cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Association Between Predeployment Optimism and Onset of Postdeployment Pain in US Army Soldiers.

Importance Pain after deployment is a major health care concern. While risk factors have been previously studied, few studies have explored protective factors. Objective To examine the prospective association between predeployment optimism and the onset of new pain after deployment in US Army soldiers. Design, Setting, and Participants This prospective longitudinal cohort study examined US Army soldiers (active duty, Reserve, and National Guard) who deployed to Afghanistan or Iraq between February 12, 2010, and August 29, 2014, and completed the necessary psychological and health assessments before and after deployment. Analyses were performed in the Person-Event Data Environment between July 2016 and November 2018. This study relied exclusively on existing, secondary Army data. Of the 413 763 Army soldiers who met the specified deployment criteria, 385 925 soldiers were missing 1 or more of the required assessment forms. Of the remaining 27 838 soldiers who were examined for eligibility, 7104 soldiers were excluded because of preexisting back pain, joint pain, or frequent headaches. These exclusions resulted in a final analytic sample of 20 734 eligible soldiers. Main Outcomes and Measures This study examined new reports of pain after deployment, including new back pain, joint pain, and frequent headaches. Results Among 20 734 US Army soldiers (87.8% male; mean [SD] age, 29.06 [8.42] years), 37.3% reported pain in at least 1 new area of the body after deployment: 25.3% reported new back pain, 23.1% reported new joint pain, and 12.1% reported new frequent headaches. As a continuous measure, each 1-U increase in optimism was associated with 11% lower odds of reporting any new pain after deployment, even while adjusting for demographic, military, and combat factors (odds ratio, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.86-0.93). Tertile analyses revealed that compared with soldiers with high optimism (lowest odds of new pain) soldiers with low optimism had 35% greater odds of reporting new pain in any of the 3 sites evaluated (odds ratio, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.21-1.50). In addition, a larger increase in risk of new pain was observed when comparing the moderate-optimism and low-optimism groups rather than the high-optimism and moderate-optimism groups. Conclusions and Relevance Higher levels of optimism were associated with lower odds of reporting new pain after deployment, over and above other common determinants of pain, including demographic and military characteristics and combat experiences. Soldiers with low levels of optimism before deployment could benefit from programs geared toward enhancing optimism.
Looking for something real: Affective encounters

Abstract This paper recounts a “Roots” tour of Ghana that took place in 2014. Roots tours are African tours specifically marketed toward African-American travelers. Tours include stops associated with the trans-Atlantic slave trade as well as sites of a more general cultural interest. The paper focuses on the encounters of tourists with Ghana. Specifically, this study uses Benjamin's concept of auras of authenticity to demonstrate that the authentic and affective are inextricably coupled and that both perform as essential constituents in place and memory making. This work relies on readings and interpretations of travelers' aspects (emotional expressions) as well as their sentiments as expressed in their speech and their writings. These manifestations of affect are captured through participant observation, interviews, photographs, and autoethnography. The findings of this study suggest that experiences of authenticity along with affective materials and landscapes work to bind memory to moment and place.
Flexibility or Stability? Analyzing Proposals to Reform the Separation of Powers

The social welfare effects of legislatures in presidential systems, such as the U.S. Congress, are frequently lamented. In response, there are proposals to reform the separation of powers system by giving presidents control of the legislative agenda and weakening rules such as the filibuster. We provide a game‐theoretic analysis of the policy and social welfare consequences of a more executive‐centric system. Integrating standard assumptions about legislative and executive incentives into a dynamic model of decision making with private investment, we show there are a variety of conditions under which stronger executives do not produce better outcomes. Moreover, we characterize how these conditions depend on factors such as the stability of the policymaking environment or investment fundamentals. Our findings are robust and consistent with empirical observations that U.S. policy outputs are not necessarily worse than those of nations with stronger executives, which more closely approximate prominent proposals by populist‐oriented reformers.
Medication‐Induced Hyperlactatemia and Lactic Acidosis: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Hyperlactatemia and lactic acidosis are two syndromes that are associated with morbidity and mortality. Medication-induced hyperlactatemia and lactic acidosis are diagnoses of exclusion and have the potential to be overlooked. The purposes of this systematic review are to identify published reports of medication-induced lactate level elevations to aid clinicians in diagnosing and comprehending the underlying mechanism of this rare adverse drug effect and to provide management strategies. The PubMed database was searched for case reports, case series, retrospective studies, and prospective studies describing cases of medication-induced lactate level elevation, including lactic acidosis and hyperlactatemia, published between January 1950 and June 2017. A standardized search strategy was used, and the articles identified underwent two rounds of independent evaluation by two reviewers to assess for inclusion. Articles were included if they described at least one patient older than 12 years with hyperlactatemia or lactic acidosis caused by a medication with United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval and if alternative etiologies for an elevated lactate level were ruled out. Metformin and nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors were excluded since the pathophysiology and incidence of lactic acidosis have been well established for these agents. Overall, 1918 articles were identified, and 101 met inclusion criteria. A total of 286 patients experienced medication-induced lactate level elevations, from which 59 unique medications were identified. The most commonly identified agents were epinephrine and albuterol. Medication-induced lactate level elevation was classified as lactic acidosis (64.0%), hyperlactatemia (31.1%), or not specified (4.9%). The doses ingested included FDA-labeled doses (86%), intentional overdoses (10.8%), or prescribed doses exceeding the FDA-labeled dose (3.1%). Medications were continued without a change (40.8%), were permanently discontinued (34.4%), were continued with a dosage reduction (11.6%), or were initially withheld then resumed after lactate level normalized (2.9%); medication management for the remaining 10.0% was not reported. Forty-six patients died (16%). Six deaths were attributed by treating clinicians to be secondary to medication-induced lactic acidosis. Management strategies were heterogeneous, and treatment included supportive care, exogenous bicarbonate therapy, medication specific antidotes, and decontamination strategies. Unexplained lactate level elevations should prompt clinicians to assess for medication-induced lactate level elevations. Pharmacists are members of the health care team that are well positioned to serve as experts in the diagnosis and management of medication-induced lactate level elevations.
Mixed Methods in Early Childhood Special Education Research: Purposes, Challenges, and Guidance

Mixed methods approaches to research are gaining popularity in the social sciences. Although these approaches may be unfamiliar to many in our field, they can uniquely contribute to and enhance ear...
Perforator Variability of the Anterolateral Thigh Flap Identified on Computed Tomographic Angiography: Anatomic and Clinical Implications

Background The anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap is a useful flap with minimal donor site morbidity. Preoperative computed tomographic angiography (CTA) for lower extremity reconstruction can determine vessel integrity and plan for recipient vascular targets. This study reviews lower extremity CTAs to further characterize ALT vascular anatomy and associated clinical implications thereof. Patients and Methods Lower extremity CTA studies were retrospectively reviewed, and information on ALT cutaneous perforator location, origin, and course was collected. Results A total of 58 lateral circumflex femoral artery (LCFA) systems in 31 patients were included. Average age was 38.8 ± 15.9 years with mean body mass index of 27.2 ± 5.7 kg/m2. The majority of patients were females (23, 74.2%). The LCFA most commonly originated from the profunda femoris artery (87.3%), followed by the distal common femoral artery (9.1%). On average, there were 1.66 ± 0.69 cm perforators per extremity, with an average of 5.38 cm between adjacent perforators. Perforators originated from the descending branch of the LCFA in 89.6% of studies. Perforator caliber was 2 mm (12, 12.5%). Mean distance from the most proximal perforator to the anterior superior iliac spine was 20.4 ± 4.82 cm. Perforators were musculocutaneous (46.9%), septocutaneous (34.4%), or septomyocutaneous (18.8%). In 58.1% of patients, only one thigh had easily dissectable septocutaneous and/or septomyocutaneous perforators, in which case preoperative CTA aided in donor thigh selection. Conclusion ALT flap cutaneous perforator anatomy varies considerably. Using CTA, we report on rates of septocutaneous, myocutaneous, and septomyocutaneous perforators and underscore its utility in perforator selection.
Preparing participants for the use of the tongue visual sensory substitution device.

Purpose Visual sensory substitution devices (SSDs) convey visual information to a blind person through another sensory modality. Using a visual SSD in various daily activities requires training prior to use the device independently. Yet, there is limited literature about procedures and outcomes of the training conducted for preparing users for practical use of SSDs in daily activities. Methods We trained 29 blind adults (9 with congenital and 20 with acquired blindness) in the use of a commercially available electro-tactile SSD, BrainPort. We describe a structured training protocol adapted from the previous studies, responses of participants, and we present retrospective qualitative data on the progress of participants during the training. Results The length of the training was not a critical factor in reaching an advanced stage. Though performance in the first two sessions seems to be a good indicator of participants' ability to progress in the training protocol, there are large individual differences in how far and how fast each participant can progress in the training protocol. There are differences between congenital blind users and those blinded later in life. Conclusions The information on the training progression would be of interest to researchers preparing studies, and to eye care professionals, who may advise patients to use SSDs. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION There are large individual differences in how far and how fast each participant can learn to use a visual-to-tactile sensory substitution device for a variety of tasks. Recognition is mainly achieved through top-down processing with prior knowledge about the possible responses. Therefore, the generalizability is still questionable. Users develop different strategies in order to succeed in training tasks.
Single-Port Surgery

Conventional laparoscopy is the preferred approach for many, if not most, major gynecologic procedures that require abdominal access. Conventional laparoscopic instrumentation and access devices as well as robotic-assisted laparoscopic instrumentation are improving rapidly. Whether conventional or robotic laparoscopy is considered, we prefer to minimize the size and number of ports. Many surgical procedures are customarily performed via 3–5 ports through small incisions in the abdominal wall. Each additional port carries a small but not negligible risk for port site complications [1]. These risks include bleeding, infection, injury to nearby organs, soft tissue trauma, herniation, and decreased cosmesis [2, 3].
Use of an argatroban systemic infusion and purge solution in a patient with a percutaneous ventricular assist device with suspected heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.

Disclaimer In an effort to expedite the publication of articles , AJHP is posting manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time. Purpose Thrombocytopenia can occur when using an Impella percutaneous ventricular assist device (pVAD), and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is often suspected. Data on heparin- and anticoagulant-free purge solutions in these devices are limited. Previous case reports have described argatroban-based purge solutions, both with and without systemic argatroban, at varying concentrations in patients with known or suspected HIT. Summary A 33-year-old male was transferred to our institution and emergently initiated on life support with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), an Impella pVAD, and continuous venovenous hemofiltration to receive an urgent aortic valve replacement. Over the next several days, the patient's platelet count declined with a nadir of 17 × 10 3/µL on hospital day 13. The patient's 4T score for probability of HIT was calculated as 4. All heparin products were discontinued on hospital day 15, and the patient was initiated on systemic infusion with argatroban 1,000 µg/mL at a rate of 0.2 µg/kg/min with a purge solution of argatroban 0.05 mg/mL. The systemic infusion remained at a rate of 0.2 µg/kg/min, and the total argatroban dose was, on average, less than 0.25 µg/kg/min. On hospital day 21, the patient was transferred to another institution. Conclusion Systemic infusion and a purge solution with argatroban were used in a patient with an Impella pVAD with multisystem organ dysfunction and suspected HIT. The patient achieved therapeutic activated partial thromboplastin times without adjustment of the systemic argatroban infusion and did not experience bleeding or thrombosis. Further studies concerning the safety and effectiveness of argatroban-based purge solutions in patients with pVADs are needed.
Evidence for myosin-like intermediates in the hydrolysis of adenosine triphosphate by sperm-tail flagella.

Abstract The ATPase of glycerinated sperm flagella from the sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus franciscanus) catalyzes the preferential exchange of water oxygens into the phosphate originating from ATP. This type of exchange, so far known only for myosin-related ATPases, occurred under conditions (60 mm Mg2+, 1 to 10 mm Ca2+) in which no inorganic phosphate-water exchange or exchange into unhydrolyzed ATP was observed. These results suggest that similar intermediates are formed by both skeletal myosin and flagellar ATPase during the cleavage of ATP, in spite of the known large differences in physical and enzymatic properties of the two contractile systems.
Evaluating optical see-through head-mounted display calibration via frustum visualization

Effectively evaluating optical see-through (OST) head-mounted display (HMD) calibration is problematic and largely relies on feedback from the user. Studies evaluating OST HMD calibration, such as those by McGarrity, Tang, and Navab et al. [2, 3, 1], utilize user interaction methods, such as touch pads, to facilitate on-line evaluation and correction of calibration results. In all of these studies, however, only the users themselves receive any visual feedback related to the calibration quality or the corrective actions taken to improve it. In this video, we present the use of standard frustum visualization to provide calibration quality information to the researcher in real time. We use a standard Single Point Active Alignment Method (SPAAM) calibration, [4], after which both the eye location estimate and resulting intrinsic values are displayed superimposed onto the user. Presenting the eye position relative to the user's head benefits studies on system error sources, and rendering on-screen visuals also allows outside observers to identify calibration issues and offer corrective suggestions. We believe that techniques, such as frustum visualization, will expand the amount of information available for evaluating calibration results, and will greatly aid those investigating new and improved calibration procedures.
The electric utility industry : new challenges and old questions

Abstract Changes in the electric utility industry over the last two decades have led to many topics for analysis, including fuel adjustment mechanisms, determination of avoided costs, bypass, and optimal contracts for utilities. Meanwhile, longer standing topics continue to be of interest including regulatory effects on efficiency, effective means of regulation, efficient pricing and scale economies, among others. In this introduction to the present special issue of Resources and Energy, major new and old strands of literature on the electric utility industry are assessed, and each of the articles appearing in this issue is discussed in light of the literature. This special issue contains examples of research on both the relatively recent problems and the pervasive, longdebated ones. Articles fall into three groups: prescriptive policy studies, input demand under rate-of-return regulation, and empirical regulatory studies.
Critical Elements in the Medical Evaluation of Suspected Child Physical Abuse

BACKGROUND: Previous research has described variability in medical evaluation of suspected abuse. The objective of this study was to identify, through expert consensus, required and highly recommended elements of a child abuse pediatrics (CAP) evaluation for 3 common presentations of suspected physical abuse in children aged 0 to 60 months. METHODS: Twenty-eight CAPs recruited from 2 national organizations formed the expert panel for this modified Delphi Process. An initial survey was developed for each presentation based on demographics, history of present illness, past medical, family and social history, laboratory, radiology, and consultation elements present in at least 10% of CAP consultations collected for a larger study. CAPs ranked each element on a 9-point scale then reviewed and discussed summary results through a project blog over 3 rounds. Required and highly recommended elements were defined as elements ranked as 9 and 8, respectively, by ≥75% of experts after the final round. RESULTS: From 96 elements in the initial surveys, experts identified 30 Required elements and 37 Highly Recommended elements for CAP evaluation of intracranial hemorrhage, 21 Required and 33 Highly Recommended elements for CAP evaluation of long bone fracture, and 18 Required and 16 Highly Recommended elements for CAP evaluation of isolated skull fracture. CONCLUSIONS: This guideline reflects expert consensus and provides a starting point for development of child abuse assessment protocols for quality improvement or research. Additional research is required to determine whether this guideline can reduce variability and/or improve reliability in the evaluation and diagnosis of child physical abuse.
Protection of Functional Groups

While it is necessary to mask the amino function of an amino acid or peptide during activation of the carboxyl group which participates in the subsequent coupling, it is equally important to select protecting groups that can readily be removed. Otherwise the integrity of the already formed peptide bonds would be endangered. If the peptide obtained in a coupling reaction has to be lengthened at its N-terminus, then an additional requirement limits the choice of the amine-blocking group: it must be removable under conditions which leave the masking of the carboxyl group and the protection of side chain functions intact. Thus, blocking of the α-amino function is generally transient while that of all other functions mostly semipermanent.
Alcohols induce rapid depletion of intracellular free Mg2+ in cerebral vascular muscle cells: relation to chain length and partition coefficient.

Abstract Acute effects of a series of alcohols (methanol, ethanol, n -butanol) on intracellular free magnesium concentration ([Mg 2+ ] i in canine cerebral vascular smooth muscle cells was studied using mag-fura-2 and digital imaging microscopy. In 1.2 mM [Mg 2+ ] o , basal [Mg 2+ ] i was 500 ± 30 μM. Exposure of cells to a low concentration (25 mM) of ethanol, but not methanol, for only 30 s resulted in significant loss of [Mg2 2 ] i . Exposure to 100 mM methanol, ethanol, and butanol for 30 s resulted in a relative order of potency for [Mg 2+ ] i depletion, where butanol ⪢ ethanol > methanol. The heterogeneous and relative subcellular compartmented concentrations of [Mg 2+ ] i , where perinuclear > nuclear ⪢ peripheral (cytosolic) region, was not significantly altered by the alcohols. The degree of cellular depletion of [Mg 2+ ] i ; was directly a function of each alcohol's partition coefficient and chain length. The latter is suggestive of the probability that alcohols promote intracellular depletion of Mg 2+ by partitioning in membranes and disordering lipid bilayers.
Dual binding modes to the receptor for platelet activating factor (PAF) of anti-paf trans-2,5-diarylfurans

Abstract The trans-2,5-diaryltetrahydrofurans 2 and 4 are equiactive with their enantiomers 3 and 5 as antagonists of platelet activating factor (PAF, 1), an indication of dual binding modes to the PAF receptor, further supported by the anti-PAF activity of the 1,3-dioxolane 6.
Superelasticity and fatigue in oligocrystalline shape memory alloy microwires

Abstract In oligocrystalline shape memory alloys, the total grain boundary area is smaller than the surface area of the specimen, leading to significant effects of free surfaces on the martensitic transformation and related shape memory and superelastic properties. Here we study sample size effects upon the superelastic characteristics of oligocrystalline microwires after one loading cycle and after many. Cu–Zn–Al wires with diameters ranging from ∼100 down to ∼20 μm are fabricated by the Taylor liquid processing technique and characterized through both uniaxial cyclic tensile testing and mechanically constrained thermal cycling. The energy dissipated per superelastic cycle increases with decreasing wire diameter, and this size effect is preserved after extensive cycling despite a significant transient evolution of the superelastic response for early cycles. We also present fatigue and fracture data, indicating that oligocrystalline wires of this normally brittle alloy can exhibit fatigue lifetimes two orders of magnitude improved over conventional polycrystalline Cu–Zn–Al.
Transparent logic modeling in VHDL

Modeling conventions and VHDL (VHSIC hardware description language) library techniques for transparently mapping between multivalued logic systems without modifying the model itself is described. Using these conventions and the VHDL library system, designers can choose any logic system compatible with the models and use if for simulation. Also described are some of the requirements the multivalued logic systems must satisfy. >
Long-term Followup of Treatment of Peyronie's Disease with Plaque Incision, Carbon Dioxide Laser Plaque Ablation and Placement of a Deep Dorsal Vein Patch Graft

Numerous surgical therapies have been used for Peyronie's disease in patients who maintain potency. We report on incision and carbon dioxide laser ablation of Peyronie's plaque combined with a deep dorsal vein patch graft in the treatment of 6 men (mean age 57 years). The chief indication for surgery was curvature interfering with intromission, with voiding difficulty being a secondary indication as well. Long-term followup (mean 31 months) was available in 6 men, each of whom was potent preoperatively. Potency was preserved in all men, and 5 described significant improvement in penetration and curvature. In 1 patient the curvature returned to preoperative levels. Each patient reported a subjective shortening of the penis from one-quarter to 1 inch but no case was functionally debilitating. We describe this technique, which to our knowledge has been reported previously by only 1 group with 18 patients, and conclude that it may be used with successful preservation of potency and restoration of intercourse in the treatment of Peyronie's plaques.
The subtle benefits of being promiscuous: adaptive evolution potentiated by enzyme promiscuity.

In this commentary we discuss recent progress in our understanding of adaptive protein evolution. We begin with a general introduction to proteins and their evolution, quickly focusing on the question of how natural selection produces proteins with novel functions. We then summarize the theory of latent protein adaptation advanced by the joint articles by Amitai et al. (2007), HFSP J. 1, 67–78 and Wroe et al. (2007) HFSP J. 1, 79–87, published in the first issue edition of the HFSP Journal. This theory provides a biophysical framework linking the effects of individual mutations on promiscuous protein function, neutral genetic drift, and gene duplication to the process of adaptive protein evolution.
Increased arylsulfatase B activity in cystic fibrosis cells following correction of CFTR.

Abstract Background The genetic disorder cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, impairing its function as a regulated anion channel involved with fluid secretion across epithelial cells. However, the clinical manifestations of CF are not thoroughly explained by impaired CFTR function. Experimental data have demonstrated oversulfation of glycoconjugates synthesized by CF epithelial cells of lung, pancreas, and other organs, and increases in the glycosaminoglycans dermatan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate in cultured skin fibroblasts from patients with CF. Since the enzyme arylsulfatase B (ASB) catalyzes hydrolysis of the sulfate ester of N-acetylgalactosamine 4-sulfate, a component of dermatan sulfate and chondroitin A sulfate, determination of ASB activity in human airway epithelial cells, corrected and uncorrected for CFTR, was undertaken. Methods Arylsulfatase B (ASB) enzyme activity was measured in three pairs of cells in which the defect in CFTR was corrected or uncorrected. The substrates p-nitrocatechol sulfate and 4-MUS were used to measure activity. Results An increase of 40% in ASB activity occurred in the CF cells when corrected for CFTR deficiency. Conclusions Decline in ASB activity may affect characteristics of secretions in CF, due to impaired metabolism of GAGs containing N-acetylgalactosamine 4-sulfate. ASB activity was markedly reduced when phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) was used as buffer, consistent with inhibition of sulfatase activity by phosphate. Increased attention to sulfatases may help to explain the pathophysiology of CF and lead to new therapies.
Stability and dynamics of rotating dielectrophoretic equilibria

Stability and dynamics of dielectrophoretic equilibria, considering circular cylindrical column of inviscid liquid with rigid body rotation
Nausea and Other Nonpain Symptoms in Long-Term Care

There is a need to improve the quality of end-of-life care in nursing homes by improving the timely assessment and management of various sources of suffering. Much of the research/discussion in this area has focused on the assessment and treatment of pain. This article reviews the frequency and management of nonpain symptoms in the long-term care setting, particularly focusing on patients at the end of life. Although the long-term care setting presents challenges to effective management, an approach for addressing these challenges is discussed and applied to 3 commonly encountered nonpain symptoms.
Effect of transporters on the secretion of phytochemicals by the roots of Arabidopsis thaliana

Root exudation, the process by which plants secrete compounds into the soil, is becoming accepted as a communicative process that determines organismal interactions in the rhizosphere. However, the mechanistic processes involved in the root exudation of phytochemicals have not been elucidated; traditionally, exudation has been regarded as a passive process. There is evidence that transporters in plants (and other organisms) have been involved in the movement of chemicals across different membranes. Here, we describe the involvement of different transporters in root exudation of phytochemicals by employing a pharmacological approach. We used a range of concentrations of several compounds known to inhibit different transporters, including potassium cyanide, orthovanadate, quinidine, glibenclamide, nifedipine and verapamil, to examine the effects of transporter inhibition on root exudation profiles in Arabidopsis. Generally, the exudation profile of phenolic compounds in 18-day-old plants shows more than 15 major phytochemicals. In contrast, the inhibitors listed above caused differences in the secretion of specific compounds. For instance, nifedipine and verapamil completely inhibited the exudation of the phytochemicals with molecular masses of 142 and 294, respectively. These results highlight that root exudation of phytochemicals is an active process controlled at the biochemical level and that different transporters may be involved in this root-specific mechanism.
The Entrepreneur As Rebel Against Traditional Society

Industrialization in underdeveloped countries depends, in part, on the development of entrepreneurs. The values imbedded in the culture of a given society may hinder or promote such development.
Ornithine decarboxylase assay in human colorectal mucosa. Methodologic issues of importance to quality control

Ornithine decarboxylase may be a useful biomarker for risk of neoplasia in colorectal tissues. Investigators have reported enzyme activities varying by as much as 10- to 20-fold using variations of the usual 14CO2 release assay. We have examined the effect of different methodologic factors on calculated ornithine decarboxylase activity. Major effects on the assay result (greater than 20% change) were produced by: (1) use of Tris vs. phosphate buffer, the former yielding 1.5- to 4-fold greater activity; (2) protein content of the reaction mixture with significant error if less than 50 micrograms; (3) use of alpha-difluoro-methylornithine-inhibited blank versus buffer-only blank. Other changes in assay conditions, including addition of sucrose, detergent, protease inhibitors, specific activity of 14C-ornithine, the nature of the trapping agent used, and incorporation of a sonication step, did not have a significant effect on ODC quantification (less than or equal to 20%). Thus, seemingly minor variations in assay conditions can greatly affect the results, which may provide a partial explanation for the variability of ODC activities reported in the literature. Strict quality control measures are mandatory in the interpretation of clinical observations utilizing this marker as an endpoint.
Hair growth in skin grafts placed on hairless mice.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the possibility that hair growth is triggered by the loss of a specific hair follicle inhibitor. If the loss of an inhibitor is a sufficient cue for the triggering of hair growth, then hair follicles in skin grafts placed on hairless mice should remain in the growth phase of the hair growth cycle, and never enter the resting phase. This would be expected because hairless skin has no hair follicles, and therefore presumably produces no hair follicle inhibitor itself. Thus, no build-up of a hair follicle inhibitor within the graft should occur. Female hairless mice (HRS/J) approximately 60 days of age received skin grafts from haired female litteremates. These skin grafts took well and remained healthy throughout the period of investigation, which ranged from 240–380 days. The hair follicles of the grafts undergo cycles of growth and rest. They may remain in the resting phase for as long as two to three months. Therefore, hair follicles of grafts placed on the backs of the hairless mice do not remain permanently in the growth phase of the hair cycle. Additional experiments help rule out the possibility that (1) the lack of continuous hair growth of the hair follicles in the grafts is due to the scar preventing the diffusion of inhibitors from the graft into the host skin, and (2) that the hair follicle remnants in the host hairless skin produce a hair follicle inhibitor in sufficient concentration so that the hair follicles of the graft enter the resting phase.
Sensory analysis and storage stability of flavored soybean spreads produced from hot-ground soymilk.

Flavored and unflavored soybean spreads were produced from a soybean variety low in beany off-flavors. The stability of the spreads was evaluated by chemical, physical, and microbiological tests over 35 days at 4C and 50% RH. Descriptive, focus group and consumer acceptance analyses were also conducted. Spreads were rated for degrees of beany flavor, aroma, and aftertaste. Total plate and psychrotrophic counts increased during storage, but no syneresis nor coliforms were detected over the storage period for either flavored or unflavored spreads. No significant treatment by day interactions were noted among pH, moisture content, water activity, lightness, and saturation index of spreads. Flavored spreads scored 6.2 on a 9-point hedonic scale and were more accepted by consumers than unflavored spreads. Shelf-life of flavored and unflavored soybean spreads was estimated to be 28 days at 4C. Les objectifs de cette etude sont d'une part, d'effectuer des analyses sensorielles sur des pâtes a tartiner a base de soja, developpees pour ameliorer l'acceptabilite des produits a base de soja et d'autre part, d'evaluer la stabilite en entreposage de ces produits contenant differents additifs dont des aromes. Enfin, elle determine les caracteristiques chimiques, microbiologiques et physiques du produit fini pendant 35 jours d'entreposage frigorifique.
Minding the Gap Between Blocks-Based and Text-Based Programming (Abstract Only)

Graphical blocks-based programming environments, such as Scratch and Snap!, are becoming increasingly popular tools for introducing learners to programming in formal educational settings. However, a growing body of research is finding that students struggle when transitioning from these tools to more conventional, text-based programming languages. To better understand students' difficulties and begin to explore potential solutions to facilitate this transition, a 10-week, quasi-experimental study was conducted with 80 students across three high-school introductory programming classes. Each class spent five weeks working with different version of a blocks-based programming tool, each of which integrated text-based programming in a different way. After working in the introductory environments, students transitioned to Java for the remainder of the study. The goal of this project is to understand the affects of blocks-based programming on students' emerging understandings, document challenges students face in transitioning from blocks-based to text-based programming, and investigate potential ways to bridge these two modalities. To answer these questions, a mixed-method approach was taken that included cognitive interviews with learners, automated collection of student authored programs, and pre/mid/post attitudinal and content assessments.
323 PLACENTAL TRANSFER OF FENTANYL IN SHEEP

Fentanyl citrate, a potent short activity narcotic is being considered for obstetrical analgesia/anesthesia. Fentanyl is highly protein bound (67%) and very lipid soluble (N-haptane 22), the latter suggesting rapid placental transfer of the unbound drug. We evaluated the kinetics and placental transfer of Fentanyl in 5 chronically catheterized pregnant ewes (near term) and their fetuses following intravenous injection of Fentanyl (4 μg/kg). Fentanyl was measured in serial blood samples from maternal arterial (MA) blood and fetal umbilical arterial (UA) and venous blood (UV) by radioimmunoassay. Similar kinetic studies were performed in 5 newborn lambs. Preliminary analysis of Fentanyl concentrations in MA blood indicate a tri-compartmental washout with a rapid αt½ (2-4 min) and a slow γt½ (hrs). Newborn lambs exhibited similar kinetics. Fentanyl was present in UV blood for 5-10 min following maternal injection, but only at UV/MA ratios of less than 0.16, and it was usually not detectable in fetal arterial blood. No changes in maternal or fetal heart rate, blood pressure, or blood gases occurred during Fentanyl administration. Our data indicate that Fentanyl levels in fetal sheep, following maternal administration of dosages that would be analgesic for humans, should be insignificant. Fentanyl appears to have significant potential for obstetrical usage.
Feasibility study on vitrification of low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste from pressurized water reactors

Abstract In order to obtain annual generation volume and composition data for low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste (LILW), characteristics and generation trends for each waste which was produced at nuclear power plants (NPPs) in Korea were investigated. The data were utilized in laboratory scale vitrification experiments and in a technical and economic assessment for LILW vitrification. For technical assessment, four promising melters, which were the cold crucible melter heated by direct induction (CCM), the cold crucible melter heated by vertical electrodes (CCVE), the quantum catalytic extraction process (QCEP), and the plasma torch melter (PT), were selected and evaluated to determine the best available melter. During the performance of laboratory experiments to investigate the vitrification possibility of LILW, pyrolysis/oxidation (PO) for combustibles (e.g. protective clothings and vinyl sheets) and ion exchange resins was first examined to obtain good pyrolysed/oxidized ash which could be contained appropriately in borosilicate glass. PO temperatures of 400–800°C were found to cover the optimal range for converting those wastes into fine powder which could be dispersed and mixed well in molten glass. Later, laboratory cold tests with three types of vitrification equipment were carried out to examine the possibility of vitrification of the ash and dried product of evaporator bottoms. Of the three different types of melters, the platinum crucible was found to be most suitable for the performance of vitrification experiments and hence, was used to help better understand the optimal waste contents in borosilicate glass waste forms with respect to waste types. After the performance of vitrification experiments, compressive strength tests showed that the final waste glass product, containing up to 40 vol% of ash pyrolysed/oxidized at 400–800°C, showed good mechanical stability and homogeneity in the glass matrix. Economical assessment was performed with some considerations given for equipment having already been adopted for LILW treatment in Korea for four treatment strategies with melters selected from a technical assessment. For each strategy, the capital and the operation cost were estimated, and the disposal volume was calculated with reasonably estimated volume reduction factors with regard to waste type and treatment concept. From the analysis of the disposal costs and the results of the technical assessment, the strategy which incorporated a plasma torch melter for the treatment of non-combustibles and a cold crucible melter for the handling of combustibles was found to be the best.
On boundary conditions in lattice Boltzmann methods

A lattice Boltzmann boundary condition for simulation of fluid flow using simple extrapolation is proposed. Numerical simulations, including two‐dimensional Poiseuille flow, unsteady Couette flow, lid‐driven square cavity flow, and flow over a column of cylinders for a range of Reynolds numbers, are carried out, showing that this scheme is of second order accuracy in space discretization. Applications of the method to other boundary conditions, including pressure condition and flux condition are discussed.
Multiplexed SOI BioFETs

Nanoscale Field Effect Transistors have emerged as a promising technology for ultrasensitive, unlabeled diagnostic applications. However, their use as quantitative sensors has been problematic because of the need for individual sensor calibration. In this work we demonstrate an internal calibration scheme for multiplexed nanoribbon field effect sensors by utilizing the initial current rates rather than end point detection. A linear response is observed consistent with initial binding kinetics. Moreover, we are able to show that top-down fabrication techniques yield reproducible device results with minimal fluctuations, enabling internal calibration.
Evaluating attitude change in community dental service programs in Minnesota, U.S.A.

Attitude changes of students participating in two community service programs at the University of Minnesota were evaluated using the semantic differential technique. Program I, a single day clinical experience at a state institution for the mentally retarded, involved 170 students; Program II, a 1-week clinical program in dental auxiliary utilization, involved 30 students. For each program, semantic differentials were designed to elicit scaled evaluative responses toward concepts such as mental retardation and dentistry which were important to program objectives. Scales were administered in a pretest, post-test design. Statistically significant differences were noted for seven of eight target concepts, and appropriate attitude changes were inferred from these differences. Design of community programs and evaluation of desired attitude change using the semantic differential were discussed.
Ultra Sensitive Piezoelectric-Based Microcantilever Sensor Operating at High Modes for Detection of Ultrasmall Masses

Detection of ultrasmall masses such as proteins and pathogens has been made possible as a result of nano-technological advancements. Development of label-free and highly sensitive biosensors has enabled the transduction of molecular recognition into detectable physical quantities. MicroCantilever (MC)-based systems have played a widespread role in developing such biosensors. One of the most important drawbacks of the available biosensors their high cost. Moreover, biosensors are normally quipped with external devices such as actuator and read out systems which are bulky and expensive. A unique self-sensing detection technique is proposed in this paper in order to address the limitations of the measurement systems. A number of approaches have been reported for enhancing the sensitivity of MC-based systems including geometry modification, employing nanoparticle-enhanced MCs and operating MCs in lateral and torsional modes. Although being investigated, there have not been analytical high fidelity models describing comprehensive dynamics and behavior of MCs operating in high modes. In this study, a comprehensive mathematical modeling is presented for the proposed self-sensing detection platform operating at ultrahigh mode using distributed-parameters system modeling. Mode convergence theory was adopted to have an accurate level of estimation. An extensive experimental setup was built using piezoelectric MC operating at high mode which verified theoretical modeling results. Finally, the whole platform was utilized as a biosensor for detection of ultrasmall adsorbed mass along with the theoretical and experimental results and verification. It was proved that operating MC at ultrahigh mode increases the sensitivity of system to detect adsorbed mass as a result of increased quality factor.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Multipole Approach to Orientational Interactions in Solid C 60

We calculate electrostatic multipole moments of C 60 up to l=18 using the quantum-mechanical charge distribution with icosahedral symmetry obtained from ab initio calculations. It is found that the second nonzero moment (l=10) is comparable to the first nonzero moment (l=6). The values of several low-order multipole moments are almost ten times smaller than those found from the charge distribution of recently proposed potential models and thus the actual Coulomb interaction between C 60 is much smaller than previously predicted. Much better agreement with calculated multipoles is obtained from a model which introduces point charges at the center of hexagonal and pentagonal plaquettes, following the physical arguments of David et al
Situational influences on social behaviors of depression‐prone individuals

Depressed (N = 20) and nondepressed outpatients (N = 20) and normal controls (N = 20) rated the frequency with which they used various interpersonal behaviors in different social roles and emotional circumstances. The results indicated considerable situational specificity in subjects' reports of how they actually behave; the three subject groups displayed similar patterns. Most notable were findings that subjects report relatively frequent use of sadness displays when stressed by intimates, but not when similar stresses are imposed by strangers. In the latter case, social withdrawal is reported as a relatively frequent response. The results are discussed as contradicting an invariant, trait-like interpersonal style among depressed individuals.
A second-order statistical method for spectrum sensingin correlated shadowing and fading environments

Abstract Spectrum sensing is one of the most important tasks of cognitive radios (CRs) in future wireless systems and of user equipment (UE) in next generation wireless networks (NGWNs). Therefore, deciding whether a specific portion of radio frequency (RF) spectrum is occupied or not is of paramount importance for all sorts of future wireless communications systems. In this study, a spectrum sensing method that employs a second–order statistical approach is proposed for detecting fast fading signals in spatially correlated shadowing environments. Analysis and performance results are presented along with the discussion related to the performance comparison of the energy detection method.
Rumination and dysphoria: The buffering role of adaptive forms of humor

Abstract The current study examines the effects of rumination and humor on individuals’ dysphoria level. Measures of humor (affiliative and self-enhancing), rumination, and depressive symptoms were completed by 303 undergraduate students. Consistent with our hypothesis, both affiliative humor and rumination independently accounted for variance in dysphoria levels. In addition, self-enhancing humor and rumination were independently associated with dysphoria. Moreover, significant interactions between affiliative humor and rumination, and self-enhancing humor and rumination, on dysphoria also emerged. Results indicated that among individuals with high rumination, those with high affiliative and/or self-enhancing humor had significantly lower levels of dysphoria than individuals with low affiliative and/or self-enhancing humor. The combination of low affiliative and/or self-enhancing humor and high rumination led to substantially higher levels of dysphoria than any other combination. Implications for psychotherapy and research in this area are discussed.