cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Peroral endoscopic myotomy: An emerging minimally invasive procedure for achalasia

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is an emerging minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of achalasia. Due to the improvements in endoscopic technology and techniques, this procedure allows for submucosal tunneling to safely endoscopically create a myotomy across the hypertensive lower esophageal sphincter. In the hands of skilled operators and experienced centers, the most common complications of this procedure are related to insufflation and accumulation of gas in the chest and abdominal cavities with relatively low risks of devastating complications such as perforation or delayed bleeding. Several centers worldwide have demonstrated the feasibility of this procedure in not only early achalasia but also other indications such as redo myotomy, sigmoid esophagus and spastic esophagus. Short-term outcomes have showed great clinical efficacy comparable to laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM). Concerns related to postoperative gastroesophageal reflux remain, however several groups have demonstrated comparable clinical and objective measures of reflux to LHM. Although long-term outcomes are necessary to better understand durability of the procedure, POEM appears to be a promising new procedure.
The effect of multiple thin-film coatings of protein loaded sol-gel on total multi-electrode array thickness

Tetramethyl orthosilicate shows promise as a thin-film delivery vehicle for multi-electrode arrays for drug release and electrical performance; however, its effect upon device footprint has yet to be assessed. Using a previously established silicon wafer chip model, the thickness of one, two, and four protein doped coatings of sol-gel were analyzed via profilometry. Coating thickness was found to be 0.4μm, 1.1μm and 2.2μm on each side of the device. This addition to a native MEA is minimal when compared to other drug delivery paradigms currently associated with neural implants.
Acute salicylate poisoning: risk factors for severe outcome.

AbstractContext: Salicylate poisoning remains a significant public health threat with more than 20,000 exposures reported annually in the United States.Objective: We aimed to establish early predictors of severe in-hospital outcomes in Emergency Department patients presenting with acute salicylate poisoning.Methods: This was a secondary data analysis of adult salicylate overdoses from a prospective cohort study of acute drug overdoses at two urban university teaching hospitals from 2009 to 2013. Patients were included based on confirmed salicylate ingestion and enrolled consecutively. Demographics, clinical parameters, treatment and disposition were collected from the medical record. Severe outcome was defined as a composite occurrence of acidemia (pH <7.3 or bicarbonate <16 mEq/L), hemodialysis, and/or death.Results: Out of 1997 overdoses screened, 48 patients met inclusion/exclusion criteria. Patient characteristics were 43.8% male, median age 32 (range 18–87), mean initial salicylate concentration 28.1...
Practice Patterns for Cholecystectomy After Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography for Patients With Choledocholithiasis

Background & Aims Cholecystectomy (CCY) after an episode of choledocholithiasis requiring endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with stone extraction reduces recurrent biliary events compared to expectant management. We studied practice patterns for performance of CCY after ERCP for choledocholithiasis using data from 3 large states and evaluated the effects of delaying CCY. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the ambulatory surgery, inpatient, and emergency department databases from the states of California (years 2009−2011), New York (2011−2013), and Florida (2012−2014). We collected data from 4516 patients hospitalized with choledocholithiasis who underwent ERCP. We compared outcomes of patients who underwent CCY at index admission (early CCY), elective CCY within 60 days of discharge (delayed CCY), or did not undergo CCY (no CCY), calculating rate of recurrent biliary events (defined as an emergency department visit or unplanned hospitalization due to symptomatic cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, choledocholithiasis, cholangitis, or biliary pancreatitis), mortality, and cost by CCY cohort. We also evaluated risk factors for not undergoing CCY. The primary outcome measure was the rate of recurrent biliary events in the 365 days after discharge from index admission. Results Of the patients who underwent ERCP for choledocholithiasis, 41.2% underwent early CCY, 10.9% underwent delayed CCY, and 48.0% underwent no CCY. Early CCY reduced relative risk of recurrent biliary events within 60 days by 92%, compared with delayed or no CCY ( P P P Conclusions In a retrospective analysis of >4500 patients hospitalized with choledocholithiasis, we found that CCY was not performed after ERCP for almost half of the cases. Although early and delayed CCY equally reduce the risk of subsequent recurrent biliary events, patients are at 10-fold higher risk of recurrent biliary event while waiting for a delayed CCY compared with patients who underwent early CCY. Delayed CCY is a cost-effective strategy that must be balanced against the risk of loss to follow-up, particularly among patients who are ethnic minorities or have little or no health insurance.
NMDA receptor blockade specifically impedes the acquisition of incentive salience attribution

Glutamatergic signaling plays an important role in learning and memory. Using Pavlovian conditioned approach procedures, the mechanisms that drive stimulus-reward learning and memory have been investigated. However, there are instances where reward-predictive stimuli can function beyond being solely predictive and can be attributed with "motivational value" or incentive salience. Using a Pavlovian conditioned approach procedure consisting of two different but equally predictive stimuli (lever vs. tone) we investigated the role NMDA receptor function has in the attribution of incentive salience. The results revealed that the administration of MK-801, an NMDA receptor antagonist, during acquisition of Pavlovian conditioned approach promoted goal-tracking to a lever stimulus, while control animals learned to sign-track. Moreover, within the same animals, the use of a tone stimulus elicited goal-tracking responses that were unaffected by MK-801 pretreatments. Furthermore, a lever CS that elicited sign-tracking served as a more robust conditioned reinforcer than a tone CS that elicited goal-tracking or a lever CS that elicited goal-tracking via MK-801 pretreatments. Collectively, these results demonstrate that NMDA receptor antagonism can alter the stimulus-reward relationship learned and prevent the attribution of incentive salience, rather than impede general learning.
Classroom Investigations of Recent Research Concerning the Hot Hand Phenomenon

Many players and fans of basketball believe in the “hot hand” phenomenon, yet for years there has been little statistical evidence that such a phenomenon exists (hence the “hot hand fallacy”). Howe...
Green synthesis of gold, silver, platinum, and palladium nanoparticles reduced and stabilized by sodium rhodizonate and their catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol and methyl orange

Sodium rhodizonate was used as a bifunctional reducing as well as stabilizing agent for the single step synthesis of gold (Au), silver (Ag), platinum (Pt), and palladium (Pd) nanoparticles (NPs) in water. Transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed that Pt, Au, Ag, and PdNPs have average core diameters of about 2, 8, 26, and 39 nm, respectively. The ability of these nanoparticles towards the catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) with sodium borohydride (NaBH4) and the dual-catalytic oxidation of formic acid followed by the reduction of methyl orange (MO) was studied. The apparent rate constants (kapp) of the catalytic reduction of 4-NP in the presence of Ag, Au, Pt, and PdNPs were calculated to be 2.1482, 1.1167, 1.088 × 10−1, and 1.65 × 10−2 min−1, respectively. However, for the dual-catalytic oxidation of formic acid followed by the reduction of MO, the kapp values were calculated to be 4.145, 1.25 × 10−2, 6.7 × 10−3, and 9.0 × 10−5 for the Pt, Pd, Au, and AgNPs, respectively.
Effect of Hot Isostatic Pressing and Powder Feedstock on Porosity, Microstructure, and Mechanical Properties of Selective Laser Melted AlSi10Mg

AlSi10Mg tensile bars were additively manufactured using the powder-bed selective laser melting process. Samples were subjected to stress relief annealing and hot isostatic pressing. Tensile samples built using fresh, stored, and reused powder feedstock were characterized for microstructure, porosity, and mechanical properties. Fresh powder exhibited the best mechanical properties and lowest porosity while stored and reused powder exhibited inferior mechanical properties and higher porosity. The microstructure of stress relieved samples was fine and exhibited (001) texture in the z-build direction. Microstructure for hot isostatic pressed samples was coarsened with fainter (001) texture. To investigate surface and interior defects, scanning electron microscopy, optical fractography, and laser scanning microscopy techniques were employed. Hot isostatic pressing eliminated internal pores and reduced the size of surface porosity associated with the selective laser melting process. Hot isostatic pressing tended to increase ductility at the expense of decreasing strength. However, scatter in ductility of hot isostatic pressed parts suggests that the presence of unclosed surface porosity facilitated fracture with crack propagation inward from the surface of the part.
Prevalence of Shiga Toxin–Producing Escherichia coli in Ground Beef and Cattle Feces from King County, Washington

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coil (STEC) is increasingly recognized as a common cause of diarrhea. STEC infection is a major public health threat because of its ability to cause serious and potentially life-threatening illnesses. The main reservoirs of STEC are believed to be the intestinal tracts of animals. Several studies have investigated the prevalence of STEC in various food items. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of STEC in the Seattle ground beef supply. In addition, the relative amount of STEC contamination between stores was compared, and possible differences between types of ground beef based on fat content (9, 16, and 23%) were investigated. A survey of Stx-I and/or Stx-II genes in fecal samples from cattle at a local slaughterhouse was also conducted. Of 296 ground beef samples tested from area retail grocery stores, 16.8% were positive for the presence of the toxin genes. Our data showed that there was no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) in the prevalence of STEC between the ground beef samples of different fat contents and between grocery store chains. Of the 103 cattle fecal samples tested, 19 (18.4%) were found positive for the presence of Stx-I and/or Stx-II genes. The presence of a rather high percentage of STEC in the food supply in the absence of large number of cases suggests that not all STEC lineages are pathogenic for humans.
Type 1 Diabetes Risk

Type 1 diabetes (T1D), usually diagnosed in childhood, is a lifelong chronic disease requiring daily insulin injections for survival. Also called childhood or juvenile diabetes, T1D is one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood, affecting approximately 1 in every 523 US children (SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Study Group, 2006), and is increasing worldwide (DIAMOND Project Group, 2006). It is more common in non-Hispanic white children and least common among Asian, Pacific Island, and American Indian children. It can be diagnosed at any age but occurs most often during elementary school or early teen years (Rewers et al., 2008). T1D is an autoimmune disease in which the pancreatic beta cells responsible for insulin production are destroyed. Without insulin, the body cannot store glucose derived from food or drink. The patient loses weight despite eating sufficient calories and glucose in the blood accumulates resulting in high blood glucose levels or hyperglycemia. If untreated, the patient will begin to starve and break down body fat in response. This leads to a buildup of ketones in the blood which can lead to coma and death (Kaufman, 2008).
Health of Transgender Adults in the U.S., 2014-2016.

Introduction Transgender people experience significant interpersonal and structural discrimination and stigma. However, little is known about the health of transgender people, and even less about the health of specific groups—including male-to-female, female-to-male, and gender-nonconforming transgender populations—despite the variation in social and biological characteristics across groups. Methods Data are from the 2014–2016 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, analyzed in 2017. The study population included 2,221 transgender and 523,080 cisgender respondents from 31 states and one territory. The authors estimated the prevalence and adjusted odds of chronic health conditions, health-related quality of life, disabilities, health behaviors, and health utilization among three transgender groups, when compared separately with cisgender males and cisgender females. Results An estimated 0.24% (95% CI=0.21, 0.27) identified as male-to-female; 0.14% (95% CI=0.12, 0.17) identified as female-to-male; and 0.10% (95% CI=0.08, 0.12) identified as gender-nonconforming. All transgender groups experience worse mental health and disabilities; few differences in healthcare access and utilization were observed. Gender-nonconforming people had higher odds of multiple chronic conditions, poor quality of life, and disabilities than both cisgender males and females. Female-to-male people had a higher odds of no exercise and cardiovascular disease compared with cisgender females. Conclusions Given the high burden of disabilities; poor mental health; and multiple chronic conditions among transgender (particularly gender-nonconforming) populations, supportive services and care coordination may be consequential levers for improving transgender health.
Exodus 2.0: crowdsourcing geographical and social trails of mass migration

The exodus of displaced populations is a recurring historical phenomenon, and the ongoing Syrian humanitarian crisis is its latest incarnation. During such mass migration events, information is an essential commodity. Of particular importance is geographical (e.g., pathways and refugee camps) and social (e.g., refugee activities and networking) information. Traditionally, such information had been produced and disseminated by authorities, but a new paradigm is emerging: Web 2.0 and mobile computing technologies enable the involved stakeholder communities to produce, access, and consume migration-related information. The purpose of this article is to put forward a new typology for understanding the factors around migration and to examine the potential of crowd-generated data—especially open data and volunteered geographic information—to study such events. Using the recent wave of migration to Europe from the Middle East and northern Africa as a case study, we examine how migration-related information can be dynamically mined and analyzed to study the migrants’ pathways from their home countries to their destination sites, as well as the conditions and activities that evolve during the migration process. These new data sources can provide a deeper and more fine-grained understanding of the migration process, often in real-time, and often through the eyes of the communities affected by it. Nevertheless, this also raises significant methodological and technical challenges for their future use associated with potential biases, data quality issues, and data processing.
Development and validation of an LC-MS/MS assay for the quantification of dolutegravir extracted from human hair

Measurement of drug concentrations in hair provides a non-invasive approach to assess drug adherence. Here, we report on the development and validation of a method for the quantification of the antiretroviral dolutegravir (DTG) extracted from human hair. DTG is extracted from hair samples by sonication and incubation in 50:50 methanol:acetonitrile with 2% formic acid overnight at 40 °C. Following extraction, samples are analyzed by reverse-phase chromatography on a Waters Atlantis T3 (50 × 2.1 mm, 3-μm particle size) column with subsequent detection by electrospray ionization in positive ion mode on an AB Sciex API-5000 triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. The stable, isotopically labeled 13C,d5-DTG is used as an internal standard in the assay. The calibration range is 5–10,000 pg DTG/mL of extraction solvent with the ability to extract between 1 and 10 mg of hair/mL of extraction solvent. The assay was linear, accurate (inter-assay %bias within ± 6.5%), and precise (inter-assay %CV ≤ 10.3%). The assay was successfully used to analyze clinical samples from subjects on DTG regimens. Analysis of clinical samples suggested the potential presence of a degradation product, which was subsequently confirmed to occur with exposure to sunlight. The degradation of DTG could complicate absolute interpretation of clinical results, but the presence of this degradation product is easily evaluated with this assay to aid in data interpretation.
Compliance gaps and the failed promises of religious freedoms

Previous research has established the striking disconnect between states’ constitutional promises of religious freedoms and their actual practices for supporting such freedoms. Yet, past research h...
Neighborhood competition mediates crown development of Picea sitchensis in Olympic rainforests: Implications for restoration management

Abstract Large trees are critically important for structuring ecosystems and providing habitat, and trees with complex crowns provide more of these services than comparably sized trees with simple crowns. Forest managers are increasingly emulating old-growth structure by retaining various densities of aggregated and dispersed trees. This study explores how individual within-crown complexity develops in a wide range of tree densities and interprets them in terms of management goals. Stratified LiDAR data were used to select 36 Picea sitchensis trees 55 to 91 m tall and from the complete range of tree densities in Olympic rainforests. These were climbed, three-dimensionally mapped—including the trunk and every appendage—to quantify tree allometry and habitat-related structures within their crowns. Sampled trees were then aged with crossdated increment cores to construct a chronosequence of crown development. The sample ranged from 70 to 250 cm diameter and 100 to 400 years old. Circular 30 m radius plots were installed around each tree to quantify neighborhood density. An additional 19 trees ranging from 10 to 94 m tall were added to the sample (N = 55) to describe baseline crown development and then compared to the 36-tree sample in which we modeled how this baseline is altered by neighborhood competition. After ∼200 yr, crown mass increases faster than trunk mass due to accumulation and growth of large appendages. The largest neighbors within 25 m compete with Picea, reducing trunk and appendage diameters as well as crown volume by roughly 20% for each 25% increase in density for a given tree age. Reduced growth and higher mortality of lower-crown appendages in dense forests delays development of large (>15 cm diameter) appendages for over 100 yr. Abundance of structures associated with reiterated trunks is unrelated to neighborhood density but increases with crown damage. These findings contribute to an empirically-based conceptual framework for crown development in Picea and interpretation of management guidelines. Picea is then compared to Pseudotsuga menziesii—another well-studied tall conifer of Olympic rainforests. Picea accumulates ecologically important crown structures much faster than Pseudotsuga yet has roughly half the longevity, indicating that these co-occurring species have complementary functions. Because of its shade tolerance and extremely rapid growth in rainforests, Picea can be used to accelerate development of complex crown structures in forests typically planted with Pseudotsuga after logging.
Cefazolin versus fluoroquinolones for the treatment of community-acquired urinary tract infections in hospitalized patients.

Literature for the treatment of hospitalized patients with community-acquired urinary tract infections (UTI) is limited. Previous outpatient studies do not support the use of oral beta-lactams compared with oral fluoroquinolones (FQ) due to poor clinical cure rates. However, recent studies evaluating intravenous (IV) beta-lactams in more complicated cases demonstrate promising cure rates. In addition, the use of more narrow-spectrum beta-lactams may be preferable when possible, due to a lower incidence of “collateral damage” compared with FQ. This was a retrospective, non-inferiority, single-center, cohort study evaluating the effectiveness of IV cefazolin compared with FQ for the treatment of community-acquired UTI in an inpatient setting. The primary endpoint was clinical failure, defined as the presence of one or more signs or symptoms of UTI that required a change in antibiotics, re-initiation of antibiotics for UTI treatment during the hospital stay, and re-hospitalization with a UTI diagnosis within 30 days after discharge. The secondary endpoints were a microbiological cure, hospital length of stay, inpatient antibiotic duration of treatment, emergence of resistance, and Clostridium difficile infection within 30 days of the end of antibiotic therapy. Overall, 73 patients were treated with either cefazolin (n = 43) or FQ (n = 30) between April 2015 to January 2016. The clinical failure rates were 2% and 7% in the cefazolin and FQ groups, respectively (p = 0.56). Additionally, there were no significant differences between the secondary endpoints. Treatment with cefazolin, a more narrow-spectrum agent with a potential for less “collateral damage,” was non-inferior to FQ for community-acquired UTI in an inpatient setting.
THE PLACE OF WOMEN IN THE ADVANCEMENT OF A NATION

This study examines the effort of two African writers, Manama Ba and Chimamanda Adichie in projecting a new image and identity for the women in their novels So Long A Letter and Purple Hibiscus respectively. These writers capture various challenges of the African Women. Currently, most African female writers are addressing themselves seriously to the task of redeeming the African women's personality. This study has shown that women not only have the potential for contributing meaningfully to the progress of the society bin have indeed contributed immensely to society's progress, and that they deserve a better position than what they have been credited with. It is hoped that this research will contributed towards building up knowledge of the new woman in Africa as reflected in the works studied.
Electrophysiological Recording Techniques

The electrical properties of cells and the cellular components that contribute to these characteristics are key to the function of all living cells, from parameciums to plant cells to neurons in vertebrate animals. A variety of recording techniques have been developed to facilitate the study of cellular electrophysiology. Methods such as whole-cell patch clamp recording techniques and ion channel reconstitution in artificial bilayers have greatly enhanced our understanding of the molecules that regulate and contribute to cell excitability. This article gives a general overview of the most commonly used methods.
Families of Homicide Victims: Service Utilization Patterns of Extra- and Intrafamilial Homicide Survivors

Homicides precipitate numerous problems for victims' families that can be eased, in part, by counseling, case management, and court advocacy services. Guided by a crisis theory framework, the records of 112 homicide victims' family members (or “survivors”) served by a public victims assistance agency were examined to discern typical service utilization patterns and differences for survivors of intrafamilial homicides (i.e., cases in which the perpetrator was a family member of the victim). Results indicated that survivors of intrafamilial homicides utilized services during the initial 8-week crisis period following the homicide more than other survivors, yet used services less during the subsequent 8-week period. The findings substantiated the application of crisis theory to studying the experiences of survivors and underscored the importance of considering survivors' familial relationships to perpetrators in the provision of services.
Ten Quick Facts about US Trade: Deficits and Discords

Acting on his campaign rhetoric that China is “raping our country,” Donald Trump recently announced additional tariffs on $ 200 billion of Chinese imports. This was on top of earlier tariffs on $ 50 billion worth of imports, including a 25 percent tariff on steel, 10 percent on aluminum, 30 percent on solar panels, and 20–50 percent on washing machines—products he alleged are being “dumped” by the Chinese—and threatened a “trade war” against that country. The objective of this article is to present 10 salient facts (not opinions) about US trade in the wake of the aggressive stance taken by the Trump administration. Certainly, as this article shows, there will be “winners” as well as some “losers” within a nation as it opens itself up to more international trade. But the key argument is that, on average, a nation is better off because the benefits that accrue to the winning firms and consumers generally significantly exceed the pain, suffering, and angst borne by the losers.
Genetic analysis and prenatal diagnosis of a fetus with harlequin ichthyosis

Objective To carry out variant analysis for a fetus suspected with harlequin ichthyosis (HI). Methods Whole exome sequencing (WES) was employed to detect potential variant in the fetus. Suspected variant was validated by Sanger sequencing. Results A homozygous missense variant c. 6858delT (p.F2286fs) was detected in the fetus, for which both parents were heterozygous carriers. Pathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of HI. Conclusion The c. 6858delT variant of the ABCA12 gene probably underlies the disease in the fetus. Key words: Harlequin ichthyosis; ABCA12 gene; Whole exome sequencing; Prenatal diagnosis
Comportamiento de nidificación y descripción de la larva del último instar de Ammophila laeviceps F. Smith (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae) en Chile

The nest and nesting behavior of Ammophila laeviceps is detailed and translated into a behavioral formulae. In addition, the mature larva reared in laboratory conditions, associated prey and parasites are described. The geographical distribution of species in Chile is updated.
'There were some clues': a qualitative study of heuristics used by parents of adolescents to make credibility judgements of online health news articles citing research.

Objective To identify how parents judge the credibility of online health news stories with links to scientific research. Design This qualitative study interviewed parents who read online stories about e-cigarettes and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination published by top-tier US news organisations. Researchers asked participants to describe elements of a story that influenced their judgement about content credibility. Researchers analysed transcripts using inductive and deductive techniques. Deductive analysis drew on cognitive heuristics previously identified as being used by the public to judge online health information. Inductive analysis allowed the emergence of new heuristics, especially relating to health. Setting The US National Cancer Institute’s Audience Research Lab in Maryland, in August–November 2018. Participants Sixty-four parents with at least one child between the ages of 9 and 17 residing in Maryland, Virginia, or the District of Columbia participated. Researchers randomly assigned 31 parents to the HPV vaccination story and 33 to the e-cigarette story. Results Evidence of existing heuristics, including reputation, endorsement, consistency, self-confirmation, expectancy violation and persuasive intent emerged from the interviews, with participants deeming stories credible when mentioning physicians (reputation heuristic) and/or consistent with information provided by personal physicians (consistency heuristic). Participants also described making credibility judgements based on presence of statistics, links to scientific research and their general feelings about news media. In relation to presence of statistics and links, participants reported these elements increased the credibility of the news story, whereas their feelings about the news media decreased their credibility judgement. Conclusions Parents used a constellation of heuristics to judge the credibility of online health news stories. Previously identified heuristics for online health information are also applicable in the context of health news stories. The findings have implications for initiatives in education, health communication and journalism directed towards increasing the public’s engagement with health news and their credibility judgements.
Stimulation of Nonspecific Resistance to Infection by a Crude Cell Wall Preparation from Mycobacterium phlei

Fox, Alfred E. (Warner-Lambert Research Institute, Morris Plains, N.J.), George L. Evans, Frank J. Turner, Benjamin S. Schwartz, and Ansel Blaustein. Stimulation of nonspecific resistance to infection by a crude cell wall preparation from Myocobacterium phlei. J. Bacteriol. 92:1–5. 1966.—Exposure of large quantities of viable Mycobacterium phlei to attrition in a colloid mill resulted in 90 to 95% disruption of the organisms. Isolation of the crude cell wall preparation was accomplished by centrifugation of the broken cells at 10,000 × g, resuspension of the sediment, and repeated centrifugation at 1,000 × g to remove intact cells. Single oral or parenteral doses of the cell wall preparation increased the resistance of mice and guinea pigs to experimental infection with Salmonella enteritidis, and of mice to Staphylococcus aureus, for prolonged periods after administration. Histological examination of the organs of mice treated orally or intraperitoneally revealed a lymphoid hyperplasia of the spleen and a Kupffer cell proliferation of the liver. The preparation was nontoxic to mice by the oral route at doses up to 5,000 mg/kg, and the intraperitoneal ld50 was approximately 680 mg/kg.
Online social networks as formal learning environments: Learner experiences and activities

While the potential of social networking sites to contribute to educational endeavors is highlighted by researchers and practitioners alike, empirical evidence on the use of such sites for formal online learning is scant. To fill this gap in the literature, we present a case study of learners’ perspectives and experiences in an online course taught using the Elgg online social network. Findings from this study indicate that learners enjoyed and appreciated both the social learning experience afforded by the online social network and supported one another in their learning, enhancing their own and other students’ experiences. Conversely, results also indicate that students limited their participation to course-related and graded activities, exhibiting little use of social networking and sharing. Additionally, learners needed support in managing the expanded amount of information available to them and devised strategies and “workarounds” to manage their time and participation.
Alternatively Spliced Genes

An important step of eukaryotic gene expression is pre-mRNA splicing, the process of removing intervening sequences (introns) from the nascent transcript (messenger RNA precursor, or pre-mRNA). The discovery of split genes in the viral genome and subsequent research in the field of pre-mRNA splicing have greatly advanced our understanding of mammalian gene regulation. Studies on pre-mRNA splicing have also facilitated sequence analyses of the human genome. With the completion of human genome sequencing, it is now further appreciated that pre-mRNA splicing and alternative splicing play critical roles in regulating gene expression and in enhancing genetic diversity. Evolutionarily, the basic machinery for pre-mRNA splicing appears to be highly conserved among different species of metazoans. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae , although only a small percentage of genes undergo splicing, more than 100 genes have been identified that are either dedicated to or involved in pre-mRNA splicing. In mammals, pre-mRNA splicing is a crucial step for gene expression because the vast majority of mammalian transcription units contain one or more introns that must be accurately removed to form mature and functional messenger RNA (mRNA) species. In this chapter, we review the current knowledge about mammalian pre-mRNA splicing, with special emphasis on the aspects related to the pathogenesis or treatment of human diseases. Keywords: Pre-mRNA; Exon; Intron; Pre-mRNA Splicing; UsnRNPs; Spliceosome; 5′ and 3′ Splice Sites; Alternative Splicing; Splicing Regulatory Elements; Splicing Regulators
The Whole Ecosystem Approach to the Commerce Clause and Article III Standing in Environmental Cases

This article outlines an alternative to current Commerce Clause jurisprudence as it is applied to the Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act, and Article III standing. The article argues that courts should aggregate takings of intrastate endangered species with takings of all other species within their home ecosystem to determine whether the substantial relation necessary for commerce clause jurisdiction exists between the takings and interstate commerce. In addition, the article recommends that this whole ecosystem approach be used to find that ecological connections between isolated wetlands and navigable waters create the significant nexus required for Clean Water Act jurisdiction over isolated wetlands. Lastly, the article argues that courts should apply the whole ecosystem approach to grant Article III standing to those harmed by damaged ecosystems.
Special Interest: Teachers Unions and America's Public Schools by Terry M. Moe

In 1990, John Chubb and Terry Moe ignited the modern school choice movement with Politics, Markets, and America's Schools. Chubb and Moe demonstrated that special interests pressure elected officia...
We Have the Spaceship; But Where's the Start Button: Human Engineering Issues in the Age of Long Duration Space Exploration

As long duration space exploration and habitation becomes more commonplace, a number of Human Engineering factors (Gravitational Adaptation, 2-D to 3-D Movement Adaptation, Design Form/Function, and Space Ergonomics to name a few) will become more pronounced. More research and development is needed in these areas or the explorers may find themselves in painful or dangerous situations.
Simultaneous Radar and Satellite Observations of the Polar Cusp/Cleft at Sondre Stromfjord

On February 9, 1988 a multi-instrument observation of the dayside polar ionosphere was made at Sondre Stromfjord, Greenland as part of a CEDAR high latitude campaign. Our objective was to observe the low altitude signature of the cusp during southward IMF but under fairly quiet ionospheric conditions (Kp=2). The HiLat satellite measured in-situ particle precipitation, field-aligned currents and velocity shears in the dayside cusp/cleft, while the VHF beacon on board showed large phase scintillation and saturated intensity scintillation. The phase spectral index was fairly shallow indicating that large power spectral density was present up to scales on the order of 100m. During the spacecraft overflight, the radar was scanning close to the F-region projection of the satellite track. It is the object of this paper to compare the radar measured thermal density, Ti and Te features in the F-region with topside density and velocity structures and particle precipitation characteristics measured in-situ by the satellite at 830 km. The precipitating electron flux measured by HiLat was also input to an ionospheric chemistry model that calculates electron density and temperature profiles for different exospheric temperatures. The modeling results show that most of the features of the radar data may be explained in terms of cleft precipitation, consequent higher exospheric temperatures and enhanced convection.
The Crippling Strength of Compression Elements

This paper consists of a review, primarily for the air-frame designer and stress analyst, of a new method of crippling strength analysis. Available test data on various aluminum, magnesium, and titanium alloys and steels are presented in terms of generalized parameters, based on the overall geometric configuration of the element and two mechanical properties of the material— the elastic modulus and compressive yield strength. The method applies to both formed and extruded elements and stiffened panels. The predictions of the method are checked by available test data on short-time crippling at elevated temperatures. Similarly, the method is extended to the creep crippling problem by a suitable definition of the time-dependent yield strength under creep conditions. Finally, the efficiencies of various materials in crippling applications under elevated temperature conditions are reviewed and simple test methods are proposed for rapidly determining the crippling strength of new materials under various environmental conditions.
Writing box free recognition of online handwritten Japanese characters

In an approach for automatic recognition of a character sequence without writing boxes, the sequence is segmented into characters based on spaces between strokes before recognizing each character. The author proposes another approach consisting of two steps. The first step provides candidates of a character category sequence. Boundaries between characters are also determined in this step. This step compares shape of a handwritten stroke with a template. The next step compares stroke positions with templates. The positions are determined by a boundary provided by the first step. Character templates in a recognition dictionary are stored as a tree, where a mode corresponds to a stroke template and a leaf corresponds to a character category. By using the tree, character recognition problem can be regarded as a path search problem in a tree. A leaf of the tree and the root of the tree are connected to allow search for more than one character.
A Novel Fault Tolerance Technique For Recursive Least Squares Minimization

ABSTRACTExisting fault tolerance schemes have often been ignored by systolic array designers because they are too costly and unwieldy to implement. With this in mind, we have developed a new technique specially tailored for recursiveleast squares minimization that emphasizes simplicity. We propose a new decoding scheme that allows for errordetection while wasting no precious processor cycles and preserving the basic structure of the systolic array. We willshow that errors can be detected by examining a single scalar. The technique can be implemented with negligible algorithmic modification and little additional hardware. The simplicity of our method invites its use in future systolicarrays. 1. INTRODUCTIONThe compatibility of systolic arrays and algorithms with both matrix computations and today's VLSI and wafer -scale technology guarantees their future use as key components in any signal processing system. An especially important systolic algorithm is the QR matrix decomposition for least squares minimization, a crucial cog in mostadaptive antenna processing algorithms. The importance of these problems is evidenced by the two major systolicarray projects; one at MIT's Lincoln Laboratory [1] and the other at England's Royal Signals and Radar Establish-
A growth hormone/prolactin-binding protein in human milk

In the course of studies of the distribution of GH-binding proteins (GHBP) in biological fluids, we identified a human (h) GH/hPRL-binding component in human milk. To characterize its nature, 16 human milk samples were analyzed by molecular exclusion chromatography after incubation with monomeric [125I]hGH. All samples showed a peak indicative of a hGH-containing complex with a mol wt of 52 kilodaltons (kDa)--considerably smaller than the high affinity GH-binding protein complex in plasma (80-85 kDa). Binding of [125I]hGH was inhibited in a dose-dependent fashion by unlabeled hGH and to a lesser extent by hPRL, but not by oGH. Scatchard analysis yielded a Ka of 2.1 x 10(8) M-1 and a maximum binding capacity of 5.1 micrograms/L for hGH, and a Ka of 0.5 x 10(8) M-1 for hPRL. The derived molecular size of the milk GH/PRL-binding protein (BP) is 30 kDa, assuming 1:1 binding stoichiometry. The milk BP was not immunoprecipitable with any of 4 monoclonal antibodies directed against the hGH receptor or with a pol...
Said and unsaid: State legislative signaling to state courts over same sex marriage 1990-2004

From 1990 through 2004, same sex marriage emerged as a major policy issue. In responding to this controversial policy issue, many state legislatures demonstrated unusual behavior. A substantial minority of state legislatures continued to introduce new legislative bills on this topic long after the legal position of the respective state would indicate that the state had articulated a recognized and settled policy. In this article, we propose that the apparently aberrant behavior of these state legislatures can be explained in part by consideration of legislative signaling directed toward state courts. Specifically, we consider the attempt of state legislators to discourage intervention by the state courts around some policy issues.
The use of PAMAM dendrimers in the efficient transfer of genetic material into cells.

Polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers have steadily grown in popularity in the past decade in a variety of disciplines, ranging from materials science to biomedicine. This can be attributed in part to their use in applications that range from computer toners to medical diagnostics. PAMAM dendrimers are safe and nonimmunogenic, and can function as highly efficient cationic polymer vectors for delivering genetic material into cells. They have been shown to be as efficient or more efficient than either cationic liposomes or other cationic polymers (e.g. polyethylenimine, polylysine) for in vitro gene transfer. This article will focus on the application of PAMAM dendrimers as a nonviral gene delivery vector from the initial discovery of this capacity to the most recent experimental findings.
Semi-custom bipolar IC design

The author's design considerations, manufacture, simulation, and layout of semicustom bipolar (SCB) integrated circuits (ICs), which offer an effective alternative for many applications in high-energy physics. It is concluded that the tools to facilitate design and layout are now well developed, enabling anyone with experience in circuit design to design a bipolar integrated circuit rapidly, with a high probability of producing a working circuit on the first integration. >
An Industry‐specific Study of Factors Contributing to the Maintenance and Longevity of Quality Circles

SUMMARY Lawler and Mohrman (1987), as others (Griffin, 1988; Marks et al., 1986), have associated a‘honeymoon effect’ (Lawler and Mohrman, 1987) or period of‘initial momentum’ (Solberg, 1985) with quality circle (QC) progress. They have been shown to be successful for about 2 years before there is a decline (Griffin, 1988). Focusing on a single synthetic rubber manufacturing facility, individuals who had participated in QCs at the site were surveyed. Because the QC programme had been in place for 7 years, this study sought to determine what factors contributed to that longevity
Acute disseminated (non-lipid) reticuloendotheliosis.

In several publications Wallgren has dealt with problems related to storage diseases. In 1940 he advanced the idea that the so-called acute reticulo-endotheliosis bears close relationship to Schuller-Hand-Christian's disease and that these two maladies represent only different types of one and the same underlying disturbance. Since then this idea has gained wider acceptance. The eosinophilic granuloma has also become incorporated in the same syndrome. In the following paper some of the inherent problems are discussed in a clinical conference at the Vanderbilt Pediatric Clinic.
Stable chlorine isotopes in the Palo Duro Basin, Texas: evidence for preservation of Permian evaporite brines

Experimental evaporation of seawater yields brines with δ37Cl from 0.0‰ (initial) to −0.9‰. In the Palo Duro Basin, brines with δ37Cl values overlapping the −0.1 to 0.4‰ range of halite evaporite can be generated by a set of processes including dissolution of halite in meteoric water. Such brines occur above and below an evaporite aquitard. Brines with δ37Cl values of −0.4 to −1.0‰ in the evaporite aquitard and in a deep brine aquifer cannot be generated by dissolution of halite. Considered with Br and Cl content, δD and noble gas content, the δ37Cl data indicate that such brines originated as evapoconcentrated seawater. High Br evaporite brine formed directly from seawater on the eastern side of the basin, whereas low Br evaporite brines on the western side formed after an influx of meteoric water at the time of evaporite formation. There has not been detectable vertical flow of meteoric water across the evaporite aquitard. Strata beneath the evaporite contain compartments that have been isolated geochemically since the Permian.
Glycolytic enzyme activities in liver, heart and gastrocnemius of sprague-dawley and wistar rats: Effect of high sucrose diet

Abstract 1. 1. Pyruvate kinase, phosphofructokinase, and glucophosphate isomerase activities were measured in liver, heart and gastrocnemius of Wistar and Sprague-Dawley rats. 2. 2. Enzyme activities were significantly lower in tissues of Wistar rats except for pyruvate kinase in gastrocnemius. 3. 3. Sensitivities of pyruvate kinase and phosphofructokinase to inhibition by alanine and citrate differed in these two strains except for pyruvate kinase in gastrocnemius. 4. 4. Phosphofructokinase sensitivity to citrate was greater in the three Wistar tissues. 5. 5. Activities of liver enzymes were more responsive to a high sucrose diet in Wistar rats. 6. 6. Heart pyruvate kinase and phosphofructokinase exhibited modest increases in activity with a high sucrose diet.
FTIR equivalent weight determination of perfluorosulfonate polymers

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and attenuated total reflectance (ATR) spectroscopy studies of the sulfonyl fluoride, potassium salt, and sulfonic acid forms of long and short side chain perfluorosulfonate polymers revealed bands indicative of the sidegroup and backbone compositions, endgroups on the main chain, water content, monomer concentration, and degree of salt hydrolysis. The equivalent weight (EW) of the polymer was obtained by titration and NMR measurements which were then calibrated to either the CF/COC absorbance band ratio for thin (<1.1 mil) films or to a CF/SO2F absorbance band ratio for thick films (5 to 25 mils). An FTIR measurement of the film thickness based on the CF group concentration was found to be both a function of the actual thickness and the EW; a method for compensating for this EW dependence is described. Esterification and fluorination of the polymers yielded FTIR measurements of the endgroup compositions on the polymer backbone which were shown to consist of COF, COOH, CO2CH3, and CFCF2 groups. Thermogravimetric Analysis Infrared (TGA-IR) spectroscopy of the acid form polymers indicates that degradation begins by the decomposition of the SO3H group at 320°C followed by bulk deterioration above 400°C. The FTIR techniques detailed herein have been developed for accurate, reproducible, and rapid compositional measurements of Nafion® and other perfluorosulfonate polymers. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011