cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Investigation of the accuracy of organ dose rate histogram estimates obtained from quantitative SPECT images

89 Objectives Taking into account dose-rate and spatial distribution of radiation dose has the potential to improve the accuracy of predicting biological response. However, dose rate estimates are usually based on activity distribution estimates obtained from emission computed tomography (ECT) imaging and are degraded by noise and limited spatial resolution. The goal was to investigate the effect of these degrading factors on the accuracy of dose-rate histograms. Methods We used the realistic 3D NCAT phantom to model patient anatomy and 0-1 hr post injection organ activities based on I-131 Bexxar patient scans. Simulated projection data were generated using previously-validated Monte Carlo (MC) simulation techniques. The projection data had clinically realistic noise levels and modeled acquisition with a HEGP collimator. Images were reconstructed using OS-EM with model-based compensation for attenuation, scatter and the collimator-detector response. Dose-rate volume histograms were generated from SPECT images obtained with 10 and 25 iterations of 24 subsets using the 3D-RD MC dose estimation package. These histograms were compared with ones obtained from the true activity distribution. Results There was significant error in the dose-rate histograms obtained from the SPECT images. The errors observed included both broadening of the histogram and a shift in the mean dose rate. We found that, especially for the liver, the histogram obtained with the smaller number of iterations was closer to the true histogram. These results indicate the need for partial volume compensation and noise regularization. Conclusions Partial volume and noise in ECT images produce errors in dose-rate histograms. The magnitude and nature of the errors depend on factors such as organ size, imaging and reconstruction methods. Development of optimal techniques and methods is important in order to improve the ability of advanced dosimetric techniques to predict biological effects
Spanish for the Pharmacy Professional

By Jeri J. Sias, Pharm.D., Susana V. James, M.F.A., and Christina Cabello C. de Martinez Paso, Ph.D. Published by the American Pharmacists Association, 1100 15th Street, NW, Suite 400, Washington, D.C. 20005-1707, 2009. 214 p. Price $39.95. This book provides essential tools to enable pharmacy
The Rising Problem of Multidrug-Resistant Organisms in Intensive Care Units

Because of antimicrobial overuse and misuse, the issue of multidrug-resistant organisms has been increasingly significant. Multidrug-resistant organism infection is of extreme concern in critical care patients. Infections with these organisms are difficult to treat because of the elevated rate of antimicrobial therapy failure. Such infections are linked to high mortality, poor prognosis, prolonged hospital stays, and increased medical expenses. Nineteen percent of patients with intensive care unit stays of greater than 24 hours acquire infections. Critically ill patients have risk factors that make them susceptible to infections. Critical care nurses must implement infection prevention interventions. Infection control strategies can be categorized as vertical or horizontal. Vertical approaches target a single pathogen; horizontal approaches are nonspecific. Infection control practice compliance is vital to prevent transmission of multidrug-resistant organisms through cross-contamination. This article discusses the severity of multidrug-resistant organism infection, risk factors, and infection prevention strategies in critical care settings.
A phase II trial of pazopanib in relapsed/refractory small cell lung cancer (SCLC).

7099 Background: Despite response to initial therapy, SCLC has high rates of relapse or distant metastasis and limited 2nd-line therapeutic options. Angiogenesis is an essential part of cell invasi...
Precision Medicine in Critical Illness: Sepsis and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Sepsis and the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) each cause substantial morbidity and mortality. In contrast to other lung diseases, the entire course of disease in these syndromes is measured in days to weeks rather than months to years, which raises unique challenges in achieving precision medicine. We review advances in sepsis and ARDS resulting from omics studies, including those involving genome-wide association, gene expression, targeted proteomics, and metabolomics approaches. We focus on promising evidence of biological subtypes in both sepsis and ARDS that consistently display high risk for death. In sepsis, a gene expression signature with dysregulated adaptive immune signaling has evidence for a differential response to systemic steroid therapy, whereas in ARDS, a hyperinflammatory pattern identified in plasma using targeted proteomics responded more favorably to randomized interventions including high positive end-expiratory pressure, volume conservative fluid therapy, and simvastatin therapy. These early examples suggest heterogeneous biology that may be challenging to detect by clinical factors alone and speak to the promise of a precision approach that targets the right treatment at the right time to the right patient.
Emergency department safety assessment and follow-up evaluation 2: An implementation trial to improve suicide prevention

Abstract Background Emergency departments (EDs) are important for preventing suicide. Historically, many patients with suicide risk are not detected during routine clinical care, and those who are often do not receive suicide-specific intervention. The original Emergency Department Safety Assessment and Follow-up Evaluation (ED-SAFE 1) study examined the implementation of universal suicide risk screening and a multi-component ED-initiated suicide prevention intervention. Purpose The ED-SAFE 2 aims to study the impact of using a continuous quality improvement approach (CQI) to improve suicide related care, with a focus on improving universal suicide risk screening in adult ED patients and evaluating implementation of a new brief intervention called the Safety Planning Intervention (SPI) into routine clinical practice. CQI is a quality management process that uses data and collaboration to drive incremental, iterative improvements. The SPI is a personalized approach that focuses on early identification of warning signs and execution of systematic steps to manage suicidal thoughts. ED-SAFE 2 will provide data on the effectiveness of CQI procedures in improving suicide-related care processes, as well as the impact of these improvements on reducing suicide-related outcomes. Methods Using a stepped wedge design, eight EDs collected data cross three study phases: Baseline (retrospective), Implementation (12 months), and Maintenance (12 months). Lean methods, a specific approach to pursuing CQI which focuses on increasing value and eliminating waste, were used to evaluate and improve suicide-related care. Conclusions The results will build upon the success of the ED-SAFE 1 and will have a broad public health impact through promoting better suicide-related care processes and improved suicide prevention.
Ecological study of effects of industrial watershed on Müllerian anomalies in an obstetric population.

Abstract Objective To ascertain the prevalence of Mullerian anomalies within an obstetrical population in relation to official hazardous waste sites designated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in West Virginia. Methods Observational study of obstetric patients in a tertiary care center with uterine ultrasounds from January 2006 to June 2017. An Optimized Hot Spot analysis and Ripley's K- Function was constructed to ascertain if there is an association with environmental exposures. Results The prevalence of Mullerian anomalies in our obstetric study sample was 0.9% (118/13,040). The most common were septate (47; 39.8%) and bicornuate (46; 39.0%). The distribution of Mullerian anomalies was non-random illustrated by Optimized Hot Spot Analysis locating several statistically significant zip codes of Mullerian anomalies in relation to zip codes that include EPA facilities. Conclusion The distribution of Mullerian anomalies was clustered in watershed areas along the Kanawha River in West Virginia that have been designated as EPA FRS Sites and Superfund Sites.
Musculoskeletal ultrasound for traumatic and torsional alterations

The sonographic appearance of soft tissue can be altered by trauma and positional change with torsional stress. This creates challenges for ultrasonographic interpretation, because most descriptive literature and standard instructional references are displayed in anatomically neutral or other conventional positions. Knowledge of anatomic alteration and changes in sonographic appearance with torsional stress is essential for accurately assessing soft tissue abnormalities in conditions of spasticity, traumatic and post-surgical changes, and other conditions that distort musculoskeletal relationships. A systematic scanning approach to these alterations is needed for accurate diagnostic interpretation, optimizing electrode placement for electrodiagnostic techniques, effective needle placement for therapeutic ultrasound-guided procedures, and even planning for restorative surgery. This review describes expected positional changes of normal structures with torsional alteration, as well as sonographic recognition of scars, burns, hematomas, fat layer fracture, Morel-Lavallee lesions, abscesses, foreign bodies, myotendinous lesions, muscle injury and denervation, and traumatic peripheral nerve injury.
On the role of photoreceptor identity in controlling accurate wiring of the Drosophila visual circuit

Abstract During development, neurons extend in search of synaptic partners. Precise control of axon extension velocity can therefore be crucial to ensuring proper circuit formation. How velocity is regulated – particularly by the extending axons themselves – remains poorly understood. Here, we investigate this question in the Drosophila visual system, where photoreceptors make precise connections with a specific set of synaptic partners that together create a circuit underpinning neural superposition (NSP). We used a combination of genetic perturbations and quantitative image analysis to investigate the influence of cell identity on growth cone velocity and subsequent spatial-temporal coincidence of presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons. Our study provides a case study of how cell autonomous properties of presynaptic axons play a pivotal role in controlling the dynamics of growing axons and determining the formation of a precise neuronal circuit.
MgZnO Dual Gate Thin Film Transistor for the Sensitive Determination of Modified Folic Acid

Folate receptor (FR) is a typical tumor-associated antigen that has been widely used as a biomarker for the determination of cancer. A biosensing platform functionalized with folic acid (FA) is essential to FR detection because FA specifically binds FR. We demonstrate an MgZnO dual-gate thin-film transistor (MZO DGTFT) based biosensor for the sensitive determination of FA derivative, hexadecyl alkynated folic acid (HAFA). The receptor is an MZO nanostructure (MZO $_{\mathrm {nano}}$ ) modified sensing pad which electrically connects to the top gate of DGTFT. The bottom gate of DGTFT is used to bias the device to its optimum operation point, enabling high sensitivity. First, 11-azidoundecanoic acid (AA) was bond onto the MZO $_{\mathrm {nano}}$ surface as the linker layer, resulting in negative charges to MZO $_{\mathrm {nano}}$ due to carboxylic acid binding chemistry. HAFA was then immobilized on MZO $_{\mathrm {nano}}$ via click reaction with AA. HAFA is a polar molecule with the positive end adjacent to AA/MZO $_{\mathrm {nano}}$ , and therefore, the electrostatic condition of MZO $_{\mathrm {nano}}$ is impacted again. Such changes were detected by DGTFT that displayed significant drain current variations. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) imaging confirms such successful chemical processes. This MZO DGTFT biosensor with HAFA is promising for potential applications in the detection of FR overexpressed cancer cells.
Ranked Choice Voting and Minority Representation

In this paper, we outline and demonstrate a data-driven methodology that voting rights advocates can use to compare the likely effectiveness of a single transferable vote system (STV) to single-member districts (SMD) for securing minority representation in local government. We incorporate both election data and demographics, and can apply variable assumptions on candidate availability and voter turnout. The core of our STV analysis uses four models of voter ranking behavior that take racial polarization into account; to assess districts, we use random district-generation algorithms developed at the MGGG Redistricting Lab. We demonstrate this method on four case studies: judicial elections in Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana; the county commission of Jones County, North Carolina; and the city councils of Cincinnati, Ohio and Pasadena, Texas. We find that STV provides proportional or slightly better representation for the relevant minority group in each case, while districts vary widely in their effectiveness depending on local circumstances.
Flavour chemicals, synthetic coolants and pulegone in popular mint-flavoured and menthol-flavoured e-cigarettes.

Author(s): Omaiye, Esther E; Luo, Wentai; McWhirter, Kevin J; Pankow, James F; Talbot, Prue | Abstract: BackgroundThe Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently banned flavours from pod-style electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), except for menthol and tobacco. JUUL customers have quickly discovered that flavoured disposable e-cigarettes from other manufacturers, such as Puff, are readily available. Our goal was to compare flavour chemicals, synthetic coolants and pulegone in mint-flavoured/menthol-flavoured e-cigarettes from JUUL and Puff, evaluate the cytotoxicity of the coolants and perform a cancer risk assessment for pulegone, which is present in both JUUL pods and disposable Puff products.MethodsIdentification and quantification of chemicals were performed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Cytotoxicity of the coolants was evaluated with BEAS-2B cells using the MTT 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. The cancer risk of pulegone was calculated using the margin of exposure (MOE).ResultsMenthol was the dominant flavour chemical (g1 mg/mL) in all products from both manufacturers. Minor flavour chemicals (l1 mg/mL) differed in the JUUL and Puff fluids and may produce flavour accents. The concentrations of WS-3 and WS-23 were higher in Puff than in JUUL. WS-23 was cytotoxic in the MTT assay at concentrations 90 times lower than concentrations in Puff fluids. The risk of cancer (MOEl10 000) was greater for mint than for menthol products and greater for Puff than for JUUL.ConclusionsSwitching from flavoured JUUL to Puff e-cigarettes may expose users to increased harm due to the higher levels of WS-23 and pulegone in Puff products. Cancer risk may be reduced in e-cigarettes by using pure menthol rather than mint oils to produce minty-flavoured e-cigarette products.
Fetal Sex Does Not Impact Placental Blood Flow or Placental Amino Acid Transfer in Late Gestation Pregnant Sheep With or Without Placental Insufficiency.

Pregnant sheep have been used to model complications of human pregnancies including placental insufficiency and intrauterine growth restriction. Some of the hallmarks of placental insufficiency are slower uterine and umbilical blood flow rates, impaired placental transport of oxygen and amino acids, and lower fetal arterial concentrations of anabolic growth factors. An impact of fetal sex on these outcomes has not been identified in either human or sheep pregnancies. This is likely because most studies measuring these outcomes have used small numbers of subjects or animals. We undertook a secondary analysis of previously published data generated by our laboratory in late-gestation (gestational age of 133 ± 0 days gestational age) control sheep (n = 29 male fetuses; n = 26 female fetuses; n = 3 sex not recorded) and sheep exposed to elevated ambient temperatures to cause experimental placental insufficiency (n = 23 male fetuses; n = 17 female fetuses; n = 1 sex not recorded). The primary goal was to determine how fetal sex modifies the effect of the experimental insult on outcomes related to placental blood flow, amino acid and oxygen transport, and fetal hormones. Of the 112 outcomes measured, we only found an interaction between fetal sex and experimental insult for the uterine uptake rates of isoleucine, phenylalanine, and arginine. Additionally, most outcomes measured did not show a difference based on fetal sex when adjusting for the impact of placental insufficiency. Exceptions included fetal norepinephrine and cortisol concentrations, which were higher in female compared to male fetuses. For the parameters measured in the current analysis, the impact of fetal sex was not widespread.
Contributions of declarative memory and prior knowledge to incidental L2 vocabulary learning

Abstract The bulk of second language (L2) vocabulary learning happens incidentally through reading (Rott, 2007; Webb, 2008), but individual differences, such as prior knowledge, modulate the efficacy of such incidental learning. One individual difference that is strongly predicted to play a role in L2 vocabulary is declarative memory ability; however, links between these two abilities have not been explored (Hamrick, Lum, & Ullman, 2018). This study considered declarative memory in conjunction with varying degrees of prior knowledge, since declarative memory may serve a compensatory function (Ullman & Pullman, 2015). L2 Spanish learners completed measures of prior Spanish vocabulary knowledge, declarative memory ability, and incidental L2 vocabulary learning. The results suggest that better declarative memory predicts better immediate learning in general and better vocabulary retention two days later, but only for those with more prior knowledge, consistent with the Matthew Effect previously reported in the literature (Stanovich, 1986).
Pulse-field-gel-electrophoresis development for Salmonella species using PaeR7 I enzyme

Pulse field gel electrophoreSIS (PFGE) currently has been preformed on 22 Salmonella spp. isolates using a new method that distinguishes between different spec1es of Salmonella and g1ves reproducible results using Pae R7 1 enzyme. This PFGE data, when using the Pae R7 1 enzyme, was compared to the Xba 1 restriction enzyme that is used by CDC (Center for Disease Control) for Salmonella spp 1solate compansons. PFGE results were analyzed usmg cluster analys1s and results were comparable between Pae R7 1 and Xba 1 enzymes for dist1ngu1shmg differences
Modulation of Endothelial Paracellular Permeability

Inflammatory edema is a significant element of many disease, e.g., adult respiratory distress syndrome, septicemia, and hypoxia/reperfusion syndrome. In vivo studies have sought to identify the mechanism(s) by which inflammatory mediators produce edema. However, this approach has met with limited success since edema often results from a combination of both pressure-induced filtration of plasma proteins, and changes in the permeability properties of the endothelial lining of the vascular wall.1–3
Radiorespirometric Studies of Leucothrix mucor

Catabolic capabilities of Leucothrix mucor were studied by radiorespirometric technique with a liquid scintillation spectrometer. Through measurement of relative rates and total percentages of 14CO2 produced, together with the determination of the cellular incorporation of 14C from different carbon atoms of various labeled substrates, such as simple carbohydrates, intermediary metabolites, and amino acids, the essential characteristics of the primary and secondary pathways operative in this organism were examined. These substrates appeared to be degraded mainly via enzymes of the Entner-Doudoroff pathway in conjunction with the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Estimation of concurrent participation of pathways indicated that 20 to 25% of the administered carbohydrate was catabolized via the pentose phosphate pathway. There was no evidence of the Embden-Meyerhof-Parnas pathway operating in this organism.
Taking Informed Action Through Civic Literacy: One District's Experience

Civic literacy is an essential skill for effective participation in a democracy. Every state requires civics for graduation (Baumann et al, 2014, p. 17); national and state standards include specific reference to civic skills and knowledge. Yet in many districts, there is a gap between community expectations and the enacted civic education curriculum to support civic engagement. This is a preliminary report of an ongoing case study of opportunities for civic engagement in one urban district. Initial findings focus on the nature of K-12 students’ civic engagement, school level curriculum and instructional activities, and support needed to expand civic engagement opportunities.
Frequency of Dietary Recalls, Nutritional Assessment, and Body Composition Assessment in Men With Chronic Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract Objectives To assess different frequencies of dietary recalls while evaluating caloric intake and the percentage of macronutrients in men with spinal cord injury (SCI) and to examine the relations between caloric intake or percentage of macronutrients and assessment of whole and regional body composition using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Design Cross-sectional and longitudinal. Setting Laboratory and hospital. Participants Men with chronic (>1y postinjury) motor complete SCI (N=16). Interventions Participants were asked to turn in a 5-day dietary recall on a weekly basis for 4 weeks. The averages of 5-, 3-, and 1-day dietary recalls for caloric intake and percentage of macronutrients (carbohydrates, fat, protein) were calculated. Body composition was evaluated using whole-body dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. After overnight fast, basal metabolic rate (BMR) was evaluated using indirect calorimetry and total energy expenditure (TEE) was estimated. Main Outcome Measures Caloric intake, percentage of macronutrients, BMR, and body composition. Results Caloric intake and percentage of macronutrients were not different after using 5-, 3-, and 1-day dietary recalls ( P >.05). Caloric intake was significantly lower than TEE ( P P =.037 and P =.022). The percentage of carbohydrates was positively related to the percentage of whole-body lean mass ( r =.54; P =.037) and negatively related to the percentage of fat mass. Conclusions The frequency of dietary recalls does not vary while evaluating caloric intake and macronutrients. Total caloric intake was significantly lower than the measured BMR and TEE. Percentages of dietary fat and carbohydrates are related to changes in body composition after SCI.
Preliminary evaluation of titanium-coated PEEK implants

A series of 40 titanium-coated and uncoated polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cylindrical implants were placed in unicortical sites in femurs of 4 mongrel dogs. The implants were evaluated mechanically and histologically at periods of 4 and 8 weeks. Interface attachment strength was calculated for each specimen, as well as measurements of bone contact, porosity, bone ingrowth, inflammatory response and mode of failure. Statistical analysis revealed the uncoated implants had significantly higher shear strength values at 4 weeks, but no significant difference from the coated implants at 8 weeks. There was no significant increase in bone contact between 4 and 8 weeks for either the coated or uncoated specimens. At both 4 and 8 weeks, the coated specimens had significantly higher percentages of bone contact.
MEASUREMENT OF THE DEPOSIT FORMED BY A PARTICULATE SUSPENSION ON A MEMBRANE

A technique of differential profilometry is reported which allows direct measurement of the deposits formed on a membrane. The technique is described and demonstrated to be capable of resolving deposits of one μm or less. Simultaneous measurements of the flux collected in a segmented manner along the operating membrane allow the calculation of the resistivity of the deposit formed. Microfiltration experiments at different velocities result in thinner deposits at higher velocities and higher fluxes. The deposits initiate downstream of the entrance, build somewhat erratically, then inexplicably diminish near the downstream end of the membrane. The method may lead to optical methods capable of continuous observations during operation.
The Nonverbal Mediation of Self-Fulfilling Prophecies in Interracial Interaction.

Abstract Two experiments were designed to demonstrate the existence of a self-fulfilling prophecy mediated by nonverbal behavior in an interracial interaction. The results of Experiment 1, which employed naive, white job interviewers and trained white and black job applicants, demonstrated that black applicants received (a) less immediacy, (b) higher rates of speech errors, and (c) shorter amounts of interview time. Experiment 2 employed naive, white applicants and trained white interviewers. In this experiment subject-applicants received behaviors that approximated those given either the black or white applicants in Experiment 1. The main results indicated that subjects treated like the blacks of Experiment 1 were judged to perform less adequately and to be more nervous in the interview situation than subjects treated like the whites. The former subjects also reciprocated with less proximate positions and rated the interviewers as being less adequate and friendly. The implications of these findings for black unemployment were discussed.
An Engineering View of and From Steinmetz

Despite his handicaps, Steinmetz not only made the most of his native ability, but at the same time felt warm and active sympathy for his fellow men. His life and achievements are a genuine tribute to the conception and tradition of open-minded sympathy and tolerance of ability and ideas in America, no matter in what form or shape they may come. Upon recommendation of the A.I.E.E. committee on education, full text of the Tenth Steinmetz Memorial Lecture delivered by Doctor Swope under the auspices of the Steinmetz Memorial Foundation before the Institute's Schenectady, N. Y., Section, April 20, 1936, is presented herewith.
Weakly integrally closed domains:minimum polynomials of matrices

Must the coefficients of the minimum polynomial of a matrix over a domain lie in that domain? This question leads to the notion of a weakly integrally closed domain, over which the answer is ’yes’ for 3-by-3 matrices. It is shown that certain subalgebras of k[t] are weakly integrally closed, as are rings consisting of quadratic algebraic numbers.
Preadaptive Role of Thyroid Hormones in Larval and Juvenile Salmon: Growth, the Gut and Evolutionary Considerations

SYNOPSIS. The argument is advanced that a fundamental role of thyroid hormones is to preadapt animals to exploit new habitats by inducing developmental changes in the gut and other structures associated with the acquisition and transport of nutrients. Two early life transitions of migratory salmonids are examined: first, larval development and the transition from dependence on yolk reserves to active feeding; and second, smoltification and adaptation to seawater. These developmental phases are similar in that thyroid hormone levels are elevated for a period immediately preceding changes in the animal's gut and habitat. In turn, another period of elevated thyroid hormone levels accompanies adaptation to the new environment where growth rate accelerates. Salmon that stop growing after entering seawater before smoltification occurs show reduced thyroid function and nutrient transport capabilities. These considerations might provide a point of departure for re-examining the functions of thyroid hormones, if any, in jawless fishes and lower chordates. The metamorphosing lamprey, amphioxus, and tunicates are discussed as excellent model systems in which to test whether thyroid hormones induce important developmentally specific events in the gut and associated structures.
‘*1/2’ a critique of rock criticism in North America

As a particular type of gatekeeper, rock critics play a significant role in shaping the representations of artists for an admittedly small, but influential, population, as well as establishing an artist's place in music history. In Sound Effects, Simon Frith (1983) maintains that rock critics are ‘opinion leaders’ and are the ‘ideological gatekeepers’ of the community for which they write. Additionally, I argue that rock critics function as Gramscian ‘organic intellectuals’ who articulate the ideas held by the population of which they are a part (Gramsci 1971, pp. 5-14). The community that rock critics represent and speak for is made up of an overlapping network that comprises those connected with college radio, record collectors, local music scene participants, musicians and various record company employees, among others. Frith (1996, p. 18) argues in Performing Rites that if ‘social relations are constituted in cultural practice, then our sense of identity and difference is established in the process of discrimination’. By understanding the ways in which evaluations are made within the communities that rock critics are a part of, we can gain a better understanding of the communities themselves. Because there are no sustained scholarly writings that examine rock criticism in North America from a historical, sociological or communicative perspective, it is important to begin examining the profession of the rock critic, as well as the discourse generated by rock criticism.
The development of hypothesis testing

The present study was designed to test the incidence of pattern hypotheses among Ss of CA 6, 11, and 19 years. During acquisition Ss were rewarded for LMR and RML patterns, and for those Ss meeting a given acquisition criterion, an extinction period was introduced. The results supported an earlier hypothesis that pattern responses reflect the formation and testing of certain hypotheses concerning problem solution. Degree of successful task solution was found to be a function of increasing CA.
Empirical evidence for the low- and high-NOx photochemical regimes of sulfate and nitrate formation

Abstract The formation of sulfate and nitrate in eastern North America is chemically linked to the abundance of oxidants and therefore to the emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx). Depending on conditions, NOx reacts under either of two distinct photochemical regimes, defined by the types and levels of radical production. In the low-NOx regime (typical of summer), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is readily consumed during nitric acid formation, leaving an excess of radicals that recombine to form peroxides and a highly oxidizing state favorable to sulfate formation. On the other hand, under high-NOx conditions (as in winter), the oxidizing capacity of the atmosphere is reduced because the NO2 rapidly combines with and thereby depletes hydroxyl radicals, producing nitric acid, but few peroxides. The distinction between these two chemical regimes is crucial for interpreting atmospheric deposition data because it determines whether sulfate or nitrate is the dominant acidifying component. Evidence for these regimes is gained from seasonal observations of sulfate and nitrate in rain samples collected at several sites of the National Atmospheric Deposition Program (NADP). A simple modeling exercise elucidates the processes by which sulfate and nitrate are formed under the high- and low-NOx states.
The Influence of Placement Conditions on the Response of Gravel Packs to Production

Experiments in well bore models illustrate the influence of placement variables on gravel pack response to fluid production. Increasing pressure drop across packed perforations with increasing flow rates for production into the well bore was used as a measure of pack quality. With proper placement, pressure drop to 150 psi followed a smooth curve characteristic of a fixed porous medium. Otherwise, the perforation gravel is pushed back in a series of plug-like movements which show up as discontinuities on the curve and may lead to ''blow-outs.''
Implications of CA3 NMDA and opiate receptors for spatial pattern completion in rats.

Theoretical models of the CA3 suggest that because of its architecture, it mediates spatial pattern completion and working memory processes. The aim of this study was to determine whether with the use of drugs to block neurotransmitter action in CA3 one can separate the operation of these two processes using a visual–spatial pattern completion task for multiple cues. Rats were trained on a cheeseboard apparatus with a black curtain containing four extramaze cues. In the study phase rats removed a black block from one of 15 food wells and then after a 10- or 30-s delay in the test phase they had to return to the food well in the absence of the black block. After reaching criterion performance cannulae were bilaterally implanted into the CA3 of the rats. Rats were then given AP5, naloxone, or phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and following the standard study phase they were given the test phase with 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 cues removed. The mean degree of error in all drugs and all cue conditions was recorded. Overall spatial inaccuracy was recorded in rats under the AP5 30-s delay condition, whereas deficits were contingent upon the number of cues available under all naloxone conditions. Results show that the blockage of glutamate via AP5 inhibited short-term or working memory, whereas the blockage of mu-opioids via naloxone disrupted visual–spatial pattern completion. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Gazing at the Hand: A Foucaultian View of the Teaching of Manipulative Skills to Introductory Chemistry Students in the United States and the Potential for Transforming Laboratory Instruction.

Many studies of chemistry have described the rise of the academic chemical laboratory and laboratory skills in the United States as a result of famous men, important discoveries, and international ...
Defect Clusters in Electron-Irradiated Silicon

Calculations of the formation of disordered regions in silicon due to irradiation by high energy (15-45 MeV) electrons indicate that a sufficient concentration of defect clusters is produced to affect the electrical properties of the material. Isochronal annealing of room temperature radiation-induced degradation in the short-circuit current of silicon solar cells and in the minority carrier lifetime of the p-type base region is studied up to 500°C. The existence of a low temperature (50-200°C) annealing stage is shown to be independent of dopant and oxygen impurity concentration. It is inferred that this stage, which is similar to those observed in fast neutron- and in proton-irradiated silicon, is characteristic of cluster formation.
Parathyroid Hormone Induces Receptor Activity Modifying Protein-3 (RAMP3) Expression Primarily Via 3′,5′-Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate Signaling in Osteoblasts

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) has significant anabolic and catabolic effects on bone. We hypothesize that PTH-induced primary response genes are important determinants of osteoblast function. PTH induces osteoblastic gene expression through PTHR1, a heptahelical receptor that triggers cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)–protein kinase A (PKA), protein kinase C (PKC), and calcium signaling. By using representational difference analysis we found that receptor activity modifying protein-3 (RAMP3) is a PTH-induced primary response gene in osteoblastic cells. RAMP3 is a coactivator that directs calcitonin receptor (CTR) and CTR-like receptor (CRLR) glycosylation, trafficking, and ligand-binding specificity. Our purpose was to characterize PTH-induced RAMP3 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) levels in primary mouse osteoblasts (MOBs) and to determine which signaling pathway mediates this effect. 10 nM PTH maximally induced RAMP3 mRNA levels in MOBs at 4 hours. Protein synthesis inhibition with 3 μg/mL cycloheximide did not affect PTH-induced RAMP3 mRNA levels. Selective activation of cAMP-PKA signaling with, 10 μM forskolin (FSK) and PKC signaling with 1 μM phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) significantly increased RAMP3 mRNA levels, whereas 1 μM ionomycin (a calcium ionophore) had no effect. Pretreatment with 30 μM H89, a PKA inhibitor, significantly blocked PTH- and FSK-induced RAMP3 mRNA levels. Pretreatment with 1 μM PMA, which depletes PKC, had no effect on PTH- and FSK-induced RAMP3 mRNA levels but blocked PMA-induced RAMP3 mRNA levels. 100 nM PTH (3-34), which activates PKC and calcium but not PKA, had no effect on RAMP3 mRNA levels. These findings indicate that RAMP3 is a PTH-induced primary response gene in primary MOBs and that PTH regulates RAMP3 gene expression primarily through the cAMP-PKA pathway.
Statin therapy associated with a reduced risk of chronic renal failure after cardiac transplantation.

Background Chronic renal failure (CRF) after heart transplantation is common, although risk factors for its development and potential preventive interventions are not well established. Methods In this study we retrospectively assessed the cumulative incidence of CRF and identified independent predictors of CRF in heart transplant recipients between August 1986 and January 2003. Results Among the 218 patients included in the analysis, the cumulative incidence of CRF was 4.5% at 5 years, and 19.6% at 10 years after transplant. Multivariate Cox modeling revealed that diabetes mellitus prior to transplant was associated with an increased risk of CRF (hazards ratio [HR] 7.11, p Conclusions CRF is common after cardiac transplantation and is associated with substantial mortality. The reduced risk of CRF observed with statin therapy warrants prospective study, with particular emphasis on the mechanisms of progression to CRF in this population.
Relative Performance of Alkynes in Copper-Catalyzed Azide–Alkyne Cycloaddition

Copper-catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) has found numerous applications in a variety of fields. We report here only modest differences in the reactivity of various classes of terminal alkynes under typical bioconjugative and preparative organic conditions. Propargyl compounds represent an excellent combination of azide reactivity, ease of installation, and cost. Electronically activated propiolamides are slightly more reactive, at the expense of increased propensity for Michael addition. Certain alkynes, including tertiary propargyl carbamates, are not suitable for bioconjugation due to copper-induced fragmentation. A fluorogenic probe based on such reactivity is available in one step from rhodamine 110 and can be useful for optimization of CuAAC conditions.
Tolerability of atorvastatin in a population aged > or =65 years: a retrospective pooled analysis of results from fifty randomized clinical trials

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the safety profile of atorvastatin calcium at 4 doses with that of placebo in elderly patients (age, ≥65 years). Methods: A single pooled database (Pfizer Atorvastatin Clinical Program Database) of 50 published and unpublished completed clinical trials was analyzed retrospectively. Tolerability data from male and female study participants aged ≥65 years at the time of study enrollment were extracted from this database and grouped based on treatment: atorvastatin 10, 20, 40, or 80 mg/d, or placebo. Analyses included comparisons of treatment-related and serious adverse events (AEs) of the musculoskeletal, hepatic, and renal systems. Descriptive statistics were employed. No inferential statistical analyses were performed. Results: A total of 5924 patients were included in the pooled analysis (range of mean age, 71–74 years; white race, 5437 [91.8%]; female sex, 2506 [42.3%]; treatment with atorvastatin 10 mg/d, n = 2042; atorvastatin 20 mg/d, n = 667; atorvastatin 40 mg/d, n = 522; atorvastatin 80 mg/d, n = 1698; and placebo, n = 995). The overall AE profiles appeared similar with all atorvastatin doses and placebo. The proportions of patients experiencing at least 1 treatment-related AE were 16.1%, 10.2%, 11.3%, 15.0%, and 15.3% in the atorvastatin 10−, 20−, 40−, and 80-mg/d, and placebo groups, respectively. The rates of discontinuation due to treatment-associated AEs appeared comparable between all doses of atorvastatin and placebo (2.1% vs 1.7%). Serious AEs were rare (≤1.0%) and seldom led to withdrawal. The prevalence of treatment-associated myalgia was low in all treatment groups (≤1.8%). None of the patients experienced persistent creatine kinase elevations >10-fold the upper limit of normal (× ULN), and no cases of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis were reported. The rates of patients with persistent elevation >3 × ULN) of hepatic aminotransferases were 0.1%, 0%, 0.2%, 0.5%, and 0.2% in the atorvastatin 10−, 20−, 40−, and 80-mg/d, and placebo groups, respectively. Although the prevalences of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) elevations appeared slightly higher in the 80-mg/d group (3.2% vs ≤0.9% in all other groups), specific musculoskeletal and hepatic AEs were rare (≤3.0%). Conclusions: This pooled analysis of 50 published and unpublished studies in elderly patients found that the overall prevalences of AEs did not appear to increase with dose and appeared comparable to that observed with placebo. Although the prevalences of ALT/AST elevations appeared slightly higher in the 80-mg/d group (3.2% vs ≤0.9% in all other groups), specific musculoskeletal and hepatic AEs were rare (≤3.0%). The rates of discontinuation appeared comparable between all 4 doses of atorvastatin and placebo. The results of this analysis support the favorable safety profile of atorvastatin across the full dose range in patients aged ≥65 years.
Cardiac lymph: monitor of myocardial membrane and vascular alterations.

Abstract Cardiac lymph is a unique fluid which reflects components as they appear in the interstitial spaces of the myocardium. These components result from intravascular or intracellular flux to the interstitial space. The movement of ions and certain larger components is the result of normal flux, but, certain distinct changes in myocardial membrane systems significantly increases the rate of flux during altered physiological states such as ischemia. In addition, some unique enzymes, such as phosphorylase, appear in the cardiac lymph after ischemia. This review will present a synopsis of known elements appearing in cardiac lymph during control states as well as during experimental manipulations of the heart. Additionally, the likely events leading to reversible-state membrane alterations in short-term ischemia will be examined in view of the contribution to cardiac lymph components.
Application of capillary electrophoresis and related techniques to drug metabolism studies

The use of capillary electrophoresis (CE) for the separation of small organic molecules such as pharmaceutical agents and drug/xenobiotic metabolites has become increasingly popular. This has arisen, at least in part, from the complimentary mode of separation afforded by CE when compared to the more mature technique of HPLC. Other qualities of CE include relative ease of method of development, rapid analysis, and low solvent consumption. The recent introduction of a variety of detector systems (including UV diode array, laser-induced fluorescence, conductivity) and the demonstrated coupling of CE to MS have also aided acceptance of this technology. In the present report, we review the role of CE coupled to various detector systems including a mass spectrometer for the characterization of both in vitro and in vivo derived drug metabolite mixtures. Attributes of CE for this application are demonstrated by discussion of metabolism studies of the neuroleptic agent haloperidol. Various aspects of the development and use of CE and CE-MS for the characterization of haloperidol metabolites, including criteria for selection of parameters such as pH, ionic strength, extent of organic modification, and the use of nonaqueous capillary zone electrophoresis are discussed. We also consider potential limitations of CE and CE-MS for drug metabolism research and describe the introduction of membrane preconcentration-CE (mPC-CE) and mPC-CE-MS as a solution that overcomes the rather poor concentration limits of detection of CE methods without compromising the resolution of analytes or separation efficiency of this technique.
Covariate-defined latent space random effects model

Abstract Latent factor models are a useful and intuitive class of models; one limitation is their inability to predict links in a dynamic network. We propose a latent space random effects model with a covariate-defined social space, where the social space is a linear combination of the covariates as estimated by an MCMC algorithm. The model allows for the prediction of links in a network; it also provides an interpretable framework to explain why people connect. We fit the model using the Adolescent Health Network dataset and three simulated networks to illustrate its effectiveness in recognizing patterns in the data.
Longitudinal parity-violating asymmetry in hadronic decays of weak bosons in polarized proton collisions.

We investigate the possible measurement of parity-violating spin asymmetries in jet pair production in proton-proton collisions at the Brookhaven Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC), with the goal to constrain longitudinally polarized quark and antiquark distribution functions. A measurable asymmetry could be observed in the vicinity of the massive weak W boson resonance, where the parity-violating signal appears above the parity-conserving background and is enhanced by interference of the strong and electroweak production amplitudes. We discuss the potential for such measurements, perhaps the first opportunity to measure a parity-violating asymmetry in proton-proton collisions at RHIC. Sensitivity of this measurement to the polarization of down-type antiquarks is demonstrated.
NMR response of porous media by random walk algorithm: A parallel implementation

NMR well logging is a popular tool in the petroleum industry to estimate porosity, specific surface area, and permeability of porous media. In this study, a random walk algorithm is used to simulate the NMR response of porous, water-saturated media, which, in turn, probes the relation between microstructure and transport. The serial implementation of the random walk algorithm is computationally very intensive for large porous samples. A parallel random walk code is developed using Message Passing Interface (MPI) in Fortran. Various domain decomposition techniques are implemented. The walker distribution across processors without domain decomposition gives the best speedup. The domain decomposition with overlapped layers requires smaller processor memory. Increasing the overlap between adjacent domains lowers the interprocessor communication and leads to improved speedup. For the given parameters, an overlap of two layers was found to be optimal. Domain decomposition along the z direction was found to be m...
Partner-specific condom use among adolescent women clients of a family planning clinic

Because inconsistent condom use could put adolescent women at an increased risk for sexually transmitted diseases, it is important to understand when and with whom they use condoms. This study examined partner-specific condom use over time among adolescent women. The data were from a clinic-based, prospective study of 308 adolescent women who had at least one sex partner during a 6-month follow-up. Their condom use was examined with three types of partners: exclusive, nonexclusive primary, and nonexclusive secondary. Predictors of consistent condom use (using condoms 100% of the time with a specific partner) were explored in a multiple logistic regression analysis. Consistent condom use was more likely to occur in shorter relationships (less than 3 months) and with partners who preferred condoms for contraception. It was no more likely to occur with nonexclusive partners than with exclusive partners, and it was somewhat less likely to occur among consistent oral contraceptive users. These findings emphasize the importance of educating adolescent women to introduce and maintain condom use with all partners.