cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gallbladder, Sphincter of Oddi, Cholecystokinin, and Opioid Relation

The bile, essential for digestion and absorption of nutrients, is secreted by the liver continuously, stored in the gallbladder during fasting, and discharged into the duodenum intermittently after each meal. The bile salts, which are an important component of bile, promote efficient digestion and absorption of essential nutrients from the intestine. The gallbladder has a unique mechanism to sequester almost all of the bile salts during fasting and release them into the duodenum after the arrival of food. Food stimulates the release of endogenous cholecystokinin into circulation from the endocrine cells lining the mucosa of the duodenum, jejunum, and upper ileum. Cholecystokinin (CCK) acts on its receptors located in the smooth muscle and initiates the contraction and emptying of concentrated bile from the gallbladder; it simultaneously relaxes the sphincter of Oddi to allow smooth passage of bile into the duodenum.
White Pine Blister Rust

The forests of New England were cleared for the plow to grow food and were stripped for logs to build cabins. And, as America grew, so did the need for lumber. The forests of Michigan filled this need with lumber to build new cities and to rebuild Chicago after the Great Fire. It made men rich for it was worth two billion dollars—or twice the estimated value of the gold resulting from the California gold rush of 1849. At the turn of the century, America sought to heal much of the scars from this unrestricted logging. Seed of native American white pine was shipped to Germany where seedlings were raised. On the return voyage, some of these seedlings carried infections of Cronartium ribicola, the fungus that causes white pine blister rust (Fig. 49-1). Presumably the fungus originated in Asia and spread to the European continent.
Numbers: Problems Involving Integers

Many important properties of integers were established in ancient times. In Greece, the Pythagorean school (6\(^{th}\) century BC) studied the divisibility of numbers and considered various categories of numbers such as the primes, composite, perfect, and amicable. his Elements, Euclid (3\(^{rd}\) century BC) gives an algorithm for determining the greatest common divisor of two numbers, outlines the main properties of divisibility of integers, and proves the theorem that primes form an infinite set.
High muscle co-contraction does not result in high joint forces during gait in anterior cruciate ligament deficient knees.

The mechanism of knee osteoarthritis development after anterior cruciate ligament injuries is poorly understood. The objective of this study was to evaluate knee gait variables, muscle co-contraction indices and knee joint loading in young subjects with anterior cruciate ligament deficiency (ACLD, n = 36), versus control subjects (n = 12). A validated, electromyography-informed model was used to estimate joint loading. For the involved limb of ACLD subjects versus control, muscle co-contraction indices were higher for the medial (p = 0.018, effect size = 0.93) and lateral (p = 0.028, effect size = 0.83) agonist-antagonist muscle pairs. Despite higher muscle co-contraction, medial compartment contact force was lower for the involved limb, compared to both the uninvolved limb (mean difference = 0.39 body weight, p = 0.009, effect size = 0.70) as well as the control limb (mean difference = 0.57 body weight, p = 0.007, effect size = 1.14). Similar observations were made for total contact force. For involved versus uninvolved limb, the ACLD group demonstrated lower vertical ground reaction force (mean difference = 0.08 body weight, p = 0.010, effect size = 0.70) and knee flexion moment (mean difference = 1.32% body weight * height, p = 0.003, effect size = 0.76), during weight acceptance. These results indicate that high muscle co-contraction does not always result in high knee joint loading, which is thought to be associated with knee osteoarthritis. Long-term follow-up is required to evaluate how gait alterations progress in non-osteoarthritic versus osteoarthritic subjects. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res.
A comparison of shockwave dynamics in stochastic and periodic porous polymer architectures

Abstract Dynamic loading of materials is fundamental in understanding the mechanical response of cellular solids and elucidates time dependent properties that pertain to energy absorption under extreme conditions. Of particular interest is how the discrete behavior of the individual cell in a stochastic foam affects the dynamic shockwave behavior. The deformation mechanism in a stochastic open-cell foam is bending-dominated versus stretch-dominated in periodic lattice structures, resulting in a decrease in the plastic yield stress. Here, we investigate shockwave dynamics in stochastic open-cell foams through phase contrast imaging and finite element modeling. We observe that the distribution of pore sizes and the proximity of each produces a random topology with varying cell wall thicknesses that cause points of high strain creating irregularity in the shock wave at higher impact speeds. The shockwave dynamics of the stochastic foam are compared to periodic additive manufactured (AM) foams with similar density and it can be observed that modulation via microstructural control in elastomer foams has a dramatic effect on shockwave dynamics.
The Writing Ecologies of Older American Activists

This article presents research on older adults' literacy practices and how materiality plays a role in these activities. The article analyzes interviews with two older adults about their civic engagement and activism and examines the aging Discourse (Gee) as a component of the ambiance (Rickert) within the writers' ecologies. The article seeks to contribute to knowledge of writing ecologies and older adults' literacy practices.
A Behavioral Health Survey of Primary Care Integration in Rhode Island.

Background Integrating behavioral and primary care practices improves quality of care, but limited data exists regarding the extent or attributes of such integration. We conducted a baseline evaluation of the level and characteristics of integrated practices in Rhode Island. Methods The Rhode Island Department of Health 2015 Statewide Health Inventory Behavioral Health Survey was sent to behavioral health clinics and outpatient psychiatry and psychology practices. Survey questions assessed indicators of integration, including colocation, shared electronic medical records (EMRs), and shared communication systems. Results Only 19%, 9%, and 17% of behavioral health clinics, psychiatrists, and psychologists, respectively reported any integration with primary care practices. Compared to psychology (3.5%) and psychiatry (0.0%) practices, behavioral health clinics reported the highest level of practice colocation (10.4%, P<0.05). Compared to non-colocated practices, colocated behavioral health clinics reported higher levels of integration by other indicators, including shared EMRs (33.0% vs 0.0%, P=0.01). Conclusion This statewide survey demonstrated that limited integration exists between behavioral health and primary care practices in Rhode Island, and that such integration has a range of characteristics and levels. More practice integration is needed to ensure the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based care to the millions of individuals living with cooccurring behavioral and physical health needs.
Sleep and Work in ICU Physicians During a Randomized Trial of Nighttime Intensivist Staffing.

OBJECTIVES To compare sleep, work hours, and behavioral alertness in faculty and fellows during a randomized trial of nighttime in-hospital intensivist staffing compared with a standard daytime intensivist model. DESIGN Prospective observational study. SETTING Medical ICU of a tertiary care academic medical center during a randomized controlled trial of in-hospital nighttime intensivist staffing. PATIENTS Twenty faculty and 13 fellows assigned to rotations in the medical ICU during 2012. INTERVENTIONS As part of the parent study, there was weekly randomization of staffing model, stratified by 2-week faculty rotation. During the standard staffing model, there were in-hospital residents, with a fellow and faculty member available at nighttime by phone. In the intervention, there were in-hospital residents with an in-hospital nighttime intensivist. Fellows and faculty completed diaries detailing their sleep, work, and well-being; wore actigraphs; and performed psychomotor vigilance testing daily. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Daily sleep time (mean hours [SD]) was increased for fellows and faculty in the intervention versus control (6.7 [0.3] vs 6.0 [0.2]; p < 0.001 and 6.7 [0.1] vs 6.4 [0.2]; p < 0.001, respectively). In-hospital work duration did not differ between the models for fellows or faculty. Total hours of work done at home was different for both fellows and faculty (0.1 [< 0.1] intervention vs 1.0 [0.1] control; p < 0.001 and 0.2 [< 0.1] intervention vs 0.6 [0.1] control; p < 0.001, respectively). Psychomotor vigilance testing did not demonstrate any differences. Measures of well-being including physical exhaustion and alertness were improved in faculty and fellows in the intervention staffing model. CONCLUSIONS Although no differences were measured in patient outcomes between the two staffing models, in-hospital nighttime intensivist staffing was associated with small increases in total sleep duration for faculty and fellows, reductions in total work hours for fellows only, and improvements in subjective well-being for both groups. Staffing models should consider how work duration, sleep, and well-being may impact burnout and sustainability.
Knowing-how under uncertainty

Abstract Logical systems containing knowledge and know-how modalities have been investigated in several recent works. Independently, epistemic modal logics in which every knowledge modality is labeled with a degree of uncertainty have been proposed. This article combines these two research lines by introducing a bimodal logic containing knowledge and know-how modalities, both labeled with a degree of uncertainty. The main technical results are soundness, completeness, and incompleteness of the proposed logical system with respect to two classes of semantics.
Effects of Gamma Irradiation on Functional Response of Relaxor-Ferroelectric Thin Films

This work investigates the radiation response of relaxor-ferroelectric, lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate (PMN-PT) thin films, as an alternative material for microelectromechanical system (MEMS) devices in harsh environments. PMN-PT (0.7Pb[Mg1/3Nb2/3]O3-0.3PbTiO3) thin films were fabricated via chemical solution deposition onto platinized Si wafers and exposed to gamma radiation doses up to 10 Mrad(Si). The functional response of the thin films was measured before and after irradiation, and the resulting changes were reported. Within the radiation dose range studied, dielectric permittivity, tunability, and saturated polarization showed <5% change, and saturated piezoelectric coefficient <10% change. Additionally, PMN-PT thin films showed equivalent or superior radiation tolerance compared with lead zirconate titanate thin films previously studied. Higher chemical heterogeneity and greater domain wall mobility are expected to contribute to overall greater radiation tolerance in PMN-PT thin films. Nonlinear trends were found in dielectric and piezoelectric response with increasing dose, showing enhanced response at low doses of radiation before degradation at high doses. However, such variations were also within the experimentally observed dispersion of the data. The results are expected to impact systems to be deployed in areas of high radiation exposure, including systems used in aerospace, medical physics, X-ray/high-energy source measurement tools, and continuous monitoring of nuclear power applications.
Welfare support activities of grassroots refugee-run community organizations: a reframing

Whereas conventional theories depict the migrant organization in terms of its social and cultural dimensions, an emerging line of research expands “established models” of migrant organizations, emp...
Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)

In the last decades there has been a rapid increase in interest in the study of the central amino acid neurotransmitters, especially in the role of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in certain neurological and psychiatric problems.
Thinking Animals or Thinking Brains

Animalism offers a more attractive account of the human person than the Embodied Mind Account. If people are not animals, but small proper parts of animals, then there is a threat of spatially coincident thinkers. This will likely have to be avoided at the cost of the sparsest of ontologies, one in which there are no larger entities that can become reduced to the size of the brain or cerebrum-size thinker. This will be a rather implausible ontology as such thinkers will not fit well into the natural world, meet traditional independence or unity criteria for being substances, nor provide a compositional principle with causal glue.
Investigation of the Role of Aromatic Residues in the Antimicrobial Peptide BuCATHL4B

BACKGROUND Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs) are an attractive alternative to traditional small molecule antibiotics as AMPs typically target the bacterial cell membrane. A Trp-rich peptide sequence derived from water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis), BuCATHL4B was previously identified as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial peptide. OBJECTIVE In this work, native Trp residues were replaced with other naturally occurring aromatic amino acids to begin to elucidate the importance of these residues on peptide activity. METHODS Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) results demonstrated activity against seven strains of bacteria. Membrane and bilayer permeabilization assays were performed to address the role of bilayer disruption in the activity of the peptides. Lipid vesicle binding and quenching experiments were also performed to gain an understanding of how the peptides interacted with lipid bilayers. RESULTS MIC results indicate the original, tryptophan-rich sequence, and the phenylalanine substituted sequences exhibit strong inhibition of bacterial growth. In permeabilization assays, peptides with phenylalanine substitutions have higher levels of membrane permeabilization than those substituted with tyrosine. In addition, one of the two-tyrosine substituted sequence, YWY, behaves most differently in the lowest antimicrobial activity, showing no permeabilization of bacterial membranes. Notably the antimicrobial activity is inherently species dependent, with varying levels of activity against different bacteria. CONCLUSION There appears to be little correlation between membrane permeabilization and activity, indicating these peptides may have additional mechanisms of action beyond membrane disruption. The results also identify two sequences, denoted FFF and YYW, which retain antibacterial activity but have markedly reduced hemolytic activity.
Actor concurrency bugs: a comprehensive study on symptoms, root causes, API usages, and differences

Actor concurrency is becoming increasingly important in the development of real-world software systems. Although actor concurrency may be less susceptible to some multithreaded concurrency bugs, such as low-level data races and deadlocks, it comes with its own bugs that may be different. However, the fundamental characteristics of actor concurrency bugs, including their symptoms, root causes, API usages, examples, and differences when they come from different sources are still largely unknown. Actor software development can significantly benefit from a comprehensive qualitative and quantitative understanding of these characteristics, which is the focus of this work, to foster better API documentation, development practices, testing, debugging, repairing, and verification frameworks. To conduct this study, we take the following major steps. First, we construct a set of 186 real-world Akka actor bugs from Stack Overflow and GitHub via manual analysis of 3,924 Stack Overflow questions, answers, and comments and 3,315 GitHub commits, messages, original and modified code snippets, issues, and pull requests. Second, we manually study these actor bugs and their fixes to understand and classify their symptoms, root causes, and API usages. Third, we study the differences between the commonalities and distributions of symptoms, root causes, and API usages of our Stack Overflow and GitHub actor bugs. Fourth, we discuss real-world examples of our actor bugs with these symptoms and root causes. Finally, we investigate the relation of our findings with those of previous work and discuss their implications. A few findings of our study are: (1) symptoms of our actor bugs can be classified into five categories, with Error as the most common symptom and Incorrect Exceptions as the least common, (2) root causes of our actor bugs can be classified into ten categories, with Logic as the most common root cause and Untyped Communication as the least common, (3) a small number of Akka API packages are responsible for most of API usages by our actor bugs, and (4) our Stack Overflow and GitHub actor bugs can differ significantly in commonalities and distributions of their symptoms, root causes, and API usages. While some of our findings agree with those of previous work, others sharply contrast.
Novel analysis of HT-SELEX data elucidates the role of DNA shape in transcription factor binding

Abstract Understanding the principles of DNA binding by transcription factors (TFs) is of primary importance for studying gene regulation. Recently, several lines of evidence suggested that both DNA sequence and shape contribute to TF binding. However, the question if in the absence of any sequence similarity to the binding motif, DNA shape can still increase probability of binding was yet to be addressed. To address this challenge, we developed Co-SELECT, a computational approach to analyze the results of in vitro HT-SELEX experiments for TF-DNA binding. Specifically, the presence of motif-free sequences in late HT-SELEX rounds and their enrichment in weak binders allowed us to detect evidence for the role of DNA shape features in TF binding. Our approach revealed that, even in the absence of the sequence motif, TFs have propensity to weakly bind to DNA molecules enriched in specific shape features. Surprisingly, we also found that some properties of DNA shape contribute to promiscuous binding of all tested TF families. Strikingly, such promiscuously bound shapes correspond to the most frequent shape formed by the DNA. We propose that this promiscuous binding facilitates diffusing of TFs along the DNA molecule before it is locked in its binding site.
Is Law Working? A Brief Look at the Legal Epidemiology of COVID-19

Legal intervention has featured prominently in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In most places in the world, the legal response has consisted of some combination of traditional disease control measures (individualized testing, contact-tracing, distancing), population-based physical distancing (including school and business closures, stay-at-home orders, gathering bans and masking rules), travel strictures (including travel bans, border closures and quarantines), and economic support measures (which are beyond the scope of this Chapter). Researchers have tried to guide that response in real-time by measuring rapidly changing legal interventions and assessing their current and future effects. In a moment when law can have huge beneficial and deleterious effects, this legal epidemiology can fairly be regarded as a crucial element of the overall COVID-19 response. This Chapter tries to identify important take-aways from this evolving evidence base. The epidemiologic record shows that the U.S. is failing to control the virus, but little else is as clear. Understanding how much better or worse things would be with different legal interventions is complicated given that the effects of rules are dependent on settings (e.g., density), timing (e.g., in relation to population transmission rates), and social context (e.g., social norms and political conditions). It is difficult for researchers to untangle the effects of specific legal requirements, let alone to identify some ideal set of least restrictive elements. Nevertheless, previous experience, prevailing theory, and some direct evidence suggest that some early and aggressive distancing interventions have important benefits. Questions of costs, disparities and side effects remain largely unanswered.
A CONSTANT CURRENT MICROCOULOMETRIC TECHNIQUE FOR DROPPING MERCURY ELECTRODES

Abstract A constant current microcoulometric method for determining the number of electrons involved in a unit of reaction at a dropping mercury electrode is described in detail. A large capacitor is connected in parallel with the microcell, and a constant current applied to the combination. The results obtained from several tests with both reversible and irreversible reductions are discussed, and the optimum conditions for accurate results with the method are presented. The principle advantage of the amperostatic method over the usual potentiostatic method is the ease with which the number of coulombs passed during the electrolysis can be calculated.
Studies on Calciferol Metabolism V. THE OCCURRENCE AND BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY OF 1,25-DIHYDROXY-VITAMIN D3 IN BONE

Abstract The administration of cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) (CC) to rachitic chicks results in the production of two major polar metabolites, 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OH-CC) and 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25-diOH-CC), and a number of other minor metabolites. Eighteen hours after a physiological dose (0.65 nmoles) of radioactive cholecalciferol, 80% of the radioactivity in the target intestine is present as 1,25-diOH-CC and 19% as 25-OH-CC. In the other major target organ, the skeletal system, 25% of the radioactivity is present in a form chromatographically identical to 1,25-diOH-CC, 50% as 25-OH-CC and 20% as unaltered CC. 1,25-diOH-CC has been shown previously to be the probable metabolically active form of vitamin D3 which initiates increased intestinal calcium transport. 1,25-diOH-CC stimulated increased bone calcium mobilization, as measured by serum calcium elevation, in both vitamin D deficient chicks and rats. 1,25-diOH-CC initiates maximal bone calcium mobilization more rapidly than either CC or 25-OH-CC; maximal activity occurs at 8 to 10 hours for 1,25-diOH-CC and at 20 to 24 hours for the other steroids. When the maximal biological activity of 1,25-diOH-CC observed at 9 hours is compared to the maximal activity obtained by the other steroids at 24 hours, it was determined that 1,25-diOH-CC is 5.5 times more active than CC and 3.6 times more active than 25-OH-CC in stimulating bone calcium mobilization. Following administration of 1,25-diOH-[3H]CC, maximal localization of radioactivity in the bone tissue occurred after only 1 to 2 hours. This radioactivity was found by chromatographic analysis to be unaltered 1,25-diOH-CC. There is an obligatory requirement for the kidney mediated hydroxylation of 25-OH-CC to occur prior to the development of a biological response. Administration of 3.25 nmoles of CC, 3.25 nmoles of 25-OH-CC, 3.25 nmoles of dihydrotachysterol3, and 0.26 nmoles of 1,25-diOH-CC all produced bone calcium mobilization in vitamin D deficient rats with kidneys present. However, in bilaterally nephrectomized rats (kidneys absent), only 1,25-diOH-CC was capable of initiating bone calcium mobilization. These results indicate that 1,25-diOH-CC, which is believed to be the active form of cholecalciferol in the intestine, may also be the form of this steroid responsible for bone calcium mobilization.
Phase I and Pharmacokinetic Study of Irofulven, a Novel Mushroom-Derived Cytotoxin, Administered for Five Consecutive Days Every Four Weeks in Patients With Advanced Solid Malignancies

PURPOSE: To evaluate the toxicity and pharmacologic behavior of the novel mushroom-derived cytotoxin irofulven administered as a 5-minute intravenous (IV) infusion daily for 5 days every 4 weeks to patients with advanced solid malignancies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this phase I trial, 46 patients were treated with irofulven doses ranging from 1.0 to 17.69 mg/m2 as a 5-minute IV infusion (two patients received a 1-hour infusion) daily for 5 days every 4 weeks. The modified continual reassessment method was used for dose escalation. Pharmacokinetic studies were performed on days 1 and 5 to characterize the plasma disposition of irofulven. RESULTS: Forty-six patients were treated with 92 courses of irofulven. The dose-limiting toxicities on this schedule were myelosuppression and renal dysfunction. At the 14.15-mg/m2 dose level, renal dysfunction resembling renal tubular acidosis occurred in four of 10 patients and was ameliorated by prophylactic IV hydration. The 17.69-mg/m2 dose level was not tolerated bec...
Devices for Rehabilitation Applications

Recent research is showing that Shape Memory Alloys (SMA) can be advantageously employed for a number of applications in Rehabilitation Medicine and the related field of Neuroscience. This innovative use of SMA was investigated with the specific aim of improving the treatment approach to neurological patients with sequelae from stroke, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, etc. Several examples of devices built for this purpose will be presented together with an outline of the reasons why the shape-memory and pseudoelastic effects can be regarded as interesting resources on account of scientific, technical and clinical reasons. In particular the design and functioning of an SMA-based ankle exerciser and pseudoelastic repositioning splints for the upper and lower limbs will be discussed in relation with results of neurophysiologic and clinical tests. The main observations so far suggest that this type of devices is able to support patients’ physical rehabilitation by adapting to changing conditions and needs during functional recovery. Furthermore, due to their improved tolerability relative to traditional treatments SMA devices can be used for longer times and tend to produce interesting effects in the control of spastic syndromes.
Surface properties and photometry of the Uranian satellites

Voyager photographic images and photopolarimetric experiment observations have been used to obtain the spectral geometric and Bond albedos, phase integrals, color-dependent phase coefficients, and integrated solar phase-curve parameters of the five Uranian satellites Miranda, Ariel, Umbriel, Titania, and Oberon. While the results obtained confirm those of Nelson et al. (1987) and Veverka et al. (1987) that these five largest Uranian satellites constitute a unique class of low-albedo and spectrally flat objects, attention is presently given to important differences among the five moons' surface physical properties.
A Phenomenological Model for Combustion and Emissions in Small Bore, High Speed, Direct Injection Diesel Engines

This paper introduces a phenomenological model for the fuel distribution, combustion, and emissions formation in the small bore, high speed direct injection diesel engine. A differentiation is made between the conditions in large bore and small bore diesel engines, particularly regarding the fuel impingement on the walls and the swirl and squish gas flow components. The model considers the fuel injected prior to the development of the flame, fuel injected in the flame, fuel deposited on the walls and the last part of the fuel delivered at the end of the injection process. The model is based on experimental results obtained in a single-cylinder, 4-valve, direct-injection, four-stroke-cycle, water-cooled, diesel engine equipped with a common rail fuel injection system. The engine is supercharged with heated shop air, and the exhaust back pressure is adjusted to simulate actual turbo-charged diesel engine conditions. The experiments covered a wide range of injection pressures, EGR rates, injection timings and swirl ratios. Correlations and 2-D maps are developed to show the effect of combinations of the above parameters on engine out emissions. Emphasis is made on the nitric oxide and soot measured in Bosch Smoke Units (BSU).Copyright © 2005 by ASME
In-Flight Radiometric Calibration Of Advanced Remote Sensing Systems

Several methods for the in-flight calibration of advanced remote sensing systems are reviewed. Pre-flight and in-flight detector-based calibration are discussed. Calibration by reference to instrumented ground targets is suggested for current systems. Preliminary data are presented on the accuracy and sensitivity required of measurements of ground targets and the atmosphere between the targets and the sensor to achieve an uncertainty in absolute terms of less than + or - 3 percent in the calibration of Landsat-4 systems.
Integrated region/edge framework for multimodality target delineation

A new methodology is proposed for the delineation of anatomical or physiological target regions utilizing a rich set of multimodality imagery. The proposed technique is unique in that it allows the integration of anatomical cues from transmission tomography (MRI/CT) with more fuzzy, physiological information derived from emission tomography (PET/SPECT). This approach allows for the delineation of regions of homogeneous tracer uptake constrained by the boundaries of anatomical structures, and vice versa. An extension of deformable model segmentation techniques is presented which integrates both region and edge information from registered scans in a competitive manner. The proposed technique has been implemented for two-dimensional deformable models. Results are presented for the cases of unimodal MRI in which region and edge information is integrated, and for a multimodal case employing a registered MRI and PET scan.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A contingency analysis of taste aversion conditioning

The acquisition of conditioned taste aversion was assessed relative to five control procedures. That is, forward conditioning using multiple-trial, brief-duration taste CSs and weak USs over a 30-min CS-US delay was compared to backward, CS alone, US alone, sham CS and sham US, and random control procedures. The outcome supported an associative conditioning interpretation of the learned aversion. While there were no differences between the various control procedures, all were different from the forward conditioning group. The argument was made that some of the distinctive associative and nonassociative phenomena attributed to taste aversion conditioning (but not seen in the present study) may in part be due to the duration and intensity of both the CS and US events.
Vesicoureteral reflux: subpopulations of patients defined by clinical variables.

Background. The first imaging evaluation of the child with urinary tract infection (UTI) is often the same for all children, regardless of the child's clinical presentation. However, this approach is simplistic and ignores considerable differences in the frequency of abnormal pathophysiology in different subpopulations of children with UTI.¶Objective. Six clinical variables are evaluated as predictors of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in a large series of girls with UTI.¶Materials and methods. Data were collected from a consecutive series of 919 girls undergoing a first imaging evaluation for UTI. Six input variables were used: age, maximum body temperature (Tmax), number of UTIs, hospitalization, family history of childhood UTI, and rapidity of response to antibiotic therapy. The dependent variable was VUR. Data were enumerated and analyzed by logistic regression and the chi-square test.¶Results. VUR was present in 28.8 %. The percentage with VUR varied from 56.1 % for age < 6 months and Tmax L 38.5 °C to 13.0 % for age L 10 years and Tmax < 38.5 °C. The frequency of VUR was significantly lower in girls with Tmax < 38.5 °C in most age groups. Logistic regression demonstrated, when all clinical variables were taken together, that only age and Tmax were independent predictors of VUR.¶Conclusions. Girls with UTI should not be considered to be a homogeneous group. The frequency of VUR is related to Tmax and inversely to age. Data about these subpopulations should be used in deciding which girls should undergo cystography.
Cultural Diversity and the Performance of Multinational Firms

We test the hypothesis that culturally related international diversification will have a positive impact on firm performance and that the opposite will be true for culturally unrelated globalization. Cultural diversity for Fortune 500 firms was used to predict performance over a ten-year period (1985–1994), controlling for several organizational and industry characteristics. Regression tests using nine indicators of cultural diversity revealed no significant cultural effects. Alternate interpretations are offered.
The Difficult Airway in Pediatrics

Airway management remains the key component of resuscitative efforts in emergency situations. Resuscitative efforts will be futile unless oxygenation and ventilation can be provided or re-established quickly. Although problematic management of the pediatric airway including difficulties with mask ventilation or unsuccessful endotracheal intubation remains rare, it is one of the primary causes of perioperative morbidity and mortality. The airway examination and evaluation remains an integral component of the preoperative assessment with the goal of identifying potential airway issues. The primary tools to deal with a ‘‘cannot intubate-cannot ventilate’’ scenario in the pediatric population include a supraglottic airway, indirect laryngoscope and a lighted stylet. When these tools fail, emergent cricothyrotomy may be necessary.
Continuous versus episodic hydration in encapsulating protective coveralls.

Work in warm environments while wearing respiratory protective masks can result in progressive dehydration. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of a portable hands-free, through-the-gas mask hydration system on workers in encapsulating protective coveralls (EPC) in the heat. Ten participants performed four trials of simulated “moderate” intensity industrial work (300 Kcal/min) at a wet bulb glove temperature WBGT of 23°C while wearing impermeable (two trials) and semipermeable (two trials) EPC. Participants performed the trials under two conditions: (1) drinking ad libitum from a portable hands-free system (PHFS) using a through-the-gas mask drinking device, and (2) using typical rest-only, wherein participants worked until a termination criterion was met, then were removed from the work environment and permitted to drink as much as they desired. When using the PHFS, for the impermeable EPC trial, participants drank 242% of what they drank during the drinking-during-rest trial. Total work ti...
Intermittent Hypoxia Regulates Stem-like Characteristics and Differentiation of Neuroblastoma Cells

Background Neuroblastomas are the most common extracranial solid tumors in children. Neuroblastomas are derived from immature cells of the sympathetic nervous system and are characterized by clinical and biological heterogeneity. Hypoxia has been linked to tumor progression and increased malignancy. Intermittent hypoxia or repeated episodes of hypoxia followed by re-oxygenation is a common phenomenon in solid tumors including neuroblastoma and it has a significant influence on the outcome of therapies. The present study focuses on how intermittent hypoxia modulates the stem-like properties and differentiation in neuroblastoma cells.
Stress, the HPA axis, and nonhuman primate well-being: A review

Numerous stressors are routinely encountered by wild-living primates (e.g., food scarcity, predation, aggressive interactions, and parasitism). Although many of these stressors are eliminated in laboratory environments, other stressors may be present in that access to space and social partners is often restricted. Stress affects many physiological systems including the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenocortical (HPA) axis, which is the focus of this review. The glucocorticoid, cortisol, is the ultimate output of this system in nonhuman primates, and levels of this hormone are used as an index of stress. Researchers can measure cortisol from several sampling matrices that include blood, saliva, urine, faeces, and hair. A comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of each sampling matrix is provided to aid researchers in selecting an optimal strategy for their research. Stress and its relationship to welfare have been examined in nonhuman primates using two complimentary approaches: comparing baseline cortisol levels under different conditions, or determining the reactivity of the system through exposure to a stressor. Much of this work is focused on colony management practices and developmental models of abnormal behaviour. Certain colony practices are known to increase stress at least temporarily. Both blood sampling and relocation are examples of this effect, and efforts have been made to reduce some of the more stressful aspects of these procedures. In contrast, other colony management practices such as social housing and environmental enrichment are hypothesized to reduce stress. Testing this hypothesis by comparing baseline cortisol levels has not proved useful, probably due to “floor” effects; however, social buffering studies have shown the powerful role of social housing in mitigating reactions of nonhuman primates to stressful events. Models of abnormal behaviour come from two sources: experimentally induced alterations in early experience (e.g., nursery rearing), and the spontaneous development of behavioural pathology (e.g., self-injurious behaviour). Investigators have often assumed that abnormal behaviour is a marker for stress and thus such monkeys are predicted to have higher cortisol levels than controls. However, an emerging finding is that monkeys with abnormal behaviour are more likely to show a pattern of lowered cortisol concentrations which may reflect either an altered set point or a blunting of the stress response system. These findings parallel human clinical studies demonstrating that neuropsychiatric disorders may be associated with either increased or decreased activity of the HPA system, depending on the aetiology and manifestation of the disorder and their potential influence in provoking allostatic shifts in system functioning.
The response of γ vitamin E to varying dosages of α vitamin E plus vitamin C

Vitamin E has been studied extensively in the prevention of atherosclerosis. Cross-sectional population studies as well as randomized controlled intervention trials have demonstrated conflicting results. A recent meta-analysis of these trials has emphasized the ineffectiveness of vitamin E in atherosclerosis prevention, with a possibility of harm at higher dosages. However, vitamin E has several isomers, with the alpha form being available via dietary supplements and the gamma form being available via dietary foodstuffs. The gamma form of vitamin E demonstrates several superior properties (such as trapping reactive nitrogen species and detoxifying nitrogen dioxide) compared with alpha vitamin E. All clinical trials have used the alpha isomer, with little concern that this isomer of vitamin E may actually suppress the gamma isomer of vitamin E. We undertook a dose-response study in volunteers with type 2 diabetes mellitus to include all the dosages of alpha vitamin E that have been used in cardiovascular prevention trials to determine the effect of alpha vitamin E on gamma vitamin E. We also assessed the effect of alpha vitamin E on several traditional markers of atherosclerotic risk. We added vitamin C to the vitamin E because several clinical trials included this vitamin to enhance the antioxidant effects of alpha vitamin E. Volunteers received, in randomized order for a 2-week period, one of the following vitamin dosage arms: (1) no vitamins, (2) low-dose supplemental vitamins E plus C, (3) medium-dose supplemental vitamins E plus C, and (4) high-dose supplemental vitamins E plus C. Blood levels of both alpha and gamma vitamin E were measured as well as surrogate markers of oxidative stress, hypercoagulation, and inflammation during a high-fat atherogenic meal (to increase the ambient oxidative stress level during the study). The results demonstrate that alpha vitamin E levels increased in proportion to the dose administered. However, at every dose of alpha vitamin E, gamma vitamin E concentration was significantly suppressed. No beneficial changes in surrogate markers of atherosclerosis were observed, consistent with the negative results of prospective clinical trials using alpha vitamin E. Our results suggest that all prospective cardiovascular clinical trials that used vitamin E supplementation actually suppressed the beneficial antioxidant gamma isomer of vitamin E. No beneficial effects on several potential cardiovascular risk factors were observed, even when the vitamin E was supplemented with vitamin C. If a standardized preparation of gamma vitamin E (without the alpha isomer) becomes available, the effects of gamma vitamin E on atherosclerotic risk will warrant additional studies.
Alterations in phospholipid polymorphism by polyethylene glycol.

The fusogen polyethylene glycol is shown to alter the polymorphism of dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine, soybean phosphatidylethanolamine, bovine phosphatidylserine, egg phosphatidylcholine/cholesterol mixture, dilinoleoylphosphatidylethanolamine/palmitoyl-oleoylphosphatidylcholine mixture, and egg lysolecithin. Suspension of these lipids in 50% polyethylene glycol (mol wt=6000) reduces both the lamellar and the hexagonal II repeat spacings as measured by X-ray diffraction. An increase in the gel to liquid crystalline and bilayer to hexagonal transition temperatures are observed by freeze-fracture, X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry and31P NMR. Freeze-fracture electron micrographs revealed different bilayer defects depending on the physical states of the lipid. Lipidic particles in mixtures containing unsaturated phosphatidylethanolamine is eliminated. Some of the influences of polyethylene glycol on lipids may be explained by its dehydrating effect. However, other nonfusogenic dehydrating agents failed to produce similar results. These findings are consistent with the proposal that close bilayer contact and the formation of bilayer defects are associated with the fusogenic properties of polyethylene glycol.
Organizing factors in remembering and comprehending: A developmental analysis

This report describes an experiment that emphasizes: (a) the influence of organizing factors in remembering and comprehending and (b) the development of those skills that are related to the ability to organize. The analysis of the data was based on a theory of comprehension that emphasized a pair of interrelated processes, one providing for the construction of a schema or plan and the other for the semantic integration of items into the evolving plan. As predicted, adults perform more accurately with the paragraphs vs. the scrambled paragraphs and with the word lists as compared to the scrambled word lists. Accuracy with unrelated words is generally greater than with related words, a finding that is consistent with a reconstructive theory of remembering. The pattern of results for the 5th grade Ss is quite different: they perform more accurately with the scrambled paragraphs than with the paragraphs and somewhat more accurately with scrambled word lists rather than with word lists. These results were interpreted as evidence for a problem of control for the 5th grade Ss. We have assumed that the ability to process certain forms of information depends upon the ability to select and maintain an appropriate focus of attention. The results for these younger Ss suggest that their ability to file information into a schema as a filing system is compromised by the need to change or modify the filing system.
Isothermal crystallization of isotactic polypropylene in dotriacontane. II: Effect of nucleating agent addition on growth rate

Isothermal crystallization growth rates of nucleated and non-nucleated isotactic polypropylene (iPP) in dotriacontane were determined experimentally by thermal optical microscopy. Adipic acid was used as the nucleating agent. The Lauritzen and Hoffman analysis was used to determine the fold surface energy of the nucleated and non-nucleated mixtures.
Two-dimensional liquid chromatography study of the human whole saliva proteome.

The human whole saliva proteome was investigated using two-dimensional liquid chromatography (2-DLC). The 2-DLC study was able to identify, with high confidence, 102 proteins including most known salivary proteins (35), and a large number of common serum proteins (67). Peptides from proline-rich proteins, abundant in saliva, had unusual cleavage sites and were frequently only partially tryptic. Three proteins not previously observed in human saliva were also detected. Significantly greater numbers of identified proteins, including high molecular weight, low molecular weight, and proline-rich proteins, were found with 2-DLC compared to previously reported two-dimensional gel electrophoresis studies. Keywords: human saliva • two-dimensional liquid chromatography • mass spectrometry
Knoop Microhardness Anisotropy of Single-Crystal Aragonite

The Knoop microhardness was measured for indentation test loads from 25 to 200 g on the (100), (010), and (001) planes of single-crystal aragonite (nonbiogenic). Although the microhardness of this aragonite is quite anisotropic on the (100) and (010), it is nearly isotropic on the (001) plane. The microhardness profiles are discussed relative to the structure of aragonite, and the hardnesses are compared with those which have been determined for calcite on its cleavage plane. The indentation load/size effect (ISE) is addressed for aragonite and compared with that of calcite on its cleavage plane.
Larval Substrates of Herminiine Noctuids (Lepidoptera): Macrodecomposers of Temperate Leaf Litter

More than 40 species of herminiine noctuids occur in eastern forests. Nearly all of these are detritivores, skeletonizing fallen leaves and thereby accelerating nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems. Larval feeding assays were conducted for 8 herminiine genera with air-dried leaves from 10 tree and shrub genera. Survivorship was high on dead foliage of Carya ovata (Juglandaceae), Larix decidua (Pinaceae), Prunus serotina (Rosaceae), Quercus alba and Q. rubra (Fagaceae), Vaccinium corymbosum (Ericaceae), and Vitis sp. (Vitaceae); intermediate on Acer rubrum (Aceraceae) and Rhus glabra (Anacardiaceae); and low on Liriodendron tulipiferum and Pinus strobus (Pinaceae). Additional larval feeding assays were performed using Quercus alba leaves treated with an antibiotic, fungicide, and a combination of the two. Treatment with the cell-culture grade antibiotic had no effect on survival of Chytolita morbidalis (Guenee) larvae. In fact, mean pupal weights were significantly greater for larvae fed treated leaves. Treatment with the general purpose fungicide Daconil lowered the survival of C. morbidalis. Given that several species were able to complete their development on air-dried foliage, we suspect that many herminiines are not dependent on the epiphytic bacteria and fungi on leaf litter, as has been suggested by other studies.