cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Teeth: Small but Mighty and Mighty Important. A Comprehensive Review of Children’s Dental Health for Primary Care Clinicians

Healthy teeth allow us to eat and stay well-nourished. Although primary care clinicians receive limited training about teeth, given the common nature of dental problems, it is important that they understand and recognize normal and abnormal dental conditions and can implement primary and secondary prevention of dental conditions in their practice. PubMed has been used to search the scientific literature for evidence on the following topics: normal dental development, dental abnormalities, malocclusion, teething, dental caries and related epidemiology and prevention, fluoride, dental injury and its management and prevention; and identification, prevention and treatment of gingivitis and periodontal disease. Literature review relied on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and Cochrane reviews when relevant and available. Other sources of evidence included cohort and case-control studies. Consensus statements and expert opinion were used when there was a paucity of high-quality research studies. The literature has been synthesized on these topics to make them relevant to pediatric primary care clinicians, and as available, the strength of evidence has been characterized when making clinical recommendations.
Learning is not enough: Diminishing marginal revenues and increasing abatement costs of wind and solar

Abstract The economics of wind and solar generation face two opposing drivers. Technological progress leads to lower costs and both wind and solar have shown dramatic price reductions in recent decades. At the same time, adding wind and solar lowers market electricity prices and thus revenue during periods when they produce energy. In this work, we analyze these two opposing effects of renewable integration: learning and diminishing marginal revenue, investigated using a model that assumes the status quo with regards to generation technology mix and demand. Our modeling results suggest that reduction in revenue from market forces may offset or even outpace technological progress. If deployed on current grids without changes to demand response, storage or other integrating technologies, the cost of mitigating CO2 with wind will increase and will be no cheaper in the future than it is today for solar. This study highlights the need to deploy grid technologies such as storage and new transmission in order to integrate wind and solar in an economically sustainable manner.
Early acquisition and conversion of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Hispanic youth with cystic fibrosis in the United States

Abstract Background For unknown reasons, Hispanic patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) have more severe pulmonary disease than non-Hispanic white patients. In CF, the pulmonary pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa is associated with worse outcomes. We sought to determine if Hispanic patients with CF are at an increased risk of acquiring P. aeruginosa or acquire it earlier than non-Hispanic white patients. Methods This is a longitudinal study comparing the timing and risk of acquisition of different forms of P. aeruginosa between Hispanic and non-Hispanic white patients aged 0-21 years old with CF in the CF Foundation Patient Registry (CFFPR) in 2008-2013. The age at the initial acquisition of P. aeruginosa (initial acquisition, mucoid, chronic, multidrug-resistant) was summarized using Kaplan-Meier survival curves and analyzed using Cox proportional hazards regression models. Results Of 10,464 patients, 788 (7.5%) were Hispanic and 9,676 (92.5%) were non-Hispanic white. Hispanic patients acquired all forms of P. aeruginosa at a younger age than non-Hispanic white patients. Hispanic patients had a higher risk of acquiring P. aeruginosa than non-Hispanic white patients: the hazard ratio (HR) was 1.26 (95% CI 1.16-1.38, p Conclusions Hispanic patients have an increased risk of acquiring P. aeruginosa and acquire it at an earlier age than non-Hispanic white patients in the United States. This may contribute to increased morbidity and mortality in Hispanic patients with CF.
An Extensive Set of Kinematic and Kinetic Data for Individuals with Intact Limbs and Transfemoral Prosthesis Users

This paper introduces an extensive human motion data set for typical activities of daily living. These data are crucial for the design and control of prosthetic devices for transfemoral prosthesis users. This data set was collected from seven individuals, including five individuals with intact limbs and two transfemoral prosthesis users. These data include the following types of movements: (1) walking at three different speeds; (2) walking up and down a 5-degree ramp; (3) stepping up and down; (4) sitting down and standing up. We provide full-body marker trajectories and ground reaction forces (GRFs) as well as joint angles, joint velocities, joint torques, and joint powers. This data set is publicly available at the website referenced in this paper. Data from flexion and extension of the hip, knee, and ankle are presented in this paper. However, the data accompanying this paper (available on the internet) include 46 distinct measurements and can be useful for validating or generating mathematical models to simulate the gait of both transfemoral prosthesis users and individuals with intact legs.
Normativity in Plato’s Philebus

This paper extracts and articulates the account of normativity in Plato’s Philebus. Central to this account is the concept of measure, which plays both an ontological and a normative role. With regard to the former, measure is what makes particular things to be the specific kind of thing they are; with regard to the latter, measure supplies the appropriate standard for determining whether or not those things are good or bad instances of their kind. As a result of measure playing these two roles, normative evaluation is grounded in the ontological structure of the thing being evaluated.
Chemokine receptor antagonists enhance morphine's antinociceptive effect but not respiratory depression.

Abstract Aims We have shown that chemokines injected into the periaqueductal gray region of the brain blocks opioid-induced analgesia in the rat cold-water tail flick test (CWTF). The present experiments tested whether chemokine receptor antagonists (CRAs), in combination with sub-analgesic doses of morphine, would provide maximal analgesia in the CWTF test and the mouse formalin pain assay. The effect of CRAs on respiratory depression was also evaluated. Main methods One, two or four CRAs (AMD3100/CXCR4, maraviroc/CCR5, RS504393/CCR2 orAZD8797/CX3CR1) were used in combination with sub-analgesic doses of morphine, all given systemically. Pain was assessed using the rat CWTF test or formalin injection into the paw of mice scored by licking. Respiration and oxygen saturation were measured in rats using a MouseOX® Plus – pulse oximeter. Key findings In the CWTF test, a sub-maximal dose of morphine in combination with maraviroc alone, maraviroc plus AMD3100, or with the four chemokine receptor antagonists, produced synergistic increases in antinociception. In the formalin test, the combination of four CRAs plus a sub-maximal dose of morphine resulted in increased antinociception in both male and female mice. AMD3100 had an additive effect with morphine in both sexes. Coadministration of CRAs with morphine did not potentiate the opioid respiratory depressive effect. Significance These results support the conclusion that combinations of CRAs can increase the potency of sub-analgesic doses of morphine analgesia without increasing respiratory depression. The results support an “opioid sparing” strategy for alleviation of pain using reduced doses of opioids in combination with CRAs to achieve maximal analgesia.
A Meta-Analysis by Mathematics Teachers of the GIFT Program Using Success Case Methodology

The ICMI-ICIAM Discussion Document (2009), Educational Interfaces between Mathematics and Industry, talks about “… the intimate connections between mathematics and industry” and, for example, then says that”… mathematics is said to be used almost everywhere. However, these uses are not generally visible except to specialists.” The GIFT program is one whose goal is to bridge this gap through substantive projects, which bring practicing middle and high school mathematics teachers into industrial projects and then have them integrate their new experiences back into their classroom. Because of time constraints, teachers without firsthand knowledge cannot provide mathematical situations, which involve “real life problems.” The last sentence of 1.1 in the Discussion Document is especially in agreement with our approach; to wit, “In other words, learners should be equipped for flexibility in an ever-changing work and life environment, globally and locally.” From the GIFT experience, the flexibility should change the teachers’ outlook and, ultimately, the outlook of their students. The last four of the bullets of the “What are the aims of the Study?” and the last two of “Why is there a need for this Study?” fit well with the goals of the GIFT program. The issues of section 8 (Curriculum and Syllabus issues) and 9 (teacher training) of the discussion document fits well with regard to the goals of the GIFT project. The present work lays the groundwork for future projects motivated by the discussion document. The results of the present meta-analysis will ultimately be used as a basis for further analysis in a long-term project using a variety of methods for both math and science teachers.
Towards a high flux continuous atom laser

Summary form only given. To realize an atom laser /sup 87/Rb atoms are loaded into the waveguide using magneto-optical forces, similar to our previous setup for Cs. We have demonstrated recently that atoms can be propagated along the magnetic guide using a friction force at non-zero velocity (moving molasses). As the atoms move away from the MOT region decoupling them from the light while maintaining magnetic trapping.
OpenNotes: Hospitalists' challenge and opportunity

At a time of societal fascination both with transparency and the explosion of health information technologies, a growing number of hospitals are offering, or will soon offer patients and their family instantaneous access to their doctors' and nurses' notes. What will this new opportunity for patient engagement mean for the hospitalist? Today, state and federal government regulations either encourage or require healthcare providers to grant patients access to their clinical information. But despite the rules embedded in the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), patients often face time-consuming obstacles in their quest for access, and many providers view compliance as a burden. We suggest an alternative view: Over time, we anticipate that inviting patients to review their medical record will reduce risk, increase knowledge, foster active engagement, and help them take more control of their care. The OpenNotes trial provides clues as to how such practice will affect both patients and providers (1, 2). We anticipate that transparent records will stimulate hospitalists, PCPs, and other caregivers to improve communication throughout the patient's hospital stay. OpenNotes offers a special opportunity for improving the patient experience after leaving the hospital as well. Open notes will be viewed by many as a disruptive change, and the best strategy for adapting will be to move proactively to create policies that establish clear guidelines, for which the authors offer some suggestions.
Stromlo Workshop on High-Velocity Clouds - Conference Highlights

A highly colloquialized summary of the Stromlo Workshop on High-Velocity Clouds, held Aug 14-15, 1998, at Mount Stromlo Observatory. The proceedings will be edited by Brad Gibson and Mary Putman, and published as part of the ASP Conference Series.
Use of flow cytometry for determination of growth rates of germinal tissue from Echinococcus multilocularis and E. vogeli

A method to determine the cell cycle and growth rate of germinal tissue from Echinococcus multilocularis and E. vogeli using flow cytometry is described. In particular, the technique involves the use of either a mercury arc-lamp or laser-equipped system, depending on the general availability of the instruments. Of 5 DNA fluorescent stains tested, only a mixture of ethidium bromide and mithramycin (an energy-transfer method) results in adequate resolution of the cell-cycle and sufficient separation from background noise on the mercury-arc lamp system. DAPI is the stain of choice on the laser system. Enzymatic digestion with collagenase allowed the isolation of germinal cells from differentiated cells of the larval tissue, providing a more precise analysis of the percentage of cycling cells in the germinal layer. Physical separation of germinal cells from incidental host cells is unnecessary. The great disparity in DNA content between cells of Echinococcus spp. and mammalian cells essentially results in separate histograms in flow cytometry.
Using learned data patterns to detect malicious nodes in sensor networks

As sensor network applications often involve remote, distributed monitoring of inaccessible and hostile locations, they are vulnerable to both physical and electronic security breaches. The sensor nodes, once compromised, can send erroneous data to the base station, thereby possibly compromising network effectiveness. We consider sensor nodes organized in a hierarchy where the non-leaf nodes serve as the aggregators of the data values sensed at the leaf level and the Base Station corresponds to the root node of the hierarchy. To detect compromised nodes, we use neural network based learning techniques where the nets are used to predict the sensed data at any node given the data reported by its neighbors in the hierarchy. The differences between the predicted and the reported values is used to update the reputation of any given node. We compare a Q-learning schemes with the Beta reputation management approach for their responsiveness to compromised nodes. We evaluate the robustness of our detection schemes by varying the members of compromised nodes, patterns in sensed data, etc.
Oral ritodrine maintenance in the treatment of preterm labor

Seventy patients with preterm labor and intact membranes were initially treated with ritodrine hydrochloride to delay preterm delivery. Tocolysis beyond 24 hours was achieved in 59 patients. Fifty-five of the 59 patients were then placed on either oral ritodrine or placebo as maintenance therapy in a randomized double-blind manner. If preterm labor recurred, the sequence of intramuscular and then oral treatment was repeated. The number of days gained after initiation of intramuscular treatment was similar in both groups (oral ritodrine = 34 days, oral placebo = 36 days). In those 55 patients receiving oral treatment, there was a smaller number of relapses requiring repeat intramuscular treatment in the oral ritodrine group (1.11 in the ritodrine patient vs. 2.71 in the placebo patient, p less than 0.05), and the mean interval between beginning oral treatment and the first relapse/delivery was 5.8 days in the oral placebo group and 25.9 in those receiving oral ritodrine (p less than 0.05). Cardiovascular side effects, notably maternal tachycardia and palpitations were frequent but well tolerated. The results suggest that oral ritodrine maintenance will decrease the incidence of recurrent preterm labor in patients who have had initial successful tocolysis.
Development of methotrexate α-peptides as prodrugs for activation by enzyme-monoclonal antibody conjugates

Abstract Selective delivery of lethal concentrations of drugs to tumors, allowing the latter to be eradicated without damage to other tissues, continues to be a major goal in cancer chemotherapy. Prodrugs (i.e. drugs that have been derivatized to prevent uptake into cells or interaction with targets), activated by enzyme-monoclonal antibody conjugates positioned at tumor sites, offer promise for achieving this objective. Methotrexate α-peptides (derivatives in which an amino acid is linked to the α-carboxyl group of the glutamate moiety) are ideal prodrugs, since they are not transported into cells and can be converted to the parent drug by carboxypeptidases. The l,l -diastereomer of MTX-α-Phe, synthesized in good yield by treatment of the p-nitrophenyl ester of 4-amino-4-deoxy-10-methylpteroic acid with Glu-α-Phe, was hydrolyzed readily by carboxypeptidase A (CP-A). Conjugate was prepared by derivatizing the enzyme and monoclonal antibody KS1/4 with linkers containing maleimide and sulfhydryl groups, respectively; interaction of these groups to form a stable thioether bond joined the proteins. When administered in vitro to UCLA-P3 human lung adenocarcinoma cells (ca. 5 × 104 antibody binding sites/cell) that had been pre-treated with the conjugate (whose antibody KS1/4 is targeted to these cells), and excess conjugate removed by extensive washing, MTX-Phe (ID50 = 6.3 × 10−8 m ) approached the toxicity of MTX (ID50 = 4.5 × 10−8 m ) In the absence of conjugate, MTX-Phe was much less toxic (ID50 = 2.2 × 10−6 m ).
Effect of Piperonyl Butoxide on Organic Anion and Cation Transport in Rabbit Kidneys

Piperonyl butoxide has been shown to reduce accumulation of cephaloridine in rabbit renal cortex; however, the mechanism responsible for this effect remains unclear. Cepha- loridine is a zwitterion and its accumulation in renal cortex has been suggested to be regulated by both organic anion and cation transport systems. Thus, it was of interest to determine the effect of piperonyl butoxide on renal transport of p-aminohippurate (PAH, an organic anion) and tetraethylammonium (TEA, an organic cation). Although pretreatment with piperonyl butoxide markedly inhibited renal cortical uptake of cephaloridine, the same treatment had less inhibitory effect on either PAH or TEA uptake. Efflux of PAH from preloaded renal cortical slices was enhanced by pretreatment with piperonyl butoxide; however, TEA efflux was unaffected. Thus, piperonyl butoxide appears to have effects on renal membrane functions which result in differential effects on PAH, TEA, and cephaloridine transport.
Prostaglandis show marked differences when tested against early ischemic dysrhythmias in rat

Abstract The effects of prostaglandins (PGs) F 1α , I 2 , F 2β , and E 2 , together with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and quinidine were compared on arrhythmias following ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery in anesthetized rats. An objective method of assessing arrhythmias based on the severity and duration of a sudden fall in blood pressure (BP) was used together with changes in the electrocardiogram (ECG) to quantify the data. When infused at 2 mcg/kg/min pre-ligation, PGs F 1α and I 2 increased the severity of the arrhythmias while F 2β and E 2 decreased the severity. Only the results with PGE 2 were statistically significant. The most effective PG, E 2 , produced a 69 per cent decrease in arrhythmic score compared to a 93 per cent decrease with quinidine. ASA produced a non statistically significant 43 per cent decrease in arrhythmic score. PGE 2 had no significant effect when infused post-ligation. None of the PGs had any marked effect on maximum following frequency in in vivo rat heart when infused 1–10 mcg/kg/min. These data indicate that PGs show marked specificity depending on the prostaglandin in their action on early ischemic arrhythmias. The site of PG antiarrhythmic activity may be in the occluded zone, and the antiarrhythmic action of PGs cannot be explained by their effects on electrical refractoriness in the heart.
Work hardening in rolled nanolayered metallic composites

The strength of room temperature rolled sputter deposited nanolayered Cu–Nb composites is evaluated. Self-supported Cu–Nb foils with initial individual layer thickness varying from 32 to 75 nm were rolled to the same final layer thickness of 30 nm. Nanoindentation hardness measurements were used to study the change in hardness with rolling strain. The resulting work hardening rate is compared to bulk Cu and mechanisms that give rise to work hardening in nanolayered metals, in the absence of dislocation cell structure formation, are discussed.
Pelvic kidney in cloacal exstrophy

Four of five patients with cloacal exstrophy seen at the Massachusetts General Hospital since 1978 have had pelvic kidneys. This association is discussed and a possible embryological explanation considered.
Chimeric Co-stimulatory Molecules That Selectively Act through CD28 or CTLA-4 on Human T Cells

CD28 and CTLA-4 (CD152) play a pivotal role in the regulation of T cell activation. Upon ligation by CD80 (B7–1) or CD86 (B7–2), CD28 induces T cell proliferation, cytokine production, and effector functions, whereas CTLA-4 signaling inhibits expansion of activated T cells and induces tolerance. Therefore, we hypothesized that co-stimulatory molecules that preferentially bind CD28 or CTLA-4 would have dramatically altered biological properties. We describe directed molecular evolution of CD80 genes derived from human, orangutan, rhesus monkey, baboon, cat, cow, and rabbit by DNA shuffling and screening. In contrast to wild-type CD80, the evolved co-stimulatory molecules, termed CD28-binding protein (CD28BP) and CTLA-4-binding protein (CTLA-4BP), selectively bind to CD28 or CTLA-4, respectively. Furthermore, CD28BP has improved capacity to induce human T cell proliferation and interferon-γ production compared with wild-type CD80. In contrast, CTLA-4BP inhibited human mixed leukocyte reaction (MLR) and enhanced interleukin 10 production in MLR, supporting a role for CTLA-4BP in inducing T cell anergy and tolerance. In addition, co-stimulation of purified human T cells was significantly suppressed when CTLA-4BP was cotransfected with either CD80 or CD28BP. The amino acid sequences of CD28BP and CTLA-4BP were 61 and 96% identical with that of human CD80 and provide insight into the residues that are critical in the ligand binding. These molecules provide a new approach to characterization of CD28 and CTLA-4 signals and to manipulation of the T cell response.
The ontogeny of coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) behavior following embryonic exposure to benzo[a]pyrene

Abstract The ontogeny of coho salmon ( Oncorhynchus kisutch ) behavior following a brief embryonic exposure to a known mutagen/carcinogen was investigated. Coho salmon embryos were exposed to benzo[ a ]pyrene (B[ a ]P) at one of two stages in development, either 24 h post fertilization (early B[ a ]P) or approximately one week prior to hatching (Late B[ a ]P). Early B[a]P and Late B[ a ]P exposed embryos hatched significantly earlier or later than the controls. The successful emergence of coho salmon alevins from artificial redds was significantly reduced by B[ a ]P exposure. Significantly fewer fish from both exposure groups performed the normal upstream orientation and swimming characteristic of the controls following emergence. Furthermore, at higher concentrations fewer alevins survived to emergence, although no differences in weight, total length, or fin development were detected. The ability of coho salmon to establish and maintain territories was not affected by B[ a ]P exposure. However, both Early B[ a ]P and Late B] a ]P exposed fry foraged significantly more than controls. Examination of the ontogeny of salmonid behavior, rather than a single behavior pattern proved beneficial as B[ a ]P did not affect all behavior similarly. Embryonic sublethal doses of B[ a ]P were found to be capable of inducing subtle changes in behavior weeks or even months following hatching.
Patterns of Regional Yield Stability in Association with Regional Environmental Characteristics

Regional-level recurring spatial patterns of yield variability are important for commercial activities, strategic agricultural planning, and public policy, but little is known about the factors contributing to their formation. An important step to improve our understanding is recognizing regional spatial patterns of yield variability in association with regional environmental characteristics. We examined the spatial distribution of county-level mean yields and CVs of mean yields of four functionally different crops—corn (Zea mays L.), soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], alfalfa (Medicago sativa), and oat (Avena sativa L.)—in Iowa using Moran’s Index of spatial autocorrelation. Patterns of association with 12 county-level climatic, edaphic, and topographic environmental characteristics were examined using partial least squares regression. Two distinct geographic provinces of yield stability were identifi ed: one in the northern two-thirds of the state characterized by high mean yields and high yield constancy, and one in the southern third of the state characterized by low mean yields and low yield constancy. Among eight partial least squares regression models, which explained 50 to 81% of variation of mean yields and yield CVs, mean organic matter and mean depth to seasonally high water table had greatest relative importance to mean yields of grass crops and legume crops, respectively. Among the CV models, variables describing water availability were of greatest relative importance, with less distinct differences between grass and legume crops. Partial least squares regression is a potentially powerful tool for understanding regional yield variability.
Recording pH Method of Characterizing Composition and Monitoring Dissolution Profile of an Anhydride–Acid Copolymer and Its Salt Derivatives

A sensitive potentiometric monitoring method was developed that permits the continuous measurement of the dissolution profiles of methyl vinyl ether-maleic anhydride-acid copolymers and salt derivatives. Three distinct rate periods were observed in the dissolution of the anhydride copolymer. The relative dissolution rate of the anhydride copolymer, expressed as percent anhydride dissolved, was independent of sample weight over the weight range studied. The acid form of the copolymer showed only one dissolution rate period, with dissolution being very rapid. The rapid initial pH decrease observed during the first stage of dissolution for a series of anhydride-acid copolymer powder samples correlated closely with the anhydride-acid ratio, permitting chemical characterization of the copolymer functionality simultaneously with the analysis of dissolution profiles. Similarly, the extent of copolymer alkaline salt conversion was inversely proportional to the initial maximum pH increase observed during the first stage of dissolution of these salts. Mechanisms of dissolution of copolymer powder materials are discussed and compared to the dissolution of compressed disks and films reported previously.
Integration of multimodality images: success and future directions

The concept of multi-modality image integration, in which images obtained from different sensors are co-registered spatially and various aspects of object characteristics revealed by individual imaging techniques are synergistically fused in order to yield new information, has received considerable attention in recent years. The initial success was made in visualizing integrated brain images which show the overlay of physiological information from PET or SPECT with anatomical information from CT or MRI, providing new knowledge of correlates of brain function and brain structure that was difficult to access previously. Extension of this concept to cardiac and pulmonary imaging is still in its infancy. One additional difficulty in dealing with cardiac/pulmonary data sets is the issue of motion. However, some features in periodic motion may offer additional information for the purpose of spatial co-registration. In addition to visualization of the fused image data in 2-D and 3-D, future directions in the arena of image integration from multiple modalities include multi-modal image reconstruction, multi-modal image segmentation and feature extraction, and other image analysis tasks that incorporate information available from multiple sources.
Kinetics of Deuterium Exchange on Resorcinol in D2O at High Pressure and High Temperature

The kinetics of deuteration of resorcinol in pure D{sub 2}O were studied for the first time using a flow-through capillary tubular reactor with on-line, proton, and deuterium NMR detection at high temperatures and high pressure. The global rate constants for hydrogen/deuterium (H/D) exchange were determined from temperatures of 200--450 C (723 K) at a pressure of {approximately}400 bar (the critical temperature and pressure of water are 374.2 C and 218.3 bar, respectively). The H/D exchange rate in resorcinol (1,3-dihydroxybenzene) under these extreme conditions was determined using proton NMR as a function of the resorcinol residence time in a capillary tubular reactor, which also served as a high-pressure NMR cell. The {sup 1}H and {sup 2}H NMR results indicate that H/D exchange in resorcinol for the ring protons was observed at temperatures as low as 200 C. The kinetics of H/D exchange in resorcinol and the activation energy was extracted from the experimental {sup 1}H NMR data.
A market segmentation approach to esteem and efficacy in information search

Purpose – Building on consumer purchase behavior and self‐confidence theories combined with insights from marketing segmentation literature, this study aims to investigate the influence of self‐esteem and self‐efficacy on consumers' selection of sources of information when making a product buying decision.Design/methodology/approach – Multivariate analysis of variance was used to analyze the main and interaction effects of the independent categorical variables on multiple dependent interval variables. An online survey was distributed using search engine marketing.Findings – The results indicate that sources of information are used differently among individuals with differing levels of self‐esteem and self‐efficacy. For example, individuals with higher self‐efficacy relied on themselves for information, while those with lower self‐efficacy relied on impersonal sources of information, such as the media or internet. Individuals with higher self‐esteem relied on themselves and impersonal sources (media and in...
Free T4 (FT4) levels may not be accurate for the detection of hypothyroidism in pregnant women

CATED BY LUPUS J. PATRICIA DHAR, LYNETTE ESSENMACHER, JOEL AGER, ROBERT SOKOL, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Internal Medicine/Rheumatology, Detroit, MI Wayne State University, Center for Health Care Effectiveness Research, Detroit, MI Wayne State University, Obstetrics/Gynecology, Detroit, MI OBJECTIVE:The objective of this study was to evaluate whether fetal growth has improved or gestational duration has increased over time. We hypothesized improved outcomes that might be attributable to advances in lupus intervention. STUDY DESIGN: A cohort analysis of pregnancy outcomes from 1985-2002 in women with lupus was performed at our center. The Wayne State University Lupus Registry was linked to the Wayne State University Perinatal Database to obtain all pregnancies in women with lupus delivered at our institution. The control population consisted of demographically similar non-lupus pregnancies from the Wayne State University Perinatal Database RESULTS: There were 473 singleton deliveries in 327 women with lupus delivered at our institution. To ensure statistical independence, we calculated the mean birth weight and gestational age in the first pregnancy per parturient delivered at our center, leaving us with 327 pregnancies in 327 womenwith lupus (first pregnancy group). The control group consisted of 78,905 deliveries at our center during the same period. The mean birthweight and gestational age for the first pregnancy group was significantly decreased (2790 grams and 36 weeks, respectively) compared to the control group (P < 0.0001). Gestational age and birthweight did not significantly change over time. However, when birthweight percentiles over time were analyzed, a statistically significant increase in fetal growth was seen (r = 0.098, r2 = 0.10, P = 0.041). CONCLUSION: Fetal growth in pregnancies complicated by lupus improved over the 18 years of this study. Because there were no major changes in the characteristics of the sample, we speculate that this improvement might reflect advancing technology of care and improved intervention, as originally hypothesized, most notably aggressive thrombophilia assessments and treatment, as well as concurrent rheumatologic care during pregnancy. Any change in ‘‘spontaneous’’ gestational duration over timemight be hidden by changes in obstetric intervention.
Safety and Quality Regulation and Stage of Distribution

Let 0 denote the level of quality inherent in a food product that is delivered to some terminal market. In this paper, I characterize allocations over 0 and provide an economic rationale for regulating safety and quality standards in the food system. Zusman and Bockstael investigate the theoretical foundations for imposing standards and stress the importance of providing a tractable conceptual foundation. Despite a wealth of contributions that are mainly empirical (for reviews of these works see, respectively, Caswell and Antle), there have been relatively few attempts to model formally the linkages between farm and food markets when food quality and consumer safety are at issue. Here, I attempt to provide such a framework, building on key contributions in the theoretical literature and linking them in a simple model of quality determination in a vertically related marketing channel. The food-marketing model is due to Gardner. Spence provides a foundation for Pareto-improving intervention in a deterministic model of quality provision, and Leland, building on the classic paper by Akerlof, investigates licensing and minimum standards when the information structure is incomplete. Linking these ideas in a satisfactory model of the food markets is the main objective of the paper.
Requirement of the collagenous domain for carbohydrate processing and secretion of a surfactant protein, SP-A

Abstract Two distinct intracellular forms of surfactant protein M r = 35 000 (SP-A) were demonstrated in both purified type II epithelial cells and rat lung in vivo. High-mannose precursors of M r = 30 000 and 34 000 comprised a significant fraction of intracellular SP-A in vivo and in vitro. A second intracellular pool was demonstrated in lamellar body enriched fractions which contained endoglycosidase-H resistant, sialylated forms of SP-A. Intracellular transport and secretion of SP-A was not altered by inhibitors of carbohydrate processing. However, incubation of type II cells with α,α′-dipyridyl or cis -4-hydroxy- l -proline, agents which disrupt triple-helix formation within collagenous peptide domains, inhibited sialylation, intracellular transport to the lamellar body fraction and secretion. In the presence of either α,α′-dipyridyl or cis -4-hydroxy- l -proline, high mannose precursors accumulated intracellularly and were not secreted after 16–18 h. Thus, high-mannose precursors in proximal intracellular pool(s) and sialylated forms in lamellar body-enriched fractions represent two major intracellular storage forms of SP-A in vitro and in vivo. SP-A is routed by processes dependent upon the hydroxylation of the collagenous domain of the polypeptide. Transport and secretion of SP-A are not dependent upon the addition or processing of asparagine-linked carbohydrate.
Search for X-ray evidence of cosmic ray acceleration in SNR shocks

The discovery using ASCA that the featureless X-ray spectrum from the shell of SN 1006 is produced by shock-accelerated TeV electrons, and is thus an indicator of cosmic ray acceleration, has sparked a search for X-ray spectral evidence for cosmic ray acceleration in other remnants, as well as much theoretical work. Thus far evidence for cosmic ray acceleration, in the form of synchrotron continuum components, has been found in several additional remnants, including Cas A, G347.5-0.5, and IC 443. The information provided by both detections and non-detections of these components can be used to investigate the shock acceleration process. We review the latest results of the continuing search for X-ray indicators of cosmic ray acceleration in Galactic and Magellanic Cloud SNR's and what we have learned thus far from it.
Treatment of continua in the shell-model theory of nuclear reactions

Abstract It is shown that by a suitable choice of the bound- and continuum-state functions used to perform shell-model calculations, the continuum-continuum interaction may be minimized. Approximate expressions for the scattering matrix elements are derived that are easily evaluated by simple extensions of the conventional shell-model calculations for bound states. Numerical calculations are performed for neutron scattering from 12 C within the framework of the deformed rotor model and compared with exact coupled-channel calculations.
RU486 blocks the anti-inflammatory effects of exercise in a murine model of allergen-induced pulmonary inflammation.

Abstract In an ovalbumin (OVA)-driven murine model of allergic pulmonary inflammation, we have shown previously that moderate-intensity aerobic exercise training attenuates inflammatory responses, disease progression, and NF-κB activation within the sensitized lung. Glucocorticoids (GCs), potent anti-inflammatory agents, have been shown to alter transcriptional events that are important in asthmatic pathogenesis, such as NF-κB activation. Notably, exercise training can alter the production and signaling capacity of endogenous GCs. Because GCs exert their anti-inflammatory effects through binding to intracellular glucocorticoid receptors (GRs), we examined the role of the GR in facilitating the anti-inflammatory effects of exercise. Results show that, in exercised OVA-sensitized mice, treatment with the GR antagonist RU486 blocked the exercise-induced reductions in cellular infiltration of the airways ( p p
A magnetic rotary optical fiber connector for optogenetic experiments in freely moving animals.

Abstract Background Performing optogenetic experiments in a behaving animal presents a unique technical challenge. In order to provide an optical path between a fixed light source and a chronically implanted fiber in a freely moving animal, a typical experimental setup includes a detachable connection between the light source and the head of the animal, as well as a rotary joint to relieve torsional stress during movement. New method We have combined the functionality of the head mounted connector and the rotary joint into a single integrated device that is inexpensive, simple to build, and easy to use. Results A typical rotary connector has a transmission efficiency of 80% with a rotational variability of 4%, but can be configured to have a rotational variability of 2% at the expense of a reduced transmission efficiency. Depending on configuration, rotational torque ranges from 14 to 180 μN m, making the rotary connector suitable for use with small animals such as mice. Comparison with existing methods Benchmark tests demonstrate that our connectors perform similarly to commercially available solutions in terms of transmission efficiency, rotational variability, and torque but at a fraction of the cost. Unlike currently available solutions, our unique design requires a single optical junction which significantly reduces overall light loss. In addition, magnets allow the connectors and caps to “snap into place” for quick yet reliable connection and disconnection. Conclusions Our rotary connector system offers superior performance, reduced cost, and is easily incorporated into existing optogenetic setups.
Phase 2 study of rituximab in the treatment of cladribine-failed patients with hairy cell leukemia

Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) is an indolent B-cell neoplasm, strongly expressing CD20. Despite initial very high response rates following cladribine, many patients (pts) ultimately relapse. Having relapsed after prior treatment with cladribine, 24 HCL pts (21 male, 3 female) with a median age of 53.5 years were treated with rituximab at 375 mg/m2 intravenously weekly for 4 weeks. Of the pts, 3 (13%) achieved complete remissions and 3 (13%), partial responses. Thus, 6 (25%) of 24 pts achieved a response following rituximab. At a median follow-up of 14.6 months, 2 responders have relapsed; median time to relapse was not yet reached. The only grade III or IV toxicities demonstrated were culture-negative febrile neutropenia, transient and reversible disseminated intravascular coagulation related to rituximab administration, and a diverticular abscess, each in single patients. Of 18 nonresponders, 9 pts subsequently received other treatments; 5 pts were retreated with cladribine, 3 underwent splenectomy, and 1 received pentostatin. Follow-up data are available on 7 of these 9 patients; all 7 patients achieved improvements in hematologic parameters. Rituximab, administered at this dose and schedule, has only modest single-agent activity in cladribine-failed HCL patients when compared with other agents active in this disease.
Modal analysis of ultrasound radiation force generated shear waves on arteries

Arterial elasticity has gained importance in the past few decades as a predictor of cardiovascular diseases and mortality. Measuring the speed of propagation of the pressure wave traveling in the wall of the arteries has been used for a very long time to estimate the mechanical properties of the artery. Two of the major disadvantages of this method are the low temporal resolution (1 sample per second) and the low spatial resolution (carotid-femoral or carotid-radial segments). In our laboratory, we have been working on an ultrasound radiation force-based method to generate high frequency local shear waves, which will allow the study of the mechanical properties of short arterial segments within the heart cycle. In this work we present a modal analysis of the waves generated by our method on an excised pig artery. By doing a two-dimensional fast Fourier transform (2D FFT) of the propagating waves, it was possible to differentiate the multiple Lamb-like modes propagating in the wall. These modes showed changes with varying transmural pressure; this was expected as the arterial stiffness increases with pressure. This work shows the feasibility of our method for the study and characterization of propagating modes in the arterial wall. Future studies include developing a Lamb wave model for cylindrical viscoelastic structures to fit our data.
Development of a Powered-Knee Transfemoral Prosthesis Prototype

Commercial prosthetic limb development for transfemoral amputees has historically focused on legged locomotive function with energetically dissipative or conservative limbs. While such passive devices are effective at approximating the mechanics of the knee during level walking and stair/slope descent, the inability of these limbs to impose net positive power prevents amputees from executing a number of activities of daily living. Activities such as ascending slopes, ascending stairs, and jumping require net positive power outputs that are not fully realizable with current prosthetic leg technology [1–3]. While functionality has improved with microprocessor-based passive limbs [4], amputees continue to exhibit increased metabolic demands and non-anthropomorphic asymmetric gait [5].Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Atmospheric HT and HTO

A technique was developed for direct field sampling of atmospheric HTO and HT. Airborne, portable, and laboratory versions were implemented, and a comprehensive sampling program begun. The air is passed first through Molecular Sieve to adsorb the water, then over palladium carried on Molecular Sieve, which oxidizes atmospheric hydrogen and adsorbs the resulting water in situ. Both samples are subsequently extracted from the adsorbers, and the tritium content measured by internal low-level gas counting. Resolution is 4% of present atmospheric levels. Monitoring of HT and HTO at three stations in the Northern Hemisphere shows that HT does not undergo seasonal fluctuations like HTO, and variations are small around the present mean of about 46 HT molecules per mg air. After the previous rise from pre-nuclear level, the tropospheric HT-inventory has reached a steady state within the past few years. Sampling transects from 40°N to 65°S in 1971 and 1972 show similar HT levels in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres indicating a long residence time of HT (and hydrogen). The HT appears to have its source at ground level, most likely from nuclear fuel element processing, underground nuclear fusion device detonations, and military and civilian handling of tritium gas. In the troposphere, there is now more tritium as gas (HT or T2) than as HTO (water vapor).
Finite-element analysis of large elastic- plastic transient deformations of simple structures

buckling slopes are given by the dashed lines. The combined effects of increasing 7 and pressure increase the direction of initial postbuckling from an extreme slope almost doubling back on the original prebuckling displacement curve to a slope of roughly half that of the prebuckled slope. The wide variation in initial postbuckling slopes shown in Fig. 8a can be expected to decrease as 6 decreases. The extreme slopes at low pressure move counterclockwise with decreasing 6, while the limiting slope at high pressure changes very slightly. For example, the 6 = 0.7 case for 7 = 0 closely approximates that given in Fig. 8c.
Research assessing consumer satisfaction with mental health treatment: A review of findings

This article reviews the findings of studies examining consumer satisfaction with mental health treatment. Typically, published studies find the vast majority of patients satisfied with treatment. Despite the numerous methodological problems in this research, it remains highly probable that the majority of consumers are satisfied with the services received. More specific findings in this literature remain less well demonstrated; there generally are few studies relevant to each specific question and the methodology of these studies often has been weak. However, trends point to weak relationships between patient demographic variables and satisfaction; significant relationships between patient diagnosis, treatment history, and psychological status and satisfaction; strong relationships between length of treatment and manner of termination and satisfaction; a strong relationship between satisfaction and patient global report of outcome; and a weak relationship between satisfaction and therapist rating of outcome. Satisfaction also appears to be multidimensional, although a large general factor is evident in most studies. A number of additional findings are catalogued; and research lying outside the formal domain of satisfaction research, but relevant to this body of research, is reviewed.
A simplified approach for predicting temperature in reinforced concrete members exposed to standard fire

Abstract For evaluating fire resistance of a reinforced concrete member, temperature profile in the cross section of the member is required. Current simplified approaches and design graphs do not yield reliable temperature predictions in rebar and concrete. In this paper, a simplified approach is proposed for evaluating cross-sectional temperatures in fire-exposed reinforced concrete members. The approach is derived through statistical nonlinear regression analysis, utilizing data generated from finite element analysis. The parameters that were varied in the finite element analysis include sectional geometry, concrete characteristics and fire exposure conditions. The validity of the approach for different types of concrete is established by comparing predictions from the proposed equation with data from fire tests and finite element analysis. Through these comparisons it is shown that the proposed equation gives better predictions of temperatures in reinforced concrete members. The applicability of the proposed approach in design situations is illustrated though a numerical example. The simplicity of the proposed method makes it attractive for use in design situations and for incorporation in design standards.