cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tablet vs. station-based laptop ultrasound devices increases internal medicine resident point-of-care ultrasound performance: a prospective cohort study.

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is becoming an important part of internal medicine (IM) residency training. Achieving competency requires performing a large volume of clinical exams which can be difficult within the constraints of residency. Often-cited barriers include insufficient resident time and the interruption of daily workflow. Despite availability of hospital station-based laptop ultrasound machines, we hypothesized that the addition of ward team-based tablet ultrasound devices would lower barriers and increase clinical POCUS volume within an IM residency POCUS curriculum at a 670-bed, quaternary care, teaching hospital. IM resident POCUS volumes and characteristics during an 18-mo. baseline (station-based laptop devices only) period were compared to matched months during the intervention (station-based + tablet). Total patients examined with POCUS by 6 inpatient resident teams during the 18-mo. baseline and intervention periods were 1386 and 1853, respectively. Patients examined per month increased during the intervention by 34% (77 vs. 103, p = 0.002). The number of areas (e.g., abdominal, cardiac) and items (e.g., bladder, pericardial effusion) examined per month increased by 27% (p = 0.021) and 23% (p = 0.073), respectively. A combined program infrastructure of station-based laptop and “in-the-pocket” tablet ultrasound devices lowered common POCUS barriers of inadequate time and workflow disruption for IM residents and resulted in a meaningful increase of exams within a longitudinal residency-based training program where station-based laptop devices already existed.
Ofatumumab and Complement Replacement in Relapsed/Refractory Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.

Background: While many humanized monoclonal antibodies utilize complement-dependent cytotoxicity, the complement depleting effects of these antibodies and the impact of complement replacement on treatment response are not well-described. Methods: We conducted a phase 2 trial involving patients with relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Patients were treated with ofatumumab with fresh frozen plasma (FFP) used as a source of complement replacement. The primary endpoint was objective response rate. Correlative endpoints included complement levels (C3 and C4) and complement activity (CH50) which was drawn at baseline and after ofatumumab with FFP administration. Results: Among 12 enrolled patients, overall response rate was 83% with two patients (17%) achieving a complete response. While only two (17%) patients had low complement activity at baseline, eight (67%) developed low levels of complement activity after ofatumumab treatment with FFP replacement. The magnitude of complement depletion did not correlate with response. Adverse events were minimal. The combination of ofatumumab and FFP demonstrated tolerability and surprising activity in high-risk CLL patients. Conclusions: The combination of ofatumumab and FFP demonstrated tolerability and surprising activity in high-risk CLL patients. Complement replacement should be studied further as a minimally toxic approach to improve efficacy of monoclonal antibody-based regimens. J Hematol. 2020;9(3):79-83 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jh721
Same-Sex Partner Violence: A Look at Domestic Violence in the LGBTQ Community

As more is learned about intimate partner violence, many closely held views are being challenged. Same-sex intimate partner violence can be ignored or misunderstood by those expecting to encounter only trauma inflicted by men on women. The lack of awareness regarding violence perpetrated on or between transgender intimate partners can have deadly consequences, especially for transwomen. Sadly, but predictably, the results of this misinformation and bias play out in the judicial system as well.
Lack of Progression of Intraventricular Hemorrhage in Premature Infants: Implications for Head Ultrasound Screening:

Very preterm infants are at risk for germinal matrix hemorrhage- intraventricular hemorrhage (GH-IVH). Severe GH-IVH may cause death or severe neurodevelopmental disability while mild GH-IVH is con...
Polarization transfer in $$\varvec{e}^+p \rightarrow e^+ \varvec{p}$$ e + p → e + p scattering using the Super BigBite Spectrometer

The effects of multi-photon-exchange and other higher-order QED corrections on elastic electron-proton scattering have been a subject of high experimental and theoretical interest since the polarization transfer measurements of the proton electromagnetic form factor ratio $$G_E^p/G_M^p$$ at large momentum transfer $$Q^2$$ conclusively established the strong decrease of this ratio with $$Q^2$$ for $$Q^2 \gtrsim 1$$ $$\hbox {GeV}^2$$ . This result is incompatible with previous extractions of this quantity from cross section measurements using the Rosenbluth Separation technique. Much experimental attention has been focused on extracting the two-photon exchange (TPE) effect through the unpolarized $$e^+p/e^-p$$ cross section ratio, but polarization transfer in polarized elastic scattering can also reveal evidence of hard two-photon exchange. Furthermore, it has a different sensitivity to the generalized TPE form factors, meaning that measurements provide new information that cannot be gleaned from unpolarized scattering alone. Both $$\epsilon $$ -dependence of polarization transfer at fixed $$Q^2$$ , and deviations between electron-proton and positron-proton scattering are key signatures of hard TPE. A polarized positron beam at Jefferson Lab would present a unique opportunity to make the first measurement of positron polarization transfer, and comparison with electron-scattering data would place valuable constraints on hard TPE. Here, we propose a measurement program in Hall A that combines the Super BigBite Spectrometer for measuring recoil proton polarization, with a non-magnetic calorimetric detector for triggering on elastically scattered positrons. Though the reduced beam current of the positron beam will restrict the kinematic reach, this measurement will have very small systematic uncertainties, making it a clean probe of TPE.
More on Computer Architecture Simulators for Different Instruction Formats

Several simple computer architecture simulators are developed and implemented for four different instruction formats, including stack-based, accumulator-based, two-address, and three-address machines. The simulators for the first two machines have been reported in [1]. This paper will present details for the remaining two instruction formats. These simulators can be used to assemble and run assembly language programs on these architectures. Several examples are given to illustrate how to develop assembly language programs to deal with arrays, loops, subroutines, and recursions on these different computer architectures. Sizes and performances of these assembly language programs are discussed. Students will have a better understanding of computer architectures by using these simulators on their assembly language programming assignments. In addition, students can also modify these simulators to add more instructions or pseudo-instructions.
Evaluation of prehospital hydroxocobalamin use in the setting of smoke inhalation.

Abstract Background The indications for prehospital hydroxocobalamin are not well defined. The aim of this study was to evaluate prehospital signs and symptoms in patients who received hydroxocobalamin to improve future use. Methods In this retrospective study, all patients who received prehospital Hydroxocobalamin at a tertiary care burn center from December 2012 to March 2018 were reviewed. Each case was evaluated for evidence of suspected cyanide toxicity: hypotension, syncope, CNS depression/altered mentation, seizures, respiratory or cardiac arrest. A determination was made whether or not hydroxocobalamin was indicated. Results In this study, EMS providers administered hydroxocobalamin to 42 patients between December 2012 and March 2018. The majority (71%) of suspected cyanide exposures were from house fires. The most common prehospital findings were coma or depressed CNS (36%), followed by hypotension (16%) and cardiac arrest (12%). Sixty percent of patients treated with hydroxocobalamin had none of the six clinical indicators for potential cyanide toxicity. Carboxyhemoglobin and serum lactate were significantly different in patients that had a clinical indication for hydroxocobalamin compared to those who did not. Conclusions Prehospital hydroxocobalamin was used empirically however, indications are unclear. Using defined clinical indications may provide greater clarity for providers and reduce unnecessary use of hydroxocobalamin.
Solving Time Domain Electromagnetic Forward and Inverse Problems using a Differentiable Programming Platform

Deep-learning techniques have been widely applied in scientific forward and inverse modeling. Recent advances in high-performance tensor processing hardware and software also provide new opportunities for accelerated linear algebra calculations. In this paper, a trainable recurrent neural network (RNN) is deployed to formulate the electromagnetic propagation, solve the Maxwell’s equations and inverse problems on Pytorch—one of the most state-of-the-art differentiable programming platforms. Due to the specific performance-focused design of PyTorch, the computation efficiency is substantially improved compared to Matlab. Moreover, by setting the trainable weights of RNN as the material-related parameters, an inverse problem can be solved through training the network. Numerical simulation demonstrates the efficiency and effectiveness of our method for forward and inverse modeling.
A treatment package without escape extinction to address food selectivity

Feeding difficulties and feeding disorders are a commonly occurring problem for young children, particularly children with developmental delays including autism. Behavior analytic interventions for the treatment of feeding difficulties oftentimes include escape extinction as a primary component of treatment. The use of escape extinction, while effective, may be problematic as it is also associated with the emergence of challenging behavior (e.g., extinction burst). Such challenging behavior may be an acceptable side effect in treatment cases where feeding problems are severe and chronic (e.g., failure to thrive). However, in more acute cases (e.g., selective eating), the negative side effect may be unwarranted and undesired. More recent research on the behavioral treatment of food selectivity has begun to evaluate treatments for feeding difficulties that do not include escape extinction (e.g., demand fading, behavioral momentum), with some success. However, research to date reveals individual differences in responsiveness to such treatments and no clear preferable treatment has emerged. This manuscript describes a multi-component treatment package that includes shaping, sequential presentation and simultaneous presentation, for the treatment of food selectivity in four young children with developmental delays. This treatment package extends the literature on the behavioral treatment for food selectivity and offers a multi-component treatment protocol that may be clinically applicable across a range of treatment scenarios and settings.
Laboratory Identification of Clinically Important Aerobic Actinomycetes

A battery of morphological, physiological, and biochemical tests, including paper chromatographic analysis of whole cell hydrolysates, was used to study 177 cultures of aerobic actinomycetes. One hundred thirty-five of the 177 were submitted as diagnostic laboratory specimens; of these, 129 were identified as belonging to 1 of 10 genus or species groups. The tests and procedures used were found to be relatively easy to perform and interpret. On the basis of the results, a flow chart was devised to permit the step by step identification of unknown clinical isolates of these organisms.
Ramsey interferometry for manipulation of single photons

We demonstrate a Ramsey interferometer for single photons via consecutive quantum frequency conversions where the phase depends on the propagation between the two interaction regions. Such an interferometer offers control over frequency encoded quantum states.
Response to Comment on “Adenosinergic Regulation of the Expansion and Immunosuppressive Activity of CD11b+Gr1+ Cells”

In our recent publication in The Journal of Immunology , we reported that the granulocytic CD11b+Gr1high subset of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) is significantly decreased in tumors growing in animals lacking A2B adenosine receptors, suggesting that this adenosine receptor subtype plays a
Endogenous cannabinoids mediate retrograde signalling at hippocampal synapses.

Marijuana affects brain function primarily by activating the G-protein-coupled cannabinoid receptor-1 (CB1)1,2,3, which is expressed throughout the brain at high levels4. Two endogenous lipids, anandamide and 2-arachidonylglycerol (2-AG), have been identified as CB1 ligands5,6. Depolarized hippocampal neurons rapidly release both anandamide and 2-AG in a Ca2+-dependent manner6,7,8. In the hippocampus, CB1 is expressed mainly by GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid)-mediated inhibitory interneurons, where CB1 clusters on the axon terminal9,10,11. A synthetic CB1 agonist depresses GABA release from hippocampal slices10,12. These findings indicate that the function of endogenous cannabinoids released by depolarized hippocampal neurons might be to downregulate GABA release. Here we show that the transient suppression of GABA-mediated transmission that follows depolarization of hippocampal pyramidal neurons13 is mediated by retrograde signalling through release of endogenous cannabinoids. Signalling by the endocannabinoid system thus represents a mechanism by which neurons can communicate backwards across synapses to modulate their inputs.
Level set methods for curvature flow, image enhancement, and shape recovery in medical images

Level set methods are powerful numerical techniques for tracking the evolution of interfaces moving under a variety of complex motions. They are based on computing viscosity solutions to the appropriate equations of motion, using techniques borrowed from hyperbolic conservation laws. In this paper, we review some of the applications of this work to curvature motion, the construction of minimal surfaces, image enhancement, and shape recovery. We introduce new schemes for denoising three-dimensional shapes and images, as well as a fast shape recovery techniques for three-dimensional images.
In search of gender advantage

Abstract Claims of gender advantage by journalists and trade book authors are critiqued for their lack of objectivity and lack of empirical rigor. Issues raised by Eagly and Carli (2003), along with social scientific research that seeks to demonstrate gender advantage, are examined on methodological and theoretical grounds. Finally, a set of recommendations is offered for designing research on the topic of sex/gender differences in leader effectiveness.
Calibration program for the Advanced X-ray Astrophysics Facility (AXAF) high-resolution camera

The High Resolution Camera, or HRC, is a set of microchannel plate based detectors designed to fly aboard the Advanced X-Ray Astrophysics Facility (AXAF), a major NASA space observatory. It will undergo a series of calibration tests before launch in September 1998. The overall calibration is planned in three phases: tests performed before delivery, end-to-end testing at Marshall Space Flight Center, and post launch calibration observations. In this paper, we examine the planned calibration program for the HRC, focusing on laboratory and synchrotron tests to be made before delivery.
Ceramide induced mitophagy and tumor suppression

Sphingolipids are bioactive lipid effectors, which are involved in the regulation of various cellular signaling pathways. Sphingolipids play essential roles in controlling cell inflammation, proliferation, death, migration, senescence, metastasis and autophagy. Alterations in sphingolipid metabolism have been also implicated in many human cancers. Macroautophagy (referred to here as autophagy) is a form of nonselective sequestering of cytosolic materials by double membrane structures, autophagosomes, which can be either protective or lethal for cells. Ceramide, a central molecule of sphingolipid metabolism is involved in the regulation of autophagy at various levels, including the induction of lethal mitophagy, a selective autophagy process to target and eliminate damaged mitochondria. In this review, we focused on recent studies with regard to the regulation of autophagy, in particular lethal mitophagy, by ceramide, and aimed at providing discussion points for various context-dependent roles and mechanisms of action of ceramide in controlling mitophagy.
A new method for identification of adhesive interactions under shear force conditions

Abstract Adherence interactions under flow conditions are critical to a variety of hematologic processes. We have developed a novel adherence assay which examines, under defined shear conditions, interactions between cells or particles in flow and adhesion molecules bound to blotting membranes. Relevant molecules, either purified or as crude mixtures, can be applied directly to a membrane (e.g., dot/slot blot method) or bound following further analytic manipulations (e.g., PAGE and Western blot method). The membrane is then rendered transparent, incorporated into a parallel-plate flow chamber apparatus and mounted on an inverted microscope. Cells or particles bearing known adhesion molecules are introduced under controlled flow conditions and observed by video microscopy for interaction with the immobilized substrates; the relevant substrate molecules can also be immunostained for identification of particular components prior to assessment. In Western blots of cell extracts, rapid and reproducible identification of both novel and known adhesion molecules within the complex mixture can be achieved without requiring prior isolation or enrichment of the constituent parts. We have utilized this approach to examine the membrane structures on mature leukocytes and hematopoietic progenitor cells that mediate L-, P- and E-selectin binding. These studies verify that PSGL-1 on mature leukocytes serves as a ligand for all three selectins. However, on hematopoietic progenitors, in addition to PSGL-1, several other membrane glycoproteins (currently under study) serve as L-selectin ligands. Video recordings of these experiments will be presented to illustrate the utility of this new analytic technique.
Androgen receptor immunoreactivity in specific neural regions in normal and hypogonadal male mice: effect of androgens

This study examined the distribution and regulation of androgen receptor immunoreactivity (IR) in the brain of the hypogonadal (hpg) male mouse, genetically deficient in GnRH. Five groups of animals were studied: intact, castrated, or castrated and testosterone propionate (TP)-treated normal adult male mice, and intact or TP-treated hpg adult male mice. All groups were studied 1 week after treatment. Five regions of the brain with high concentrations of androgen receptors in normal animals were examined, including the medial preoptic area, the lateral ventral septum, the ventromedial hypothalamus, the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and the medial amygdala. The results showed that the congenital absence of GnRH results in minimal expression of androgen receptor-IR in mice in all regions examined. However, treatment with exogenous testosterone for 1 week was sufficient to induce the numbers of neurons containing androgen receptors, as detected by immunocytochemistry, into the range seen in normal male mice in all the areas studied except the VMH. Similar plasticity was also observed in normal males after 1 week of castration and TP replacement.
Advocating for Young Children: A Preservice Teacher Education Project

As experts on the nature and needs of young children, early childhood educators are in prime positions to advocate for the health and well-being of young children. Advocacy can take the form of personal, public, or private-sector endeavors. Personal advocacy is usually informal and involves educating others on an issue about early childhood education. Similarly, public advocacy involves educating policy makers, and private-sector advocacy is directed toward businesses. The project described here is a course assignment for undergraduate teacher candidates in which they learn about advocacy strategies and design and implement authentic advocacy projects. Sample projects are discussed. Engaging in this project has raised awareness for teacher candidates about the importance of and strategies for being advocates. The response from early childhood teacher candidates has been positive.
Preference for NaCl in the spontaneously hypertensive rats

Abstract When given free choice between NaCl and water, spontaneous hypertensive (SH) rats exhibited an increased preference for NaCl (0.15 M and 0.30 M) when compared to either Holtzman or Wistar normotensive controls. Similarly, total fluid intake (NaCl and water) was increased in the SH rats compared to Holtzman or Wistar controls. These results are the first to demonstrate a sustained spontaneously increased NaCl preference in a hypertensive rat.
Transcriptional mechanisms in osteoblast differentiation and bone formation

Abstract Osteoblasts, the cells responsible for bone formation, differentiate from mesenchymal cells. Here, we discuss transcription factors that are involved in regulating the multistep molecular pathway of osteoblast differentiation. Runx2 and Osx, a newly identified zinc-finger-containing protein, are transcription factors that are expressed selectively and at high levels in osteoblasts. Null mutations of either leads to a complete absence of bone in mice. Runx2 plus its companion subunit Cbfβ are needed for an early step in this pathway, whereas Osx is required for a subsequent step, namely the differentiation of preosteoblasts into fully functioning osteoblasts. The finding that Osx -null cells acquire a chondrocyte phenotype implies that Osx is a negative regulator of Sox9 and of the chondrocyte phenotype. This leads to the hypothesis that Osx might have a role in the segregation of osteoblasts from osteochondroprogenitors. We also discuss recent progress in studies of other transcription factors that affect skeletal patterning and development.
Bilateral ureterocystostomy to correct left ureteral atresia and right ureteral ectopia in an 8-month-old standardbred filly.

Objectives— To report the diagnosis and outcome after surgical correction of bilateral distal ureteral anomalies in a Standardbred filly. Study Design— Clinical case report. Animal— An 8-month-old, 310 kg Standardbred filly with left ureteral atresia and right ureteral ectopia. Methods— The filly was admitted for evaluation of incontinence since birth and severe urine scalding of the hindquarters. Diagnosis was made by both direct (cystoscopy and vaginoscopy) and indirect (intravenous pyelography, ultrasonography, and scintigraphy) evaluation of the ureters and bladder. The filly had left ureteral atresia, hydronephrosis, and decreased left-sided renal function and right ureteral ectopia before surgery. Surgical correction was performed on the left by an end-to-side stapled anastomosis technique and on the right by a side-to-side hand-sewn anastomosis technique. Results— Surgical correction was successful. The filly had no postoperative complications and remained continent 18 months after surgery. Left renal function improved. Conclusion— Ureteral anomalies can be successfully repaired in larger (>300 kg) foals and some renal function may be restored after surgical correction. Clinical Relevance— Scintigraphy should be considered in diagnosis of ureteral anomalies, assessing renal function, and determining prognosis for horses with hydronephrosis caused by ureteral ectopia and atresia.
Medical management of renovascular hypertension

The preferred treatment for renovascular hypertension is revascularization of the ischemic kidney, which helps to preserve renal function as well as lower blood pressure. Medical management plays an important role, however, both as initial therapy for patients who are undergoing revascularization and as maintenance therapy when this cannot be undertaken or has been unsuccessful. The relative merits of the different types of treatment depend on a variety of factors such as the age of the patient, the etiology of the renal artery stenosis, and the presence or absence of concomitant disease.
Use of parasite regulation of host endocrinology to enhance the potential of biological control

The implications of parasite regulation of host endocrinology for successful biological control have not been fully appreciated. Insect parasites regulate host metamorphosis in a number of different ways. For a given host (pest) situation, each form of host regulation has its own advantages and disadvantages. Careful selection of a parasite based upon its mode lf host regulation can enhance the potential for biological control success. A basic knowledge of the endocrine basis for parasite regulation of its host will enable prediction of whether a parasite can regulate, and survive in, a host to which it has not been previously exposed.
Effect of exclusion of pancreatic juice on digestion and mucosal absorption of fat in dogs.

SummaryThe role of pancreatic juice in fat digestion and absorption was investigated by studying the intestinal intraluminar and mucosal lipid changes which occur after feeding cottonseed oil triglycerides to normal dogs and dogs deprived of pancreatic juice by partial pancreectomy. As based on the low concentrations of intraluminar free fatty acids and monoglycerides, intestinal digestion of cottonseed oil by the depancreatized dogs was considerably less than normal. It is concluded that, relative to pancreatic lip-ase, other sources of gastrointestinal lipase activity contribute only to a minor extent to the hydrolysis of fat. The composition of mucosal lipids of dietary origin, which consisted primarily of higher glycerides, was the same for normal and depancreatized dogs. This result suggests that intercellular esterifi-cation of the absorbed products of fat digestion is normal in the absence of pancreatic juice.The authors express their appreciation to John Buchanan for technical assistance in variou...
Dental anxiety and needs in low‐income pregnant women

This study utilized the Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS) in examining 128 pregnant women, aged 15-34. The data indicated that 71 % had not been to the dentist within the past year, 58% had made their last visit to the dentist because of pain, and 36% had presented to the dentist in pain. These patients had a mean of 7.3 tooth surfaces, or almost two teeth, that needed to be extracted, and 11.3 tooth surfaces, or almost three teeth, that had been extracted previously. Fillings were almost non-existent in this group of women. The moderately high anxiety scores were anticipated due to the inverse association between socioeconomic status and dental anxiety. However, knowing the anxiety level and needs prior to treatment prepared the operator to use caution and tact during each procedure. This brief test is invaluable in dental treatment situations.
Measuring the quantum harmonic oscillator

By coupling a superconducting quantum bit to microwave electromagnetic and mechanical resonators, we can demonstrably achieve the resonators’ quantum ground states, and create photon and phonon Fock states, and arbitrary superpositions of photon Fock states.
Hydrocarbon Emissions from an Annular Crevice: Effects of Spark/Insert Position, Equivalence Ratio and Pressure

Abstract The hydrocarbon emission (HC) from a crevice formed in the gap between a cylindrical insert and the reactor wall (similar to the piston top/bore geometry in a reciprocating engine) was determined in a combustion bomb under quiescent conditions for propane-air mixtures at four fuel-air equivalence ratios (1.0,0.9,0.82 and 0.71), initial pressures between 75 kPa and 600 kPa, several spark locations and two insert positions (edge and central location). The experiments were performed by removing product gas samples from the reactor with or without the insert in place during combustion and analyzing the samples by gas chromatography. The HC emission arose from the fuel-air mixture stored in the crevice and was related to the 2-plate quenching distance. For the centrally-mounted insert, the emission varied continuously as pressure and equivalence ratio were changed and did not instantly change when the quench distance equalled the gap spacing. For the edge-mounted insert, the emission varied significan...
Trehalose glass-facilitated thermal reduction of metmyoglobin and methemoglobin

The reduction of ferric derivatives of hemeproteins in solution typically requires moderate to strong reducing agents. Reducing sugars are not adequate to reduce ferric myoglobins or hemoglobins under solution conditions favorable to protein stability. We find that embedding aquo-met derivatives of horse myoglobin and human adult hemoglobin in a glucose-doped glassy matrix derived from trehalose facilitates an efficient thermally initiated reduction that yields a five-coordinate high-spin ferrous heme. The trehalose glass plays a central role by stabilizing the reduction-prone bis-histidine heme (hemichrome) intermediate under the high-temperature conditions that favor the open reducing form of glucose. Due to glass-imposed limitations on conformational reorganization, this process has clear applications in biophysics where it can be used to generate nonequilibrium ferrous derivatives having the initial conformation of the aquo-met derivative. Since the glassy matrix can be redissolved to release the embedded protein, this technique is not only a basis for a relatively benign method of reducing hemoglobin-based blood substitutes that have undergone autoxidation during storage but may also be a way to reactivate stored proteins that have undergone oxidation.
Arousal role playing and persuasion

Past researchers have indicated the existence of both positive and negative relationships between emotional arousal and persuasion. The present study is one of a series in a program designed to examine the relationships between extraneous arousal and persuasibility. Male and female participants role played either a relaxed or an aroused mood state, and then listened to a persuasive communication. Participants’ mood ratings were recorded both prior to and immediately following the communication. Attitudes and recall were assessed after the communication. Results indicated that the role playing manipulation was successful in creating different moods. No arousal differences were found for the attitude measure, but significant sex differences were found. A weak negative relationship between arousal and attitude was found for female participants. Factor analyses of the data yielded potentially useful information regarding mood states and attitudes. The finding of a negative relationship between arousal and persuasion for females and virtually no relationship for males is comparable with other recent research. The present data provided tentative support for Leventhal’s (1970) parallel response model.
Photo-click chemistry strategies for spatiotemporal control of metal-free ligation, labeling, and surface derivatization

Three photo-click ligation strategies described in this account provide scientists with efficient and selective tools for derivatization of various molecules, polymers, and surfaces. Fast photochemical reactions that are utilized in these techniques permit spatio temporal control of the process. The absence of activating reagents and catalysts, as well as compatibility with aqueous media, makes photo-click ligations suitable for biomedical applications. The first of these approaches relies on the photochemical decarbonylation of cyclopropenones to produce cyclooctynes. The latter undergo rapid catalyst-free strain-promoted azide–alkyne cycloaddition (SPAAC) to azide-tagged substrates. The second method is based on a very fast (>104 M–1 s–1) light-triggered hetero-Diels–Alder reaction and permits efficient derivatization of substrates bearing vinyl ether moiety. An even faster reaction between photochemically generated naphthoquinone methides (oNQMs) and thiols (~2 × 105 M–1 s–1) serves as a basis for a third method. This thiol photo-click chemistry allows for the selective derivatization of thiol-functionalized substrates or labeling of free cysteine residues in proteins. The thioether linkage produced by the reaction of oNQMs and a thiol is stable under ambient conditions, but can be cleaved by UV irradiation, regenerating free thiol. This feature permits the removal or replacement of immobilized compounds, as well as traceless substrate release.
Parent stars of extrasolar planets – XIII. Additional evidence for Li abundance anomalies

We report the results of our analysis of new high resolution spectra of 37 late-F to early-G dwarf stars for the purpose of deriving their Li abundances. Most of the stars were selected from the large Valenti and Fischer compilation and had unknown Li abundances prior to the present study. When the new data are combined with data from our previous studies on this topic and analyzed in a similar way, we find, again, that stars with planets near the solar temperature are deficient in Li relative to a comparison set of stars. A similar result is obtained when we combine our data with a large database of stellar Li abundances from the literature.
Ultrasonic excitation of a bubble inside a deformable tube: Implications for ultrasonically induced hemorrhage

Various independent investigations indicate that the presence of microbubbles within blood vessels may increase the likelihood of ultrasound-induced hemorrhage. To explore potential damage mechanisms, an axisymmetric coupled finite element and boundary element code was developed and employed to simulate the response of an acoustically excited bubble centered within a deformable tube. As expected, the tube mitigates the expansion of the bubble. The maximum tube dilation and maximum hoop stress were found to occur well before the bubble reached its maximum radius. Therefore, it is not likely that the expanding low pressure bubble pushes the tube wall outward. Instead, simulation results indicate that the tensile portion of the acoustic excitation plays a major role in tube dilation and thus tube rupture. The effects of tube dimensions (tube wall thickness 1–5 μm), material properties (Young’s modulus 1–10 MPa), ultrasound frequency (1–10 MHz), and pressure amplitude (0.2–1.0 MPa) on bubble response and tube dilation were investigated. As the tube thickness, tube radius, and acoustic frequency decreased, the maximum hoop stress increased, indicating a higher potential for tube rupture and hemorrhage.
Cryptosporidium parvum in wild gastropods as bioindicators of fecal contamination in terrestrial ecosystems

Se detecto ooquistes de Cryptosporidium sp en caracoles (Helix aspersa Muller) y babosas (Deroce-ras reticulatum Muller) de la Region de Valparaiso, Chile. La recoleccion de caracoles y babosas se efectuo en parques publicos y jardines de diferentes hogares. Los ooquistes de Cryptosporidium sp fueron recuperados de las deposiciones de ambas especies. Despues de la tincion de Ziehl Neelsen y la RPC anidada, el analisis de secuenciacion demostro un patron similar a lo descrito para el genotipo C o 2 del parasito. Estos resultados demuestran que los caracoles y babosas podrian actuar como reservorio y vectores mecanicos de la infeccion por Cryptosporidium. parvum para humanos y animales. Ademas, estos gastropodos podrian ser usados como bio-indicadores de contaminacion fecal del suelo.
Fine structure of the unique central region of the axial unit of lung-fluke spermatozoa.

The paired axial units of spermatozoa of a frog lung-fluke ( Haematoloechus medioplexus ) possess a unique central region. The innermost portion of this region is a dense longitudinal element composed of subunits about 100 A in diameter. Wound around this element, but separated from it by a narrow space, are two chains made up of slightly elongate subunits measuring about 125 A over their long diameter. These chains are arranged in a double helical pattern around the inner unit. Radiating from each chain subunit is a filament that joins with a neighboring filament to form a single fiber that is attached to the arm-bearing member of a peripheral doublet unit.
Theory of particle coarsening with a log-normal distribution

Abstract The experimental data from coarsening of water-saturated snow are used to derive growth rate as a function of particle size. A similar relationship is derived from a contacting model of coarsening. Both show accelerated shrinkage below 0.7 D , vanishing growth rate close to D , and a linear increase in growth rate above 1.5 D . The model could be greatly improved if more information were available about nearest neighbors in random packings. However, the model is already more realistic for compacts than noncontacting models.
Gap and Grain-Boundary Inventories of Cs, Tc, and Sr in Spent LWR Fuel

Soluble radionuclides concentrated within the gap and grain-boundary regions of spent fuel could dissolve relatively rapidly were the waste container to fail and the fuel to be contacted by water in a geologic repository. To provide an estimate of the quantities of radionuclides that may be rapidly released, fractional inventories of Cs, Tc, and Sr concentrated within the fuel/cladding gap region have been measured for U.S. LWR spent fuels with fission gas release (FGR) values ranging from 0.25% to 18%. Separate measurements of the grain-boundary inventories of Cs, Tc, and Sr have been made for the same fuels. The Cs gap inventories were generally found to be about one fourth of the FGR values. The Cs grain-boundary inventories were generally less than 1% of the total Cs inventories and were not strongly correlated with FGR. Both the gap and grain-boundary inventories of Tc and Sr were near the detection limits of the methods used, less than 0.2% of the total inventories of these elements. However, some of the Tc may reside at the grain boundaries in the form of relatively insoluble metallic particles and not be detected by these experiments. Data obtained by comparing the dissolution behavior of fuel fragments with that of fuel grains were used to estimate the dissolution rate of Cs from the grain boundaries of one of the fuels. Surface-area normalized dissolution rates determined for fuel fragments in these same tests exceeded those determined for grains. A likely explanation is that the estimated fragment surface area did not take into account the “effective” grain-boundary surfaces.
MR Appearance of Intraocular Silicone Oil.

A 41-year-old man with AIDS and cytomegalovirus retinitis with retinal detachment was studied with CT and MR. Part of his treatment had been a vitrectomy with intravitreal injection of silicone oil as an attempt to stop further retinal detachment. This form of therapy is being used more frequently and radiologists should be familiar with the imaging appearance of such deposits of silicone oil. In this case the oil was hyperdense to muscle on CT and had a homogeneous intermediate signal intensity on all pulse sequences on MRI.
Solvation of propanediol ions by water molecules in the gas phase

The thermochemical properties of protonated hydrates of 1,2- and 1,3-propanediols have been investigated using electrospray ionization-high pressure mass spectrometry. The binding enthalpies, entropies, and free energies of the stepwise hydration of protonated propanediols with one to three waters are reported. The observed negative entropy change [ΔΔS1,3o for the addition of the third water to 1,3-propanediol·H+(H2O)2 suggests a stable structure due to an increased number of hydrogen bonds and the loss of the intramolecular hydrogen bond in the water cluster ion. The thermochemical properties of two isomers of butanediol were also investigated in order to further elucidate the structures of the protonated propanediols.
The nitrate reductase stabilizing factor in cotton seeds

A heat-stable factor present in dry cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) seed, or in cotyledons until day 4 of germination, is capable of stabilizing labile nitrate reductase from other species. The stabilizing factor has no effect on stability of glyceralde-hyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, but slightly improves the stability of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. Treatment with protease III, and to a lesser extent, trypsin, reduces the effectiveness of the stabilizer. The stabilizer is not a trypsin inhibitor. Dialysis demonstrates that the stabilizing factor has a molecular weight greater than 12,000 daltons. The factor precipitates between 25 and 75% (NH4) 2 SO4 saturation, and is effective at protein concentrations much lower than those required when casein is employed. – From the results of this study, we conclude that the factor which stabilizes labile nitrate reductase from cotton seed is proteinaceous.
Severe perineal lacerations during vaginal delivery : The University of Miami experience

Abstract Objective: After childbirth-related third- or fourth-degree perineal lacerations, the estimated incidence of wound disruption, fecal incontinence, or fistula ranges from 1% to 10%. Risk factors associated with severe laceration were analyzed at a single large teaching institution. Study Design: This study consisted of an analysis of data from the delivery database of Jackson Memorial Hospital, University of Miami, from 1989 through 1995. Included were vaginal deliveries for which complete information was available on maternal age, parity, ethnicity (white, black, or Hispanic), birth weight, episiotomy versus no episiotomy, type of episiotomy, and delivery (normal spontaneous, vacuum, or forceps). Multiple gestations, cases of shoulder dystocia, cesarean deliveries, patients with a history of cesarean delivery, and babies weighing Results: Among the 71,959 women who were delivered at our institution during the 7-year study period, 50,210 met the inclusion criteria. Through time there had been a decline in the use of episiotomy in general and of midline episiotomy in particular. The annual total number of deliveries also decreased. The episiotomy procedure per se and the type of episiotomy as well as birth weight, assisted vaginal delivery, and older maternal age were identified as independent risk factors associated with third- and fourth-degree perineal lacerations. Conclusion: Although episiotomy is an important risk factor for severe lacerations after vaginal delivery, there are other significant independent risk factors, such as maternal age, birth weight, and assisted vaginal delivery, that should be considered in counseling and making decisions regarding delivery modality. Older patients who are being delivered of a first child are at higher risk for severe laceration. Midline episiotomy and assisted vaginal delivery should therefore be avoided in this population whenever possible, especially in the presence of a large baby. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2000;182:1083-5.)
Cedric J. Robinson and racial capitalism: Africana liberation resistance structures and black internationalism in the twenty-first century

African Americans' interest in world politics can be traced back to the American Revolutionary War, the Haitian Revolution, and the Abolition Movement in the pre-Civil War era. New World Africans' interest in influencing international affairs took on a new life when the USA established its overseas empire and Europe divided Africa into spheres of influence. At this critical juncture when much of the world came under the control of Europe or of descendants of Europe in the USA, African Americans developed a view of world affairs that drew connections between the discrimination they faced at home and the expansion of empire abroad. Black internationalism, as a worldview, was an ideology that stressed the role of race and racism in world affairs drawing attention to the linkages, interconnections, and interrelationships between racial capitalism and the color line in world affairs. For this reason, this belief in the existence of a color scheme or hierarchy in global affairs served as a guiding theoretical f...
Translational Repression of NhaR, a Novel Pathway for Multi-Tier Regulation of Biofilm Circuitry by CsrA

ABSTRACT The RNA binding protein CsrA (RsmA) represses biofilm formation in several proteobacterial species. In Escherichia coli, it represses the production of the polysaccharide adhesin poly-β-1,6-N-acetyl-d-glucosamine (PGA) by binding to the pgaABCD mRNA leader, inhibiting pgaA translation, and destabilizing this transcript. In addition, CsrA represses genes responsible for the synthesis of cyclic di-GMP, an activator of PGA production. Here we determined that CsrA also represses NhaR, a LysR-type transcriptional regulator which responds to elevated [Na+] and alkaline pH and activates the transcription of the pgaABCD operon. Gel shift studies revealed that CsrA binds at two sites in the 5′ untranslated segment of nhaR, one of which overlaps the Shine-Dalgarno sequence. An epitope-tagged NhaR protein, expressed from the nhaR chromosomal locus, and an nhaR posttranscriptional reporter fusion (PlacUV5-nhaR′-′lacZ) both showed robust repression by CsrA. Northern blotting revealed a complex transcription pattern for the nhaAR locus. Nevertheless, CsrA did not repress nhaR mRNA levels. Toeprinting assays showed that CsrA competes effectively with the ribosome for binding to the translation initiation region of nhaR. Together, these findings indicate that CsrA blocks nhaR translation. Epistasis studies with a pgaA-lacZ transcriptional fusion confirmed a model in which CsrA indirectly represses pgaABCD transcription via NhaR. We conclude that CsrA regulates the horizontally acquired pgaABCD operon and PGA biosynthesis at multiple levels. Furthermore, nhaR repression exemplifies an expanding role for CsrA as a global regulator of stress response systems.
The Use of Acoustic Rhinometry to Quantitatively Assess Changes after Intranasal Allergen Challenge

Acoustic rhinometry (AR) is a technique of measuring the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the nasal cavity by analyzing reflected sound waves. It allows a quantitative measurement of the changes of th...
Public health information support

Purpose – This case study describes the assignment of an academic health sciences librarian to another academic unit for a period of two years. This arrangement enabled the librarian to focus on work with an interdisciplinary team to assess the information needs and uses of public health workers in Washington State and to develop online resources to address those needs.Design/methodology/approach – The assessment process employed semi‐structured discussions and interviews with segments of the workforce. “Information toolkits” – practitioner‐oriented and highly focused web pages that provided an overview of select notifiable diseases – were developed based on what was learned from the assessment.Findings – This experience would not have been possible within the normal work environment and provided the librarian with knowledge, contacts, and opportunities not available otherwise.Originality/value – An outcome of the assignment was increased knowledge of public health information needs among the community of...