cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Learning about new therapies: phase 3 clinical studies--and beyond

All new therapeutic agents, and updated versions of older ones, must be submitted for review by regulatory agencies. While this process is complex, its goals as stated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are straightforward. The main aim is to determine “whether the drug is safe and effective in its proposed use(s), and whether the benefits of the drug outweigh the risks” (1). Additional concerns are the information provided in the package insert and assurance of quality and consistency of the manufacturing process. Phase 3 trials, which test the safety and efficacy of candidate drugs in moderately large cohorts of human subjects, lie at the center of the process. Properly done studies of this kind help determine whether a new product should be approved for clinical use and also provide some guidance regarding how best to use it in daily practice. However, phase 3 studies—as essential as they are to the regulatory process—have important limitations, which are the topic of this commentary. Appearing in this issue of Diabetes Care is a good example of such a study. Gough et al. (2) report a comparison of a 200 units/mL (U200) formulation of degludec, a long-acting insulin analog, with U100 insulin glargine (Lantus). The study was well designed and well conducted. The investigators enrolled 457 participants with type 2 diabetes no longer well controlled with oral therapies alone (mean A1C ∼8.2%), and randomized them to begin and titrate dosage of once-daily U200 degludec or U100 glargine using a typical treat-to-target scheme for 26 weeks. Efficacy of the new agent was assessed by the reduction of A1C from baseline, and its safety by, among other measurements, the frequency of hypoglycemic events. As in many studies, the main end point was noninferiority of glycemic improvement versus a well-known active comparator. The results …
Effects of parasitic elements on the second-harmonic method†

Abstract The second-harmonic distortion in lossy reverse-biased junctions is analysed. It is shown that the doping densities that are derived from measurements of both C-V data and of second-harmonic data depend on the particular equivalent-circuit model if the junction losses are very large. A new technique is described for the measurement of the second-harmonic distortion. The effect of a non-linear parallel conductance on the second-harmonic method is investigated theoretically and experimental data near breakdown support the analysis.
Studies on the activity of the sympathetic nervous system in essential hypertension.

Abstract Plasma catecholamine and norepinephrine concentrations have been measured in carefully characterized ambulatory patients with essential hypertension under basal conditions and following experimental procedures known to enhance sympathetic activity. The studies have demonstrated increased levels of plasma catecholamines in patients with mild hypertension as compared with matched controls following 70° upright tilt or cold pressor testing. Considerable heterogeneity was apparent in the population of patients with essential hypertension with respect to their plasma norepinephrine concentrations. Significantly greater levels of plasma norepinephrine were present in patients with high plasma renin activity and lesser levels in patients with low renin activity than in normal renin or labile hypertensives. Blood pressure correlated significantly with plasma norepinephrine in male patients with normal renin essential hypertension but not in females. Administration of the diuretic furosemide produced an i...
Serials Spoken Here

AbstractThis quarter's column features a report from the Ohio Valley Group of Technical Services Librarians (OVGTSL), held May 15–17, 2013, in Richmond, KY; the 29th Annual North American Serials Interest Group (NASIG) Conference, held June 5–9, 2013, in Buffalo, NY, including a separate report on the June 6 RDA & Serials preconference; and, the American Library Association's Annual Conference, held June 27–July 2, 2013, in Chicago, IL.
Rape: A Century of Resistance

In this paper, we offer an overview of feminist contributions to the reframing and redefinition of rape over the last century. Topics of discussion include empirical research on rape prevalence that shows a consistent 15% prevalence rate despite continuing rape prevention and education efforts. The effects of sociocultural interventions focusing on legal reforms and psychosocial interventions focusing on rape prevention and education efforts are reviewed. The paper concludes with suggestions for refocusing intervention efforts to include rape prevention training for men, rape resistance training for women, and community-based legal interventions.
Potential energy shift for a screened Coulomb potential

Utilizing Hartree-Fock self-consistent field wave functions, accurate values of the potential energy shift at the nucleus due to atomic electrons have been determined for a large number of atoms. An extensive numerical table of values of the shift,V 0, is given and comparison is made with earlier approximate results obtained from the Thomas-Fermi and Thomas-Fermi-Dirac statistical models and with estimates fromK binding energy data. In the calculation of screening corrections to Fermi functions, the Hartree-Fock results present a considerable improvement over earlier estimates from the aforementioned methods.
LOCATION AND MARKET POWER HOTELLING REVISITED

This paper analyzes the determination of industry structure in a product market, given a monopolistic factor market. The characteristics of industry structure examined include the number of firms, their pricing and locational pattern. It is shown how a monopolistic factor owner–a landowner–structures the product market in order to extract maximum rent. Asymmetry characterizes the resulting locational pattern. All the product market firms charge different prices in equilibrium. No matter how large the number of firms competing in the product market, the landowner can always guarantee himself positive profits. The paper concludes with a discussion of possible applications and tests of the theory.
Pain and Use of Alcohol in Later Life: Prospective Evidence from the Health and Retirement Study

Objective: To determine whether (a) late-life pain predicts growth in older adults’ use of alcohol, and elevated risk of drinking problems; and (b) sociodemographic characteristics moderate these relationships. Method: Five times over an 8-year interval, N = 5,446 Health and Retirement Study (HRS) participants provided information about their pain and alcohol use. Two-part latent growth modeling and logistic regression were used to analyze these data. Results: Participants with more pain at baseline had lower initial levels and a faster rate of decline over the next 8 years in alcohol consumption, but they also were at elevated risk of having drinking problems. Income and African American background interacted with pain to predict 8-year change in alcohol consumption and presence of drinking problems. Discussion: Late-life pain does not predict growth in older adults’ alcohol consumption, but is nonetheless linked to elevated risk of drinking problems, especially among African Americans.
Exciting Reasons and Moral Rationalism in Hutcheson's Illustrations upon the Moral Sense

One of the most oft-cited parts of Francis Hutcheson's Illustrations upon the Moral Sense (1728) is his discussion of "exciting reasons." In this paper I address the question: What is the function of that discussion? In particular, what is its relation to Hutcheson's attempt to show that the rationalists' normative thesis ultimately implies, contrary to their moral epistemology, that moral ideas spring from a sense? Despite first appearances, Hutcheson's discussion of exciting reasons is not part of that attempt. Mainly, it is part of Hutcheson's comeback to Gilbert Burnet's objections to Hutcheson's Inquiry into the Original of Our Ideas of Beauty and Virtue (1725).
Experimental Transmission of Feline Fibrosarcoma to Cats and Dogs

An infectious C-type feline sarcoma virus (FSV), isolated from a naturally occurring fibrosarcoma of a domestic house cat, produces fibrosarcomas in kittens and puppies and induces cell transformation in feline embryo fibroblasts. Prenatal inoculation of cat and dog foetuses is particularly effective in tumour transmission. Postnatal dogs bearing FSV induced fibrosarcomas provide antisera suitable for detecting the feline C-type RNA tumour virus antigens in the complement fixation test.
CO 2 fixation and photoevolution of H 2 and O 2 in a mutant of Chlamydomonas lacking photosystem I

ALTHOUGH mutant B4 of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii lacks photo-system I (PS I), it is capable of photoautotrophic assimilation of atmospheric carbon dioxide and sustained simultaneous photo-evolution of molecular oxygen and hydrogen. Here we report that at saturating light intensities, carbon dioxide reduction is stable under anaerobiosis but unstable in air. At lower light intensities, carbon dioxide reduction is stable in both atmospheres. The data indicate that PS I is not necessary for autotrophic photosynthesis. One interpretation of these results is that oxygenic photosynthesis developed as a single-light-reaction process, presumably from a bacterium with a phaeophv tin-quinone reaction centre, but became unstable as oxygen in the Eartha¤™s atmosphere accumulated. PS I was the second light reaction, added to confer stability in oxygen-containing atmospheres. Viewed from this perspective, the well-known Z scheme of modern photosynthesis is seen as a specialized adaptation for performing low-potential reductive photochemistry in oxygen-containing atmospheres, but is not an irreducible necessity for satisfying the thermodynamic and mechanistic requirements of carbon dioxide photoreduction using water as the source of reductant.
Introducing Defects in 3D Photonic Crystals: State of the Art

3D photonic crystals (PhCs) and photonic bandgap (PBG) materials have attracted considerable scientific and technological interest. In order to provide functionality to PhCs, the introduction of controlled defects is necessary; the importance of defects in PhCs is comparable to that of dopants in semiconductors. Over the past few years, significant advances have been achieved through a diverse set of fabrication techniques. While for some routes to 3D PhCs, such as conventional lithography, the incorporation of defects is relatively straightforward; other methods, for example, self-assembly of colloidal crystals (CCs) or holography, require new external methods for defect incorporation. In this review, we will cover the state of the art in the design and fabrication of defects within 3D PhCs. The figure displays a fluorescence laser scanning confocal microscopy image of a y-splitter defect formed through two-photon polymerization within a CC.
Organizational culture in Nigeria: An exploratory study

This study uses the organizational communication survey (OCS) instrument developed by Glaser, Zamanou, and Hacker (1987) to explore culture in a Nigerian organization. The OCS, administered to 71 employees of a Nigerian organization, was used to test two variables (gender and supervision) as predictors of organizational subcultures. Results showed substantial agreement on the cultural dimensions of information flow, meetings, and motivation. Gender, unlike supervision, was found to be somewhat a predictor of organizational subculture.
MAC and application level performance evaluation of beacon message dissemination in DSRC safety communication

In this paper, an analytic model is proposed for both MAC and application-level performance evaluation of periodic beacon message dissemination in the dedicated short range communications (DSRC) system on highways. Each vehicle can periodically generate beacon messages, which contain the information including position, velocity, direction, etc.. Out-dated message is replaced by the newly generated message. In order to develop a tractable analytic approximation, we first develop a semi-Markov process (SMP) model for the tagged vehicle to capture the periodic message generation, out-dated message replacement, channel contention and backoff behavior in IEEE 802.11 broadcast ad hoc networks. Further, an SMP model with an absorbing state is constructed to derive the message service time distribution. The fixed-point iteration method is utilized to obtain the converged solutions to resolve interactions between the SMPs of different vehicles. Both MAC-level and application-level performance metrics are derived. MAC-level analytic-numeric results are verified through extensive simulations. Application-level analytic-numerical results are evaluated subsequently to provide insights on network parameter settings. To ensure the quality of service (QoS) for a VANET application, application requirements in terms of application-level metrics are specified. Three typical safety-applications are evaluated in order to assess whether their application requirements can be satisfied or not.
Are women more ethical than men

There has been much concern, opinion, and data in recent years documenting the decline in ethical behavior of people in America today (Magnet, 1986). This is no longer a debate as it once was (Behrman, 1988). Empirical studies attempting to statistically use data to support their conclusions are fairly con sistent in reaching these same conclusions (Walton, 1988). Popular opinion polls among the general public are also saying the same thing, namely, that morals in general are declining in America, and that, specifically, business ethics have been on the decline for several decades-although there is some debate about whether this is changing now in the early 1990s (Ricklefs, 1983 and 1983;Bowen, 1987). A subset issue related to the larger documented ethical decline phenomena is the relatively unre searched but often conjectured question of whether women are more ethical than men. The general feeling among almost anyone you ask is that females are more moral (Jackall, 1988). Both men and women today commonly believe that females are more ethi cal than males. Studies are available which document
Polydomain model predictions of molecular orientation in isothermal channel flows of thermotropic liquid crystalline polymers

We report process simulations of molecular orientation of liquid crystalline polymers for isothermal channel flows in extrusion. The simulations use a “polydomain” model due to Larson and Doi (Larson and Doi, J. Rheol., 35, 539 (1991)), which is implemented by exploiting a nearly exact analogy with a fiber orientation model that is widely used for analysis of composites processing. Simulation results are compared to experimental data previously obtained using a customized X-ray capable extrusion die that allows a wide range of channel flow geometries to be explored. Competition between inhomogeneous shear and extension in these kinematically complex flows has a profound effect on the resulting molecular orientation distributions. We find that the Larson–Doi model successfully predicts most aspects of the experimental observations, demonstrating its utility for process modeling. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Polyribosome size analysis. Measurement of number-average polyribosome sizes

Abstract The analysis of translational efficiencies of specific mRNAs requires a determination of the polyribosome size. The appropriate value to use in such calculations is the number-average size. A method is described for accurately measuring the number-average size of total and of specific protein synthesizing polyribosomes using isokinetic sucrose density gradients and 125 I-labeled antibodies. By this method, we demonstrated that albumin synthesizing polyribosomes from a serum albumin secreting mouse hepatoma cell line exist over a broad range from trimers to 20-mers (mean 6–10). The specificity of antibody interaction with polyribosomes was demonstrated using cells not synthesizing mouse serum albumin, and by demonstrating that 125 I-anti ovalbumin does not bind to mouse hepatoma polyribosomes. Treatment of the mouse hepatoma cells with 1 μM cycloheximide shifted practically all of the monomers into polyribosomes resulting in an increase in the number-average size of the albumin synthesizing polyribosomes. Cycloheximide treatment, however, did not eliminate the size heterogeneity in the albumin synthesizing polyribosomes.
Thermal Stresses, Relaxation, and Hysteresis in Glass

The theory of A. R. Cooper, Jr., and other viscoelastic theories of thermal stresses in glass are reviewed. The role of structural relaxation in the evolution of the free strain and stress relaxation times is examined. An explanation of the hysteresis loop observed on thermal contraction/expansion curves in the glass transition region is offered. Single-exponential models are reviewed on the merit of the insight they provide into the physics of stress development. Their numerical performance is compared with that of the more comprehensive theories.
1059 TRANSIENT PUSTULES AND THE EXANTHEM OF KAWASAKI DISEASE

The cutaneous features of 10 children fulfilling all 6 criteria of Kawasaki Disease (KD) (J Inf Dis 137:91, 1978) were studied prospectively during a 1979-1980 epidemic in Massachusetts. Discrete and confluent pink papules, plaques, and erythema that changed in pattern from hour to hour, interspersed by areas of uninvolved skin and distributed over the head, torso and extremities, began 1-5 days (d) after the first sign or symptom of illness, median (m)=1.5d, and persisted 7-16d (m=10d). Annular plaques, scarlatiniform truncal and genital erythema, and patchy fine scaling were frequent. Iris lesions were not observed. The exanthem antedated palm/sole inflammation by 0-6d, m=2d. Multiple minute pustules mainly on the proximal extremities within red areas were noted in 8 cases 2-8d (m=6.5d) after the onset of the rash, lasting 2-4d, m=2d. Smears of the pustules showed sterile collections of neutrophils. Paraffin (7) and epon-embedded (3) sections manifested variable epidermal alterations and marked perivascular inflammation of the superficial venular plexus, but frank necrotizing venulitis was not observed. Direct immunofluorescence studies were non-revealing. The exanthem of KD, occasionally mistaken for other diseases in the early phase, has some unique features, but “time” is often required for their evolution and recognition. Evanescent tiny pustules, not described previously, appear to occur frequently. Histologic changes, though not specific, may aid diagnosis.
Catalytic and regulatory properties of meso-diaminopimelate-sensitive aspartokinase from Bacillus stearothermophilus.

Abstract Meso-diaminopimelate-sensitive aspartokinase has been partially purified from Bacillus stearothermophilus. This enzyme can be readily resolved from the lysinethreonine-sensitive enzyme catalyzing the same reaction. The enzyme can be almost completely inhibited by meso-diaminopimelate. At 55 °, the inhibitor does not appear to compete with the two substrates ATP and aspartate for binding to the enzyme. In addition, sigmoid inhibition curves for the inhibitor can be demonstrated at 55 ° but not at 37 °, suggesting the presence of multiple inhibitor sites on the enzyme. Although the lysine-threonine- and meso-diaminopimelate-sensitive aspartokinases share a number of similar properties, including identical molecular weights of approximately 110,000, antibody prepared against lysine-threonine-sensitive enzyme does not inhibit the meso-diaminopimelate-sensitive enzyme. A comparison of the properties of the two enzymes tentatively suggests that each is coded by separate cistrons. The regulatory properties of the meso-diaminopimelate-sensitive enzyme suggest that it may play an important role in the formation of both dipicolinate and diaminopimelate during sporulation of the thermophilic bacterium.
Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition---A Hallmark of Breast Cancer Metastasis

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a highly conserved cellular program that converts polarized, immotile epithelial cells to migratory mesenchymal cells. In addition, EMT was initially recognized as a key step for morphogenesis during embryonic development. Emerging evidences indicate that this important developmental program promotes metastasis, drug resistance, and tumor recurrence, features that are associated with a poor clinical outcome for patients with breast cancer. Therefore, better understanding of regulation and signaling pathways in EMT is essential to develop novel targeted therapeutics. In this review, we present updated developments underlying EMT in tumor progression and metastasis, and discuss the challenges remaining in breast cancer research.
Human rights activism and the end of the Cold War: a transnational history of the Helsinki network

Human rights activism and the end of the Cold War: a transnational history of the Helsinki network, by Sarah B. Snyder, New York, Cambridge University Press, 2011, pp. 293, US$34.95 (hardback), ISB...
Periodic current oscillations in the anodic dissolution of copper in acetate buffer

In this note we describe the oscillations which were observed during the anodic dissolution of copper in an acetate buffer (pH<4) under potentiostatic conditions using a rotating copper disc as the working electrode. The basis of this work is to apply nonlinear dynamics with the techniques of electrochemistry for the purpose of obtaining information on mechanisms related to chemical corrosion
Effect of Prolonged Occlusion on the Microbial Flora, pH, Carbon Dioxide and Transepidermal Water Loss on Human Skin

The effects of prolonged occlusion on the normal microbial skin flora, pH, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and carbon dioxide emission rate (CDER) were studied. The total average counts before occlusion were 1.8 × 10 2 /cm 2 and increased to 4.5 × 10& 6 on day 5. The highest counts were noted on day 4 (9.8 × 10& 7 /cm 2 ). The composition changed: controls comprised of 63% coagulase negative staphylococci, 6% micrococci, 17% diphtheroids and 6% bacilli. After 5 days of occlusion, the percent composition was: 63% coagulase negative staphylococci, 11% micrococci, 4% diphtheroids, 19% lipophilic diphtheroids and 2 /hr to 1.87 mg/cm 2 /hr and CO 2 emission increased from 25 nl/cm 2 /min to 118 nl/cm 2 /min.
Abdominal metastases of infiltrating lobular breast carcinoma: CT and fluoroscopic imaging findings

Infiltrating lobular carcinoma accounts for only a small fraction of breast carcinomas, with most patients having infiltrating ductal carcinoma. The metastatic patterns of ductal and lobular carcinoma have been shown to be markedly different. Infiltrating lobular carcinoma metastasizes significantly more often to the gastrointestinal tract, pelvic organs, peritoneum/retroperitoneum, and urinary tract than does infiltrating ductal carcinoma. This point has significance for follow-up, the diagnosis of abdominal symptoms, and the therapeutic options for these patients. This article illustrates the broad spectrum of abdominal metastases from lobular breast carcinoma that may be detected with computed tomographic and fluoroscopic examinations, and it describes the role of imaging in the diagnosis of metastatic disease in these patients.
AUTOMATED ANATOMICAL LABELING OF THE CEREBRAL ARTERIES USING BELIEF PROPAGATION

Labeling of cerebral vasculature is important for characterization of anatomical variation, quantification of brain morphology with respect to specific vessels, and inter-subject comparisons of vessel properties and abnormalities. We propose an automated method to label the anterior portion of cerebral arteries using a statistical inference method on the Bayesian network representation of the vessel tree. Our approach combines the likelihoods obtained from a random forest classifier trained using vessel centerline features with a belief propagation method integrating the connection probabilities of the cerebral artery network. We evaluate our method on 30 subjects using a leave-one-out validation, and show that it achieves an average correct vessel labeling rate of over 92%.
Current transport across the pentacene/CVD-grown graphene interface for diode applications

We investigate the electronic transport properties across the pentacene/graphene interface. Current transport across the pentacene/graphene interface is found to be strikingly different from transport across pentacene/HOPG and pentacene/Cu interfaces. At low voltages, diodes using graphene as a bottom electrode display Poole–Frenkel emission, while diodes with HOPG and Cu electrodes are dominated by thermionic emission. At high voltages conduction is dominated by Poole–Frenkel emission for all three junctions. We propose that current across these interfaces can be accurately modeled by a combination of thermionic and Poole–Frenkel emission. Results presented not only suggest that graphene provides low resistive contacts to pentacene where a flat-laying orientation of pentacene and transparent metal electrodes are desired but also provides further understanding of the physics at the organic semiconductor/graphene interface.
Practical gross necropsy of amphibians

A complete and thorough necropsy can be an invaluable aid in diagnosing and understanding disease problems in individual amphibians and captive and wild amphibian populations. Diagnostic histopathology is an important adjunct to gross necropsy as many conditions in amphibians lack or have nonspecific gross pathologic findings. Because of the unique characteristics of amphibian skin and the frequency of skin disease, evaluation of the integument is an essential component of all amphibian necropsies. This review provides a general overview of amphibian gross necropsy as well as specific suggestions for common presentations such as unexpected death, skin disease, subcutaneous edema, and hydrocoelom and necropsy of larvae.
Short-term high temperature growth conditions during vegetative-to-reproductive phase transition irreversibly compromise cell wall invertase-mediated sucrose catalysis and microspore meiosis in grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor).

Abstract Grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) crop yield is significantly compromised by high temperature stress-induced male sterility, and is attributed to reduced cell wall invertase (CWI)-mediated sucrose hydrolysis in microspores and anthers leading to altered carbohydrate metabolism and starch deficiency in pollen ( Jain et al., 2007 ). Sorghum plants were grown under season-long ambient (30/20 °C day-time maximum/night-time minimum) or high temperature stress (HS, 36/26 °C) environments, or reciprocally transferred for 5–10 days between either temperature regimens through panicle and microspore developmental stages. Quantitative RT-PCR analyses for CWI gene SbIncw1, plasma membrane H+-ATPase (Mha1) and sugar transporter proteins (OsSUT3 and OsMST7 homologs in sorghum), starch deficiency and pollen sterility data are presented to confirm HS-sensitivity of pre- and post-meiotic stages of sorghum microsporogenesis. Heat stress-induced reduction in Incw transcriptional activity during microspore meiosis was irreversible despite return of optimal growth temperature conditions through further reproductive development.
The Case for Tolerance

For people to live together in pluralistic communities, they must find someway to cope with the practices of others that they abhor. For that reason, tolerance has always seemed an appealing medium of accommodation. But tolerance also has its critics. One wing charges that the tolerant are too easygoing. They are insensitive to evil in their midst. At the same time, another wing attacks the (merely) tolerant for being too weak in their sentimentsof respect. “The Christian does not wish to be tolerated,” as T. S. Eliot said; and by this he meant to claim, presumably, that the Christian desires respect and acceptance, and not merely the forbearance suggested by “tolerance.”To make the case for tolerance, we must engage in a three-front campaign: first, against intolerance; second, against the moral failing of indifference; and third, against the desirability of respecting and accepting everyone. The central claim in making this case will be that unlike these three competing sentiments, tolerance is a complex attitude toward the behavior and beliefs of others. Its complexity consists in both moral disapproval (or atleast cultural rejection) and the avoidance of interference. If there is a case to be made for tolerance, it must derive from this peculiar complexity. After surveying its alternatives, I will argue that the complex sentimentof tolerance is more readily praised than its alternatives.
Stimulation of Intestinal Mucosal Growth with Intracolonic Infusion of Short-Chain Fatty Acids

Dietary fiber, which stimulates intestinal mucosal growth, is fermented by anaerobic bacteria in the rat hindgut to the short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) acetate, propionate, and butyrate. Butyrate is the preferred oxidative fuel of the colonocyte in vitro, and the provision of preferred intestinal fuels has been shown to stimulate mucosal proliferation in vivo. This study determined whether chronic colonic infusion of butyrate or a combination of SCFA would stimulate intestinal mucosal growth in an animal deprived of its normal source of SCFA, fiber fermentation in the cecum. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a fat- and fiber-free elemental liquid diet and underwent cecectomy, ileocolic anastomosis, and insertion of a proximal colonic infusion catheter. Rats were then assigned to receive either a continuous infusion of butyrate (20 mM, 40 mM, or 150 mM), SCFA (70 mM acetate + 35 mM propionate + 20 mM butyrate), or saline, or to receive no infusion. A seventh group underwent proximal colonic transection and reanastomosis. After 7 days, jejunal, ileal, and proximal colonic segments were analyzed for mucosal weight, protein, RNA, and DNA. In the colon, the 40-mM butyrate infusion resulted in significant elevations in all mucosal parameters relative to all three control groups, saline infusion, no infusion, and transection. Both the 20-mM butyrate and the SCFA groups showed increased colonic mucosal DNA compared to controls. In the jejunum and ileum, mucosal DNA content was significantly greater in the SCFA group than in the control groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Assessment of the current computer literacy and future computer needs of emergency medicine residents and faculty

Abstract The purpose of this study was to assess the current computer literacy and future computer needs of emergency medicine residents and faculty to aid in developing a computer literacy curriculum. All emergency medicine residents and full-time faculty from a random sample of emergency medicine residencies were mailed questionnaires assessing current computer familiarity and future computer needs. Twenty-one residencies were surveyed; 15 resident and 17 faculty questionnaires were returned. Thirty-seven percent (116 of 314) faculty and 29% (135 of 470) resident questionnaires were completed and returned. Eighty percent (12 of 15) of residencies had a designated computer for resident use; 93% (14 of 15) had a computer for use in the emergency department. Forty-seven percent of residents owned their own computer; 68% of faculty had a computer in their home, and 52% had computers in their office. Less than 30% of residents and faculty had formal computer training. Residents and faculty rated the current familiarity and future needs for various software applications on a five-point scale. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon-Rank Sum Test. Residents and faculty had the most anticipated need for word processing, graphics, literature searching, data base, and patient management programs. Future computer need was rated significantly higher than current computer familiarity in all computer application areas ( P ≤ .0002). It seems that emergency medicine residents and faculty have adequate access to computers, but minimal computer training. Residents and faculty have a high anticipated need for various basic computer applications. Despite recent recommendations that computer literacy be taught in medical school, many emergency medicine residents and faculty have not been taught basic computer applications. Until a uniform knowledge base is taught in undergraduate medical education, a residency-based computer curriculum is necessary to teach basic computer applications to those without previous computer training.
Multilayer x-ray optics

Advances in the fabrication of optical elements for the XUV and some applications of these elements are described. 1.
Effect of undegradable intake protein supplementation on intake, digestion, microbial efficiency, in situ disappearance, and plasma hormones and metabolites in steers fed low-quality grass hay.

Four ruminally and duodenally cannulated beef steers (492 +/- 30 kg) were used in a 4 x 4 Latin square design to evaluate the effect of undegradable intake protein (UIP) supplementation on intake, digestion, microbial efficiency, in situ disappearance, and plasma hormones and metabolites in steers fed low-quality grass hay. The steers were offered chopped (10.2 cm in length) grass hay (6.0% CP) ad libitum and 1 of 4 supplements. Supplemental treatments (1,040 g of DM daily), offered daily at 0800, were control (no supplement) or low, medium, or high levels of UIP (the supplements provided 8.3, 203.8, and 422.2 g of UIP/ d, respectively). The supplements were formulated to provide similar amounts of degradable intake protein (22%) and energy (1.77 Mcal of NE(m)/kg). Blood samples were taken at -2, -0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 h after supplementation on d 1 (intensive sampling) and at -0.5 h before supplementation on d 2, 3, 4, and 5 (daily sampling) of each collection period. Contrasts comparing control vs. low, medium, and high; low vs. medium and high; and medium vs. high levels of UIP were conducted. Apparent and true ruminal OM and N digestion increased (P 0.26) among supplemental protein treatments. There were no differences (P > 0.11) among treatments for NDF or ADF digestion, or total ruminal VFA or microbial protein synthesis. Ruminal pH was not different (P = 0.32) between control and protein-supplemented treatments; however, ruminal pH was greater (P = 0.02) for supplementation with medium and high compared with low UIP. Daily plasma insulin concentrations were increased (P = 0.004) in protein-supplemented steers compared with controls and were reduced (P = 0.003) in steers fed low UIP compared with steers fed greater levels of UIP. Intensive and daily plasma urea N concentrations were increased (P < 0.01) in protein-supplemented steers compared with controls and increased (P < 0.02) for intensive and daily sampling, respectively, in steers supplemented with medium and high UIP compared with low UIP. Supplemental protein increased apparent and true ruminal OM and N digestion, and medium and high levels of UIP increased ruminal pH compared with the low level. An increasing level of UIP increases urea N and baseline plasma insulin concentrations in steers fed low-quality hay.
Microleakage of several Class V anterior restorative materials: a laboratory study

A greater degree of marginal leakage was found at the gingival margin than at the occlusal or incisal margins. Examination of autoradiographs of Class V composite restorations indicates that there is a greater degree of marginal leakage at the gingival margin than there is at the occlusal or incisal margins. The glass ionomer cement used in the study had minimal leakage for a year.
Optical Polarimeters For Solar Research

A variety of physical processes and conditions in the solar at-mosphere produce polarized light, a useful diagnostic tool. We describe the instruments and techniques used to measure this polarization and indicate the solar physical processes illuminated by these measure-ments. Included are descriptions of instruments for broadband observa-tions of Thomson scattering in the solar corona; for observations of resonance polarization in prominence and coronal emission lines; and for narrowband, spectrally resolved polarimetry in Fraunhofer lines formed in the photosphere and chromosphere.
Designing sustainable processes with simulation: the waste reduction (WAR) algorithm

Abstract The WAR algorithm, a methodology for determining the potential environmental impact (PEI) of a chemical process, is presented with modifications that account for the PEI of the energy consumed within that process. From this theory, four PEI indexes are used to evaluate the environmental friendliness of a process design. These indexes are used in a comparative manner in the process design stage to help minimize the environmental impact of that process. Eight PEI categories (four global and four toxicological) are used in the evaluation of the PEI indexes. Details for relating these categories to known or measured quantities are also presented. An illustrative case study is presented which provide an example for the intended use of the WAR algorithm within the scope of process design and simulation.
Large deflections of prestressed simply supported rectangular plates under uniform pressure

Abstract The von Karman large deflection equations for laterally loaded rectangular plates are extended to include uniform prestresses parallel to the edges and are solved for uniform load and for edges which are simply supported against movement normal to the plane of the plate and which are either held or free to move as a rigid body in the plane of the plate. Calculated values of center deflection and maximum stress parameters are given as functions of the load parameter for plates of various aspect ratios.
Developing Learning Objectives and Assessment Plans at a Variety of Institutions: Examples and Case Studies

Across the United States many chemistry departments are engaged in developing assessment plans. New guidelines from the American Chemical Society (ACS) Committee on Professional Training request a department’s latest self-assessment and a plan for acting on the recommendations. This manuscript describes assessment practices at institutions ranging in type from large public state institutions to small private liberal arts colleges. These practices are fit into a model of iterative cycles of assessment with the ultimate goal of providing data that can be used to improve courses and programs. The examples and case studies described herein can be used as models for adaptation or background information for the formulation of learning objectives and assessment plans. The contributions of the ACS Examinations Institute through its suite of examinations, including the Diagnostic for Undergraduate Chemical Knowledge, is also cited as an important element in helping departments develop their assessment plans
Chronic Administration of NMDA Glycine Partial Agonists Induces Tolerance in the Porsolt Swim Test

The Porsolt swim test (PST) was used to assess behavioral effects following acute or chronic treatment with two N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) glycine partial agonists, 1-aminocyclopropanecarboxylic acid (ACPC), and d-cycloserine (DCS). Consistent with previous findings in mice, single intravenous doses of ACPC in rats produced a significant, dose-dependent reduction in immobility in the PST compared to saline. Single dose DCS also elicited significant dose-dependent reductions in PST immobility times. Single-dose ACPC or DCS (200 mg/kg) reduced immobility ( p < 0.05) by 26 or 30%, respectively, compared to saline. However, multiple dosing with either ACPC or DCS (6 daily doses, 200 mg/kg) produced an apparent behavioral adaptation, as the immobility data were indistinguishable from chronic saline administration. Moreover, pretreatment with a 5-day course of ACPC or DCS promoted the development of a behavioral cross-tolerance following a sixth dose of DCS or ACPC, respectively. The development of a behavioral tolerance in the PST following chronic therapy of these drugs appears to be a general feature of glycine partial agonists. In toto, these findings support the hypothesis that chronic administration of NMDA glycine partial agonists produces a behavioral tolerance putatively through an adaptation of the NMDA receptor complex.
Fluorocarbon polymer deposition kinetics in a low-pressure, high-density, inductively coupled plasma reactor

Maintaining dimensional control and adequate throughput during the etching of submicron features requires plasma etch tools that operate at low pressures and high densities, such as inductively coupled plasmas (ICPs). Unfortunately, in this regime, it has proven difficult to achieve a stable, reproducible chemistry for selective oxide etching of contacts and vias. In particular, it is difficult to control the passivating polymer film which provides etching selectivity to silicon, nitride, and photoresist. As a first step toward sorting out the complicated oxide etching chemistry, we have measured and modeled the kinetics of the polymer film deposition in an ICP reactor for C2F6/H2 and CHF3 chemistries. Using a unique application of statistical design of experiments, we have explored the pressure range of 3–15 mTorr, power range of 300–2000 W, residence times from 0.5 to 1.0 s, and magnetic field from 0 to 24 G. Polymer deposition rates on a bare Si wafer are measured using a laser interferometer. The conc...
An exploration of factors underlying asthma care and morbidity: a factor analysis of clinical variables.

Background Clinical risk models use recognized risk factors to identify patients at risk for future asthma morbidity. However, the low predictive values of these models suggest an important need to re-evaluate risk assessment strategies. Objective To use exploratory factor analysis to define underlying factors operative in asthma treatment and morbidity, and characterize their interrelationships and association with 6-month morbidity. Methods Children (n = 197) presenting to an emergency department for an acute asthma episode were followed for 6 months (follow-up data available for 84%). Baseline data included demographics, asthma history, current and past symptoms, and current treatment and management. Factor analysis was used to summarize the underlying relationships between variables. Correlations between factors and 6-month morbidity were calculated. Results Factor analysis revealed that 4 factors provided a parsimonious summary of the variables. The factors were labeled current symptom severity, quality of care indicators, previous severe disease, and sociodemographic factors. Positive correlations were observed between quality of care, current symptom severity, and previous severe disease. The factor describing sociodemographic factors was inversely related to current symptom severity and quality of care. Previous severe disease significantly predicted 6-month morbidity. Conclusion Quality of care was better in subjects with increased current symptoms or previous severe disease, but poorer in individuals with adverse sociodemographic factors. Previous severe disease was the only factor associated with 6-month morbidity, suggesting that current assessment methods do not adequately account for all underlying factors likely operative in asthma morbidity.
The Economic Growth Effect of Offshore Banking in Host Territories: Evidence from the Caribbean

Summary Following the success of renowned Caribbean offshore centers, several small islands have enacted offshore banking policies as a strategy for increasing economic growth. Several empirical studies have assessed the growth effect of such policies, but none accounts for sector size when estimating its growth impact. This study contributes to this literature by estimating the magnitude of offshore activity in each territory, and using this estimate as a continuous variable in an economic growth model. The results provide support for the hypothesis that facilitating offshore banking stimulates economic growth in host islands, and that the benefit is proportional to sector size.
Protein Z–dependent protease inhibitor deficiency produces a more severe murine phenotype than protein Z deficiency

Protein Z (PZ) is a plasma vitamin K–dependent protein that functions as a cofactor to dramatically enhance the inhibition of coagulation factor Xa by the serpin, protein Z–dependent protease inhibitor (ZPI). In vitro, ZPI not only inhibits factor Xa in a calcium ion–, phospholipid-, and PZ-dependent fashion, but also directly inhibits coagulation factor XIa. In murine gene-deletion models, PZ and ZPI deficiency enhances thrombosis following arterial injury and increases mortality from pulmonary thromboembolism following collagen/epinephrine infusion. On a factor VLeiden genetic background, ZPI deficiency produces a significantly more severe phenotype than PZ deficiency, implying that factor XIa inhibition by ZPI is physiologically relevant. The studies in mice suggest that human PZ and ZPI deficiency would be associated with a modest thrombotic risk with ZPI deficiency producing a more severe phenotype.
EFFECTS OF TRAINING ON LEARNING DISABLED STUDENTS' CREATIVE WRITTEN EXPRESSION

Sr~mmary.-50 students from learning disabilities classrooms of intermediate level served as subjects. The Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking were given as pretests and posttests to measure the effects of instruction on subjects' creative written expression. For 14 wk. the Purdue Creative Thinking Program was used to stimulate the learning disabled experimental group's creative thinking. Posttest group's means were significantly greater than the control group's means on the verbal subtests of the Torrance Tests of C:eative Thinking. Language disorders have for many years been recognized as being characteristic of the learning disabled population (Hallahan & Kauffman, 1976; Johnson & M~klebust, 1967). Written expression is one of the highest forms of language and essentially the last to be learned (Johnson & Myklebust, 1967). Written expression, especially creative writing, is a skill that is not always systematically taught in the students' daily programming. There are a limited number of instructional programs developed to train written expression. This study utilized the Purdue Creative Thinking Program (Feldhusen, Treffinger, & Bahlke, 1972). This instructional program was developed to train creativity in written expression. The major components of creative thinking are fluency, flexibility, and originality. These components are important in training creative written expression skills. Previous investigations have indicated that implementing instruction for creative responding increases the mildly handicapped students' i Jaben, et al., 1982). In another study, significant correlations were found between learning disabled boys' (ages 6 to 14 yr.) selective attention and the creativity variable of originality. There were no correlations between selective attention and the creativity variables of fluency and flexibility (Tamer, 1979). Argulewiez (1979) found 39 learning disabled students in the elementary grades scored in the same range as students in the regular class on the variables in creativity, fluency, flexibility, and originality when the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking were given. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of instruction on the learning disabled students' creative written expression. The dependent
Murine Cytomegalovirus Infection of Epithelial Cells in Mouse Tracheal Ring Organ Culture

A differentiated tissue model was used to study the course of cytomegalovirus infection in respiratory epithelium in vitro. Mouse tracheal rings in organ culture were infected with murine cytomegalovirus. Infectious virus in the medium reached average titers of 10(5.5) plaque-forming units/ml by day 17. Infected epithelial cells on the rings contained viral antigen as demonstrated by immunofluorescence staining; light microscopy of these cells revealed enlarged nuclei, cytoplasmic vacuolization, and nuclear and cytoplasmic inclusions characteristic of infection with cytomegalo-virus. Development of viral particles, as visualized by electron microscopy, was similar to that observed in other types of cells.