cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Contemporary Role of Resection and Ablation in Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastases

Advances in the field of surgical oncology have turned metastatic colorectal cancer of the liver from a lethal disease to a chronic disease and have ushered in a new era of multimodal therapy for this challenging illness. A better understanding of tumor behavior and more effective systemic therapy have led to the increased use of neoadjuvant therapy. Surgical resection remains the gold standard for treatment but without the size, distribution, and margin restrictions of the past. Lesions are considered resectable if they can safely be removed with tumor-free margins and a sufficient liver remnant. Minimally invasive liver resections are a safe alternative to open surgery and may offer some advantages. Techniques such as portal vein embolization, association of liver partition with portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy, and radioembolization can be used to grow the liver remnant and allow for resection. If resection is not possible, nonresectional ablation therapy, including radiofrequency and microwave ablation, can be performed alone or in conjunction with resection. This article presents the most up-to-date literature on resection and ablation, with a discussion of current controversies and future directions.
Lymphocytic and collagenous colitis in children and adolescents: Comprehensive clinicopathologic analysis with long-term follow-up.

Summary Microscopic colitis (MC) is characterized by chronic watery diarrhea, endoscopically normal findings, and abnormal histology. While mostly encountered in adults, pediatric cases are rare and may show varying presentations. Our pathology data system was searched from 1984 to 2019 for patients ≤18 years of age with a lymphocytic colitis (LC) or collagenous colitis (CC) pattern of injury. Twenty-seven cases (23 LC and 4 CC) were retrieved. LC was more prevalent than CC (85% vs 15%, respectively) and affected slightly younger individuals (mean, 9.8 years versus 12.25 years). Immune dysregulation was documented in 11 (41%) patients. Most patients presented with watery diarrhea (n = 26, 96%) and either abdominal pain (n = 18, 67%), nausea/vomiting (n = 5, 19%), flatulence (n = 6, 22%), and/or weight loss (n = 1, 4%). A subset of patients (n = 10, 37%) demonstrated endoscopic abnormalities. Histologically, some patients with LC and CC displayed focal cryptitis or crypt abscess formation (n = 7, 26%) and focally increased crypt apoptosis (n = 9, 33%) in the absence of chronic injury. Clinical follow-up data were available for 23 (85%) patients with variable clinical responses recorded. Only 8 patients experienced complete symptom resolution. Twelve patients (11 LC and 1 CC) had subsequent biopsy material; of which, one developed histologic features of inflammatory bowel disease and another was found to have a CTLA-4 deficiency. Our study shows that pediatric patients with MC may have atypical clinical, histologic, and endoscopic findings and variable clinical responses. Underlying inflammatory and/or genetic conditions may be eventually unmasked, and genetic testing may be helpful in a small subset of patients.
The significance of anatomic tumor location in gallbladder cancer.

Background and objectives Current management guidelines recognize the impact of hepatic versus peritoneal sided gallbladder cancers (GBC) on survival. However, no data exist regarding the significance of anatomic tumor location within the gallbladder. Methods We retrospectively analyzed all GBC that underwent surgical resection with curative intent in our health system from 2007 to 2017. We evaluated the effect of anatomic pathologic tumor location (fundus/body, neck, and multifocal) on clinicopathologic, perioperative, and oncologic outcomes. Results About 97 patients met criteria; 63% fundus/body, 22% multifocal, and 15% neck. Compared with fundus/body, neck tumors more frequently presented with preoperative jaundice (53% vs. 13%, p 109 months), p = .015. Conclusions Neck tumors were rare, small and more likely to result in jaundice secondary to biliary tree invasion. Despite higher R0 resection rates, these tumors had significantly worse OS.
Carnitine-Acylcarnitine Translocase Deficiency Masked by Extreme Prematurity

Carnitine-acylcarnitine translocase (CACT) deficiency is a rare disorder of long chain fatty acid oxidation with a very high mortality rate due to cardiomyopathy or multiorgan failure. We present the course of a very premature infant with early onset CACT deficiency complicated by multiple episodes of necrotizing enterocolitis, sepsis, and liver insufficiency, followed by eventual demise. The complications of prematurity, potentiated by the overlay of CACT deficiency, contributed to the difficulty of reaching the ultimate diagnosis of CACT deficiency.
An LGBTQIA+ Symposium to Improve Care for Sexual and Gender Minority Youth

Background and Objectives Multilevel factors drive health disparities experienced by sexual and gender minority (SGM) populations. We developed a 3-hour symposium focusing on care for SGM youth to address this. The symposium was a free, extracurricular event open to the public, with an emphasis on health professional students and providers from all disciplines and involved interprofessional didactic and interactive components. Methods Participants completed optional retrospective pre/postsurveys immediately and 10-months postsymposium. Surveys contained Likert-scale questions addressing five indicators of symposium effectiveness related to knowledge, confidence, and comfort in providing care for SGM populations. We used 1-tailed paired t tests to evaluate the effectiveness of the symposium, and analysis of variance tests to compare differences by professional role. Results Of 208 individuals who attended the symposium, 67 completed the initial survey, and 23 completed the 10-months postsymposium survey. Participants reported significantly higher ( P<.001) scores across all five measures of effectiveness from pre- to immediately postsymposium, and remained at significantly higher ( P<.05) scores across all measures from presymposium to 10 months postsymposium, except for comfort recommending care for SGM pediatric patients or clients. Conclusion Results suggest that the symposium improved participants' perceived effectiveness in serving SGM pediatric patients, although selection bias is a concern. Dissemination of educational approaches that incorporate interprofessional didactic and active learning components may help improve workforce capacity to improve SGM health.
Ablation of TRPV1 Abolishes Salicylate-Induced Sympathetic Activity Suppression and Exacerbates Salicylate-Induced Renal Dysfunction in Diet-Induced Obesity

Sodium salicylate (SA), a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, has been shown to increase insulin sensitivity and to suppress inflammation in obese patients and animal models. Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) is a nonselective cation channel expressed in afferent nerve fibers. Cyclooxygenase-derived prostaglandins are involved in the activation and sensitization of TRPV1. This study tested whether the metabolic and renal effects of SA were mediated by the TRPV1 channel. Wild-type (WT) and TRPV1-/- mice were fed a Western diet (WD) for 4 months and received SA infusion (120mg/kg/day) or vehicle for the last 4 weeks of WD feeding. SA treatment significantly increased blood pressure in WD-fed TRPV1-/- mice (p < 0.05) but not in WD-fed WT mice. Similarly, SA impaired renal blood flow in TRPV1-/- mice (p < 0.05) but not in WT mice. SA improved insulin and glucose tolerance in both WT and TRPV1-/- mice on WD (all p < 0.05). In addition, SA reduced renal p65 and urinary prostaglandin E2, prostaglandin F1α, and interleukin-6 in both WT and TRPV1-/- mice (all p < 0.05). SA decreased urine noradrenaline levels, increased afferent renal nerve activity, and improved baroreflex sensitivity in WT mice (all p < 0.05) but not in TRPV1-/- mice. Importantly, SA increased serum creatinine and urine kidney injury molecule-1 levels and decreased the glomerular filtration rate in obese WT mice (all p < 0.05), and these detrimental effects were significantly exacerbated in obese TRPV1-/- mice (all p < 0.05). Lastly, SA treatment increased urine albumin levels in TRPV1-/- mice (p < 0.05) but not in WT mice. Taken together, SA-elicited metabolic benefits and anti-inflammatory effects are independent of TRPV1, while SA-induced sympathetic suppression is dependent on TRPV1 channels. SA-induced renal dysfunction is dependent on intact TRPV1 channels. These findings suggest that SA needs to be cautiously used in patients with obesity or diabetes, as SA-induced renal dysfunction may be exacerbated due to impaired TRPV1 in obese and diabetic patients.
DETERMINANTS OF IMMEDIATE AND DELAYED RECALL PERFORMANCE FOLLOWING PEDIATRIC CONCUSSION

Background:The assessment of cognitive functioning, including attention, memory, and concentration is one component of concussion evaluation.1-3 Immediate and delayed recall tasks are clinical asse...
The Basics of Slide Design

This chapter describes the three components that make up the anatomy of a presentation, and the use of supplemental materials to reduce reliance on text-based slides. It reviews the “assertion-evidence” approach to slide design, and provides five general rules to guide the design of biomedical slides. These rules include the following: (1) Find opportunities to use text differently. (2) Simple is better. (3) Visual elements should be relevant and informative. (4) Text and visual elements should be large and readable. (5) Your slides should include color, space, and a variety of images. Simple changes, such as using visual elements instead of bulleted lists, can transform our conventional presentations into healthy presentations.
Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthase 2 (PTGS2) in the Oviduct: Roles in Fertilization and Early Embryo Development

The mammalian oviduct is a dynamic organ where important events such as final maturation of oocytes, transport of gametes, sperm capacitation, fertilization, embryo development, and transport take place. Prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2), also known as cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), is the rate-limiting enzyme in the production of prostaglandins (PGs) and plays an essential role during early pregnancy, including ovulation, fertilization, implantation, and decidualization. Even though the maternal-embryo communication originates in the oviduct, not many studies have systemically investigated PTGS2 signaling during early development. Most of the studies investigating implantation and decidualization processes in Ptgs2-/- mice employed embryo transfer into the uterus, thereby bypassing the mammalian oviduct. Consequently, an understanding of the mechanistic action as well as the regulation of PTGS2 and derived PGs in oviductal functions is far from complete. In this review, we aim to focus on the importance of PTGS2 and associated PGs signaling in the oviduct particularly in humans, farm animals, and laboratory rodents to provide a broad perspective to guide further research in this field. Specifically, we review the role of PTGS2-derived PGs in fertilization, embryo development, and transport. We focus on the actions of ovarian steroid hormones on PTGS2 regulation in the oviduct. Understanding of cellular PTGS2 function during early embryo development and transport in the oviduct will be an important step toward a better understanding of reproduction and may have potential implication in the assisted reproductive technology.
Principled Negotiation and Mediation in the International Arena: Talking with Evil

1. Language and strategy 2. Why do the kids fight about their inheritance? Middle East family feud and the language of problem solving 3. North Korea and nuclear arms: a matter of personal respect 4. How to stop the bickering before war breaks out: Bolivia, Chile, and Peru 5. First things first in Africa: Sudan and Uganda bringing the parties to the table 6. Rule of law development after the 2007 post-election violence in Kenya 7. Human rights for women in Liberia (and West Africa): integrating formal and informal rule of law reforms.
Sesquiterpene lactones. : Constituents of Hymenoclea salsola T. and G.

Abstract Hymenoclea salsola T. and G. (fam. Compositae, tribe Ambrosieae) contains ambrosin (1), neo-ambrosin (III), coronopilin (IV), dihydrocoronopilin (V), and ilicic acid (II), as well as several additional compounds still to be characterized. The close phylogenetic relationship of Hymenoclea and Ambrosia species indicated by morphological criteria is supported by these observations.
Current Progress in NIF Target Concepts

Target concepts for the National Ignition Facility (NIF) require progress in the art and science of target fabrication. Three distinct issues are addressed: beryllium fuel capsules, foam-buffered direct drive, and high-density gas-filled hohlraums. In all cases experiments on the existing Nova laser at LLNL are either in progress or planned for the near future to test the various concepts. Consequently, target fabrication must be able to deliver targets appropriate for each.
The systems design approach (better late than not at all) (automotive electronics)

The systems design approach (SDA), an emerging concept for the automotive industry, considers the total vehicle as one system vs. the result of a grouping of optimized components. The systems process begins with a complete definition of the system requirements, is followed by the examination of technologies, generation of alternatives, and selection of a design to satisfy those requirements, and concludes with the final development and prove out of the recommended alternative. The advantages of an SDA are illustrated through an explanation of six types of system designs. The SDA has inhibitors which result from the characteristics of the automotive industry and also drivers which promise a better-performing, more cost-effective product. Implementing the SDA will require new skills and will challenge not only product engineering but also manufacturing and the supply base. It forces a rethinking of traditional concepts of dealing with quality. It is concluded that the automotive industry must maintain some component thinking, but the time is appropriate for increased utilization of the SDA. >
Association of depressive symptoms and social support on blood pressure among urban African American women and girls.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore the associations between depressive symptoms and perceived social support on blood pressure in African American women. DATA SOURCES: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 159 African American women from multiple sites in the Detroit Metro area. CONCLUSIONS: Results from this study found that both higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure were positively associated with higher depressive symptom scores (r= .20 and .18, p < .05). Higher depressive symptoms scores were, in turn, significantly associated with lower social support scores (r=-.44, p < .001). However, total social support scores were not significantly correlated with blood pressure readings. Higher depressive symptom scores were associated with increased systolic blood pressure independent of social support. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Findings of the present study suggest the importance of appropriate social support to help alleviate depressive symptoms. However, to effectively control blood pressure in patients with depressive symptoms, other pathophysiologic mechanisms between depressive symptoms and elevated blood pressures independent of social support should be examined in future research. Future studies should consider a cohort design to examine the temporal relationship of depressive symptoms, social support, and blood pressure readings.
ON THE BEHAVIOUR OF A CERTAIN CLASS OF APPROXIMATION OPERATORS FOR DISCONTINUOUS FUNCTIONS

w O. Introduction In this paper we study the behaviour of a wide class of approximation operators when the approximated functions are bounded and discontinuous. Our theorems apply to the Bernstein polynomials, the Sz~sz operator, an operator of Weierstrass, the power series of Meyer--K6nig and Zeller and to many other operators as well. In order to analyze the properties of that many operators in a compact way we first represent them using a convenient probablistic form. Then we use probablistic tools such as the Chebishev inequality and the central limit theorem to estimate the difference between the values of the functions and their approximating operators at discontinuity points. Our methods simplify proofs, unify them, and enable one to get easily quite general results. In w 1 we summarize our main results. In w 2 we show how one can apply our general results to several well known approximation operators, and in w 3 the proofs to the theorems are provided.
Pet-, animal-, and vector-borne infections

1. Carol Glaser, DVM, MD* 2. Paul Lewis, MD† 3. Stephanie Wong, DVM‡ 1. 2. *Viral and Rickettsial Disease Laboratory, California Department of Health Services, Berkeley, CA. 3. 4. †Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, OR. 5. ‡Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, Grafton, MA. Zoonoses are diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans. They can be acquired via insect vectors, food, and direct or indirect contact with animals. More than 250 zoonoses have been described, and they are caused by a wide variety of pathogens, including viruses, rickettsia, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Some of the diseases are rare, such as rabies and plague; others, such as cat-scratch disease, are common. The transmission of zoonotic diseases is both diverse and dynamic. Although illnesses such as salmonellosis and campylobacteriosis are by far the most common zoonotic infections in humans and are transmitted most often by food, there is a small risk of acquiring illness from pets and wildlife. Because many pet- and wildlife-related zoonoses are acquired via fecal-oral or direct contact routes, the inquisitive nature of children puts them at a higher risk for infection than adolescents and adults. It is important for pediatricians to be aware of zoonoses, especially those related to direct pet contact, because approximately 56% of United States households contain at least one pet. Pet ownership has many psychological and social benefits and should not be discouraged, with the exception of households that contain immunocompromised individuals or children younger than age 5 years, which should not have reptiles because of the risk of salmonellosis. This review discusses the epidemiology, animal reservoirs, transmission, clinical syndromes, laboratory features, treatment, and prevention of toxoplasmosis, rabies, cat-scratch disease, Lyme disease, and rat-bite fever. Additionally, brief overviews of animal bites and enteric infections are presented, as are tables on zoonoses related to dogs, cats, rodents, birds, and exotic pets (Table 1⇓ ); animal bite-related zoonoses (Table 2⇓ ); and vector-borne diseases (Table 3⇓ ). View this table: Table 1. Pet-related Zoonoses View this table: Table 2. Animal Bite-related Zoonoses View this table: Table 3. Vector-borne Diseases ### EPIDEMIOLOGY/ETIOLOGY Toxoplasmosis has a worldwide distribution. The seroprevalence in women of childbearing …
On flow effects in balanced steady-state free precession imaging: Pictorial description, parameter dependence, and clinical implications

Purpose To present a pictorial description of the origin of flow effects in balanced steady-state free precession (SSFP) imaging that can result in considerable frequency offset-dependent signal changes originating from outflow of spins that can still contribute to the total SSFP signal (out-of-slice contributions), to analyze the parameter dependence and slice broadening associated with outflow effects, and to illustrate clinical implications such as frequency offset-dependent flow artifacts and spatial misencoding. Materials and Methods Computer simulations were used to create a pictorial description of flow effects that illustrates the origin and parameter dependence of the observed signal changes and links their frequency dependency to the phase distribution of spins flowing in and out of the imaging slice. Slice broadening associated with out-of-slice contributions and flow-related signal enhancement was characterized by an effective slice thickness, which depends on flow rate, the T2* decay of signal magnitude from spins that have left the imaging slice, and the ratio of the net out-of-slice magnetization relative to the thickness of the imaging slice. Results Both simulated SSFP signal intensities and effective slice broadening vary with flip angle and demonstrate a nonlinear dependence on inflow. Simulations with bloodlike T1 and T2 show that the effective slice thickness can be as large as 15 times the prescribed slice thickness. These effects can have significant clinical implications such as large frequency offset-dependent signal enhancement, pulsatile flow artifacts, and spatial misrepresentation of blood signal that has already left the imaging slice. Conclusion Flow-related signal changes in SSFP imaging exhibit highly complex parameter dependence, which predominantly has to be associated with frequency offset-dependent outflow effects and a resulting broadening of the slice thickness. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2004;20:697–705. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Isolating Gender Differences in Test Anxiety: A Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Test Anxiety Inventory:

Using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) with nonzero latent means, the factor structure of the Test Anxiety (Attitude) Inventory (TAI) across genders was investigated. Two underlying factors, worr...
Dynamic Behavior of Cryogen Spray Cooling: Effect of Spray Distance

Cryogen spray cooling (CSC) is used to minimize the risk of epidermal damage during laser dermatologic surgery. During CSC, skin surface is cooled by a short spurt of refrigerant R134a with boiling point of −26.2°C. Since R134a is volatile in open atmospheric conditions, the atomized liquid droplets undergo continuous evaporation as they fly in air, leading to a lost momentum and mass. Therefore, the cooling effect of CSC depends strongly on the spray distance between the nozzle and the skin surface (L). The objective of this study was, therefore, to investigate the effect of L on the dynamic heat transfer of CSC. A skin model system made of poly methyl-methacrylate resin (Plexiglass®) is used to simulate CSC during laser dermatologic surgery. A fast-response temperature measurement sensor is built using thin (20 μm) aluminum foil and placed on top of the plexiglass with a 50 μm bead diameter thermocouple positioned in between. Variation of the surface temperature is then measured under various spray distances. The surface heat flux (q) as well as the heat transfer coefficient (h) between the surface and the cryogen is estimated by solving an inverse heat conduction problem with the measured temperature data as input. The effect of L on surface cooling in CSC is then investigated systematically. Both the estimated q and h show strong dynamic characteristics and are strong functions of the L. Two distinct spray-surface interaction mechanisms are identified within the spray distances studied. For short L ( 30 mm), q is lower and it steadily decreases after spurt termination. The dynamic variation of h in this case is similar to that of q. These results should help in the selection of optimal CSC parameters, which are needed to produce high heat fluxes at the skin surface and thus obtain maximal epidermal protection during various dermatologic laser therapies.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
ClassWide Peer Tutoring: An Effective Strategy for Students With Emotional and Behavioral Disorders

Students who experience multiple risk factors (e.g., poor attendance, failing grades, discipline problems) have an increased likelihood of not completing school. Too often, students with emotional and behavior disorders (E/BD) experience many of the factors that place them at risk for school dropout. In addition to behavioral problems (Vaughn, Levy, Coleman, & Bos, 2002), students with E/BD experience an increased risk for academic failure, namely, reading problems (Trout, Nordness, Pierce, & Epstein, 2003). Trout et al. (2003) reported that more often than not, students with E/BD did not experience academic success and were found to be below grade level compared to their peers. Hence, a focus on both basic skills and content area knowledge are essential. With regard to long-term outcomes, students with E/BD are typically less likely to enroll in postsecondary education (Wagner et al., 1991) and to experience higher unemployment and arrest rates (Blackorby & Wagner, 1996) than their peers. The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 was set forth to improve and encourage the academic achievement of all students. Efforts need to be made to help ensure the success of students with E/BD across educational settings and content areas.
Is it lymphoma or lymphomatoid papulosis

Distinguishing malignancy from premalignant conditions can be difficult. Controversy surrounds both the clinical and histologic criteria used to distinguish lymphomatoid papulosis, a benign disorder, from CD30 + anaplastic large-cell lymphoma. Three case histories illustrate important points in categorizing different lymphoproliferative disorders as benign or malignant. We emphasize a multidisciplinary approach to improve diagnosis and patient management.
SOME PILOT STUDIES OF COMMUNICATION AND CONSENSUS IN THE FAMILY

Studies of groups can be classified according to whether the groups are artificial or ad hoc or temporary on the one hand, or permanent and persisting like the family on the other. They also focus either on power and participation, or on consensus and communication. And role allocation, though often considered as a manifestation of power structure, is not always the same thing: "A random relationship was found between power structures on the one hand and structures of task allocation on the other, indicating that the "traditional" and "companionate" types often discussed in the literature may not represent the facts of the current scene."' Studies of power within the family based on questions about who makes the decisions, who initiated the idea, or who prevails have produced variable results, and results that do not agree with findings on whether the husband or wife can predict best what the family actually does.2 Hence, it seemed appropriate to ask what was holding up studies of communication and consensus, as a way of providing some better background information for family decision processes, as well as useful data on what kind of information one could expect to secure from
Comparison of mixture and pure refrigerant heat pump cycles

Abstract The use of refrigerant mixture has been shown, by some researchers, to exhibit higher COP s than pure refrigerants in vapor compression cycles. However, in order to compare the cycles fairly, heat exchanger size should be taken into consideration. The work contained herein compares the use of a mixture of R22/R114 and pure R22 in a heat pump operating in the heating mode. The thrust of the effort was to present the comparison on the basis of equal heat exchanger size.
Application of the defect law to the determination of the average velocity and temperature in turbulent pipe flow

The defect law is applied to the axial and ordinate methods used for determining the average velocity and temperature in turbulent pipe flow. The axial method uses the velocity or temperature on the axis and a correction factor which is a function of Reynolds number for the velocity and of Reynolds and Prandtl number for temperature. The ordinate method is based on measuring the velocity or temperature at a point where its value is equal to the average value. These methods are limited to the restriction of essentially isothermal flow so that there is no marked variation of fluid properties across the profile. The axial method used here is applicable only to smooth round pipes, however the ordinate method is applicable to both smooth and rough round pipes. The defect laws result in an appreciable simplification of the analysis, but gives results somewhat different from those obtained using the universal laws. The small difference may be explained by the difference of the constant between smooth and rough pipe and the Reynolds number dependence. (N.W.R.)
GnRH Receptor Sites Increase on the Surface of Cultured Gonadotropes of Senescent C57BL/6NNia Mice

Anterior pituitary cells were cultured for 2 days from 6-, 14-, and 23-25-month-old C57BL/6NNia mice. The cells were then stimulated with one of three biotinylated GnRHs [biotinyl-Lys6]-[D-Lys6]GnRH, [biotinyl-Ser4]-[D-Lys6]GnRH, [biotinyl-Ser4]-[D-Trp6, des-Gly10]GnRH) at 4 degrees C for 1 h. Some of these cells were processed unfixed, attaching avidin-fluorescein and examined with fluorescent microscopy. Other cells were fixed and the biotinylated GnRH coupled to avidin-gold (20 nm particles), which was subsequently silver-enhanced (70 nm particles) and examined with light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). To enhance the location of receptor sites for quantitation, a back-scattering electron detector was employed with the SEM. Gonadotropes from all three age groups ranged in size from 3 to 13 microns in diameter. The largest gonadotropes in each age group displayed the highest number of GnRH receptors, but the concentration/surface area (microns2) was less than for smaller cells. Smaller gonadotropes (3-6 microns diameter) from 14- and 23-25-month-old mice contained more GnRH receptor sites/microns2 (p < .001) than those from 6-month-old mice; the percentage of these gonadotropes was markedly higher for 14-(65%) and 25-(52%) versus 6-month-old (5%) mice. The number of receptor sites in larger gonadotropes (6.1-13 microns diameter) did not decline with the increasing age of the mouse. Decreased secretory activity in gonadotropes of 25-month-old mice may result from age-related changes in pituitary peptide processing or release, but it is not due to a lack of GnRH receptors or the inability of GnRH to bind to its receptor site.
Parent-child drug communication: pathway from parents' ad exposure to youth's marijuana use intention.

The authors combined the 2-step flow of communication model and the theory of planned behavior to create a framework to evaluate the effectiveness of a set of advertisements from the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign promoting parent–child drug communication. The sample consisted of 1,349 pairs of parents and children who responded to the first and second annual rounds of the National Survey of Parents and Youth, and 1,276 pairs from Rounds 3 and 4. Parents' exposure to the campaign reported at Round 1 was indirectly associated with youth's lowered intentions to use marijuana at Round 2. Ad exposure was associated with positive changes in parental attitudes toward drug communication and perceived social approval of antidrug communications. These two beliefs, along with perceived behavioral control, predicted parents' intentions to discuss drugs with their children. Parental intentions to discuss drugs reported at Round 1 were associated with youth's report of actual drug communication with their par...
Advancing from subjective to confirmatory personal introspection in consumer research

Research findings support the view that a multiple-methods approach is necessary to surface the substantial amount of relevant thinking processes that occur both consciously and unconsciously within different phases of consumer decision making. This article advocates viewing all studies that ask informants questions as representative of researcher–informant introspections. Because answers to questions differ substantially depending on how the questions are framed, applying multiple, explicit, question frames to acquire conscious and unconscious thoughts in researcher–informant introspections is helpful. This article reviews multiple methods, including metaphor elicitation of unconscious thinking, useful for achieving and confirming thick descriptions of conscious and unconscious thinking associated with informants' deep-seated beliefs and observable actions. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of the Effectiveness and Safety of Transscleral Cyclophotocoagulation and Endoscopic Cyclophotocoagulation in Pediatric Glaucoma

PURPOSE Among the options for surgical management of pediatric glaucoma, destruction of the ciliary body reduces aqueous production and, consequently, intraocular pressure (IOP). Compared to more invasive filtering and shunt procedures, cyclodestruction is an attractive option for control of IOP in pediatric glaucomas. METHODS The relative reduction in IOP, duration of effect, and comparable safety and efficacy of transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (TSCP) and endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation (ECP) in pediatric patients with glaucoma was studied in this retrospective chart review. RESULTS A reduction in IOP of 28.6% and 33.2% with TSCP and ECP, respectively, was found. Eyes treated with ECP underwent an average of 3.24 cyclodestructive procedures; eyes treated with TSCP underwent an average of 2.29 cyclodestructive treatments. These differences were not statistically significant. A final success rate of 67.6% after TSCP and 62% after ECP failed to significantly differ between the two groups. Consequently, two-thirds of the patients were able to avoid penetrating surgery and the associated risks after one or more cyclodestructive procedures. CONCLUSIONS TSCP and ECP are safe, effective, and comparable treatments for pediatric glaucomas. The results suggest that TSCP and ECP may be considered first-line therapy to achieve control of IOP in all forms of pediatric glaucoma. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2014;51(2):120-127.].
Drop formation during coating of vertical fibres

When the coating film around a vertical fibre exceeds a critical thickness hc, the interfacial disturbances triggered by Rayleigh instability can undergo accelerated growth such that localized drops much larger in dimension than the film thickness appear. We associate the initial period of this strongly nonlinear drop formation phenomenon with a self-similar intermediate asymptotic blow-up solution to the long-wave evolution equation which describes how static capillary forces drain fluid into the drop. Below hc, we show that strongly nonlinear coupling between the mean flow and axial curvature produces a finite-amplitude solitary wave solution which prevents local finite-time blow up and hence disallows further growth into drops. We thus estimate hc by determining the existence of solitary wave solutions. This is accomplished by a matched asymptotic analysis which joins the capillary outer region of a large solitary wave to the thin-film inner region. Our estimate of hc = 1.68R3H–2, where R is the fibre radius and H is the capillary length H = (σ/ρg)½, is favourably compared to experimental data.
WHY DO NOT COLLEGE STUDENTS CONTINUE THE FOREIGN LANGUAGES BEGUN IN HIGH SCHOOL

Author's summary.— An analysis of replies from 666 students at the University of Kansas to a questionnaire asking reasons for changes in their foreign languages.
Video image selection studies of granules, pores, and penumbral flows near a large sunspot

The results of applying modern ground-based optical techniques using data obtained from high-resolution videotapes to the study of solar granulation are addressed. The average lifetime of granules is found to be 16 min, with larger granules having longer lifetimes. Two percent of granules explode, and the probability of a granule being hit by exploding granules at least once is 10 percent. A big exploding event covers about 10 granules. Many small pores change their size and darkness in less than a time scale of 60 min. The integrated darkness of one pore appears to be oscillating with a period of about 30 min. There are clear inflows of both bright and dark penumbra fibrils toward the umbra, from the outer edge of the penumbra. Outflow from the outer edge of penumbra is confirmed. This flow pattern may be related to the moving magnetic features and the moat structure surrounding the sunspots.
Semiconductors of the future, and the future is now!

The refractory or wide bandgap semiconductors are replacing gallium arsenide (GaAs) as the semiconductor of the future and they are doing it now. These semiconductors exhibit many unusual properties that are just now being exploited. Their exploitation is expected to engender many new device and electromagnetic systems concepts. Already transistors of these materials have exhibited the highest power densities of any RF transistor, transistor operation to 80 GHz, the first and the most efficient blue light emitting diodes, and negative electron affinity properties rendering them with ideal properties as cold cathodes. Among the most recently discovered of these properties is that of electron transport at energy levels (velocities) orders of magnitude greater than their bandgaps and--unlike conventional semiconductors--are seemingly not heavily scattered by optical phonons. This property is expected to lead not only to much higher frequency devices but to a new class of optical emitters as well.
Complex Impedance Studies of S-SEBS Block Polymer Proton-Conducting Membranes

Abstract Water uptake, swelling, 1H pulsed gradient spin-echo nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and variable temperature and pressure complex impedance/electrical conductivity studies have been carried out on sulfonated styrene/ethylene-butylene/styrene (S-SEBS) triblock polymer proton conducting membranes. At the highest water contents, the activation volume calculated from the effect of pressure on the electrical conductivity is negative. Previously reported results for Nafion 117 show the same behavior. In addition, above about 10 wt% water, the diffusion coefficients, D from NMR and Dσ calculated from conductivity data, are similar for S-SEBS. The same result is obtained for Nafion 117. The conclusion is that proton transport at high water content is by molecular diffusion for both materials. For low water contents, however, the materials are significantly different. For low water content S-SEBS, D and Dσ are different while they are the same for Nafion 117. In addition, the variation of the conductivity with temperature for S-SEBS is Arrhenius while that for Nafion 117 is not. Finally, the variation of the electrical conductivity with pressure gives rise to activation volumes on the order of 14 cm3/mol for S-SEBS while those for Nafion 117 are about four times larger. These results indicate that proton transport in low water content S-SEBS occurs via a thermally activated process (ion motion via energy barriers) that is consistent with the more rigid side chains in that material.
What Happens to Salt-Bridges in Nonaqueous Environments: Insights from Quantum Mechanics Calculations

To examine the effect of solvent environment on protein salt-bridges, we performed high-level ab initio molecular orbital calculations in the gas phase and in three different solvents on a salt-bridge as modeled by formate and guanidinium ions. The energy difference between the neutral hydrogen-bonded complex and the zwitterionic form and the interconversion barrier between them are investigated in detail at RHF/6-31G*, RHF/6-311+G**, MP2/6-31G*, and MP2/6-311+G** levels. In the gas phase, the neutral conventional hydrogen-bonded complex is predicted to be favored at all four levels of theory and there is a small barrier for the interconversion. In a nonpolar, hydrophobic solvent like CCl4, the energy difference between these two forms is small and the barrier that separates them is also low, but the neutral hydrogen-bonded complex still seems to be slightly favored. However, in polar solvents like DMSO and water, the zwitterionic form becomes much more favored. In polar solvents, the barrier for conversi...
A college speech improvement course

(1963). A college speech improvement course. The Speech Teacher: Vol. 12, No. 1, pp. 37-40.
Mechanism of Inactivation of γ-Aminobutyric Acid Aminotransferase by (S)-4-Amino-4,5-dihydro-2-thiophenecarboxylic Acid

(S)-4-Amino-4,5-dihydro-2-thiophenecarboxylic acid ((S)-6) was previously synthesized (Adams, J. L.; Chen, T. M.; Metcalf, B. W. J. Org. Chem. 1985, 50, 2730−2736.) as a heterocyclic mimic of the natural product gabaculine (5-amino-1,3-cyclohexadienylcarboxylic acid), a mechanism-based inactivator of γ-aminobutyric acid aminotransferase (GABA-AT) (Rando, R. R. Biochemistry 1977, 16, 4604). Inactivation of GABA-AT by (S)-6 is time-dependent and protected by substrate. Two methods were utilized to demonstrate that, in addition to inactivation, about 0.7 equiv per inactivation event undergoes transamination. Inactivation results from the reaction of (S)-6 with the pyridoxal 5‘-phosphate (PLP) cofactor. The adduct was isolated and characterized by ultraviolet−visible spectroscopy, electrospray mass spectrometry, and tandem mass spectrometry. All of the results support a structure (11) that derives from the predicted aromatization inactivation mechanism (Scheme 2) originally proposed by Metcalf and co-workers ...
A simulation of the 't Hooft model at finite N c with the overlap dirac operator

Abstract We present some results of a numerical investigation of the 't Hooft model with 2, 3 and 4 colors, regularized on the lattice with overlap fermions.
Localized corrosion of magnetite on ferritic-martensitic steels exposed to supercritical water

Abstract Magnetite usually forms on ferritic–martensitic (F–M) stainless steels as a protective barrier when the steels are exposed to supercritical water (SCW). However, a novel localized corrosion was observed on magnetite induced by adsorbed Cu2S. The morphology and chemistry of the localized corrosion were studied by means of scanning electron microscopy, focused-ion beam, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and Auger electron spectroscopy. The mechanism of the development of the localized corrosion is elucidated in this paper. The presence of Cu2S or related species should be eliminated for the applications of F–M stainless steels in SCW environment.
Position of delay and delay-associated cues in maze learning

Forty-eight rats were run in a multiple T maze, and either immediately reinforced, delayed in the middle of the maze, or delayed at the end of the maze. Cues associated with the position of delay were manipulated. Both delay groups exhibited pre-delay decrements and post-delay increments in performance. Ss delayed at the end of the maze required fewer trials to criterion than Ss delayed in the middle of the maze. The data were interpreted as consistent with Amsel’s (1958) hypothesis.
Identification of factors that affect the adoption of an ergonomic intervention among Emergency Medical Service workers

This study explored factors contributing to intervention adoption decisions among Emergency Medical Service (EMS) workers. Emergency Medical Service workers (n = 190), from six different organisations, participated in a two-month longitudinal study following the introduction of a patient transfer-board (also known as slide-board) designed to ease lateral transfers of patients to and from ambulance cots. Surveys administered at baseline, after one month and after two months sampled factors potentially influencing the EMS providers’ decision process. ‘Ergonomics Advantage’ and ‘Patient Advantage’ entered into a stepwise regression model predicting ‘intention to use’ at the end of month one (R 2 = 0.78). After the second month, the stepwise regression indicated only two factors were predictive of intention to use: ‘Ergonomics Advantage,’ and ‘Endorsed by Champions’ (R 2 = 0.58). Actual use was predicted by: ‘Ergonomics Advantage’ and ‘Previous Tool Experience.’ These results relate to key concepts identified...
DIGITAL IMAGING TECHNIQUES FOR ASSESSMENT OF HOMOGENEITY OF GRANULAR MATERIALS

This study focuses on the use of digital image techniques to evaluate and develop quantitative measures of fabric for fine-grained granular materials to assess degrees of homogeneity and isotropy. The description of a procedure performed to prepare homogeneous cylindrical sand specimens is presented. Two techniques were performed to investigate the homogeneity. The specimens were preserved with an ultralow viscosity embedding epoxy resin, and they were allowed to cure prior to dissection for subsequent detailed analysis of the internal fabric. Digital imaging techniques were used to process and analyze various sections of the specimens. The analysis consisted of studying two specific fabric characteristics of the soil: particle orientation and local void ratio. Frequency distribution charts were plotted to assess the degrees of homogeneity and isotropy. Other invasive techniques were also used in some cases to assess the repeatability of the specimen preparation technique. Results indicate that the specimens were prepared with a high degree of homogeneity. Some degree of spatial variation was observed in the local void ratio evaluation.
Simultaneous Rational Approximations and Related Diophantine Equations

In this paper we shall consider simultaneous approximations to algebraic numbers of the form for rational t1, …, tm, v. If t1, …, tm, are sufficiently close to 1 with respect to a common denominator we shall derive an effective inequality of the form max {|θ1 – p1 / q|, …, |θm – pm / q|} > cq–1–λ for all integers p1, …, pm, q with q > 0. The technique is used to derive the inequalityWe use this to show that the only solution to the simultaneous equationsare the trivial ones.
Progressive Disruption of Cellular Protein Folding in Models of Polyglutamine Diseases

Numerous human diseases are associated with the chronic expression of misfolded and aggregation-prone proteins. The expansion of polyglutamine residues in unrelated proteins is associated with the early onset of neurodegenerative disease. To understand how the presence of misfolded proteins leads to cellular dysfunction, we employed Caenorhabditis elegans polyglutamine aggregation models. Here, we find that polyglutamine expansions disrupted the global balance of protein folding quality control, resulting in the loss of function of diverse metastable proteins with destabilizing temperature-sensitive mutations. In turn, these proteins, although innocuous under normal physiological conditions, enhanced the aggregation of polyglutamine proteins. Thus, weak folding mutations throughout the genome can function as modifiers of polyglutamine phenotypes and toxicity.