cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sinonasal Papillomas and Carcinomas: A Contemporary Update With Review of an Emerging Molecular Classification

Context.— Sinonasal papillomas and carcinomas are uncommon head and neck neoplasms that comprise a broad clinicopathologic and morphologic spectrum, and thus frequently represent a diagnostic chall...
Il-4 and IL-13 act independently and synergistically to drive type 2 inflammation

Background: Dupilumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody that binds IL-4Raand inhibits signaling of both IL-4 and IL-13, has shown robust efficacy across multiple diseases with underlying type 2 signatures and is approved for treatment of asthma and atopic dermatitis. Aim: To distinguish the roles of IL-4 and IL-13 in driving type 2 inflammation by comparing IL-4 vs IL-13 vs dual IL-4/13 blockade. Methods: Human mast cells, eosinophils or endothelial cells were treated with IL-4 or IL-13 and assessed for cytokine/chemokine release and/or FceR1aexpression. Humanized mice were exposed to house dust mite thrice weekly for 4 weeks and received twice‐weekly injections of dupilumab, anti‐IL-4, IL-13Rα2 fusion protein, control antibodies, or no antibody. Results: IL-4 and IL-13 differentially induced different patterns of cytokine release from human endothelial cells, mast cells and eosinophils. Similarly, IL-4 and IL-13 to a lesser extent, induced mast cell FceR1aexpression. In a murine asthma model, antigen specific responses were IL-4-dependent, whereas mucus production was IL-13-dependent. Lung eosinophil infiltration and cytokine/chemokine induction were dependent on both IL-4 and IL-13. Notably, dual receptor blockade with dupilumab, but not individual ligand blockade, prevented all of these type 2 associated pathologies. Conclusion: IL-4 and IL-13 act independently and synergistically to drive type 2 inflammation highlighting the need for dual blockade. This could explain in part the benefit of dupilumab across multiple type 2 diseases and key mechanistic differences between IL-4 and IL-13.
Outcomes of laparoscopic-assisted ERCP in gastric bypass patients at a community hospital center.

Obesity is a prevalent issue in today’s society, increasing the number of gastric weight loss surgeries (Bowman et al. in Surg Endosc. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-016-4746-8 , 2016; Choi et al. in Surg Endosc. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-013-2850-6 , 2013; Paranandi et al. in Frontline Gastroenterol. https://doi.org/10.1136/flgastro-2015-100556 , 2015; Richardson et al. in http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/sesc/tas , 2012). This presents an anatomical challenge to biliary disease requiring endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) as the traditional is technically difficult, requiring a longer endoscope with a reported success rate of less than 70% (Roberts et al. in https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3016032/ , 2008). A solution is laparoscopic-assisted ERCP (LA-ERCP) via gastrostomy. We present our experience with LA-ERCP at our teaching community hospital in a large cohort of patients. An IRB-approved retrospective chart review was performed on patients with prior gastric bypass surgery who underwent LA-ERCP from April 2008 to April 2016. The procedure involved two bariatric surgeons and one gastroenterologist. The gastric remnant was secured to the abdominal wall with a purse-string suture and transfascial stay sutures. After gastrostomy creation of a duodenoscope was inserted to perform ERCP. Biliary sphincterotomy, dilation, and stone removal were performed as indicated. We observed the incidence of postoperative outcomes, including acute pancreatitis, reoperation, post-procedure infection, pain control, hospital readmission, and bile leak. Thirty-two patients met inclusion criteria. The majority of indications for LA-ERCP was choledocholithiasis (16/32). The remainder of cases included indications such as abnormal LFTs with biliary dilation (11/32), acute pancreatitis (2/32), cholangitis (2/32), and bile leak (1/32). LA-ERCP was successfully performed in all patients. Biliary sphincterotomy and stone extraction were performed on 31/32 patients. One patient underwent sphincterotomy and stent placement for bile leak after recent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. One patient developed acute pancreatitis with elevated pancreatic enzymes which resolved on POD2. The median length of stay was 2 days. LA-ERCP is a safe and feasible alternative to open surgery and can be safely implemented at community hospitals with adequately trained providers. Our large study proves that in this minimally invasive era, LA-ERCP provides gastric bypass patients a safe alternative with less pain and increased satisfaction.
Analysis of influenza surveillance 2009-2012 in Gansu province

Objective To study the epidemical characteristics of influenza in Gansu province from 2009 to 2012,and to discuss the changes of the predominant strains of influenza virus.In order to provide scientific basis for defending influenza effectively.Methods Influenza surveillance was performed by collecting the pharyngeal swab specimens from influenza patients of national surveillance hospitals and places with suspected influenza epidemic situations,inoculated on MDCK cell culture to obtain the influenza virus strains.Results From Jan.2009 to Dce.2012 36892 specimens were collected,and 8030 were positive for influenza virus,including 4331 influenza A (H1 N1),seasonal H3N2 subtype1562,H1N1 subtype 96,1651 type B,and 380 type A with unknown subtype strains.During the period from 2009 to 2012,the positive of influenza virus isolation was 32.71％,13.95％,7.80％,and 19.64％,respectively.Totally 1149 influenza virus strains were isolated,positive rate was 16.24％,of them,346 strains were SWA1 (H1pdmN1),34 strains were A1 (H1N1),183 strains were A3 (H3N2),470 strains were subtype B of Victoria and 116 strains were subtype B of Yamagata.Conclusion In 2009 new influenza A (H1N1) was the major epidemic,and in 2010-2011 the activity of influenza was very weak,only presented as sporadic disease.In the spring of 2012,type B influenza was dominant,while since Nov.type A (H1N1) and seasonal H3 were dominant.There was a peak of influenza epidemic each year,and alternative viral types predominance was the rule. Key words: Influenza A virus; Influenza B virus; Immundogic surveillance; Polyomerage chain reaclion ; Virus cultirations
Mobility network modeling explains higher SARS-CoV-2 infection rates among disadvantaged groups and informs reopening strategies

Fine-grained epidemiological modeling of the spread of SARS-CoV-2—capturing who is infected at which locations—can aid the development of policy responses that account for heterogeneous risks of different locations as well as the disparities in infections among different demographic groups. Here, we develop a metapopulation SEIR disease model that uses dynamic mobility networks, derived from US cell phone data, to capture the hourly movements of millions of people from local neighborhoods (census block groups, or CBGs) to points of interest (POIs) such as restaurants, grocery stores, or religious establishments. We simulate the spread of SARS-CoV-2 from March 1–May 2, 2020 among a population of 105 million people in 10 of the largest US metropolitan statistical areas. We show that by integrating these mobility networks, which connect 60k CBGs to 565k POIs with a total of 5.4 billion hourly edges, even a relatively simple epidemiological model can accurately capture the case trajectory despite dramatic changes in population behavior due to the virus. Furthermore, by modeling detailed information about each POI, like visitor density and visit length, we can estimate the impacts of fine-grained reopening plans: we predict that a small minority of “superspreader” POIs account for a large majority of infections, that reopening some POI categories (like full-service restaurants) poses especially large risks, and that strategies restricting maximum occupancy at each POI are more effective than uniformly reducing mobility. Our models also predict higher infection rates among disadvantaged racial and socioeconomic groups solely from differences in mobility: disadvantaged groups have not been able to reduce mobility as sharply, and the POIs they visit (even within the same category) tend to be smaller, more crowded, and therefore more dangerous. By modeling who is infected at which locations, our model supports fine-grained analyses that can inform more effective and equitable policy responses to SARS-CoV-2.
Impact of mastectomy for breast cancer on spinal curvature: Considerations when treating patients with scoliosis.

OBJECTIVE Mastectomy has been shown to influence body posture in women; however, there are limited data outlining changes in spine curvature after mastectomy in patients with scoliosis. We sought to quantify changes in spine curvature after mastectomy for breast cancer. METHODS We conducted a retrospective review of 62 patients with scoliosis who underwent mastectomy for breast cancer at a single institution between 1995 and 2018. Preoperative and postoperative radiographs were used to measure Cobb angles to assess lateral spinal curvature. Changes in Cobb angle were compared using paired two-tailed t-tests. The relationship between mass of breast removed and changes in Cobb angle was modeled using a linear regression. RESULTS The median follow-up after mastectomy was 7.9 years (range 0.9-21.5). Median age was 62 years (range 30-85). Of 62 patients, 10 (16%) expressed that their back pain became worse after mastectomy. Nineteen patients had evaluable radiographs before and after mastectomy. In these patients, the average change in Cobb angle was 4.7° (range -0.2-12.2). Cobb angle significantly increased after mastectomy (P < .0001). Although not statistically significant, average Cobb angle was greater for patients who underwent unilateral compared to bilateral mastectomy (P = .09). Mass of breast removed significantly correlated with the difference in Cobb angle for patients who underwent unilateral mastectomy (P = .0006), but not for bilateral mastectomy (P = .55). CONCLUSIONS In this understudied patient population, mastectomy significantly increased the change in spine curvature. Further care should be taken to assess patient-reported pain and quality of life in patients with spine morbidity who undergo mastectomy for breast cancer.
Inflammatory Markers and Hepcidin are Elevated but Serum Iron is Lower in Obese Women of Reproductive Age.

Limited evidence suggests that serum iron and hepcidin concentrations are dysregulated in obesity and inflammation. The objective of the present study was to compare C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, circulating levels of hepcidin, serum lipids, and iron status in obese vs. normal-weight women of childbearing age. Healthy women aged 18–30 years were recruited for the study (n = 47: 25 obese and 22 normal weight). Fasting blood samples were obtained to measure serum lipids (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, non-HDL cholesterol), complete blood count, serum iron, total iron-binding capacity, transferrin saturation, serum ferritin, hepcidin, C-reactive protein, and interleukin-6. Obese women had significantly higher mean serum C-reactive protein (p < 0.001), interleukin-6 (p < 0.001), hepcidin (p = 0.024), triglycerides (p < 0.001) and total cholesterol/HDL ratio (p < 0.001) but lower HDL (p = 0.001) and serum iron/hepcidin ratio (p = 0.011) compared with normal-weight women. BMI correlated positively with inflammatory markers, triglycerides, LDL and total cholesterol/HDL ratio, and negatively with HDL and serum iron/hepcidin ratio. Serum iron correlated negatively with ferritin in the obese group (p = 0.030) but positively in normal weight women (p = 0.002). BMI and ferritin were the only predictors of serum iron/hepcidin ratio accounting for 23% of the variation among subjects. Studies are needed to examine anti-inflammatory dietary approaches that can improve iron biomarkers in obese women.
In-transit threats and risk management

Abstract Merchant ships face a variety of security threats while underway. Principal among these are piracy and armed robbery, terrorism, and cyberattacks. If not successfully evaded or deterred, these threats can result in injury and loss of life of vessel personnel, damage to and loss of ships and cargoes, and disruption of the intermodal supply chain, related business, and economies. This chapter discusses the nature of the most important security threats to vessels underway. It delineates various avenues for minimizing and mitigating such threats, including international conventions and codes; national regulations; governmental initiatives, policies, and guidance; industry guidelines; formal risk-management systems; vessel security plans and assessments; training, drills, and exercises; voyage planning; rerouting; military and paramilitary intervention; and security systems and equipment.
Design and Development of a PCM-Based Two-Phase Heat Exchanger Manufactured Additively for Spacecraft Thermal Management Systems

Abstract For spacecraft thermal management systems, it is crucial to diminish the overall mass of on-board thermal storage system and minimize the temperature fluctuations when the environmental temperature changes drastically. Since there is no atmosphere in outer space, heat can only be rejected to space using radiation (e.g., radiators). The heat sink conditions, and the heating power subjected to be rejected vary continuously at the orbiting stage of the spacecraft. Without thermal storage capability, the radiator is required to be large enough to release the highest power at the hottest of the heat sink. By engaging and integrating phase-change materials (PCMs) into a passive two-phase heat exchanger, the radiator can be designed and sized for the average rather than the maximum power. To meet the NASA needs, the prototype developed and fabricated in the present study is a novel two-phase heat exchanger that integrates PCMs within a vapor chamber through multiple thin drawers loaded with bulk PCM. The entire solid structure of the prototype is manufactured additively using Maraging Steel with the Direct Laser Metal Sintering (DLMS) technique. The chosen working fluid is Methanol to undertake two-phase heat transfer via saturated vapor from the heated surface of evaporator to the condenser surface, and the condensate then returns back to the heated region and keeps recirculated using the capillary pumping pressure performed by the wick structure without any reliance on the gravitational magnitudes. Depending on the heat sink temperature and PCM melting temperature, the developed heat exchanger can either function as a thermal capacitor or a two-phase heat exchanger with thermal storage capability, that is, two modes of operation to be engaged within the spacecraft's launching/landing stages or orbiting stage, respectively. In the present study, the geometry and number of the PCM-loaded drawers enclosed inside the heat exchanger's casing are optimized based on the mass ratio (the ratio of PCM mass to the total heat exchanger mass), additive manufacturing (AM) constraints, and total thermal resistances imposed on the system for either of the operation modes. The AM printed prototype with its all components are also represented along with technical drawings and specifications. Furthermore, the support structure model generated for metal printing of the proposed heat exchanger will be exposed and discussed. The wick structure design procedure is also presented and its main performance characteristics (e.g., effective pore size, effective thermal conductivity, porosity, and permeability) are reported to analytically examine the capillary pumping limit for the proposed heat exchanger.
Gaussian Mixture Filter for Angles-Only Orbit Determination in Modified Equinoctial Elements

A Gaussian mixture orbit determination filter is developed using a state vector that consists of equinoctial-like osculating elements. This new filter seeks to reduce the number of Gaussian mixture...
Dietary w-3 and w-6 Fatty Acids in Cancer

The evidence that dietary fat relates to cancers of the breast and colon, and probably other types of cancer, has been built on descriptive and metabolic epidemiology, correlation studies, migrant studies, case-control studies, and experimental animal studies1. This overall evidence has led to recommendations that dietary fat intake be reduced to decrease the risk of developing certain types of cancer.2,3
Multi-commodity variable upper bound flow models

We perform a polyhedral study of a multi-commodity generalization of variable upper bound flow models. In particular, we establish some relations between facets of single- and multi-commodity models. We then introduce a new family of inequalities, which generalizes traditional flow cover inequalities to the multi-commodity context. We present encouraging numerical results.
Myotube Specific Expression of the Mouse AChR Delta Subunit Gene is Conferred by 148 BP of 5′ Flanking DNA

The skeletal muscle AChR is a ligand-gated channel composed of four structurally related subunits. The four subunits assemble into a heteropentamer (alpha2, beta, gamma and delta) which binds acetylcholine and thus initiates a permeability change in the myofiber membrane that ultimately couples release of neurotransmitter to myofiber contraction (Fambrough, 1979; Karlin, 1980; Anderson, 1987).
Automation of Pressure Control Improves Whole Porcine Heart Decellularization

Whole heart decellularization combined with patient-specific cells may prove to be an extremely valuable approach to engineer new hearts. Mild detergents are commonly used in the decellularization process, but are known to denature and solubilize key proteins and growth factors and can therefore be destructive to the extracellular matrix (ECM) during the decellularization process. In this study, the decellularization of porcine hearts was accomplished in 24 h with only 6 h of sodium dodecyl sulfate exposure and 98% DNA removal. Automatically controlling the pressure during decellularization reduced the detergent exposure time while still completely removing immunogenic cell debris. Stimulation of macrophages was greatly reduced when comparing native tissue samples to the processed ECM. Complete cell removal was confirmed by analysis of DNA content. General collagen and elastin preservation was demonstrated. Glycosaminoglycans and collagen quantification both showed no significant differences in content af...
Treatment of Childhood Generalized Anxiety Disorder/Overanxious Disorder

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the treatment of childhood generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or overanxious disorder (OAD). Children displaying GAD, or its diagnostic precursor, OAD, experience an excessive amount of worry or anxious apprehension that cannot be reliably linked to a specific object or situation. The number, severity, and frequency of worries identified by GAD children serve to distinguish them from both normal children and those suffering with other types of anxiety disorders. GAD is regarded as the most common of the anxiety disorders. Both young children and adolescents may suffer from GAD, with prevalence rates estimated between 2–10 % of the general population. CBT would be more appropriate for a child whose case is conceptualized as presenting predominantly cognitive symptoms as the major impediments to healthy child development. Thus, the problematic generalized anxiety symptomatology identified by the therapist is vital to the successful application of appropriate GAD treatment techniques.
A Review of “Hitchcock at the Source: The Auteur as Adaptor”

Traditionally, adaptation studies have examined the ways source materials become reconfigured as new forms. For cinema, largely, this has been a one-way operation, looking at how books are turned i...
Preparative procedure for the purification of toxoids by gel filtration

Sephadex gel filtration can be employed as a preparative procedure for the purification of both tetanus and diphtheria toxoids. A toxoid purification sequence is described in the text. By utilizing the described methods and columns, up to 100,000 human doses of diphtheria toxoid could be processed in a single operation. The method has given an 80% yield of diphtheria toxoid with a purity of 1,900 Lf per mg of N. The analysis of the material by immunodiffusion tests showed that a marked increase in purity was achieved. Antigenicity tests demonstrated that there was no significant difference in antigenic potency between the parent toxoid and its purified fraction. Factors limiting the effective separation of tetanus toxoid by gel filtration are discussed. The construction of the columns used is described in detail, as well as packing procedures and column characteristics such as bed volume, void volume, sample size, and flow rate.
Self-trapping of partially spatially incoherent dark beams

We report the first experimental observation of self-trapping of spatially incoherent dark beams in the form of one-dimensional dark stripes and of two-dimensional dark vortices. To generate spatially incoherent dark beams, we convert a coherent laser source into a quasi-monochromatic spatially incoherent light source by using a relating diffuser.
Student-teachers’ emotional needs and dichotomous problem-solving: non-cognitive root causes of teaching and learning problems

AbstractThis study investigated whether typical field instruction practice adequately addressed student-teachers’ emotional needs and discerned whether unmet needs interrupted teacher learning. Four student-teachers completed weekly needs-based writing tasks, based on a broad application of Needs Theory. At the conclusion of the 16-week practicum, data collected during typical field instruction practices (transcripts of weekly conferences, observation field notes, and reflective writing tasks) were compared with non-typically collected data (needs-based writing task). Findings from within-case and cross-case analyses illuminated non-cognitive root causes of teaching and learning problems. Student-teachers’ dichotomous problem-solving, when attempting to satisfy emotional needs, thwarted teacher-learning opportunities.
Probable Role of Viruses in Calfhood Diseases

Abstract Bovine enteroviruses, bovine viral diarrhea virus, rotavirus (formerly called reovirus-like agent), coronavirus-like agent, bovine adenovirus, and bovine parainfluenza-3 virus have been isolated from calves suffering from neonatal disease. The experimental disease produced by these viruses is not necessarily severe or fatal, but under farm and ranch conditions, each probably serves as an added stress factor that contributes significantly to mortality from neonatal disease. After initial losses following the introduction of a virus into a herd, the subsequent losses will be limited because the cow will produce antibodies to protect the fetus during gestation. Antibodies will also be concentrated in colostrum to protect the calf at birth. However, colostrum must be fed immediately after birth, before the calf becomes infected.
Comparison of theoretical and experimental particle diffusion data within human airway casts

The dose delivered to airway cells is a critical factor whether one is addressing the therapeutic (i.e., positive) effects of inhaled pharmacologic agents or the toxic (i.e., negative) effects of pollutants. In this study, theoretical models describing particle deposition have been compared with experimental data from the literature. In the simulations, airways can be either roughor smooth-walled to be consistent with human lungs which can be either lined by cartilaginous rings (i.e., rough) or muscle (i.e., smooth). Particle motion for rough-walled airways within generations I=1–6 is calculated using the formula proposed by Martonen et al. (1). For smooth-walled airways within generations I=7–10, particle motion is calculated using the formula proposed by Martonen et al. (2). Theoretical predictions of particle deposition efficiencies are not only in agreement with the overall best fit empirical correlation presented by Cohen and Asgharian (3) over a wide range of dimensionless diffusion parameters, but also match individual experimental measurements (only available in I=1–6) with regard to effects of the parameters of particle size, flow rate, and airway dimensions. The mean difference in the ratio of experimental-to-theoretical particle diffusion values is 0.9 for a flow rate of 18 L/min and 1.1 for a flow rate of 34 L/min (i.e., the difference is only about 10%) within the upper airways of the casts (airway generations I=1–6), the mean difference for the whole casts was much greater. This may be attributed to the uncertainty of flow conditions in the peripheral airways as a result of the trimmmed nature of the casts. Overall, the findings suggest that the model can be a valuable component of aerosol therapy and risk assessment protocols, especially to address effects of enhanced deposition of pharmacologic drugs and radionuclides at sites within the human tracheobronchial tree.
Quantitative comparison of intracellular unpacking kinetics of polyplexes by a model constructed from quantum dot-FRET.

A major challenge for non-viral gene delivery is gaining a mechanistic understanding of the rate-limiting steps. A critical barrier in polyplex-mediated gene delivery is the timely unpacking of polyplexes within the target cell to liberate DNA for efficient gene transfer. In this study, the component plasmid DNA and polymeric gene carrier were individually labeled with quantum dots (QDs) and Cy5 dyes, respectively, as a donor and acceptor pair for fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). The high signal-to-noise ratio in QD-mediated FRET enabled sensitive detection of discrete changes in polyplex stability. The intracellular uptake and dissociation of polyplexes through QD-FRET was captured over time by confocal microscopy. From quantitative image–based analysis, distributions of released plasmid within the endo/lysosomal, cytosolic, and nuclear compartments formed the basis for constructing a three-compartment first-order kinetics model. Polyplex unpacking kinetics for chitosan, polyethylenimine, and polyphosphoramidate were compared and found to correlate well with transfection efficiencies. Thus, QD-FRET-enabled detection of polyplex stability combined with image-based quantification is a valuable method for studying mechanisms involved in polyplex unpacking and trafficking within live cells. We anticipate that this method will also aid the design of more efficient gene carriers.
Challenges in Genetic Studies of the Etiology of Substance Use and Substance Use Disorders: Introduction to the Special Issue

Misuse of psychoactive substances is associated with substantial costs to users and to society. A growing literature suggests individual differences in vulnerability to develop substance related problems are influenced to a large degree by genetic factors. We review the evidence from genetic epidemiologic and molecular genetic studies of problematic use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, then discuss the challenges for the next generation of studies of genetic influences on substance use. These challenges are addressed in the remaining papers of this special issue. The papers cover a variety of approaches, substances, and non-human as well as human studies, but are united by their focus on going beyond heritability estimates to address the mechanisms and processes underlying the development of substance use and substance related problems, including measurement, precursors of substance abuse, stages of substance involvement, and specificity of genetic influences.
The Effects of Combining Observation Periods in Time Series

This paper considers what happens when 'monthly' data, which can be modelled by a linear transform function together with a noise or error term, are aggregated to form 'annual' data. It is assumed that in the monthly model noise and input are independent, and it is shown that if the parameters of the annual model are so chosen that the input and noise are uncorrelated at all lags, then the parameters are functions of the structure generating the input series. However, if the annual noise and input are uncorrelated, the resulting model leads to the same estimate of gain and average lag as the monthly model. It is pointed out that this is at variance with reported empirical studies where annual models lead to much greater average lags. An example is given to show that the explanation may lie in the over-simplification of annual models. It is frequently assumed that a monthly Koyck model implies a similar annual model. This is not so, and the omission of a lagged term in the input series accounts for the bias in the average lag.
Postnatal proliferation and maturation of olfactory bulb neurons in the rat.

Abstract Mitral cells are formed prenatally whereas most granule cells originate postnatally. Material was taken from 2-day-old, 14-day-old, 28-day-old, and adult rat olfactory bulbs and processed for rapid Golgi or Cresyl Violet staining. We show that the number of granule cell bodies/mitral cell body increases from 7.0 to 46.3 during the first two weeks of life; most mitral cells appear morphologically functional during the first postnatal week; few granule cells appear to be functional until the second postnatal week; and the number of short axon interneurons increases dramatically during the second postnatal week. We conclude that newborn rats have an intact afferent pathway from olfactory receptors to primary cortex that lacks the extensive interneuronal circuitry characteristic of adults.
Indifference zone selection procedures: an indifference-zone selection procedure with minimum switching and sequential sampling

Statistical ranking and selection (R&S) is a collection of experiment design and analysis techniques for selecting the "population" with the largest or smallest mean performance from among a finite set of alternatives. R&S procedures have received considerable research attention in the stochastic simulation community, and they have been incorporated in commercial simulation software. One of the ways that R&S procedures are evaluated and compared is via the expected number of samples (often replications) that must be generated to reach a decision. In this paper we argue that sampling cost alone does not adequately characterize the efficiency of ranking-and-selection procedures, and we introduce a new sequential procedure that provides the same statistical guarantees as existing procedures while reducing the expected total cost of application.
Stimulation of cerebellum protects hippocampal neurons from global ischemia

We investigated whether electrical stimulation of the cerebellar fastigial nucleus (FN) can protect pyramidal neurons of the CA1 zone of dorsal hippocampus from delayed neuronal death caused by global ischemia. Stimulation of the FN for 1 h prior to transient 4-vessel occlusion in anesthetized rats salvaged 57% (p 0.5). Excitation of intrinsic neuronal pathways represented in FN can protect central neurons from global as well as focal ischemic degeneration. The brain contains systems designed to protect it from ischemia by mechanisms of central neurogenic neuroprotection acting independently of actions on cerebral blood flow.
Physician Characteristics and EMR Attitudes

Despite the numerous purported benefits of Electronic Medical Records (EMR), the medical profession has been extremely reluctant to embrace the technology. One of the barriers believed to be responsible for the slow adoption of EMR technology is resistance by many physicians who are not convinced of the advantages of using EMR systems. This study examined potential characteristics of physicians that might help identify those individuals that are most likely to pose a threat to the successful implementation of an EMR system in a multi-specialty clinic. The results demonstrated that older physicians and physicians with only minimal computer skills are more likely to have negative attitudes regarding EMR technology. Medical specialists were most likely to have positive attitudes with respects to the use of EMR systems, while primary care physicians were most likely to have doubts regarding the purported benefits of EMR technology. [Article copies are available for purchase from InfoSci-on-Demand.com]
Pulmonary vasodilatory effects of 12 and 60 parts per million inhaled nitric oxide in children with ventricular septal defect

Abstract In conclusion, inhaled nitric oxide selectively decreased pulmonary vascular resistance of children with VSD and moderate pulmonary hypertension. During 7-minute intervals, pulmonary vascular resistance was selectively decreased to a similar extent by 12 and 60 ppm inhaled nitric oxide while breathing air or supplemental oxygen. Pulmonary vascular resistance was also decreased by supplemental oxygen alone; however, there was a concomitant increase in systemic vascular resistance. Pulmonary vascular resistance decreased to a greater extent with oxygen and inhaled nitric oxide than with either nitric oxide or oxygen alone.
Valuing things: The public and private meanings of possessions.

Consumers own objects for the value they provide. This article argues that the value of possessions resides in their meanings and further makes a distinction between the public and private meanings of possessions. The nature of these meanings is elaborated, and three studies are described that assess the public and private meanings of the possessions consumers value most. Similarities and differences between the two sorts of meaning are examined, and implications of meaning for the understanding of consumer behavior are discussed.
ACCOMMODATION OF ALCOHOLS BY THE LIQUID/VAPOR INTERFACE OF WATER : MOLECULAR DYNAMICS STUDY

Molecular dynamics computer simulations have been used in conjunction with statistical mechanical perturbation theory to examine the process by which water, ethanol, and ethylene glycol (1,2-ethanediol) molecules are transported from the vapor phase into bulk water. The calculated energetics for solvation in the bulk liquid and surface properties such as the surface tension of water and orientations of ethanol and ethylene glycol adsorbed at the water interface agree well with the corresponding experimental data. Currently, the uptake of trace species by water droplets is generally modeled by decoupling the process of mass accommodation at the interface from gas- and liquid-phase diffusion and then coupling the independent processes using an electrical resistance model. In the resistance model, the mass-accommodation coefficient is a measure of the competition between the kinetics of solvation into the bulk liquid and the kinetics of desorption back into the gas phase. Interpreting experimental uptake rat...
Macrophage pro-inflammatory response to Francisella novicida infection is regulated by SHIP.

Francisella tularensis, a Gram-negative facultative intracellular pathogen infecting principally macrophages and monocytes, is the etiological agent of tularemia. Macrophage responses to F. tularensis infection include the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-12, which is critical for immunity against infection. Molecular mechanisms regulating production of these inflammatory mediators are poorly understood. Herein we report that the SH2 domain-containing inositol phosphatase (SHIP) is phosphorylated upon infection of primary murine macrophages with the genetically related F. novicida, and negatively regulates F. novicida–induced cytokine production. Analyses of the molecular details revealed that in addition to activating the MAP kinases, F. novicida infection also activated the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway in these cells. Interestingly, SHIP-deficient macrophages displayed enhanced Akt activation upon F. novicida infection, suggesting elevated PI3K-dependent activation pathways in absence of SHIP. Inhibition of PI3K/Akt resulted in suppression of F. novicida–induced cytokine production through the inhibition of NFκB. Consistently, macrophages lacking SHIP displayed enhanced NFκB-driven gene transcription, whereas overexpression of SHIP led to decreased NFκB activation. Thus, we propose that SHIP negatively regulates F. novicida–induced inflammatory cytokine response by antagonizing the PI3K/Akt pathway and suppressing NFκB-mediated gene transcription. A detailed analysis of phosphoinositide signaling may provide valuable clues for better understanding the pathogenesis of tularemia.
On axion and familons

We study the connection between the global family symmetry GF=SU(N) and Peccei-Quinn symmetry U(1)PQ in the context of SO(10). It turns out that GF automatically leads to U(1)PQ, if the Higgs representation is properly restricted. This implies that the decay K+ →π+ + nothing (Goldstone boson) should be observable soon. Furthermore, for odd number of families, the theory is free from the axionic domain wall problem. Finally, if B—L breaking is tied to GF and U(1)PQ breaking, the theory favors three families of fermions.
Spiritual Interventions with Consumers in Recovery from Mental Illness

With the onset and persistence of severe mental illness, consumers face major challenges to their spiritual values and belief systems. They experience disruptions to their sense of self and, as such, often dwell openly on concerns related to purpose and meaning in life. Assessing and intervening with respect to consumers' spiritual concerns is thus often important in recovery-oriented mental health practice. The purpose of this article is to consider how direct practitioners can help consumers address and develop their spiritual inclinations when they identified among their personal goals.
Spatial and Interannual Variability in Winter Mortality of the Blue Crab ( Callinectes sapidus ) in the Chesapeake Bay

The blue crab, Callinectes sapidus, is an ecologically and economically valuable species in Chesapeake Bay. Field surveys and laboratory experiments indicate that blue crab mortality is significant during severe winters. We applied a temperature and salinity-dependent survival model to empirical temperature and salinity data to explore spatial and interannual patterns in overwintering mortality. Harmonic regression analysis and geostatistical techniques were used to create spatially explicit maps of estimated winter duration, average temperature, average salinity, and resulting crab survival probability for the winters of 1990–2004. Predicted survival was highest in the warmer, saline waters of the lower Bay and decreased with increasing latitude up bay. There was also significant interannual variation with survival being lowest after the severe winters of 1996 and 2003. We combine the survival probability maps with maps of blue crab abundance to show how winter mortality may reduce blue crab abundance prior to the start of the harvesting season.
Synthesis of sterol and phospholipid induced by the interaction of phytohemagglutinin and other mitogens with human lymphocytes and their relation to blastogenesis and DNA synthesis

Abstract Human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) responded to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and a variety of other mitogens by increased synthesis of sterol and phospholipid. This activity was established within 4–7 hr of the addition of mitogen and was dependent upon the binding of the ligand to the cell membrane. Sterol and phospholipid synthesis reached a peak at approximately 24 hr in association with blastogenic expansion of the lymphocyte membrane and initiation of DNA synthesis. Lipid synthesis and blast transformation occurred independently of replication of the genome since inhibition of DNA synthesis did not reduce the degree of blast transformation and lipid synthesis observed. However, inhibition of sterol synthesis using 20α-hydroxycholesterol resulted in decreased blastogenesis and DNA synthesis, demonstrating that early synthesis of lipid is important for these subsequent events. Human thymocytes responded to T-cell mitogens in the conventional manner as regards synthesis of lipid and blast transformation; however, they did not synthesize DNA. Possible reasons for this incomplete response are discussed. Several nonmitogenic agents which agglutinate lymphocytes were also found to initiate early increases in sterol and phospholipid synthesis, and the possible significance of this observation is considered.
Acute lymphatic leucemia in childhood

Summary Acute lymphatic leucemia, although rare, is a disease that occurs not infrequently in childhood, especially in the first four years of life. The condition predominates among males in all age groups, especially affecting those in the youngest age group. In approximately a third of the cases, the leucocyte count is less than 10,000 per cubic millimeter of blood. A high leucocyte count is not necessary to make the diagnosis. Marked secondary anemia usually is present. The most reliable diagnostic finding is the repeated observation of immaturity in the lymphocytes back to the stem cell. Morphologic findings of frequent occurrence in the blood smears in cases of acute lymphatic leucemia are stem cells, of unusually small diameter, Rieder forms, plasma cells and toxic neutrophiles. The effects of transfusion, radiotherapy, and intercurrent infection on the blood are noted. The terminal leucocyte counts tend to be low. It would be possible to make the diagnosis earlier in more cases if routine morphologic examinations of the blood were made.
Influence of race and sex on lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 levels: Observations from the Dallas Heart Study

Aims Most lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) studies included mainly white men. We sought to determine whether Lp-PLA2 levels differ according to race and sex.
Role of vocal labeling in memory for object arrangements by deaf and hearing children.

Stmmary.-To determine the effects of vocal labels in memory using an object arrangement task 60 deaf and 30 hearing Ss were divided into two MA levels, primary and intermediate. Within each level, Ss were assigned to treatmenr, defined as employing vocal labels. Six groups of 15 Ss each were formed. When the groups were viewed by level, there were significant differences between primary and intermediate Ss. Vocal labels, with some notable exceptions, had little or no facilitating effects on performance of object recall. The results suggested that the availability of additional modes of mediation accounted for differences between the primary and intermediate levels. Data from the objectarrangement task provided implications for further study of conceptual behavior of deaf children.
Influencing referral of adolescents and young adults with cancer to sites with higher rates of trial enrollment.

Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) have lower rates of clinical trial enrollment than younger or older patients with cancer. Multiple approaches to change policy and practice need to be used to improve this statistic. This article examines the option of increasing referral to 3 types of centers that are known to have relatively higher rates of enrollment of AYAs: pediatric cancer centers, AYA oncology programs, and National Cancer Institute–designated cancer centers. There are reasonable challenges to changing referral patterns, and more research, as well as education of those diagnosing AYAs, is required.
Exploring the effectiveness of bus rapid transit a prototype agent-based model of commuting behavior

Abstract The introduction of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), typically involving the use of exclusive bus lanes and related bus priority measures, is increasingly advocated as a flexible and cost-effective way of improving the attractiveness of public transit in congested urban areas by reducing travel times and variability. These schemes typically involve the reallocation of road space for exclusive use by buses, presenting commuters with potentially competing incentives: buses on BRT routes can run faster and more efficiently than buses running in general traffic, potentially attracting commuters to public transit and reducing congestion through modal shift from cars. However, a secondary impact may also exist; remaining car users may be presented with less congested road space, improving their journey times and simultaneously acting as an incentive for some bus-users to revert to the car. To investigate the potential for these primary and secondary impacts, we develop a prototype agent-based model to investigate the nature of these interactions and how they play out into system-wide patterns of modal share and travel times. The model allows us to test the effects of multiple assumptions about the behaviors of individual agents as they respond to different incentives introduced by BRT policy changes, such as the implementation of exclusive bus lanes, increased bus frequency, pre-boarding ticket machines and express stops, separately and together. We find that, under our assumptions, these policies can result in significant improvements in terms of individual journey times, modal shift, and length of rush hour. We see that the addition of an exclusive bus lane results in significant improvements for both car users and bus riders. Informed with appropriate empirical data relating to the behavior of individual agents, the geography and the specific policy interventions, the model has the potential to aid policymakers in examining the effectiveness of different BRT schemes, applied to broader environments.
Induction machine performance with fractional‐slot concentrated windings

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to investigate the performance of induction machines with fractional‐slot concentrated‐windings.Design/methodology/approach – This paper examines induction machine performance with fractional‐slot concentrated windings using the standard distributed lap windings as reference. Four designs are compared and various performance tradeoffs highlighted. The first machine has integral‐slot distributed 2 slots/pole/phase lap winding and it serves as the reference winding. The second machine has a double‐layer 1/2 slot/pole/phase winding, a workhorse for brushless DC machines. The third machine has double‐layer 2/5 slot/pole/phase winding. Lastly, the fourth machine has single‐layer 2/5 slot/pole/phase windings. The comparison includes torque‐speed curves (including the effects of major space harmonic components), rotor bar losses, and ripple torque levels.Findings – Based on the analysis results presented here, the traditional distributed lap winding is proven to be superior ...