cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a structured individualised protocol as a potential cost-effective diagnostic and therapeutic approach to chronic diarrhoea in the dog.

Diagnostic investigation and management of chronic diarrhoea in dogs can be cost-prohibitive to many owners. The objectives of this study were to evaluate evidence-based, individualised diagnostic and therapeutic protocols for management of dogs with chronic diarrhoea, where financial constraints dictate a budget-limited approach and where more expensive approaches are deferred until simple affordable protocols are unsuccessful. Twenty-two client-owned dogs with chronic (minimum 2 weeks duration) untreated small, large or mixed small/large bowel diarrhoea were enrolled in a budget-limited step-wise management protocol (maximum expenditure $300 over 6 weeks), with diagnostic testing and therapeutic trials managed in an individualised and evidence-based fashion. Success was defined as complete resolution of diarrhoea for a minimum of 1 month. Dogs that failed to respond to a budget-limited protocol were then enrolled for complete, referral-level management. Four dogs exited the project early (one death due to caval syndrome, three lost to follow-up). Thirteen out of the remaining 18 dogs had complete resolution of diarrhoea utilising a budget-limited approach (success rate 72.2%, confidence intervals 46.5-90.3%) and five dogs were moved on to a referral-level investigation, with complete resolution of diarrhoea in four out of five. Seventeen out of the 18 dogs therefore responded to a protocol based on a budget-limited approach followed by extensive investigation only if needed, for an overall success rate of 94.4% (CI 72.7-99.9%). Comprehensive investigation of chronic diarrhoea can be deferred while simple affordable diagnostics and therapeutic trials are conducted in stable canine patients and, often, an extensive management approach will be unnecessary.
What is causing our over consumption of sugar and how can we reverse this trend

As a nation, England is consuming too much sugar. A new government report has recommended that we halve our sugar intake
SYNTHETIC STUDIES TOWARD THE TOTAL SYNTHESIS OF SWINHOLIDE. 1. STEREOSELECTIVE CONSTRUCTION OF THE C19-C35 SUBUNIT

The development of an approach directed at the total synthesis of the complex cytotoxic marine macrodiolide swinholide is described. The present study focuses on the development of a synthetic route for the preparation of the C19−C35 segment of the structure, which is composed of a trisubstituted pyran moiety with a contrathermodynamic anti arrangement of the C2 and C6 pyran substituents (swinholide C27 and C31) which is joined by an ethano linker to an acyclic array containing five contiguous stereocenters. The pyran subunit was constructed using a stereoselective allylation of a β-alkoxy aldehyde with 1,3-asymmetric induction and a second stereoselective allylation to prepare the C-glycosidic type of linkage. Use of the Hafner−Duthaler reagent was investigated as a potential means of constructing the anti vicinal hydroxyl−methyl relationships found in the C19−C24 segment but was found not to be practical in this instance. The Evans bis propionate methodology was used to introduce a four-carbon unit, and...
Multi-layered Grid Admittance Matrix Estimation for Electric Power Systems with Partial Measurements

In this paper we propose a multi-layered method for estimating the grid admittance matrix with a limited number of measurement devices. Via the proposed multi-layered process with certain practical assumptions, we are capable of estimating the grid admittance matrix with high accuracy. In addition, the low computational complexity of the proposed method enables its online implementation, especially for large-scale power systems requiring a huge amount of measurement data. Effectiveness and robustness of the algorithm are illustrated on synthetically created electric power systems.
The Kaiparowits Puebloans: Kayentan or Virgin Branch Migrants?

More than 50 years ago archaeologists identified a high-density of small Puebloan habitations on the Kaiparowits Plateau in southern Utah. Analysis of pottery from these habitations by James Gunner...
Young Adult Sexual Behavior in South Africa: How Important is Parental Social Support?

Risky sexual behavior exposes young adults to poor reproductive health outcomes. Parental social support is associated with reduced incidence of risky sexual behavior, but this association has not been adequately investigated in South Africa. We used data from Waves 1 and 3 of the Cape Area Panel Study (a longitudinal study of adolescents and young adults aged 14-22 years and living in the Cape Town metropolitan area) to investigate the associations between parental social support and young adult risky sexual behavior in South Africa. We conducted multivariable logistic regression analyses to assess whether lack of specific categories of parental social supports at wave 1 (baseline) are associated with higher risky sexual behaviors by young adults at wave 3 (follow-up). We found that young adults who never ate meals with their mothers and those who never discussed personal matters with their fathers had increased risks of multiple sexual partnerships. Also, young adults who never got pocket money or money for gifts from their mothers had increased risk to engage in unprotected sex during their first sexual encounter. Our findings suggest that eating family meals, discussing personal matters with youth, and providing them with pocket money, may protect young adults in South Africa from risky sexual behavior. (Afr J Reprod Health 2020; 24[1]: 35-52).
Evaluation of intercellular communication between breast cancer cells and adipose-derived stem cells via passive diffusion in a two-layer microfluidic device

Breast cancer tumorigenesis and response to therapy is regulated by cancer cell interactions with the tumor microenvironment (TME). Breast cancer signaling to the surrounding TME results in a heterogeneous and diverse tumor microenvironment, which includes the production of cancer-associated fibroblasts, macrophages, adipocytes, and stem cells. The secretory profile of these cancer-associated cell types results in elevated chemokines and growth factors that promote cell survival and proliferation within the tumor. Current co-culture approaches mostly rely on transwell chambers to study intercellular signaling between adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) and cancer cells; however, these methods are limited to endpoint measurements and lack dynamic control. In this study, a 4-channel, "flow-free" microfluidic device was developed to co-culture triple-negative MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells and ASCs to study intercellular communication between two distinct cell types found in the TME. The device consists of two layers: a top PDMS layer with four imprinted channels coupled with a bottom agarose slab enclosed in a Plexiglas chamber. For dynamic co-culture, the device geometry contained two centered, flow-free channels, which were supplied with media from two outer flow channels via orthogonal diffusion through the agarose. Continuous fresh media was provided to the cell culture channel via passive diffusion without creating any shearing effect on the cells. The device geometry also allowed for the passive diffusion of cytokines and growth factors between the two cell types cultured in parallel channels to initiate cell-to-cell crosstalk. The device was used to show that MDA-MB-231 cells co-cultured with ASCs exhibited enhanced growth, a more aggressive morphology, and polarization toward the ASCs. The MDA-MB-231 cells were found to exhibit a greater degree of resistance to the drug paclitaxel when co-cultured with ASCs when compared to single culture studies. This microfluidic device is an ideal platform to study intercellular communication for many types of cells during co-culture experiments and allows for new investigations into stromal cell-mediated drug resistance in the tumor microenvironment.
Antihypertensive agent utilization patterns among patients with uncontrolled hypertension in the United States

Hypertension affects approximately one-third of the US adults. This study investigated antihypertensive utilization patterns among hypertensive patients who were prescribed treatment, yet still experienced uncontrolled hypertension. Data from the Decision Resources Group Real World Evidence Data Repository US database (2015-2016) were used to construct a cohort of uncontrolled hypertension patients to observe antihypertensive utilization patterns. Results for 5059 patients, with an average age of 57.8 (SD = 13.7), who had, on average 2.4 agents prescribed. Approximately half (51.9%) were female, and most were White (86.8%). More than one-third (N = 1877; 37.1%) of patients were diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (DM) or chronic kidney disease (CKD) that could independently contribute to increased cardiovascular complications. Overall, the most common treatments prescribed, as percent of agents and as percent of patients, respectively, were diuretics (24.9%; 59.6%), followed by angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) (23.8%; 56.9%), beta-blockers (BBs) (18.7%; 44.8%), calcium channel blockers (CCBs) (15.4%; 36.8%), and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) (13.5%; 32.3%). Approximately one-tenth (10.5%) of the prescriptions were written for fixed-dose combination therapies. Among patients diagnosed with DM and CKD (N = 200), the order of the most common agents was the same as the overall cohort. Only 5.6% of prescriptions written for these patients were fixed-dose combination therapy. Based on clinical guidelines, which suggest using ACEIs, ARBs, or CCBs as first-line therapy, and fixed-dose combination therapy to increase adherence, this indicates over-prescribing of BBs and under-prescribing of fixed-dose combination therapy. These findings illustrate the need to further investigate challenges faced by patients and providers in treatment decision-making.
A Review of the Effectiveness of Gamification in Education

This review examines the effectiveness of implementing gamification in education and identifies the factors influencing the effectiveness by systematically reviewing empirical studies in the field. We found that the use of gamification in education usually promotes behavioral, cognitive, and emotional engagement, but the effect may wear off over time. There are mixed findings regarding the impact of gamification in learning outcomes. This review contributes to an enhanced understanding of the impact of using gamification in education.
Legal Status, Worries About Deportation, and Depression Among Asian Immigrants.

Although legal status and worries of deportation have been identified as key factors in immigrant health inequities for Latinx immigrants, how they impact health of Asian immigrants is largely unknown. Using 2016 Collaborative Multiracial Post-Election Survey, we used sets of logistic regressions to examine the relationships among legal statuses, worries about deportation, and depression for Asian immigrants (n = 1371). Asian immigrants who are in the process of applying for citizenship, those with visas, and those who are ineligible to apply for citizenship were significantly more likely to be depressed compared with naturalized citizens. The significant associations between legal status and depression were mediated by worries about deportation. Legal status and worries of deportation are important determinants of health for Asian immigrants. The results point to a critical need for systematic investment in data collection for data disaggregation.
Small sample properties of the GMM specification test based on the Hansen–Jagannathan distance

Abstract Following Hansen and Jagannathan (J. Finance 52 (1997) 557), Jagannathan and Wang (J. Finance 51 (1996) 3) propose a distance measure that estimates the maximum pricing error generated by a linear asset model. Jagannathan and Wang propose a test of this HJ-distance using an empirical p-value as an alternative generalized method of moments (GMM) measure to Hansen's (Econometrica 50 (1982) 1029) GMM specification test. Using Monte Carlo analysis, we examine the finite sample properties of these specification tests. While the Hansen test mildly overrejects correct models in commonly used sample size, the empirical p-value of the HJ-distance rejects correct models too severely in such samples to provide a valid test of such models.
Systematic assessment of DFT methods for geometry optimization of mononuclear platinum-containing complexes

Platinum is used extensively as a catalyst for a wide variety of chemical reactions, though its scarcity and price present limitations to expansions of its use. To understand the origin of platinum's versatility—with the goals of both improving the efficiency of existing catalysts and mimicking its reactivity with more abundant metals—the mechanisms of platinum-catalyzed chemical reactions must be understood via structural and spectroscopic characterization of these catalysts under operando conditions. Such data, typically consisting of complex mixtures of species, often prove challenging to interpret, inviting the aid of chemical theory. DFT calculations in particular have proven successful at predicting structural and spectroscopic parameters of transition metal species, though a thorough investigation of how these methods perform for platinum-based complexes has yet to be undertaken. Herein, we evaluated the performance of geometry optimization for five commonly used functionals (BP86, PBE, B3LYP, PBE0, and TPSSh) in combination with various ligand basis sets, relativistic approximations, and solvation and dispersion models. We applied these DFT methods to a training set of 14 platinum-containing complexes with varying sizes, oxidation states, and number and type of ligands and determined that the best-performing method was the PBE0 functional together with the def2-TZVP basis set for the ligand atoms, the ZORA relativistic approximation, and solvation and dispersion corrections. The ability of this DFT methodology to accurately predict metrical parameters was confirmed using two case studies, most notably by comparing the DFT optimized geometry of a previously uncharacterized complex to newly collected EXAFS data, which showed excellent agreement.
Preparing future teachers for Virtual Schooling: Assessing their preconceptions and competence

This dissertation presents three research articles in the area of preparing preservice teachers for Virtual Schooling (VS). The context of the dissertation is embedded in a Teacher Education Goes Into Virtual Schooling (TEGIVS) project under the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE), U.S. Department of Education. The first article presented TEGIVS curricula and its preliminary evaluation, the second article discussed the study on preservice teachers’ perspectives and preconceptions about VS, and the third article described the development, validation, and implementation of a rubric to assess the preservice teachers' competence as VS facilitators. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected from preservice teachers and three practitioners in the area of VS. The main findings of the articles indicate that preservice teachers are ready to learn about VS, but hold preconceptions about VS. The most commonly stated preconception was technology is becomes teacher’s surrogate in VS. The TEGIVS curriculum was found helpful in preparing preservice teachers see the complexity of teaching and learning online. Lastly, the competence assessment instrument developed and implemented to assess preservice teachers’ competence to facilitate in VS was found to be reliable and valid. Thus, this dissertation provides evidence for the need to integrate VS into teacher education, and further suggests that teacher education should identify and correct preservice teachers’ preconceptions about VS. The competence assessment instrument that included a scenario and rubric was developed as part of this dissertation and has not been implemented outside the TEGIVS project. Teacher education programs can also use this very first competence assessment instrument to assess VS facilitator competence of preservice teachers in the three aspects of technology, mentoring, and collaboration.
Wrestling with 9/11: Immigrant Perceptions and Perceptions of Immigrants

Soon after 9/11 a research project to study new immigration into the Dallas Fort Worth metropolitan area got under way. In the questionnaire that was administered to 600 immigrants across five different immigrant populations (Asian Indians, Vietnamese, Mexicans, Salvadorans, and Nigerians) between 2003 and 2005 we decided to include a question about the impact of 9/11 on their lives. We asked: “How has the attack on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001 affected your position as an immigrant in the United States?” This article analyzes the responses to this question, looking at similarities and differences across different immigrant populations. It also addresses the broader issue of how 9/11 has affected both immigration policy and attitudes toward the foreign-born in the United States.
Human T-cell leukemia virus types I and II exhibit different DNase I protection patterns

Human T-cell leukemia virus types I (HTLV-I) and II (HTLV-II) are human retroviruses which normally infect T-lymphoid cells. HTLV-I infection is associated with adult T-cell leukemia-lymphoma, and HTLV-II is associated with an indolent form of hairy-cell leukemia. To identify potential transcriptional regulatory elements of these two related human retroviruses, the authors performed DNase I footprinting of both the HTLV-I and HTLV-II long terminal repeats (LTRs) by using extracts prepared from uninfected T cells, HTLV-I and HTLV-II transformed T cells, and HeLa cells. Five regions of the HTLV-I LTR and three regions of the HTLV-II LTR showed protection by DNase I footprinting. All three of the 21-base-pair repeats previously shown to be important in HTLV transcriptional regulation were protected in the HTLV-I LTR, whereas only one of these repeats was protected in the HTLV-II LTR. Several regions exhibited altered protection in extracts prepared from lymphoid cells as compared with HeLa cells, but there were minimal differences in the protection patterns between HTLV-infected and uninfected lymphoid extracts. A number of HTLV-I and HTLV-II LTR fragments which contained regions showing protection in DNase I footprinting were able to function as inducible enhancer elements in transient CAT gene expression assays in the presence ofmore » the HTLV-II tat protein. The alterations in the pattern of the cellular proteins which bind to the HTLV-I and HTLV-II LTRs may in part be responsible for differences in the transcriptional regulation of these two related viruses.« less
Three‐stage evolution of lower crustal gneiss domes at Breaksea Entrance, Fiordland, New Zealand

[1] New structural analyses reveal the presence of several kilometer-scale gneiss domes and many subdomes within an exhumed section of Cretaceous lower crust in SW Fiordland. The domes are defined by complex, nearly concentric trajectories of foliations and steep high-strain zones in migmatitic, granulite, and eclogite facies orthogneiss. Structural patterns combined with evidence of deformation that was synchronous with partial melting and high-grade metamorphism, steep mineral lineation orientations, sense of shear indicators, and near-isothermal decompression suggest that buoyancy-driven diapiric flow of hot, partially molten crust aided initial dome formation. Mafic-intermediate magmatism appears to have enhanced this process. Superimposed on all high-grade structures are upper amphibolite facies shear zones that record a change in the style and conditions of lower crustal flow. Lineation orientations, sense of shear, evidence of cooling with decompression, and other patterns suggest that the retrograde shear zones record bulk horizontal flow and crustal thinning driven by regional tectonic forces. A preferred sequence begins with the initial emplacement of mafic-intermediate magma into the lower crust at depths up to 70 km (D1). Diapirism and initial dome formation occurred during a period of waning arc magmatism and episodic partial melting and high-grade metamorphism (D2). Following melt crystallization, dominantly horizontal flow of a cooler, strain-hardened lower crust occurred during Late Cretaceous continental extension (D3). This example highlights the interplay between mechanisms of horizontal and vertical flow at the root of a continental arc and illustrates their roles in the formation of gneiss domes.
School Violence reduction : A model Jamaican Secondary School program

Violence in United States' schools is epidemic. Solutions are rare. Community mental health centers are now being challenged to become part of the solution. The Montego Bay Secondary School project presents an example of how violence reduction can be achieved using almost no physical resources and the special effect, called the "Bruno Effect", created by one Jamaican police officer with the consultation of a psychodynamically-led training and intervention team. The "Bruno Effect" resulted in a dramatic reduction in the number of physical attacks from an observed 5 fights per day (3 out of the 5 involved knives and cutting) to 1 per week. The violence rate returned immediately to its former level as soon as "Bruno" left the school. The dramatic violence reduction appears related to establishing an adult protective shield. Results stem from the unique personality of the adult protector, as well as a combination of the special role of the police and the outside intervention team. Language: en
Jehovah's Witnesses and artificial blood

In an article published in the June 15, 2000, issue of The Watchtower , the official journal of Jehovah's Witnesses, this Christian faith repeated its long-standing religious belief that the Biblical command to "abstain ... from blood" (Acts 15:20) rules out accepting blood transfusions.[1][1] It
On the Social Consequences of Literacy

What are the consequences of literacy? I would like to know the answer. And I believe Composition Studies is an ideal disciplinary space from which to approach it. Some of us may make use of ethnographic methodologies, but we are not shackled to anthropological debates. Our unit of analysis is not culture, at least not centrally, but writing —how it happens, what it means, where it circulates, how it accomplishes its goals, whom it advances, whom it leaves behind, what it is worth and why. These processes entail the social, but do not require us to pin it down and watch it wriggle. Our attention can be more centrally trained on literacy. There are consequences to literacy—large ones and, my own fieldwork suggests, often troubling ones. Can we explore them without dividing the world into oral and literate, without having to take on debates that are not of our moment, and without sacrificing the crucial insights of New Literacy Studies? Are there new answers to old questions?
Cations Affect [3H]Mazindol and [3H]WIN 35,428 Binding to the Human Dopamine Transporter in a Similar Fashion

The present study addresses the possibility that there are different cocaine-related and mazindol-related binding domains on the dopamine transporter (DAT) that show differential sensitivity to cations. The effects of Zn2+, Mg2+, Hg2+, Li+, K+, and Na+ were assessed on the binding of [3H]mazindol and [3H]WIN 35,428 to the human (h) DAT expressed in C6 glioma cells under identical conditions for intact cell and membrane assays. The latter were performed at both 0 and 21 degrees C. Zn2+ (30-100 microM) stimulated binding of both radioligands to membranes, with a relatively smaller effect for [3H]mazindol; Mg2+ (0.1-100 microM) had no effect; Hg2+ at approximately 3 microM stimulated binding to membranes, with a relatively smaller effect for [3H]mazindol than [3H]WIN 35,428 at 0 degrees C, and at 30-100 microM inhibited both intact cell and membrane binding; Li+ and K+ substitution (30-100 mM) inhibited binding to membranes more severely than to intact cells; and Na+ substitution was strongly stimulatory. With only a few exceptions, the patterns of ion effects were remarkably similar for both radioligands at both 0 and 21 degrees C, suggesting the involvement of common binding domains on the hDAT impacted similarly by cations. Therefore, if there are different binding domains for WIN 35,428 and mazindol, these are not affected differentially by the cations studied in the present experiments, except for the stimulatory effect of Zn2+ at 0 and 21 degrees C and Hg2+ at 0 degrees C.
Circulating economic geographies: citation patterns and citation behaviour in economic geography, 1982?2006

The paper presents a citation analysis of articles published in economic geography (broadly defined) in the period since the 1980s, with a supplementary analysis of significant books in the field. The overwhelmingly Anglocentric character of ‘international’ economic geography is reaffirmed, as both journal publishing and the citation ‘market’ are dominated by authors from the UK, US and Canada. There is some evidence, however, that the field is beginning to internationalize, just as there are also indications that the reach of economic geography, qua‘exporter’, is extending into other parts of the social sciences.
When, Where, Why and with Whom Homeless Women Engage in Risky Sexual Behaviors: A Framework for Understanding Complex and Varied Decision-Making Processes

Impoverished women worldwide are at high risk for contracting HIV/AIDS. This study explores how homeless women make risky sex decisions and the role that alcohol and drugs play in this process. We analyze 56 in-depth qualitative descriptions of recent sexual episodes among 28 women living in shelters in Los Angeles, California, USA. The sample (age 18–63) was 46% African American, 21% Hispanic/Latina, and 21% White. Findings suggest that: (1) homeless women engage in multiple types of relationships and sexual behaviors; (2) emotion and attachment play critical roles in women’s risky sex choices; and (3) the role of alcohol and drugs on such choices varies across relationship commitment. Understanding the complexity of sexual decision-making among this population has implications for developing successful risk reduction interventions.
Mainstreaming Fair Trade Coffee: From Partnership to Traceability

Summary This article analyzes the recent growth of Fair Trade and the mainstreaming of this previously alternative arena. Focusing on coffee, I identify a continuum of buyers ranging from “mission-driven” enterprises that uphold alternative ideas and practices based on social, ecological, and place-based commitments, to “quality-driven” firms that selectively foster Fair Trade conventions to ensure reliable supplies of excellent coffee, to “market-driven” corporations that largely pursue commercial/industrial conventions rooted in price competition and product regulation. Using a commodity network approach, my analysis illuminates the impacts of diverse buyer relations on producer groups and how relations are in some cases shifting from partnership to traceability.
A Long-range Selection and Timing Analysis System for Facility Location: Theory

This paper describes the development of a mixed-integer mathematical programming model designed to provide strategic decisions for the selection of a set of proposed facilities to serve distinct geographic regions and, of those selected, their projected timing within a short-time implementation horizon, so that the ratio of net return to total assets is maximized over the entire economic life of the facilities considered.
Flushing a finite volume of dense fluid from a square street canyon by a turbulent overflow

Abstract Experimental results are presented for the shear-driven flushing of a dense fluid from a square street canyon. The flow is both qualitatively and quantitatively influenced by the density of the fluid in the canyon, which is parameterized in terms of the flow Richardson number. A total of 26 experiments were conducted for Richardson numbers ranging from 0.08 to 4.5. For low Richardson numbers the canyon remains well mixed during the flushing process and the density difference decays exponentially (as observed in previous studies flushing a neutrally buoyant tracer). As the Richardson number increases the canyon becomes more stably stratified and the decay rate reduces. For very high Richardson numbers, a two-layer stratification is observed. Over time, for the two-layer case, the lower dense layer gets thinner, indicating that dense fluid is being skimmed from the top of the layer, and less dense, indicating that ambient fluid is being mixed down into the dense layer. Previous studies only observed flushing by skimming. The layer buoyancy decreases linearly over time until the shear layer reaches the bottom of the canyon at which point the rate of layer buoyancy reduction dramatically increases. Results also indicate that the density interface is thinner than the shear layer that is driving the mixing, and that the difference in thicknesses increases with an increasing Richardson number. This result is consistent with previous studies of mixing in stratified shear flows. The initial exponential decay rate was calculated for each experiment and is given by k = 1 / ( 18 + 84 R i ) 1.21 . Following the initial period of exponential decay, the decay rate increases as the stratification weakens.
Systematic synthesis of prostaglandin I2 following sustained infusion of angiotensin II in conscious dogs

Acute infusion of pharmacological doses of angiotensin II stimulates the release of prostaglandin I2 (PGI2), which may modulate the vasoconstrictor response. It is uncertain whether sustained small increases in the plasma concentration of angiotensin II has the same effect. To investigate this further, low doses of angiotensin II were infused into conscious sodium replete dogs for 3 h. PGI2 synthesis was assessed by measurement of a major metabolite of PGI2, 2,3-dinor-6-keto PGF1α, in urine and plasma, using gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Angiotensin II infusion (15 ng/min per kg body weight) resulted in a 3-fold increase in plasma angiotensin II (50.8 ± 5.4 to 149 ± 11.2 pg/ml, P < 0.01). Mean blood pressure increased (84.8 ± 4.3 to 108 ± 4.7 mm Hg, P < 0.02) and renal blood flow decreased (201 ± 46 to 127 ± 13 ml/min, P < 0.01) throughout the infusion. However there was no change in either the plasma concentration (11.3 ± 2.5 to 9.1 ± 1.0 pg/ml) or rate of urinary excretion of dinor-6-keto PGF1α (1.75 ± 0.28 to 1.85 ± 0.41 ng/30 min) during the angiotensin II infusion. The results suggest that small sustained elevations of the plasma concentration of angiotensin II such as are likely to occur in conscious animals, do not persistently stimulate release of PGI2 in the systemic circulation.
SU-E-T-269: The Evaluation of Copper as an Alternative for Cerrobend Electron Shielding.

Purpose: To evaluate the replacement of Cerrobend by copper for electron beam cutouts. Methods: The dosimetric comparisons for circular copper‐and Cerrobend‐cutouts with diameters (1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0, and 12.5 cm) were made using electron beams with energies (6, 9, 12, 16, and 20 MeV) from 3 Varian accelerators. A PTW Farmer chamber (0.125cc‐volume) was used for larger cutouts (diameters > 2cm), and an electron‐diode for the 2 smallest cutouts. Also a Markus parallel plate chamber was used. Results: (1) The tests showed little difference for the electron dosimetric characteristics, Eo, Eop, R50, Rp, and dmax. For larger cutout, the parameters were virtually the same for copper and Cerrobend. for smaller cutout (diameter = 3cm), small discrepancies were observed i.e. differences < 1mm for R50, Rp and dmax, =0.1MeV for Eop, and =0.3MeV for Eo. (2) The larger‐cutout outputs at dmax were also virtually the same (difference = 0.6%). For smaller cutouts (diameters = 3cm), the copper outputs were 2.0%∼5.0% higher than Cerrobend. (3) For lower energy electrons (<12MeV), more larger‐angle scattered electrons from higher‐Z Cerrobend raise the Cerrobend percentage‐depth‐dose (PDD) curve at shallow‐depths, and more forward scatter dose after dmax from lower‐Z copper shifts the copper PDD slightly away from the one of Cerrobend. for higher energy electrons (= 12MeV), the shallow‐dose difference becomes smaller for both cutouts, but even more forward‐scattered dose from copper shifts copper's PDD further away from Cerrobend's. (4) The higher X‐ray transmission through copper is also observable; i.e. 12%, 10%, and 7% for 20MeV, 16MeV, and 12MeV, respectively, but such small transmitted amount is clinically insignificant. Conclusions: Except for a higher x‐ray transmission, other dosimetric differences brought in by the replacement of Cerrobend by copper cutout are negligible.
Calcium-mediated enhancement of the cyclic AMP response in cultured bone cells.

We have examined the influence of extracellular Ca2+ on cyclic AMP metabolism in an osteoblast-enriched population of bone cells isolated from the calvaria of rat fetuses. The cyclic AMP1 response to stimulators of cyclic AMP formation (PTH and PGE2), but not basal cyclic AMP levels, increased progressively as the extracellular Ca2+ concentration was raised from 0.2 to 4.0 mM. The response to changes in extracellular Ca2+ were rapid (within 3.5 min), and the level of responsivity that characterized each Ca2+ concentration persisted for at least 6 h when the Ca2+ concentration was kept constant. The effect of Ca2+ spanned the entire time course of PTH action, was not accompanied by altered excretion of cyclic AMP from the cells, and was evident at low as well as at high hormone concentrations. Ca2+ augmented the action of PTH in the presence as well as in the absence of cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase inhibitors, and failed to decrease cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase activity in the short term. Mn2+ and, to a smaller degree, Ba2+ substituted for Ca2+ in promoting the cyclic AMP response to PTH. Verapamil, an inhibitor of Ca2+ penetration, blunted the Ca2+-mediated increments in the cyclic AMP response, and the divalent cation ionophore A23187 enhanced these increments. These results indicate that Ca2+ and other cations are positive effectors of the stimulated cyclic AMP response in isolated bone cells. Accumulation into an as yet unknown cellular compartment may be required for the cation effect. The data are most consistent with enhancement of adenylate cyclase reactivity as the mode of cation action.
Reciprocal Dialogue Between Educational Decision Makers and Students of Color Opportunities and Obstacles

Purpose: This article explores the possibilities for reciprocal dialogue between educational decision makers and Students of Color. Such dialogue—defined as interactions in which participants build on each other’s words—may provide the means to develop creative ways to address manifestations of systemic racism in education. The article uses the concept of Third Space to investigate how educational decision makers responded to a group of high school Students of Color advocating for change. Research Method: The data for the article come from two studies investigating the influence of the students in the group, who were engaged in youth participatory action research. The analysis focuses on interviews conducted with decision makers who attended the group’s presentations. Findings: The analysis revealed that many educational decision makers responded to the group’s presentations in ways that limited the potential for future reciprocal dialogue with students. These decision makers’ responses most often focused on aspects of the students’ performance at presentations. In contrast, the responses that promoted reciprocal dialogue, which were rare,
Calsequestrin isoforms localize to different ER subcompartments: Evidence for polymer and heteropolymer-dependent localization

Skeletal muscle calsequestrin (skelCSQ) and cardiac calsequestrin (cardCSQ) are resident proteins of the ER/SR, but mechanisms by which CSQ is retained inside membrane lumens remain speculative. A structural model that predicts linear CSQ polymers has been developed that might explain CSQ concentration and localization inside junctional SR lumens, however little evidence exists for polymer formation in intact cells or for its effects on subcellular localization. We previously showed that cardCSQ is efficiently retained within the ER, but its retention is lost under conditions expected to disrupt its polymerization. In the present study, we found unexpectedly that skelCSQ shows no co-localization with cardCSQ in COS cells or in rat neonatal heart cells, but instead concentrates in a membrane compartment (ERGIC) that is just distal to that of cardCSQ. Consistent with this difference in immunofluorescent localization, the structures of CSQ ((316)Asn-linked) glycans showed two types of pre-Golgi processing. Despite the difference in subcellular distribution of individual wild-type forms of CSQ, however, pairs of different CSQ molecules (for example, different isoforms or different fluorescent fusion proteins) consistently co-localized, suggesting that separate forms of CSQ polymerize in different parts of the same secretory pathway, while different CSQ pairs localize together through heteropolymerization.
Computer Control of the Los Alamos Linear Accelerator

A data acquisition and control system for the 800-MeV proton linear accelerator for the Los Alamos Meson Physics Facility has been designed on the premise that an on-line digital computer affords the best means of maintaining operator control over the machine. The presence in the control system of a computer acting as a large programmable switching device allows the active area of the accelerator control console to be concentrated into just two panels. All information regarding the status of the accelerator, together with the capability for adjusting any control channel in the facility, is provided on these two panels. The central feature of the console is a digital CRT for alphanumeric displays. With this versatile device and the other hardware on the console, the operator will be able to execute such varied and sophisticated tasks as steering the beam down the accelerator, making phase space plots of the beam, and performing parametric studies of the effect of any control channel all on-line. The concepts embodied in the LAMPF computer control system are being tested and evaluated in a series of experiments referred to as the Mockup Program. The status of these experiments and the associated hardware are described.
Lung cancer chemoprevention.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. The persisting grim lung cancer incidence and mortality figures argue powerfully for new approaches such as chemoprevention for controlling this disease. Retinoids are among the most intensively studied cancer chemoprevention agents, including in the lung. Several randomized clinical or translational chemoprevention trials (e.g., of retinoids, beta-carotene, or combined folic acid and vitamin B(12)) have been conducted in lung pre-malignancy. Retinoid studies have produced important data on molecular/cellular markers of lung carcinogenesis, e.g., loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at 3p and 9p and retinoic acid receptor-beta (RAR-beta). Two large randomized trials with a lung cancer endpoint, the Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene (ATBC) Prevention Study and the Beta-Carotene and Retinol Efficacy Trial (CARET), found that beta-carotene (+/- retinol) was harmful (in smokers). Recently completed lung-second-primary-tumor-prevention trials include the retinoids retinyl palmitate and 13-cis-retinoic acid (13cRA) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC). Vitamin E and selenium show promise for lung cancer prevention, based on positive secondary/subset analyses of three large-scale, randomized National Cancer Institute (NCI) cancer prevention trials. Future directions of lung cancer chemoprevention include the study of molecular markers of risk and drug activity, molecular targeting study, improved imaging techniques (e.g., molecular imaging) and new drug delivery systems.
PROPERTIES OF A SOLUBLE NUCLEOSIDE TRIPHOSPHATASE ACTIVITY IN MAMMALIAN LIVER.

Abstract A nonspecific nucleoside triphosphatase has been isolated from the 100,000 g supernatant of rat liver homogenates. Its activity is increased by Mg ++ or Mn ++ , EDTA, and sulfhydryl-containing compounds. Some of its properties and a partial purification procedure are presented.
Improved computational efficiency in derivation of capacity regions in network information theory

Derivation and description of capacity, or achievable rate regions in network information theory often involves auxiliary random variables. Unless the cardinalities of these random variables are bounded, the capacity region remains uncomputable, that is, there does not exist an algorithm that can compute the capacity region with a prescribed degree of accuracy. Reducing the cardinalities of these auxiliary random variables results in a major reduction in the amount of computation required to derive the capacity regions. In this paper we present improved upper bounds on the cardinality of the auxiliary random variables encountered in network information theory. Using these new bounds results in a reduction in the dimensionality of the space over which the optimization is performed and therefore considerably decreases the amount of computation required to describe the capacity region within a given accuracy.
Evaluation of phagocytosis and arachidonate metabolism by alveolar macrophages and recruited neutrophils from F344xBN rats of different ages

The incidence of infectious respiratory diseases increases with aging. Resident alveolar macrophages (AMs) and recruited leukocytes (PMNL) mediate cellular defense against bacterial infections in the lung, and phagocytosis and lipid mediator synthesis are important components of their antimicrobial capacity. The objective of this study was to determine if either phagocytic capacity or lipid mediator generation declines with normal aging, in either AMs or PMNL recruited to a site of inflammation. The F344xBN rat hybrid has a lower incidence of pathologies associated with aging, particularly up to 20 months; animals aged 6,12 and 18 months were chosen to evaluate changes associated with normal aging. As previously reported for peripheral blood leukocytes, phagocytosis by recruited PMNL declined with aging: recruited PMNL from 18 months rats showed a significantly decreased capacity to phagocytose live Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteria, compared to PMNL from 6 months rats. Surprisingly, however, the phagocytic capacity of AMs increased with aging: the phagocytic index of AMs from 18 months rats was more than three times that of AMs from 6 months rats. The capacity of AMs and recruited PMNL to release arachidonic acid or synthesize leukotrienes or prostaglandins did not change with aging. This study demonstrates that, although phagocytosis by recruited PMNL declines with aging, other aspects of immune function do not decline, and may actually increase, with normal aging. These results suggest that impaired phagocytosis by recruited PMNL may be an important component of the increased susceptibility to infectious respiratory diseases during normal aging.
In-Situ Stress Measurements During Dry Oxidation of Silicon

In this study, we present results of both in-situ and ex-situ measurements of stress generated during dry oxidation of silicon. We show that the mechanical stress in as-grown dry oxides is a strong function of oxidation temperature and oxide thickness, but a weak function of oxygen partial pressure. We have identified a structural relaxation phenomenon after the oxide is formed, and found that the viscosity of the oxide increases with its age; consequently, the stress relaxation slows down due to this increase of viscosity. In this paper, we present a one-dimensional mechanical model to simulate the stress generation and relaxation during dry oxidation of silicon. The simulations of both in-situ and ex-situ tests are in good agreement with the experimental measurements.
Electromagnetic THz Radiation Modeling by DPSM

THz or T-ray imaging and spectroscopy are becoming increasingly popular nondestructive evaluation techniques for damage detection and characterization of materials. In order to understand the interaction between the T-ray electromagnetic waves and dielectric media a reliable model of electromagnetic wave propagation through dielectric materials must be developed. A recently developed semi-analytical method called the distributed point source method (DPSM) is extended to model electromagnetic wave propagation in THz range. Since T-ray signals generated by emitters or sources are close to Gaussian beams, the DPSM modeling is carried out for Gaussian beams generated by finite sized emitters. The DPSM generated results are compared with the analytical and experimental results. T-ray propagation in layered structures in absence of any anomaly and the interaction between the Gaussian beam and the spherical scatterer are also investigated.
Outcomes-Driven Clinical Management and Supervisory Practices with Youth with Severe Emotional Disturbance

Data-informed and outcomes-oriented administrative practices are critical for achieving positive consumer results. This article describes a model for program managers and clinical supervisors that utilized a proactive, strengths-based approach, which was supported by a “real-time” outcome management system. Key factors critical to implementing and sustaining data-driven practices are presented.
2.97-GHz CVD diamond ring resonator with Q >40,000

A capacitive-gap transduced micromechanical ring resonator based on a radial contour vibration mode and constructed from hot filament CVD boron-doped microcrystalline diamond has achieved a Q of 42,900 at 2.9685GHz that represents the highest series-resonant Q yet measured at this frequency for any on-chip room temperature resonator, as well as the highest f·Q of 1.27×1014 for acoustic resonators, besting even macroscopic bulk-mode devices. Values like these in a device occupying only 870μm2 may soon make possible on-chip realizations of RF channelizers and ultra-low phase-noise GHz oscillators for secure communications.
Spike wave location and density disturb sleep slow waves in patients with CSWS (continuous spike waves during sleep).

Summary Objective In CSWS (continuous spike waves during sleep) activation of spike waves during slow wave sleep has been causally linked to neuropsychological deficits, but the pathophysiologic mechanisms are still unknown. In healthy subjects, the overnight decrease of the slope of slow waves in NREM (non–rapid eye movement) sleep has been linked to brain recovery to regain optimal cognitive performance. Here, we investigated whether the electrophysiologic hallmark of CSWS, the spike waves during sleep, is related to an alteration in the overnight decrease of the slope, and if this alteration is linked to location and density of spike waves. Methods In a retrospective study, the slope of slow waves (0.5–2 Hz) in the first hour and last hour of sleep (19 electroencephalography [EEG] electrodes) of 14 patients with CSWS (3.1–13.5 years) was calculated. The spike wave “focus” was determined as the location of highest spike amplitude and the density of spike waves as spike wave index (SWI). Results There was no overnight change of the slope of slow waves in the “focus.” Instead, in “nonfocal” regions, the slope decreased significantly. This difference in the overnight course resulted in a steeper slope in the “focus” compared to “nonfocal” electrodes during the last hour of sleep. Spike wave density was correlated with the impairment of the overnight slope decrease: The higher the SWI, the more hampered the slope decrease. Significance Location and density of spike waves are related to an alteration of the physiologic overnight decrease of the slow wave slope. This overnight decrease of the slope was shown to be closely related to the recovery function of sleep. Such recovery is necessary for optimal cognitive performance during wakefulness. Therefore we propose the impairment of this process by spike waves as a potential mechanism leading to neuropsychological deficits in CSWS. A PowerPoint slide summarizing this article is available for download in the Supporting Information section here.