cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
State marijuana laws and opioid overdose mortality

The opioid epidemic in the United States is a national public health crisis. In recent years, marijuana legalization has been increasingly adopted by state governments as a policy intervention to control the opioid epidemic under the premise that marijuana and opioids are substitutive substances. The purpose of this systematic review is to synthesize the empirical evidence regarding the impact of state marijuana laws on opioid overdose mortality and other opioid-related health outcomes. A comprehensive search of the research literature in 18 bibliographic databases returned 6640 records, with 5601 abstracts reviewed, 29 full text articles screened for eligibility, and 16 eligible studies included in the systematic review. Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software was used to generate summary estimates, forest plots, funnel plots, and heterogeneity statistics. Of the 16 eligible studies, 4 assessed the association of state marijuana law status with opioid overdose mortality, 7 with prescription opioids dispensed, and the remaining with nonmedical use and opioid-related hospitalizations. Random effects modeling based on pooled data revealed that legalizing marijuana for medical use was associated with a statistically non-significant 8% reduction in opioid overdose mortality (95% confidence interval: − 0.21 to 0.04; p = 0.201) and a 7% reduction in prescription opioids dispensed (95% confidence interval: − 0.13 to − 0.01; p = 0.017). Legalizing marijuana for recreational use was associated with an additional 7% reduction in opioid overdose mortality in Colorado and 6% reduction in opioid prescriptions among fee-for-service Medicaid and managed care enrollees. Legalizing marijuana might contribute to a modest reduction in opioid prescriptions. Evidence about the effect of marijuana legalization on opioid overdose mortality is inconsistent and inconclusive. If any, the effectiveness of state marijuana laws in reducing opioid overdose mortality appears to be rather small and limited to states with operational marijuana dispensaries. It remains unclear whether the presumed benefit of legalizing marijuana in reducing opioid-related harms outweighs the policy’s externalities, such as its impact on mental health and traffic safety.
The RBD Of The Spike Protein Of SARS-Group Coronaviruses Is A Highly Specific Target Of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies But Not Other Pathogenic Human and Animal Coronavirus Antibodies

A new Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus variant (SARS-CoV-2) that first emerged in late 2019 is responsible for a pandemic of severe respiratory illness. People infected with this highly contagious virus present with clinically inapparent, mild or severe disease. Currently, the presence of the virus in individual patients and at the population level is being monitored by testing symptomatic cases by PCR for the presence of viral RNA. There is an urgent need for SARS-CoV-2 serologic tests to identify all infected individuals, irrespective of clinical symptoms, to conduct surveillance and implement strategies to contain spread. As the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the viral spike (S) protein is poorly conserved between SARS-CoVs and other pathogenic human coronaviruses, the RBD represents a promising antigen for detecting CoV specific antibodies in people. Here we use a large panel of human sera (70 SARS-CoV-2 patients and 71 control subjects) and hyperimmune sera from animals exposed to zoonotic CoVs to evaluate the performance of the RBD as an antigen for accurate detection of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies. By day 9 after the onset of symptoms, the recombinant SARS-CoV-2 RBD antigen was highly sensitive (98%) and specific (100%) to antibodies induced by SARS-CoVs. We observed a robust correlation between levels of RBD binding antibodies and SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies in patients. Our results, which reveal the early kinetics of SARS-CoV-2 antibody responses, strongly support the use of RBD-based antibody assays for population-level surveillance and as a correlate of neutralizing antibody levels in people who have recovered from SARS-CoV-2 infections.
InSAR-based detection method for mapping and monitoring slow-moving landslides in remote regions with steep and mountainous terrain: An application to Nepal

Abstract Mapping and monitoring landslides in remote areas with steep and mountainous terrain is logistically challenging, expensive, and time consuming. Yet, in order to mitigate hazards and prevent loss of life in these areas, and to better understand landslide processes, high-resolution measurements of landslide activity are necessary. Satellite-based synthetic aperture radar interferometry (InSAR) provides millimeter-scale measurements of ground surface deformation that can be used to identify and monitor landslides in remote areas where ground-based monitoring techniques are not feasible. Here we present a novel InSAR deformation detection approach, which uses double difference time-series with local and regional spatial filters and pixel clustering methods to identify and monitor slow-moving landslides without making a priori assumptions of the location of landslides. We apply our analysis to freely available Copernicus Sentinel-1 satellite data acquired between 2014 and 2017 centered on the Trishuli River drainage basin in Nepal. We found a minimum of 6 slow-moving landslides that all occur within the Ranimatta lithologic formation (phyllites, metasandstones, metabasics). These landslides have areas ranging from 0.39 to 1.66 km2 and long-term dry-season displacement rates ranging from 2.1 to 8.8 cm/yr. Due to periods of low coherence during the monsoon season (June – September) each year, and following the 25 April 2015 Mw7.8 Gorkha earthquake, our time series analysis is limited to the 2014–2015 and 2016–2017 dry seasons (September–May). We found that each of the landslides displayed slightly higher rates during the 2014 period, likely as a result of higher cumulative rainfall that fell during the 2014 monsoon season. Although we do not have high quality InSAR data to show the landslide evolution directly following the Gorkha earthquake, the similar rates of movement before (2014–2015) and after (2016–2017) Gorkha suggest the earthquake had negligible long-term impact on these landslides. Our findings highlight the potential for region-wide mapping of slow-moving landslides using freely available remote sensing data in remote areas such as Nepal and future work will benefit from expanding our methodology to other regions around the world.
Effects of long-term and brain-wide colonization of peripheral bone marrow-derived myeloid cells in the CNS

Microglia, the primary resident myeloid cells of the brain, play critical roles in immune defense by maintaining tissue homeostasis and responding to injury or disease. However, microglial activation and dysfunction has been implicated in a number of central nervous system (CNS) disorders, thus developing tools to manipulate and replace these myeloid cells in the CNS is of therapeutic interest. Using whole body irradiation, bone marrow transplant, and colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor inhibition, we achieve long-term and brain-wide (~ 80%) engraftment and colonization of peripheral bone marrow-derived myeloid cells (i.e., monocytes) in the brain parenchyma and evaluated the long-term effects of their colonization in the CNS. Here, we identify a monocyte signature that includes an upregulation in Ccr1, Ms4a6b, Ms4a6c, Ms4a7, Apobec1, Lyz2, Mrc1, Tmem221, Tlr8, Lilrb4a, Msr1, Nnt, and Wdfy1 and a downregulation of Siglech, Slc2a5, and Ccl21a/b. We demonstrate that irradiation and long-term (~ 6 months) engraftment of the CNS by monocytes induces brain region-dependent alterations in transcription profiles, astrocytes, neuronal structures, including synaptic components, and cognition. Although our results show that microglial replacement with peripherally derived myeloid cells is feasible and that irradiation-induced changes can be reversed by the replacement of microglia with monocytes in the hippocampus, we also observe that brain-wide engraftment of peripheral myeloid cells (relying on irradiation) can result in cognitive and synaptic deficits. These findings provide insight into better understanding the role and complexity of myeloid cells in the brain, including their regulation of other CNS cells and functional outcomes.
Rapid Diagnosis of Invasive Aspergillosis and Active Hepatitis-B Virus Co-Infection in a HIV-1 Infected Patient Using Cell Free DNA Sequencing.

Multiple simultaneous opportunistic infections in Human Immunodeficiency virus-1/Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV-1/AIDS) is a known and dreaded occurrence that often leads to poor outcomes....
Optical wireless communication using camera and RGB display

In this paper, a theoretical framework for Optical Wireless Communication using RGB color model with computer monitor display and digital camera is proposed. The motivation is to find a cheaper alternative to physical network switches and wired and optical cables in communication networks that can be leveraged for computer clusters, thus reducing time and costs for purchase, setup, maintenance, power consumption and cooling. Also, providing better data transfer rates, scalability and band width conservation. The framework is distinguished from related work by the use of RGB for data encoding at various bit-depths. Greater data transfer rates than existing Optical Wireless Communication systems are possible. A computer monitor displays a grid of changing colors controlled by a transmitting host. The color in a grid cell represents one or more data bits as per the RGB codes used. The RGB codes can be computed by logically partitioning the RGB cube, a geometrical representation of the RGB model. A camera on a receiving host, samples the colors to obtain the data bits. Mathematical expressions are derived to compute the RGB codes and mappings to data bits. The upper bound of the data rate is derived and compared with the well-known Shannon communication theorem. The framework is extended to include an array of digital cameras for parallel data copy in a computer cluster and the data rate is determined. Theoretically, the data rate can increase beyond the Gigabit/second realm, and into Terabit/second realm.
Comparative observer effects in 2D and 3D localization tasks

Purpose: Three-dimensional “volumetric” imaging methods are now a common component of medical imaging across many imaging modalities. Relatively little is known about how human observers localize targets masked by noise and clutter as they scroll through a 3D image and how it compares to a similar task confined to a single 2D slice. Approach: Gaussian random textures were used to represent noisy volumetric medical images. Subjects were able to freely inspect the images, including scrolling through 3D images as part of their search process. A total of eight experimental conditions were evaluated (2D versus 3D images, large versus small targets, power-law versus white noise). We analyze performance in these experiments using task efficiency and the classification image technique. Results: In 3D tasks, median response times were roughly nine times longer than 2D, with larger relative differences for incorrect trials. The efficiency data show a dissociation in which subjects perform with higher statistical efficiency in 2D tasks for large targets and higher efficiency in 3D tasks with small targets. The classification images suggest that a critical mechanism behind this dissociation is an inability to integrate across multiple slices to form a 3D localization response. The central slices of 3D classification images are remarkably similar to the corresponding 2D classification images. Conclusions: 2D and 3D tasks show similar weighting patterns between 2D images and the central slice of 3D images. There is relatively little weighting across slices in the 3D tasks, leading to lower task efficiency with respect to the ideal observer.
Influences of ovarian hormones on physiological responses to cold in women

While it is clear that the ovarian hormones estradiol and progesterone have important influences on physiological thermoregulation in women, the influences of these hormones on responses to cold ex...
But Professor, Why Teach Race Identification if Races Don't Exist?

Although the typological race concept is obsolete in present-day systematic biology and anthropology, the idea that human populations and individuals are classifiable into separate races (Blacks, Whites, Native Americans, etc.) persists in government census data and mass media sources as well as in the forensic sciences. Determination of ancestry is a critical component of the forensic anthropologist's methodology in identification of human remains. In training students in laboratory techniques of personal identification, the paradox of the scientific rejection of the race concept and its survival in medical-legal contexts needs to be addressed explicitly. Forensic anthropologists and their colleagues in other branches of biological anthropology are best able to determine the ancestral background of an individual when they are familiar with the geographical distributions and frequencies of phenotypic traits in modern populations. Their methodology does not necessitate a racial classification based upon nonconcordant characters in order to provide evidence for positive identification of individuals.
Working Across Cultures: Outcomes of an Initiative to Improve Student Capacity and Institutional Coordination Related to Global Engagement

The Working Across Cultures Initiative was developed at Emory University to improve undergraduate and graduate student capacity and institution-wide coordination related to global engagement. The Initiative contributed to enhanced student knowledge and skills as well as changes in institutional policies and procedures. It may thus have implications for other institutions of higher education grappling with how best to prepare students for global engagement and how to bring about the changes in the institutional policies and procedures that would best support, enable, and engage students in these activities.
Mandatory CME on Opioid Prescribing Fails to Address True Causes of Prescription Drug Abuse

Prescription drug abuse has become an increasingly serious problem in the United States. The White House has called the issue “the nation's fastest growing drug problem.” [1] And no wonder. The number of opiate overdoses—once overwhelmingly due to heroin—is increasingly due to abuse of prescription pain medication [2]. Moreover, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) found that more than 40% of people aged 12 and older who had used drugs for the first time began by taking a prescription drug for nonmedical reasons [3]. And at the very same time, the Institute of Medicine reports an epidemic of undertreatment of chronic pain [4]. These are serious challenges that are being addressed through White House initiatives and legislation. Although the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) enthusiastically supports many of the provisions …
Doping of gallium arsenide in a low pressure organometallic CVD system: II. Hydrogen sulfide

Abstract GaAs was grown in a reduced pressure OMCVD reactor, and doped with sulfur from an H 2 S source. Carrier concentration was measured as a function of growth pressure from 0.046 to 1.0 atm, and as a function of AsH 3 mole fraction, growth temperature, and gas velocity. A model is developed in which the S doping is controlled by competitive chemical reactions for the incorporation of S and As. Detailed mechanisms for the decomposition and adsorption reactions of H 2 S and AsH 3 , which are required for modeling the surface coverages of S and As species, are presented here. The effect of adsorption coverage on chemisorption energies is also considered. The agreement between the model and experimental results tends to support the proposed reaction mechanisms.
Meso-scale machining capabilities and issues

Meso-scale manufacturing processes are bridging the gap between silicon-based MEMS processes and conventional miniature machining. These processes can fabricate two and three-dimensional parts having micron size features in traditional materials such as stainless steels, rare earth magnets, ceramics, and glass. Meso-scale processes that are currently available include, focused ion beam sputtering, micro-milling, micro-turning, excimer laser ablation, femto-second laser ablation, and micro electro discharge machining. These meso-scale processes employ subtractive machining technologies (i.e., material removal), unlike LIGA, which is an additive meso-scale process. Meso-scale processes have different material capabilities and machining performance specifications. Machining performance specifications of interest include minimum feature size, feature tolerance, feature location accuracy, surface finish, and material removal rate. Sandia National Laboratories is developing meso-scale electro-mechanical components, which require meso-scale parts that move relative to one another. The meso-scale parts fabricated by subtractive meso-scale manufacturing processes have unique tribology issues because of the variety of materials and the surface conditions produced by the different meso-scale manufacturing processes.
Photon-energy-sensitive Si L2,3VV Auger satellite.

The high-energy satellite structure which appears at 103 eV kinetic energy in the Si ${L}_{2}$,3VV Auger spectrum has been studied with synchrotron radiation. We find the intensity of the satellite to be sensitive to the photon energy in the vicinity of the Si K edge (h\ensuremath{\nu}=1840 eV). The results of an atomic Hartree-Fock \ensuremath{\Delta}SCF (self-consistent field) calculation are presented which account for the energy position of the satellite, and an atomic model is described which accounts for its dependence on the excitation photon energy.
Alternative models for academic family practices

The Future of Family Medicine Report calls for a fundamental redesign of the American family physician workplace. At the same time, academic family practices are under economic pressure. Most family medicine departments do not have self-supporting practices, but seek support from specialty colleagues or hospital practice plans. Alternative models for academic family practices that are economically viable and consistent with the principles of family medicine are needed. This article presents several "experiments" to address these challenges. The basis of comparison is a traditional academic family medicine center. Apart of the faculty practice plan, our center consistently operated at a deficit despite high productivity. A number of different practice types and alternative models of service delivery were therefore developed and tested. They ranged from a multi-specialty office arrangement, to a community clinic operated as part of a federally-qualified health center, to a team of providers based in and providing care for residents of an elderly public housing project. Financial comparisons using consistent accounting across models are provided. Academic family practices can, at least in some settings, operate without subsidy while providing continuity of care to a broad segment of the community. The prerequisites are that the clinicians must see patients efficiently, and be able to bill appropriately for their payer mix. Experimenting within academic practice structure and organization is worthwhile, and can result in economically viable alternatives to traditional models.
Population dynamics and site fidelity of the cave bat, Myotis velifer, in Oklahoma

We characterized population dynamics of nonmigratory cave bats, Myotis velifer, in Oklahoma by locating all 21 caves known to be occupied in an exhaustively searched, large study area, marking representative samples with numbered wing bands and conducting annual winter counts and recaptures over a decade. Bats moved readily among maternity caves during summer and among hibernating caves from winter to winter. The aggregate population of adults during lactation was about 13,600, including 10,500 females, of which 96% produced young. The aggregate population during winter was about 23,850 for the first 2 years of the study, declined to about 14,200 in the 3rd year, and recovered to > 20,000 for the last 4 years of the study. Mortality events and threats documented included flooding, subfreezing temperatures, and rock collapses in caves, as well as in-cave disturbance by humans, but the cause of the decline was not identified. We used capture—mark—recapture methods to estimate and model capture probability (...
DERMATOME DÉBRIDEMENT, EARLY GRAFTING, AND MANAGEMENT OF EXTENSIVE THIRD-DEGREE BURNS IN CHILDREN: A Report of Thirty-five Cases

A method has been presented employing dermatome debridement and early grafting whereby it has been possible to reduce the period of hospitalization and the number of surgical procedures to one-third or one-fourth the figures for comparable cases treated by accepted standard methods of the past. In terms of economy to the hospital, and painful experience to the patient, approximately 6½ to 7 years of hospitalization have been saved in these 30 cases by employing the methods described in this paper.
Semiadjustable instrumentation based on “anterior” guidance

R estorative dentists could utilize semiadjustable instrumentation more frequently if they would first identify the correct “anterior” guidance for each patient. The word “anterior” is enclosed in quotes because it does not refer exclusively to anterior teeth. The gnathostomatic system may be described schematically as a Class III lever.’ The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the fulcrum. The power is supplied by the major closing muscles-the masseter, medial pterygoid, and anterior fibers of the temporal muscles. The force vector of these muscles crosses the occlusal plane in the molar region (Fig. 1). Therefore, a tooth located far “anterior” to this power vector will receive less force than a tooth positioned adjacent to it. When functioning properly, the system is quite inefficient and protective to all its components. However, if a heavy tooth contact occurs in the “posterior” power zone, that tooth may become the mandibular fulcrum. The system would then become more efficient and the potential for damage to joints, muscles, teeth, and periodontium would be greatly increased.
Study of Chromium-Doped Diamond-Like Carbon by Z-Contrast Imaging and Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy

Metal-doped diamond-like carbon films were produced for the purpose of an electrochemical nano-electrode. In this study we use Z-contrast scanning transmission electron microscopy to directly observe metal cluster formation and distributions within the chromium-doped carbon films. At low doping ({approximately}6at%Cr), Cr is uniformly distributed; at high doping ({approximately}12at%Cr), Cr-rich clusters are formed. Using electron energy loss spectroscopy, we find that the Cr clusters tend to be metallic-like at low doping levels and carbide-like at high doping levels according to the Cr L, white line ratios. The carbon is more diamond-like at low doping and more graphite/carbide like at high doping according to the sp1/sp3 electron percentage measurements.
Diabetes mellitus in pregnancy: Pathophysiology and obstetric and anesthetic management

Summary Diabetes mellitus is a complex probem in pregnancy with significant maternal and neonatal morbidity. Strict maintenance of euglycemia during the peripartum period is crucial. Careful planning of anesthetic management with appropriate choice of anesthetic agents and drugs and an impeccable anesthetic technique are essential. More importantly, the management of the diabetic parturient is a team effort involving the anesthesiologist and the obstetrician to ensure the safe delivery of the infant without compromising the well-being of the mother.
A Three-Dimensional Field Program

The high-energy microtrons studied at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) require complicated magnetic field shapes. A three-dimensional infinite-permeability magnetic field program was written to show that poles and coils can be devised to produce these fields. The program is in Hewlett-Packard 9845B BASIC, which limits the active mesh to about 30 000 points. In some problems the number of useful points can be greatly increased by placing virtual points one plane beyond the active mesh. The regular cubic mesh is described by three arrays. One is a scalar potential array, H, which is derived from ampere-turns by using current cuts. Another is an information array, I, and the third is a list, L, containing other data. This data structure is similar to the Carnegie Magnet - Program. An element from I usually contains a bit string with directions for calculating the corresponding H. However, if more data are required, then the word from I is interpreted as the address in L where the required data are stored. Parts of L can be reused when two or more points require the same data. The organization of the data is shown in Fig. 1. This organization minimizes memory requirements and makes the calculation fast for most points. The program has four parts: (1) prepare the problem description file, (2) load the starting mesh, (3) relax the mesh, and (4) output results. Preliminary results indicate that the magnet edge can be quite "hard" and suggest that the required field shapes can be produced.
Edge Detection Based on Adaptive Structure Element Morphology

The morphological gradient is an attractive option for edge detection which is important in image analysis. But the morphological gradient detector with fixed structure element can hardly suit itself to the diverse property of the edge features, and its performances are constrained. On the spur of this limitation, an improved morphological gradient detector using adaptive structure element is proposed in this paper. Fuzzy topology is introduced into this novel detector for the evaluation of the membership of the pixels and then the shape of the current edge feature, also the shape of the most seemly structure element can be figured out according to this membership. Owing to these efforts, the morphological gradient detector based on the new adaptive structure element wins more powerful capability in the extraction of the variable edge features.
Salvage Arthrodesis After Failed Ankle Replacement: Surgical Decision Making

Fusion remains the primary technique to salvage the failed total ankle. Fusions present a daunting challenge because of the large bone defect left by the explanted arthroplasty components and the difficulty obtaining stable fixation. Limiting the fusion to the tibiotalar joint preserves the essential motion of the hindfoot. However, because of loss of talar bone stock, it is often necessary to include the subtalar joint in a tibiotalocalcaneal fusion. This article discusses how to determine whether an isolated ankle or ankle-hindfoot fusion is indicated and presents surgical techniques for filling the bone defect and achieving stable internal fixation.
Phototriton Cross Section of Li 6

The phototriton cross section of ${\mathrm{Li}}^{6}$ has been measured between 24- and 35-MeV photon energy. This work complements an earlier experiment which established the production of the ${\mathrm{Li}}^{6}(\ensuremath{\gamma},t)$ reaction by giant-resonance photons and measured the cross section between 19 and 24 MeV. The phototriton cross section of ${\mathrm{Li}}^{6}$ falls monotonically from 0.46\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.24 mb at 19 MeV to 0.11\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.06 mb at 35 MeV. The integrated ($\ensuremath{\gamma},t$) cross section over this energy interval is 4.9\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}2.5 MeV mb. The measured bremsstrahlung-weighted cross section is 0.18\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.09 mb. Implications concerning the nuclear size are discussed.
Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire profiles of veterans with traumatic combat exposure: Externalizing and internalizing subtypes.

This study used the Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire (MPQ; A. Tellegen, in press) to identify personality-based subtypes of posttraumatic response. Cluster analyses of MPQs completed by combat veterans revealed subgroups that differed on measures relating to the externalization versus internalization of distress. The MPQ profile of the externalizing cluster was defined by low Constraint and Harmavoidance coupled with high Alienation and Aggression. Individuals in this cluster also had histories of delinquency and high rates of substance-related disorder. In comparison, the MPQ profile of the internalizing cluster was characterized by lower Positive Emotionality, Alienation, and Aggression and higher Constraint, and individuals in this cluster showed high rates of depressive disorder. These findings suggest that dispositions toward externalizing versus internalizing psychopathology may account for heterogeneity in the expression of posttraumatic responses, including patterns of comorbidity.
Predicting Supreme Court Decisions Mathematically: A Quantitative Analysis of the “Right to Counsel” Cases

This study represents an attempt to apply quantitative methods to the prediction of human events that generally have been regarded as highly uncertain, namely, decisions by the Supreme Court of the United States. The study is designed to demonstrate that, in at least one area of judicial review, it is possible to take some decided cases, to identify factual elements that influenced the decisions, to derive numerical values for these elements by using a formula, and then to predict correctly the decisions of the remaining cases in the area specified. The analysis will be made independently of what the Court said by way of reasoning in these cases; it will rely only on the factual elements which have been emphasized by the justices in their opinions and on their votes to affirm or set aside convictions. Changes in Court personnel made no decisive difference in the pattern of judicial action in this area; so the analysis will not need to take into account the fact that twenty-five different justices have occupied the nine seats on the Court during the period covered, i.e., the past quarter century.
LIGNOCAINE PROPHYLAXIS IN ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION: AN EVALUATION OF RANDOMISED TRIALS

Although lignocaine has been used in coronary care units for almost two decades, its role in preventing ventricular fibrillation (VF) during acute myocardial infarction (MI) is still debated. Of fifteen randomised trials of lignocaine prophylaxis, most showed no apparent benefit. When the data from all fifteen trials were pooled and a summary relative risk estimate calculated, there was a significant benefit of lignocaine treatment in preventing VF. However, the trials had widely differing treatment schedules, modes of drug administration, and doses of lignocaine; to decrease the clinical heterogenity, minimum criteria for adequacy of treatment were established and the data from six trials which fulfilled these requirements were pooled. The summary relative risk estimate calculated from the pooled data of these six trials also demonstrated a significant prophylactic effect of lignocaine that was even greater when the two trials which treated patients with left ventricular failure and shock were excluded. From these analyses, it is concluded that lignocaine treatment provides prophylaxis against VF in acute MI. The failure of most trials to demonstrate such a prophylactic effect is due to small sample sizes and inadequate treatment protocols.
Characterization of a silicon transporter gene family in Cylindrotheca fusiformis : sequences, expression analysis, and identification of homologs in other diatoms

The transport of silicon is an integral part of the synthesis of the silicified cell wall of diatoms, yet knowledge of the number, features, and regulation of silicon transporters is lacking. We report the isolation and sequence determination of five silicon transporter (SIT) genes from Cylindrotheca fusiformis, and examine their expression patterns during cell wall synthesis. The encoded SIT amino acid sequences are highly conserved in their putative transmembrane domains. Nine conserved cysteines in this domain may account for the sensitivity of silicon uptake to sulfhydryl blocking agents. A less conserved C-terminal domain is predicted to form coiled-coil structures, suggesting that the SITs interact with other proteins. We show that SIT gene expression is induced just prior to, and during, cell wall synthesis. The genes are expressed at very different levels, and SIT1 is expressed in a different pattern from SIT 2–5. Hybridization experiments show that multiple SIT gene copies are present in all diatom species tested. From the data we infer that individual transporters play specific roles in silicon uptake, and propose that the cell regulates uptake by controlling the amount or location of each. The identification of all SIT genes in C. fusiformis will enhance our understanding of the mechanism and control of silicon transport in diatoms.
Translation of MMTV Gag requires nuclear events involving splicing motifs in addition to the viral Rem protein and RmRE

Retroviral Gag proteins are encoded in introns and, because of this localization, they are subject to the default pathways of pre-mRNA splicing. Retroviruses regulate splicing and translation through a variety of intertwined mechanisms, including 5'- post-transcriptional control elements, 3'- constitutive transport elements, and viral protein RNA interactions that couple unspliced and singly spliced mRNAs to transport machinery. Sequences within the gag gene termed inhibitory or instability sequences also appear to affect viral mRNA stability and translation, and the action of these sequences can be countered by silent mutation or the presence of RNA interaction proteins like HIV-1 Rev. Here, we explored the requirements for mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) Gag expression using a combination of in vivo and in vitro expression systems. We show that MMTV gag alleles are inhibited for translation despite possessing a functional open reading frame (ORF). The block to expression was post-transcriptional and targeted the mRNA but was not a function of mRNA transport or stability. Using bicistronic reporters, we show that inhibition of gag expression imparted a block to both cap-dependent and cap-independent translation onto the mRNA. Direct introduction of in vitro synthesized gag mRNA resulted in translation, implying a nuclear role in inhibition of expression. The inhibition of expression was overcome by intact proviral expression or by flanking gag with splice sites combined with a functional Rem-Rem response element (RmRE) interaction. Expression of MMTV Gag requires nuclear interactions involving the viral Rem protein, its cognate binding target the RmRE, and surprisingly, both a splice donor and acceptor sequence to achieve appropriate signals for translation of the mRNA in the cytoplasm.
The Simplest Dynamic General-Equilibrium Model of an Open Economy

Abstract This paper presents the simplest possible general-equilibrium model of an open economy in which producer and consumer decisions are both intra- and intertemporally consistent. Consumers maximize the present value of the utility of consumption; producers maximize the present value of profits. The model solves for the set of intertemporally consistent prices. The parsimonious structure of the model is achieved by dividing the economy into two producing sectors—exports and domestic goods—and two consumed goods—imports and domestic goods. As a result, there is only one endogenous price per period to be solved for (the price of the domestic good), although “structural” questions, such as the evolution of the real exchange rate, can be posed with the model. Furthermore, with this structural breakdown, the model can be calibrated with national accounts data only. In the paper, we show how to calibrate such a model (including specification of an adjustment-cost function, to avoid “bang-bang” behavior) and use the model to examine various questions where intertemporal issues are important, including terms-of-trade shocks and tariff reform.
Micromechanical based constitutive relations for modeling the bulk growth of single crystal InP

A micromechanical based constitutive model is developed for InP, which takes into account the movement and multiplication of dislocations. The model is based on the single slip model of Alexander and Haasen, and is expanded to include multiple slip and latent hardening. The model is incorporated into a finite element code and the results are compared to experimental data for compression tests in a single slip orientation.
Using time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry and multivariate statistical analysis to detect and image octabenzyl-polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane in polycarbonate

Abstract Silsesquioxane, with an empirical formula of RSiO 3/2 , has the potential to combine the mechanical properties of plastics with the oxidative stability of ceramics in one material [D.W. Scott, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 68 (1946) 356; K.J. Shea, D.A. Loy, Acc. Chem. Res. 34 (2001) 707; K.-M. Kim, D.-K. Keum, Y. Chujo, Macromolecules 36 (2003) 867; M.J. Abad, L. Barral, D.P. Fasce, R.J.J. William, Macromolecules 36 (2003) 3128]. The high sensitivity, surface specificity, and ability to detect and image high mass additives make time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) a powerful surface analytical instrument for the characterization of polymer composite surfaces in an analytical laboratory [J.C. Vickerman, D. Briggs (Eds.), ToF-SIMS Surface Analysis by Mass Spectrometry, Surface Spectra/IMPublications, UK, 2001; X. Vanden Eynde, P. Bertand, Surf. Interface Anal. 27 (1999) 157; P.M. Thompson, Anal. Chem. 63 (1991) 2447; S.J. Simko, S.R. Bryan, D.P. Griffis, R.W. Murray, R.W. Linton, Anal. Chem. 57 (1985) 1198; S. Affrossman, S.A. O’Neill, M. Stamm, Macromolecules 31 (1998) 6280]. In this paper, we compare ToF-SIMS spectra of control samples with spectra generated from polymer nano-composites based on octabenzyl-polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (BnPOSS) as well as spectra (and images) generated from multivariate statistical analysis (MVSA) of the entire spectral image. We will demonstrate that ToF-SIMS is able to detect and image low concentrations of BnPOSS in polycarbonate. We emphasize the use of MVSA tools for converting the massive amount of data contained in a ToF-SIMS spectral image into a smaller number of useful chemical components (spectra and images) that fully describe the ToF-SIMS measurement.
Self-care and breast cancer recovery.

PURPOSE: This study identified self-care behaviors used by women during and after radiation therapy for early-stage breast cancer. DESCRIPTION OF STUDY: Interviews with 23 women 7 months post-radiation therapy for breast cancer were analyzed for descriptions of self-care. The interviews were part of the final data collection in a longitudinal study investigating experiences post-treatment. RESULTS: Self-care behaviors reported most frequently were establishing a good support network, living life to the fullest despite illness, regulating feelings, managing stress, and taking responsibility for one's own health. Results suggest that breast cancer patients have many needs that continue to require attention post-radiation therapy, making self-care an important consideration throughout recovery. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Quality of self-care may make a significant difference to women after treatment for breast cancer. Healthcare providers can promote self-care by encouraging patients to conserve energy, to engage in relationships, and to maintain a positive outlook and by suggesting activities that help patients cope, adapt, and manage symptoms during and after treatment.
Paper Analytical Devices for Fast Field Screening of Beta Lactam Antibiotics and Antituberculosis Pharmaceuticals

Reports of low-quality pharmaceuticals have been on the rise in the past decade, with the greatest prevalence of substandard medicines in developing countries, where lapses in manufacturing quality control or breaches in the supply chain allow substandard medicines to reach the marketplace. Here, we describe inexpensive test cards for fast field screening of pharmaceutical dosage forms containing beta lactam antibiotics or combinations of the four first-line antituberculosis (TB) drugs. The devices detect the active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) ampicillin, amoxicillin, rifampicin, isoniazid, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide and also screen for substitute pharmaceuticals, such as acetaminophen and chloroquine that may be found in counterfeit pharmaceuticals. The tests can detect binders and fillers such as chalk, talc, and starch not revealed by traditional chromatographic methods. These paper devices contain 12 lanes, separated by hydrophobic barriers, with different reagents deposited in the lanes. The ...
Cardiac Myocyte Excitation by Ultrashort High-Field Pulses

In unexcitable, noncardiac cells, ultrashort (nanosecond) high-voltage (megavolt-per-meter) pulsed electrical fields (nsPEF) can mobilize intracellular Ca2+ and create transient nanopores in the plasmalemma. We studied Ca2+ responses to nsPEF in cardiac cells. Fluorescent Ca2+ or voltage signals were recorded from isolated adult rat ventricular myocytes deposited in an electrode microchamber and stimulated with conventional pulses (CPs; 0.5–2.4 kV/cm, 1 ms) or nsPEF (10–80 kV/cm, 4 ns). nsPEF induced Ca2+ transients in 68/104 cells. Repeating nsPEF increased the likelihood of Ca2+ transient induction (61.8% for <10 nsPEF vs. 80.6% for ≥10 nsPEF). Repetitive Ca2+ waves arising at the anodal side and Ca2+ destabilization occurred after repeated nsPEF (12/29) or during steady-state single nsPEF delivery at 2 Hz. Removing extracellular Ca2+ abolished responses to nsPEF. Verapamil did not affect nsPEF-induced Ca2+ transients, but decreased responses to CP. Tetrodotoxin and KB-R7943 increased the repetition threshold in response to nsPEF: 1–20 nsPEF caused local anodal Ca2+ waves without Ca2+ transients, and ≥20 nsPEF caused normal transients. Ryanodine-thapsigargin and caffeine protected against nsPEF-induced Ca2+ waves and showed less recovery of diastolic Ca2+ levels than CP. Voltage recordings demonstrated action potentials triggered by nsPEF, even in the presence of tetrodotoxin. nsPEF can mobilize intracellular Ca2+ in cardiac myocytes by inducing action potentials. Anodal Ca2+ waves and resistance to Na+ and Ca2+ channel blockade suggest nonselective ion channel transport via sarcolemmal nanopores as a triggering mechanism.
Introduction: The Life, Career, and Social Thought of Gerhard Lenski—Scholar, Teacher, Mentor, Leader

This introduction provides an overview of the life, career, and social thought of Gerhard Lenski. Following a preliminary description of Lenski's contributions, this essay is divided into two sections. The first section examines the origins, education, and biographical influences on Lenski as a major social theorist as well as the intellectual foundation of his sociological theories. The second section presents Lenski's work, impact, and legacy and sets the stage for the original essays that are grouped around four of six key areas of Lenski's work, which has had enormous impact on both American and international sociology: (1) teaching sociology; (2) “status crystallization” and “status inconsistency”; (3) sociology of religion and “the religious factor”; (4) social stratification, “power and privilege”; (5) gender stratification in comparative-historical perspective; and (6) ecological-evolutionary theory. While these six areas do not correspond neatly to the progressive phases of Lenski's theory develo...
Integral attachment using snap‐fit features: a key to assembly automation. Part 6 ‐ evaluating alternatives for design optimization

Once alternative attachment concepts for a specific application have been generated, an evaluation tool needs to be used to select the “best” attachment concept based on given design objectives. Part 6 of this series presents a quantitative evaluation tool to select the optimal attachment concept based on structural performance, ease of manufacture, or ease of assembly as primary design objectives. Ways to consider secondary objectives in the evaluation process to handle design problems with multiple objectives are also presented.
Mono-sized sphere packing algorithm development using optimized Monte Carlo technique

In this paper, fuel cell catalyst layer was developed using the optimized sphere packing algorithm. An optimization technique named adaptive random search technique (ARSET) was employed in this packing algorithm. The ARSET algorithm will generate the initial location of spheres and allow them to move in the random direction with the variable moving distance, randomly selected from the sampling range (α), based on the Lennard–Jones potential and Morse potential of the current and new configuration. The solid fraction values obtained from this developed algorithm are in the range of 0.610–0.624 while the actual processing time can significantly be reduced by 5.58–34% based on the number of spheres. The initial random number sampling range (α) was investigated and the appropriate α value is equal to 0.5.
Japanese National Identity in Transition Who wants to send the military abroad

This article explores the relationship between the ideological positions taken by Japanese opinion leaders towards Japan's participation in the Gulf War and their social backgrounds. The author cla...
Re-examining child welfare's response to ICWA: Collaborating with community-based agencies to reduce disparities for American Indian/Alaska Native children

Abstract Many state and county child protection systems (CPS) are attempting to reduce the documented disproportionality in out of home placement rates for American Indian/Alaska Native children. This article presents a case example of collaboration between Colorado CPS and an urban American Indian family services agency that was intended to impact this disproportionality. The Denver Indian Family Resource Center created and evaluated a family preservation model that includes both direct services to Native families and CPS-level systemic interventions designed to reduce out-of-home placement. Direct services addressed family stressors and caregiver substance abuse and mental health issues, and incorporated Native cultural values. Systemic interventions focused on collaborative partnerships and provided CPS with practical ways to comply with the Indian Child Welfare Act. Agency data showed an increase in the number of children remaining at home or with extended family. Statewide data showed a decrease in the disparity ratio for placement of Native children compared to White children.
Will gene markers predict hypertension

It may be unrealistic to expect a pure monogenic (single gene) explanation for most patients with a disorder as common and heterogeneous as essential hypertension. However, gene marker technology can be combined with risk factor epidemiology to try to quantitate the risk of hypertension and sort out heterogeneity