other pH Trapping Techniques 3.1 Overview of pH Trapping Methods 3.2 Theoretical Background 3.3 Evaluation of Aminopyrine Clearance 4 Hydrogen Clearance 4.1 History 4.2 Principle of Measurement 4.3 Advantages and Disadvantages of Hydrogen Clearance 4.4 Locally Generated Hydrogen 5 Conclusions
Negative Freedom, Catholic Social Doctrine, and the Conciliar Challenge of the Free Society

The idea of “negative freedom” has been at the heart of modern democratic politics; it has also been an idea regarded warily by Catholic social doctrine. To be sure, Catholic social doctrine now embraces the classic negative political freedoms like freedom of religion and freedom of speech. But the hierarchical magisterium of the Church was slow to arrive at such an embrace. And in the last decades the hierarchical magisterium has renewed its skepticism of the idea, seeing it as both important and often misused. This article considers current criticisms of negative freedom by Catholic social doctrine and seeks to respond to such criticisms by appealing to personalist conceptions of freedom in the philosophy of Charles Taylor and in the theology of Walter Kasper. Overall, the aim of the article is to establish a more sure conceptual basis for negative freedom as an essential component of the commitment by the Catholic Church at the Second Vatican Council to the free society.
Assay of antianginal agents. A long-acting nitrate, psychic energizers and a tranquilizer.

Abstract A double-blind procedure with multiple control periods was employed to assay as antianginal agents the effectiveness of a long-acting nitrate, Cardilate; four amine oxidase inhibitors, Marplan, Catron, Nardil, Niamid; a psychic energizer which was not an amine oxidase inhibitor, Tofranil; and a tranquilizer, Librium. Cardilate decreased the frequency of anginal attacks and nitroglycerin intake in 3 of 9 patients with angina pectoris, but never completely. Toxic effects were primarily headache in 2 patients not severe enough to cause treatment to be discontinued. When the daily dosage of the amine oxidase inhibitors was individualized to fit each patient and the duration of therapy was varied until the optimal dose was achieved, Marplan eliminated anginal attacks and nitroglycerin intake in 2 patients on repeated occasions and produced good results in 6 more of 12 patients. Catron was effective in 12 of 22 patients; Nardil, in 7 of 15, and Niamid in 10 of 19 patients. Toxic effects were infrequent—mild hypotension occasionally potentiated by chlorothiazide, insomnia, euphoria, jitteriness and anxiety, soon controlled by adjusting dosage without discontinuing treatment. One patient became habituated to Marplan. Tofranil decreased the frequency of anginal attacks and nitroglycerin in 3 of 12 patients, an effect not consistently repeatable. Mild hypotension and nausea were uncommon side effects. Librium reduced general anxiety in 5 of 15 patients and decreased the frequency of anginal attacks and nitroglycerin intake of 3 of them. Drowsiness and depression in 5 patients caused reduction in dosage but not cessation of treatment.
Survey of Solution Procedures for Nonlinear Static and Dynamic Analyses

This paper presents a review of the solution techniques most widely used for solving the governing equations for static and dynamic, large deflection, elastic-plastic response of structures. For the transient response, one explicit direct integration method (central differences) and three implicit methods (Houbolt, Newmark Beta, and Wilson) are compared with respect to accuracy and stability. A modal superposition technique is developed and compared to the direct integration methods. It is concluded that the choice of a suitable method depends on the structure and loading involved and on the frequency response desired. For the static response, the available techniques are grouped according to whether they yield exact or approximate solutions to the nonlinear equations. The convergence characteristics for each method are summarized.
Effects of virally expressed interleukin-10 on vaccinia virus infection in mice.

Abstract To investigate the in vivo role of interleukin-10 (IL-10) in viral infection, we compared infections with a recombinant vaccinia virus (VV) expressing IL-10 (VV-IL10) under control of the VV P7.5 promoter and a control virus (VV-beta gal) in normal and severe combined immunodeficient mice. In normal mice, VV-IL10 infection resulted in less natural killer cell activity at 3 days postinfection and less VV-specific cytotoxic T-cell activity at 6 or 7 days postinfection than VV-beta gal infection. However, the use of dermal scarification or intraperitoneal, intranasal, or intracerebral inoculation into immunocompetent mice resulted in no difference between VV-IL10 and VV-beta gal in visible lesions, mortality, protective immunity to a 100-fold lethal VV challenge, or VV-specific antibody response. In the immunodeficient mice, VV-IL10 infection resulted in greater natural killer cell activity and lower virus replication than VV-beta gal infection. These in vivo effects were subtler and more complex than had been anticipated. From the VV-IL10 murine model, the Epstein-Barr virus-encoded homolog of human IL-10, BCRF1, may provide a selective advantage by blunting the early human natural killer cell and cytotoxic T-cell responses so that Epstein-Barr virus can establish a well-contained latent infection in B lymphocytes.
Immobilization of bioactive peptides on benzocyclobutene (BCB) surface grafted-dextran for neural implant applications

In vitro cell adhesion and neurite growth on dextran-coated benzocyclobutene (BCB) films, covalently grafted with bioactive peptides are investigated. For cell/tissue adhesive surfaces, synthetic peptide GRGDSP was employed. GRADSP was used as an inactive control for nonspecific peptide-induced cell adhesion. For surface coatings with neurite growth-promoting activity, the laminin-based peptide SRARKQAASIKVAVSADR was utilized. Three cell lines were utilized in these studies. The cell cultures investigated in this study were 3T3 fibroblasts, neuronal-like PC 12 cells, and a glial-like (glioblastoma) T98-G cell line. Chemical composition of all modified surfaces was verified by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Our non-toxic aqueous methods to graft cell adhesion peptides on dextran monolayer surfaces, effectively limited non-specific cell adhesion and neurite growth in the presence of cultured cells. Microscopic visualization and imaging of these surfaces showed that dextran coatings promoted essentially no adhesion of all cell lines tested. Surface-grafted cell adhesion RGD peptides stimulated fibroblast and glial cell adhesion with minimal neuronal PC12/spl I.bar/cell attachment and spreading in vitro. In contrast, surface-grafted inactive RAD peptide sequences did not promote significant cell interaction of all cell types indicating that peptide-grafted surfaces did not promote non-specific cell adhesion. Surface-grafted high affinity IKVAV peptides promoted cell type-dependent interactions. The IKVAV-grafted surfaces also promoted neurite growth on all substrates.
Mis(sed)information in Public Space

The success of interactive media architecture projects is contingent on the participation of the public. However, a fundamental question faced by designers of such systems is how open should their work be to public manipulation, while still providing adequate control so as not to compromise the design intent. This chapter take the position that control and freedom are negotiated constructions developed in real-time between the design’s intentions, the public’s desires for engaging it, and the existing protocols of behavior in public spaces. Questions that it poses include: What is information and how is it constructed? What is the relationship between control and freedom in interactive systems? What role can public participation play in its formulation? How can it be sustained? In response, it proposes an approach for underspecifying a design, in order to collectively construct both information and the public.
Hepatitis C virus and malignancy

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a hepatotropic virus that causes chronic hepatitis, fibrosis and cirrhosis. HCV is associated with the development of primary liver tumors, namely hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma and lymphoma. This article reviews HCV-related malignancies, and their prevalence and probable oncogenesis.
Physical aging and biaxial creep in cellulose acetate butyrate

Torsional and tension-torsion creep studies have been performed on cellulose acetate butyrate at 65°C. The aging shift factor, μ, at this temperature has been determined to be 0.85. This is somewhat higher than 0.75 which was suggested as a maximum value for cellulose acetate butyrate (5). Axial stresses cause the torsional retardation times to become shorter. The change in retardation time is mainly determined by the magnitude of the axial stress and not by the length of time during which the axial stress is applied. Torsional stresses cause the axial retardation times to shift in a similar manner. The shifting of retardation times follows a maximum shear stress criterion.
Acute and chronic effects of a 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor in asthma: A 6-month randomized multicenter trial

Abstract Background: Leukotrienes produced by the 5-lipoxygenase pathway of arachidonic acid metabolism may mediate bronchoconstriction and inflammatory changes important in the pathophysiology of asthma. Leukotriene inhibition may be effective in asthma management. Objective: This clinical trial was performed to assess the long-term efficacy and safety of zileuton, an inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase. Methods: In this multicenter, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled trial, 600 mg of zileuton, 400 mg of zileuton, or placebo was given orally, each four times daily for 6 months. Patients with mild to moderate asthma ( n = 373), 18 to 62 years of age, being managed with regularly inhaled β -agonist alone, were randomized to the zileuton or placebo groups ( n = 122 to 126). Outcome measures included serial spirometry, daily peak expiratory flow rates, daytime and nocturnal symptoms, frequency of β -agonist use, and number of asthma exacerbations treated with systemic corticosteroids. Results: An acute bronchodilatory effect was observed 2 to 5 hours after the initial dose of medication in both 400 mg zileuton and 600 mg zileuton groups compared to the placebo group. Both zileuton groups had significantly greater improvements in FEV 1 than did the placebo group by day 8. On day 36, FEV 1 improved 16% and 12% from baseline for patients treated with 600 mg zileuton and 400 mg zileuton, respectively, compared with an improvement of 6% for the placebo-treated group ( p β -agonist use decreased by 31%; and the proportion of patients requiring steroid rescue medication during the study was reduced by 62% ( p Conclusion: Zileuton produces objective and subjective improvements in patients with mild to moderate asthma and is well tolerated. (J ALLERGY CLIN IMMUNOL 1996;98:859-71.)
Ab initio simulations of sodium using time-dependent density-functional theory.

A first-principles scheme for the dynamical simulation of matter based on time-dependent density-functional theory is presented and used for the prediction of the properties of bulk sodium. In contrast to the Car-Parrinello method, the scheme does not require the imposition of orthonormality constraints in the electronic equations of motion, resulting in algorithmic simplification. The execution times of the two methods are comparable. Difficulties associated with electron-ion equilibration in metallic systems are found to be a consequence of the suppression of spontaneous emission in the underlying quantum-classical model, and thus differ in fundamental nature from analogous numerical problems encountered in the Car-Parrinello method. The direct calculation of nonequilibrium electronic properties is presented as a remoter application of the scheme.
The formation of effective work groups within an FE classroom

Fascinated by the diversity of composition in effective work groups in Further Education (FE) classrooms, I studied group formation and composition in level 3 Biology classes over an academic year. Using information from the class teacher, observers and students, the importance of effective work groups (defining effectiveness in terms of ‘workability’) in the life of the class became clear. As suggested in the literature, group composition was impatient of formulae, trial and error and an informed subjectivity was recommended. Relational issues were seen as key features in group composition by teachers and students alike. Students themselves, though seldom consulted, held distinct and often considered and mature views on effective work groups. The need to give work group composition a higher profile in classroom management, and for staff and students to acquire the skills needed to form and maintain effective work groups, should be reflected in both policy and practice.
Amphetamine-induced incentive sensitization of sign-tracking behavior in adolescent and adult female rats.

Age-specific behavioral and neural characteristics may predispose adolescents to initiate and escalate use of alcohol and drugs. Adolescents may avidly seek novel experiences, including drugs of abuse, because of enhanced incentive motivation for drugs and natural rewards, perhaps especially when that incentive motivation is sensitized by prior drug exposure. Using a Pavlovian conditioned approach (PCA) procedure, sign-tracking (ST) and goal-tracking (GT) behavior was examined in amphetamine-sensitized and control adolescent and adult female Sprague-Dawley rats, with expression of elevated ST behavior used to index enhanced incentive motivation for reward-associated cues. Rats were first exposed to a sensitizing regimen of amphetamine injections (3.0 mg/kg/ml d-amphetamine per day) or given saline (0.9% w/v) once daily for 4 days. Expression of ST and GT was then examined over 8 days of PCA training consisting of 25 pairings of an 8-sec presentation of an illuminated lever immediately followed by response-independent delivery of a banana-flavored food pellet. Results showed that adults clearly displayed more ST behavior than adolescents, reflected via both more contacts with, and shorter latencies to approach, the lever. Prior amphetamine sensitization increased ST (but not GT) behaviors regardless of age. Thus, when indexed via ST, incentive motivation was found to be greater in adults than adolescents, with a prior history of amphetamine exposure generally sensitizing incentive motivation for cues predicting a food reward regardless of age.
Haloaldehyde polymers—IV. PMR rate measurements of anionic chloral polymerization☆

Abstract Anionic polymerization of chloral was carried out at a bath temperature of 0°C to give polychloral which has a polyacetal structure. The rate of polymerization was followed by observing the disappearance of the proton magnetic resonance (PMR) signal of chloral monomer. During the progress of polymerization, polychloral precipitated as a homogeneous and insoluble gel whose acetalic protons did not give a PMR signal. The initial rate of polymerization, up to a conversion of 20% to 30%, decreased in the order of lithium tertiary butoxide ⪢ pyridine > triphenylphosphine > tetrabutyl ammonium chloride > 2,4,6-trimethylpyridine as the initiators. At concentrations higher than 40–50% the polymerization rate decreased and the polymerization became diffusion controlled. The results are discussed on the basis of the initiation step of the polymerization.
Diagrams as Tools for Scientific Reasoning

We contend that diagrams are tools not only for communication but also for supporting the reasoning of biologists. In the mechanistic research that is characteristic of biology, diagrams delineate the phenomenon to be explained, display explanatory relations, and show the organized parts and operations of the mechanism proposed as responsible for the phenomenon. Both phenomenon diagrams and explanatory relations diagrams, employing graphs or other formats, facilitate applying visual processing to the detection of relevant patterns. Mechanism diagrams guide reasoning about how the parts and operations work together to produce the phenomenon and what experiments need to be done to improve on the existing account. We examine how these functions are served by diagrams in circadian rhythm research.
The radiomimetic enediyne C-1027 induces unusual DNA damage responses to double strand breaks

Cells lacking the protein kinase ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) have defective responses to DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) including an inability to activate damage response proteins such as p53. However, we previously showed that cells lacking ATM robustly activate p53 in response to DNA strand breaks induced by the radiomimetic enediyne C-1027. To gain insight into the nature of C-1027-induced ATM-independent damage responses to DNA DSBs, we further examined the molecular mechanisms underlying the cellular response to this unique radiomimetic agent. Similar to ionizing radiation (IR) and other radiomimetics, breaks induced by C-1027 efficiently activate ATM by phosphorylation at Ser1981. Yet unlike other radiomimetics and IR, DNA breaks induced by C-1027 results in normal phosphorylation of p53 and the cell cycle checkpoint kinases (Chk1 and Chk2) in the absence of ATM. In the presence of ATM, but under ATM and Rad3-related kinase (ATR) deficient conditions, C-1027 treatment resulted in a decrease of Chk1 phosphorylation but not in p53 and Chk2 phosphorylation. Only when cells were deficient in both ATM and ATR, was there a reduction in phosphorylation of each of these DNA damage response proteins. This reduction was also accompanied by increased cell death in comparison to wild-type cells or cells lacking either ATM or ATR. Our findings demonstrate a unique cellular response to C-1027-induced DNA DSBs in that DNA damage response proteins are unaffected by the absence of ATM, as long as ATR is present.
Optical Properties of Si Nanoclusters with Passivated Surfaces

Si nanoclusters with average size of a few nanometers have been synthesized by thermal vaporization of Si in an Ar buffer gas, and passivated with oxygen or atomic hydrogen. High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed that these nanoclusters were crystalline. All samples showed strong infrared and/or visible photoluminescence (PL) with varying decay times from nanoseconds to microseconds depending on synthesis conditions. Absorption mainly in the Si cores was observed by photoluminescence excitation (PLE) spectroscopy. The visible components of PL spectra were noted to blue shift and broaden as the size of the Si nanocrystals (nc-Si) was reduced, and there were differences in PL spectra for hydrogen and oxygen passivated nc-Si. Our data can be explained best by a model involving absorption between quantum confined states in the Si cores and emission by surface/interface states.
Cross-Cultural Variation in Infant Motor Development

Emphasis on early identification and remediation of abnormal movement patterns has encouraged pediatric therapists to look beyond pathology to normal development as a template for describing abnorm...
Environment and structure influence on DNA conduction

Results for transmission through the poly(G) DNA molecule are presented. We show that (i) periodically arranged sodium counter-ions in close proximity to dry DNA gives rise to a new conduction channel and aperiodicity in the counter-ion sequence can lead to a significant reduction in conduction, (ii) modification of the rise of B-DNA induces a change in the width of the transmission window, and (iii) specifically designed sequences are predicted to show intrinsic resonant tunneling behavior.
The molar absorptivity of interparticle water in clay—water systems

Abstract Infared spectroscopy was used to study the molar absorptivity, ϵ, for OD stretching of HDO mixed in different proportions with various clay minerals. The value of ϵ was found to decrease with increasing m c m w , the mass ratio of clay to water, according to the empirical equation ϵ = ϵ0 exp( β ϵ m c m w ), where ϵ0 is the value of ϵ for bulk HDO and βϵ is a constant that is proportional to the specific surface area of the clay. Theoretical equations were used to relate the infrared absorption intensity to the arrangement and interaction of the interparticle water molecules. It was found that both ( ∂u ∂Q 1 ) 2 , the square of the partial derivative of the dipole moment with respect to the normal coordinate of vibration, and τ, the transition moment relaxation time, obeyed empirical equations of the same form as the one which describes the variation in ϵ. The changes in ( ∂u ∂Q 1 ) 2 and τ were interpreted to mean that water next to clay surfaces has a different charge distribution and a slower rate of rotation than bulk water. Also, since ϵ was independent of the surface charge density and, hence, of the concentration of the counterions, it was concluded that the particle surfaces are responsible for these differences. As shown by an analysis of the data, the effect of the particle surfaces on the adjacent water extends to at least 40 A.
Vehicle Platooning: A Brief Survey and Categorization

In this paper, the vehicle platooning literature published between 1994 and 2010 is categorized and discussed. The paper includes a general introduction and overview of vehicle platooning and a technical description of the methodology. Recent trends in Vehicle Platooning are presented and discussed. The results are reviewed and the vehicle platooning literature is categorized into subcategories within the broader division of application focused and theory focused results. Issues and challenges faced in platooning are discussed.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Evaluation of an air quality simulation of the Lower Fraser Valley-II. Photochemistry

The photochemical component of an advanced modelling system for use in pollution control studies is evaluated. Results of a case study for July 1985 in the Lower Fraser Valley region of British Columbia are used to test the performance of the modelling system during an ozone episode. Time series of surface trace pollutant concentrations are used to validate the model prediction. A quantitative analysis of the model errors shows that the modelling system adequately predicts the photochemistry without arbitrary adjustments to the emissions inventory. Improved performance of the ozone forecast would likely be obtained, however, if the non-methane organic compound emissions were increased in urban areas. The mechanistic parameters were shown to be very sensitive to the emissions profile, although the net impact of the parameter changes on ozone production was minor in this case.
Task analysis, correspondence training, and general case instruction for teaching personal hygiene skills

The effect of a 10-step task analysis, general case instruction, and correspondence training was evaluated for teaching appropriate personal hygiene following bowel movements. Correspondence training maintained a central role in this study. According to Israel (1978), the relationship between an individual's verbal and nonverbal behaviors is influential in self-instruction training. Essentially, correspondence training encourages an individual to generate his or her own instructional cues; in consequence, the procedure can be instrumental in ensuring the maintenance and generalization of important verbal and nonverbal behavior. Three adults with developmental disabilities participated in this study. The dependent variables included the level of assistance required on each step of the task analysis and an end of sequence rating on a three-point Likert-type cleanliness scale. Results showed that all three participants learned to care for themselves appropriately following bowel movements. Moreover, the skills generalized to other settings and were maintained over a nine-month period. The target skill was evaluated against the five criteria for a behavioral cusp and met the criteria for ‘an important behavior change’ (Bosch & Fuqua, 2001, p. 123). Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Studies on the Preservation of Red Blood Cells

. Utilizing an automated antiglobulin test, we have investigated the presence of the third and fourth components of human complement on normal red blood cells (RBCs). Only negligible amounts of the fourth component, C4, could be detected on either freshly collected or stored RBCs. The fragment C3d of the third component, C3, was detectable on both freshly collected and stored normal RBCs. A product derived from C3 and reacting with anti-C3c antibody was only barely detectable on freshly collected normal RBCs. During storage of blood at 4°C, increasing quantities of this material were detected on the RBC membrane. Bromelin treatment rendered stored RBCs completely nonreactive with anti-C3c antibody, whereas only partial loss of reactivity was observed following incubation with heated plasma. In contrast, incubation of EC43 with heated plasma completely abolished their ability to react with anti-C3c antibody. We suggest that the presence of this C3 fragment on stored RBCs may contribute to the development of ‘preservation injury’.
Women and computers: what we can learn from science

The phenomenon of pipeline leakage exhibited in the field of computer science is also observed in all the sciences and mathematics. We can take advantages of the similarities between computer science and all the sciences to share the knowledge that has been gained to reverse this phenomenon. Two important factors that have been identified are (i) the number of math and science courses taken in high school and (ii) the view that many young women have of careers in science and computer science as being antisocial in nature. Our program addresses these factors by exposing the young women to the challenges of scientific and technical topics and by making role models and mentors readily accessible to young women who demonstrate an interest in science. After the common factors have been extracted to make all science more attainable and more attractive to women, each of the individual sciences, mathematics, and computer science can address any problems that are unique to that field.