cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Implications of Compression Race Suit on Forced Vital Capacity: Assessment Considerations for Paradoxical Vocal Fold Motion in Competitive Female Swimmers

Purpose The purpose of this investigation was to quantify the extent to which forced vital capacity (FVC) in competitive swimmers may differ from nonswimmers and determine if compression race suits reduced FVC when compared to practice swimsuits. Identification of the differences in FVC between swimmers and nonswimmers as well as pulmonary function differences secondary to swimsuit construction may inform assessment of the competitive swimmer with paradoxical vocal fold motion (PVFM). Method Using a prospective, mixed within- and between-groups, repeated measures design with 10 female competitive swimmers and 13 female nonswimmers, FVC was measured and compared between the two groups. Further FVC assessment was completed with the swimmers to identify FVC differences between a practice suit and a compression racing suit. Results FVC in swimmers was significantly larger than FVC in nonswimmers by over 1 L. The predicted FVC volumes were significantly smaller than the actual FVC volumes for swimmers. No significant differences were identified between the practice swimsuit and the compression race suit or between the predicted and actual FVCs for the nonswimmer group. Conclusions Swimmers have unique pulmonary function and physiology that require consideration during the assessment for PVFM to ascertain the extent to which the pulmonary system may be compromised from PVFM, reduced exercise intensity, or both. Knowledge of differential diagnoses and adequate characterization of pulmonary volumes in swimmers will improve assessment processes.
Generation and isolation of recombinant retinoid oxidoreductase complex

All-trans-retinoic acid (RA) is a bioactive lipid that influences many processes in embryonic and adult tissues. Given its bioactive nature, cellular concentrations of this molecule are highly regulated. The oxidation of all-trans-retinol to all-trans-retinaldehyde represents the first and rate-limiting step of the RA synthesis pathway. As such, it is the target of mechanisms that fine-tune RA levels within the cell. RDH10 is one enzyme responsible for the oxidation of all-trans-retinol to all-trans-retinaldehyde, and together with the all-trans-retinaldehyde reductase DHRS3 forms an oligomeric protein complex. The resulting retinoid oxidoreductase complex (ROC) is bifunctional and has the capacity to regulate steady-state levels of the direct precursor of RA, all-trans-retinaldehyde. As ROC represents a major regulatory element within the RA synthesis pathway, it is essential that methods are in place that allow for the study of this complex. Here we describe the production and isolation of recombinant ROC using a baculovirus expression system. Recombinant proteins retain enzymatic activities in intact microsomes and can be affinity purified for analysis. These methods can be used to assist in the assessment of ROC properties and the regulation of this protein complex's functional attributes.
Extracellular Vesicle-Mediated Delivery of microRNA-206 Antagomir Attenuates Lung Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury via Targeting Type II Epithelial Cell-Secreted CXCL1

Purpose Our hypothesis is that human adipose mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived extracellular vesicle (EV) can be used as a delivery platform for microRNAs to effectively attenuate lung ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). Methods C57Bl/6 (WT) mice underwent sham or lung IRI (1hr of ischemia followed by 2hr reperfusion using left lung hilar-ligation model) with or without treatment (1hr prior to ischemia) with EVs or antagomiR-206 enriched EVs (3x106 EVs given intratracheally; n=5/group). MSCs were transfected with antagomiR-206 using Lipofectamine reagent for enrichment of purified EVs. Lung tissue was used for Affymetrix GeneChip microRNA microarray hybridization. Cytokine expression in BAL fluid by Luminex array, and lung injury by measuring neutrophil infiltration (immunohistochemistry) and activation (myeloperoxidase levels), was evaluated. Murine type II epithelial (MLE12 cells) were co-cultured with EVs and exposed to hypoxia/reoxygenation (3hr/1hr) followed by analysis of supernatants by ELISA. Groups were compared using ANOVA and data is shown as mean±S.E. Results miRNA microarray analysis of lung tissue demonstrated a significant upregulation of miR-206 (∼50-fold) after lung IRI compared to sham. Treatment with antagomiR-206-enriched EVs displayed significantly better lung function [decreased airway resistance (0.6±0.03 vs. 1.1±0.05 cm H2O/μl/sec; p Conclusion MSC-derived EVs can be used as biomimetic nanovehicles for protective immunomodulation against lung IRI by enriching them with antagomiR-206.
TNF-α and its soluble receptors mediate the relationship between prior severe mood episodes and cognitive dysfunction in euthymic bipolar disorder

Abstract Background Bipolar disorder (BD) is one of the most disabling mental health conditions in the world. Symptoms of cognitive impairment in BD contribute directly to occupational and social deficiencies and are very difficult to treat. Converging evidence suggests that BD patients have increased peripheral markers of inflammation. The hypothesis of neuroprogression in BD postulates that cognitive deficits develop over the course of the illness and are influenced by prior severe mood episodes, leading to wear-and-tear on the brain– however, there exists a paucity of data statistically testing a mediating role of immune molecules in cognitive dysfunction in BD. Methods This is a cross-sectional study. We measured serum levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and soluble (s) TNF receptors one and two (sTNF-R1 and sTNF-R2) in 219 euthymic BD patients and 52 Healthy Controls (HCs). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used for the primary purpose of assessing whether TNF markers (measured by the multiple indicators TNF-α, sTNF-R1 and sTNF-R2) mediate the effect or number of prior severe mood episodes (number of prior psychiatric hospitalizations) on cognitive performance. Results BD and HC groups did not differ on circulating levels of TNF molecules in the present study. However, we found higher sTNF-R1 concentration in ‘late-stage’ BD illness (>1 prior psychiatric hospitalization) compared to those in early stage illness. In the subsequent SEM, we found that the model fits the data acceptably (Chi-square = 49.2, p = 0.3), and had a ‘close fit’ (RMSEA = 0.02, PCLOSE = 0.9). Holding covariates constant (age, sex, premorbid IQ, education, and race), we found that the standardized indirect effect was significant, p = 0.015, 90%CI [-0.07, −0.01], indicating that the estimated model was consistent with peripheral TNF markers partially mediating a causal effect of severe mood episodes on executive function. Conclusions Our results indicate that circulating levels of TNF molecules partially mediate the relationship between prior severe mood episodes and executive function in BD. These results may implicate TNF variables in the neuroprogressive course of BD and could point to novel interventions for cognition.
Integrative Jungian Psychotherapy for Anxiety and OCD

Cognitive-behavioral interventions for anxiety and obsessive–compulsive disorder have received a great deal of attention for their growing evidence base. These therapies focus on symptom eliminatio...
Analysis of observer performance in unknown-location tasks for tomographic image reconstruction

Our goal is to optimize regularized image reconstruction for emission tomography with respect to lesion detectability in the reconstructed images. We consider model observers whose decision variable is the maximum value of a local test statistic within a search area. Previous approaches have used simulations to evaluate the performance of such observers. We propose an alternative approach, where approximations of tail probabilities for the maximum of correlated Gaussian random fields facilitate analytical evaluation of detection performance. We illustrate how these approximations, which are reasonably accurate at low probability of false alarm operating points, can be used to optimize regularization with respect to lesion detectability.
Secondary School Administrators' Knowledge and Perceptions of the Athletic Training Profession, Part I: Specific Considerations for Athletic Directors.

Context Athletic directors are charged with making impactful decisions for secondary school athletic programs that mitigate risk for stakeholders involved. This includes decision-making regarding the provision of medical care for student-athletes. To date, limited research has explored athletic directors' perceptions of athletic training. Objective To evaluate public school athletic directors' knowledge and perceptions of the athletic trainer (AT) role. Design Concurrent mixed methods. Setting Cross-sectional online questionnaire. Patients or other participants Athletic directors representing all 50 states and the District of Columbia (n=954; 818 males, 133 females, 3 preferred not to answer; age = 47.8 ± 9.1 years; years in current role = 9.8 ± 8.3). Intervention(s) Questionnaire composed of demographics, various quantitative measures assessing athletic directors' knowledge and perceived value of ATs, and open-ended questions allowing for expansion on their perspectives. Main outcome measure(s) Descriptive statistics were reported, with key quantitative findings presented as count response and overall percentages. Qualitative data were analyzed using the general inductive approach. Results A majority of respondents recognized the ATs' role in injury prevention (99.8%), first aid/wound care (98.8%), therapeutic interventions (93.8%), and emergency care (91.6%). Approximately 61% (n=582) identified AT employment as a top sport safety measure, and 77% (n=736) considered an AT to be extremely valuable to student-athlete health and safety. Athletic directors appeared to recognize the value of ATs as they provide "peace of mind" and remove the responsibility of making medical decisions from coaches and administration. Conclusions Athletic directors appeared to recognize the value ATs bring to the secondary school setting and demonstrated adequate knowledge regarding ATs' roles and responsibilities. Educational efforts for this population should focus on AT-related tasks that are not frequently seen in the public eye, yet add to perceived value, in order to potentially influence hiring decisions.
A Qualitative Study of Stress and Coping to Inform the LEADS Health Promotion Trial for African American Adolescents with Overweight and Obesity.

The purpose of this study was to conduct in-depth individual interviews with 30 African American adolescents with overweight and obesity and their families (caregiver/adolescent dyads) to gain a better understanding of how to integrate stress and coping essential elements into an existing family-based health promotion program for weight loss. Interview data from 30 African American adolescents with overweight and obesity (Mage = 15.30 ± 2.18; MBMI%-ile = 96.7 ± 3.90) were transcribed and coded for themes using inductive and deductive approaches by two independent coders. Inter-rater reliability was acceptable (r = 0.70–0.80) and discrepancies were resolved to 100% agreement. The themes were guided by the Relapse Prevention Model, which focuses on assessing barriers of overall coping capacity in high stress situations that may undermine health behavior change (physical activity, diet, weight loss). Prominent themes included feeling stressed primarily in response to relationship conflicts within the family and among peers, school responsibilities, and negative emotions (anxiety, depression, anger). A mix of themes emerged related to coping strategies ranging from cognitive reframing and distraction to avoidant coping. Recommendations for future programs include addressing sources of stress and providing supportive resources, as well as embracing broader systems such as neighborhoods and communities. Implications for future intervention studies are discussed.
Atrioventricular Valves: Congenital Mitral Valve Abnormalities

Congenital mitral valve anomalies are rare in isolation, they are often associated with other heart defects, and as such their presence warrants thorough evaluation, especially of the left-sided structures. Mitral valve and its support structures have a complex three-dimensional structure with a non-planar saddle shape that makes two-dimensional evaluation difficult. Three-dimensional echocardiography has made tremendous advances and is currently the preferred imaging modality. Cardiac CT is complementary to other methods to evaluate the mitral valve. Management of the congenital mitral valve anomalies is individualized based on the encountered anatomic variations.
Practical strategies for reducing suicide risk among depressed adults

Introduction Suicide remains a major problem throughout society. Unfortunately, recommendations for the treatment of suicidal clients are often presented at a general level, without providing adequate detail that could guide the practicing clinician. Objectives The review explains three main strategies that can be used to helpr educe the risk of suicide among depressed adults. Methods Method: The review identified three themes derives from an integration of 30+ years of clinical experience working with depressed outpatients combined with a comprehensive review of recent journal articles on depression and suicide. Results First, clients may become suicidal when they focus on unfortunate events from their recent or distant past, resulting in tendencies for rumination and guilt. Therapy can help clients cultivate an attitude of contentment, promoting self-forgiveness and a sense of accomplishment. Second, suicidal clients often focus on their current struggles, frequently involving financial problems, interpersonal conflict, and social isolation. Therapy can help clients to embrace life through planned activities, reconnecting with loved ones, and repairing damaged relationships. Third, clients may struggle because of hopeless views of their future, feeling trapped in a desperate situation with no possible solution. Therapy can help clients look to the future with a more optimist attitude and a sense of control. Conclusions Clients can learn to search for realistic solutions to their problems, developing a renewed sense of optimism and empowerment. The risk of suicide can be reduced when therapy helps clients reduce guilt and worthlessness, increase meaningful social bonds, and instill realistic hope for the future. Conflict of interest No significant relationships.
Dose‐Response Model

A measurement, Y, of an effect can be represented by Y = E(Y) + error. E(Y) is the expected (true) value of an effect and error is the deviation of the measurement from its true value due to inherent measurement error and/or experimental variation. A dose–response model is a mathematical function f that relates the expected value, E(Y), of some measurable effect, Y, to a dose, d, of a substance E(Y) = f (d).
Endothelial dysfunction is associated with carotid plaque: a cross-sectional study from the population based Northern Manhattan Study.

Background Impaired vascular function occurs early in atherogenesis. Brachial flow mediated dilatation (FMD) is a non-invasive measure of vascular function and may be an important marker of preclinical atherosclerosis. Data on the association between FMD and carotid plaque in multi-ethnic populations are limited. The objective of this study was to determine whether endothelial dysfunction is independently associated with carotid plaque in a community of northern Manhattan.
Antiarrhythmic properties of a neuroleptic butyrophenone, melperone, in acute myocardial infarction. A double-blind trial.

In vitro animal studies suggest melperone, a neuroleptic butyrophenone, to be a type III antiarrhythmic drug according to the classification of Vaughan Williams. It has no negative inotropic effect on cardiac muscle. A double-blind trial of 3 hours' duration was carried out with melperone and placebo in 26 patients admitted to the CCU with suspected acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and ventricular arrhythmias. Melperone, 50 mg i.v., was superior to placebo in reducing the total number of ventricular ectopic beats (VEB) as well as the number of minutes with either frequent, multifocal, R-on-T-type or runs of VEB. The reduction became statistically significant in the second treatment hour in patients with definite AMI. Melperone induced sedation and reduction of systemic BP in most of the patients. Two patients with low initial systolic BP achieved a further reduction and had BP levels below 90 mmHg. Two patients experienced minor side-effects. In conclusion, melperone administered in large i.v. doses to patients with AMI induced sedation, acute BP reduction and some reduction of ventricular arrhythmia. X
Histoplasma capsulatum Yeasts Are Phagocytosed Via Very Late Antigen-5, Killed, and Processed for Antigen Presentation by Human Dendritic Cells

Histoplasma capsulatum (Hc) is a facultative, intracellular parasite of world-wide importance. As the induction of cell-mediated immunity to Hc is of critical importance in host defense, we sought to determine whether dendritic cells (DC) could function as a primary APC for this pathogenic fungus. DC obtained by culture of human monocytes in the presence of GM-CSF and IL-4 phagocytosed Hc yeasts in a time-dependent manner. Upon ingestion, the intracellular growth of yeasts within DC was completely inhibited compared with rapid growth within human macrophages. Electron microscopy of DC with ingested Hc revealed that many of the yeasts were degraded as early as 2 h postingestion. In contrast to macrophages, human DC recognized Hc yeasts via the fibronectin receptor, very late Ag-5, and not via CD18 receptors. DC stimulated Hc-specific lymphocyte proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner after phagocytosis of viable and heat-killed Hc yeasts, but greater proliferation was achieved after ingestion of viable yeasts. These data demonstrate that human DC can phagocytose and degrade a fungal pathogen and subsequently process the appropriate Ags for stimulation of lymphocyte proliferation. In vivo, such interactions between DC and Hc may facilitate the induction of cell-mediated immunity.
The development and use of an engineering visualization tool for longitudinal vibrations of structures

Summary form only given. Visualization greatly enhances understanding in the study of vibrations and assists in the design of structures. The software program is used to help engineering students better understand free and forced longitudinal vibration through beam design. The user is able to select the beam configuration and once the beam configuration and loading are set, the program develops a series of pictures which can be animated to show the vibration. The user has the ability to select which modes of vibration to simulate. Only those modes selected are used in animation results. The sequence of pictures contains stress and strain field information throughout the beam. By using a color gradient scale related to the stress/strain the user can easily see the change is stress and strain throughout the beam during the vibration. The program gives maximum and minimum stress values and their location. On any particular frame, the user has the ability to get stress/strain information from any point on the beam through simple a mouse click. Animation sequences can be saved for comparison with other cases. The ability to view multiple animations concurrently is under consideration. Other options being considered include the introduction of modal damping. The program functions as a design tool since all stress and strain information is available to the user. As a study tool, the user is given the ability to change parameters which give visual results, not just new numbers. The program is used at Georgia Tech to assist in the understanding of vibrations in aerospace applications.
Epidemiology, etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of schizophrenia

The epidemiology, etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of schizophrenia are reviewed. In the United States, at least 1 in every 100 persons is afflicted with schizophrenia. The theory that schizophrenia is a biochemical disorder has gained wide acceptance, although none of the etiological theories are conclusive. Criteria contained in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Third Edition, Revised, are most commonly used to diagnose schizophrenia. Accuracy in diagnosing schizophrenia is critical because the treatments and prognoses for different types of psychoses can vary considerably. Treatment primarily involves the use of antipsychotic drugs, which are thought to act by blocking central dopamine receptors. The classical antipsychotics are the phenothiazines; of these, the prototype is chlorpromazine. Other classes of antipsychotics are the thioxanthenes, butyrophenones, dihydroindolones, dibenzoxazepines, diphenylbutylpiperidines, and dibenzodiazepines. Selecting an appropriate agent involves consideration of adverse effects, dosage forms, and the agent's ability to relieve target symptoms. Adverse effects of these agents include sedation, extrapyramidal effects, and anticholinergic effects. Tardive dyskinesia is a serious, irreversible condition associated with long-term antipsychotic therapy. Clozapine, a newer atypical antipsychotic, has been shown to be more effective than chlorpromazine and haloperidol and seems to cause few neurological adverse effects. Treatment of schizophrenia has not changed much since the advent of antipsychotic drug use nearly 30 years ago. Newer atypical antipsychotics show promise in improving target symptoms while causing fewer adverse effects.
Incidence and Short-Term Prognosis of Transient Ischemic Attack in a Population-Based Study

Background and Purpose— Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) have been shown to be a strong predictor of subsequent stroke and death. We present the incidence and short-term prognosis of TIA within a ...
Clavicle anatomy and the applicability of intramedullary midshaft fracture fixation.

Background This study investigated the morphologic safety and applicability of intramedullary fixation of midshaft clavicle fractures by analyzing the pertinent clavicle anatomy using 3-dimensional computer simulation. Materials and methods Computed tomography was used to scan 22 skeletonized clavicles. Computer software was used to simulate middle-segment fracture fixation by fitting a cylindrical corridor within the clavicle in the area that intramedullary devices normally cross during surgery. The cylindrical corridor crossed the fracture line on both sides, and the number of cortical diameters that were bypassed was recorded. We assumed that 1 to 2 cortical diameters had to be bypassed to achieve adequate fixation. The medial and lateral exit points of the cylindrical corridor were measured and described in relation to the sternoclavicular and acromioclavicular ends respectively. Results Simulation revealed that 15 of 22 clavicles could be bypassed by 2 cortical diameters on either side of the midline fracture, 6 clavicles could be bypassed by 1 cortical diameter medial to the fracture line, and 1 clavicle could not be bypassed by any cortical diameters medial to the fracture line. The medial exit point of the cylindrical corridor was anterior in 20 of 22 cases and an average of 44.2 mm lateral to the sternoclavicular end. The lateral exit point of the cylindrical corridor was posterosuperior in 16 of 22 cases and an average of 26.5 mm medial to the acromioclavicular end. Conclusion In most clavicles, straight intramedullary fixation appears to be a morphologically safe and effective method of fixation.
Rapid species displacement during the invasion of Florida by the tropical house gecko Hemidactylus mabouia

There is considerable interest in understanding how invasive species disperse across landscapes, and how they affect resident species. However, quantifying these processes using mark recapture or manipulative experiments can be time consuming and costly. A different approach is to study density changes across a broader landscape, and take advantage of naturally existing replicate locations that are imperfect, but plentiful. We documented sites of recent colonization and measured density changes in the invasive gecko Hemidactylus mabouia and the prior resident gecko Hemidactylus garnotii in Florida. We surveyed geckos at 398 locations from 19 regional sites distributed across central and southern Florida. We documented changes in abundance through repeated censuses of 56 locations in areas of sympatry between 2001 and 2009. Complete displacement occurred in 10% increase in H. mabouia per year. There was evidence that H. mabouia reaches a higher carrying capacity than H. garnotii, which likely contributes to its competitive dominance. Changes in relative abundance within patches were consistent with a density dependent mechanism of displacement, suggesting the decline of H. garnotii is functionally linked to increases in H. mabouia abundance, which allows us to rule out coincidental factors not directly associated with H. mabouia. However, simulations showed that even highly asymmetric differences in carrying capacity and competitive ability were not sufficient to account for the rapid displacement we observed. We conclude that mechanisms other than resource competition must be at work to drive species displacement in this system.
Consequences of Parenting on Adolescent Outcomes

In recent years, substantial gains have been made in our understanding of the influence of parenting behaviors and styles on adolescent emotional and behavioral outcomes. Empirical work focusing on the associations between parenting and adolescent outcomes is important because the influence of parenting during adolescence continues to affect behaviors into adulthood. Additionally, there has been considerable attention paid to the mechanisms that shape parenting that then influence adolescent outcomes. For instance, researchers have found that neighborhood conditions moderated the association between parenting and adolescent development. In this paper, several covariates and contextual effects associated with parenting and adolescent outcomes will be discussed. Also, parental behaviors, parental styles and adolescent outcomes are discussed in this literature review. This review provides an assessment of the literature on parenting and adolescent outcomes from the past decade and includes advancements in parenting research. The review concludes with a summary of major research findings, as well as a consideration of future directions and implications for practice and policy.
Moving from the laboratory to the real world and back again : Increasing the relevance of laboratory examinations of anxiety sensitivity

Laboratory-based experimental research has led to important breakthroughs in our understanding and treatment of anxiety disorders as well as other types of psychopathology. Despite the importance of this work, the relevance of laboratory-based research using clinical and nonclinical populations has been understated—particularly given concerns about the ecological and external validity of this research. Although some of these issues have been addressed elsewhere, there continues to be less emphasis on laboratory-based investigations compared to other types of research (e.g., treatment outcome). There also is continued misunderstanding regarding what questions can be examined and answered by experimental studies. As an introduction to this special series on the relevance of laboratory examinations of anxiety, we suggest that advances in laboratory preparations can make significant contributions to current behavior therapy. We also suggest that observations in clinical practice can spur innovations in laboratory research. One theme echoed by the articles in this miniseries is the need for a renewed commitment to reestablishing a link between laboratory-based research and clinical application as a means to further advance the science and practice of behavior therapy over the long-term.
MGS electron density profiles: Analysis of the peak magnitudes

Abstract We analyze here the behavior of the magnitudes of the F 1 and E peaks of the electron density profiles measured by the Radio Science Subsystem of the Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft, as a function of solar zenith angle χ and solar flux. For each of the 658 days of data in the six occultation seasons in the northern hemisphere, we choose one profile to analyze, which is that for which the F 1 peak is the median value. We assume that the variations of the measured peak densities can be represented as A ( cos χ ) a and as B ( F 10.7 ) b , where F 10.7 is the usual solar flux proxy, appropriately shifted to the orbital position of Mars. To minimize the effect of solar activity, we divide the data into 6 F 10.7 bins, fit the data in each bin, and derive the values of the exponent a and the coefficient A F 10.7 for each bin. The median values that we derive for the exponent a is 0.46 for the F 1 peak, and 0.395 for the E peak. To minimize the effect of SZA, we divide the data into eight SZA bins, and derive the exponent b and the coefficient B χ for each SZA bin. We argue that the last three SZA bins should be excluded because the fits were poor, due partly to the small number of data points in each of these bins. If we do so, the median values of b that we derive are 0.27 and 0.40 for the F 1 and E peaks, respectively. Finally we derive a 3-parameter fit to all the data, which expresses the variability of the peak densities as a function of ( cos χ ) a ′ and ( F 10.7 ) b ′ simultaneously. The fitted values of the exponents a ′ and b ′ for the F 1 peak are 0.45 and 0.26, respectively; for the E peak, the values are 0.39 and 0.46, respectively. We compare our results to Chapman theory, and to those of other investigators.
An investigation of two parental involvement roles in the treatment of obese children

In a behavioral weight loss program for children, parental involvement in two different roles (i.e., helper or weight loss) was compared for an extended period of time. The helper role targeted behaviors that specifically facilitated the child's weight-loss effort, while the weight loss role involved a parental weight reduction program that paralleled that of the child. Parents were monitored in their respective roles for half a year. Findings suggest a slight superiority for the helper condition during extended treatment, however, there was no difference in overall rates of success or child's weight status at a one-year follow-up. It was suggested that poor adherence to the parental role could be a contributing factor to the lack of difference found between conditions. The results are discussed in terms of parental roles, the challenge of increasing long-term parental adherence, and improvements in adherence assessment.
Redesigning Curriculum: New Conceptions and Tools

Some of the best educators I know have assiduously avoided the subject of curriculum. I myself have sometimes left a room rather than get caught in a conversation about it. It is not because we think that curriculum is unimportant, but because we think it is hopelessly ill-defined. Most of the people who stay in the room when the subject of curriculum comes up think it is the thing teachers teach to students, whereas those of us who head for the door think that this is a delusion. We suspect that there is too much "it" in the usual preoccupation with curriculum. In seeking to define "it," in arguing about "it," in prescribing "it," and of course in attempting to deliver "it," we overlook where curriculum really is. To be sure, teaching is a triangle of I, thou, and it, as Dewey (1902) and Hawkins (1967/1974)
Molecular Organization of Cholesterol in Phospholipids

Cholesterol-enriched domains in cell membranes are involved in a wide variety of cellular activities including protein sorting, signal transduction, and host-pathogen interactions. Several models describing the structural organization of cholesterol-phospholipid membranes have been proposed, but consensus on cholesterol-lipid organization within the cell membrane has not yet been reached. For instance, the “superlattice” model suggests regular distribution of cholesterol in a hexagonal lipid matrix, whilst the condensed complex model states that cholesterol and lipids form complexes only at a particular stoichiometry. Moreover, current models constrain cholesterol placement to exclusively being within the lipid acyl chains regardless of its mole fraction (χCHOL). Here we present a systematic structural study of cholesterol-dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) mixed monolayers at the air-liquid interface by surface pressure-molecular area Langmuir isotherms, epifluorescence microscopy, X-ray reflectivity (XR) and grazing incident-angle X-ray diffraction (GIXD) using synchrotron radiation. The electron density profile across the monolayer, derived from XR data, demonstrates that the vertical position of cholesterol relative to phospholipids strongly depends on χCHOL. At a range of sterol concentrations, cholesterol and DPPC form new alloy-like mixed domains of short-range order and stoichiometry defined by the overall molecular composition of the film. Since these data cannot be explained within the existing models, we propose a new model of cholesterol-lipid organization in mixed monolayers that is consistent with both the “condensing” effect of cholesterol and a sharp increase in its chemical activity at χCHOL>0.4. Our data above all does not support the theory that membrane domains exist as independent ordered lipid/cholesterol entities ready to accommodate protein molecules.
Cincinnati’s Infernal Regions Exhibit and the Waning of Calvinist Authority

The Infernal Regions exhibit, which was hosted by Cincinnati’s Western Museum from 1828 to 1867, presented visitors with a vivid virtual hell. Created primarily by English author Francis Trollope and soon‐to‐be‐famous sculptor Hiram Powers, the exhibit featured an array of realistic, mobile automatons, as well as special effects of sound and lighting. Famous in its time, the simulated hell reflected a fundamental transformation of American religious culture. While some visitors took the exhibit’s content seriously, the producers of the Infernal Regions were critics of Calvinist theology, and they treated their subject – hell, damnation, and eternal suffering – as a source of entertainment and profit. While the mechanical ingenuity and novelty of the Infernal Regions drew thousands of paying customers, the religious content signaled the declining power of Christian ministers to control religious and moral discourse – especially the fading ability of educated Calvinist ministers to maintain rigorous doctrin...
Comprehensive comparative study of computed tomography-based estimates of split renal function for potential renal donors: modified ellipsoid method and other CT-based methods.

OBJECTIVE To investigate a new modified computed tomographic (CT) ellipsoid method of split renal function and to compare results from this method with other CT-derived metrics. METHODS Thirty-eight potential renal donors with both CT and nuclear renography were retrospectively evaluated for estimated split function using 6 CT methods to determine accuracy. For the CT methods, correlation, reproducibility, ease in image post-processing, and the ability of CT-derived methods to determine the dominant kidney before renal transplantation were evaluated using a nuclear renography reference standard. RESULTS Four of the 6 CT methods (split renal volume, modified ellipsoid method, parenchymal area, attenuation capacity) showed similar strong correlation (r = 0.84-0.79). Bland-Altman analysis revealed similar performance in differences (SDs <3.0%) between those CT measures and reference standard, as well as good interobserver agreement for the modified ellipsoid and parenchymal area methods. The technically simpler methods had inferior performance. Post-processing time for the modified ellipsoid method was significantly shorter than semiautomated split renal volume or parenchymal area method (P < 0.01). Each CT-based method showed excellent agreement (100% or 97.4%) with renography regarding the determination of dominant kidney. CONCLUSIONS Excellent correlation with nuclear split renal function supports the use of CT alone for the imaging assessment for many potential renal donors, including the decision of which kidney to harvest. Among the CT-based methods, the modified ellipsoid method can be performed rapidly with high accuracy and reproducibility.
Volatilization of toxaphene from Lakes Michigan and Superior

The pesticide toxaphene was used extensively on cotton in the southern United States until its use was restricted in 1982. It was previously reported that the upper Great Lakes have received toxaphene by gas absorption following long-range transport from the south and are currently saturated with respect to toxaphene. However, the rate of loss of toxaphene from Lakes Michigan and Superior had been estimated using sparse or estimated data, and thus, these estimates had high uncertainties. For this investigation, samples were collected to provide extensive data on air, water, and sediment concentrations of toxaphene for the upper Great Lakes for the period 1997-98. These data were used to calculate the annual and seasonal fluxes of toxaphene from water to air and sediment. Lake Superior is 200-1000% saturated with toxaphene, and Lake Michigan is 200-500% saturated. It seems clear that both lakes will outgas toxaphene into the atmosphere for some considerable time in the future, and Lake Superior, because of its generally lower water temperatures and higher toxaphene concentration, will outgas toxaphene even longer than will Lake Michigan.
Thyroid cancer and thyrotoxicosis in the United States: Their relation to endemic goiter

Abstract Some clinical evidence suggests that goiter predisposes to cancer of the thyroid as well as to thyrotoxicosis. A high frequency of pre-existing goiter has been reported in patients with thyroid cancer and the possibility of thyroid cancer must always be considered in patients with nodular goiter. Studies which are restricted to selected patients with cancer of the thyroid cannot be expected to indicate whether persons with goiter are more likely than others to develop thyroid cancer. Experimental evidence indicates that in animals iodine deficiency or goitrogens may cause progressive changes in the thyroid gland from diffuse to nodular hyperplasia to benign tumor and, sometimes, to malignant neoplasm. Simple goiter is largely a preventable disease and there has been an impressive decline in its frequency since the introduction of iodized salt. Medical examinations of candidates for military service during World Wars I and II reflect this decrease. They also indicate that there are geographic differences in goiter prevalence which, though much less marked, were still present after two decades during which iodized salt was generally available. The trend and geographic variation of goiter prevalence were compared with the trends and geographic patterns of mortality attributed to thyrotoxicosis and to thyroid cancer. The comparison of goiter with thyrotoxicosis indicates a highly significant correlation that strongly supports the hypothesis that endemic goiter is an important factor in the pathogenesis of thyrotoxicosis. In contrast, the comparison of goiter and thyroid cancer does not provide convincing evidence for the existence of an association between these two diseases.
Vector constants of the motion in spherically symmetric fields of force

The determination of the explicit form of vector constants of the motion for a point mass moving in an arbitrary spherically symmetric time-independent potential is reduced to the solution of an ordinary second-order linear differential equation. The vectors to be determined are assumed to be orthogonal to the angular momentum. The differential equation is solved for some particular fields of force and the corresponding vectors are constructed.
Myofibroblasts in reperfused myocardial infarcts express the embryonic form of smooth muscle myosin heavy chain (SMemb)

Objective : The purpose of this study is to examine the cellular content of healing myocardial infarcts and study the phenotypic characteristics of fibroblasts during scar formation utilizing a canine model of coronary occlusion and reperfusion. Methods: Ischemia/Reperfusion experiments were performed in dogs undergoing 1 h of coronary occlusion followed by reperfusion intervals ranging from 5 h to 28 days. Fibrotic and control areas were studied using immunohistochemistry. Results: The healing ischemic and reperfused myocardium demonstrated significant proliferative activity peaking after 3 to 7 days of reperfusion, predominantly in myofibroblasts. The numbers of proliferating cells decreased during the maturation phase of the scar (PCNA index: 13.7±2.25% at 5 days vs. 4.8±1.1% at 28 days; P <0.05, n = 5). During the proliferative phase of healing (3–7 days) α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMAc) expression was markedly increased in the fibrotic areas. α-SMAc predominantly localized in myofibroblasts which were vimentin positive, smooth muscle myosin, calponin and desmin negative. We examined expression of smooth muscle myosin heavy chain isoforms in myofibroblasts infiltrating the healing areas and found a marked induction of the embryonal isoform of myosin heavy chain (SMemb) in α-SMAc positive spindle shaped cells in the border of the scar. Myofibroblasts did not express SM2, a marker for mature smooth muscle cells. In contrast myocardial arterioles were positive for SM2, but did not express SMemb. Conclusions: Healing myocardial infarcts undergo rapid changes in their content of myofibroblasts. During the proliferative phase fibroblasts undergo phenotypic changes leading to expression of contractile proteins such as α-SMAc, and production of SMemb, a marker for dedifferentiated smooth muscle cells. Expression of embryonic isoforms indicates dedifferentiation and allows the myofibroblast pool to serve as a versatile cell population, assuming different phenotypes depending on the physiological needs.
Managing Reproduction in Dairy Cattle. II. Response of Cows to Progestogen Treated Herdmates during the Postpartum Period

Abstract Sixty-eight lactating Holstein cows were handled as one unit but were either fed melengestrol acetate for 14 days or were contemporary controls. Cows that calved in a 21-day period were assigned to a treatment group. Those that calved during the subsequent 21 days served as controls and received no treatment. The alternating assignment was continued for 6 mo. Treated cows were between 14 to 35 days postpartum at the beginning of the feeding period. Data from all cows, combined, showed a decrease in days open (120 to 92) and services per conception (2.7 to 1.5) as compared with their previous year's record. The 34 control cows exhibited estrus over a period which coincided with that of 91% of the treated animals, with a slight delay in occurrence of first estrus. The observations suggest that control cows responded in some way to the treated cows in the early stages of the postpartum period.
Survival of Lactobacillus species (strain GG) in human gastrointestinal tract.

A newly isolated strain of a species ofLactobacillus of human origin, designated GG (Lactobacillus GG), has been studied to determine its ability to survive in the human gastrointestinal tract. When fed to 76 volunteers as a frozen concentrate or as a fermented preparation in milk or whey,Lactobacillus GG was recovered in the feces of all subjects receiving the fermented milk or whey and in 86% receiving the frozen concentrate when a single fecal specimen was cultured. The organism was also present in the feces of subjects concurrently receiving ampicillin. After terminating feeding of the organism,Lactobacillus GG persisted in the feces of 87% of volunteers four days later and in 33% of subjects seven days later.Lactobacillus GG lowered fecal bacterial β-glucuronidase activity by approximately 80% in volunteers given the organism for four weeks. These studies demonstrate thatLactobacillus GG can survive and temporarily colonize the human gastrointestinal tract and can affect the metabolic activity of the resident microflora.
Ground State Scattering Lengths for Potassium Isotopes Determined by Double-Resonance Photoassociative Spectroscopy of Ultracold 39K

We use double-resonance photoassociative spectroscopy of ultracold ${}^{39}\mathrm{K}$ atoms to precisely determine the triplet $a{}^{3}{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}_{u}^{+}$ scattering length for the various isotopes of potassium. Photoassociation of free ${}^{39}\mathrm{K}$ atoms to the pure long-range ${0}_{g}^{\ensuremath{-}}{(v}^{\ensuremath{'}}=0,{J}^{\ensuremath{'}}=2)$ level is followed by stimulated emission to high-lying levels of the $a{}^{3}{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}_{u}^{+}$ potential. The binding energies of levels within 5 GHz below the lowest ground-state ${4s}_{1/2}{(f}_{a}{=1)+4s}_{1/2}{(f}_{b}=1)$ hyperfine asymptote are measured by both trap loss and ionization detection. The locations of these near-threshold hyperfine-coupled molecular levels allow us to constrain the triplet potential and thereby determine the triplet scattering length. The result for ${}^{39}\mathrm{K},$ ${a}_{t}=\ensuremath{-}33\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}{5a}_{0}$ ${(1a}_{0}=0.0529177 \mathrm{nm}),$ is a factor of $\ensuremath{\sim}5$ improvement over previous determinations and establishes that a large ${}^{39}\mathrm{K}$ Bose-Einstein condensate will not be stable.
A high-resolution ultraviolet absorption spectrum of supernova ejecta in SN1006

We report a high-resolution, far-ultraviolet, Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) E140M spectrum of the strong, broad Si II, III and iv features produced by the ejecta of the supernova of 1006 AD (SN1006) seen in absorption against the background Schweizer-Middleditch OB subdwarf star. The spectrum confirms the extreme sharpness of the red edge of the red-shifted Si II 1260 A feature, supporting the idea that this edge represents the location of the reverse shock moving into the freely expanding Si-rich ejecta. The expansion velocity of ejecta at the reverse shock is measured to be 7026 ± 3 (relative) ± 10 (absolute) km s -1 . If the shock model is correct, then the expansion velocity should be decreasing at the observable rate of 2.7 ±0.1 km s -1 yr -1 . The pre-shock velocity, post-shock velocity and post-shock velocity dispersion are all measured from the Sin 1260 A feature, and consistency of these velocities with the shock jump conditions implies that there is little or no electron heating in this fast (2680 km s -1 ) Si-rich shock; the 3σ upper limit on the fraction of shock energy that goes into electron heating is 0.26.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Barbed Versus Traditional Suture for Vaginal Cuff Closure at Time of Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: Preliminary Results

m2, ifosfamide 5 g/m2 and cisplatin 75 mg/m2 (TIP) underwent TRRH , using the da Vinci robotic system. Results: All the 19 radical hysterectomies were performed with the use of all robotic arms, three robotic instruments, and one assistant trocar. Pathological evaluation showed 3 complete response (pCR), 2 partial response (pPR1) with microscopic tumour, and 14 partial response (pPR2) with macroscopic tumour. The mean operative time was 203,6 min (range, 120-300); the mean estimated blood loss was 250 ml (range,100-400), with two postoperative blood transfusion; the mean number of removed pelvic lymph nodes was 24,3 (range, 8-69). Conclusions: Our experience allowed us to note advantages of robotic surgery in the performance of radical hysterectomy performed in patients with stage IB2-IIB carcinoma of cervix after NACT, with of minimal blood loss and morbidity.