cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of bronchodilator therapy administered by canister versus jet nebulizer.

Abstract Bronchodilator efficacy of metaproterenol sulfate aerosol therapy delivered either by canister or jet nebulizer was compared in 25 patients, 13 with severe asthma and 12 with COPD. Treatment was carried out in double-blind crossover fashion on 2 days and consisted of either metaproterenol sulfate solution 15 mg in 2.3 ml administered from a jet nebulizer or three puffs of metered-dose metaproterenol sulfate (total 1.95 mg) inhaled sequentially. FVC and FEV 1 were monitored before and after therapy for 2 hr. In 13 asthmatic patients. FEV 1 increased from a baseline mean of 0.83 L to 1.57 L at 2 hr after jet nebulizer therapy and increased from 0.84 L to 1.52 L after canister therapy. In 12 patients with COPD, FEV 1 increased from 0.58 L to 0.78 L after jet nebulizer therapy and from 0.57 L to 0.76 L after canister therapy. FVC also increased similarly after each form of therapy. The two types of aerosol therapy were equally effective and were without side effects. Canister therapy has the advantage over jet nebulizer therapy by being convenient and cheaper.
A model of thought processes

An entity is defined to be any phrase in a language. Thought is assumed to be first structured by the association of two entities. This association is called a relation. For example, suppose the subject entity is x"2 = ''Jack and Jill'', and the object entity is x"1 = ''are coming to dinner''. Then the formed relation is r"1 = , i.e., Jack and Jill, are coming to dinner. r"1 is then paired with another relation r"2 = . Suppose the subject entity is x"3 = ''I have to prepare'', and the object entity is x"4 = ''I will have to go shopping''. This yields (r"1, r"2) = (, ) = s"1,i.e., Jack and Jill, are coming to dinner, I will have to prepare, I will have to go shopping, s"1 is called a pairing of relations or a statement. Now to form the next statement s"2, the relation becomes the active relation. However, the object and subject of are interchanged and the first relation of s"2, r"3 = is formed, r"3 states: I will have to go shopping, I will have to prepare, r"3 is now paired with another relation r"4 = to form s"2 = (, ), where to be specific, suppose x"5 = ''Jack is on a low fat diet'', and x"6 = ''I will buy a turkey''. Then s"2 states: I have to prepare, I will go shopping, Jack is on a low fat diet, I will buy a turkey. This is continued with s"3 which is started with r"5 = . In this manner, a progression of statements is formed. Each individual ''I'' will create his/her own progression. We assume, however, that there is a pattern to these progressions. That is, if Sam and Sue are coming to dinner, we can predict the thought progression that a particular ''I'' will follow. It is then assumed here that for any individual ''I'', initial relation will lead to a well-defined progression which is assumed finite. The progression creates a connection between the initial relation r"1 and the final relation r"m. The pairing of r"1 and r"m is called a conclusion. The structure of these progressions of statements and their interactions are studied here. A progression may be a member of a set of concurrently existing progression which have entities with common properties. ''I'' may then wish to alter a progression in context of the other existing progressions. Such alterations will change conclusions. We will study such alterations in this paper. It is clear that we are dealing with ''thought structures'' in a wider sense. For example, if we consider a biological system B, an initial relation of entities (say, x"2 being stimulated or receiving x"1) leads to a pairing with another relation of entities, due to the system structure of B. This process continues in a progression of relation pairings in B and finally to a conclusion. Such conclusions are also altered in context of the other existing progressions. Alterations give rise to interesting structures. One such structure which we call a contradictory spiral has, in the noninstantaneous case, properties which impose coordination and complex periodic patterns on the conclusions of the progressions contained in this contradictory spiral. We study how such contradictory spirals are formed. We also study how conclusions change as new progressions are introduced.
Persistent effects of prenatal, neonatal, or adult treatment with flutamide on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal stress response of adult male rats.

To explore the role of androgens in early development on adult hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) function in males, we administered flutamide or vehicle injections: (1) to pregnant dams on embryonic days 15-20; (2) to neonatal pups on days 0-5; or (3) to adults on days 55-60. At approximately 70 days of age, trunk blood was collected to determine corticosterone levels (1) upon removal from the home cage, (2) immediately after 30 min of restraint stress, or (3) 60 min after return to home cage following the stressor. Flutamide treatment resulted in higher basal levels of testosterone and stress levels of corticosterone compared to vehicle treatment, and there was no interaction of treatment with age at time of treatment. This suggests that testosterone is less effective at inhibiting HPA function in flutamide-treated males. In addition, prenatally treated males had higher stress levels of corticosterone than neonatally and adult-treated males, regardless of the type of treatment. There were no differences in CBG levels among the groups. The results suggest that, in males, flutamide treatment has a long-lasting effect on HPA function. These results are consistent with our previous research on neonatally gonadectomized males and the hypothesis of organizational effects of sex hormones on HPA function.
Smoking Cessation and Quality of Life: Changes in Life Satisfaction Over 3 Years Following a Quit Attempt

Background There has been limited research addressing changes in subjective well-being as a result of quitting smoking.
Belief that drug usage in the United States is increasing when it is really decreasing: an example of the availability heuristic

The availability heuristic is a cognitive rule of thumb in which probability of events is judged based on how readily they come to mind (Tversky & Kahneman, 1974). This heuristic can lead to misjudgments when the event is emphasized in the media but actually occurs less frequently than would seem to be the case. The present study asked 104 college students if drug usage in the United States was increasing or decreasing over the past several years, and found they were significantly likely to say it was increasing (p < .001). However, data from the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse, a nationwide sample of 9,259 subjects in households throughout the United States, shows that drug usage has been declining. The students’ perceptions appear to show the working of the availability heuristic.
Endogenous Movement and Equilibrium Selection in Spatial Coordination Games

We study the effects of agent movement on equilibrium selection in network based spatial coordination games with Pareto dominant and risk dominant Nash equilibria. Our primary interest is in understanding how endogenous partner selection on networks influences equilibrium selection in games with multiple equilibria. We use agent based models and best response behaviors of agents to study our questions of interest. In general, we find that allowing agents to move and choose new game play partners greatly increases the probability of attaining the Pareto dominant Nash equilibrium in coordination games. We also find that agent diversity increases the ability of agents to attain larger payoffs on average.
Ideas of Order in Janette Turner Hospital's Oyster

As an internationally renowned writer who has lived on four continents and who often feels what she describes as "dislocated," even in her native Australia, Janette Turner Hospital has long centered her novels and stories on characters who inhabit the margins of specific geographical locations. In her acclaimed novel Oyster (1996), however, she uses physical dislocation as a metaphor to explore the nature of narrative itself. Setting Oyster in the forbidding Australian Outback, Hospital contrasts the necessity of maps for people crossing the border to that huge expanse of desert and the unreliability of all maps. In Oyster, readers must become users of maps if they hope to negotiate the complexity of this nonlinear novel. Although maps, stories, and words themselves are no more than "poignant ideas of order," Hospital urges the reader to continue trying to know the story, even if no story (or novel such as Oyster) can be fully known.
Time dependence of pyroelectric effects in polyvinylidene fluoride

Abstract The time dependence of the appearance of pyroelectric charge after a sudden change in temperature has been studied in thin films of polyvinylidene fluoride. Dyed samples with transparent electrodes were suspended from one end in a vacuum and irradiated with 200 ps pulses of frequency-doubled neodymium laser light. A gradual increase in charge, which occurs between about 1 μs and 1 s and accounts for 25% of the total pyroelectric charge, is tentatively attributed to reversible changes in crystallinity.
Cell Phone Use While Driving and Attributable Crash Risk

Objectives: Prior research has estimated that crash risk is 4 times higher when talking on a cell phone versus not talking. The objectives of this study were to estimate the extent to which drivers talk on cell phones while driving and to compute the implied annual number of crashes that could have been avoided if driver cell phone use were restricted. Methods: A national survey of approximately 1200 U.S. drivers was conducted. Respondents were asked to approximate the amount of time spent driving during a given day, number of cell phone calls made or received, and amount of driving time spent talking on a cell phone. Population attributable risk (PAR) was computed for each combination of driver gender, driver age, day of week, and time of day. These were multiplied by the corresponding crash counts to estimate the number of crashes that could have been avoided. Results: On average, drivers were talking on cell phones approximately 7 percent of the time while driving. Rates were higher on weekdays (8%), i...
Decreased incidence of cytomegalovirus infection with sirolimus in a post hoc randomized, multicenter study in lung transplantation.

Background Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common opportunistic infection in lung transplantation. A recent multicenter, randomized trial (the AIRSAC study) comparing sirolimus to azathioprine in lung transplant recipients showed a decreased incidence of CMV events in the sirolimus cohort. To better characterize this relationship of decreased incidence of CMV events with sirolimus, we examined known risk factors and characteristics of CMV events from the AIRSAC database. Methods The AIRSAC database included 181 lung transplant patients from 8 U.S.-based lung transplant centers that were randomized to sirolimus or azathioprine at 3 months post-transplantation. CMV incidence, prophylaxis, diagnosis and treatment data were all prospectively collected. Prophylaxis and treatment of CMV were at the discretion of each institution. Results The overall incidence of any CMV event was decreased in the sirolimus arm when compared with the azathioprine arm at 1 year after lung transplantation (relative risk [RR] = 0.67, confidence interval [CI] 0.55 to 0.82, p Conclusions These data support results from other solid-organ transplantation studies and suggest further investigation of this agent in the treatment of lung transplant recipients at high risk for CMV events.
Coevolution across landscapes: a spatially explicit model of parasitoid-host coevolution

The geographic mosaic theory of coevolution suggests that population spatial structure may have a strong impact on coevolutionary dynamics. Therefore, coevolution must be studied across geographic scales, not just in single populations. To examine the impact of movement rate on coevolutionary dynamics, we developed a spatially explicit model of host–parasitoid coevolution. We described space as a coupled-map lattice and assumed that resistance (defined as the ability of a host to encapsulate a parasitoid egg) and virulence (defined as the successful parasitization of a host) traits were graded and costly. The model explicitly detailed population and evolutionary dynamics. When holding all parameters constant and varying only the movement rate of the host and parasitoid, profoundly different dynamics were observed. We found that fluctuations in the mean levels of resistance and virulence in the global population were greatest when the movement rate of the host and parasitoid was high. In addition, we found that the variation in resistance and virulence levels among neighboring patches was greatest when the movement rates of the host and parasitoid was low. However, as the distance among patches increased, so did the variation in resistance and virulence levels regardless of movement rate. These generalizations did not hold when spatial patterns in the distribution of resistance and virulence traits, such as spirals, were observed. Finally, we found that the evolution of resistance and virulence caused the abundance of hosts to increase and the abundance of parasitoids to decrease. As a result, the spatial distribution of hosts and parasitoids was influenced.
Cerebral blood flow during the acute therapy of severe hypertension with oral clonidine.

A major risk associated with the acute treatment of severe hypertension is a reduction in cerebral blood flow (CBF) with ischemic injury to the central nervous system. The authors studied CBF before and after the acute treatment of severe hypertension (diastolic blood pressure greater than 115 mm Hg) with clonidine in 13 patients. One patient did not reach goal blood pressure (diastolic blood pressure 105 mm Hg or a decrease by 30 mm Hg) after clonidine alone. In the remaining 12 patients, oral clonidine reduced supine blood pressure from 201.7 +/- 5.0/126.3 +/- 2.1 mm Hg to 149.4 +/- 5.3/96.8 +/- 1.7 mm Hg over an average time period of 85 +/- 7 minutes. Although mean CBF for the group did not change (72.6 +/- 4.2 v 73.7 +/- 3.5 mL/100 mg/min), a significant (greater than 10%) change occurred in 9 of the 12 patients (5 increases and 4 reductions). The magnitude and direction of the change were dependent upon initial CBF (r = -0.65, P less than .05); patients with low pretreatment CBF experienced an increase, whereas those with high initial flow exhibited a decrease. No significant adverse effects were observed. These data confirm previous reports that clonidine is effective in the acute treatment of severe hypertension and demonstrate that its effects on CBF are determined by the pretreatment levels of flow.
Comparison of subjective and objective hot flash measures over time among breast cancer survivors initiating aromatase inhibitor therapy.

Objective—Hot flashes are valuable indicators of physiologic condition and drug effect; however, subjective and objective measures do not always agree. No study has examined both subjective and objective hot flashes in women prescribed aromatase inhibitors. The study (1) compared subjective and objective hot flash measures, (2) examined changes in subjective and objective hot flashes over time, and (3) evaluated predictors of change in hot flashes in aromatase inhibitor-treated women. Design—Subjects (n=135) were enrolled in a randomized clinical trial comparing exemestane and letrozole for the treatment of breast cancer. Hot flashes were assessed prior to starting drug and 1, 3, and 6 months later. Subjects wore a sternal skin conductance monitor for ≥ 24 hours at each time point. With each perceived hot flash, women pressed an event button and rated intensity and bother in a paper diary. Results—Subjects were a mean age of 60 years and mainly Caucasian (92%). Across time points, monitor hot flashes were (1) significantly more frequent than diary and/or event button flashes (p<. 05) and (2) moderately correlated with subjective measures (.35< r <.56). Monitor hot flashes did not significantly change over time with aromatase inhibitor therapy, whereas both diary and event button frequency significantly varied but in dissimilar patterns (51% non-linear). No consistent predictors of hot flashes across measures or time points were identified.
Surgical Correction of Aortico-Left Ventricular Tunnel

Aortico-left ventricular tunnel is a rare, paravalvular communication of unclear etiology between the ascending aorta and the left ventricle. The resultant regurgitant diastolic blood flow leads to varying degrees of volume overload and congestive heart failure. Diagnosis is typically made postnatally with echocardiography. Surgical correction is the treatment of choice consisting of either patch closure or primary repair of the aortic orifice. Prognosis is good, although a significant percentage of patients will eventually require valve replacement because of progressive aortic valvular insufficiency.
Impaired NFAT and NFκB Activation are Involved in Suppression of CD40 Ligand Expression by Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol in Human CD4+ T cells

We have previously reported that Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), the main psychoactive cannabinoid in marijuana, suppresses CD40 ligand (CD40L) expression by activated mouse CD4+ T cells. CD40L is involved in pathogenesis of many autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. In the present study, we investigated the molecular mechanism of Δ9-THC-mediated suppression of CD40L expression using peripheral blood human T cells. Pretreatment with Δ9-THC attenuated CD40L expression in human CD4+ T cells activated by anti-CD3/CD28 at both the protein and mRNA level, as determined by flow cytometry and quantitative real-time PCR, respectively. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays revealed that Δ9-THC suppressed the DNA-binding activity of both NFAT and NFκB to their respective response elements within the CD40L promoter. An assessment of the effect of Δ9-THC on proximal T cell-receptor (TCR) signaling induced by anti-CD3/CD28 showed significant impairment in the rise of intracellular calcium, but no significant effect on the phosphorylation of ZAP70, PLCγ1/2, Akt, and GSK3β. Collectively, these findings identify perturbation of the calcium-NFAT and NFκB signaling cascade as a key mechanistic event by which Δ9-THC suppresses human T cell function.
Pathogenesis of the positive bone scan and its implications for the detection of metastatic osteosarcomas

The bone scan is a more sensitive indicator of bone involvement in primary or secondary neoplastic disease than the X-ray. A positive scan is produced by the deposition of a radioactive, calcium-mimetic tracer in the immature osteoid of rapidly growing bone. In metastatic bone tumors, the radionuclide is localized in the reactive bone formed in response to the destruction of normal tissue by the invasive neoplasm, whereas in primary bone tumors, specifically osteosarcomas, the tracer is deposited directly within the tumor. Metastatic osteosarcomas can be detected in a similar manner if they are at least 1-2 cm in diameter and composed of viable tissue, although calcification is not required. Sr87m and F18 have theoretical advantages over Sr85 for the delineation of small metastases. Radionuclide scanning is a potentially valuable procedure for the initial diagnosis of primary and secondary osteosarcomas, for the therapeutic staging of patients with this tumor, and for evaluating the response of these lesions to radiation or chemotherapy in cases where surgery is contraindicated.
Of Neo-Liberalism and Comparative Punishment:

This contribution to a symposium on Loic Wacquant’s Punishing the Poor endorses Wacquant’s claim that the extraordinary increase in American punitiveness over the last 35 years must be seen in the context of market-friendly American neo-liberalism. However, the contribution expresses some doubt about whether American-style neo-liberalism, and American-style punishment, are likely to dominate in countries like France. American punishment practices rest on some distinctive American values, including equality of opportunity, a certain moralism in the understanding of criminal law, and a resistance to deference to expert bureaucratic authority. Because those values are less influential in the law of countries like France, the American punishment revolution is unlikely to be successfully transplanted.
Cognition and Health Literacy in Older Adults' Recall of Self-Care Information.

This article is free to read on the publishers website Purpose of the Study: Health literacy is associated with health outcomes presumably because it influences the understanding of information needed for self-care. However, little is known about the language comprehension mechanisms that underpin health literacy. Design and Methods: We explored the relationship between a commonly used measure of health literacy (Short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults [STOFHLA]) and comprehension of health information among 145 older adults. Results: Results showed that performance on the STOFHLA was associated with recall of health information. Consistent with the Process-Knowledge Model of Health Literacy, mediation analysis showed that both processing capacity and knowledge mediated the association between health literacy and recall of health information. In addition, knowledge moderated the effects of processing capacity limits, such that processing capacity was less likely to be associated with recall for older adults with higher levels of knowledge. Implications: These findings suggest that knowledge contributes to health literacy and can compensate for deficits in processing capacity to support comprehension of health information among older adults. The implications of these findings for improving patient education materials for older adults with inadequate health literacy are discussed.
Coevolutionary arms races: Is victory possible?

Plants are embattled in a war with rasping, sucking, and chewing insects, deadly viruses, debilitating bacteria, and castrating fungi. This war costs billions of dollars in crop losses each year, making the study of plant-pathogen and plant-herbivore interactions one of the most significant branches of applied biology (1). But the study of how plants and their enemies interact also has inspired major advances in fundamental research regarding species interactions, particularly concerning the interplay of evolution and ecology. Especially influential has been the idea that herbivorous insects have driven the evolution of plants, and in turn, plant adaptations to insect attack have stimulated a diversification of insects (2). This evolutionary dance between insects and plants is a widely cited example of what generally is referred to as “coevolution”—that is, reciprocal adaptive genetic changes within populations of interacting species that act as selective agents for one another. Coevolution fascinates biologists because it suggests a view of nature in which close associations between species have shaped their life histories and ecologies in a way that fundamentally alters how they interact. If coevolution is a widespread and dominant process, then one of humankind’s more insidious impacts on the world is likely to be the perturbation of coevolved systems.
Prevalence of psychiatric disorders among older youths in the foster care system

ABSTRACT Objective: To estimate the lifetime and past year prevalence rates of major psychiatric disorders in a sample of older youths in the foster care system, to examine the timing of disorder onset and system entry, and to explore variations in past year prevalence rates. Method: Using the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for DSM-IV , interviews were conducted with 373 17-year-old youths (90% of those eligible) in one state's foster care system between December 2001 and June 2003. Results: Sixty-one percent of the youths qualified as having at least one psychiatric disorder during their lifetime; of these youths, 62% reported onset of their earliest disorder before entering the foster care system. In addition, 37% of youths met criteria for a psychiatric disorder in the past year. The number of types of maltreatment experienced was the most robust predictor of psychiatric disorder among several maltreatment variables. There were no differences in prevalence rates for youths in kinship care and those in nonkin foster families. Conclusions: Older youths in the foster care system have disproportionately high rates of lifetime and past year psychiatric disorders. Results support recommendations for initial and periodic mental health assessments for these youths and mechanisms to continue mental health services for young adults transitioning out of the foster care system.
Effect of Elevated CO2 and Drought on Soil Microbial Communities Associated with Andropogon gerardii

Our understanding of the effects of elevated atmospheric CO2, singly and in combination with other environmental changes, on plant-soil interactions is incomplete. Elevated CO2 effects on C4 plants, though smaller than on C3 species, are mediated mostly via decreased stomatal conductance and thus water loss. Therefore, we characterized the interactive effect of elevated CO2 and drought on soil microbial communities associated with a dominant C4 prairie grass, Andropogon gerardii Vitman. Elevated CO2 and drought both affected resources available to the soil microbial community. For example, elevated CO2 increased the soil C:N ratio and water content during drought, whereas drought alone decreased both. Drought significantly decreased soil microbial biomass. In contrast, elevated CO2 increased biomass while ameliorating biomass decreases that were induced under drought. Total and active direct bacterial counts and carbon substrate use (overall use and number of used sources) increased significantly under elevated CO2. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analysis revealed that drought and elevated CO2, singly and combined, did not affect the soil bacteria community structure. We conclude that elevated CO2 alone increased bacterial abundance and microbial activity and carbon use, probably in response to increased root exudation. Elevated CO2 also limited drought-related impacts on microbial activity and biomass, which likely resulted from decreased plant water use under elevated CO2. These are among the first results showing that elevated CO2 and drought work in opposition to modulate plant-associated soil-bacteria responses, which should then influence soil resources and plant and ecosystem function.
Results of Cystocele Repair: A Comparison of Traditional Anterior Colporrhaphy, Polypropylene Mesh and Porcine Dermis

Purpose: Because traditional anterior colporrhaphy can have a high recurrence rate, we assessed the recurrence rate of 3 methods of cystocele repair, including 1) traditional anterior colporrhaphy, 2) repair using porcine dermis interposition graft and 3) repair using polypropylene mesh. Additionally, we compared the rate of erosion of porcine dermal graft with that of polypropylene mesh.Materials and Methods: The records of patients who underwent cystocele repair by the same urologist using porcine dermal graft, polypropylene mesh or traditional repair from January 1999 to August 2005 were reviewed. Data were collected on history, physical examination, outcomes and complications. Using the Baden-Walker system a cystocele of grade 2 or higher on followup examination was considered recurrence.Results: A total of 119 patients underwent cystocele repair from January 1999 to August 2005. Followup was available on 99 patients and it averaged 13.5 months (range 2 to 46). Of the patients 56 (57%) underwent cysto...
The participation of phosphate in the formation of a carrier for the transport of Mg++ and Mn++ ions into yeast cells.

During the absorption of phosphate by yeast, the cells acquire the capacity to absorb Mn++ and Mg++, a capacity which is retained even after phosphate is no longer present in the medium. Cells pretreated with phosphate and then washed, slowly lose their ability to absorb Mn++, the rate of loss depending on the temperature and on the metabolic state. The fermentation of sugars induces a very rapid loss of absorptive capacity, whereas the respiration of ethyl alcohol, lactate, or pyruvate has little effect. Inhibitor studies with sodium acetate, redox dyes, and arsenate, reveal parallel effects on Mn++ absorption, and on phosphate absorption. It is concluded that the synthesis of a carrier for the transport of Mg++ and Mn++ involves a phosphorylation step closely coupled with reactions involved in the absorption of phosphate.
A longitudinal evaluation of the relationship between reproductive status and mood in perimenopausal women.

OBJECTIVE: Mood and reproductive function were prospectively evaluated in asymptomatic premenopausal women to determine whether the onset of depression was temporally linked to the perimenopause. METHOD: Twenty-nine asymptomatic, regularly cycling women were monitored longitudinally for an average of 5 years until at least 6 months of amenorrhea occurred. Outcome measures included mood ratings and menstrual diaries completed daily, the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV, and plasma levels of follicle-stimulating hormone obtained at 3–6-month intervals. The number of episodes of depression and their timing relative to the final menstrual period were determined. Differences in outcome measures between women who did and did not become depressed during the perimenopause were determined by Student’s t test, chi-square tests, and Fisher’s exact test. RESULTS: The authors observed 11 episodes of new-onset depression in nine of the 29 women. In the 24 months surrounding the last menstrual period nine episod...
Acceleration of Convergence to a Periodic Steady State in Turbomachinery Flows

This paper presents a technique used to accelerate the convergence of unsteady calculations of time-periodic flows to a periodic steady state. The basis of the procedure is the use of the discrete Fourier transform in time, and is similar to the harmonic balance procedure that has been pursued by Hall et. al. The technique is amenable to parallel processing, and convergence acceleration techniques such as multi-grid and implicit residual averaging. The computational efficiency of this method is compared with dual time stepping algorithms. Sample calculations are provided, and a comparison between solutions with varying temporal resolution is presented. The results show that the computational efficiency of the harmonic balance technique is largely a function of the temporal resolution. Initial experiments confirm the promise of the harmonic balance method to achieve significant reductions in computational cost.
Taking an Attention-Grabbing “Headlines First!” Approach to Engage Students in a Lecture Setting

Let's face it. Traditional lectures do not consistently capture our students’ attention, especially when they are PowerPoint-driven and lack student/instructor interaction. Most of us have had the unfortunate feeling that our students were not fully engaged in our lectures, despite hours of preparation on our part. This sense of “wasted” investment of time can be especially frustrating for pretenure faculty, who must balance teaching, research, extension and administrative (as well as personal) responsibilities in order to be successful. How can we engage students in our course content, given limited time and resources to prepare lecture material and demonstrations? Active learning strategies are a possibility, but shifting courses from a lecture format to problem-based learning or a flipped format requires a significant time and effort investment from the instructor. Why not start by making lecture more fun and engaging for our students? Storytelling is an effective and efficient means of getting and maintaining our students’ attention and interest during lecture to drive home key points. The BSCS (Biological Sciences Curriculum Study) 5E Instructional Model provides a conceptual framework that emphasizes the primacy of student engagement in science education (Bybee). Our goal here is to provide practical examples and external references to show how “Headlines First!” storytelling can be used effectively to engage students in the science classroom.
Therapeutic hypothermia for the management of intracranial hypertension in severe traumatic brain injury: A systematic review

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major source of death and severe disability worldwide. Raised Intracranial pressure (ICP) is an important predictor of mortality in patients with severe TBI and aggressive treatment of elevated ICP has been shown to reduce mortality and improve outcome. The acute post-injury period in TBI is characterized by several pathophysiologic processes that start in the minutes to hours following injury. All of these processes are temperature-dependent; they are all aggravated by fever and inhibited by hypothermia.Methods: This study reviewed the current clinical evidence in support of the use of therapeutic hypothermia (TH) for the treatment of intracranial hypertension (ICH) in patients with severe TBI.Results: This study identified a total of 18 studies involving hypothermia for control of ICP; 13 were randomized controlled trials (RCT) and five were observational studies. TH (32–34°C) was effective in controlling ICH in all studies. In the 13 RCT, ICP in the TH grou...
Dolichoectasia and the Risk of Stroke and Vascular Disease: A Critical Appraisal

Dolichoectasia (DE) in cerebral arteries is a poorly understood arteriopathy that has been associated with increased risk of vascular morbidity and mortality. Dolichoectasia tends to affects older individuals with vascular risk factors, but it can also be secondary to specific conditions related with extracellular matrix health. The range of methods used to study DE and the biases inherent to hospital-based samples weaken the generalizability of DE study results to the general population. Within the context of these limitations, there is growing evidence that DE is a serious condition that can increase the risk of vascular death. Recurrent strokes and compressive symptoms are among the major causes of morbidity, but cardiac ischemic disease and aortic aneurysms are not uncommon in populations with DE. The devastating outcomes of patients with DE are a call to action aimed at improving the quality of research on the topic and discovering therapies that can palliate the burden of DE in the population.
Ebola virus ecology.

It has been nearly 30 years since Ebola virus was identified during 2 outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Sudan [1, 2], and it has been closer to 40 years since Marburg virus, the first identified member of the filovirus family, was discovered [3, 4]. Despite investigators' considerable effort, the ecology of the filoviruses remains arguably as obscure today as it was after these first outbreaks. The article by Leroy et al. [5] makes a small step toward a better understanding of this ecology. Their study supports what many have suspected: that the filoviruses circulate widely in the central African rain forests and that they can infect humans and many nonhuman primates, including some previously undocumented members, such as mandrills and baboons (previously infected only in the laboratory). Although the recent outbreaks of Ebola in chimps and gorillas have created substantial additional concern for these already endangered species [6], the data in the Leroy et al. article show that the virus has been circulating in these populations, perhaps on a regular basis. The authors claim that Ebola is not necessarily lethal in these primates, but the infecting Ebola virus strain and its virulence remain unclear. We
Dynamic susceptibility in the Anderson and exchange models: The admixture effect

Abstract : Spin transport equations derived in the Anderson model are presented. For g(e) not = to g(d) additional terms arise corresponding to the difference between the magnetizations transferred between the localized and conduction electrons by the admixture. The results differ from those of Sasada and Hasegawa and are shown to be compatible with the exchange model results. (Author)
Parenteral Administration of l-Arginine Enhances Fetal Survival and Growth in Sheep Carrying Multiple Fetuses

The frequency of multiple fetuses has increased in human pregnancies due to assisted reproductive technologies. This translates into a greater proportion of premature and low-birth weight infants in the United States and worldwide. In addition, improvements in sheep breeding have resulted in new breeds with increased litter size but reduced fetal survival and birth weight. Currently, there are no treatments for preventing fetal growth restriction in humans or sheep (an established model for studying human fetal physiology) carrying multiple fetuses. In this work, Booroola Rambouillet ewes (FecB+/−) with 2–4 fetuses were fed a diet providing 100% of NRC-recommended nutrient requirements. Between d 100 and 121 of gestation, ewes received an i.v. bolus injection of either saline solution or 345 μmol arginine-HCl/kg body weight 3 times daily. The arginine treatment reduced (P < 0.05) the percentage of lambs born dead by 23% while increasing (P = 0.05) the percentage of lambs born alive by 59%. The i.v. administration of arginine enhanced (P < 0.05) the birth weights of quadruplets by 23% without affecting maternal body weight. The improved pregnancy outcome was associated with an increase in maternal plasma concentrations of arginine, ornithine, cysteine, and proline, as well as a decrease in circulating levels of ammonia and β-hydroxybutyrate. These novel results indicate that parenteral administration of arginine to prolific ewes ameliorated fetal mortality and growth retardation. Our findings provide support for experiments to assess the clinical use of arginine to enhance fetal growth and survival in women gestating multiple fetuses.
What would my avatar do? Gaming, pathology, and risky decision making

Recent work has revealed a relationship between pathological video game use and increased impulsivity among children and adolescents. A few studies have also demonstrated increased risk-taking outside of the video game environment following game play, but this work has largely focused on one genre of video games (i.e., racing). Motivated by these findings, the aim of the current study was to examine the relationship between pathological and non-pathological video game use, impulsivity, and risky decision making. The current study also investigated the relationship between experience with two of the most popular genres of video games [i.e., first-person shooter (FPS) and strategy] and risky decision making. Consistent with previous work, ~7% of the current sample of college-aged adults met criteria for pathological video game use. The number of hours spent gaming per week was associated with increased impulsivity on a self-report measure and on the temporal discounting (TD) task. This relationship was sensitive to the genre of video game; specifically, experience with FPS games was positively correlated with impulsivity, while experience with strategy games was negatively correlated with impulsivity. Hours per week and pathological symptoms predicted greater risk-taking in the risk task and the Iowa Gambling task, accompanied by worse overall performance, indicating that even when risky choices did not pay off, individuals who spent more time gaming and endorsed more symptoms of pathological gaming continued to make these choices. Based on these data, we suggest that the presence of pathological symptoms and the genre of video game (e.g., FPS, strategy) may be important factors in determining how the amount of game experience relates to impulsivity and risky-decision making.
Can we predict a national profile of non-attendance paediatric urology patients: a multi-institutional electronic health record study

Background Non-attendance at paediatric urology outpatient appointments results in the patient’s failure to receive medical care and wastes health care resources. Objective To determine the utility of using routinely collected electronic health record (EHR) data for multi-centre analysis of variables predictive of patient no-shows (NS) to identify areas for future intervention. Methods Data were obtained from Children’s Hospital Colorado, Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego and University of Virginia Hospital paediatric urology practices, which use the Epic ® EHR system. Data were extracted for all urology outpatient appointments scheduled from 1 October 2010 to 30 September 2011 using automated electronic data extraction techniques. Data included appointment type; date; provider type and days from scheduling to appointment. All data were de-identified prior to analysis. Predictor variables identified using χ 2 and analysis of variance were modelled using multivariate logistic regression. Results A total of 2994 NS patients were identified within a population of 28,715, with a mean NS rate of 10.4%. Multivariate logistic regression determined that an appointment with mid-level provider (odds ratio (OR) 1.70 95% CI (1.56, 1.85)) and an increased number of days between scheduling and appointment (15–28 days OR 1.24 (1.09, 1.41); 29+ days OR 1.70 (1.53, 1.89)) were significantly associated with NS appointments. Conclusion We demonstrated sufficient interoperability among institutions to obtain data rapidly and efficiently for use in 1) interventions; 2) further study and 3) more complex analysis. Demographic and potentially modifiable clinic characteristics were associated with NS to the outpatient clinic. The analysis also demonstrated that available data are dependent on the clinical data collection systems and practices.
Mantle transition zone thickness beneath Afar: Implications for the origin of the Afar hotspot

SUMMARY The velocity spectrum stacking method is applied to receiver functions from stations ATD and AAE to image P-to-S converted phases originating at the 410 and 660 km discontinuities beneath Afar. A transition zone thickness of 244±19 km is obtained, similar to the global average transition zone thickness. This result suggests that any broad thermal anomaly beneath Afar probably does not extend as far down as the transition zone. However, because of the 19 km uncertainty in the thickness estimate, a small thermal anomaly of ~100‐150 K at mantle transition zone depths cannot be ruled out.
Three theorems on zero backscattering

A body of revolution (BOR) which is axially symmetric in terms of both geometric and material properties is considered. It consists of simply or multiply connected impenetrable portions characterized by an impedance boundary condition with a relative surface impedance /spl eta/=/spl plusmn/1, and by penetrable (and possibly inhomogeneous) portions characterized either by scalar permittivity, scalar permeability and chiral admittance, or by uniaxial permittivity and permeability tensors. For an axially incident plane wave, two theorems are stated in which sufficient conditions are imposed on the constitutive parameters to ensure a zero backscattered field. A third theorem is concerned with the superposition of two structures, each of which individually yields zero backscattering.
Abstract T P283: Developing a Stroke Survivor Peer Visitor Program in a Community Hospital

Background and significance: Strokes are the 4th leading cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of disability. About 795,000 people experience strokes each year in the US. It is a devastating event that leaves survivors feeling alone and bewildered as they struggle to adjust to new limitations and rebuild their lives. It also affects their families and caregivers who often feel helpless and overwhelmed. The emotional impact of stroke is too often overlooked. As a primary stroke center, committed to patient and family centered care, we recognized the need to provide support to patients/families affected by stroke in the acute phase. Prior to this program, our hospital did not provide stroke survivor peer visits to any patients diagnosed with stroke. Purpose: In 2012, the purpose of our program was to provide one or more stroke survivor peer visits to >/=50% of stroke inpatients. Methods: In February 2012 our first group of stroke survivor peer visitors was trained. The peer visitors then progressed through our hospital’s volunteer program and were ready to begin visiting patients in May 2012. Our primary outcome measure was number of stroke survivor peer visits to patients admitted to our hospital with a diagnosis of stroke. Results: The data was collected monthly and peer visits were provided to 57 out of 96 (59%) patients with a primary diagnosis of stroke between May 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012. The primary challenge was coordinating the scheduling of the peer visits with patient admissions. Conclusion: A successful stroke survivor peer visitor program in a community primary stroke center requires creative scheduling of visits to consider the needs of the patients, their families, and the peer visitors. We addressed this need by creating a dedicated visiting schedule. The peer visitors committed to visiting on specific days and times. In conclusion, by providing stroke survivor peer visits to patients who have experienced strokes, we have begun to address the emotional impact of stroke and provide hope to these patients and their families that they can successfully rebuild their lives.
JUVENILE DELINQUENCY--ALWAYS A HOPELESS PROGNOSIS?

We still lump together many types of antisocial behavior under the label “juvenile delinquency.” Prognosis is not necessarily hopeless for all types. In one form of delinquent behavior characterized by sudden, episodic outbursts of destructive activity, success in therapy was achieved by forbidding any acting-out behavior, the restraint being effected by holding the child. Six weeks of therapy in a day-care unit was followed by outpatient therapy.
Two theorems on singular values and eigenvalues

(1990). Two Theorems on Singular Values and Eigenvalues. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 97, No. 1, pp. 47-50.
Reconnectable network with limited resources

The reachability of a strongly connected network may be destroyed after link damage. Since many networks are directed or equivalent directed, connected by directed links with the potential for reversal. Therefore the reachability can be restored by reversing the direction of links. [1] has studied this matter under unlimited resources (transmitter and receiver) condition. In this paper the reconnectability of a network with limited number of receivers and transmitters is discussed. Also a linear time algorithm is given to find a reconnected reversal for limited receivers and transmitters.
Estimating post-tensioning grout bleed resistance using a pressure-filter test

Grouted tendons are found in the precast, prestressed concrete industry in a number of applications, including post-tensioned tendons added for live load and continuity requirements in pretensioned bridge girders. A key property for a high quality grout is proper bleed resistance. Bleed water trapped in the grouted duct collects at high points and forms voids, leaving steel more vulnerable to attack by aggressive agents. This paper summarizes available pressure-filter test data of grouts along with actual pumping tests over the last 34 years. The data are combined with a calculated pressure approach for determining the required bleed resistance suitable for a particular elevation change. A procedure for carrying out a pressure filter test is given and three numerical design examples for various post-tensioning applications are included. Recommendations are provided for structural elements with high, medium, and low elevation changes. The use of these recommendations should result in grouts that produce a reasonably small amount of bleed water.