cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nurses' Expectations of an Inpatient Portal for Hospitalized Patients and Caregivers.

Background Patient portals are intended to engage patients and enhance patient-centered care. Recent studies suggest that the information within portals could provide benefits to patients and their caregivers during hospitalization; however, few studies have examined nurse and staff expectations of portals when used in the hospital setting. Objective This article examines inpatient nurse and support staff expectations of a commercially available inpatient portal prior to its hospital-wide implementation. Methods In this cross-sectional study, nurses and support staff were surveyed 1 month prior to the implementation of an inpatient portal for patients. Items included respondent characteristics, satisfaction with online inpatient portal training, expectations of the effects of portal use on patients, caregivers, and staff, overall acceptance, and barriers to its implementation. Results Of 881 respondents, 73.0% were staff nurses, 18.4% nurse assistants, 4.3% unit coordinators, and 1.2% nurse managers. Respondents were generally satisfied with the portal information they received from online training. A majority liked the portal to some extent prior to its use (66.7%); however, they noted multiple implementation barriers, including: tablets would get lost/damaged (66.2% of respondents), patients and/or caregivers would have too many questions (48.5%), and staff would have problems integrating it into their workflow (44.7%). Respondents working on medical units had higher expectations (p Conclusion Overall, nurse and support staff had high expectations of the effects of inpatient portal use prior to its hospital-wide implementation. They thought it would benefit patients and/or their caregivers; however, they also perceived several barriers to its implementation. These results will be used in conjunction with patient and caregiver perspectives to inform future efforts to evaluate and improve upon inpatient portal implementation and dissemination across health systems.
Physical activity guideline compliance among a national sample of children with various developmental disabilities

Abstract Background Researchers have reported relatively low estimates of physical activity among children with various developmental disabilities. However, there are inconsistencies within these reports due to methodological issues. Objective The goals of this study were to estimate the prevalence of meeting national physical activity guidelines among children with various developmental disabilities and examine the relative influence of different disability descriptors on meeting the guidelines. Methods A sample of 3,010 U.S. children between the ages of 6 and 17 years with parent-reported diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, developmental disability, and/or intellectual disability was drawn from the combined 2016 and 2017 datasets of the National Survey of Children’s Health. Multivariate logistic regression analyses explored the unique contributions of multiple child characteristics and disability descriptors, such as diagnosis type, severity, complexity, and functionality, toward meeting physical activity guidelines and compared the likelihood of meeting guidelines between children with these diagnoses. Results The results of this study reveal that the majority of children with developmental disabilities are not achieving adequate levels of daily physical activity, with only 19% of the study sample engaging in 60 min of physical activity daily. Child age and functionality were significant predictors of meeting physical activity guidelines among children within the sample. Conclusions The findings of this study highlight the potentially limiting view of physical activity participation when diagnosis type is considered alone and demonstrate the importance of considering function and other individual factors as significant predictors of physical activity among children with disabilities.
Treatment of Nervous System Disorders

The nervous system which controls the activities of the body consists of the brain, the spinal cord and a complex system of nerves. The organs and activities of the body controlled by the nervous system are: (1) voluntarily moving parts, the muscles and joints of limbs and trunk; (2) organs which move automatically or involuntarily, the diaphragm, intestinal tract, gall-bladder, ureters, urinary bladder, uterus, heart and arteries; (3) secretory organs, the endocrine, salivary and digestive organs, the sweat and tear glands; (4) a variety of conscious sensorial functions, sight, pain, hearing, odor, taste, heat, vibration, touch, balance; (5) mental processes, thinking, speech, writing; (6) emotional reactions, joy, fear, anger and so forth.
The importance of the counter-cation in reductive rare-earth metal chemistry: 18-crown-6 instead of 2,2,2-cryptand allows isolation of [YII(NR2)3]1− and ynediolate and enediolate complexes from CO reactions

The use of 18-crown-6 (18-c-6) in place of 2.2.2-cryptand (crypt) in rare earth amide reduction reactions involving potassium has proven to be crucial in the synthesis of Ln(II) complexes and isolation of their CO reduction products. The faster speed of crystallization with 18-c-6 appears to be important. Previous studies have shown that reduction of the trivalent amide complexes Ln(NR2)3 (R = SiMe3) with potassium in the presence of 2.2.2-cryptand (crypt) forms the divalent [K(crypt)][LnII(NR2)3] complexes for Ln = Gd, Tb, Dy, and Tm. However, for Ho and Er, the [Ln(NR2)3]1− anions were only isolable with [Rb(crypt)]1+ counter-cations and isolation of the [YII(NR2)3]1− anion was not possible under any of these conditions. We now report that by changing the potassium chelator from crypt to 18-crown-6 (18-c-6), the [Ln(NR2)3]1− anions can be isolated not only for Ln = Gd, Tb, Dy, and Tm, but also for Ho, Er, and Y. Specifically, these anions are isolated as salts of a 1 : 2 potassium : crown sandwich cation, [K(18-c-6)2]1+, i.e. [K(18-c-6)2][Ln(NR2)3]. The [K(18-c-6)2]1+ counter-cation was superior not only in the synthesis, but it also allowed the isolation of crystallographically-characterizable products from reactions of CO with the [Ln(NR2)3]1− anions that were not obtainable from the [K(crypt)]1+ analogs. Reaction of CO with [K(18-c-6)2][Ln(NR2)3], generated in situ, yielded crystals of the ynediolate products, {[(R2N)3Ln]2(μ-OCCO)}2−, which crystallized with counter-cations possessing 2 : 3 potassium : crown ratios, i.e.{[K2(18-c-6)3]}2+, for Gd, Dy, Ho. In contrast, reaction of CO with a solution of isolated [K(18-c-6)2][Gd(NR2)3], produced crystals of an enediolate complex isolated with a counter-cation with a 2 : 2 potassium : crown ratio namely [K(18-c-6)]22+ in the complex [K(18-c-6)]2{[(R2N)2Gd2(μ-OCHCHO)2]}.
Intraurethral catheter placement does not change the external circumferential measurement of the urethra during AUS placement: A prospective observational trial.

AIMS Measuring the urethral circumference accurately during artificial urethral sphincter (AUS) placement is an important technical aspect to optimize the selection of cuff size. Differing methods exist for this step with some experts recommending measurement with no urethral catheter in place. In this prospective observational trial, we compared urethral measurements with and without an indwelling catheter to determine if the presence of a catheter affects the circumferential measurement. METHODS With IRB approval, we prospectively collected data on consecutive cases of transperineal male AUS implantation. Urethral circumference was measured with no urethral catheter (0 French [Fr]), 12Fr, and 16Fr Foley catheters in the urethra. The final measurements and cuff size chosen were recorded. A comparison was made between each measurement using Spearman's correlation coefficient. RESULTS A total of 54 patients were included, the majority of whom (92.6%) underwent AUS placement for postprostatectomy incontinence. The three urethral circumference measurements were highly correlated (0Fr vs 12Fr, ρ = 0.96, P < .001, mean difference 1 mm) (0Fr vs 16Fr, ρ = 0.94, P < .001, mean difference 2 mm) (12Fr vs 16Fr, ρ = 0.96, P < .001, mean difference 1 mm). Patients with a history of radiation had a lower mean urethral circumference than those who had never been radiated (4.78 cm vs 5.3 cm, P = .01). CONCLUSIONS Urethral circumference measurement during AUS implantation is not influenced by the presence of a 12 or 16Fr Foley catheter when compared to no catheter in the urethra. Measurement of the urethral circumference can, therefore, be accurately performed with or without a catheter in place, depending on the surgeon's preference.
Aging, Life History, and Human Evolution

Aging occurs in all sexually reproducing organisms. That is, physical degradation over time occurs from conception until death. While the life span of a species is often viewed as a benchmark of ag...
Influence of prepartum body condition score change on reproduction in multiparous beef cows calving in moderate body condition

Multiparous, spring-calving beef cows (n = 250) were used to determine whether large changes in body energy reserves during mid- to late gestation influenced subsequent reproductive performance of cows calving in moderate body condition. In three states, cows were blocked by BW and body condition score (BCS; 1 = emaciated to 9 = obese) then allotted to receive either a high or low plane of nutrition from late summer to early winter over a 3-yr period. This generated an array of BCS by the beginning of the last trimester of pregnancy when cows were grouped by BCS as follows: Group 1, BCS or = 7. Each group was managed so that individual cows would calve with a BCS of 5 to 6. At the time of group assignment, mean BW and BCS differed (P .20) among groups averaging 555 kg and 5.1. Prepartum BCS changes averaged 1.4, -.4, and -2.0 units for Groups 1 to 3, respectively (P .20) by either location or BCS group, and averaged 66%. Mean pregnancy rates at 20, 40, and 60 d of a subsequent breeding season were 55, 76, and 89% for Group 1; 51, 67, and 82% for Group 2; and 64, 79, and 89% for Group 3 (P > .30). Mean days to conception were 89, 87, and 85 for Groups 1 to 3, respectively (P = .70). Neither calf birth weight (x = 38.6 kg) nor adjusted 205-d weight (x = 223.6 kg) were affected by prepartum BW and BCS changes. We conclude that reproductive performance of cows calving in moderate body condition is not influenced by large changes in body energy reserves during the last trimester of pregnancy.
Uncertainties in Supernova Yields I: 1D Explosions

Theoretical nucleosynthetic yields from supernovae are sensitive to both the details of the progenitor star and the explosion calculation. We attempt to comprehensively identify the sources of uncertainties in these yields. In this paper we concentrate on the variations in yields from a single progenitor arising from common 1-dimensional methods of approximating a supernova explosion. Subsequent papers will examine 3-dimensional effects in the explosion and the progenitor, and trends in mass and composition. For the 1-dimensional explosions we find that both elemental and isotopic yields for Si and heavier elements are a sensitive function of explosion energy. Also, piston-driven and thermal bomb type explosions have different yields for the same explosion energy. Yields derived from 1-dimensional explosions are non-unique.
Precision genome editing using cytosine and adenine base editors in mammalian cells

Genome editing has transformed the life sciences and has exciting prospects for use in treating genetic diseases. Our laboratory developed base editing to enable precise and efficient genome editing while minimizing undesired byproducts and toxicity associated with double-stranded DNA breaks. Adenine and cytosine base editors mediate targeted A•T-to-G•C or C•G-to-T•A base pair changes, respectively, which can theoretically address most human disease-associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms. Current base editors can achieve high editing efficiencies-for example, approaching 100% in cultured mammalian cells or 70% in adult mouse neurons in vivo. Since their initial description, a large set of base editor variants have been developed with different on-target and off-target editing characteristics. Here, we describe a protocol for using base editing in cultured mammalian cells. We provide guidelines for choosing target sites, appropriate base editor variants and delivery strategies to best suit a desired application. We further describe standard base-editing experiments in HEK293T cells, along with computational analysis of base-editing outcomes using CRISPResso2. Beginning with target DNA site selection, base-editing experiments in mammalian cells can typically be completed within 1-3 weeks and require only standard molecular biology techniques and readily available plasmid constructs.
Herbivore-induced plant volatiles mediate behavioral interactions between a leaf-chewing and a phloem-feeding herbivore

Abstract Plants respond adaptively to herbivore stress in order to maintain fitness. Upon herbivore attack, plants emit blends of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that differ from those that are constitutively emitted. These defense responses are typically specific to the identity of the attacking herbivore and often linked to the herbivore's feeding guild (e.g. chewing, phloem-feeding). Herbivores use plant volatiles to locate suitable host plants and changes in volatile emissions can affect host-plant location. Therefore, herbivores from separate feeding guilds can interact indirectly through the modulation of plant responses. In this study we tested how damage by an herbivore from one feeding guild affected the host-plant choice of an herbivore from a separate feeding guild, and vice versa. A chewing herbivore, the Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata), and a phloem feeding herbivore, the green peach aphid (Myzus persicae), were assayed in olfactometers to assess behavioral responses to odors emitted by potato plants (Solanum tuberosum) that were damaged by herbivores from the other feeding guild. Leptinotarsa decemlineata oriented more frequently towards undamaged plants compared to M. persicae damaged plants. Surprisingly, M. persicae preferred plants that were damaged by L. decemlineata, although previous studies had shown that they perform worse on these plants. Distinct differences were detected in the volatile profiles of herbivore-damaged and undamaged plants. Leptinotarsa decemlineata induced stronger volatile emissions compared to undamaged control plants, while M. persicae tended to suppress volatile emissions. These herbivores demonstrate contrasting induction of plant volatiles and behavioral responses. Exploring the nature of co-occurring herbivores and how they perceive potential hosts can play a significant role in understanding the ecological functions and community dynamics of plant plasticity and interactions with a variety of herbivores.
Measuring oxygen saturation in retinal and choroidal circulations in rats using visible light optical coherence tomography angiography

Visible light optical coherence tomography (vis-OCT) has demonstrated its capability of measuring vascular oxygen saturation (sO2) in vivo. Enhanced by OCT angiography, the signal from microvasculature can be further isolated and directly used for sO2 extraction. In this work, we extended the theoretical formulation for OCT angiography-based oximetry by incorporating the contribution from motion contrast enhancement. We presented a new method to eliminate the associated confounding variables due to blood flow. First, we performed in vitro experiments to verify our theory, showing a stable spectral derivative within the selected wavelength bands for sO2 extraction. Then, we tested our method in vivo to measure retinal sO2 in rats inhaling different gas mixtures: normal air, 5% CO2, pure O2, and 10% O2. Absolute sO2 values in major arterioles and venules in the retinal circulation can be accurately measured. In addition, we demonstrated the relative changes of sO2 can be measured non-invasively from choriocapillaris immediately underneath the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) in rodents.
Karol K Weaver, Medical revolutionaries: the enslaved healers of eighteenth-century Saint Domingue , Urbana and Chicago, University of Illinois Press, 2006, pp. xii, 164, £38.00, $50.00 (hardback 978-0-252-03085-7); £12.99, $20.00 (paperback 978-0-252-07321-2).

The French colony of Saint Domingue and the slave revolution that transformed it into Haiti have attracted an upsurge of scholarly attention in recent years. Historians increasingly recognize Saint Domingue’s salience in the Atlantic world and claim for the Haitian revolution a role in the making of modernity. Karol Weaver’s compact and concisely written study takes an unusual approach to the topic by focusing on the colony’s medical practitioners. It includes brief chapters on colonial life, European medicine in Saint Domingue, sorcery, the impact of mesmerism, and three chapters on slaves as healers, herbalists, and veterinarians.
Influence of duration of litter separation and boar exposure on estrous expression of sows during and after lactation.

The influence of litter separation (LS) that included a change in housing environment and social status of sows, boar exposure (BE), and parity on estrous expression by sows during and after lactation was examined in two experiments utilizing 140 crossbred sows. In Exp. 1 (Yorkshire X Duroc sows), limiting duration of LS to 6 or 3 h/d during the last 8 d of lactation in two trials, while maintaining 1 h BE, resulted in similar proportions of sows in estrus during lactation (65 vs 79% for 3- and 6-h sows). However, 6-h LS tended to reduce (P = .08) the interval to estrus by .6 d for those sows that expressed a preweaning estrus. Postweaning intervals to estrus were unaffected by duration of LS in the remaining sows. In Exp. 2, sows (Yorkshire X Duroc X Chester White) were assigned to four treatment groups during the last 8 d of lactation: 1) BE (1 h/d), 2) LS (6 h/d), 3) LS + BE and 4) no LS + no BE (control). Only nine sows expressed estrus during lactation; four of 28 LS sows and five of 28 LS + BE sows. No sows were in estrus before weaning during August 1985 and only one sow (LS group) was in estrus before weaning during October 1986. Postweaning intervals to estrus were reduced (P less than .05) by .9 d after preweaning BE compared with controls.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Isostatic Strength of Extruded Cordierite Ceramic Substrates

This paper provides elastic analysis of compressive stresses in the matrix and skin regions of automotive substrates during 3D- and 2D-isostatic strength testing. The matrix region is treated as transversely isotropic material and the skin region as isotropic material, each with their independent elastic properties. Such a solution helps quantify load sharing by the matrix and skin regions which, in turn, affect compressive stresses in each region. The analysis shows that the tangential compressive stresses in the skin and matrix differ significantly at the interface due to high stiffness ratio of skin versus matrix. The resulting strain in the skin is more severe for thin and ultrathin wall substrates and may lead to localized bending of interfacial cells thereby inducing premature failure. Methods to reduce compressive strain in both the matrix and skin without affecting performance-related advantages are discussed. The analysis points out that the key factors that affect isostatic strength include skin vs matrix stiffness, skin vs web thickness, cell configuration, cell density and substrate diameter.
Automated Figuring and Polishing of Replication Mandrels for X-Ray Telescopes

In support of the Constellation X mission the Optics Branch at Goddard Space Flight Center is developing technology for precision figuring and polishing of mandrels used to produce replicated mirrors that will be used in X-Ray telescopes. Employing a specially built machine controlled in 2 axes by a computer, we are doing automated polishing/figuring of 15 cm long, 20 cm diameter cylindrical, conical and Wolter mandrels. A battery of tests allow us to fully characterize all important aspects of the mandrels, including surface figure and finish, mid-frequency errors, diameters and cone angle. Parts are currently being produced with surface roughnesses at the .5nm RMS level, and half-power diameter slope error less than 2 arcseconds.
Nonvoted Ballots and Discrimination in Florida

Abstract The report by the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights on the presidential vote in Florida during the 2000 general election presents two types of empirical evidence that African Americans were systematically denied the right to vote. To reach their conclusion that discrimination had occurred, the commission examined the impact of race on spoiled (or nonvoted) ballot rates as well as the impact of race on the exclusion of voters from eligibility lists because of past felony criminal records. Using extremely detailed cross‐sectional data collected by USA Today and less detailed panel data, I find that to the extent that these types of regressions measure discrimination, it is African‐American Republicans who were harmed. Indeed, the nonvoted ballot rate for white Republicans is higher than for white or African‐American Democrats. The data also indicate that nonvoted ballot rates are highest in those counties where Democrats are the election supervisors.
Automated distortion correction of X-ray image intensifier images

An automated procedure for accurately correcting the distortion present in X-ray image intensifiers is described. An image of a rectilinear grid of wires is acquired. The wire crossing point positions are determined to sub-pixel accuracy without operator intervention. The points are then associated with their true coordinates. Following this association procedure, a piecewise affine transformation is found. Each output pixel point needed is mapped to the corresponding location in the distorted image. If it is not at a true acquired pixel location, bilinear interpolation is done to estimate the gray level at that point. After calibration data are analyzed, all subsequent images are corrected using a fast and simple table lookup algorithm. High accuracy is achieved for applications requiring sub-pixel registration. >
Continuing and emerging issues in engineering ethics education and research: integrating microethics and macroethics

Summary form only given. This paper discusses the significant developments in engineering ethics education in the US, including the integration of microethical and macroethical issues, the development of case materials, and the availability of online resources such as interactive case studies and a variety of other ethics-related materials.
Dealing with Cash, Cross Holdings and Other Non-Operating Assets: Approaches and Implications

Most businesses hold cash, often in the form of low-risk or riskless investments that can be converted into cash at short notice. The motivations for holding cash vary across firms. Some hold cash to meet operating needs whereas others keep cash on hand to weather financial crises or take advantage of investment opportunities. In the first part of this paper, we will begin by looking at the extent of cash holdings at publicly traded firms and some of the motives for the cash accumulation. We will also look at how best to value these cash holdings in both discounted cash flow and relative valuation models. In the second part of the paper, we will turn to a trickier component - cross holdings in other companies. We will begin by looking at the way accountants record these holdings and the implications for valuation. We will then consider how to incorporate the value of these cross holdings in a full information environment, followed by approximations that work when information about cross holdings is partial or missing.
Effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on an accelerated rate of mandibular distraction osteogenesis.

Summary Background Distraction osteogenesis has become a standard therapy for lengthening of the human craniofacial skeleton. Because the technique is used predominately in a paediatric population, limiting the treatment protocol is beneficial. Methods Twenty-four animals were divided into four groups with distraction rates of 1mm and 2mm/day with and without hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy. Following a 5-day latency period, mandibular lengthening of 15mm was performed with a uniaxial distractor along the body of the mandible. Consolidation period was 4 weeks in all groups. HBO therapy was administered to one of the 1 and 2mm/day groups 1 day preoperatively, throughout the latency and distraction phases and 2 weeks into the consolidation period. Animals were euthanised after consolidation and the mandibles harvested for bone mineral densitometry evaluation. Results The mean bone mineral density (BMD) (g/cm 2 ) was 0.208±0.04 in Group 1 (1mm/day distraction, no HBO therapy), 0.228±0.09 in Group 2 (1mm/day distraction, + HBO therapy), 0.180±0.1 in Group 3 (2mm/day distraction, no HBO therapy), and 0.269±0.05 in Group 4 (2mm/day distraction, + HBO therapy). Using the Student's t -test for equality of means and the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), we found that the mean BMD was significantly higher in the groups that were administered HBO (Groups 2 and 4) than not ( P = P = Conclusion We have found that HBO therapy may serve to augment the healing process in distraction osteogenesis, allowing for more rapid distraction in order to decrease the overall treatment time.
Resolvent Kernels of Green’s Function Kernels and Other Finite-Rank Modifications of Fredholm and Volterra Kernels

Many important Fredholm integral equations have separable kernels which are finite-rank modifications of Volterra kernels. This class includes Green’s functions for Sturm—Liouville and other two-point boundary-value problems for linear ordinary differential operators. It is shown how to construct the Fredholm determinant, resolvent kernel, and eigenfunctions of kernels of this class by solving related Volterra integral equations and finite, linear algebraic systems. Applications to boundary-value problems are discussed, and explicit formulas are given for a simple example. Analytic and numerical approximation procedures for more general problems are indicated.
Abstract 2751: Protective effects of phenylaminoethyl selenide (PAESe) on doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicityin vitroandin vivo

Anthracyclines are potent anticancer agents that are effective in the treatment of acute leukemia, non-Hodgkin9s lymphomas, breast, ovarian and lung cancers, but their clinical use is hampered by dose-limiting cardiotoxicity mediated by free radicals generation. We determined the ability of phenyl-2-aminoethyl selenide (PAESe), a novel antioxidant, to reduce doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiotoxicity. Growth inhibitory effects of PAESe on human breast carcinoma (BT-474) and prostate adenocarcinoma (PC-3) cells were determined alone and in combination with two clinically used anticancer agents, DOX, a topoisomerase-2 antagonist known to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), and vincristine (a tubulin binding agent) and a known oxidant, tert-butylhydroperoxide (TBHP). Conventional growth inhibitory assays, i.e., sulforhodamine B (SRB) and 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium-bromide (MTT) staining, were used to determine in vitro activity. Treatment effect on intracellular formation of ROS was also determined by quantifying the oxidation of a cell-permeant indicator H 2 DCFDA. The effect of PAESe on cardiomyocytes was determined in NCr (nu/nu) mice with DOX (5 mg/kg), PAESe (10 mg/kg), concomitant (DOX & PAESe) therapy, and saline controls were administered by tail vein injections weekly over 12 weeks. Histopathological examination was performed to look for evidence of cardiotoxicity. PAESe did not alter the growth of BT-474 or PC-3 cells up to 10 uM. However, co-administration of PAESe decreased the oxidative-mediated cytotoxicity of TBHP in a dose-dependent manner, but had limited to no effect on vincristine or DOX antitumor activity. Further, PAESe decreased the formation of intracellular ROS from TBHP and DOX in a dose-dependent manner. Histological examination showed PAESe decreased short-term DOX-mediated infiltration of neutrophils and macrophages into the myocardium and more chronic evidence of necrotic foci, suggesting PAESe decreased early and late myocardial damage following initial and prolonged DOX treatments, unlike other antioxidants. Concomitant administration of PAESe did not alter the antitumor activity of DOX in vivo, nor did it reduce treatment mediated weight-loss associated with DOX. These data suggest that PAESe may be used in combination with DOX to preserve its antitumor activity, but decrease free radical generation and cardiotoxicity associated with use of anthracyclines. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2751. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-2751
An in vitro approach to ruminant mammary gland biology

This review discusses both fundamental and applied in vitro studies on ruminant mammary gland biology and summarizes progress made over the last decade in development of in vitro techniques to study growth, function and pathology of the mammary gland. The advantages and limitations of different in vitro systems are considered including explant cultures, primary cell cultures and immortalized lines of mammary-derived cells from cow, sheep and goat. The cell growth, differentiation and response to lactogenic hormones and growth factors are discussed as well as the relevance of the cell behavior in different culture conditions.
Measures of Work Satisfaction among Economic Development Practitioners

From data collected in a mail survey of 327 urban based economic development practitioners, four dimensions of work satisfaction are proposed. Predictive correlates of these four dimensions–the expectation that practitioners create economic miracles, the rejection of formalistic activity, the sense that practitioners can be effective, and the belief that their bosses are helpful–are introduced. Overall satisfaction is highest in communities in which economic development practitioners feel they have successfully brought about public-private cooperation. This finding is interpreted in terms of the differences between process and outcome measures in evaluating work satisfaction for administrators responsible for non-routine activities.
Corequakes and the Vela Pulsar

The speedups of the Vela pulsar can be explained by postulating the occurrence of corequakes in a solid core.
Scheduling Cycles of Work for Hot Ambient Conditions

Abstract Schedules of working and resting periods were designed separately for work at 40% [Vdot] O2maxand for work at 60% [Vdot] O2max each under the two following ambient conditions: (a) warm-humid, T db 36°C, T wb31°C and; (b) hot-dry, T db50°C, T wb25°C. Two conditions were provided for the resting period: (1) under the same ambient conditions as for the working conditions: (2) under neutral ambient conditions of T db 23°C, T wb 16°C. The working periods were determined by the total sum of the expected work specific heart rate (HR) and the expected heat induced increments in HR. The total sum of the HR was treated in terms of its equivalence to the fraction of [Vdot] O2max, based on the linear relationship between the two parameters. The limiting factor was taken to be the lower end of the 95th percentile maximal HR for the population of the 20–30 yr old participants. Six heat acclimatized male subjects participated in testing the adequacy of the design of the work and rest periods. The schedule of wo...
The incidence of pulmonary embolism in open versus laparoscopic gastric bypass.

Obesity independently increases the risk of pulmonary embolism (PE). We compare a superobese population (body mass index [BMI] > 55 kg/m(2)) undergoing open gastric bypasses (OGBs) with a similarly matched group of laparoscopic gastric bypasses (LGB) to see if the incidence of PE differs. We included all patients undergoing OGB (n = 193, average BMI = 51 kg/m(2)) at our institution by a single surgeon between July 1999 and April 2001. Thirty-one patients were superobese (BMI > 55 kg/m(2)). LGB was started at our institution in April 2001. Since that time 213 patients (average BMI = 52 kg/m(2)) have undergone the procedure. One hundred and nine patients were superobese. Pre- and postoperative prophylaxis included sequential compression stockings and subcutaneous heparin. Postoperatively, patients who developed signs of hypoxia, tachypnea, or tachycardia underwent a chest X-ray and spiral computed tomography. In addition, all patients who expired in the 30-day postoperative period underwent postmortem examination. Data were analyzed using the chi-squared test. In the OGB group, four patients (2.1%) developed PE. All occurred in superobese patients with a BMI > 55 kg/m(2). Three were fatal PEs and one was nonfatal. None of these patients had a prior history of deep vein thrombosis, PE, venous stasis disease, or pulmonary hypertension. In the LGB group, one patient (0.9%) had a nonfatal PE. This patient had a history of deep vein thrombosis. The incidence of PE was statistically higher in the superobese OGB group (P 55 kg/m(2) might be at an increased risk for PE independent of operative approach.
Rhenium-osmium isotope systematics in meteorites. I - Magmatic iron meteorite groups IIAB and IIIAB

Resonance ionization mass spectrometry is used to determine the Re and Os abundances by isotope dilution (ID) and to measure Os-187/Os-186 ratios from 19 iron meteorites. Abundances range from 1.4 to 4800 ppb Re, and from 13 to 65,000 ppb Os, and generally agree well with previous ID and neutron activation results. The Re and Os data suggest that abundance trends in these iron groups may be entirely explained by fractional crystallization. Whole-rock isochrons for the IIAB and IIIAB groups are statistically indistinguishable. Pooled data yield an initial Os-187/Os-186 of 0.794 +/- 0.010 Ga. Given the errors in the slope and half life, this age does not differ significantly from the canonical chondrite age of 4.56 Ga, but could be as young as 4.46 Ga.
The effect of colonization of the mouse mammary gland by Staphylococcus epidermidis on subsequent infection with Staphylococcus aureus or Escherichia coli.

Abstract A strain of Staphylococcus aureus and of Escherichia coli derived from bovine mastitis caused acute reactions when injected into the mammary glands of mice. The response of the mammary gland to the injection of S. epidermidis is described. When mouse mammary glands were colonized by S. epidermidis before challenge with S. aureus or E. coli a chronic mastitis was induced. In a comparison of S. epidermidis and endotoxin as inducers of an inflammatory reaction that would eliminate pathogens, endotoxin was superior to S. epidermidis , and S. epidermidis was more effective against E. coli than against S. aureus . The results are discussed in relation to the control of bovine mastitis.
Empirical perspectives on species borders: from traditional biogeography to global change

In this paper we will outline several empirical approaches to developing and testing hypotheses about the determinants of species borders. We highlight environmental change as an important opportunity - arguing that these unplanned, large-scale manipulations can be used to study mechanisms which limit species distributions. Our discussion will emphasize three main ideas. First, we review the traditional biogeographic approach. We show how modern analytical and computer techniques have improved this approach and generated important new hypotheses concerning species' range determinants. However, abilities to test those hypotheses continue to be limited. Next we look at how the additions of temporal data, field and lab experimentation, biological details and replication, when applied to systems that have been the subject of classical biogeographic studies, have been used to support or refute hypotheses on range determinants. Such a multi-faceted approach adds rigor, consistency and plausible mechanisms to the study of species ranges, and has been especially fruitful in the study of climate and species' ranges. Lastly, we present an alternative avenue for exploration of range-limiting mechanisms which has been under-utilized. We argue that carefully designed comparisons and contrasts between groups of species or systems provide a powerful tool for examining hypotheses on species' borders. The seasonality hypothesis as an explanation for Rapoport's rule serves as a model of this approach. A test is constructed by comparing patterns of seasonality and range size among marine and terrestrial systems. The seasonality hypothesis is not supported.
The forensic evaluation of dissociation and persons diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder: searching for convergence.

Summary and conclusionsThe authors believe that the forensic evaluation of DID and the dissocia-tive disorders requires expertise in the assessment and treatment of thosedisorders and that it requires an integration of data gathered from biologicpsychologic, and social domains.References [1] Goldstein A. Handbook of psychology, vol. 11: forensic psychology. Hoboken (NJ): JohnWiley & Sons; 2003.[2] Greenberg SA, Schuman DW. Irreconcilable diﬀerences between therapeutic and forensicroles. Prof Psychol Res Pr 1997;28:50–7.[3] Hess AK, Weiner IB. The handbook of forensic psychology. New York: John Wiley S 1999.[4] Melton GB, Petrila J, Poythress NG, et al. Psychologicevaluations for the courts. NewYork: Guilford Press; 1997.[5] Rosner R, editor. Principles and practice of forensic psychiatry. 2nd edition. London: Ar-nold Publishers; 2003.[6] American Academy of Psychiatry& the Law. Available at: www.aapl.org. Accessed Octo-ber 15, 2005.[7] American Board of Forensic Psychology. Available at: www.abfp.org. Accessed October15, 2005.[8] National Organization of Forensic Social Work. Available at: www.nofsw.org. AccessedOctober 15, 2005.[9] Dawes R, Faust D, Meehl P. Clinical versus actuarial judgment. Science 1989;243:1668–74.[10] Meehl P. Clinical versus statistical prediction: a theoretical analysis and review of the evi-dence. Northvale (NJ): Jason Aronson; 1996.[11] Coons PM. Iatrogenesis and malingering of multiple personality disorder in the forensicevaluation of homicide defendants. Psychiatr Clin North Am 1991;14:757–68.[12] Dunn G, Paolo A, Ryan J. Belief in the existence of multiple personality disorder amongpsychologists and psychiatrists. J Clin Psychol 1994;50:454–7.[13] Cormier J, Thelen M. Professional skepticism of multiple personality disorder. Prof Psy-chol Res Pr 1998;29:163–7.[14] Dammeyer M, Nightingale N, McCoy M. Repressed memory and other controversial ori-gins of sexual abuse allegations: beliefs among psychologists and clinical social workers.Child Maltreat 1997;2:252–63.[15] Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 509 US 579 (1993).[16] Kumho Tire Co. v. Carmichael 000 US 97–1709 (1999).[17] Frye v. United States 293 F. 1013 (DC Cir. 1923).[18] Hartocollis L. The making of multiple personality disorder: the role of experts in the pro-duction of psychiatric knowledge. Dissertation Abstr Int Sect A Humanities Soc Sci 1999;60(5-A):1767.[19] James D. Multiple personality disorder in the courts: a review of the North American ex-perience. J Forensic Psychiatry 1998;9:339–61.[20] KanovitzJR,KanovitzBS,BlochJP.Witnesseswithmultiplepersonalitydisorder.23PeppL Rev 387, 1996.[21] KennetK,MatthewsS.Identity,controlandresponsibility:thecaseofdissociativeidentitydisorder. Philos Psychol 2002;15:509–26.[22] Moskowitz AK. Dissociative pathways to homicide: clinical and forensic implications.J Trauma Dissociation 2004;5:5–32.
New Clothing Symbols: Do they Wash?

A recent standard promulgated by ASTM (D 5489) presents symbols to be used on clothing labels to indicate how they should be cared for in the cleaning process. The present studies were performed to evaluate how well these symbols would be understood by individuals who might use them. Four experiments were performed on the symbols listed in the standard and an alternate set developed for experimental purposes that was more pictorially representative of the concepts. Ratings of the symbols in the standard were relatively low, in comparison with more representative symbols. Recall of the meanings of the standard symbols was fairly good after five to seven days, but not as good as for the alternate set. Ability to determine the meaning of the standard symbols without previous experience with them was significantly poorer than for the alternate set. The results indicate the importance of testing symbols before adopting them.
Structure Learning of a Behavior Network for Context Dependent Adaptability

One mechanism for an intelligent agent to adapt to substantial environmental changes is to change the structure of its behavior network. In earlier work, we developed a context-dependent behavior selection architecture that uses structure change as the main mechanism to generate different behavior patterns according to different behavioral contexts. This paper investigates how the structure of such a behavior network can be learned. We present a structure learning method based on generic algorithm (GA). The results show that given a particular dynamic environment, consistent and robust structure can be learned to allow an agent to behave adaptively.
Designing novel cellulase systems through agent-based modeling and global sensitivity analysis

Experimental techniques allow engineering of biological systems to modify functionality; however, there still remains a need to develop tools to prioritize targets for modification. In this study, agent-based modeling (ABM) was used to build stochastic models of complexed and non-complexed cellulose hydrolysis, including enzymatic mechanisms for endoglucanase, exoglucanase, and β-glucosidase activity. Modeling results were consistent with experimental observations of higher efficiency in complexed systems than non-complexed systems and established relationships between specific cellulolytic mechanisms and overall efficiency. Global sensitivity analysis (GSA) of model results identified key parameters for improving overall cellulose hydrolysis efficiency including: (1) the cellulase half-life, (2) the exoglucanase activity, and (3) the cellulase composition. Overall, the following parameters were found to significantly influence cellulose consumption in a consolidated bioprocess (CBP): (1) the glucose uptake rate of the culture, (2) the bacterial cell concentration, and (3) the nature of the cellulase enzyme system (complexed or non-complexed). Broadly, these results demonstrate the utility of combining modeling and sensitivity analysis to identify key parameters and/or targets for experimental improvement.
The Impact of Feedback to Medical Housestaff on Chart Documentation and Quality of Care in the Outpatient Setting

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether feedback from attending physicians to residents about outpatient medical records improves chart documentation and quality of care. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study with repeated measures. SETTING: Primary care internal medicine clinic at a metropolitan community hospital. PATIENT/PARTICIPANTS: Fifteen interns and 20 residents. INTERVENTION: Attending physicians reviewed at least two charts for each resident on three occasions about 4 months apart and then discussed their findings with the residents. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Explicit criteria defined the extent of chart documentation and the comprehensiveness of care delivery. Attending physicians also made a subjective assessment of the overall quality of care. All results were converted to 0-to-1 scales. From the first to the third period, chart documentation increased from 0.60 to 0.86 (p < .001), but there were no significant changes in the delivery of care or in the subjective assessments of the overall quality of care. CONCLUSIONS: Both review of residents' outpatient medical records and periodic feedback from attending physicians improve how well medical housestaff document care in the chart.
In vitro evaluation of circadian patterns of bone collagen formation.

AbstractThe circadian patterns of bone collagen formation were studied in vitro to ascertain whether the biorhythmic profiles previously measured in vivo reflect true differences in collagen synthesis. Alteration of amino acid pool sizes did not negate the circadian-stage differences in bone collagen production. Evaluations of proline uptake and transport, as well as collagenous protein turnover, demonstrated that the intracellular assembly and secretion of bone collagenous protein during the dark span is truely decreased relative to that during the light period. It was further affirmed that PTH is essential for maintenance of the normal circadian collagen synthesis rhythms.
An amyloid fibril protein of unknown origin: partial amino-acid sequence analysis.

Summary The amino-terminal amino acid sequence of a purified amyloid protein lacking threonine, valine, proline and half-cystine has been determined. The sequence data do not correspond to the sequence of any previously reported immunoglobulin protein.
Absolute beam position measurement in an accelerator structure

Abstract High gradient acceleration requires exquisite control of beam position relative to the accelerating structure electrical center in order to avoid the excitation of transverse deflecting fields. We have measured such “absolute” beam position in a prototype X-band accelerator structure using beam induced microwave signals. We then verified our measurements independently by probing the beam excited field with a second witness bunch. Absolute beam positioning precision has been demonstrated at the level of 40 μm.
Long-term Follow-up of Saphenous Vein, Internal Jugular Vein, and Knitted Dacron Patches for Carotid Artery Endarterectomy

To determine whether choice of material used for patch closure following carotid artery endarterectomy (CAE) influences rates of early or late restenosis, stroke, and death, 274 consecutive CAEs were retrospectively reviewed. Saphenous vein (SV) was used in 159 (58.0%) procedures; everted, double-thickness jugular vein (JV) was used in 25 (9.1%); and knitted Dacron (KD) was used in 90 (32.9%). Primary closure was not used in this series. There were four perioperative strokes: two (1.3%) in SV, one (4%) in JV, and one (1.1%) in KD (NS). Follow-up was obtained on 263 (96%) operated arteries (mean 41.5 months). Duplex scan results were available for 236 (89.7%) of these arteries (mean follow-up time 33.7 months). There were three (2%) late strokes in SV and two (2.2%) in KD (NS). In long-term follow-up, one patient (0.7%) in SV and two (2.4%) in KD developed >80% stenosis (NS). One patient (0.7%) in SV, one (5.3%) in JV, and one (1.2%) in KD had total occlusion of the operated vessel (NS). Three procedures (2.2%) in SV, 1 (5.3%) in JV, and 7 (8.5%) in KD demonstrated moderate stenosis (50–79%) (NS). Three-year follow-up shows that choice of patch material does not affect early or late stroke rate, stroke-related death rate, rate of high-grade (>80%) restenosis, or rate of total occlusion. There is a higher incidence of moderate stenosis in KD. Although our results and a review of the literature do not indicate that these patients are at increased risk for symptoms or progression of stenosis, they should be followed by duplex scanning to ensure that this is the case.