cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reality Monitoring in Politics

Language in the 2016 US presidential campaign season was investigated to (a) try to understand in qualitative ways how and possibly why candidates engage in deception; (b) consider how imagination can be characterized as a sibling of deception, especially in the political domain; and (c) evaluate how well the Reality Monitoring (RM) framework captures the relative truthfulness of candidates’ fact-checked statements and debate statements. Deceptive tactics that politicians use include those related to the construction and maintenance of image; imagining future situations, policies, and events; manipulating, denying, or hiding facts; and self-deception. Findings suggest (with several caveats) that RM coding using software reliably distinguishes politicians’ statement veracity, and that debate language in the campaign was as deceptive as fact-checked lies produced by most candidates.
Public Health, Systems Change, Justice and the Work of the Kingdom

Disparities in population health statuses are tied to inequities in society, and not just differences in personal decision-making and behavior. Christians should (and must) play a role in confronting these inequities, based upon three biblical themes: 1) the instructions in the book of Leviticus regarding the Sabbath year and the Year of Jubilee as a way to protect the economic system from producing insurmountable inequities and degrading the environment; 2) the eschatological image of the New Jerusalem in the book of Isaiah, with its focus on Shalom in contrast to a religion focused on personal piety in the face of oppression and social injustice; and 3) Jesus’ teachings about the kingdom, which include its imminence and the counter-cultural nature of its ethic. The notion of the kingdom can be applied in the lives of Christians (particularly those involved in public health) through individual acts, corporate acts in the context of the church, and state-led actions to bring about social change to achieve social justice. Social change can be described as an act of reconciliation in which systems of society are redeemed by the power of kingdom principles.
Microwave-assisted Fe-doped ZnO nanoparticles for enhancement of silicon solar cell efficiency

Abstract We have investigated the performance of a silicon solar cell coated with ZnO nanoparticle layers doped with iron varying from (0–20%). We synthesized nanoparticles using a microwave method and fabricated thin film layers on silicon solar cells through a spin coating technique. The structure and morphology of nanoparticles were analyzed through transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD). The size of the particles decreased as iron concentration increased from 0 to 15%. Optical properties were analyzed through photoluminescence (PL) and absorption spectroscopy. PL spectra show a blueshift in the near band edge emission peaks for 0–15% doped samples and a redshift for the 20% doped sample. The band gap of Fe–ZnO nanoparticles (0–15%) was found to increase from 3.20 eV to 3.24 eV, and the bandgap decreased to 3.22 eV for 20% Fe–ZnO nanoparticles. Current-Voltage measurements confirm the enhancement in power conversion efficiency by 30% with iron doping in ZnO up to 15%. Efficiency increased with nanoparticle layers up to 180.29 nm in every sample and decreased with further increase in thickness. Enhancement in external quantum efficiency (EQE) was also observed with the increase in dopant concentration up to 15%. The optimum thickness of the ZnO nanoparticle layer was found to be approximately 180 nm for maximum enhancement in conversion efficiency.
How well are chronic heart failure patients being managed

Heart failure (HF) remains a major public health problem, affecting 5 million patients in the United States. The personal burden of HF includes debilitating symptoms, activity limitations, frequent hospitalizations, arrhythmias, and increased mortality. Despite the compelling scientific evidence that angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, beta-blockers, and aldosterone antagonists reduce hospitalizations and mortality in patients with HF, these life-prolonging therapies continue to be underutilized. Device therapy for HF, including implantable cardioverter defibrillators and cardiac resynchronization therapy, has recently been demonstrated to also result in substantial mortality reduction. Accurate evaluation of patients with HF is critical for the appropriate selection and monitoring of therapy to reduce symptoms as well as for the prevention of recurrent hospitalizations. A number of studies in a variety of clinical settings have documented that a significant proportion of patients with HF are not receiving treatment with guideline-recommended, evidence-based therapies. Treatment gaps have also been documented in providing other components of care for patients with HF, including assessment for congestion and patient education. Recent studies demonstrate that hospital-based systems can improve medical care and education of hospitalized HF patients and accelerate use of evidence-based, guideline-recommended therapies by administering them before hospital discharge. HF disease management programs have also been shown to improve HF treatment, resulting in substantial reduction in hospitalizations and mortality. Application of validated and reproducible noninvasive techniques to monitor patients with chronic HF is an important step in maximizing interventions to improve outcomes in this patient population. Further efforts are clearly needed to improve the monitoring of HF patients in the hospital and outpatient settings, as well as to ensure the implementation of effective strategies and systems that increase the use of evidence-based therapies, in order to reduce the substantial HF morbidity and mortality risk.
Perceived Severity of Interrelated Cardiometabolic Risk Factors among U.S. College Students.

Cardiometabolic risk factors are related to the early onset of chronic health conditions. Purpose: To identify factors associated with perceptions about the severity of three interrelated cardiomet...
Requiring the Healer’s Art Curriculum to Promote Professional Identity Formation Among Medical Students

The Healer's Art curriculum (HART) is one of the best-known educational strategies to support medical student professional identity formation. HART has been widely used as an elective curriculum. We evaluated students' experience with HART when the curriculum was required. All one hundred eleven members of the class of 2019 University of New Mexico School of Medicine students were required to enroll in HART. We surveyed the students before and after the course to assess its self-reported impact on key elements of professional identity formation such as empathy towards patients and peers, commitment to service, and burnout. A majority of students (n=53 of 92, 57.6%) reported positive effects of the course on their empathy towards other students. This finding was significantly associated with self-reported willingness to have elected the course had it not been required. One-half of respondents (n=46 of 92, 50.0%) reported positive effects on their empathy towards future patients. At least one-quarter to one-third of respondents reported positive influences on commitment to service, conceptions about being a physician, and self-perceived burnout. Students report benefits on their professional identity formation after participating in a required course on humanism. Empathy-building among peers is one valuable outcome of such curricula.
Syndromic Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (mPCR) Testing and Antimicrobial Stewardship: Current Practice and Future Directions.

Syndromic multiplex polymerase chain reaction (mPCR) panels offer the antimicrobial steward a rapid tool for optimizing and de-escalating antimicrobials. In this review, we analyze the role of syndromic mPCR in respiratory, gastrointestinal, and central nervous system infections within the context of antimicrobial stewardship efforts. For all mPCR syndromic panels, multiple studies analyzed the pre-and-post implementation impact of mPCR on antimicrobial utilization. Prospective studies and trials of respiratory mPCR stewardship interventions, including diagnostic algorithms, educational efforts, co-testing with procalcitonin, and targeted provider feedback currently exist. For gastrointestinal and cerebrospinal fluid mPCR, fewer peer-reviewed reports exist for the use of mPCR in antimicrobial stewardship. These studies demonstrated an inconsistent trend towards decreasing antibiotic use with mPCR. This is further limited by a lack of statistical significance, the absence of controlled, prospective trials, and issues with data generalizability. Antibiotic overuse may improve when mPCR is coupled with electronic medical record algorithm-based approaches and direct provider feedback by an antimicrobial stewardship professional. mPCR may prove a useful tool for antimicrobial stewardship but future studies are needed to define the best practice for its utilization.
A Mechanism to Deploy a Negatively Buoyant Payload from a Neutrally Buoyant Platform

We demonstrate a mechanically simple, scalable mechanism to deploy a negatively buoyant payload from a small Autonomous Underwater Vehicle. The mechanism compensates for the negative buoyancy of the payload via a vacuum inside the payload chamber. During deployment, the vacuum is released, freeing the payload from the AUV while, at the same time, compensating for any change in buoyancy due to the release of a negatively buoyant payload.
Sepsis Subphenotyping Based on Organ Dysfunction Trajectory

Abstract Purpose Although organ dysfunction is a defining element of sepsis, its trajectory is not well studied. We sought to identify whether there are distinct Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score trajectory-based subphenotypes in sepsis. Methods We created 72-hour SOFA score trajectories in patients with sepsis from two diverse intensive care unit (ICU) cohorts. We then used Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) to compute patient similarities to capture evolving heterogeneous sequences and establish similarities between groups with distinct trajectories. Hierarchical agglomerative clustering (HAC) was utilized to identify subphenotypes based on SOFA trajectory similarities. Patient characteristics were compared between subphenotypes and a random forest model was developed to predict subphenotype membership, within 6 hours of ICU arrival. The model was then tested on the validation cohort. Results A total of 4,678 and 3,665 unique sepsis patients were included in development and validation cohorts. In the development cohort, four subphenotypes of organ dysfunction were identified: Rapidly Worsening (n=612, 13.08%), Delayed Worsening (n=960, 20.52%), Rapidly Improving (n=1,932, 41.3%) and Delayed Improving (n=1174, 25.1%). In-hospital mortality for patients within different subphenotypes demonstrated distinct patterns over time. Similar subphenotypes and their associated outcome patterns were replicated in the multicenter validation cohort. Conclusion Four novel, clinically-defined, trajectory-based sepsis subphenotypes were identified and validated. Trajectory based subphenotyping is useful for describing the natural history of sepsis in the ICU. Understanding the pathophysiology of these differential trajectories may reveal unanticipated therapeutic targets for patients with sepsis and identify more precise populations and endpoints for the predictive enrichment of clinical trials.
Approximate Stability Conditions for Systems with Input Delay and Digital PI/PID Controller of Time Delay Control Form

This paper involves stability and design considerations for a digital controller with constant input delay for a class of linear and nonlinear systems. The controller considered is a digital PI/PID controller generalized to a multi-input multi-output system of any order, with the gain structure from “Time Delay Control (TDC)”, that provides simplicity for gain tuning, along with high tracking performance. Compact approximate conditions for stability are established for systems with constant input matrix, and with constant input delay, when the sampling time itself is sufficiently small. The conditions are dependent on the ratio of delay to sampling time, along with the plant input matrix, and its estimate used in the controller - they are useful for guiding initial parameter selection. It is established as a general approximate case for sufficiently small sample times that the impact of delay is not always adverse, and the delay can be beneficial in improving the stability range for controller parameters, and can be an additional tuning parameter for the control system. Additionally, for scalar or diagonal input matrices, it is established that the approximate stability range for plant input gain over its estimate in the controller for sufficiently small sampling time is (0, 2) for zero delay, and the range improves monotonically to (0, 4) as delay is increased from zero to 1/4 sample time, and then declines monotonically to (0, 1) as delay is further increased to one sample time.
Polyoma Pseudovirions II. Influence of Host Cell on Pseudovirus Production

Abstract The type of host cell influenced the relative amounts of pseudovirions and polyoma virions produced. The infection of primary mouse embryo cells resulted in the production of particles that were predominantly pseudovirions. Infection of baby mouse kidney or 3T3D cells yielded mainly infectious polyoma virus. The length of time that infection was allowed to continue also affected the amount of pseudovirions relative to polyoma virions. The longer the viral infection was allowed to proceed, the greater the quantity of pseudovirions produced. Pseudovirion production could be correlated with the fragmentation of host cell DNA to a size of approximately 3 × 106 daltons. The fragmentation of host cell DNA was much more extensive in primary mouse embryo cells than in the other cell types.
Three New Nondestructive Evaluation Tools Based on High Flux Neutron Sources

Nondestructive evaluation methods and systems based on specific attributes of neutron interactions with materials are being developed. The special attributes of neutrons are low attenuation in most engineering materials, strong interaction with low Z elements, and epithermal neutron absorption resonances. The three methods under development at ORNL include neutron based tomography and radiography; through thickness, nondestructive texture mapping; and internal, noninvasive temperature measurement. All three techniques require high flux sources such as the High Flux Isotope Reactor, a steady state source, or the Oak Ridge Electron Linear Accelerator, a pulsed neutron source. Neutrons are quite penetrating in most engineering materials and thus can be useful to detect internal flaws and features. Hydrogen atoms, such as in a hydrocarbon fuel, lubricant, or a metal hydride, are relatively opaque to neutron transmission and thus neutron based tomography/radiography is ideal to image their presence. Texture, the nonrandom orientation of crystalline grains within materials, can be mapped nondestructively using neutron diffraction methods. Epithermal neutron resonance absorption is being studied as a noncontacting temperature sensor. This paper highlights the underlying physics of the methods, progress in development, and the potential benefits for science and industry of the three facilities.
Glasgow's Race Antirealism: Experimental Philosophy and Thought Experiments

Joshua Glasgow argues that there are no races, using experimental philosophy and a more traditional thought-experiment approach. A closer look, however, finds these antirealist arguments much less convincing. Glasgow’s overall argumentative strategy is to endorse a relatively thin conception of what the concept of race requires, only to argue that even that thin notion is tied up too much with problematic elements that do not exist in any of the candidate groups that we might call races. This paper argues that a social-kind view of race can handle the objections Glasgow presents without much in the way of unwelcome implications, and some of his positive arguments turn out to be much more favorable to a social-kind view than Glasgow allows. Section 1 looks at Glasgow’s overall strategy, beginning with some experimental philosophy that he concludes shows that the ordinary concept of race is both a thin concept and biological. Section 2 then evaluates the implications of the experimental philosophy work Glasgow points to, concluding that Glasgow improperly takes these data to show that the ordinary concept of race requires thinking of races as natural kinds. Section 3 challenges Glasgow’s argument that we should stop believing in races, because belief in races involves too many false beliefs about the groups we are calling races. Section 4 looks at some thought experiments Glasgow uses to bolster his other arguments, suggesting that various counterfactual scenarios provide counterexamples for the claim that the socially constructed groups we call races are genuine races. I argue that these thought experiments need not lead to his conclusion. Section 5 looks at a quick argument Glasgow gives in his summary, to the effect that our criteria for race membership are inconsistent, arguing that it, too, is unmotivated. His arguments, therefore, do not give strong enough reasons to be antirealists about race.
Evolutionary Pathways in Nature: A Phylogenetic Approach

Reconstructing phylogenetic trees from DNA sequences has become a popular exercise in many branches of biology, and here the well-known geneticist John Avise explains why. Molecular phylogenies provide a genealogical backdrop for interpreting the evolutionary histories of many other types of biological traits (anatomical, behavioral, ecological, physiological, biochemical and even geographical). Guiding readers on a natural history tour along dozens of evolutionary pathways, the author describes how creatures ranging from microbes to elephants came to possess their current phenotypes. Essential reading for college students, professional biologists and anyone interested in natural history and biodiversity, this book is packed with fascinating examples of evolutionary puzzles from across the animal kingdom; how the toucan got its enormous bill, how reptiles grow back lost limbs and why Arctic fish don't freeze.
Electrophysiological actions of dantrolene sodium in isolated sinoatrial and atrioventricular nodes and in a model of ischemia

Recent experiments have suggested that the electrophysiological actions of dantrolene sodium in cardiac tissues may be mediated in part by slow inward current blockade. The authors report here the effects of this agent in tissues the electrical activity of which depends mainly on the slow inward current. In isolated rabbit sinoatrial node tissue, dantrolene (35.1 microM) significantly diminished maximal diastolic potential, action potential amplitude and upstroke velocity, and it prolonged action potential duration and spontaneous cycle length. Most effects were reversible upon washout. In isolated rabbit atrioventricular nodal tissue, dantrolene diminished action potential amplitude, delayed activation time, prolonged refractoriness and led to frequency-dependent block, also in a reversible manner. Through these actions, dantrolene showed an antiarrhythmic effect by preventing atrioventricular nodal reentry in the form of atrial "echoes." These results support the hypothesis that dantrolene inhibits slow inward current and suggest that, at adequate doses, it might effectively suppress supraventricular arrhythmias in patients. In a third group of experiments, addition of dantrolene (35.1 microM) to the central segment of a canine Purkinje fiber in an "ischemic gap" preparation led to conduction impairment. Consequently, reflections were obtained at relatively slow frequencies, whereas, at faster frequencies, the incidence of reflection was reduced. These effects were similar to those previously reported for other agents such as lidocaine and verapamil. The authors conclude that dantrolene behaves as a calcium channel blocking agent and has potential value as an antiarrhythmic drug.
Parallelization of kinetic theory simulations

Numerical studies of shock waves in large scale systems via kinetic simulations with millions of particles are too computationally demanding to be processed in serial. In this work we focus on optimizing the parallel performance of a kinetic Monte Carlo code for astrophysical simulations such as core-collapse supernovae. Our goal is to attain a flexible program that scales well with the architecture of modern supercomputers. This approach requires a hybrid model of programming that combines a message passing interface (MPI) with a multithreading model (OpenMP) in C++. We report on our approach to implement the hybrid design into the kinetic code and show first results which demonstrate a significant gain in performance when many processors are applied.
MED1 mediates androgen receptor splice variant induced gene expression in the absence of ligand

The appearance of constitutively active androgen receptor splice variants (AR-Vs) has been proposed as one of the causes of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). However, the underlying mechanism of AR-Vs in CRPC transcriptional regulation has not been defined. A distinct transcriptome enriched with cell cycle genes, e.g. UBE2C, has been associated with AR-Vs, which indicates the possibility of an altered transcriptional mechanism when compared to full-length wild-type AR (ARfl). Importantly, a recent study reported the critical role of p-MED1 in enhancing UBE2C expression through a locus looping pattern, which only occurs in CRPC but not in androgen-dependent prostate cancer (ADPC). To investigate the potential correlation between AR-V and MED1, in the present study we performed protein co-immunoprecipitation, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and cell proliferation assays and found that MED1 is necessary for ARv567es induced UBE2C up-regulation and subsequent prostate cancer cell growth. Furthermore, p-MED1 is bound to ARv567es independent of full-length AR; p-MED1 has higher recruitment to UBE2C promoter and enhancer regions in the presence of ARv567es. Our data indicate that p-MED1 serves as a key mediator in ARv567es induced gene expression and suggests a mechanism by which AR-Vs promote the development and progression of CRPC.
Heterotopic Pancreatic Neoplasm Presenting as an Obstructing Mass at the Fourth Portion of the Duodenum

Context Heterotopic pancreatic adenocarcinoma is a rare finding at laparotomy. Herein we present the case of a patient with malignant transformation of a heterotopic pancreas located in the fourth portion of the duodenum. Case report A 79-year-old woman was admitted to the surgery service with complaints of early satiety and abdominal fullness progressively worsening over the previous two years. A computed tomography scan of the abdomen and an upper endoscopy revealed an obstructing mass in the fourth portion of the duodenum, biopsies were negative for carcinoma. A segmentectomy of the third and fourth portions of the duodenum was performed. Post-operative histology revealed malignant transformation of a heterotopic pancreas. The patient had an unremarkable postoperative recovery and was discharged home. Conclusion In evaluation of patients with distal duodenal masses, we report that heterotopic pancreatic neoplasms should be considered in the differential diagnosis. Image: Image of the mass from upper endoscopy.
Generating the centrally symmetric 3-polyhedral graphs

We show that the graphs of the centrally symmetric 3-polytopes can be generated from the graphs of the cube and octahedron by applying pairs of symmetric face splittings.
Nanofibers of polyaniline synthesized by interfacial polymerization

Abstract The average diameter of polyaniline nanofibers obtained by interfacial polymerization using a solution of aniline in toluene as the top organic phase and acidic ammonium peroxydisulfate as the bottom aqueous phase can be controlled by using surface active dopants and/or surfactants in the aqueous phase. The average diameter of polyaniline nanofibers doped with camphorsulfonic acid (CSA) synthesized by interfacial polymerization decreases when twin-tailed anionic surfactants, based on the cis-1,2-alkylethene sulfonate structure (alkyl=C5H11 or C7H13), are used. For example, the average diameter of polyaniline. CSA nanofibers decreases in the order 48 nm ( no surfactant )>35 nm (C5H11-twin-tailed)>28 nm (C7H13-twin-tailed). This effect is reversed in polyaniline nanofibers synthesized using 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid (AMPSA) as the dopant, e.g., the average fiber diameter of polyaniline. AMPSA increases in the order 23 nm ( no surfactant ) nm (C5H11-twin-tailed)
Adults With Diabetes Hospitalized With Pandemic Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09—U.S. 2009

In the U.S., diabetes was common among adults hospitalized with pandemic influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus (pH1N1) infection, with a prevalence of 15–25% in national case series (1–3). Despite the influenza burden among patients with diabetes, clinical data are limited. Through two U.S. pH1N1 hospitalizations case series conducted during the spring and fall of 2009 (1,2), medical records of adults ≥18 years old hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed pH1N1 infection were reviewed. Data were collected as part of public health emergency response and deemed not to be research. We compared clinical features between patients with and without diabetes and performed a Mantel-Haenszel analysis, controlling for obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2). Among 319 adults hospitalized with pH1N1 infection, 72 (23%) had diabetes, including 33 of 169 patients (20%) in the spring and 39 of 150 patients (26%) in the fall of 2009. Patients …
Cloning of the LH/CG receptor implications for a unique G-protein coupled receptor

Abstract The proteins encoded by the rat and porcine luteinizing hormone (LH)lchorionic gonadotropin (CG) receptor cDNAs appear to be unique members of the G -protein-coupled receptor family. Although they have the characteristic seven transmembrane domains, the LH/CG receptors have relatively low homology to other members o f this family, do not have a G-protein-coupling domain corresponding to that of the a-adrenergic receptor, and contain an unusual long extracellular domain. Experience in the molecular dissection of this receptor family will help guide investigation of the LHICG receptor's functional domains. Further studies are needed to clarify the origin and significance of the various mRNA species hybridizing on Northern blot analyses. Finally, the rat and porcine receptor cDNAs should permit cloning of the human LH/CG receptor, as well as cloning of the thyroid-stimulating hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone receptors.
Nanofluids for thermal transport

Nanofluids, i.e. fluid suspensions of nanometer-sized solid particles and fibers, have been proposed as a route for surpassing the performance of heat transfer liquids currently available. Recent experiments on nanofluids have indicated significant increases in thermal conductivity compared with liquids without nanoparticles or larger particles, strong temperature dependence of thermal conductivity, and significant increases in critical heat flux in boiling heat transfer. Some of the experimental results are controversial, e.g. the extent of thermal conductivity enhancement sometimes greatly exceeds the predictions of well-established theories. So, if these exciting results on nanofluids can be confirmed in future systematic experiments, new theoretical descriptions may be needed to account properly for the unique features of nanofluids, such as high particle mobility and large surface-to-volume ratio.
Recommendations to improve health risk communication: lessons learned from the U.S. Public Health Service.

The growth in the public's concern over a variety of environmental health risks has placed new requirements and demands on U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) agencies for information that describes and explains the nature of risk in clear and comprehensible terms. Experience has shown, however, that merely disseminating information without reliance on communication principles can lead to ineffective health messages and public health actions. This article presents the findings of a study conducted by the Subcommittee on Risk Communication and Education of the Environmental Health Policy Committee (EHPC), PHS, on how PHS agencies are communicating information about health risk; how effective these communications have been; and what specific principles, strategies, and practices best promote effective health risk communication. The purpose of the Subcommittee's study was to develop specific recommendations that would help PHS decision makers and health risk communicators improve the effectiveness of health inf...
Oxaliplatin acts on IB4-positive nociceptors to induce an oxidative stress-dependent acute painful peripheral neuropathy.

Abstract The toxicity profile of oxaliplatin, a platinum derivative currently used in the treatment of colorectal cancer, differs from those of the other platinum compounds, cisplatin and carboplatin. Oxaliplatin treatment induces an acute neurotoxicity characterized by a rapid onset of cold-induced distal dysesthesia and a chronic sensory peripheral neuropathy. A single intravenous dose of oxaliplatin produced a dose-dependent mechanical hyperalgesia and heat and cold allodynia; repeated administration intensified symptoms. A single intradermal dose of oxaliplatin produced a dose-dependent mechanical hyperalgesia. A single dose intravenous oxaliplatin also lowered thresholds and increased responses of C-fiber nociceptors to mechanical stimulation, confirming a peripheral site of action. Whereas peripheral administration of inhibitors of second messengers implicated in models of other painful peripheral neuropathies (PKA, PKC, NO, Ca 2+ , and caspase) had no effect; both systemic and local administration of antioxidants (acetyl-l-carnitine, α-lipoic acid or vitamin C), all markedly inhibited oxaliplatin-induced hyperalgesia. Intrathecal administration of the neurotoxin for IB4-positive nociceptors, IB4-saporin, markedly attenuated IB4 staining in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord and completely prevented oxaliplatin-induced hyperalgesia. We suggest that oxaliplatin acts on IB4 (+)-nociceptors to induce oxidative stress-dependent acute peripheral sensory neuropathy. Perspective Many drugs used to treat cancer produce pain as their dose-limiting side effect. We used a model of this pain syndrome induced by oxaliplatin to demonstrate that pain is produced by action on a subset of nociceptors, the IB4-positive DRG neurons. This information could help define cellular targets against which protective therapies could be developed.
ANORECTAL DISEASE IN PATIENTS WITH NON-HÆMATOLOGICAL MALIGNANCY

A frequent and previously uncharacterised association of anorectal inflammatory disease in seven of twenty-two patients undergoing therapy for nonhaematological malignancy is described. Sepsis and secondary pulmonary infection were distant complications of the anorectal lesions. The degree of granulocytopenia induced by chemotherapy appears to be the major predisposing factor. Management includes early surgical intervention, and preventive measures specific for this patient population.
Validity and reproducibility of the cooperative cataract research group (CCRG) cataract classification system

The validity and reproducibility with which six classifiers [one experienced (L.T.C.), and five novices (W.G., F.G., W.W., J.W. and O.W.)] used the CCRG cataract classification system was assessed. The validity of index classifications was assessed by computing sensitivities and pairwise interclass correlations between experienced and novice classifiers using the former's classification as the standard. The number of unordered combinations of terms in the CCRG's classification was reduced by combining cortical terms according to the CCRG's accepted system of staged simplification. The number of combinations of terms at each stage is as follows: Stage I (greater than 1000); II (127); III (63); IV (15); V (7); VI and VII (3) and VIII (2). Excellent agreement was obtained between the experienced and novice classifiers for Stages VII and VIII of the classification, good agreement for Stages V and VI and poor agreement for Stages IV, III and II (sensitivities of 97, 96, 72, 59, 40, 24 and 20% respectively). Good agreement was also achieved for the classifications of single lenticular regions, except for subcapsular regions. The intra- and interobserver reproducibility was assessed by computing the Kappa statistic to (1) compare classifications between novice observers and (2) compare repeat classifications made by the same observer by viewing the same cataract once on each of three different days. The novice classifiers had excellent intraobserver reproducibility for Stages VII and VIII (Kappas of 0.87 and 0.97 respectively), good reproducibility for Stages IV, V and VI (Kappas of 0.53, 0.62 and 0.62, respectively) and marginal reproducibility for stages II and III (Kappas of 0.39 and 0.40, respectively). The intraobserver reproducibility of the experienced classifier was superior to the others for virtually all characteristics with excellent reproducibility for Stages IV, V, VI, VII and VIII with Kappas of 0.79, 0.90, 1.0, 1.0 and 1.0, respectively and good reproducibility for Stages II and III (Kappas of 0.55 and 0.64, respectively). These results indicate that the simplified CCRG cataract classification system (Stages IV-VIII) passes the minimum standards for reproducibility. The performance of the experienced classifier far exceeds the minimum standards and indicates the feasibility of improving classifier performance with training and practice.
Cloud Detection Using Satellite Measurements of Infrared and Visible Radiances for ISCCP

This paper, the first of three, describes the cloud detection part of the International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP) analysis. Key features of the cloud detection alogrithm are (1) use of space and time radiance variation tests over several different space and time domains to account for the global variety of cloudy and clear characteristics, (2) estimation of clear radiance values for every time and place, and, (3) use of radiance thresholds that vary with the type of surface and climate regime. Design of the detection algorithm was supported by global, multiyear surveys of the statistical behavior of satellite-measured infrared and visible radiances to determine those characteristics that differentiate cloudy and clear scenes and how these characteristics vary among climate regimes. A summary of these statistical results is presented to illustrate how the cloud detection method works in a variety of circumstances. The sensitivity of the results to changing test parameter values is determined to provide a first estimate of the uncertainty of ISCCP cloud amounts. These test results (which exclude polar regions) suggest detection uncertainties of about 10% with possible negative biases of 5% (especially at night).
Are Adjustments in the U.S. Budget Deficit Asymmetric? Another Look at Sustainability

This study examines the sustainability along with the structural stability of the U.S. federal budget deficit over the post World War II period. Allowing for an endogenously determined structural break in 1982:1, tests of unit roots based on Perron's [1997] methodology suggest a stationary and sustainable budget deficit. Moreover, threshold autoregressive and momentum threshold autoregressive models do not detect asymmetries in the response of the budget deficit to deviations from its long-run trend.
Coaches' Attitudes towards Youth Sport Participants with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

While research has begun to explore athletes with physical disabilities, there is a marked void in the research literature surrounding athletes with 'invisible' disabilities such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Individuals with ADHD may exhibit restlessness, inattentiveness and excessive motor movement. Within the sport arena, these children may have difficulty following directions, remembering strategies, and staying on task. Coaches will likely respond with some type of corrective behavior, but these behaviors will be guided by their attitudes towards these athletes. Therefore the purpose of this study was to begin exploration into coaches' attitudes towards athletes with ADHD. Results found that coaches with previous experience working with athletes with ADHD reported more positive attitudes and these coaches were most likely to have known a child had ADHD due to parental communication. These findings underscore the need for improved coaching education to meet the needs of all child...
Delayed traumatic vertebral body compression fracture; part I: Clinical features

Abstract We have described three patients who sustained trauma to their spines followed by persisting pain. Initial radiographs were negative, but on subsequent examinations compression fractures were demonstrated. This sequence of events resembles the clinical picture described by Kiimmell in 1895 with significant differences. A plethora of early written description with minimal radiographic documentation suggests that this is a relatively rare condition. It is appropriate, therefore, to present these cases with the suggestion that traumatic injuries with persisting thoracic or upper lumbar back pain should be followed up radiographically in order to demonstrate the occurrence of subsequent compression fractures. These fractures may be treated with simple braces.
Linear regression analysis of binary response data with mixed covariates - a simulation study.

In a clinical trial with binary outcome, analyses are required for treatment or study group comparisons adjusted for covariate effects. A special problem arises with "mixed binary and Gaussian covariates", i.e., when some covariates are binary and some are continuous and may be assumed to be Gaussian. The correct model for such a data structure is of the logistic form. In the past, analyses of such data have been carried out by linear regression as well as by logistic regression methods. In this article, computer simulation was used to study the type I error level of linear regression analysis tests for treatment comparisons, when applied to a binary outcome variate obeying a logistic model with mixed binary and Gaussian covariates. It was found that the true type I error level depends on the distribution of covariates among treatment groups and on the magnitudes of the actual covariate effects, and can differ importantly from that assumed under Gaussian theory. Some recommendations are made for developing computer package programs for this problem.
The effect of cytoplasmic proteins on the reaggregation of dissociated ghost membranes of Bacillus megaterium KM.

The effect of cytoplasmic proteins on the reassociation of membrame proteins and lipids which have been solubilized in sodium dodecyl sulfate and urea has been investigated. The cytoplasmic proteins have been found to inhibit the reassociation of the membrane proteins. Moreover, approximately 15% of the cytoplasmic proteins co-aggregate with the membrane components after removal of the sodium dodecyl sulfate and urea.
Just another channel? Marketing communications in e‐business

In the digital world, marketing communications is concerned with creating presence, creating relationships, and creating mutual value. The Internet as a marketing channel is interactive, accessible, ubiquitous, and integrates marketing communication with commercial transactions and service delivery. As a channel, the Internet both sends content to an audience, and acts as a route to a group of customers. In order to build presence, e‐merchants enter a world of new marketing concepts such as banner ads, click through, affiliate networks, URL's and portals. The role and value of brands takes on new dimensions. The potential for building relationships is inherent in every transaction and dialog. No longer does the marketer need to speculate about customer needs; they actually know customer‐purchasing profiles. Customer service, customer profiles and customisation present important marketing opportunities. Value creation both requires and strengthens mutual dependence. Communities, including customer communit...
Sociometric status of child inpatients in clinical and normative peer groups Is peer status in a clinical setting a useful measure of adjustment

This research examined whether peer sociometric status, a powerful indicator of social maladjustment and psychological risk in normative peer groups, is a meaningful indicator of adjustment when assessed in clinical settings. In Study 1, 92 child psychiatric inpatients participated in unit-based sociometric assessments. Depression, anxiety, hopelessness, self-esteem, and behavioral disturbance were also assessed. Overall, inpatient peer status was related to concurrent adjustment and contributed to increased maladjustment in the hospital setting over time. Study 2 evaluated the extent to which inpatient peer status is related to more traditional assessments of peer status using a smaller sample. Children's social status on the unit with inpatient peers was compared to their social status at school with school peers at the time of admission. Inpatient peer status was significantly related to school peer status and to teacher-rated adjustment in school. The value of collecting peer sociometric data in treatment settings as an indicator of concurrent adjustment and as a window into adjustment in other contexts is discussed.
MINIMUM INFORMATION ESTIMATION OF ALLOCATION MODELS OF DIFFERENT SIZES

Abstract For allocation models consisting of n = 10, 6 and 4 equations, constrained generalized least squares coefficient estimates are compared with those obtained from the minimum information (MI) criterion in the sense of statistical information theory. The MI estimates are more efficient for n = 10. The bootstrap procedure is illustrated for the assessment of the variability of these estimates.
AlAs/AlGaAs X‐valley quantum‐well normal‐incidence infrared detectors on Si substrates

AlAs/AlGaAs X‐valley multiquantum‐well detectors grown on Si substrate are reported. Normal‐incidence infrared‐absorption measurements were performed on [113]‐ and [115]‐oriented samples grown on Si substrate at a wavelength range of 5–20 μm. An absorption peak was observed in the [113]‐oriented quantum wells with an infrared‐absorption coefficient of α=1400 cm−1 (quantum efficiency η=13%); similar results were attained with the [115] sample. The experimental results indicate the potential of these novel structures as normal‐incidence infrared photodetectors. The results point to the possibility of integrating photodetectors and signal processing circuits on the same Si substrate.
Toxicity of underground coal gasification condenser water and selected constituents to aquatic biota

The acute and embryo-larval toxicity of the Laramie Energy Technology Center's Hanna-3 underground coal gasification (UCG) condenser water and its constituents were studied in continuous-flow bioassays. The 96-hr LC50 dilution values for untreated Hanna-3 UCG condenser water were 0.1% for rainbow trout, 0.11% for fathead minnows and the 48-hr LC50 dilution forDaphnia pulicaria was 0.18%. Separate 96-hr acute tests with phenol, ammonia, and ammonia plus phenol showed that these two constituents, acting synergistically, were the major constituents affecting the acute toxicity of this coal conversion effluent to fishDaphnia pulicaria, on the other hand, was relatively insensitive to phenol exposure; the primary constituent of Hanna-3 UCG condenser water affecting this species was ammonia.
On the synthesis of heme

Some of the general concepts which have emerged in the elucidation of the biochemical reactions and transformations which occur in living organisms, summarized very briefly, are that the basic chemical reactions in the cell are rather simple, that the celt synthesizes its complex molecules from relatively simple and available substances and that there is a biochemical unity in living matter. The picture that has emerged in studies on the biosynthesis of porphyrins and related compounds is rather a good illustration of these basic concepts. The studies have revealed that the synthesis of this "large" molecule is synthesized from two simple, readily available and ubiquitous compounds, glycine and succinic acid by relatively simple reactions. Furthermore it appears that all porphyrins and related compounds such as chlorophyll, vitamin B,= etc. in different types of cells are synthesized by the same pathway. The different porphyrin or porphyrinlike compounds merely arise by modifications occurring in the side chains in the fl-positions of the pyrrole units and by the change of the oxidation state of the heterocyclic five-membered rings contained in the structure. It is worth noting that if porphyrins were formed in prebiotic times then the enzymic steps outlined below in all probability mimic those which occurred in this early time. This conjecture seems quite reasonable for one can readily form intermediates from succinate and glycine under conditions which simulate a physiological environment and by rather simple and analogous activation steps. Furthermore these intermediates can readily be converted into porphyrins containing the biological functional isomeric structure. Besides pointing out the ease of synthesis of porphyrins it is of interest to note that porphyrins are very stable molecules for they are found in fossilized excrements of crocodile and mineral hydrocarbon oils contain porphyrins presumably of both plant and animal origin.
Glutamic acid decarboxylase immunoreactivity of olivocochlear neurons in the organ of Corti of guinea pig and rat.

Abstract The distribution of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD)-like immunoreactivity in the organ of Corti of guinea pig and rat was studied under the light microscope. Indirect immunohistochemical techniques were used. Cochleae were first incubated with a specific antiserum to rat brain GAD and then stained through an avidin-biotin-horseradish peroxidase (HRP) procedure. GAD-like immunoreactivity was visualized as staining with HRP reaction product. Surface preparations were prepared from the immunoreacted cochleae. GAD-like immunoreactivity was found in the inner spiral bundle, tunnel spiral bundle, tunnel crossing fibers, outer hair cell synaptic regions and outer spiral bundles. Little staining was seen in the basal turn. Most of the immunoreactivity was seen in the third and lower fourth turn of the guinea pig cochlea, but even there many efferent fibers and endings were unstained. It is concluded that GAD-like immunoreactivity is present in a subpopulation of cochlear efferents that contains elements from both the medial and the lateral olivocochlear system. Future studies are needed to determine whether this subpopulation is GABA-ergic (i.e. uses gamma-aminobutyric acid as a neurotransmitter) and/or cholinergic.
Some Factors Modifying the Actions of Hormones on Glucose Uptake by Adipose Tissue in Vitro

The uptake of glucose by rat epididymal adipose tissue incubated in vitro in a Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate medium is influenced by the presence or absence of bovine serum albumin in the medium. Without albumin glucose uptake is significantly higher than when albumin is present at concentration of 2–4%. Adrenaline, noradrenaline and ACTH, all of which stimulate lipolysis in adipose tissue in vitro, inhibit glucose uptake when there is no albumin in the medium and stimulate it when albumin is present. Insulin promotes glucose uptake irrespective of the presence of albumin, but this response to insulin is inhibited by the lipolytic hormones when there is no albumin in the medium. Both the inhibitory and stimulatory actions of ACTH in the different media are abolished by chemical inactivation of ACTH. Furthermore, the unnatural L(+) isomers of adrenaline and noradrenaline are less active than the natural D(−) isomers. Evidence is presented to support the hypothesis that while some increase in intracellular conce...