cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A case of syphilitic uveitis.

Abstract A 38-year-old man had anterior uveitis that failed to respond to increasingly aggressive therapy with topical and systemic corticosteroids and mydriatrics. His disease progressed to panuveitis and neuroretinitis and was finally cured with penicillin injections for acquired syphilis. He suffered secondary optic nerve atrophy. Because of the resurgence of the incidence of syphilis in the general population and the dire consequences for the patient in the absence of appropriate therapy, the ophthalmologist needs to consider the possibility of syphilis in his patients with uveitis. He should obtain serologic studies for syphilis.
Hierarchical excitatory synaptic connectivity in mouse olfactory cortex

Topological motifs in synaptic connectivity—such as the cortical column—are fundamental to processing of information in cortical structures. However, the mesoscale topology of cortical networks beyond columns remains largely unknown. In the olfactory cortex, which lacks an obvious columnar structure, sensory-evoked patterns of activity have failed to reveal organizational principles of the network and its structure has been considered to be random. We probed the excitatory network in the mouse olfactory cortex using variance analysis of paired whole-cell recording in olfactory cortex slices. On a given trial, triggered network-wide bursts in disinhibited slices had remarkably similar time courses in widely separated and randomly selected cell pairs of pyramidal neurons despite significant trial-to-trial variability within each neuron. Simulated excitatory network models with random topologies only partially reproduced the experimental burst-variance patterns. Network models with local (columnar) or distributed subnetworks, which have been predicted as the basis of encoding odor objects, were also inconsistent with the experimental data, showing greater variability between cells than across trials. Rather, network models with power-law and especially hierarchical connectivity showed the best fit. Our results suggest that distributed subnetworks are weak or absent in the olfactory cortex, whereas a hierarchical excitatory topology may predominate. A hierarchical excitatory network organization likely underlies burst generation in this epileptogenic region, and may also shape processing of sensory information in the olfactory cortex.
Second harmonic generation by monolayers using long range surface plasmon excitation

Abstract Second harmonic generation by molecules on a metal surface is analyzed in a total attenuated reflection (ATR) geometry. By coupling the incident field to long range surface plasmons, an enhancement of ∼10 5 in signal is predicted.
Comparison of polynomial network and look-up table for an avionics application

Summary form only given, as follows. The problem of pilot overload under missile attack is discussed. A pilot advisor is proposed to indicate whether the threat is serious and what action is best. A missile-aircraft simulator generates data for constructing a look-up table and a polynomial neural network. It is shown that the network is a powerful tool for reducing the cost of generating the look-up table. Further, the authors expect the network to be more cost-effective than a look-up table for complex situations requiring very large tables. >
Clinical pharmacokinetics of chlordiazepoxide in patients with alcoholic hepatitis.

The clearance of chlordiazepoxide from the systemic circulation was studied in 20 subjects which included 15 patients with alcoholic hepatitis and 5 normal volunteers. The half-life for the appearance of the drug in the systemic circulation was found to increase exponentially with age (r=0.73, P<0.0005) and was independent of the presence of alcoholic hepatitis. The metabolic clearance of chlordiazepoxide was significantly lower in the patients than in the normal subjects (7.6 compared to 13.8 ml/kg-h, P<0.005). Linear regression analysis revealed a significant correlation between clearance and albumin (r=0.77, P<0.00005). However, the predictive value of this relationship was shown to be minimal. Multiple regression analysis produced only a slight improvement in the correlation when both albumin and lactate dehydrogenase were used as variables (r=0.83, P<0.00005). In six of the patients, a second clearance study was conducted three weeks following their initial one. All repeat subjects showed improvement both clinically and as reflected by their laboratory tests for liver injury, but there was not a significant change in their clearance of chlordiazepoxide. Multiple regression analysis of the clearance data on the initial and repeat subjects showed a significant correlation between clearance and the variables age, albumin, and lactate dehydrogenase (r=0.91, P<0.0025). This relationship suggests that over a short period of time (where age can be considered constant) changes in albumin and lactate dehydrogenase could be potentially useful in predicting clearance changes in a single individual.
One-pot synthesis of size- and morphology-controlled 1-D iron oxide nanochains with manipulated magnetic properties

Polypropylene grafted maleic anhydride (PP-MA, 2500 g mole−1) has demonstrated its unique capability to synthesize 1-D ferromagnetic hard (292.7 Oe) γ-Fe2O3 nanochains made of ∼24 nm nanoparticles vs. PP-MA with 8000 g mole−1 for the synthesis of 1-D ferromagnetic soft (70.5 Oe) γ-Fe2O3 nanochains (30 nm) made of flowerlike nanoparticles.
Occurrences of opportunistic infections in chronic myelogenous leukemia patients treated with imatinib mesylate.

Tyrosine kinase inhibition has revolutionized the treatment of hronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). Currently approved agents n this class include imatinib, dasatinib, and nilotinib. Imatinib is reversible tyrosine kinase inhibitor which preferentially binds o the adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-binding site of the Abelon kinase (c-ABL). This action blocks signal transduction of the CR-ABL fusion protein and effectively induces hematologic and ytogenetic remissions in CML. It is known that imatinib affects any branches of the immune system includingmonocyte-derived endritic cells, monocytes, and T cells [1–4]. Whether these ffects result in an increased susceptibility to infection in humans emains unknown. An increased rate of opportunistic infections asobservedwithchronic imatinib treatment inanimal studies [5]. lso, bacterial, fungal, and viral infections with suspected causalty to imatinib have been reported in clinic trials. We report on wo cases of opportunistic infection in immunocompetent patients eceiving imatinib.
Will I Fake It? The Interplay of Gender, Machiavellianism, and Self-monitoring on Strategies for Honesty in Job Interviews

The use of deception during social interactions is a serious ethical concern for business. Interpersonal Deception Theory (IDT) proposes that strategies for using deception are influenced by personal factors. We tested this proposal by assessing participants’ strategies for using deception during an employment interview. Specifically, we examined three personal factors [gender, Machiavellianism, and self-monitoring (SM)] and intentions toward four types of deceptive behaviors (Extensive Image Creation, Image Protection, Ingratiation, and Slight Image Creation). We used path analysis to examine the intentions of 125 undergraduate students. Our results partially confirm the proposal of IDT by showing that intentions toward using Extensive Image Creation (i.e., generating wholly untrue personal information) are higher for men than women. Intentions toward Image Protection (i.e., hiding unattractive personal truths) are higher for men and for women high in Machiavellianism relative to women low in Machiavellianism. Intentions toward using deceptive Ingratiation are highest for men and high Machiavellianism women, but only when sufficient SM skills are present. For intentions toward Slight Image Creation (i.e., mild exaggerations to personal truths) there are no gender, Machiavellianism, or SM effects. Our research has implications for understanding how deception in the workplace can begin before an individual is hired, and we offer suggestions for several lines of future research.
Use of the randomization distribution in the analysis of sequential clinical trials

This paper proposes the use of the randomization distribution in the calculation of adjusted p-values, point estimates and confidence intervals following a sequential clinical trial. The adjusted p-value is calculated by repeating the sequential analysis process for each (or a random sample) of the possible random allocations of patients to treatments, and comparing the obtained results with the actual result on the basis of sample size at termination. Adjustments to the point estimate and confidence interval follow from the adjusted p-value. This procedure is conceptually simple and can be applied to all sequential trials regardless of the type of sequential boundary or the distribution of the patient populations.
Neuropsychological Evaluation and Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis: The Importance of a Neuro-rehabilitation Focus

This article describes the components of a neuropsychologic evaluation and some of the primary indications for its use in multiple sclerosis (MS). We also detail the kinds of neurocognitive and neurobehavioral problems that are cited commonly in the relevant literature and seen in the clinical setting. We provide a brief overview of the brain structures that are affected commonly by MS, and their implications for neuropsychologic function. We have included an overview of some of the current medications that are used to target cognitive and emotional symptoms that can be a direct result of the disease. We also present four representative case examples of composite patients, and briefly review the ways in which neuropsychologic evaluation and neuro-rehabilitation treatments can help people who have MS.
A Facile Approach to Defect-Free Vinylene-Linked Benzothiadiazole−Thiophene Low-Bandgap Conjugated Polymers for Organic Electronics

A facile approach to synthesize vinylene-linked donor−acceptor conjugated polymers is reported and can now be considered for general use. This approach led to a low-bandgap, structurally defect-free vinylene-linked benzothiadiazole−thiophene (PTVBT) polymer and its corresponding model compound bisTVBT using a set of three reactions: Heck coupling, Hunsdiecker reaction, and Suzuki coupling reaction. The polymer and the model compound were fully characterized by 1H and 13C NMR, IR, and elemental analysis. GPC revealed that the number-average molecular weights of PTVBT ranged from 20 000 to 31 000 Da and polydispersity indices from 1.7 to 2.4. Thermal analysis demonstrated that the polymer was stable up to 380 °C under nitrogen without decomposition. Spectroelectrochemical results showed the PTVBT had an optical bandgap of 1.5 eV and was both p- and n-type dopable. The energetic positions of the band edges were determined by cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry and suggested that the polymer...
Dorcas Hager Padget: artist and embryologist.

Abstract Dorcas Hager Padget (1906–1973), a largely self-taught illustrator, became a more polished artist under Max Brodel at Johns Hopkins Hospital, before going to work for neurosurgeon Walter Dandy. In search of more information on vascular anatomy, she became an expert neuroem-bryologist, first in the development of arteries and veins and later chiefly involved with anomalies of neural tube development. She was able to clarify the development of the Arnold-Chiari and Dandy-Walker syndromes.
Promoter methylation regulates cadherin switching in squamous cell carcinoma

Cadherins are cell adhesion molecules that modulate the epithelial phenotype and regulate tumor invasion. To identify the role of promoter methylation in regulating E-cadherin expression and in the "switching" of cadherins in oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), we studied 14 cell lines for cadherin expression. Immunoblotting revealed that only two (HOC-313 and HA-376) showed strong up-regulation of N-cadherin, and neither expressed E-cadherin. These results were confirmed by PCR. Furthermore, analysis of genomic DNA showed that the lack of E-cadherin expression in the two cell lines was not due to gene deletion. In both cell lines, methylation-specific PCR indicated extensive methylation of the 5' CpG island in the E-cadherin promoter. After treatment with a DNA methylation inhibitor (5-Aza-2-deoxycytidine), both immunoblotting and immunofluorescence staining showed that HA-376 cells newly expressed E-cadherin with a parallel decrease in their N-cadherin expression. Multiplex RT-PCR demonstrated that the down-regulation of N-cadherin mRNA was coordinately regulated with E-cadherin expression. Thus, methylation of the 5' CpG island in the E-cadherin promoter induces reciprocal expression of E- and N-cadherins in oral SCC by an unknown mechanism that appears to be mediated at the level of N-cadherin gene expression. These events may play an important role in the regulation of tumor cell mobility and invasion.
The resource allocation decision in U.S. colleges and universities: Practice, problems and recommendations

Two hundred vice presidents of finance of colleges and universities in the United States were questioned about the evaluation processes currently used by their institutions in making resource allocation decisions. It appears that institutions of higher education act in a manner consistent with the objective of prestige maximization subject to some overall budget constraint. There is a strong parallel with hospital budgeting.
Costs and strategies of communal den use vary by rank for spotted hyaenas, Crocuta crocuta

Spotted hyaenas house cubs in communal dens during much of the early development period. This practice facilitates social integration of young into the clan's dominance hierarchy. For Crocuta, however, use of communal dens entails costs. Within a clan, social rank is correlated with individual privilege. If costs of denning communally likewise vary with rank, then breeding females may be forced to adopt different denning strategies accordingly. I quantified three costs (den access, visitor aggression, disruption to nursing bouts) in relation to maternal rank for 27 females within one clan. I examined denning strategies that may reduce costs (cub age when transferred to a communal den, social correlates of den selection, daily attendance pattern) to determine whether they varied predictably in relation to mother's rank. Although conflicts among mothers were infrequent, low-ranking females were more likely to be denied access to the communal den entrance and, possibly in response, more often attended their cubs when other mothers were absent. High-ranking mothers were visited more often, but treated less aggressively than were mid- or low-ranking mothers. In efforts to socialize with mothers and cubs, visitors often disrupted nursing bouts. Cub responses to nursing disruptions were correlated with cub survival. Mothers showed rank-related differences in den selection; high-ranking females occasionally chose dens with fewer occupants, while all other mothers chose dens containing the highest number of animals. Mid- and low-ranking mothers were attracted to dens containing high-ranking mothers and cubs. The potential benefits of affiliating with high-ranking individuals are discussed.
Effect of propylthiouracil and methimazole on serum levels of interleukin-2 receptors in patients with psoriasis.

Background. We have previously reported clinical improvement in patients with psoriasis who received orally administered antithyroid thioureylenes, propylthiouracil (PTU), and methimazole (MMI). The antithyroid drugs are believed to exert immunomodulatory effects based on the results of studies in patients with Graves’ disease, the only disease in which they are clinically used. The potential of these drugs to mediate clinical improvement in patients with psoriasis by reducing expression of the interleukin-2 receptor (IL2R), a marker of early T and B cell activation, was addressed in the present study. Methods. Baseline serum concentrations of IL2R were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (EUSA) in 15 patients with stable plaque psoriasis and in the same patients after 8 weeks of oral therapy with either 300 mg of propylthiouracil (n=7) or 40 mg methimazole (n=8) given daily. Baseline values were compared with normal controls. Results. Serum IL2R concentrations in the psoriatic patients were significantly higher than in normal controls. After treatment with PTU or MMI, IL2R serum concentrations were not significantly reduced either in the group as a whole or separately in the PTU and MMI treated patients. Conclusions. Since elevated serum concentrations of IL2R often reflect T and B cell activation, and elevated IL2R serum levels are seen in several autoimmune diseases, it is speculated that the beneficial effect of thioureylenes in patients with psoriasis is mediated by some mechanism(s) other than reduction of IL2R expression in activated lymphocytes.
Photon propagation function: spectral analysis of its asymptotic form.

Abstract The physical attitudes of source theory, displacing those of renormalized, perturbative, operator field theory, are used in a simple discussion of the asymptotic behavior of the photon propagation function. A guiding principle is the elementary consistency requirement that, under circumstances where a physical parameter cannot be accurately measured, no sensitivity to its precise value can enter the description of those circumstances. The mathematical tool is the spectral representation of the propagation function, supplemented by an equivalent phase representation. The Gell-Mann-Low equation is recovered, but with their function now interpreted physically as the spectral weight function. A crude inequality is established for the latter, which helps in interpolating between the initial rising behavior and the ultimate zero at infinite mass. There is a brief discussion of the aggressive source theory viewpoint that denies the existence of a “bare charge”.
Who Speaks for Hinduism—and Who Against?

L'article traite de la question des relations complexes entre la recherche sur l'hindouisme et les adeptes de la religion hindoue, a la fois en Inde et aux Etats-Unis. L'A. discute les idees de S. N. Balagangadhara et de V. Dhareshwar sur cette question.
Metal Microchannel Lamination Using Surface Mount Adhesives for Low-Temperature Heat Exchangers

Abstract This paper reports the feasibility of using surface mount adhesives to produce low temperature microchannel arrays in a wide variety of metals. Sheet metal embossing and chemical etching processes have been used to produce sealing bosses that eliminate channel laminae, resulting in approximately 50% material savings over traditional methods. An assembly process using adhesive dispense and cure is outlined to produce leak-free devices. Optimal fill ratios were determined to be between 1.1 and 1.25. Bond strength investigation reveals robustness to surface conditions and a bond strength of 5.5–8.5 MPa using a 3X safety factor. Dimensional characterization reveals a two sigma (95%) post-bonded channel height tolerance under 10% after bonding. Patterning tolerance and surface roughness of the laminae faying surfaces were found to have a significant influence on the final post-bonded channel height. Leakage and burst pressure testing on several samples has established confidence that adhesive bonding can produce leak-free joints. Operating pressures up to 413 kPa have been satisfied, equating to tensile pressure on bond joints of 1.9 MPa. Higher operating pressures can be accommodated by increasing the bond area of devices.
A theoretical investigation of low pressure particle impaction in a highly underexpanded sonic impinging slit jet

Abstract A two-step Taylor-Galerkin finite element method with flux corrected transport algorithm (FEM-FCT) is used to calculate the flow field of a highly underexpanded two-dimensional planar symmetric impinging jet. The flow field thus obtained is used to calculate trajectories and collection efficiencies for ultrafine droplets in the areosol jet. The performance of the FEM-FCT algorithm for this problem is noted. The effects on particle collection efficiencies of the pressure ratio, absolute downstream (or upstream) pressure, and the ratio of the nozzle-to-plate distance to the nozzle width are investigated. A modified Stokes number taking into account of the non-continuum flow effects and non-Stokesian particle drag is used to characterize the impaction process.
Mars volatile evolution: Implications of the recent measurement of 17O in water from the SNC meteorites

Escape of oxygen to space on Mars is capable of producing a fractionation of oxygen isotopes in the remaining oxygen which is off of the fractionation line produced by the usual mass-dependent exchange processes. The magnitude of fractionation which can occur can be larger than that which was measured in oxygen in water derived from the SNC meteorites (thought to have come from Mars). In conjunction with the apparent lack of fractionation of O-18 in the atmosphere, this result suggests that less than 25 percent of the oxygen in the Martian climate system has been lost over geologic time. Other mechanisms also might be able to produce such a fractionation, so that this conclusion is not unique; however, it is consistent with other lines of evidence. There is no requirement for an initial volatile inventory with an isotopic composition different from that of the bulk planet (as might be the case for a late veneer of volatile-rich material).
Bankable individual transferable quotas

(IT&+), the ITQ holder cannot make long-term decisions about investments in the stock. Consequently, IT& solve the short-run externalities by market incentives, but solve long-run externalities via management quota decisions. Under the ‘bankable ITQs’ proposed here, deferrals of harvests earn a rate of return equal to the estimated rate of growth of the stock. The proposal for bankable ITQs would place more of the economic decisions about the optimal exploitation of fisheries stocks in the hands of ITQ holders.
Separability in a class of coordinate systems

Abstract A study is made of separability conditions for the Helmholtz and Laplace equations. Attention is confined to the most useful case for physical applications; namely, 1. (a) The coordinate system is either cylindrical or it has rotational symmetry, and 2. (b) The potential is independent of the third space variable. Necessary and sufficient conditions are tabulated, by which one can easily determine if a proposed coordinate system will allow solutions by the method of separation of variables.
Increasing the applicability of density functional theory. IV. Consequences of ionization-potential improved exchange-correlation potentials.

This paper's objective is to create a “consistent” mean-field based Kohn-Sham (KS) density functional theory (DFT) meaning the functional should not only provide good total energy properties, but also the corresponding KS eigenvalues should be accurate approximations to the vertical ionization potentials (VIPs) of the molecule, as the latter condition attests to the viability of the exchange-correlation potential (VXC). None of the prominently used DFT approaches show these properties: the optimized effective potential VXC based ab initio dft does. A local, range-separated hybrid potential cam-QTP-00 is introduced as the basis for a “consistent” KS DFT approach. The computed VIPs as the negative of KS eigenvalue have a mean absolute error of 0.8 eV for an extensive set of molecule's electron ionizations, including the core. Barrier heights, equilibrium geometries, and magnetic properties obtained from the potential are in good agreement with experiment. A similar accuracy with less computational efforts c...
Separate and independent control of interfacial band alignments and dielectric constants in transition metal rare earth complex Oxides

Spectroscopic studies of transition metal (Tm) and rare earth (Re) oxides, combined with ab initio theory, identify the band edge electronic structure of alternative high-K dielectrics. The lowest conduction band states are derived from anti-bonding transition metal d-states with a π symmetry and show strong final state effects. Applied to the complex Tm/Re mixed oxides of the general form ReTmO3, this approach identifies a novel way for obtaining separate and independent control of band gap energies and dielectric constants through local bonding arrangements in which Tm and Re atoms are nearest neighbors to the same oxygen atom.
C*-ALGEBRAS WITH REAL RANK ZERO AND THEIR CORONA AND MULTIPLIER ALGEBRAS PART IV

By proving various equivalent versions of the generalized Weyl-von Neumann theorem, we investigate the structure of projections in the multiplier algebra of certain C*-algebra with real rank zero. For example, we prove that if and only if any two projections in are simultaneously quasidiagonal. In case is a purely infinite simple C*-algebra, if and only if any two projections in are simultaneously quasidiagonal. If is one of the Cuntz algebras, or one of finite factors or type III factors, then any two projections in are simultaneously quasidiagonal. On the other hand, if is one of the Bunce-Deddens algebras or one of the irrational rotation algebras of real rank zero, then there exist two projections in which are not simultaneously quasidiagonal.
Structural Mechanisms underlying AMPA Receptor Oligomerization

Ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs) are ligand-gated ion channels that play critical roles in excitatory neurotransmission. A functional iGluR is composed of four subunits, each containing an amino-terminal domain (ATD), a ligand-binding domain (LBD), a transmembrane domain (TMD) composed of three transmembrane helices (M1, M3 and M4) and a re-entrant loop (M2), as well as an intracellular carboxyl-terminal domain (CTD). Formation of the tetrameric complex, which is a prerequisite for the receptor's surface expression and function, involves a dimeric intermediate. Nevertheless, the biophysical mechanisms underlying iGluR oligomerization remain largely unknown. We studied the relative energetic contributions of the different structural domains to the oligomerization of iGluRs using blue native PAGE and fluorescent size-exclusion chromatography (FSEC). We find that deletion of the M4 transmembrane helix renders AMPA receptors incapable of tetramerization and traps them in a dimeric form, suggesting that the crucial dimer-to-tetramer transition is driven by molecular interactions within the TMD. Further highlighting the importance of TMD to AMPA receptor tetramerization, the isolated TMD of the GluA1 subunit, which lacks ATD and LBD, still form tetramers. On the other hand, the GluA1 ATD is essential for the stability of homo-dimer intermediates, although its absence does not prevent tetramerization. Interestingly, the prokaryotic glutamate receptor GluR0, which lacks both the ATD and the M4 helix, forms both dimers and functional tetramers. In contrast, GluA1 subunits lacking the ATD and the M4 helix (and thus topologically similar to GluR0) do not oligomerize, forming monomers only. Our results indicate that the mechanisms for tetrameric assembly differ significantly between GluA1 and GluR0 in terms of the energetic contributions of each structural domain. Such differences may have important implications in the evolution of iGluRs and their roles in fast excitatory neurotransmission.
Fifty years of inherent optical properties

Abstract This paper describes my career in Ocean Optics over nearly half a century. It was centered around the Inherent Optical Properties (IOP, the scattering and absorption properties of sea water and its dissolved and suspended materials). The paper describes the development of instrumentation for the measurement of the IOP, the applicable theories, and the inversions to obtain biogeochemical parameters. This is not intended to be a thorough review, but rather describes a personal journey.
On the use of constraints in least squares estimation and control

In this article, we examine the effect of constraints on estimation and control methods based on quadratic penalty functions. We begin with estimation theory and analyze how constraints alter the statistical properties of the least squares estimates. It is shown that constraints can be used to formulate maximum likelihood (MLE) and maximum a posteriori (MAP) estimators for a variety of unimodal distributions. This provides greater flexibility over the assumption of normality inherent in the MLE and MAP interpretation of traditional least squares. We discuss how these ideas apply to state space models of dynamic systems. Possible applications for controllers that handle constraints are also discussed. A parameter estimation example is given to demonstrate the potential for improved performance over unconstrained least squares.
Diethyl 3-Bromopropene Phosphonate an Alkylative 8-Keto Phosphonate Equivalent

Abstract A description of the preparation of diethyl 3-bromopropene phosphonate, 1, is reported. The use of this reagent as an acetone equivalent for the annulation of five-membered rings is described.
A study of solar erythema radiation doses.

—Using semi-empirical analytic formulas for the transmitted and scattered ultraviolet spectral irradiance at the ground (Green, A. E. S., T. Sawada and E. P. Shettle, Photochem. Photobiol. 19, 251–259, 1974), we calculate erythema dose rates and daily erythema doses. Results are illustrated graphically, and for the purpose of photobiological applications are given in terms of approximate analytic forms, with parameters presented in tabular form. The relative erythema data assembled by W. W. Coblentz and R. Stair (U.S. Bureau of Standards J. Res. 12, 13–14, 1934), as fit by an analytic form, is taken as a standard spectrum in our calculations. Other forms of erythema spectra are also compared.
Managing urinary incontinence in the nursing home: residents' perspectives.

Managing urinary incontinence in the nursing home: residents’ perspectives The purpose of this study was to develop a substantive theory describing and explaining cognitive, psychosocial, and behavioural aspects of living with urinary incontinence in a nursing home. Using grounded theory methodology, data were obtained from interviews, participant observation, and minutes from meetings of resident advisory councils, and analysed concurrently using the constant comparative method. Three nursing homes located in the metropolitan area of a major American city served as sites for the study. Ethical approval was obtained from the administrator of each facility and institutional review board of a major university. Ten residents served as primary participants, consenting to provide one audiotaped formal interview, subsequent opportunities to observe and discuss their methods of bladder control, and access to their health care records. Another 33 residents from these facilities served as secondary participants, providing opportunities for observation and informal interview when their bladder control needs, issues, or methods were visible to the investigator and seemed relevant to the evolving theory. Data were collected over a period of 17 months. Findings suggest that nursing home residents with actual or potential urinary incontinence engage in a process called managing urinary incontinence. Managing urinary incontinence occurs in the context of believing that it is an inevitable part of ageing and seeking to protect physical, psychological, and social integrity. Managing urinary incontinence is a dynamic process with consequences that are influenced by the degree to which six specific strategies are used with satisfaction by the resident and supported by staff and significant others. Implications for nursing practice and research are discussed.
Lichen Biodiversity under Threat from Sea-Level Rise in the Atlantic Coastal Plain

Sea-level rise (SLR) and changes in temperature and weather patterns have been documented and are projected to increase substantially. Although changes in temperature and weather are well-studied drivers of climate change–mediated biodiversity loss, the study of SLR remains anthropocentric. Even under conservative estimates, SLR will imperil four coastal regions. The areas most threatened by SLR are not considered global conservation priorities, because the delineation of biodiversity hotspots is based on well-studied organisms and the assumption that the biodiversity patterns of lesser-known groups mirror theirs. We show the Atlantic Coastal Plain hosts a previously overlooked lichen biodiversity hotspot imminently threatened by SLR; all of the highest-diversity sites in the region will be inundated within the century according to conservative SLR projections. The exclusion of lesser-known but diverse, ecologically important groups from global biodiversity assessments has crucial implications for conservation strategies.
Pancreatic Resection Results in a Statewide Surgical Collaborative

A strong relationship between hospital caseload and adverse outcomes has been demonstrated for pancreatic resections. Participation in regional surgical collaboratives may mitigate this phenomenon. This study sought to investigate changes over time in adverse outcomes after pancreatectomy across hospitals with different caseloads in a statewide surgical collaborative. The study investigated patients undergoing pancreatic resection from January 2008 to August 2013 at Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative (MSQC) hospitals (1007 patients in 19 academic and community hospitals). Risk-adjusted rates of major complications, mortality, and failure to rescue were compared between hospitals based on caseloads (low, medium, and high) in early (2008–2010) and later (2011–2013) periods. Finally, the degree to which different complications explained changes in hospital outcome variation was assessed. Adjusted rates of major complications and mortality decreased over time, driven largely by improvements at low-caseload hospitals. In 2008–2010, risk-adjusted major complication rates were higher for low-caseload than for high-caseload hospitals (27.8 vs. 17.8 %; p = 0.02). However, these differences were attenuated in 2011–2013 (22.2 vs. 20.0 %; p = 0.74). Similarly, adjusted mortality rates were higher in low-caseload hospitals in 2008–2010 (6.2 vs. 0.8 %; p = 0.02), but these differences were attenuated in 2011–2013 (3.3 vs. 1.1 %; p = 0.18). Variation in major complications decreased, largely due to decreased variation in “medical” complication rates, with less change in surgical-site complications. Participation in regional quality collaboratives by lower-volume hospitals can attenuate the volume–outcome relationship for pancreatic surgery. Continued work in collaboratives with an emphasis on technical and intraoperative aspects of care may improve overall quality of care.
Halawanones A−D, New Polycyclic Quinones from a Marine-Derived Streptomycete

Four new quinone-containing metabolites, halawanones A-D (1-4), have been isolated along with the known compound nanaomycin D (5) from liquid cultures of a streptomycete obtained from a sediment sample collected in the estuarine environment at the mouth of Halawa stream, Oahu. The structures of the new compounds were determined through the interpretation of spectral data. The absolute stereochemistries were determined using a combination of CD and NMR.
Airway Pressure Therapy for Cardiac Surgical Patients: State of the Art and Clinical Controversies

A CUTE restrictive pulmonary deficits following cardiac surgery are well documented. Diminished functional residual capacity (FRC) results from general anesthesia and neuromuscular blocking agents that alter the shape and motion of the chest wall and diaphragm.’ Mid-sternal incisions and intrathoracic manipulations induce a transient 50% to 75% reduction in the vital capacity (VC).1,2 Lobar or segmental atelectasis commonly results from intraoperative lung compression or pleural effusions”; left lower lobe atelectasis is common following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery$ and phrenic nerve dysfunction has been associated with the use of topical iced saline slush applied to the myocardium.s Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) induces a spectrum of lung pathology similar to that of acute lung injury (ALI); the spectrum ranges from a relatively insignificant increase in extravascular lung water to a life-threatening “postperfusion” or “pump-lung” syndrome similar to the adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).6,7 An acute reduction in FRC is accompanied by arterial hypoxemia and diminished lung compliance, both of which contribute to an increase in the work of breathing (WOB). Postoperatively, increased WOB in cardiac surgical patients has been reported to increase oxygen consumption by at least 20%, a factor significantly increasing myocardial work.s An increased WOB can produce a lactic acidosis secondary to anaerobic metabolism of ventilatory muscles when cardiac reserves are limited.” Postoperative support of pulmonary function deficits, such as arterial hypoxemia and diminished compliance, is primarily achieved by applying positive pressure to the airway.r” Positive-pressure ventilation (PPV) supports CO* excretion, augments lung expansion, and can provide all or part of the WOB. Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) exists whenever the airway pressure is greater than ambient just prior to the next inspiration. Although PEEP is most commonly administered in conjunction with PPV, its effects must be considered independent of inspiratory mode or mechanics. This review addresses the state of the art and major controversies relating to positive airway pressure therapy (PPV and PEEP) in the postcardiac surgical patient.
Variations in T/sub 1/ and T/sub 2/ due to MRI contrast agents: effect on image contrast

A model for studying the effect of T/sub 1/ and T/sub 2/ variations during image acquisition for a spin-echo pulse sequence is described. The method is based on the understanding that the free induction decay (FID) measurements in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are samples of the 2-D Fourier space along k/sup to / trajectories, determined by the gradient fields. Using experimental T/sub 1/ and T/sub 2/ data for a contrast agent in rat livers and liver tumors, the effect of temporal variations of T/sub 1/ and T/sub 2/ on the final image contrast is illustrated for standard spin-echo imaging pulse sequences. >
Address-event imagers for sensor networks: evaluation and modeling

Although imaging is an information-rich sensing modality, the use of cameras in sensor networks is very often prohibited by factors such as power, computation cost, storage, communication bandwidth and privacy. In this paper we consider information selective and privacy-preserving address-event imagers for sensor networks. Instead of providing full images with a high degree of redundancy, our efforts in the design of these imagers specialize on selecting a handful of features from a scene and outputting these features in address-event representation. In this paper we present our initial results in modeling and evaluating address-event sensors in the context of sensor networks. Using three different platforms that we have developed, we illustrate how to model address-event cameras and how to build an emulator using these models. We also present a lightweight classification scheme to illustrate the computational advantages of address-event sensors. The paper concludes with an evaluation of the classification algorithm and a feasibility study of using COTS components to emulate address-event inside a sensor network.
Photo-induced cross-linking of unmodified proteins (PICUP) applied to amyloidogenic peptides.

The assembly of amyloidogenic proteins into toxic oligomers is a seminal event in the pathogenesis of protein misfolding diseases, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases, hereditary amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and type 2 diabetes. Owing to the metastable nature of these protein assemblies, it is difficult to assess their oligomer size distribution quantitatively using classical methods, such as electrophoresis, chromatography, fluorescence, or dynamic light scattering. Oligomers of amyloidogenic proteins exist as metastable mixtures, in which the oligomers dissociate into monomers and associate into larger assemblies simultaneously. PICUP stabilizes oligomer populations by covalent cross-linking and when combined with fractionation methods, such as sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) or size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), PICUP provides snapshots of the oligomer size distributions that existed before cross-linking. Hence, PICUP enables visualization and quantitative analysis of metastable protein populations and can be used to monitor assembly and decipher relationships between sequence modifications and oligomerization1. Mechanistically, PICUP involves photo-oxidation of Ru2+ in a tris(bipyridyl)Ru(II) complex (RuBpy) to Ru3+ by irradiation with visible light in the presence of an electron acceptor. Ru3+ is a strong one-electron oxidizer capable of abstracting an electron from a neighboring protein molecule, generating a protein radical1,2. Radicals are unstable, highly-reactive species and therefore disappear rapidly through a variety of intra- and intermolecular reactions. A radical may utilize the high energy of an unpaired electron to react with another protein monomer forming a dimeric radical, which subsequently loses a hydrogen atom and forms a stable, covalently-linked dimer. The dimer may then react further through a similar mechanism with monomers or other dimers to form higher-order oligomers. Advantages of PICUP relative to other photo- or chemical cross-linking methods3,4 include short (≤1 s) exposure to non-destructive visible light, no need for pre facto modification of the native sequence, and zero-length covalent cross-linking. In addition, PICUP enables cross-linking of proteins within wide pH and temperature ranges, including physiologic parameters. Here, we demonstrate application of PICUP to cross-linking of three amyloidogenic proteins the 40- and 42-residue amyloid β-protein variants (Aβ40 and Aβ42), and calcitonin, and a control protein, growth-hormone releasing factor (GRF).
Receptive field estimation for Gaussian-based neural networks

A receptive field estimation technique is offered to improve the performance of Gaussian-based neural networks. In the standard approach a Gaussian function with the same receptive field (covariance matrix) is applied to every presentation of the data. In the proposed technique, every local Gaussian has a different covariance matrix. These matrices are found by the Gram-Schmidt orthogonalization process, as opposed to trial and error. The radial basis function (RBF) and probabilistic neural networks (PNNs) are used to show the effectiveness of this approach. >
Effects of immediate and delayed nutrient timing following resistance exercise on changes in mixed muscle fractional synthesis rate (FSR) in post-menopausal women participating in a weight loss program

Effects of immediate and delayed nutrient timing following resistance exercise on changes in mixed muscle fractional synthesis rate (FSR) in post-menopausal women participating in a weight loss program M Byrd, S Simbo, YP Jung, B Sanchez, M Cho, CW Lee, B Lockard, C Baetge, K Levers, E Galvan, A Jagim, JM Oliver, R Dalton, B Bessire, K Horrell, T Leopold, M Koozehchian, D Khanna, K Shimkus, W Gapinsky, M Perez, J Hart, S Riechman, J Fluckey, M Greenwood, C Rasmussen, R Kreider
Dendrimers as drug delivery vehicles: non-covalent interactions of bioactive compounds with dendrimers

This mini review highlights issues associated with the use of dendrimers as drug delivery vehicles. The review introduces dendrimers and summarizes findings on their use in vivo and in vitro. Specifically, this review is limited to examples wherein the drug is non-covalently associated with the dendrimer. Examples wherein the drug is covalently attached to the dendrimer are not discussed.
Examining the relationship between psychosocial and behavioral proxies for future consumption behavior: self-reported impact and bidding behavior in an experimental auction study on cigarette labeling

Experimental and observational research often involves asking consumers to self-report the impact of some proposed option. Because self-reported responses involve no consequence to the respondent for falsely revealing how he or she feels about an issue, self-reports may be subject to social desirability and other influences that bias responses in important ways. In this article, we analyzed data from an experiment on the impact of cigarette packaging and pack warnings, comparing smokers' self-reported impact (four-item scale) and the bids they placed in experimental auctions to estimate differences in demand. The results were consistent across methods; however, the estimated effect size associated with different warning labels was two times greater for the four-item self-reported response scale when compared to the change in demand as indicated by auction bids. Our study provides evidence that self-reported psychosocial responses provide a valid proxy for behavioral change as reflected by experimental auction bidding behavior. More research is needed to better understand the advantages and disadvantages of behavioral economic methods and traditional self-report approaches to evaluating health behavior change interventions.
Acute health effects after exposure to chlorine gas released after a train derailment.

In January 2005, a train derailment on the premises of a textile mill in South Carolina released 42 to 60 tons of chlorine gas in the middle of a small town. Medical records and autopsy reports were reviewed to describe the clinical presentation, hospital course, and pathology observed in persons hospitalized or deceased as a result of chlorine gas exposure. Eight persons died before reaching medical care; of the 71 persons hospitalized for acute health effects as a result of chlorine exposure, 1 died in the hospital. The mean age of the hospitalized persons was 40 years (range, 4 months-76 years); 87% were male. The median duration of hospitalization was 4 days (range, 1-29 days). Twenty-five (35%) persons were admitted to the intensive care unit; the median length of stay was 3 days. Many surviving victims developed significant pulmonary signs and severe airway inflammation; 41 (58%) hospitalized persons met Po2/Fio2 criteria for acute respiratory distress syndrome or acute lung injury. During their hospitalization, 40 (57%) developed abnormal x-ray findings, 74% of those within the first day. Hypoxia on room air and Po2/Fio2 ratio predicted severity of outcome as assessed by the duration of hospitalization and the need for intensive care support. This community release of chlorine gas caused widespread exposure and resulted in significant acute health effects and substantial health care requirements. Pulse oximetry and arterial blood gas analysis provided early indications of outcome severity.
Behavioral approaches to weight control: An updated review

Abstract Recent developments in the behavioral treatment of obesity were surveyed. Since the earlier review (Abramson, 1973) no studies of aversive therapy have been published. Three studies of covert sensitization have yielded discouraging results. Any positive effects of this technique appear to be the result of non-specific demand characteristics rather than aversive conditioning. Several demonstrations of the effects of therapist controlled reinforcement indicate that this technique can promote weight loss while the contingencies are in effect. The weight is rapidly regained, however, after the contingencies are withdrawn. It is concluded that self-control treatments, especially complex self-control, are the most consistently successful treatment approaches. Several methodological problems are presented and unresolved issues are discussed.