cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluating Neurology Residents' Clinical Skills: The Setting Matters! (S27.002)

OBJECTIVE: To compare the quality of evaluations of neurology residents9 clinical skills across different settings. BACKGROUND: Neurology residents are required to successfully complete five clinical skills evaluations during their training in order to be eligible to sit for the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology certification examination. At the University of Rochester (URMC), neurology residents complete three of these evaluations in an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) format with two examiners, and two evaluations during routing clinical work with one examiner (“on the fly”). We studied whether resident performance on these evaluations was influenced by the setting in which it occurred. DESIGN/METHODS: Data for 32 current URMC residents or recent graduates were analyzed. Mean overall scores on the Neurology Clinical Evaluation Exercise (NEX) form were compared for assessments occurring in an OSCE setting vs. those occurring “on the fly” (scores ranging from 1-8). The correlation between these scores and resident performance on the AAN Residency In-service Training Examination (RITE) was also determined. RESULTS: Mean overall performance scores on the NEX for evaluations completed in an OSCE setting were lower than those completed “on the fly” (6.5 vs. 7.5, p CONCLUSIONS: Neurology residents9 performance on the clinical skills evaluations is dependent upon the setting in which it occurs, with lower scores occurring in a more structured examination setting. Evaluations performed in a clinical setting (“on the fly”) may result in inflated scores due to the demands of clinical efficiency skewing objective assessment of residents9 skills. Disclosure: Dr. Kelly has nothing to disclose. Dr. Jozefowicz has received personal compensation in an editorial capacity for The Neurologist.
Motion sickness susceptibility in parabolic flight and velocity storage activity

In parabolic flight experiments, postrotary nystagmus is as found to be differentially suppressed in free fall (G) and in a high gravitoinertial force (1.8 G) background relative to 1 G. In addition, the influence of postrotary head movements on nystagmus suppression was found to be contingent on G-dependency of the velocity storage and dumping mechanisms. Here, susceptibility to motion sickness during head movements in 0 G and 1.8 G was rank-correlated with the following: (1) the decay time constant of the slow phase velocity of postrotary nystagmus under 1 G, no head movement, baseline conditions, (2) the extent of time constant reduction elicited in 0 G and 1.8 G; (3) the extent of time constant reduction elicited by head tilts in 1 G; and (4) changes in the extent of time constants reduction in 0 G and 1.8 G over repeated tests. Susceptibility was significantly correlated with the extent to which a head movement reduced the time constant in 1 G, was weakly correlated with the baseline time constant, but was not correlated with the extent of reduction in 0 G or 1.8 G. This pattern suggests a link between mechanisms evoking symptoms of space motion sickness and the mechanisms of velocity storage and dumping. Experimental means of evaluating this link are described.
Microbial models for drug metabolism.

Publisher Summary The vast majority of drugs or other foreign chemicals entering the mammalian organism are chemically altered. Many of these changes are effected in a biphasic process—phase I transformations consist of oxidation, reduction, and hydrolysis reactions, while phase II transformations involve conjugative reactions (synthetic reactions) between the drug or its metabolite and common biochemicals found in the body. Cytochrome P450 systems from mammals have been widely studied because of their well known involvement in many types of oxidative drug transformations, such as aromatic and aliphatic hydroxylations. The most striking similarities in microbial and mammalian metabolic systems lie in their respective cytochrome P450 hemoprotein monooxygenases. Most oxidative phase I reactions in mammals are catalyzed by cytochrome P450-linked monooxygenases located primarily in the liver. The routine screening of a carefully selected group of 10-40 microorganisms may be used to quickly assess the probability of producing drug metabolites.
Patterns of medication adherence in a multi-ethnic cohort of prevalent statin users diagnosed with breast, prostate, or colorectal cancer.

To investigate the implications of a cancer diagnosis on medication adherence for pre-existing comorbid conditions, we explored statin adherence patterns prior to and following a new diagnosis of breast, colorectal, or prostate cancer among a multi-ethnic cohort. We identified adults enrolled at Kaiser Permanente Northern California who were prevalent statin medication users, newly diagnosed with breast, colorectal, or prostate cancer between 2000 and 2012. Statin adherence was measured using the proportion of days covered (PDC) during the 2-year pre-cancer diagnosis and the 2-year post-cancer diagnosis. Adherence patterns were assessed using generalized estimating equations, for all cancers combined and stratified by cancer type and race/ethnicity, adjusted for demographic, clinical, and tumor characteristics. Among 10,177 cancer patients, statin adherence decreased from pre- to post-cancer diagnosis (adjusted odds ratio (ORadj):0.91, 95% confidence interval (95% CI):0.88–0.94). Statin adherence decreased from pre- to post-cancer diagnosis among breast (ORadj:0.94, 95% CI:0.90–0.99) and colorectal (ORadj:0.79, 95% CI:0.74–0.85) cancer patients. No difference in adherence was observed among prostate cancer patients (ORadj:1.01, 95% CI:0.97–1.05). Prior to cancer diagnosis, adherence to statins was generally higher among non-Hispanic whites and multi-race patients than other groups. However, statin adherence after diagnosis decreased only among these two populations (ORadj:0.85, 95% CI:0.85–0.92 and ORadj:0.86, 95% CI:0.76–0.97), respectively. We found substantial variation in statin medication adherence following diagnosis by cancer type and race/ethnicity among a large cohort of prevalent statin users in an integrated health care setting. Improving our understanding of comorbidity management and polypharmacy across diverse cancer patient populations is warranted to develop tailored interventions that improve medication adherence and reduce disparities in health outcomes.
CHAPTER 68 – Gene Transfer in Cardiovascular Therapy

The chapter focuses on the use of gene transfer in cardiovascular therapy. The principal methods of introducing genetic material into the vasculature are a cell-based approach, transduction of vessel segments ex vivo , and gene transfer to the vascular wall in vivo. This method of vascular gene transfer involves genetic engineering of vascular wall cells in vitro. The genetically modified cells are then seeded back into the vessel wall. Both of the major vascular wall cell types, the smooth muscle cell (SMC), and the endothelial cell (EC), are amenable to this approach. Potential applications include site-specific gene transfer at sites of vascular injury, genetic engineering of vascular grafts and stents, and systemic gene delivery. Ex vivo gene transfer is particularly suited for the genetic modification of venous or arterial bypass grafts. The harvested vein or artery intended for use as a bypass graft can be transduced ex vivo simply by placing it in a vector solution before implantation. Liposomes and viral vectors can be used for transducing vessel segments. Transgene expression is generally limited to the adventitia and the endothelium but might be improved using additional physical and biochemical means. Primary targets for gene transfer to the heart are cardiac myocytes. Potential disease targets include cardiac hypertrophy, heart failure, myocarditis, and ischemic heart disease. Although systemic (intravenous) delivery results in minimal cardiac myocyte expression, direct delivery to the heart has resulted in enhanced efficiency of gene transfer.
IBRUTINIB AND POLYMORPHIC VENTRICULAR TACHYCARDIA: A POTENTIAL ASSOCIATION?

Ibrutinib, a Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor is used for treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). There exists limited data show to its association with ventricular tachycardia. Our patient developed polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (pVT) while on ibrutinib. A 56 year old man with CLL,
Evidence of reward system dysfunction in youth at clinical high-risk for psychosis from two event-related fMRI paradigms.

Abstract Abnormal reward processing is thought to play an important role in the development of psychosis, but relatively few studies have examined reward prediction errors, reinforcement learning (RL), and the reward circuitry that subserves these interconnected processes among individuals at clinical high-risk (CHR) for the disorder. Here, we present behavioral and functional neuroimaging results of two experimental tasks designed to measure overlapping aspects of reward processing among individuals at CHR (n = 22) and healthy controls (n = 19). We found no group differences in response times to positive, negative, or neutral outcome-signaling cues, and no significant differences in brain activation during reward anticipation or receipt. Youth at CHR, however, displayed clear RL impairments, as well as attenuated responses to rewards and blunted prediction error signals in the ventral striatum, dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC), and ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC). Greater contrasts for cue valence (gain-loss) and outcome magnitude (large-small) in the vmPFC were associated with more severe negative symptoms, and deficits in dACC signaling during RL were associated with more depressive symptoms. Our results provide evidence for RL deficits and abnormal prediction error signaling in the brain's reward circuitry among individuals at CHR, while also suggesting that reward motivation may be relatively preserved at this stage in development. Longitudinal studies, medication-free participants, and comparison of neurobehavioral measures against both healthy and clinical controls are needed to better understand the role of reward system abnormalities in the development of psychosis.
There for You: Attending Pet Euthanasia and Whether this Relates to Complicated Grief and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Recognizing the deep relationship between grief and the loss of a companion animal, veterinarians and mental health practitioners often find themselves consoling pet owners both prior to and in the...
Quantifying Environmental Effects on the Solution and Solid-State Stability of a Phenothiazine Radical Cation

Organic radical cations are important intermediates in a wide variety of chemical processes. To date, significant progress has been made to improve the stability of these charged materials for use ...
Luck or skill: How women and men react to noisy feedback

Abstract We design an experiment that sheds light on the asymmetry in how men and women interpret noisy feedback about relative standing and how this gender difference can affect tournament entry. Women attribute negative feedback to lack of ability, even when the feedback is due to bad luck. High-ability men who receive negative feedback correctly attribute it to luck. Men attribute negative feedback to lack of ability only when it confirms prior beliefs. We find consistent gender differences in tournament entry: noisy feedback eliminates the gender gap but primarily because low-performing men opt out of tournament. High-performing women who receive surprising negative feedback reduce tournament entry, generating a gender gap in performance and earnings relative to the setting without feedback.
Ablation of TRPV1-positive nerves exacerbates salt-induced hypertension and tissue injury in rats after renal ischemia-reperfusion via infiltration of macrophages.

Background: High-salt intake after renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury leads to hypertension and further renal injury, but the mechanisms are largely unknown. This study tested the hypothesis t...
Effect of 7 vs 14 Days of Antibiotic Therapy on Resolution of Symptoms Among Afebrile Men With Urinary Tract Infection: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance Determination of optimal treatment durations for common infectious diseases is an important strategy to preserve antibiotic effectiveness. Objective To determine whether 7 days of treatment is noninferior to 14 days when using ciprofloxacin or trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole to treat urinary tract infection (UTI) in afebrile men. Design, Setting, and Participants Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled noninferiority trial of afebrile men with presumed symptomatic UTI treated with ciprofloxacin or trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole at 2 US Veterans Affairs medical centers (enrollment, April 2014 through December 2019; final follow-up, January 28, 2020). Of 1058 eligible men, 272 were randomized. Interventions Participants continued the antibiotic prescribed by their treating clinician for 7 days of treatment and were randomized to receive continued antibiotic therapy (n = 136) or placebo (n = 136) for days 8 to 14 of treatment. Main Outcomes and Measures The prespecified primary outcome was resolution of UTI symptoms by 14 days after completion of active antibiotic treatment. A noninferiority margin of 10% was selected. The as-treated population (participants who took ≥26 of 28 doses and missed no more than 2 consecutive doses) was used for the primary analysis, and a secondary analysis included all patients as randomized, regardless of treatment adherence. Secondary outcomes included recurrence of UTI symptoms and/or adverse events within 28 days of stopping study medication. Results Among 272 patients (median [interquartile range] age, 69 [62-73] years) who were randomized, 100% completed the trial and 254 (93.4%) were included in the primary as-treated analysis. Symptom resolution occurred in 122/131 (93.1%) participants in the 7-day group vs 111/123 (90.2%) in the 14-day group (difference, 2.9% [1-sided 97.5% CI, –5.2% to ∞]), meeting the noninferiority criterion. In the secondary as-randomized analysis, symptom resolution occurred in 125/136 (91.9%) participants in the 7-day group vs 123/136 (90.4%) in the 14-day group (difference, 1.5% [1-sided 97.5% CI, –5.8% to ∞]) Recurrence of UTI symptoms occurred in 13/131 (9.9%) participants in the 7-day group vs 15/123 (12.9%) in the 14-day group (difference, –3.0% [95% CI, –10.8% to 6.2%];P = .70). Adverse events occurred in 28/136 (20.6%) participants in the 7-day group vs 33/136 (24.3%) in the 14-day group. Conclusions and Relevance Among afebrile men with suspected UTI, treatment with ciprofloxacin or trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole for 7 days was noninferior to 14 days of treatment with regard to resolution of UTI symptoms by 14 days after antibiotic therapy. The findings support the use of a 7-day course of ciprofloxacin or trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole as an alternative to a 14-day course for treatment of afebrile men with UTI. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier:NCT01994538
Ten Instructional Design Efforts to Help Behavior Analysts Take Up the Torch of Direct Instruction

Although behavior analysts are trained in discrete trial instruction, other instructional approaches like Direct Instruction are underutilized in behavior analytic practice. Direct Instruction is a specialized technology that capitalizes on sophisticated instructional design and highly effective delivery strategies. What makes Direct Instruction so powerful is that it emphasizes the development of generative repertoires and establishes them efficiently. The purpose of this article is to introduce 10 critical instructional design efforts that behavior analysts can use in their practice, regardless of the population they serve and repertoires they build. The 10 instructional design efforts are summarized in a Direct Instruction Planning Guide. Behavior analysts can follow this sequence of design efforts and refer to the guiding questions as they develop efficient instruction for their learners. In doing so, behavior analysts can take up the torch of Direct Instruction, extend this remarkable instructional approach into their research and practice, and strengthen the behavioral technology available to behavior analytic practitioners.
Genetic and Structural Analysis of the Glycoprotein and Glycolipid Glycans of Drosophila melanogaster

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the glycans of Drosophila melanogaster, an organism selected by a growing number of investigators as a system of choice for breaking new ground in glycobiology. In the past, discoveries in Drosophilaglycobiology have found structural or functional parallels in vertebrates, including mammals. In some cases, these common themes have evolved out of genetic characterization of interesting phenotypes and in other instances targeted investigations have pursued homologous glycan-processing components or specific glycan structural classes. The results of the genetic and structural analysis of the glycoprotein and glycolipid glycans have synergized with enhanced structural analysis, generating new routes for linking phenotypes to glycan expression. In the hopes of catalyzing further associations between glycan function and structure, current knowledge regarding the diversity of N-linked, O-linked, and glycosphingolipid glycans in Drosophilais summarized.Within the constraints of this contribution it is not possible to adequately encompass the important and rapid advances in characterizing Drosophilaglycosaminoglycan structure and function. Relevant functional, biosynthetic, and genetic studies are highlighted. The analysis gives rise to a simple rule: Drosophilaelaborates its own complexity, but in restricted contexts, and only as is needed to meet specific developmental or functional requirements. Advances in cell signaling, developmental patterning, cell fate selection, axon pathfinding, and the formation of epithelial polarity arise from understanding the contribution of glycans to Drosophiladevelopment and cellular function.
Developing Anxiety-Reduction Procedures for a Ventilator-Dependent Pediatric Patient

This study evaluated two strategies to reduce anxiety behaviors which interfered with the daily tracheostomy care and ventilator maintenance of an eight-year-old ventilator-dependent boy. A multiple-baseline design (across ventilator and tracheostomy procedures) was used to evaluate the effectiveness of an information-only procedure and combined relaxation and cognitive distraction procedures. Partial-interval recording was used to measure heart rate, disruptive mouth noises, and demands and complaints to staff members. The patient's behavior did not change during a no-intervention baseline or during the information-only condition. Cognitive distraction and relaxation procedures were introduced, first during ventilator checks and then during tracheostomy care; corresponding decreases in heart rate, mouth noises, and demands and complaints were noted. Gains were maintained at one year follow-up. Results suggest that information alone may not effectively reduce anxiety behaviors for some ventilator-dependent patients unless additional anxiety-reduction procedures are implemented.
Review: Janice M. Morse, Janice M. Swanson & Anton J. Kuzel (Eds.) (2001). The Nature of Qualitative Evidence

Der Band von MORSE, SWANSON und KUZEL bietet einen hilfreichen Rahmen, um qualitative Forschung Evidenz basiert zu betreiben. Ausgehend von Konzepten von Evidenz und von Dimensionen qualitativer und quantitativer Forschung, argumentieren die Autorinnen und Autoren der einzelnen Kapitel – eingedenk der bekannten Spannung zwischen qualitativer und quantitativer Forschung – fur einen Ansatz Evidenzbasierter Medizin, mit dem sich qualitative und quantitative Ansatze integrieren lassen. Das Buch ist in funf Teile untergliedert: Behandelt werden (a) der Charakter von Evidenz, (b) der Charakter des Fragens, (c) der Charakter von Standards, (d) der Charakter von Interpretation und Analyse und (e) der Charakter der Anwendung von Forschung. Dabei wird vor allem auf Diskussionen um die Bedeutung von Evidenz in der Evidenzbasierten Medizin zuruckgegriffen. Indem die Autor(inn)en zeigen, dass qualitative Forschung wichtige Beitrage fur die klinische Praxis leisten kann, erweitern sie den aktuellen Diskurs in diesem Forschungsfeld. Das Buch ist fur Praxis, Lehre und Forschung gleichermasen nutzlich: Kliniker(innen) konnen profitieren, indem sie verstehen, welche Rolle qualitative Forschung in ihrer Praxis einnehmen kann. Angewendet in der Lehre bietet das Buch einen leicht verstandlichen Zugang zu den traditionellen Aufgaben und Herausforderungen qualitativer Forschung. Fur die Forschung leistet es einen Beitrag zur Diskussion von Evidenzbasierten Forschungsansatzen; es ist fur forschende Noviz(inn)en leicht lesbar, erfahrene Lesende fordert es heraus, daruber nachzudenken, was in der Praxis tatsachlich als Evidenz zahlt. URN: urn:nbn:de:0114-fqs0204194
Naming in OSI: distinguished names or object identifiers?

Two identification schemes are introduced that are largely used in the OSI world, and increasingly accepted in the broader telecommunications world: distinguished names and object identifiers. It is shown that the former scheme is flexible and powerful enough to satisfy the naming needs of a worldwide network, while the latter can address some special requirements in particular cases. A solution is proposed that allows the two schemes to coexist with minor changes to existing standards, in the framework of the same worldwide X.500-based directory service, thus avoiding the needless proliferation of incompatible directory services. >
Early manufacturing involvement in new process technology

The authors outline the process of installing a new semiconductor process technology into manufacturing under IBM's policy of early manufacturing involvement. Final process development was performed on the manufacturing line, with the prime objective of reducing the time required to bring a new technology to full manufacturing capability. Other benefits included improved manufacturability of the process and lower capital costs. In this particular case, the new technology was an evolutionary extension of the older process, with several critical sectors requiring the majority of the development effort. In certain other sectors, a tightening of the specifications was required. Conflicts of interest and priority had to be dealt with, as well as optimizing the process. In some cases, development engineers worked directly with manufacturing engineers and, in other cases, manufacturing engineering took the responsibility for the process. When development was completed, a final process transfer procedure was put in place and manufacturing engineering carried out the final process qualification. The authors discuss the organization required and the developments involved when integrating the development effort within a manufacturing organization. >
A fault simulation based test pattern generator for synchronous sequential circuits

We describe a fault simulation based test generation procedure for synchronous sequential circuits. Several techniques are used to generate test sequences to achieve high fault coverages at low computational complexity. Experimental results presented demonstrate that the proposed procedure achieves fault coverages which are in all cases the same or higher than those achieved by existing procedures. The run times of the procedure are considerably smaller compared to the existing procedures.
Photochemical studies on xanthurenic acid .

The tryptophan metabolite xanthurenic acid (Xan) has been isolated from aged human cataractous lenses. The photophysical properties of Xan were examined to determine if it is a potential chromophore for age-related cataractogenesis. We found that Xan produces singlet oxygen (psi delta = 0.17 in CD3OD) with the same efficiency as the lenticular chromophore N-formyl kynurenine and quenches singlet oxygen at a rate similar (2.1 x 10(7); CD3OD) to other tryptophan metabolites found in the eye. As the mechanisms of induction of cataracts may also involve redox reactions, the interactions of hydrated electrons (e(aq)-), the azide radical (N3*) and hydroxyl radical (OH*) with Xan were studied using the technique of pulse radiolysis. The reaction rate constants of e(aq)-, N3* and OH* with Xan were found to be of the same order of magnitude as other tryptophan metabolites. The rate constant for reaction of Xan with e(aq)- solvated electrons was found to be diffusion controlled (k = 1.43 x 10(10) M(-1) s(-1); the reaction with N3* was very fast (k = 4.0 x 10(9) M(-1) s(-1)); and with OH* was also near diffusion controlled (k = 1.0 x 10(10) M(-1) s(-1)). Superoxide O2*- production by irradiated Xan in methanol was detected by electron paramagnetic resonance and substantiated by determining that the enhanced rate of oxygen consumption of Xan irradiated in the presence of furfuryl alcohol was lowered by superoxide dismutase.
Human Growth Hormone and Human Aging

In humans, both aging and GH deficiency are associated with reduced protein synthesis, decreased lean body and bone mass, and increased percent body fat. In healthy individuals, spontaneous and stimulated GH secretion, as well as circulating IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels, are significantly decreased with advancing age. The extent to which these age-related changes in GH and IGF-I contribute to alterations in body composition and function remains to be elucidated. GH treatment of GH-deficient adults or old men with reduced IGF-I levels with exogenous GH increases plasma IGF-I, nitrogen retention, and lean body mass, decreases percent body fat, and exerts little effect on bone mineral density. Short-term adverse effects of GH therapy have been minimized by using low-dose regimens, but it is still uncertain whether long-term GH supplementation in adult life increases the risk of metabolic abnormalities or malignancy. Administration of GHRH, which has been shown to maintain the pattern of pulsatile GH secretion in old men, may represent another possible physiological approach to therapy. It may be justifiable initially to limit use of GH to certain elderly patients such as those suffering from catabolic illnesses, malnourishment, burns, cachexia, etc. A great deal more research will be necessary to determine whether normalization of GH and IGF-I levels in healthy older persons will lead to improvements in their physical and psychological functional capacity and quality of life.
Fluid oscillation in the Drop Tower

An interfluid meniscus oscillates within a cylindrical container when suddenly released from earth's gravity and taken into a microgravity environment. Oscillations damp out from energy dissipative mechanisms such as viscosity and interfacial friction. Damping out of the oscillations by the latter mechanism is affected by the nature of the interfacial junction between the fluid-fluid interface and the container wall. Perfluoromethylcyclohexane and isopropanol in glass were the materials used for the experiment. The wetting condition of the fluids against the wall changes at the critical wetting transition temperature. This change in wetting causes a change in the damping characteristics.
Imaging β-amyloid fibrils in Alzheimer's disease: a critical analysis through simulation of amyloid fibril polymerization

The polymerization of beta-amyloid (A beta) peptides into fibrillary plaques is implicated, in part, in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. A beta molecular imaging probes (A beta-MIPs) have been introduced in an effort to quantify amyloid burden or load, in subjects afflicted with AD by invoking the classic PET receptor model for the quantitation of neuronal receptor density. In this communication, we explore conceptual differences between imaging the density of amyloid fibril polymers and neuronal receptors. We formulate a mathematical model for the polymerization of A beta with parameters that are mapped to biological modulators of fibrillogenesis and introduce a universal measure for amyloid load to accommodate various interactions of A beta-MIPs with fibrils. Subsequently, we hypothesize four A beta-MIPs and utilize the fibrillogenesis model to simulate PET tissue time activity curves (TACs). Given the unique nature of polymer growth and resulting PET TAC, the four probes report differing amyloid burdens for a given brain pathology, thus complicating the interpretation of PET images. In addition, we introduce the notion of an MIP's resolution, apparent maximal binding site concentration, optimal kinetic topology and its resolving power in characterizing the pathological progression of AD and the effectiveness of drug therapy. The concepts introduced in this work call for a new paradigm that goes beyond the classic parameters B(max) and K(D) to include binding characteristics to polymeric peptide aggregates such as amyloid fibrils, neurofibrillary tangles and prions.
Quinine drinking: More regulatory puzzles

Abstract Rats were permanently hypodipsic when offered a quinine adulterated fluid on a chronic basis. Plasma osmolarity and Na concentration were normal, but the quinine drinkers showed a slight hyperkalemia compared to water drinking controls. The quinine-drinking rats maintained hydromineral equilibrium through the excretion of a small amount of concentrated urine. The quinine intake was closely matched to need, and fell to near zero when food was removed or water was supplied intravenously. This harmony of intake and output was disrupted after acute hypertonic NaCl load: while the obligatory salt diuresis was no different between water and quinine drinkers, the latter did not drink (except at the lowest level of adulteration) within several hours. However, by 24 hr all had shown a delayed drinking response. This delay in drinking of quinine was also evident after non-painful intravenous NaCl infusions, but no drinking occurred after nephrectomy. Quinine drinkers were also unresponsive to isoproterenol and intracranial dipsogens. These data are discussed in terms of their implication for definitions of regulatory drinking behavior.
Ascription of maturity to human figure drawings by preschool children.

Summary Forty-five preschool children, shown outline human figure drawings (all arbitrarily drawn to the same stature) whose overall body proportions were typical of individuals aged 0, 2, 6, 12, and 25 years, generally distinguished more maturely from less maturely proportioned figures, the absence of nonproportion cues to maturity notwithstanding. This is noteworthy, since agerelated changes in stature and in proportion are confounded in nature, and since our culture emphasizes stature cues and neglects proportion cues to maturity. Although Ss generally distinguished more mature from less mature figures on the basis of body proportions, the proportions of immature individuals nonetheless tended to be assimilated to those of the mature individual.
Immunochemical characterization of juvenile hormone esterase from different species of lepidoptera

Abstract Cross-immunoreactivity of juvenile hormone esterase (JHE) from different species was tested using anti-JHE ( Trichoplusia ni ) (Noctuidae) polyclonal antibody. Partial cross-reactivity was observed between JHE from Hyphantria cunea , Isia isabella (Arctuidae) and Spodoptera exigua (Noctuidae) in immunoblot analysis. Soluble antigen-antibody complex formation was observed between anti-JHE ( T. ni ) and antigen(s) from Heliothis virescens (Noctuidae) during immunotitration of antigen(s). Using an ELISA method the highest cross-reactivity was observed for both species from Arctuidae and lower cross-reactivity for antigen(s) from H. virescens .
Design of highly-efficient wideband RF polar transmitters using the Envelope-Tracking technique

This paper discusses the design issues of highly efficient and monolithic wideband RF polar transmitters, especially the ones that use the Envelope-Tracking (ET) technique. Besides reviewing the state-of-the-art polar transmitters in the literature, three focus topics will be discussed: (1) the system-on-a-chip (SoC) design considerations of the monolithic polar transmitter using ET; and (2) the design of highly-efficient envelope amplifier capable of achieving the high efficiency, current, bandwidth, accuracy and noise specifications required for wideband signals; and (3) the design of high-efficiency monolithic Si-based power amplifiers (PAs) suitable for ET-based RF polar transmitters.
The Scholarly Productivity of Occupational Therapy Faculty Members: Results of a Regional Study

A study of the scholarly activities of 66 occupational therapy faculty members at selected academic health centers was conducted through a mailed survey. An analysis of the responses showed that (a) the respondents' primary scholarly activities were reporting research findings in refereed journal articles and presenting papers at professional meetings and (b) only a small percentage of the respondents had directed extramurally funded projects. In addition, the level of scholarly productivity of the occupational therapists was significantly lower than that of their allied health colleagues. The majority of the respondents indicated that their own academic preparation was the primary factor that encouraged their scholarly pursuits and that heavy teaching responsibility was the primary discouraging factor. The respondents indicated also that faculty scholarly activities are, and will continue to be, important considerations in academic promotion decisions.
Bilateral phakic hypermetropic epikeratoplasty for accommodative esotropia

Abstract Optical correction of high hypermetropia with glasses is the primary treatment for accommodative esotropia. These glasses are often poorly accepted by adolescents and young adults for they are cosmetically undesirable, heavy, and esotropia occurs with their removal. We report an 11 ½-year-old, physically mature female with high hypermetropia and accommodative esotropia corrected to orthophoria with glasses who was unable to be weaned from her glasses. She became intolerant to glasses wear, refused contact lenses, and was treated successfully with bilateral phakic hypermetropic epikeratoplasty. Two years postepikeratoplasty her visual acuity is 20/40 and 20/20 uncorrected and the vision in the amblyopic right eye has remained at its maximum preoperative level. She is orthophoric at distance and has a 2 prism diopter monofixational esophoria at near without glasses. Epikeratoplasty is an option in the treatment of accommodative esotropia for patients who are past the amblyopia forming age, have a stable angle of strabismus, and who require their full hypermetropic optical correction to maintain orthophoria.
An expanded urban metabolism method: Toward a systems approach for assessing urban energy processes and causes

The integrated study of energy and urban systems has recently become a critical component of sustainability research and policy. Increasing urbanization of human societies combined with intense energy demands of modern economies have driven a recognition that sustainable practices require a systems approach to both the study and application of sustainability principles. Urban metabolism has emerged as a leading methodology for quantifying energy consumption and use patterns in urban environments. Though typically applied as a method of accounting for total energy and materials inputs and outputs into cities, its interdisciplinary history and methods allow urban metabolism to be expanded in ways that will allow more comprehensive and integrated assessment of the patterns and processes of urban energy systems. In this article, we review the concept of urban metabolism—including its two typical approaches: mass balance and “emergy” methods—and offer a means to expand urban metabolism into a platform that incorporates socioeconomic analysis, policy analysis, and additional quantitative methodologies (such as life cycle assessment). This expanded urban metabolism framework is more comprehensive analytically and builds upon the documented capacity of traditional urban metabolism to account for total energy and materials flows of cities to provide an integrated platform for analysis of both energy patterns and the causal processes that govern energy in contemporary cities.
The Uranium-trend dating method: Principles and application for southern California marine terrace deposits

Abstract Uranium-trend dating is an open-system method for age estimation of Quaternary sediments, using disequilibrium in the 238 U 234 U 230 Th decay series. The technique has been applied to alluvium, colluvium, loess, till, and marine sediments. In this study we tested the U-trend dating method on calcareous marine terrace deposits from the Palos Verdes Hills and San Nicolas Island, California. Independent age estimates indicate that terraces in these areas range from ∼80 ka to greater than 1.0 Ma. Two low terraces on San Nicolas Island yielded U-trend plots that have a clustered array of points and the ages of these deposits are indeterminate or highly suspect. Middle Pleistocene terraces and one early Pleistocene terrace on San Nicolas Island and all terraces on the Palos Verdes Hills gave reasonably linear U-trend plots and estimated ages that are stratigraphically consistent and in agreement with independent age estimates. We conclude that many marine terrace deposits are suitable for U-trend dating, but U-trend plots must be carefully evaluated and U-trend ages should be consistent with independent geologic control.
Colorimetric Estimation of Lactose and Its Hydrolytic Products

Abstract Current interest in enzymic and acid hydrolysis of lactose creates a need for sensitive methods for routine measurement of decreases in lactose and concomitant increases in glucose and galactose. To differentiate among these sugars, two color reactions were used. Lactose reacted with methylamine in hot alkaline solution to form a red compound with maximum absorbance at 540nm; glucose and galactose do not interfere under these conditions. In the other reaction, glucose and galactose were measured by the development of a blue color with maximum absorbance at 710nm after heating in an ammonium molybdate solution buffered with phosphate-phthalate at pH 5.3, a condition under which lactose does not interfere. Proper color development in both reactions requires careful control of conditions. Both methods have been used to follow the acid hydrolysis of a lactose solution and also have been adapted to milk and whey by use of zinc acetate-phosphotungstic acid to remove the proteins prior to color development.
In-vitro fragmentation of biliary calculi with a 308-nm excimer laser

We report the use of a 308 mu XeC1 exciiuer laser for- biliary stone fragnientation. The 130 nsec laser pulses are delivered through tJV grade fused silica fibers to the target stones inmiersed in normal saline solution and placed in direct contact with the fiber. Sixty biliary calculi, 20 cholesterol and 40 pigment, were fragmented in vitro. The effect of laser repetition rate, energy fluence, and fiber core size on stone fragmentation was studied. Fragmentation thresholds for biliary calculi of different compositions were measured. It was found that higher fragmentation efficiency was obtained with larger fluence, lower repetition rate and fiber of larger core. Our study suggests that the long pulse 308 nm excimer laser may be an effective device for laser lithotripsy with low threshold and good efficiency for biliary stone fragmentation.© (1990) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Sexual behavior and extragroup copulations in a wild population of common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)

Sexual behavior and mating patterns are described for 3 free-ranging groups of common marmosets living in a coastal forest in northeastern Brazil. Each group contained 2 breeding females. Within groups, sexual behavior was generally restricted to breeding females and a single behaviorally dominant male. Of 101 mounts and copulations, 24 involved pairings of individuals from 2 different groups. Extragroup sexual behavior was performed by both breeding and nonbreeding group members, and 65% of all adults mounted or copulated with an extragroup individual at least once. Sexual behavior occurred throughout the female reproductive cycle but was significantly more frequent during an 11-day ‘conception period’. Thus, while female marmosets show no physical signs of estrus, both males and females likely do have some information about the timing of ovulation. Mating patterns in this population included both polygyny and monogamy and varied between groups and over time.
A Collaborative Project to Integrate Information Literacy Skills into an Undergraduate Psychology Course

A collaborative project between an academic librarian and faculty member was implemented in an undergraduate psychology course with the goal of integrating specific information literacy learning ou...
Erythrosin B inhibits dopamine transport in rat caudate synaptosomes

Erythrosin B is a member of a class of fluorescein dyes that are suggested to elicit hyperkinesis when ingested by susceptible children. We found that erythrosin B inhibits dopamine uptake in rat caudate synaptosomes "uncompetitively" in the 10- to 800-micromolar range. Half maximal inhibition of uptake occurred at 45 micromolar. Uncompetitive inhibition denotes a decrease in efficacy of the dopamine membrane transport mechanism with an increase in affinity of dopamine to the carrier. Erythrosin B also decreased nonsaturable binding of dopamine to the synaptosome membrane. The inhibitory action of erythrosin B on dopamine uptake is consistent with the hypothesis that erythrosin B can act as a central excitatory agent able to induce hyperkinetic behavior.
Genetic influences on the spontaneous EEG : An examination of 15-year-old and 17-year-old twins

In this study, the authors investigated the presence of genetic influences and development on the spontaneous electroencephalogram (EEG) by examining the similarity of 15‐ and 17‐year‐old monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) twins. A total of 50 (nMZ = 33, nDZ = 17) 15‐year‐old and 69 (nMZ = 45, nDZ = 24) 17‐year‐old twin pairs were assessed. Spontaneous EEG was recorded from the vertex and 2 lateral posterior sites while participants rested with eyes closed. Measures of both absolute and relative power were derived for delta, theta, alpha, and beta frequency bands. The intraclass correlations of all bands across all sites for both absolute and relative power were significant for the MZ twins, indicating moderate to high degrees of MZ similarity on these measures. All MZ intraclass correlations were larger than the corresponding DZ correlations, and they were significantly larger for over 70% of the MZ‐DZ comparisons involving the 2 age cohorts. Biometric modeling of EEG spectral data suggested a substanti...
Effects on complement activation of a new continuous autotransfusion system

Allogeneic blood transfusions may subject patients to risks of infection and allergic reactions. Various techniques for transfusion of shed blood have been developed. The aim of this study was to evaluate a new continuous autotransfusion system (Fresenius CATS®) as regards its impact on the complement system, and on erythrocytes and leucocytes. Eighteen consecutive patients undergoing hip replacement surgery were studied. Complement variables (C4d, factor Bb, C3a and terminal complement complex, SC5b-9) and free haemoglobin, haemoglobin, leucocytes, platelets, albumin and protein were determined in the patient’s blood preoperatively, 1 min before the start of transfusion, 15 and 60 min after transfusion; and in the reservoir, in the waste bag and in the retransfusion blood. Increased concentrations of C3a and SC5b-9 were found in the collected reservoir blood (P < 0.05). The washing and centrifugation procedure reduced these concentrations (< 0.001). High levels of free haemoglobin were found in the collected blood as well as in the processed product. The median haemoglobin level in the processed blood was 260 g L−1 (range 104–289 g L−1). Inflammatory mediators from the complement cascade are removed by continuous autotransfusion technique. The processed blood contains high levels of free haemoglobin.
Glycolytic mechanisms in ehrlich ascites tumor cells-effects of disulfide derivatives of pyridine.

Abstract A study was made of the effects of 6,6'-dithiodinicotinic acid (DTDN) and 2,2'-dithiodipyridine (DTDP) on mouse Ehrlich ascites tumor cells. Both drugs inhibited glucose utilization and lactate production under aerobic conditions, DTDP being effective m lower concentrations than DTDN. Both drugs decreased the proportion of utilized glucose that is converted to lactate. This may indicate increased diversion of glucose into the phosphogluconate pathway. DTDN in concentrations inhibiting lactate production to a minimal degree greatly decreased the levels of dihydroxyacetone phosphate and increased those of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate occurring in the cells after addition of glucose. This effect was not seen with DTDP. The effect of DTDN on the glycolytic intermediates may be due to inhibition of triosephosphate isomerase. Lack of the effect with DTDP may be due to more potent inhibition of an enzyme at a step prior to formation of fructose-l,6-diphosphate. Both drugs inhibit rabbit muscle triosephosphate isomerase in vitro . The drugs decreased the fall of extracellular pH due to lactic acid formation but did not lead to any unusual relationship between extracellular and intracellular pH. Both drugs caused loss of cellular K + but only in concentrations higher than are required for complete suppression of glycolysis.
Are there shared environmental influences on adolescent behavior? Evidence from a study of adoptive siblings

The failure to identify specific non-shared environmental influences on behavior coupled with the belief that shared environmental factors contribute minimally to individual differences in behavior has led to the concern that major environmental determinants of behavior may be idiosyncratic, and therefore undetectable. We used data on adoptive (N = 246) and biologically related (N = 130) same-sex sibling pairs (mean ages = 16.1 years older sibling; 13.8 years younger sibling) from the Sibling Interaction and Behavior Study (SIBS) to determine whether non-idiosyncratic environmental factors shared by siblings contributed to individual differences in a diverse set of behavioral outcomes. Evidence for shared environmental influence was sought for eight composite measures covering a wide array of adolescent functioning: Academic Achievement, Total IQ, Substance Use Disorders, Externalizing Disorders, Internalizing Disorders, Peer Groups, Disinhibited Personality, and Negative Emotionality. For six of eight composites, significant shared environmental effects, accounting for 14–22% of the variance, were observed for these same-sex sibling pairs. These findings support the use of adoptive sibling designs to directly estimate shared environmental effects and implicate the existence of systematic environmental influences on behavior that are potentially detectable.
Stable and efficient algorithms for Xα multiple scattering calculations

Solutions to some practical problems that arise in multiple scattering calculations on large molecules are discussed. (1) Numerical instabilities near the zero of energy can be removed by rescaling the secular matrix. (2) The calculation of structure factors can be made much more efficient by the application of symmetry projection operators. (3) An energy search procedure is described that ensures that no states are inadvertently neglected. Test calculations incorporating these changes illustrate the improved numerical stability, and show decreases in computation time of 30–60%, when compared to previous codes. The procedures suggested here are applicable to both relativistic and nonrelatitistic calculations.