cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A multi-center case series of sarcoid optic neuropathy.

Abstract Objective The diagnosis of sarcoid optic neuropathy is time-sensitive, as delayed treatment risks irreversible vision loss. We sought to analyze its characteristics and outcomes. Methods We performed a multi-center retrospective study of sarcoid optic neuropathy among 5 USA medical centers. Inclusion criteria were: 1) clinical optic neuropathy; 2) optic nerve/sheath enhancement on neuroimaging; 3) pathological confirmation of systemic or nervous system sarcoidosis. Results Fifty-one patients were included. The median onset age of sarcoid optic neuropathy was 50 years (range, 17–70 years) and 71% were female. The median visual acuity at nadir in the most affected eye was 20/80 (range, 20/20 to no-light-perception). Thirty-four of 50 (68%) patients had radiologic evidence of other nervous system involvement and 20 (39%) patients had symptoms/signs of other cranial nerve dysfunction. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed an elevated white blood cell count in 22 of 31 (71%) patients (median: 14/μL; range: 1–643/μL). Pathologic confirmation of sarcoidosis was by biopsy of systemic/pulmonary site, 34 (67%); optic nerve/sheath, 9 (18%); or other nervous system region, 8 (16%). Forty patients improved with treatment (78%), 98% receiving corticosteroids and 65% receiving steroid-sparing immunosuppressants, yet 11/46 patients (24%) had a visual acuity of 20/200 or worse at last follow-up. Conclusions Sarcoid optic neuropathy frequently occurs with other clinical and radiologic abnormalities caused by neurosarcoidosis and diagnostic confirmation occasionally requires optic nerve/sheath biopsy. Improvement with treatment is common but most patients have some residual visual disability. Improved recognition and a more expeditious diagnosis and treatment may spare patients from permanent vision loss.
The attention networks in benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes: A long-term follow-up study.

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the long-term prognosis of attention deficit in children with newly diagnosed benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS). Methods Attention network test (ANT) was performed over a period of 7 years on 42 patients who were newly diagnosed with BECTS, in the Department of Neurology of Anhui Provincial Children's Hospital. Results In the patients’ group, the accuracy of ANT was lower (P = 0.000), the total response time was longer (P = 0.000), and the efficiency of orienting (P = 0.000) and alerting (P = 0.041) networks was lower than that of the control group. Accuracy was positively correlated with age of onset (b = 1.184) and negatively correlated with number of seizures (b = −1.321). After 7 years, there was no significant difference in the accuracy (P = 0.385); total response time (P = 0.661); and alerting (P = 0.797), orienting (P = 0.709), and executive control (P = 0.806) network efficiencies between the patients and controls. Accuracy was positively correlated with age of onset (b = 0.8583) and negatively correlated with number of seizures (b = −1.017) and duration of antiepileptic drugs therapy (b = −3.203). Conclusions In our study, the newly diagnosed BECTS patients had impaired attention network, mainly in the alerting and orienting domains. Age of onset, number of seizures, and time of antiepileptic treatment may affect the attention networks. With the remission of BECTS, the attention network dysfunction was reversed.
Teleassessments for Enrollment of Adults With Physical or Mobility Disability in a Home-Based Exercise Trial in Response to COVID-19: Usability Study.

Background: The Scale-Up Project Evaluating Responsiveness to Home Exercise And Lifestyle Tele-Health (SUPER-HEALTH) initiative is a large randomized controlled study that aims to overcome logistical barriers to exercise via telehealth for people with physical disabilities. However, at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, enrollment was halted due to limited operations at the testing site, which included no onsite visits that involved participant data collection. In response to the limited operations, a modified data collection protocol was developed for virtual enrollment of study participants. Objective: This paper presents feasibility data on using teleassessments to enroll people with mobility impairment into a home-based exercise trial. Methods: The modified protocol replaced onsite enrollment and data collection visits with teleassessments using a computer tablet and testing equipment that was shipped to the participants’ home address prior to the synchronous teleassessments conducted by an exercise physiologist through Zoom. The participants were mailed a teleassessment toolkit that included a digital blood pressure cuff, spirometer, hand dynamometer, mini disc cone, and measuring tape (to complete standardized testing). The teleassessment measures included resting blood pressure and heart rate, forced vital capacity, grip strength, Five Times Sit to Stand, and Timed Up and Go. Feasibility metrics included technological effectiveness, efficiency, and safety. The technological effectiveness of the telehealth assessment was determined by the percentage of sessions completed without technical issues with ≥90% criteria set a priori. Efficiency was measured by a session duration of ≤2 hours. Safety was measured by the number of adverse events related to the teleassessments reported. Results: Data from 36 participants were included in this feasibility study, and 34 (94%) participants completed all teleassessments without technical issues. For efficiency, the teleassessment sessions were completed in a mean time of 65 minutes and a maximum session length of 110 minutes. There were no adverse events reported to indicate concerns with the safety of teleassessments. Conclusions: The modified teleassessment protocol, in response to COVID-19 restrictions, may be a feasible process for enrolling adults with mobility impairment into a home exercise trial who otherwise would have not been able to participate. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03024320; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03024320
Judicial Ideology and Business Dynamics

Using staggered changes in U.S. circuit court ideology, we examine the effect of judicial ideology on U.S. business dynamics. We find evidence that shifts toward more liberal courts, which are commonly viewed as less pro-business, lead to immediate increases in economic turnover that persist for decades. Changes toward more liberal courts lead to more new establishments and business startups, but also more exits. On net, liberal courts lead to establishment growth and shift the composition of firms toward younger businesses and industries exposed to lower litigation, intellectual property, and labor risks.
“Sounds like CSI:” How consumers of adolescent substance use disorder treatment perceive the term “evidence-based practice”

Background Recent attempts to increase the utilization of evidencebased practice (EBP) by adolescents with substance use disorders (ASUDs) have included direct-to-consumer marketing and educational materials [1]. For instance, both the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the American Psychological Association’s Division of Child and Adolescent Psychology have developed educational websites for parents of ASUDs that encourage them to seek out those treatments designated as EBP. These educational materials are based on the assumption that ASUDs and their parents will understand the concept of EBP and view the concept favorably. This study aimed to test this assumption and explore how ASUDs and their parents perceive, understand, and react to the concept of EBP.
EXPONENTIAL BOUNDS IN VAPNIK-CERVONENKIS CLASSES OF INDEX 1

For a probability measure P let P n be its empirical measures. The main result is that if there are constants C and γ such that for all P, all suitably measurable Vapnik-Cervonenkis classes C of index 1 containing the empty set and all M ≥ 1, we have $$Pr(sup_{A\in C}n^{1/2}|(P_{n}-P)(A)|>M)\leq CM^{\gamma}exp(-2M^2), then\, \gamma\geq1$$ .
Systematic flowcharting of educational objectives and processes

In another paper (Yee, ~t969), we attempted to: :t) emphasize teacher education's key responsibility to provide qualified professional teachers for the schools of the United States and to identify objectives and procedures counteracting fulfillment of this responsibility; 2) argue that effective educational programs can be planned and developed only to the degree that objectives are complementary, are clearly specified, and can be achieved through explicit operations; and 3) present a cybernetic systems model which would interrelate all aspects of teacher education to properly prepare professional teachers. In so doing, we tried to show how any educational system could develop and assess its planning and organization through application of a systems approach. Although our present example concerns teacher education, there is no reason why this discussion can-
Acid secretagogue-induced stimulation of gastric parietal cell gene expression.

Abstract Carbamoylcholine (carbachol), histamine, and gastrin are three principal stimulants of gastric acid secretion. To explore the mechanisms by which these agents exert their actions in parietal cells, we examined their effects on the gene expression of the enzymes responsible for H+ generation. Each secretagogue induced rapid and coordinate increases in steady-state levels of mRNAs encoding carbonic anhydrase II and H+,K+-ATPase in isolated canine gastric parietal cells. Furthermore, pronounced increases, with different kinetics, in expression of beta-actin mRNA were observed. With increasing time after cell isolation, carbonic anhydrase II and H+,K+-ATPase, but not beta-actin, mRNA levels were attenuated, suggesting that parietal cell-specific genes may be dependent upon maintenance of parietal cell contacts within intact mucosal tissue. Pretreatment of the cells with competitive inhibitors of each secretagogue blocked the increases. Our results indicate that acid secretagogue-specific receptor activation in parietal cells triggers coordinate gene expression of the two enzymes involved in H+ ion generation and that beta-actin may be an important regulator of acid secretion.
Some Aspects on the Bloch-Lindgren Equation and A Comparison with the Partitioning Technique

Abstract After a brief introduction of the intuitive idea of replacing the ordinary Schrodinger equation with a simpler relation involving a model Hamiltonian and a set of model functions, a strict derivation of the nonlinear form of the Schrodinger equation is given by using a skew-projector Θ associated with two linear subspaces, which justifies this approach. In the case when the Hamiltonian has the form H = Ho + V, the Bloch and Bloch-Lindgren equations are derived, and their solutions in terms of power series in V are discussed. Since the model Hamiltonian does not depend explicitly on the energy E, the attempts to use this approach to build a bridge between the semi-empirical and ab-initio methods in quantum chemistry are briefly reviewed. Finally a comparison of the treatment of similar systems by means of conventional partitioning technique is given, and the problem of the derivation of the wave and reactions operator in a generalized closed form of perturbation theory is discussed.
Hydrostatic pressure-dependent changes in cyclic AMP signaling in optic nerve head astrocytes from Caucasian and African American donors.

PURPOSE Investigate the effect of hydrostatic pressure (HP) on 3', 5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels and downstream signaling in cultures of normal optic nerve head (ONH) astrocytes from Caucasian American (CA) and African American (AA) donors. METHODS Intracellular cAMP levels were assayed after exposing ONH astrocytes to HP for varying times. Quantitative RT-PCR was used to determine the expression levels of selected cAMP pathway genes in human ONH astrocytes after HP treatment. Western blots were used to measure changes in the phosphorylation state of cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) in astrocytes subjected to HP, ATP, and phosphodiesterase or kinase inhibitors. RESULTS The basal intracellular cAMP level is similar among AA and CA astrocytes. After exposure to HP for 15 min and 30 min in the presence of a phosphodiesterase inhibitor a further increase of intracellular cAMP was observed in AA astrocytes, but not in CA astrocytes. Consistent with activation of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase pathway, CREB phosphorylation (Ser-133) was increased to a greater extent in AA than in CA astrocytes after 3 h of HP. Exposure to elevated HP for 3-6 h differentially altered the expression levels of selected cAMP pathway genes (ADCY3, ADCY9, PTHLH, PDE7B) in AA compared to CA astrocytes. Treatment with ATP increased more CREB phosphorylation in CA than in AA astrocytes, suggesting differential Ca(2+) signaling in these populations. CONCLUSIONS Activation of the cAMP-dependent signaling pathway by pressure may be an important contributor to increased susceptibility to elevated intraocular pressure and glaucoma in AA, a population at higher risk for the disease.
Concurrent runtime checking of annotated Ada programs

Anna is a language for writing machine-processable annotations of Ada programs. One of the main applications of Anna is the runtime checking of an Ada program for consistency with its formal specifications written in Anna. On single-processor systems, Anna runtime checks are used during testing and debugging of software.
Checking scientific assumptions by modeling

We describe extensions to the science querying system Scilog to enable it to make efficient simulators. Given a scientific model's details and assumptions Scilog can create a C++ simulator to check assumption consistency. We used extended Scilog to test claims that Intelligent Design makes about Evolution and found them to be at odds with basic Biology.
Nano layer encapsulation using circulating supercritical fluid fluidized bed

A new and novel green process that allows nano layer by nano layer deposition in a fluidized bed through the use of circulating supercritical carbon dioxide doped with encapsulating material is developed. A minor temperature perturbation that tunes the solubility power of the coating material in the fluidizing carbon dioxide allows nucleation and encapsulation without conventional solvent-based atomization approaches. Therefore, a cleaner alternative to the use of organic solvents in micro encapsulating is achieved. The approach is particularly attractive for instances that necessitate moisture-free environment. The use of supercritical fluids intensify the fluidization and deposition rate reducing the processing time while increasing controllability. The technology developed by the group is applied for the microencapsulation of energetic particles such as ammonium nitrate, photo-catalyst such as titanium dioxide, and for targeted delivery of medically active compounds. The layer thicknesses achieved range from 5 to 50 nm while surface roughness of the products are within few nanometers. The presented applications illustrate unique properties achieved through the approach.
Underserved Areas and Pediatric Resident Characteristics: Is There Reason for Optimism?

Abstract Objective To examine whether resident characteristics and experiences are related to practice in underserved areas. Methods Cross-sectional survey of a national random sample of pediatric residents (n = 1000) and additional sample of minority residents (n = 223) who were graduating in 2009 was conducted. Using weighted logistic regression, we examined relationships between resident characteristics (background, values, residency experiences, and practice goals) and reported 1) expectation to practice in underserved area and 2) postresidency position in underserved area. Results Response rate was 57%. Forty-one percent of the residents reported that they had an expectation of practicing in an underserved area. Of those who had already accepted postresidency positions, 38% reported positions in underserved areas. Service obligation in exchange for loans/scholarships and primary care/academic pediatrics practice goals were the strongest predictors of expectation of practicing in underserved areas (respectively, adjusted odds ratio 4.74, 95% confidence interval 1.87–12.01; adjusted odds ratio 3.48, 95% confidence interval 1.99–6.10). Other significant predictors include hospitalist practice goals, primary care practice goals, importance of racial/ethnic diversity of patient population in residency selection, early plan (before medical school) to care for underserved families, mother with a graduate or medical degree, and higher score on the Universalism value scale. Service obligation and primary care/academic pediatrics practice goal were also the strongest predictors for taking a postresidency job in underserved area. Conclusions Trainee characteristics such as service obligations, values of humanism, and desire to serve underserved populations offer the hope that policies and public funding can be directed to support physicians with these characteristics to redress the maldistribution of physicians caring for children.
GIRK3 gates activation of the mesolimbic dopaminergic pathway by ethanol

G protein-gated inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK) channels are critical regulators of neuronal excitability and can be directly activated by ethanol. Constitutive deletion of the GIRK3 subunit has minimal phenotypic consequences, except in response to drugs of abuse. Here we investigated how the GIRK3 subunit contributes to the cellular and behavioral effects of ethanol, as well as to voluntary ethanol consumption. We found that constitutive deletion of GIRK3 in knockout (KO) mice selectively increased ethanol binge-like drinking, without affecting ethanol metabolism, sensitivity to ethanol intoxication, or continuous-access drinking. Virally mediated expression of GIRK3 in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) reversed the phenotype of GIRK3 KO mice and further decreased the intake of their wild-type counterparts. In addition, GIRK3 KO mice showed a blunted response of the mesolimbic dopaminergic (DA) pathway to ethanol, as assessed by ethanol-induced excitation of VTA neurons and DA release in the nucleus accumbens. These findings support the notion that the subunit composition of VTA GIRK channels is a critical determinant of DA neuron sensitivity to drugs of abuse. Furthermore, our study reveals the behavioral impact of this cellular effect, whereby the level of GIRK3 expression in the VTA tunes ethanol intake under binge-type conditions: the more GIRK3, the less ethanol drinking.
Getting Up to Speed on the Information Highway: Integrating Web-Based Resources into Business Communication Pedagogy

Building on student and faculty enthusiasm for Web resources, we addressed four significant questions as we revised a business communications class to incorporate the Internet:• What Web resources ...
2011 AND 2012 EARLY CAREERS ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS: Use of genomic biology to study companion animal intestinal microbiota

Although dogs and cats are quite different than many livestock species in that they have evolved by eating diets high in fat and protein and low in carbohydrates, the gastrointestinal microbiota still play a key role in the gut and overall host health of these species. Early experiments in this field used culture-based techniques to evaluate the effects of dietary ingredients, such as fibers and prebiotics, on microbiota and indices of gut health (e.g., fecal scores, pH, fermentative end products). Such studies, however, were limited in scope and lacked precision as it pertained to the microbiota. The DNA-based techniques that have become available over the past decade have greatly upgraded research capabilities and have provided a more encompassing view of the canine and feline gastrointestinal microbiomes. High-throughput sequencing techniques that are much cheaper and faster than Sanger sequencing have been a key development in this progress. Sequence data not only allow for the identification of all microbial taxa but also provide information regarding functional capacity when a shotgun sequencing approach is used. The few canine and feline studies that have used 454 pyrosequencing have identified the predominant microbial taxa and metabolic functions present in healthy populations, differences between healthy and diseased dog and cat populations, and the effects of diet (e.g., dietary fibers, prebiotics, protein to carbohydrate ratio) on gastrointestinal microbiota. Although these studies have provided a foundation from which to work, more research is needed to increase our general understanding of the gastro-intestinal microbiome, how it impacts host health, how its composition and activity may be altered by age, genetic, or environmental factors, and test whether specific pathogens or disease signatures can be identified and used in diagnosis and/or treatment of disease.
Steroidal bivalent ligands for the estrogen receptor: design, synthesis, characterization and binding affinities.

Steroidal bivalent ligands for the estrogen receptor (ER) were designed using crystal structures of ERα dimers as a template. The syntheses of several 17α-ethynylestradiol-based bivalent ligands with varying linker compositions and lengths are described. The binding affinities of these bivalent ligands for ERα and ERβ were determined. In the two series of bivalent ligands that we synthesized, there is a clear correlation between linker length and binding affinity, both of which reach a maximum at the same tether length. Further studies are underway to explore aspects of bivalent ligand and control compound binding to the ERs and their effects on ER dimer formation; these results will be reported in a subsequent publication.
Personality resemblance in relatives of male alcoholics: A comparison with families of male control cases

Abstract The Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire (MPQ) was administered to members of nuclear families in which alcoholism was segregating and another set of nuclear families in which no psychiatric illness, including alcoholism, was present. Intraclass correlations were calculated for pairs of relatives from the alcoholic families and compared with those obtained for control families. For particular traits, the correlations obtained for pairs of relatives from both family types were larger than those previously reported for dizygotic twins. Particularly striking was the absence of positive correlations for siblings discordant for alcoholism as contrasted with individuals concordant for alcoholim. The results suggest that removing the discordant effects of psychopathology tends to increase the overall similarity between relatives. Finally, particular traits were found to be significantly correlated in both family types, suggesting that some personality characteristics may reflect greater genetic mediation, whereas others, not found in common across families, may reflect differences in familial environmental factors
Estrogenic and Gonadotrophic Hormone Inhibiting Activity of Some Adrenal Cortical Substances.

SummaryLipo Adrenal Cortex and desoxycorticosterone acetate were found to stimulate uterine growth and to inhibit pituitary gonadotrophic hormone secretion when administered to female rats in relatively small amounts. Adrenal Cortex Extract partially inhibited gonadotrophin secretion but was less than one fourth as effective as the Lipo Adrenal Cortex. Large doses of Compound E failed to inhibit the gonadotrophin secretion. The secretion of gonadotrophic hormone is inhibited in immature rats by steroids in amounts less than those which result in uterine growth.
Misconstructing Developmentally Appropriate Practice

(1998). Misconstructing Developmentally Appropriate Practice. Early Years: Vol. 18, No. 2, pp. 19-26.
Angiotensin receptor blockers and outcomes in real‐world older patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction: a propensity‐matched inception cohort clinical effectiveness study

Aims To examine the clinical effectiveness of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) in older patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction (HF-PEF). Methods and results Of the 10 570 hospitalized HF-PEF patients, aged ≥65 years, EF ≥40%, in OPTIMIZE-HF (2003–2004), linked to Medicare data (up to 31 December 2008), 3806 were not receiving angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or prior ARB therapy. Of these, 303 (8%) patients received new discharge prescriptions for ARBs. Propensity scores for the receipt of ARBs, estimated for each of the 3806 patients, were used to assemble a cohort of 296 pairs of patients receiving and not receiving ARBs, who were balanced on 114 baseline characteristics. Patients had a mean age of 80 years, mean EF of 55%, 69% were women, and 12% were African American. During 6 years of follow-up, the primary composite endpoint of all-cause mortality or HF hospitalization occurred in 79% (235/296) and 81% (241/296) of patients receiving and not receiving ARBs, respectively [hazard ratio (HR) associated with ARB use 0.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.74–1.06; P = 0.179]. ARB use had no association with individual endpoints of all-cause mortality (HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.76–1.14; P = 0.509), HF hospitalization (HR 0.90, 95% CI, 0.72–1.14; P = 0.389), or all-cause hospitalization (HR 0.91, 95% CI 0.77–1.08; P = 0.265). These associations remained unchanged when we compared any (prevalent and new prescriptions) ARB use vs. non-use in a separately assembled propensity-matched cohort of 1137 pairs of HF-PEF patients. Conclusions In real-world older HF-PEF patients, ARB use was not associated with improved clinical outcomes.
Identification of FLRT1, FLRT2, and FLRT3: a novel family of transmembrane leucine-rich repeat proteins.

FLRT1, FLRT2, and FLRT3 comprise a novel gene family isolated in a screen for extracellular matrix proteins expressed in muscle. The three genes encode putative type I transmembrane proteins, each containing 10 leucine-rich repeats flanked by N-terminal and C-terminal cysteine-rich regions, a fibronectin/collagen-like domain, and an intracellular tail. FLRT1 is expressed in kidney and brain, FLRT2 is expressed in pancreas, skeletal muscle, brain, and heart, and FLRT3 is expressed in kidney, brain, pancreas, skeletal muscle, lung, liver, placenta, and heart. FLRT1 localized to 11q12-q13, FLRT2 to 14q24-q32, and FLRT3 to 20p11. When expressed in SF9 and COS-1 cells, FLRT1 and FLRT2 migrate as 90- and 85-kDa proteins, respectively, and both are glycosylated. Given the overall structure of the three proteins, a function in cell adhesion and/or receptor signaling is predicted.
The rates of polymerization and depolymerization of sickle cell hemoglobin.

Abstract The polymerization and depolymerization of concentrated solutions of sickle cell deoxyhemoglobin were initiated by raising and lowering the temperature, and the time courses of the reactions monitored by the change in apparent turbidity. The polymerization reaction exhibits a marked lag phase followed by a rapid increase in turbidity, and is dependent on a very high power of the hemoglobin concentration, roughly the fifteenth. The depolymerization reaction exhibits no such lag, and is much less dependent on concentration. The implications of these results for polymerization models are discussed.
An interfacial oxime reaction to immobilize ligands and cells in patterns and gradients to photoactive surfaces.

We report a molecularly controlled interfacial chemoselective methodology to immobilize ligands and cells in patterns and gradients to self-assembled monolayers on gold. This strategy is based on reacting soluble ketone or aldehyde tethered ligands to surface-bound oxyamine alkeanethiols to generate a covalent oxime linkage to the surface. We characterize the kinetic behavior of the reaction on the surface with ferrocenecarboxaldehyde (FcCHO) as a model ligand. The precise extent of immobilization and therefore surface density of FcCHO on the SAM is monitored and determined by cyclic voltammetry, which shows a peudo-first-order rate constant of 0.13 min−1. In order to generate complex surface patterns and gradients of ligands on the surface, we photoprotected the oxyamine group with nitroveratryloxycarbonyl (NVOC). We show that ultraviolet light irradiation through a patterned microfiche film reveals the oxyamine group and we characterize the rate of deprotection by immobilization of ketone containing red...
A medium energy ion scattering and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy study of physical vapor deposited thin cerium oxide films on Si(100)

40A thick cerium oxide films have been grown on Si(100) substrates via physical vapor deposition of cerium metal in an oxygen background. The films have been characterized for their composition and thermal properties upon deposition and under different annealing conditions via x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and medium energy ion scattering (MEIS) and their morphology using atomic force microscopy. By reoxidizing the films in O218 gas and using MEIS, we investigated the processes responsible for film formation. We found that annealing the as-deposited samples to 750°C produced a cerium silicate film with a sharp silicate:silicon interface. Our results show that the oxygen transport in both the oxide and silicate films occurs via an exchange mechanism.
The relationship of allergen-specific IgE levels and oral food challenge outcome.

Abstract Background Oral food challenges remain the gold standard for the diagnosis of food allergy. However, clear clinical and laboratory guidelines have not been firmly established to determine when oral challenges should be performed. Objective We sought to determine the value of food-specific IgE levels in predicting challenge outcome. Methods A retrospective chart review of 604 food challenges in 391 children was performed. All children had food-specific IgE levels measured by means of CAP-RAST before challenge. Data were analyzed to determine the relationship between food-specific IgE levels and challenge outcome, as well as the relationship between other clinical parameters and challenge outcome. Results Forty-five percent of milk challenges were passed compared with 57% for egg, 59% for peanut, 67% for wheat, and 72% for soy. Specific IgE levels were higher among patients who failed challenges than among those who passed ( P ≤ .03 for each food). When seeking a specific IgE level at which a 50% pass rate could be expected, a cutoff level of 2 kUA/L was determined for milk, egg, and peanut. Data were less clear for wheat and soy. Coexistent eczema or asthma was associated with failed egg challenges, but other atopic disease was otherwise not associated with challenge outcome. Conclusions Allergen-specific IgE concentrations to milk, egg, and peanut and, to a lesser extent, wheat and soy serve as useful predictors of challenge outcome and should be considered when selecting patients for oral challenge to these foods.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE AND MOTHER TONGUE . Istvan Kecskes and Tünde Papp . Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum, 2000. Pp. xxv + 148. $39.95 cloth.

Foreign language and mother tongue presents Kecskes and Papp's cognitive-pragmatic theory of language acquisition in bilinguals and multilinguals. The unique aspects of this theory are that it examines the positive effects of learning a second language on the first language and that it uses multicompetence rather than monocompetence as its starting point. The authors argue that “people who know more than one language have different knowledge of their first language L1 than do monolingual people, and this difference can be due to the effect of subsequent languages on the development and use of L1 skills” (p. ix). This is essentially their first hypothesis. Their second is that the more conscious, analytic, bottom-up approach to L2 learning can have a positive effect on the L1, which was learned using a more subconscious, synthetic, and top-down approach. Their third hypothesis is that because of a so-called common underlying conceptual base, new knowledge and behaviors obtained through the L2 can enhance the real-world knowledge and linguistic skills of learners in their L1 as well as in their L2.
Determination of Cranberry Phenolic Metabolites in Rats by Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry

The glycosides of flavonoid, anthocyanins and A type proanthocyanidins in cranberry concentrate were characterized and quantified using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Cranberry concentrate (1 g/body weight) was orally gavaged to Fischer-344 rats (n = 6), and blood and urine samples were collected over 24 h periods. Quercetin, 3'-O-methylquercetin (isorhamnetin), myricetin, kaempferol, and proanthocyanidin dimer A2, together with thirteen conjugated metabolites of quercetin and methylquercetin and intact peonidin 3-O-galactoside and cyanidin 3-O-galactoside were identified in the rat urine after cranberry treatment. Very low levels of isorhamnetin (0.48 ± 0.09 ng/mL) and proanthocyanidin dimer A2 (0.541 ± 0.10 ng/mL) were found in plasma samples after 1 h of cranberry administration. Although no quercetin was detected in plasma, MRM analysis of the methanolic extract of urinary bladder showed that chronic administration of cranberry concentrate to rats resulted in accumulation of quercetin and isorhamnetin in the bladder. These results demonstrate that cranberry components undergo rapid metabolism and elimination into the urine of rats and are present in the urinary bladder tissue potentially allowing them to inhibit urinary bladder carcinogenesis.
Population genetic structure of N. American and European Phalaris arundinacea L. as inferred from inter-simple sequence repeat markers

Phalaris arundinacea L. (reed canarygrass) has become one of the most aggressive invaders of North American wetlands. P. arundinacea is native to temperate N. America, Europe, and Asia, but repeated introductions of European genotypes to N. America, recent range expansions, and the planting of forage and ornamental cultivars complicate the resolution of its demographic history. Molecular tools can help to unravel the demographic and invasion history of populations of invasive species. In this study, inter-simple sequence repeat markers were used to analyze the population genetic structure of European and N. American populations of reed canary grass as well as forage and ornamental cultivars. We found that P. arundinacea harbors a high amount of genetic diversity with most of the diversity located within, as opposed to among, populations. Cluster analyses suggested that current populations are admixtures of two formerly distinct genetic groups.
Nonstationary fading channel modeling with adaptive variable length Markov chains (VLMC)

A novel adaptive mapping from physical measurements in a non-stationary wireless environment to a variable length Markov chain (VLMC) model is proposed in this research. The proposed scheme consists of two main components: the estimation of channel signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) distribution and discrete VLMC modeling. To obtain the channel SNR distribution, a kernel density stimation algorithm is used to track local hanges of channel statistics resulting from varying mobile environments. With the estimated channel SNR distribution, an iterative partitioning mechanism is performed to construct the VLMC model, which yields a much larger and structurally richer class of models than ordinary higher order Markov chains. Application of this model is presented, which is the computation of fading parameters such as the fading duration and the level crossing rate. The accuracy of the proposed VLMC scheme and the performance of its applications are demonstrated via simulation in a micro-cell non-stationary wireless environment.
A Molecular Orbital Model of Gel-Silica Ir Spectra

The infrared vibrational modes of sol-gel derived optical silica monoliths depend upon thermal treatments and chemical environments, as shown by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). A semi-empirical quantum mechanical theory (PM-3 in MOPAC 6.1) is used to analyze the structural changes responsible for the spectral shifts. Optimized structures of 2-member, 3-, 4-, 5- and 6-member rings of SiO2 are calculated. The force constants for the molecular bonds in the rings are obtained and converted to the associated vibrational spectra for the rings. The peak position of the asymmetric transverse optical (AS1TO) mode of the rings shifts from 1070 cm−1 for 2-member rings to 1100 cm−1 for 3-member rings, 1150 cnr1 for 4-member rings, 1140 cm−1 for 5-member and 1120 cm−1 for 6-member rings. The IR data show a 38 cm”1 shift of the AS1TO mode as the gel-silica density changes from 1.1 g/cc to 2.2 g/cc. Thus, the intensification and shift of the AS1TO mode in the gel-silica to higher wave-numbers corresponds to a change in the distribution to larger silicate size rings.
Protein kinase C modulates the protective ability of peptide growth factors during anoxia.

Abstract Neuronal degeneration following exposure to anoxia and nitric oxide (NO) may be modulated by peptide growth factors and the activity of signal transduction systems. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) are neuroprotective during anoxia and NO toxicity. Signal transduction systems that activate protein kinase C (PKC) can be detrimental to neurons and mediate the toxic effects of anoxia and NO. We therefore examined whether PKC was involved in the protective effects of bFGF and EGF during anoxia. After exposure to anoxia, approximately 20–30% of hippocampal neurons survive. In contrast, chronic down-regulation of PKC activity prior to anoxia increases hippocampal neuronal cell survival to approximately 75%. Yet, this protective effect of inhibition of PKC activity was not present with the application of peptide growth factors during anoxia. Combined inhibition of PKC activity and application of the peptide growth factors bFGF or EGF was detrimental to the hippocampal neurons during anoxia. Neuronal survival during anoxia was 68±2% with bFGF and 79±3% with EGF but decreased to 49±7% (bEGF) and 44±2%(EGF) with PKC down-regulation. Addition of the growth factors with the agent H-7, an inhibitor of PKC activity, also decreased neuronal survival during anoxia. In addition, the protective effects of the growth factors during anoxia were lessened to a greater degree with the activation of PKC, decreasing hippocampal neuronal survival for bFGF to 23±2% and for EGF to 31±3%. These results suggest that the mechanism of protection by the peptide growth factors bFGF and EGF during anoxia appears to require a minimum level of PKC activation but if this level exceeds a threshold, then subsequent PKC activation can lead to neuronal death.
The Effects of Film Thickness, Light Polarization, and Light Intensity on the Light Transmission Characteristics of Thermochromic Liquid Crystals

Thermochromic liquid crystal materials change their crystalline structure and optical properties with temperature, making them useful in temperature measurement applications. This paper presents the results of a study to develop a temperature measurement system that uses light transmission through thermochromic liquid crystals instead of light reflection. We painted Hallcrest R25C10W sprayable liquid crystals on a clear surface and placed it in a spectrophotometer. The amount of light transmitted at monochromatic wavelengths from 400 nm to 700 nm was measured for temperatures from 25°C to 55°C under conditions of nonpolarized, linearly polarized, and cross-polarized light, for three light intensity levels, and three liquid crystal layer thicknesses. As the temperature was increased the amount of light transmitted through the liquid crystal layer increased. When the liquid crystals are in their active range the transmission spectra exhibit an s-curve shape and the percent of light transmitted through the liquid crystals at a fixed temperature increases with increasing wavelength. We detected significant changes in the transmission spectra for temperatures from 27°C to 48°C, whereas when used with reflected light the thermochromic liquid crystals are useful over a significantly smaller range. As the thickness of the thermochromic liquid crystal layer increases or as the incoming light intensity decreases, the amount of light transmitted through the liquid crystals decreases. We also investigated the effects of temperature overheat on the transmission spectra and found that heating the thermochromic liquid crystals above their active range increases the amount of light transmission. However, when the liquid crystals are cooled below their active range they return to their original state. We have analyzed the spectrophotometer data in a number of ways including: (a) total amount of light transmitted, (b) amount of red, green, and blue light transmitted; and (c) spectral curve shape characteristics (peak transmission, inflection wavelength and wavelength for peak transmission) all as a function of temperature. A linear relationship exists between temperature and all of these variables which we believe can be exploited for the development of a charge coupled light camera based light transmission system for temperature measurement.
Simulation of Pregnant Workers Performing a Standing Assembly Task

This paper attempts to answer the question: “In what ways can a pregnancy simulator accurately replicate the pregnant condition during a standing light assembly task?” Thirty non-pregnant women performed a standing assembly task, once while wearing a Pregnancy Simulator and once without it. Additionally, four pregnant women participated without wearing the simulator. Data concerning perception of discomfort and the simulator's ability to mimic the pregnant condition were collected. The key areas of inquiry on the questionnaire were, discomfort during trials, the extent to which various body parts were uncomfortable, and the perceived accuracy of the simulator's ability to model the pregnant condition. Subjects reported four pregnancy symptoms as being accurately modeled by the simulator; breathing difficulties, obstructed movement, general fatigue, and body image. However, the results also indicated that the simulator did not adequately replicate the pregnant condition as it related to overall discomfort.
A review of the anterolateral ligament of the knee: current knowledge regarding its incidence, anatomy, biomechanics, and surgical dissection.

Purpose To systematically review current literature on the anterolateral ligament (ALL) of the knee. Methods We searched the PubMed/Medline database for publications specifically addressing the ALL. We excluded studies not written in English, studies not using human cadavers or subjects, and studies not specifically addressing the ALL. Data extraction related to the incidence, anatomy, morphometry, biomechanics, and histology of the ALL and its relation to the Segond fracture was performed. Results The incidence of the ALL ranged from 83% to 100%, and this range occurs because of small discrepancies in the definition of the ALL's bony insertions. The ALL originates anterior and distal to the femoral attachment of the lateral collateral ligament. It spans the joint in an oblique fashion and inserts between the fibular head and Gerdy tubercle on the tibia. Exact anatomic and morphometric descriptions vary in the literature, and there are discrepancies regarding the ALL's attachment to the capsule and lateral meniscus. The ALL is a contributor to tibial internal rotation stability, and histologically, it exhibits parallel, crimped fibers consistent with a ligamentous microstructure. The footprint of the ALL has been shown to be at the exact location of the Segond fracture. Conclusions The ALL is a distinct ligamentous structure at the anterolateral aspect of the knee, and it is likely involved in tibial internal rotation stability and the Segond fracture. Level of Evidence Level IV, systematic review of anatomic and imaging studies.
A precise extraction of R=σL/σT from a global analysis of the SLAC deep inelastic e-p and e-d scattering cross sections

Abstract We report the extraction of R = σ L / σ T from a global analysis of eight SLAC deep inelastic experiments on e-p and e-d scattering performed between 1970 and 1985. Values of R p , R d , and R d − R p are determined over the entire SLAC kinematic range: 0.1⩽ x ⩽0.9 and 0.6⩽ Q 2 ⩽20.0 (GeV/ c ) 2 . We find that R p = R d . Measured values of R ( x , Q 2 ) are larger than predictions based on perturbative QCD and on QCD with the inclusion of kinematic target mass terms, indicating that dynamical higher twist effects may be important in the SLAC kinematic range.
Physiological effects of Protogonyaulax tamarensis on cardiac activity in bivalve molluscs

Abstract 1. In Spisula solidissima, Mercenaria mercenaria, Artica islandica, and Placopecten magellanicus, there was no effect on cardiac activity after exposure to Protogonyaulax tamarensis (GT429). 2. In Mya arenaria, there was transient cardiac inhibition in 40% of the individuals tested after exposure to GT429. 3. In Ostrea edulis there was long term decrease in heart rate in 22% of the animals after exposure to GT429. 4. In Geukensia demissa, there was transient cardiac inhibition in 10% of the animals, transient excitation in 40%, and long term inhibition in 10% after exposure to GT429. 5. In Mytilus edulis, there was transient inhibition in 25% of the animals, long term inhibition in 21% and long term excitation in 11%, after exposure to GT429. 6. There was no difference in the distribution of responses in between Mytilus that had prior exposure to GT429 and Mytilus that had no prior exposure.
Nanotechnology in Anesthesia and Medicine

� Nanotechnology, the engineering of molecular-level systems using an assortment of interdisciplinary methods, is quickly moving from theory to application, often drawing on nature for ideas and inspiration. � Clinical application, especially in the area of cancer therapeutics, is expected to substantially change the manner in which clinical diagnosis and therapy takes place.
Matter couplings in N = 2 supergravity

Abstract We determine the general coupling of an arbitrary number of massless pin (0, 1 2 ) multiplets to N = 2 supergravity. We find that the matter coupling has a natural description in the language of the supersymmetric non-linear sigma model, where the sigma model is based on a quaternionic manifold. This implies that the matter self-couplings that are allowed in global N = 2 supersymmetry are forbidden in supergravity, and vice versa.
Endothelial Microparticles and Platelet and Leukocyte Activation in Patients With the Metabolic Syndrome

Accumulating evidence has shown a strong association between the metabolic syndrome (MS) and a chronic inflammatory state predisposing to atherosclerosis. We investigated leukocyte, platelet, and endothelial activation markers and cellular interactions in 33 patients with the MS and 25 healthy controls. Using flow cytometry, we measured: (1)P-selectin expression in platelets; (2) platelet microparticles identified by CD31 expression; (3) endothelial microparticles (EMPs) identified by expression of CD31 (EMP(31)), CD62E (EMP(62E)), and CD51 (EMP(51)); (4) conjugates of leukocytes with platelet microparticles/platelets and with EMPs identified by CD54 (EMP(54)); and (5) CD11b expression in leukocytes. Patients with the MS had markedly elevated EMP(31), although EMP(62E) levels were normal, suggesting that EMP(31) levels were increased because of endothelial cell apoptosis, rather than activation. EMP(51), EMP(54)-lymphocyte conjugates, platelet expression of P-selectin, CD11b expression in leukocytes, and platelet-lymphocyte conjugates were also increased in patients with the MS. Platelet-leukocyte conjugates correlated with leukocyte activation, suggesting that platelet binding to leukocytes regulates leukocyte activation in vivo. In conclusion, our data demonstrate endothelial cell microparticle release, platelet and leukocyte activation, and increased binding of EMPs and platelets to leukocytes in patients with the MS.