cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Adoption of an Online Journal Club to Improve Research Dissemination and Social Media Engagement Among Hospitalists.

Background Twitter-based journal clubs are intended to connect clinicians, educators, and researchers to discuss recent research and aid in dissemination of results. The Journal of Hospital Medicine (JHM) began producing a Twitter-based journal club, #JHMChat, in 2015. Objective To describe the implementation and assess the impact of a journal-sponsored, Twitter-based journal club on Twitter and journal metrics. Intervention Each #JHMChat focused on a recently published JHM article, was moderated by a social media editor, and included one study author or guest. Measurements The total number of participants, tweets, tweets/participant, impressions, page views, and change in the Altmetric score were assessed after each session. Thematic analysis of each article was conducted, and post-chat surveys of participating authors and participant responses to continuing medical education surveys were reviewed. Results Seventeen Twitter-based chats were held: seven (47%) focused on value, six (40%) targeted clinical issues, and four (27%) focused on education. On average, we found 2.17 (±0.583 SD) million impressions/session, 499 (± 129 SD) total tweets/session, and 73 (±24 SD) participants/session. Value-based care articles had the greatest number of impressions (2.61 ± 0.55 million) and participants (90 ± 12). The mean increase in the Altmetric score was 14 points (±12), with medical education-themed articles garnering the greatest change (mean increase of 32). Page views were noted to have increased similarly to levels of electronic Table of Content releases. Authors and participants believed #JHMChat was a valuable experience and rated it highly on post-chat evaluations. Conclusions Online journal clubs appear to increase awareness and uptake of journal article results and are considered a useful tool by participants.
Rigor in Your Classroom: A Toolkit for Teachers

Teachers are required to increase the rigor for students, but how? This book by bestselling author and rigor expert Barbara Blackburn has the answer! It is a treasure chest of more than 200 practical and highly-effective tools that can be used across grade levels and subject areas to increase student rigor, leading your students to higher engagement and deeper learning. Topics covered include… Asking higher-level questions Scaffolding to help all students achieve success Differentiating instruction and using modifications Fostering independence through gradual release of responsibility Increasing text difficulty and teaching close reading Setting high expectations Changing students’ views of success Encouraging effort and goal-setting Creating an environment that is conducive to learning Using effective grading policies and assessment tools Working with parents, colleagues, and administrators And much, much more! Rigor in Your Classroom will be your go-to resource throughout the school year, as you continually return to it to try new tools with your students. Bonus: The tools are accompanied by graphic organizers, charts, templates, and reproducibles for easy implementation.
Review of Number Theory: An Introduction via the Density of Primes, second edition

There are probably at least as many different approaches to number theory as there are books written about it. Some broad distinctions include those taking an historical versus (say) a purely modern approach, with many gradations in between, or those that are algebraically oriented (e.g., with an emphasis on reciprocity laws, or questions that relate to algebraic geometry), or still others that are more analytic. The book under review is definitely in the latter category. The "message" of the book is in the title, as primes and their density are the principle concern. In accordance with that theme, a highlight of the book is a complete proof of the prime number theorem. However, the theme and its variations are taken as springboards to other important fields, including aspects of algebraic number theory, as well as applications, such as primality testing and cryptography.
Weak radius of the proton

Abstract The weak charge of the proton determines its coupling to the Z 0 boson. The distribution of weak charge is found to be dramatically different from the distribution of electric charge. The proton's weak radius R W = 1.545 ± 0.017 fm is 80% larger than its charge radius R c h ≈ 0.84 fm because of a very large pion cloud contribution. This large weak radius can be measured with parity violating electron scattering and may provide insight into the structure of the proton, various radiative corrections, and possible strange quark contributions.
Conformational Studies in the Cyclohexane Series. 3. The Dihalocyclohexanes

The energies of axial and equatorial fluoro-, chloro-, and bromocyclohexanes as well as diaxial, axial−equatorial, and diequatorial 1,2-, 1,3-, and 1,4-dihalocyclohexanes were calculated using the hybrid density functional methods B3LYP and B3P86 as well as MP2 and QCISD and the 6-311G* and 6-311+G(2df,p) basis sets. The best agreement with experimental data was found with QCISD/6-311+G(2df,p). Solvent effects on the relative energies were calculated using the SCIPCM reaction field model. The effect of the halo substituents on the geometry of the cyclohexane ring was examined, and it was found that the effect of an axial substituent was local flattening of the cyclohexane ring, but no effect was found at the remote ring carbons, and no evidence of 1,3-diaxial interactions between the halogen and the axial ring hydrogens was found. In the case of the 1,2-dihalides, the calculations reproduce the preference for the diaxial form with X = Cl, but also predict that the energy difference between diaxial and die...
Humor in the ECE Classroom: A Neglected Form of Play Whose Time Has Come

This chapter builds the case for incorporating more humor into early childhood education (ECE). The importance of play for young children’s learning has long been recognized, but the relevance of humor (a unique form of mental play that is every child’s biological heritage) in children’s education has been neglected for just as long. ECE teachers have generally failed to take advantage of the built-in pleasure children experience in distorting their understanding of the world as a tool for supporting the education process. The positive emotion generally associated with play is emphasized here as a crucial ingredient in optimizing young children’s learning. Humor adds one more source of positive emotion to classroom learning. The varying ways in which humor supports young children’s learning and development are discussed.
Leading Under Pressure: James and the Shadow of Jesus

Leaders deal with a variety of internal and external pressures, such as environmental uncertainty and ever-changing group dynamics. However, another pressure impacts leadership decision-making and behavior: the weight of leadership itself. Although the Bible gives little mention to the leadership of James, it does offer a glimpse into the power dynamic of the early Church. This chapter examines the decision-making of one of the pillars of the early Church, a man many scholars believe to be the brother of Jesus Christ.
Outcomes of paediatric cardiac patients after 30 minutes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation prior to extracorporeal support

OBJECTIVES To characterise the mortality and neurological outcomes of paediatric cardiac patients requiring cardiopulmonary resuscitation for more than 30 minutes prior to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cannulation and to identify risk factors associated with adverse outcomes in this population. MATERIALS AND METHODS Observational retrospective cohort study in paediatric cardiac patients undergoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation for greater than 30 minutes prior to cannulation in a tertiary children's hospital, from July 2000 to July 2013. RESULTS Seventy-three paediatric cardiac patients requiring cardiopulmonary resuscitation for more than 30 minutes prior to cannulation were included in the study. Survival to hospital discharge was 43.8%, with 75% of survivors having either normal neurologic function or only mild disability. Multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated that increased use of calcium during resuscitation (odds ratio 14.5, p 0.01), cardiopulmonary resuscitation duration >50 minutes (odds ratio 4.12, p 0.03), >6 interruptions of chest compressions during cannulation (odds ratio 6.40, p 0.03), the need for continuous renal replacement therapy (odds ratio 11.1, p 0.001), and abnormal pupillary response during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (odds ratio 33.9, p 0.006) were independent predictors for hospital mortality. CONCLUSION Survival after cardiopulmonary resuscitation for more than 30 minutes prior to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cannulation in our paediatric cardiac cohort was 43.8%. Factors associated with mortality included calcium use during resuscitation, longer cardiopulmonary resuscitation, increased chest compression pauses during cannulation, the use of continuous renal replacement therapy, and abnormal pupils during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support. A prospective assessment of these factors in paediatric cardiac patients may be beneficial in improving outcomes.
Iodine nutritional status and thyroid function among pregnant women in different periods of pregnancy in Tianjin

Objective To evaluate the iodine nutritional status and thyroid function of pregnant women in different periods of pregnancy, analyze the relationship between iodine nutritional status and thyroid function and provide a basis for scientific supplementation of iodine to pregnant women. Methods In 2013 and 2014, using stratified random sampling method, six counties were selected in the city; around 30 early, middle and late pregnant women each in every county were selected; a total of 545 (173 early, 203 middle and 169 late) pregnant women were investigated in the 6 counties; instant random urine samples of 25 ml were collected and urinary iodine was tested. A total of 151 (52 early, 55 middle and 44 late) pregnant women were selected to collect 3 ml venous blood samples for determination of thyroid hormone and thyroid autoantibodies. Results Median urinary iodine levels of early, middle and late pregnant women were 132.2, 128.9 and 113.5 μg/L, respectively, under the condition of iodine deficiency. Prevalence rates of low free thyroxine FT4, subclinical hypothyroidism, hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism in pregnant women were 0.66% (1/151), 15.23% (23/151), 0.66% (1/151) and 0.66% (1/151), respectively. The positive rate of TgAb and TPOAb was 15.23% (23/151) and 11.92% (18/151), respectively. There were significant differences in the levels of free three iodine thyroid (FT3) in different periods of pregnancy (F = 7.723, P < 0.05); FT3 in late pregnancy was lower than that in early and middle pregnancy (P < 0.05). There were significant differences in the levels of FT4 in different periods of pregnancy (F= 3.762, P < 0.05); FT4 in late pregnancy was lower than that in early and middle pregnancy (P < 0.05). There were significant differences in the levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in different periods of pregnancy (F = 13.199, P < 0.05); TSH in early pregnancy was higher than that in middle and late pregnancy (P < 0.05). Subclinical hypothyroidism prevalence rate in late pregnancy was higher than that in middle pregnancy (χ2 = 3.912, P < 0.05). The positive rate of TgAb in early and middle pregnancy was higher than that in late pregnancy (χ2 = 9.883, 3.906, all P < 0.05). Urinary iodine ≥250 μg/L was a risk factor for subclinical hypothyroidism in pregnant woman [odds ratio (OR) = 5.076, P < 0.05]. Conclusions The iodine nutrition of pregnant women in Tianjin is insufficient. Excessive urinary iodine is an increased risk of subclinical hypothyroidism. We should monitor the urinary iodine and thyroid function in pregnant women. Key words: Pregnant women; Iodine; Thyroid
Early evidence of efficacy for orally administered SPM-enriched marine lipid fraction on quality of life and pain in a sample of adults with chronic pain.

Marine lipids contain omega-3 fatty acids that can be metabolized into anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving mediators—namely 17-HDHA and 18-HEPE—which can serve as modulators of the pain experience. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of 4 weeks of oral supplementation with a fractionated marine lipid concentration, standardized to 17-HDHA and 18-HEPE, on health-related quality of life and inflammation in adults with chronic pain. This study was a prospective, non-randomized, open-label clinical trial. Forty-four adults with ≥ moderate pain intensity for at least 3 months were recruited. The primary outcome was change in health-related quality of life (QOL) using the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-43 Profile (PROMIS-43) and the American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA) QOL scale. Exploratory outcomes assessed safety and tolerability, changes in anxiety and depression, levels of pain intensity and interference, patient satisfaction, and impression of change. Changes in blood biomarkers of inflammation (hs-CRP and ESR) were also explored. Outcome measures were collected at Baseline, Week 2, and Week 4 (primary endpoint). At Week 4, PROMIS-43 QOL subdomains changed with significance from baseline (p < 0.05), with borderline changes in the ACPA Quality of Life scale (p < 0.052). Exploratory analyses revealed significant changes (p < 0.05) in all measures of pain intensity, pain interference, depression, and anxiety. There were no statistically significant changes in either hs-CRP or ESR, which stayed within normal limits. We conclude that oral supplementation with a fractionated marine lipid concentration standardized to 17-HDHA and 18-HEPE may improve quality of life, reduce pain intensity and interference, and improve mood within 4 weeks in adults with chronic pain. The consistency and magnitude of these results support the need for placebo-controlled clinical trials of marine lipid concentrations standardized to 17-HDHA and 18-HEPE. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov: Influence of an Omega-3 SPM Supplement on Quality of Life, NCT02683850. Registered 17 February 2016—retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02683850 .
(71) An uncommon course of fibrocartilaginous embolism causing acute spinal cord infarction following trampoline-related injury.

Introduction: Non-traumatic acute onset paralysis, particularly due to a fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE), is exceedingly rare in the pediatric population. FCE has become more popular in the literature and until recently, most of the cases have been diagnosed post-mortem and survivors have generally had poor outcomes. This is a case of a child presenting with acute ischemic spinal cord infarction with presumed FCE following trampoline jumping who had a remarkable recovery. Case Description: A 10-year-old previously healthy male presented with acute onset quadriplegia, apnea and altered mental status. Approximately 5 hours …
Subprime Lending In the Primary and Secondary Mortgage Market

This article provides an exploratory analysis of the role of subprime lending through an examination of the spatial distribution of Federal Housing Administration (FHA)-eligible home purchase loans in the primary and secondary mortgage markets. Loan originations are aggregated to the metropolitan statistical area level to examine the proportion of the market served by FHA, prime, and subprime lenders. The article then examines whether subprime lenders hold their loans in portfolio or sell them to private conduits. Primary market results indicate that subprime lenders are more active in cities with worse economic risk characteristics. Secondary market results indicate that although subprime lenders sell most loans, they are more likely to hold loans in portfolio when economic risks are improving in historically highrisk locations. Finally, when more loans are originated in underserved census tracts, subprime lenders are much more likely to hold loans in portfolio.
An Empirical Study on Team Formation in Online Games

Online games provide a rich recording of interactions that can contribute to understanding human behavior. One potential contribution is understanding what motivates people to choose their teammates. We examine several hypotheses about team formation using a large, longitudinal dataset from a team-based online gaming environment. Specifically, we test how positive familiarity, homophily, and competence determine team formation in Battlefield 4, a popular team-based game in which players choose one of two competing teams to play on. Our dataset covers over two months of in-game interactions between over 380,000 players. We show that familiarity is an important factor in team formation, while homophily is not. Competence affects team formation in more nuanced ways: players with similarly high competence team up repeatedly, but large variation in competence discourages repeated interactions.
Drug-drug interactions in subjects enrolled in SWOG trials of oral chemotherapy

Patients with cancer are at increased risk of drug-drug interactions (DDI), which can increase treatment toxicity or decrease efficacy. It is especially important to thoroughly screen DDI in oncology clinical trial subjects to ensure trial subject safety and data accuracy. This study determined the prevalence of potential DDI involving oral anti-cancer trial agents in subjects enrolled in two SWOG clinical trials. Completed SWOG clinical trials of commercially available agents with possible DDI that had complete concomitant medication information available at enrollment were included. Screening for DDI was conducted through three methods: protocol-guided screening, Lexicomp® screening, and pharmacist determination of clinical relevance. Descriptive statistics were calculated. SWOG trials S0711 (dasatinib, n = 83) and S0528 (everolimus/lapatinib, n = 84) were included. Subjects received an average of 6.6 medications (standard deviation = 4.9, range 0–29) at enrollment. Based on the clinical trial protocols, at enrollment 18.6% (31/167) of subjects had a DDI and 12.0% (20/167) had a DDI that violated a protocol exclusion criterion. According to Lexicomp®, 28.7% of subjects (48/167) had a DDI classified as moderate or worse, whereas pharmacist review indicated that 7.2% of subjects (12/167) had a clinically relevant interaction. The majority of clinically relevant DDI identified were due to the coadministration of acid suppression therapies with dasatinib (83.3%, 10/12). The high DDI prevalence in subjects enrolled on SWOG clinical trials, including a high prevalence that violate trial exclusion criteria, support the need for improved processes for DDI screening to ensure trial subject safety and trial data accuracy.
Agricultural Safety and Health Learning Methods for Agricultural Workforces.

Highlights Demonstrations and one-on-one training were the most preferred learning methods. The most-used learning methods were electronic methods. Printed materials were preferred and perceived as effective by Baby Boomers. Abstract. The purpose of this study was to investigate differences among generational cohorts in the agricultural workforce in learning methods, including frequency of use, perceived effectiveness, and preference. A total of 211 participants representing the agricultural workforce completed either a paper-based or online questionnaire. Generational cohorts were determined using participants‘ birth years. The results show that regardless of the generational cohort, demonstrations and one-on-one training were the most preferred learning methods and were also perceived as the most effective methods. Participants indicated that they mostly use electronic methods to learn about agricultural safety and health. Generational differences were found for some learning methods. Printed materials were found to be preferred and perceived as effective by Baby Boomers more so than the other cohorts. Electronic methods were mostly used by Gen X and Millennial participants. For learning about agricultural safety, demonstrations are the most preferred and most effective methods but are not used as frequently as the other learning methods. Agricultural safety education should continue delivering safety demonstrations.
Integrative analysis of the shikonin metabolic network identifies new gene connections and reveals evolutionary insight into shikonin biosynthesis

Plant specialized 1,4-naphthoquinones present a remarkable case of convergent evolution. Species across multiple discrete orders of vascular plants produce diverse 1,4-naphthoquinones via one of several pathways using different metabolic precursors. Evolution of these pathways was preceded by events of metabolic innovation and many appear to share connections with biosynthesis of photosynthetic or respiratory quinones. Here, we sought to shed light on the metabolic connections linking shikonin biosynthesis with its precursor pathways and on the origins of shiknoin metabolic genes. Downregulation of Lithospermum erythrorhizon geranyl diphosphate synthase (LeGPPS), recently shown to have been recruited from a cytoplasmic farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FPPS), resulted in reduced shikonin production and a decrease in expression of mevalonic acid and phenylpropanoid pathway genes. Next, we used LeGPPS and other known shikonin pathway genes to build a coexpression network model for identifying new gene connections to shikonin metabolism. Integrative in silico analyses of network genes revealed candidates for biochemical steps in the shikonin pathway arising from Boraginales-specific gene family expansion. Multiple genes in the shikonin coexpression network were also discovered to have originated from duplication of ubiquinone pathway genes. Taken together, our study provides evidence for transcriptional crosstalk between shikonin biosynthesis and its precursor pathways, identifies several shikonin pathway gene candidates and their evolutionary histories, and establishes additional evolutionary links between shikonin and ubiquinone metabolism. Moreover, we demonstrate that global coexpression analysis using limited transcriptomic data obtained from targeted experiments is effective for identifying gene connections within a defined metabolic network.
FDA Approval Summary: Capmatinib and Tepotinib for the Treatment of Metastatic NSCLC Harboring MET Exon 14 Skipping Mutations or Alterations

The FDA approved capmatinib and tepotinib on May 6, 2020, and February 3, 2021, respectively. Capmatinib is indicated for patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (mNSCLC) whose tumors have a mutation leading to mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) exon 14 skipping as detected by an FDA-approved test. Tepotinib is indicated for mNSCLC harboring MET exon 14 skipping alterations. The approvals were based on trials GEOMETRY mono-1 (capmatinib) and VISION (tepotinib). In GEOMETRY mono-1, overall response rate (ORR) per Blinded Independent Review Committee (BIRC) was 68% [95% confidence interval (CI), 48-84] with median duration of response (DoR) 12.6 months (95% CI, 5.5-25.3) in 28 treatment-naive patients and 41% (95% CI: 29, 53) with median DoR 9.7 months (95% CI, 5.5-13) in 69 previously treated patients with NSCLC with mutations leading to MET exon 14 skipping. In VISION, ORR per BIRC was 43% (95% CI: 32, 56) with median DoR 10.8 months (95% CI, 6.9-not estimable) in 69 treatment-naive patients and 43% (95% CI, 33-55) with median DoR 11.1 months (95% CI, 9.5-18.5) in 83 previously-treated patients with NSCLC harboring MET exon 14 alterations. These are the first two therapies to be FDA approved specifically for patients with metastatic NSCLC with MET exon 14 skipping.
The association between a statewide stay-at-home order and motor vehicle injury rates among population sub-groups in West Virginia.

Little is known about the relationship between Stay-At-Home orders issued by state governments due to the COVID-19 pandemic and their impacts on motor vehicle-related injuries. The purpose of this ...
Race Versus Ethnic Heritage in Models of Family Economic Decisions

Race is an important dimension which survey researchers use to examine a number of social phenomena. Despite its importance, few researchers realize the measurement implications of using race as a proxy for experience and culture in statistical modeling. Particularly problematic is the tendency to use race and ethnic heritage interchangeably. This article proposes that one cannot use race and ethnic heritage interchangeably without impacting the results and interpretation. Through a case study, measurement errors in models that use race and ethnic heritage interchangeably to examine family decisions are explored. Results using race are different from results when ethnic heritage is used. This article concludes with a proposed framework for research that contrasts the utility of race and ethnic heritage in statistical models.
The association of lipids with keratinous proteins of human callus.

The presence and localization of various endogenous lipids in both animal and human epidermis has been well documented qualitatively and in some cases quantitatively (1-8), and an excellent review has appeared recently (9). There is considerable evidence to indicate the importance of lipids in normal structure and function of epidermis. For example, animals made deficient in dietary essential fatty acids have been shown to develop morphologic alterations of the epidermis and increased epidermal permeability to water (10). Humans treated with triparanol, a drug which blocks the terminal pathways in cholesterol biosynthesis, develop an ichthyosiform epidermal hyperkeratosis, as well as an associated pattern of hair loss (11). The present studies derived from speculation on the relationship between the chief function of epidermis, that of establishing a barricade between external events and/or substances and the internal environment, and the chief biochemical constituent and product of epidermis, the fibrous protein (s) called keratin. Advances in molecular biology indicate that most if not all membrane barriers in nature are complexes of protein and lipids, usually phospholipids and cholesterol (9). In vitro creation of artificial membranes (12, 13) has confirmed the plausibility of specific phospholipids and cholesterol interacting as integral and successful components of such systems. The exact physical and chemical relationships of these lipids with protein are not completely resolved, though several interesting hypotheses have been introduced (14-17).
Use of Multi-Media Courseware to Teach Real-World Decision Making Skills

We combined the case study approach and information technologies to create a multi-media courseware that brought real-world decision making from engineering industry into the classrooms. This paper describes the process of developing the CD-ROM courseware, details of classroom administration, and results of measuring the effectiveness of using the courseware in classes. This courseware was selected as the Premier Courseware of 1998 by NEEDS and John Wiley and Sons through a rigorous application and review process. Evaluation results of the use of the courseware in classrooms show that it enhanced classroom experience of students and helped them understand how decisions were made in the real-world. It also enhanced their higher-level cognitive skills. We expect that widespread use of multi-media courseware build on similar principles could lead to significant changes in the way students are educated.
Boards Of Advisors In Small Businesses: An Empirical Profile Of Their Composition And Use

This article discusses the literature coverage on Boards of Advisors to date and provides the results of a study designed to determine the formation and composition of Boards of Advisors and the ways in which small businesses use such boards. Our study surveyed the Chief Executive Officers or Presidents of a large sample of small businesses. We found that there is very limited use of Boards of Advisors in small businesses and that many small business managers are not aware of the concept of a Board of Advisors. However, those small business managers (97%) that use a Board of Advisors characterize their interaction with their Boards of Advisors as good or excellent. When selecting board members, the responding executives seek practical experience, good “common sense” and industry experience as the most important types of expertise. Most board members were male (67%), active in business (90%), have managerial/strategy or law (52%) and are not compensated (53%).
Reduced Sleep Acutely Influences Sedentary Behavior and Mood But Not Total Energy Intake in Normal-Weight and Obese Women

Using a crossover design, 22 normal-weight and 22 obese women completed two free-living sleep conditions: (a) Normal Sleep: night of ~8 hr time in bed; and (b) Reduced Sleep: night of 0.05). Total mood score, depression, anger, vigor, fatigue, and confusion were worse after Reduced Sleep (p < 0.05). Reducing sleep acutely and negatively influenced sedentary time and mood in normal-weight and obese women.
Viewing Distance Related Sensory Processing in the Ascending Tract of Deiters Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex Pathway

The firing behavior of seven antidromically identified ascending tract of Deiters (ATD) neurons was recorded in one alert squirrel monkey trained to pursue moving targets and to fixate visual targets at different distances from the head during whole body rotation. 2. ATD cells generated signals related to contralateral horizontal smooth pursuit eye movements and to ipsilateral angular and linear head velocity. Most ATD neurons reversed the direction of their response to head rotation when the vestibulo-ocular reflex was canceled by fixation of a head stationary target. 3. ATD unit gains in respect to linear head velocity increased dramatically (> 4x) when a near, earth stationary target (10 cm from the eyes) was fixated, compared to the response recorded during fixation of a far target (130 to 170 cm from the eyes). Since the viewing distance related changes in the responses of ATD neurons closely parallel the changes in the responses of the eyes, the ATD appears to be an important premotor pathway for producing viewing distance related changes in the gain of the vestibulo-ocular reflex.
Hierarchical static scheduling of dataflow graphs onto multiple processors

Discusses a hierarchical scheduling framework to reduce the complexity of scheduling synchronous dataflow (SDF) graphs onto multiple processors. The core of this framework is a clustering technique that reduces the number of actors before expanding the SDF graph into an directed acyclic graph (DAG). The internals of the clusters are then scheduled with uniprocessor SDF schedulers which can optimize for memory usage. The clustering is done in such a manner as to leave ample parallelism exposed for the multiprocessor scheduler. The authors illustrate this framework with a real-time example that has been constructed in Ptolemy.
Fluorescence contouring analysis of DOC intercalibration experiment samples: a comparison of techniques

Abstract The technique of 3-D fluorescence contouring was applied to samples from the DOC (dissolved organic carbon) Intercalibration Experiment using two different instrument types: a SPEX Fluorolog 2 and a Hitachi F3010. A comparison of results from the two instruments is presented for humic-like and protein-like fluorescence signals. Distinct differences in the composition of fluorescent DOC were observed between surface and deep water which may affect results of DOC measurements obtained by different analytical techniques.
Clinical pharmacology of pinacidil, a prototype for drugs that affect potassium channels.

The clinical pharmacology of potassium channel openers has been reviewed using pinacidil as a prototype drug. When administered acutely or chronically, the hemodynamic and neuroendocrine profile is that of a peripheral arterial vasodilator. The drug produces decreases in peripheral vascular resistance, and subsequent blood pressure decreases are associated with reflex increments in heart rate. When studied, plasma catecholamines increased about twofold during chronic therapy. Plasma renin activity, however, was not increased during chronic therapy with pinacidil monotherapy. When patients were treated with pinacidil doses ranging from 12.5 to 75 mg b.i.d., 66.9% of patients had a decrease in supine diastolic blood pressure to below 91 mm Hg and 10 mm Hg less than baseline, whereas only 23.9% of patients had similar falls during placebo treatment. During maintenance therapy with pinacidil, the average blood pressure during the daytime dosing interval was 137.8 +/- 1.2/83.4 +/- 0.7 mm Hg (mean +/- SEM). Titration of pinacidil as monotherapy resulted in a characteristic adverse event profile dominated by the presence of dose-related edema. Other characteristic events included tachycardia, palpitations and headache. When pinacidil was given to patients unresponsive to hydrochlorothiazide (25 mg b.i.d.), similar efficacy relative to placebo was noted with a change of post-dose supine diastolic blood pressure in the pinacidil group of 13.5 +/- 0.8 mm Hg and 7.3 +/- 0.9 mm Hg in the placebo group.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Longitudinal changes of mtDNA A3243G mutation load and level of functioning in MELAS

Mitochondrial encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS), one of the most common mitochondrial multisystemic diseases, is most commonly associated with an A-to-G transition at nucleotide position 3243 (A3243G) in mitochondrial DNA. We studied 34 individuals harboring the A3243G mutation for up to 7 years; 17 had the full MELAS phenotype and 17 who were classified as "carrier relatives" because they were either asymptomatic or had some symptoms suggestive of mitochondrial disease but no seizures or strokes. Using the sensitive real-time polymerase chain reaction to quantify the A3243G mutation, we confirmed that the percent mutation decreases progressively in DNA isolated from blood: the average percent decrease was 0.5% per year for fully symptomatic patients and 0.2% per year for oligosymptomatic carrier relatives. We also correlated mutant loads with functional status estimated by the Karnofksky score: even though the mutation load decreases, the level of functioning worsens in fully symptomatic patients, whereas the level of functioning of carrier relatives remains largely unchanged. This study suggests that A3243G mutant load in DNA isolated from blood is neither useful for prognosis nor for functional assessment.
A system for detecting xml similarity in content and structure using relational database

In this paper, we describe a system incorporating an improved technique that detects the similarity of two XML documents based on content and structure similarity using keys. The technique consists of three major components: a subtree generator and validator, a key generator, and similarity components that compare content and structure of the XML documents. First, an XML document is stored in a relational database and extracted into small subtrees using leaf-node parents. The leaf-node parents are considered as a root of a subtree which is then recursively traversed bottom-up for matching. Second, a possible key(s) is identified in order to match XML subtrees from two documents efficiently. Key matchings help in reducing the number of comparisons dramatically. In addition, the number of subtrees to be processed is reduced in the subtree validation phase using instance statistics and taxonomic analyzer. The subtrees are matched by the key(s) first and the remaining subtrees are matched by finding degrees of similarity in content and structure. To obtain improved similarity comparison results, XML element names are transformed according to their semantic similarity. The results show that the clustering points are selected appropriately and the overall execution time is reduced dramatically.
Preparation and characterization of specifically tritiated adrenocorticotropin.

Abstract The catalytic dehalogenation of iodinated derivatives of corticotropin in the presence of tritium was investigated. In 0.1 M acetic acid, complete and rapid removal of iodine was achieved in the presence of freshly prepared palladium or palladium oxide as catalyst, but the specific radioactivity of the product was only 10–20% of the theoretically attainable value. Synthetic human corticotropin containing a 3,5-diiodo tyrosine in position 23 in place of tyrosine was successfully dehalogenated in solvent mixture 0.1 M acetic acid : hexamethylphosphoramide : di dimethylformamide (1 : 10 : 90, v/v) in the presence of palladium oxide and calcium carbonate. The product was obtained in 30% yield after purification by carboxymethyl cellulose chroatography. The tritiated hormone had a specific radioactivity of 46 Ci/mmol (80% of the theoretical value) and was as potent as synthetic human corticotropin in stimulating steroidogenesis and lipolysis.
Blockade of glutamatergic transmission as treatment for dyskinesias and motor fluctuations in Parkinson's disease

In animal models of Parkinson's disease (PD), glutamate antagonists diminish levodopa (LD)-associated motor fluctuations and dyskinesias. We sought to investigate if these preclinical observations can be extended to the human disease, by evaluating the effects of three non-competitive NMDA antagonists (dextrorphan, dextromethorphan and amantadine) on the motor response to LD in patients with advanced PD. In four separate trials, adjuvant therapy with these drugs reduced LD-induced dyskinesias and motor fluctuations. These findings support the view that drugs acting to inhibit glutamatergic transmission at the NMDA receptor can ameliorate LD associated motor response complications.
A self-consistent cut-off and a baryon-meson model

Abstract A heuristic approach leads to a suggested fundamental non-linear dynamical equation for a neutral nucleon field operator in Heisenberg representation. Analysis of this equation leads to an equation in momentum space which the fermion propagator must satisfy in a self-consistent manner. This specifies a self-consistent cut-off with at least two additional masses, a ghost one and a real one. To interpret this the Sakata compound model is introduced for the baryon-meson system and extended for reasons of symmetry. A general formally symmetric strong coupling is introduced and discussed. The resultant modification of the fundamental non-linear dynamical equation is then used with the τ-function formalism to generate, in the lowest approximation, the equation of motion of a single baryon, a single meson, and the baryon-baryon interaction. For the lowest approximation for the baryon propagation, a suggested self-consistent baryon propagator is numerically related to the normalization constants, the coupling constant and the mass of the possible meson doublet which the lowest approximation indicates. The significance of this mass doublet is discussed, and the corresponding magnitude of the typical nuclear forces outside the nucleon core is given in the lowest approximation.
Beneficial action of naloxone in splanchnic artery occlusion shock

The effects of naloxone on mean arterial blood pressure, myocardial depressant factor (MDF) activity and survival, after splanchnic artery occlusion were studied in cats. Naloxone significantly improved survival in splanchnic artery occlusion shock and prevented the accumulation of MDF in the plasma.
Nicotine Dependence—treatment for the 1990s

Physicians must recognize that nicotine is a powerfully addictive drug, and patients with nicotine dependence will have all the hallmarks of an addictive disorder. To successfully treat such patients will require compassion and patience on the part of the physician along with the realization that successful treatment will not be easy for most. As with other drugs, there is a very high relapse rate after initial abstinence and this can be discouraging for physicians and patients alike. Applying the principles outlined above in a stepped-care fashion will lead to greater success in dealing with this difficult problem. In the future, more effective treatment interventions will be developed and tested but it is unlikely that there will be a simple cure for this complex behaviour which is complicated by a powerfully addictive drug. Though not a cure-all, adjunctive pharmacologic therapy will play an increasingly important role as we learn how to better use existing agents and as others are shown to be effective. The key to the future is in the development of better relapse prevention techniques to enhance the rather remarkable short-term success rates that can be achieved with counselling and adjunctive pharmacologic therapy.
Compassionate Accommodation after the Declaration of Brain Death

than blacks with no DNR (95% CI 1⁄4 1.94e2.09). Additionally, ten percent incremental increases in a NHs proportion of Medicaid-pay residents reduces the odds of hospice use by 44% among blacks (95% CI 1⁄4 0.56e0.57), but reduces the odds of hospice use among whites by less than one percent (95% CI 1⁄4 0.992e0.999). V. Conclusion. Individualand facility-level factors are associated with racial disparities in hospice use among NH decedents. VI. Implications for Research, Policy, or Practice. Heightening use of advanced directives and increasing hospice outreach to married blacks and low resource NHs could alleviate racial disparities in end-of-life care.
Heat Inactivation of Protease Inhibitors in a Soybean Line Lacking the Kunitz Trypsin Inhibitor

The effect of heat treatment (autoclaving at 121°C, 15 psi for various periods of time) on the trypsin- and chymotrypsin-inhibitor activities of a soybean line lacking the Kunitz trypsin inhibitor (SBTI) was compared to that of commercial untoasted soy flour. The trypsin- and chymotrypsin-inhibitor activites of the SBTI-free soybeans were approximately one-half and three-fourths that of the soy flour, respectively. Less heat treatment was required to produce a given level of destruction of these inhibitor activities in the case of the SBTI-free soybeans than with the soy flour. The effect of heat on the ratio of chymotrypsin- to trypsin-inhibitor activities was notably different between the two soybean samples and presumably reflects differences in the amounts and thermal stability of the various protease inhibitors known to be present in soybeans. The nutritional implications of these findings are discussed.
Hydrotreatment process kinetics for bitumen and bitumen-derived liquids☆

Abstract Hydrodenitrogenation, hydrodesulfurization and resid conversion data for the Whiterocks bitumen and bitumen-derived liquid were analysed using a modified power rate law model. The data were obtained with a fixed-bed reactor in the upflow mode. A space velocity (WHSV α ) term was included to account for deviations from plug flow behaviour. The upflow mode was preferred to the trickle-bed mode to ensure complete wetting of the catalyst and nearly isothermal operation. The apparent kinetic parameters were obtained by combined non-linear regression and ODE solver techniques for the analysis of laboratory data. A simple n th-order power rate law expression for hydrodenitrogenation and hydrodesulfurization was examined. The higher than first-order kinetics for hydrodenitrogenation and hydrodesulfurization of the bitumen and bitumen-derived liquids were explained by invoking two parallel first-order reactions for the facile and refractory fractions or lumps. Parallel and consecutive reaction schemes were used to examine the extent of conversion of the resid fraction to middle distillate, gas oil and naphtha. The apparent kinetic parameters were also determined.
Chondritis attributable to Lactobacillus after ear piercing.

Abstract A diabetic patient was admitted with ear pain and purulent discharge after "high ear piercing" by a friend. After investigation she was found to have chondritis, complicated by an abscess. Wound cultures grew Lactobacillus species. Patient responded to parenteral antibiotics without suffering cosmetic deformity. Sterile technique, adherence to post-piercing ear hygiene, and avoiding piercing the auricular cartilage may prevent complications associated with ear piercing. Lactobacillus should be included in the differential of pathogens involved in post-piercing chondritis.
How Does Changing Measurement Change Management Behavior? A Review of the Evidence

The effect of a change in accounting standards on reporting firms' economic behavior is often a concern raised by those opposing the accounting change. Some view these changes in behavior as an inevitable consequence of a rule change. Others are not persuaded by these arguments. Although the empirical evidence of changes in economic behavior is not extensive it is consistent with accounting changes resulting in firms changing both operating and financing decisions. The evidence of which economic incentives give rise to these changes is more limited. Changes in economic behavior appear to consistently be related to the regulatory use of accounting numbers. In addition some evidence related to incentives created by management compensation and by market discipline has been found. Evidence of the importance of debt covenants in inducing accounting changes is less convincing given limited examination of actual debt contracts and the use of poor proxies of covenant slack. The existing research does very little to tell us whether any changes in behavior are for the better or for the worse.
Numerical solution of a nonlinear integro-differential equation

Abstract Galerkin's method with appropriate discretization in time is considered for approximating the solution of the nonlinear integro-differential equation u t (x, t) = ∝ 0 t a(t − τ) ∂ ∂x σ(u x (x, τ)) dτ + f(x, t) , 0 An error estimate in a suitable norm will be derived for the difference u − uh between the exact solution u and the approximant uh. It turns out that the rate of convergence of uh to u as h → 0 is optimal. This result was confirmed by the numerical experiments.
Pinhole Micro-SPECT/CT for Noninvasive Monitoring and Quantitation of Oncolytic Virus Dispersion and Percent Infection in Solid Tumors

The purpose of our study was to validate the ability of pinhole micro-single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) to: 1) accurately resolve the intratumoral dispersion pattern and 2) quantify the infection percentage in solid tumors of an oncolytic measles virus encoding the human sodium iodide symporter (MV-NIS). Sodium iodide symporter (NIS) RNA level and dispersion pattern were determined in control and MV-NIS-infected BxPC-3 pancreatic tumor cells and mouse xenografts using quantitative, real-time, reverse transcriptase, polymerase chain reaction, autoradiography and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Mice with BxPC-3 xenografts were imaged with (123)I or (99)TcO(4) micro-SPECT/CT. Tumor dimensions and radionuclide localization were determined with imaging software. Linear regression and correlation analyses were performed to determine the relationship between tumor infection percentage and radionuclide uptake (% injected dose per gram) above background and a highly significant correlation was observed (r(2)=0.947). A detection threshold of 1.5-fold above the control tumor uptake (background) yielded a sensitivity of 2.7% MV-NIS-infected tumor cells. We reliably resolved multiple distinct intratumoral zones of infection from non-infected regions. Pinhole micro-SPECT/CT imaging using the NIS reporter demonstrated precise localization and quantitation of oncolytic MV-NIS infection, and can replace more time-consuming and expensive analyses (for example, autoradiography and IHC) that require animal killing.