cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Single Molecule Conductance of Bipyridyl Ethynes: The Role of Surface Binding Modes†

We report on the experimental studies of single molecule conductance of 1,2-bi(pyridin-4-yl)ethyne (BPY-EY) and perfluoro-1,2-bi(pyridin-4-yl)ethyne (PFBPY-EY). The conductance measurements of the molecules bridging two Au electrodes have been carried out in toluene solutions using the scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) based break junction technique. Two conductance values of (2.2 ± 0.5) × 10(-4) and (5.0 ± 0.8) × 10(-5) G(0) have been found for BPY-EY but only one, (4.2 ± 0.5) × 10(-5) G(0), for PFBPY-EY. The disparity is attributed to steric differences between the molecules at the electrode.
Interorganizational Relations In Marketing Channels

In most articles appearing in the organizational behavior journals, little reference is made to the extensive research performed in the marketing field addressing interactions in distribution channels. This article attempts to bring to the fields of sociology and organizational behavior relevant materials from marketing that will improve theories of interorganizational relations.
Brown Superfund Basic research Program: a multistakeholder partnership addresses real-world problems in contaminated communities.

The NIEHS funds several basic and applied research programs, many of which also require research translation or outreach. This paper reports on a project by the Brown University Superfund Basic Research Program (SBRP), in which outreach and research translation teams collaborated with state regulatory agency personnel and community activists on a legislative initiative to mitigate the financial impacts of living in a contaminated community. The Environmentally Compromised Home Ownership (ECHO) program makes home equity loans of up to $25,000 available to qualified applicants. This collaboration provides a case study in community engagement and demonstrates how research translation and outreach activities that are clearly differentiated yet well-integrated can improve a suite of basic and applied research. Although engaging diverse constituencies can be difficult, community-engaged translation and outreach have the potential to make research findings more useful to communities, address some of the social i...
Preoperative evaluation of adnexal masses

This is a large multicenter trial designed to determine the efficacy of second stage diagnostic testing when the primary diagnostic test has provided an uncertain diagnosis of a benign or malignant adnexal mass. Women with adnexal masses were evaluated using ultrasonography. Clinical and ultrasonographic data were employed to determine the risk of malignancy using 11 statistical models and their performance was evaluated based on histologic findings at surgery. Overall, the ultrasound examiner's subjective evaluation had the highest area under the curve and specificity, with respect to diagnostic performance. Of the mathematical models evaluated, LR1 performed the best, with an area under the curve of 0.95, a sensitivity of 92% and a specificity of 84%. The accuracy of subjective evaluation did not improve with the addition of any second stage test. If the LR1 model was used as the primary diagnostic test, the addition of subjective evaluation as a secondary test was found to be beneficial.
Performance analysis of single-stage, output buffer packet switches with independent batch arrivals

Abstract A theoretical framework for the analysis of an M × N, output queueing, space-division, non-blocking, packet switch with general i.i.d. batch arrivals is developed. The switch operates in a slotted time-frame with packets arriving to any of its M input ports and destined to any of its N output ports. Assuming a general traffic switching matrix, the (marginal) distribution of the queue size of packets at each of the output ports is obtained. Under FIFO service discipline, the distribution of the waiting time of packets is also obtained. Under finite buffer capacity, the loss probability of packets due to the unavailability of output buffer space is derived. Finally, the sensitivity of the performance measures of the switch under hot-spot traffic conditions is demonstrated.
Demonstration of Spacecraft Fire Safety Technology

2NASA Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, Ohio 44135 During the Constellation Program, the development of spacecraft fire safety technologies were focused on the immediate questions related to the atmosphere of the habitable volume and implementation of fire detection, suppression, and postfire clean-up systems into the vehicle architectures. One of the difficulties encountered during the trade studies for these systems was the frequent lack of data regarding the performance of a technology, such as a water mist fire suppression system or an optically-based combustion product monitor. Even though a spacecraft fire safety technology development project was being funded, there was insufficient time and funding to address all the issues as they were identified. At the conclusion of the Constellation Program, these knowledge gaps formed the basis for a project proposed to the Advanced Exploration Systems (AES) Program. This project, subsequently funded by the AES Program and in operation since October 2011, has as its cornerstone the development of an experiment to be conducted on an ISS resupply vehicle, such as the European Space Agency (ESA) Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) or Orbital Science’s Cygnus vehicle after it leaves the ISS and before it enters the atmosphere. The technology development efforts being conducted in this project include continued quantification of low- and partial-gravity maximum oxygen concentrations of spacecraft-relevant materials, development and verification of sensors for fire detection and post-fire monitoring, development of standards for sizing and selecting spacecraft fire suppression systems, and demonstration of post-fire cleanup strategies. The major technology development efforts are identified in this paper but its primary purpose is to describe the spacecraft fire safety demonstration being planned for the reentry vehicle.
An experimental study of transient free-convection heat transfer with mercury in a vertical rectangular channel

An experimental study is presented of the transient and steady-state natural convection heat transfer in mercury following a step change in uniform heat flux of the vertical rectangular channel wall. The fluid was initially stagnant and at a uniform temperature. Temperature distributions were measured during the transient and at steady-state conditions. Heat transfer characteristics of the system were determined from these measurements.
Electrostatic Kelvin-Helmholtz instability produced by a localized electric field perpendicular to an external magnetic field

The evolution of a plasma with a localized electric field perpendicular to an external magnetic field is shown to be dominated by the Kelvin–Helmholtz instability. For small ion gyroradius, the instability is similar to the fluid mode. When the ion gyroradius is an appreciable fraction of the spatial extent of the electric field, the plasma is not in equilibrium, and the initial drift profile relaxes. Subsequent evolution still leads to vortex flows.
"MODERN" EDUCATION FINANCE: HOW IT DIFFERS FROM THE "OLD" AND THE ANALYTIC AND DATA COLLECTION CHANGES IT IMPLIES

Abstract This article contends that a new concept of education finance has emerged in response to substantial alterations in the U.S. education policy environment. The major distinction between mod...
Perioperative ingestion of caffeine and postoperative headache

The interruption of daily consumption of caffeine-containing beverages can cause headache and other symptoms within 8 hours. Resumption of caffeine alleviates these symptoms. Surgical patients routinely fast preoperatively and may have postoperative symptoms from caffeine withdrawal. In the current study, we determined whether perioperative caffeine consumption altered the incidence of postoperative headache. After institutional approval of the study design, 233 surgical outpatients were surveyed about history of headaches, caffeine consumption, and the presence and severity of headaches postoperatively. Of the 233 patients, 190 (82%) drank caffeinated beverages daily (mean daily consumption, 290 mg of caffeine). Postoperative headaches occurred in 22% of patients who routinely drank caffeinated beverages but in only 7% of those who did not (P < 0.03). Other factors associated with postoperative headaches included a history of frequent headaches (P < 0.0001), age of 50 years or younger (P < 0.002), and amount of daily caffeine ingested (P < 0.01). Among daily caffeine drinkers, those who drank caffeinated beverages on the day of the surgical procedure had a lower incidence of postoperative headaches than did those who abstained (17% versus 28%; P < 0.04). Postoperative headaches may be related to several factors. Perioperative intake of caffeine altered postoperative well-being. Caffeine given preoperatively may limit postoperative withdrawal headaches among the millions of daily drinkers of caffeinated beverages. A randomized, prospective, and blinded trial to test this hypothesis is warranted.
Reduction of a Starling Population at a Turkey Farm

Abstract AN ESTIMATED 25,000 starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) roosted in marshes along the Virgin River in Washington County, Utah, during December 1963. Shortly after sunrise each morning about 1,800 birds (7% of the population) arrived at a 30-acre turkey farm located on a high benchland 1 mile northeast of Washington, Utah, and 2 miles northeast of their roost. The foreman reported loss of feed to starlings and expressed fear of disease transmission. Little is known of the starlings’ capability of transmitting poultry diseases, but our studies with captive starlings show that they consume about 1 ounce of poultry pellets per day, or one-fourth to one-third of their body weight, when fed pellets alone. A test was made at this farm to determine whether feed loss could be reduced by scattering baits treated with a starling toxicant outside the perimeter of the turkey pen area. MATERIALS AND METHODS Poultry pellets (Purina Layena Checkers,2 . . .
Temperature and Pore Size Dependence on the Sensitivity of a Hydrogen Sensor Based on Nanoporous Platinum Thin Films

Nanoporous Pt thin films were prepared by co-sputtering Cu and Pt, followed by dealloying and coarsening. The size of the pores was controlled by the coarsening temperature. The nanoporous Pt thin films had pores ranging from a few nanometers to 35 nm. A resistance transient method was used to measure the sensitivity of these thin films in different hydrogen concentrations using air as the carrier gas. The effect of temperature and pore size on the sensitivity and response time were studied. A sensitivity of 3.5% was obtained for 1000 ppm of hydrogen at room temperature for the largest fabricated pore size of 35 nm. The fabricated sensors showed quick response and repeatability in their sensing mechanism.
Intracerebral implantation of progesterone: re-examination of the brain sites responsible for facilitation of sexual receptivity in estrogen-primed ovariectomized rats.

Abstract Ovariectomized female rats were tested for sexual receptivity following SC priming with threshold doses of estradiol benzoate and intracerebral 27 ga implants of either progesterone or cholesterol. All females were repeatedly tested under both intracerebral hormone implant conditions. Cholesterol implants failed to activate receptivity, while progesterone implants in the interpeduncular-ventral tegmental area produced near maximal levels of receptivity within 30 min after implantation. Progesterone implants in the medial hypothalamus, anterior hypothalamus, preoptic area, pons, mesencephalic reticular formation and lateral mesencephalon failed to activate sexual receptivity.
Dirofilaria immitis: fate and immunogenicity of irradiated infective stage larvae in beagles.

Abstract Experiments were conducted on the fate of irradiated infective larvae of Dirofilaria immitis in dogs, and on the effect of these infections on a challenge dose of nonirradiated larvae administered at a later date. Six dogs were inoculated with 200 to 296 irradiated larvae; in no case was a patent infection established. No living worm was recovered beyond 66 days. Eight dogs inoculated with 200 to 2401 irradiated larvae over varying periods of time were exposed 57 to 190 days after the final inoculation of irradiated larvae, to a challenge infection of 200 to 250 nonirradiated (normal) larvae. The results showed that the number of worms which developed to maturity in these dogs was sharply reduced compared to that in the 5 controls (dogs inoculated with normal larvae only). The most striking effect was seen in “vaccinated” dogs which were challenged 3 months or more after the final administration of irradiated larvae.
Evolutional Directions of Smart Automotive Systems and Semiconductors

Automotive electronics have been advancing rapidly in their successful pursuit of environmental friendliness, safety, comfort, and convenience. Such advancements have been achieved through the use of approximately one hundred processors per luxury car. MEMS devices and power semiconductors have also played an important role in realizing energy-efficient automobiles and automated-societies. “Evolutional Directions of Smart Automotive Systems and Semiconductors” will be described with specific focus on creating ecological and dependable systems, while considering new semiconductor technologies and their applications.
A case of upper airway obstruction in an infant due to congenital hypothyroidism

This report describes a newborn with congenital hypothyroidism who presented with thyroidomegaly and upper airway obstruction. Technetium scintigraphy and an esophagram were performed. A review of the disease process with emphasis of the imaging diagnosis is provided.
An experimental evaluation of Web-based tutorial quizzes

This study reports the results of a random assignment experiment using Web quizzes constructed with the Mallard software program and a multiple-choice test bank provided with O’Connor and Sabato’s American Government text. The experiment allows comparison of the performance of students who were assigned quizzes on specific chapters of the book with those who were not. The general purpose is to assess whether assigning Web quizzes in a large American government course has any effect on students’ comprehension of the material. The authors found no significant differences on posttest scores between students who were assigned Web quizzes and those who were not.
Crosslinkable fumed silica-based nanocomposite electrolytes: role of methacrylate monomer in formation of crosslinked silica network

Abstract The electrochemical and rheological properties of composite polymer electrolytes (CPEs) based on fumed silica with tethered crosslinkable groups are reported. These silica nanoparticles are dispersed in electrolytes consisting of poly(ethylene glycol) dimethyl ether (PEGdm)+lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) to which various methacrylate monomers, such as methyl (MMA), ethyl (EMA), butyl (BMA), n -hexyl (HMA), and n -dodecyl (DMA) methacrylate, are added. The methacrylate monomer facilitates creation of chemical crosslinks between fumed silica particles and formation of a crosslinked network. In this study, the effects of concentration and alkyl chain length of the monomers on conductivity, dynamic rheology, open-circuit interfacial stability, and cell voltage in lithium–lithium cell cycling are examined. Increasing the length of the monomer alkyl chain enhances both conductivity and elastic modulus of the crosslinked CPE. In contrast, increasing monomer concentration results in higher elastic modulus, but reduced conductivity. Lithium–lithium cell cycling and open-circuit interfacial stability results did not correlate with alkyl chain length. That is, for the lithium–lithium cycling studies, all crosslinked samples exhibit higher half-cycle voltage compared to non-crosslinked samples; however, the open-circuit interfacial stability of CPEs containing BMA and HMA exhibit improved stability compared to the other monomers and the CPE without monomer.
Perinatal outcomes among Asian-white interracial couples.

Objective To investigate whether perinatal outcomes among interracial Asian-white couples are different than among Asian-Asian and white-white couples. Study Design This was a retrospective study of Asian, white, and Asian-white couples delivered at the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital from 2000-2005. Asian-white couples were subdivided into white-mother/Asian-father or Asian-mother/white-father. Perinatal outcomes included gestational diabetes, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, preterm delivery, birth weight >4000 g and Results In the study population of 868 Asian-white, 3226 Asian, and 5575 white couples there were significant outcome differences. Compared with white couples, Asian-white couples had an increased incidence of gestational diabetes (aOR 2.4 for white-mother/Asian-father and aOR 2.6 for Asian-mother/white-father), though not as high as Asian couples (aOR 4.7). Asian-white couples had larger babies (median 3360 g for Asian-mother/white-father and 3320 g for white-mother/Asian-father vs 3210 g for Asian, P Conclusion Significant differences in perinatal outcomes exist between Asian, white, and interracial Asian-white couples.
Enhanced uptake of porous silica microparticles by bifunctional surface modification with a targeting antibody and a biocompatible polymer

Strategies were developed by which mesoporous microparticles were modified on their external surfaces with tetraethylene glycol (TEG), a protein, or both, leaving the pore surfaces available for modification with a separate moiety, such as a dye. Only particles bifunctionally modified with both TEG and a cell-specific antibody were taken up specifically by a targeted cancer cell line. In contrast to similarly functionalized nanoparticles, endocytosed microparticles were not contained within a lysosome.
Integrated optics: Slice of perfection

A technique for cutting thin slices of lithium niobate offers a way of integrating this valuable material, and its strong nonlinear optical properties, into small photonic circuits.
The development and administration of collaborative social work programs: challenges and opportunities

Purpose – The purpose of this exploratory research was to document the history, structure and administration of current collaboratives, as well as overall challenges and benefits. Little is known about how and why collaborative graduate social work programs were started, how they operate or what are the challenges and benefits. Design/methodology/approach – Six case studies were conducted through semi-structured interviews of a purposive sample of key personnel from collaborative programs. Findings – Findings revealed that each collaborative program grew from existing undergraduate social work programs. Key primary benefits include that collaborative programs provide service to regions that would otherwise not have access to graduate social work education and added diversity and depth to programs. Greatest challenges are day-to-day operationalization and the cohesiveness to be “one program” among faculty and students. Practical implications – Suggestions are provided to programs interested in developing a...
An Extra-Mitochondrial Enzyme System from Peanuts Catalyzing the β-Oxidation of Fatty Acids

It is well established that the oxidation of fatty acids in animal tissues proceeds by the fl-oxidation pathway and that the enzymes responsible for the reactions are localized in the mitochondria (5, 6, 8). Newcomb and Stumpf (11) were able to obtain cellfree preparations from germinating peanut cotyledons which were able to convert C14-labeled palmitate to C1402. Subsequent studies by Stumpf and coworkers have established that germinating peanut cotyledons contain 2 systems for the oxidation of saturated higher fatty acids: an a-oxidation system which apparently lacks a counterpart in animal or bacterial tissues, and a fl-oxidation system which is analogous if not identical to the animal system. The fl-oxidation system studied by Stumpf and Barber (16) with an assay which involved the liberation of C1402 from labeled fa-tty acids, required whole mitochondria. Subsequently Martin and Stumpf (9) showed that this mitochondrial pellet isolated by differential centrifugation also contained a-oxidation activity. Although the isolated mitochondria were very unstable with respect to the f8-oxidase activity (9), these workers were able to estimate the relative contribution of these 2 pathways in freshly isolated mitochondrial particles by taking advantage of differences in the cofactor requirements, substrate specificities, and inhibitor responses of the 2 systems. Our starting point in this work was the system of Stumpf and Barber. During the course of our study we were able to show that the mitochondrial supernatant material (S10 oxg, 0-80 % ammonium sulfate fraction) is able to catalyze the conversion of C14-labeled palmitate to C14-labeled acetyl-CoA, which accumulates in the absence of tricarboxylic acid cycle activity.
Three‐dimensional, prestack, plane wave migration of teleseismic P‐to‐S converted phases: 2. Stacking multiple events

[1] In part 1 we developed the theoretical foundations of a prestack migration procedure to image forward scattered P to S (PdS) converted waves in the coda of teleseismic P waves. This paper addresses the issue of how to optimally stack data from multiple events migrated by this procedure. We apply matrix perturbation theory to develop an objective way to quantify noise in deconvolved PdS data. Application of the theory demonstrates that an optimal stack requires weighting the migrated data from each event by a signal-to-noise ratio criterion. We also find that the migrated PdS images have to be binned by back azimuth and balanced prior to the final stack. This is necessary to mitigate coherent noise that results from aliased microseism noise that is enhanced by our processing method. We processed 23 events recorded by the Lodore array in northwestern Colorado with our procedure. The results indicate the presence of a major, lithospheric scale discontinuity defined by a south dipping boundary within the crust that we interpret as the subsurface expression of the Cheyenne Belt. The suture is also marked by a transition in crustal thickness from 35 km on the Archean side to over 40 km on the Colorado Plateau side. We also observe a strong difference in the lithospheric mantle PdS conversion signature on opposite sides of the suture that suggests delamination and northward convergence of the Colorado lithosphere beneath the Wyoming province.
Development of Social Behavior in Young Guinea Pigs (Cavia Porcellus)

Summary Twenty-four young guinea pigs from eight litters were observed with their parents to obtain a basic description of the development of social behavior. Observations of the litters were made during the first eight weeks after birth. Scores for approach behavior remained fairly stable with about 30% of the time containing some approach behavior. Scores for following behavior began with about 40% of time containing following in week 1, and declined to around 20% in week 8. Scores for time infants spent in physical contact with another animal started at around 75% in week 1 and declined rapidly to about 20% by week 5. Scores for nursing started at about 70% in week 1 and approached zero by week 5. The results may be a useful baseline to evaluate future behavioral studies in young guinea pigs.
“Assessment of the chemical and biological significance of arsenical compounds in a heavily contaminated watershed. Part I. The fate and speciation of arsenical compounds in aquatic environments ‐ a literature review”

Abstract The analysis for total arsenic is no longer sufficient to describe this contaminant in aquatic environments. Arsenic can undergo extensive chemical and biochemical transformations in an aquatic system. Since each of the resulting arsenic compounds differ in their toxicity to humans, it is important to follow these transformations. Examining the transformations under various chemical and physical conditions will aid in predicting the ultimate fate of the arsenicals in a given aquatic environment. In order to follow the transformations, it is first necessary to identify and quantitate them. It is important that the speciation procedures should be simple and adaptable to analyzing many samples. The following provides a summary of the chemistry of arsenite, arsenate, monomethylarsonic acid, and dimethylarsinic acid (cacodylic acid), their transformations in an aquatic environment, and a review of the methods developed to speciate these compounds.
Antisocially Conscious Sectors: A Benchmark for Socially Conscious Investing

Measuring the collective performance of socially conscious mutual funds has so far presented a challenge because of diverse screening criteria. Because an investor is concerned about not supporting a company that sells tobacco does not imply the same investor feels as strongly about animal rights or child labor or gambling or alcohol. A systematic approach to measuring the results of socially responsible mutual funds directly investigates the performance of the companies or sectors that are screened out of the funds. The tobacco, alcohol, and gambling sectors outperformed the S&P 500 over 11 years, with lower coefficients of variation than the benchmark.
Combinatorial drug discovery: which methods will produce the greatest value?

Combinatorial strategies are important new approaches to drug discovery, and it seems quite likely that they will result in the discovery of interesting potential pharmaceutical. However, it is less clear whether combinatorial approaches will result in quantum advances in therapeutics. Nor is there general agreement about the factors most important in defining how combinatorial strategies will provide value to the discovery of lead and therapeutic compounds. In this review, we propose criteria that define the value of combinatorial strategies and categorize the various approaches by: (a) the type of chemical space to be searched, (b) the tactics employed to synthesize and screen libraries, and (c) the structures of individual molecules in libraries. We evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the various strategies and suggest milestones that can help to track their success.
Fever as a sign of central nervous system infection

Abstract Over the past decade, there has been a variety of changes in the epidemiology and management of central nervous system (CNS) infection in children. With the rapid decline of invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b disease, Streptococcus pneumoniae is now the most prominent pathogen responsible for bacterial meningitis in children 1 to 23 months. The emergence of penicillin-resistant pneumococcal disease has led to the recommendation of empiric vancomycin and either ceftriaxone or cefotaxime for all children older than 1 month with probable or definite bacterial meningitis. Use of adjunctive dexamethasone therapy has proven beneficial in HIB meningitis and a beneficial effect I MS been suggested in pneumococcal meningitis. Fluid restriction as a routine to treat presumptive syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone in acute meningitis does not appear to improve outcome in hospitalized children. In addition, newly available diagnostic modalities allow more specific diagnosis and treatment of aseptic meningitis and encephalitis. This article reviews the three most common causes of CINS infection in the pediatric population which are meningitis, brain abscess, and encephalitis. Emphasis is placed on clinical features, diagnostic evaluation, and appropriate treatment of patients with suspected CNS infection. Early recognition and presumptive treatment of suspected CNS infection could limit neurological damage, exerting a positive impact on final outcome. Clinicians must he knowledgeable of emerging diseases, developing diagnostic trends, and new therapeutic options to provide quality patient care.
Spin Arrangements in Dilute Alloys

Mossbauer results for gold iron and copper iron alloys at 300 K and 4.2 K are analyzed to show that the spins in such alloys point in directions determined by the local environment. For clusters of three or more iron atoms linked as near neighbours, the spins point in directions consistent with a large pseudodipolar anisotropic exchange interaction between near neighbours. For pairs of atoms single ion anisotropy appears to dominate the pseudodipolar anisotropy. The unifying feature of the numerous dilute alloy systems which behave like gold iron alloys is probably that the intracluster anisotropy is comparable to or greater than the intercluster or further near neighbour exchange.
A Fiberless Seed Mutation in Cotton Is Associated with Lack of Fiber Cell Initiation in Ovule Epidermis and Alterations in Sucrose Synthase Expression and Carbon Partitioning in Developing Seeds

Fiber cell initiation in the epidermal cells of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) ovules represents a unique example of trichome development in higher plants. Little is known about the molecular and metabolic mechanisms controlling this process. Here we report a comparative analysis of a fiberless seed (fls) mutant (lacking fibers) and a normal (FLS) mutant to better understand the initial cytological events in fiber development and to analyze the metabolic changes that are associated with the loss of a major sink for sucrose during cellulose biosynthesis in the mutant seeds. On the day of anthesis (0 DAA), the mutant ovular epidermal cells lacked the typical bud-like projections that are seen in FLS ovules and are required for commitment to the fiber development pathway. Cell-specific gene expression analyses at 0 DAA showed that sucrose synthase (SuSy) RNA and protein were undetectable in fls ovules but were in abundant, steady-state levels in initiating fiber cells of the FLS ovules. Tissue-level analyses of developing seeds 15 to 35 DAA revealed an altered temporal pattern of SuSy expression in the mutant relative to the normal genotype. Whether the altered programming of SuSy expression is the cause or the result of the mutation is unknown. The developing seeds of the fls mutant have also shown several correlated changes that represent altered carbon partitioning in seed coats and cotyledons as compared with the FLS genotype.
“Spice” and “K2” Herbal Highs: A Case Series and Systematic Review of the Clinical Effects and Biopsychosocial Implications of Synthetic Cannabinoid Use in Humans

Cannabis, the most commonly used illicit substance, exerts its primary psychoactive effect via delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ(9) -THC) agonism of cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1). Some users develop a cannabis use disorder and physical dependence manifested by withdrawal symptoms during abstinence. Hence, there is growing public health concern about increasing use of a new generation of synthetic cannabinoid (SC) agonists (eg, JWH-018, CP 47,497) marketed as natural herbal incense mixtures under brand names such as "Spice" and "K2." Anecdotal reports suggest overlapping effects with marijuana when the mixtures are smoked, however, systematic evaluation of SC-related psychoactive properties and adverse effects is lacking. We conducted a systematic review of published reports on SC clinical effects in humans. Most highlight potential toxicity such as acute anxiety and psychosis. In addition, we carefully document three cases in which experienced marijuana users meeting criteria for cannabis dependence with physiologic dependence smoked SC products regularly. The SC mixture effects were reportedly similar to marijuana and well tolerated. The individuals all reported that SC product use effectively alleviated cannabis withdrawal. Biopsychosocial factors associated with SC initiation and usage by the cases help to shed light on psychopharmacologic, clinical, and public health aspects of SC product consumption.
Computer modeling of optical shadow-casting processor

Computing employing optical signal presupposes information being encoded optically. Many digital optical computing system employs pixel patterns to represent different logic level. Cellular logic, symbolic substitution, morphological and image processing could be performed on such pattern-coded information. Such systems have generally been analyzed by geometric optics. In this work, we propose to model such computing systems using laws of electromagnetic propagation. Results predicted by both geometric optics and the computer model are provided for a pattern-coded full adder/subtracter implementation. The model is general enough to be extended to other systems with more complicated coding pattern and could serve as design tool for optimizing a computing system using pattern-coded logic.
Failure to induce apoptosis via BCL-2 family proteins underlies lack of efficacy of combined MEK and PI3K inhibitors for KRAS-mutant lung cancers.

Although several groups have demonstrated that concomitant use of MEK and PI3K inhibitors (MEKi/PI3Ki) can induce dramatic tumor regressions in mouse models of KRAS mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), ongoing clinical trials investigating this strategy have been underwhelming to date. While efficacy may be hampered by a narrow therapeutic index, the contribution of biological heterogeneity in the response of KRAS mutant NSCLCs to MEKi/PI3Ki has been largely unexplored. In this study, we find that most human KRAS mutant NSCLC cell lines fail to undergo marked apoptosis in response to MEKi/PI3Ki, which is key for tumor responsiveness in vivo. This heterogeneity of apoptotic response occurs despite relatively uniform induction of growth arrest. Using a targeted shRNA screen of BCL-2 family members, we identify BIM, PUMA and BCL-XL as key regulators of the apoptotic response induced by MEKi/PI3Ki, with decreased expression of BIM and PUMA relative to BCL-XL in cell lines with intrinsic resistance. Additionally, by modeling adaptive resistance to MEKi/PI3Ki both in vitro and in vivo, we find that, upon the development of resistance, tumors have a diminished apoptotic response due to down-regulation of BIM and PUMA. These results suggest that the inability to induce apoptosis may limit the effectiveness of MEKi/PI3Ki for KRAS mutant NSCLC by contributing to intrinsic and adaptive resistance to this therapy.
The political economy of innovation and technological change

Population growth and growing incomes in developing and developed countries are leading to increased demand for energy and food, placing significant stress on the environment. At the same time, the increased scarcity of natural resources, and especially concerns about climate change and other environmental side effects, are constraining the traditional supplies of food and fuel. Failure to provide both energy and food in an affordable as well as in an environmentally sustainable manner, as well as climate change, will negatively affect our society, especially the global poor. Finding solutions to food energy problems is both a policy and technological challenge.
Cellular bases of barbiturate and phenytoin anticonvulsant drug action.

Although anticonvulsant drugs are the mainstay of therapy for epilepsy, their mechanisms of action remain uncertain for several reasons. First, most anticonvulsant compounds have been shown to have multiple physiological, biochemical, and pharmacological actions. It has been difficult, therefore, to determine which specific drug actions produce clinical effects. Second, investigation has often been performed on isolated peripheral or invertebrate neuronal or muscle preparations or on neurons in the intact vertebrate central nervous system. In the former case, the number of drug actions that can be studied is limited, since the pharmacology of these cells is quite unlike that found in the vertebrate central nervous system. In the latter case, the preparation is technically difficult to study and, therefore, limited experimental control is possible. Third, investigators have identified single actions of anticonvulsants and suggested a role in anticonvulsant action without determining if the drug effect is produced at concentrations achieved in the central nervous system during clinical use. Finally, anticonvulsants are often studied at concentrations achieved in serum during clinical use. However, for anticonvulsants that are protein bound, it is important to use therapeutic free-serum concentrations, since Michigun
Investigating microRNA-transcription factor mediated regulatory network in glioblastoma

Glioblastoma is the most aggressive form of brain cancer. Transcriptional aberrations may play an important role in etiology of glioblastoma, which might be caused through genomic alterations: nucleotide mutation, copy number variation, DNA mythelation. Here, we explored another possible mechanism involving cooperative deregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) and transcription factors (TFs). Several miRNA-TF mediated regulatory modules have been verified. Under the hypothesis that miRNAs and TFs might have a combinational regulatory effect on glioblastoma genes, we searched glioblastoma-specific regulatory network by integration of miRNAs and TFs. Fifty-four feed-forward loops (FFLs) were identified among the glioblastoma related miRNAs, genes and TFs. Then, a novel miRNA-TF regulatory network for glioblastoma was constructed by converging those FFLs, in which PIK3R1, PTEN, C21ORF29, GOPC, LMX1A and LRP2 served as core genes. This study shed light on the regulatory mechanisms of glioblastoma related genes. It represents the first investigation of a miRNA-TF regulatory network for glioblastoma.
Insulin administration abrogates perturbation of methyl group and homocysteine metabolism in streptozotocin-treated type 1 diabetic rats

Modifications in methyl group and homocysteine metabolism are associated with a number of pathologies, including vascular disease, cancer, and neural tube defects. A diabetic state is known to alte...
COblPUTATlONS OF THE OBLIQUE IMPINGEMENT OF INVISCID, ROTATIONAL ROUND JETS UPON A PLANE WALL

An inviscid, rotational flow model for incompressible jet impingement is formulated in terms of vector and scalar potentials and the vector vorticity. The set of four elliptic partial differential equations governing the kinematics of the flow and three coupled hyperbolic equations for the vorticity are solved numerically for the impingement of fully developed round jets upon a plane wall at incidence angles of 90 (normal), 75 and 60 deg. The finite-difference computations are consistent with both existing rotational stagnation point analysis and reported data on stagnation point location, wall pressure and, to a lesser extent, azimuthal distribution of momentum efflux.
Undermining Adolescent Autonomy With Parents and Peers: The Enduring Implications of Psychologically Controlling Parenting

This study used a longitudinal, multi-method design to examine whether teens' perceptions of maternal psychological control predicted lower levels of adolescent autonomy displayed with their mothers and peers over time. Significant predictions from teens' perceptions of maternal psychological control to teens' displays of autonomy in maternal and peer relationships were found at age 16 after accounting for adolescent displays of autonomy with mothers and peers at age 13, indicating relative changes in teens' autonomy displayed with their mother and a close peer over time. Results suggest that the ability to assert one's autonomy in mid-adolescence may be influenced by maternal behavior early in adolescence, highlighting the importance of parents minimizing psychological control to facilitate autonomy development for teens.
Mattirolomyces tiffanyae, a new truffle from Iowa, with ultrastructural evidence for its classification in the Pezizaceae

A new species of hypogeous Pezizales, Mattirolomyces tiffanyae, is described and illustrated. Its asci are typically three-spored, an unusually small number in the non-Tuber Pezizales. Ascus septal pore ultrastructure consists of a uni- or bi-convex band, which suggests an affinity with the Pezizaceae. Secondary spore-wall development is similar to that of Peziza, and several species of hypogeous Pezizaceae.
Inpatient Urological Surgery at Critical Access Hospitals in the United States

Purpose: To better understand urological care delivery in rural communities, we evaluated the utilization, outcomes and costs of inpatient urological surgery at critical access hospitals.Materials and Methods: Using data from the AHA (American Hospital Association) and NIS (Nationwide Inpatient Sample), we identified all urological surgical admissions to critical and noncritical access hospitals from 2005 through 2009. We compared the distribution of urological procedures, hospital mortality, length of stay and costs for patients undergoing common urological operations at critical vs noncritical access hospitals.Results: Of the 1,292 critical and 3,760 noncritical access hospitals reporting to the AHA 450 (35%) and 1,372 (36%), respectively, had at least 1 year of data available in the NIS. We identified 333,925 urological surgical admissions, including 2,286 (0.7%) to critical access hospitals. Overall, at least 1 inpatient urological operation was performed at only 45% of critical access hospitals vs 91...
Oculomotor capture during real-world scene viewing depends on cognitive load

Abstract It has been claimed that gaze control during scene viewing is largely governed by stimulus-driven, bottom-up selection mechanisms. Recent research, however, has strongly suggested that observers’ top-down control plays a dominant role in attentional prioritization in scenes. A notable exception to this strong top-down control is oculomotor capture, where visual transients in a scene draw the eyes. One way to test whether oculomotor capture during scene viewing is independent of an observer’s top-down goal setting is to reduce observers’ cognitive resource availability. In the present study, we examined whether increasing observers’ cognitive load influences the frequency and speed of oculomotor capture during scene viewing. In Experiment 1, we tested whether increasing observers’ cognitive load modulates the degree of oculomotor capture by a new object suddenly appeared in a scene. Similarly, in Experiment 2, we tested whether increasing observers’ cognitive load modulates the degree of oculomotor capture by an object’s color change. In both experiments, the degree of oculomotor capture decreased as observers’ cognitive resources were reduced. These results suggest that oculomotor capture during scene viewing is dependent on observers’ top-down selection mechanisms.
What happens during search for rare targets? Eye movements in low prevalence visual search

References 1. Gur, D. et al. (2004). Changes in breast cancer detection and mammography recall rates after the introduction of a computer-aided detection system. J Natl Cancer Inst, 96, 185-190. 2. Wolfe, J.M., Horowitz, T.S., & Kenner, N.M. (2005). Rare items often missed in visual search. Nature, 435, 439-440. Conclusions * The low prevalence effect occurs in simple displays * Shorter searches mean fewer fixations & shorter scan paths in low prevalence * No change in search fixation duration * No change in spatial distribution of errors or fixations * Low prevalence effect is immediately apparent and reaches asymptote within 400 trials
Mesh Backbone Topology Synthesis for Multi-Radio Interconnected Wireless LANs

Wireless local area network (WLAN) systems are widely implemented today to provide hot spot coverage. Operated typically in an infrastructure mode, each WLAN is managed by an access point (AP). Wireless mesh networks are employed for the purpose of extending the wireless coverage scope of the network. We synthesize a wireless mesh backbone network that serves to interconnect the underlying AP nodes. The capability of the dynamically synthesized backbone network is further enhanced by the possible use of multiple communications bands and by the employment of multiple radio modules at more capable nodes. In this paper, we present a fully distributed multi-radio backbone synthesis algorithm (MR-BSA), which serves to construct a mesh backbone network of access points. We prove mathematically that the size of the backbone network constructed by MR-BSA is bounded by a constant, so that it is independent of the number of network nodes. We also prove that the control overhead is bounded by a constant value that is independent of the number of network nodes, and the underlying backbone synthesis algorithm converges in constant time.
Design and Testing of Tools for Shared Decision Making

Shared decision making (SDM) is grounded in a compelling theoretical framework that ideally helps patients make decisions that are informed and concordant with their goals and values.1,2 Yet operationalizing SDM within routine clinical care remains an important challenge. Several approaches have been studied to improve SDM; such strategies include educating clinicians on communication techniques, using a multidisciplinary medical team, incorporating trained decision coaches, and using tools to support patients in their decision making. These tools, commonly referred to as patient decision aids (PtDAs), have garnered the most interest in operationalizing SDM.3 Accordingly, this article will focus specifically on the development and testing of PtDAs highlighting some important key points (see Box). ### Key Points of the Article on Decision Tool Development 1. PtDAs should be used in conjunction with a conversation with a clinician. 2. Helping patients consider and clarify their values around a decision is what makes a PtDA different from an information pamphlet. 3. Development is iterative, and the key tasks are to make sure the information is understandable, accurate, and unbiased and that the tool fits the needs and workflow of the end-users. 4. Trials designed to test the effectiveness of a decision aid need to consider both the patient’s and the clinician’s experience with the tool. 5. Decision aids should be living documents that will require updating when new information arises. Extensive work has been undertaken by the International Patient Decision Aid Standards (IPDAS) collaboration to provide guidance in this arena. Founded in 2003, IPDAS aims to “enhance the quality and effectiveness of PtDAs by establishing an evidence-informed framework for improving their content, development, implementation, and evaluation.”4,5 This article will draw on the extensive work of the IPDAS collaboration to describe a 4-step development process for those interested in developing PtDAs, which includes, step 1: understanding the decision; step 2: drafting the first …
Effects of thermal regime on mayfly assemblages in mountain streams

The variation in thermal regime and elevation among streams in the Sawtooth Mountains of Idaho, USA was used to test hypotheses about forces structuring larval mayfly assemblages. Sites above and below lakes were included to maximize variation in thermal regime. Forty-five sites were sampled for mayfly larvae and their summer thermal regime was measured. Ordination methods were used to analyze variation in the mayfly assemblages. Principal components analysis showed that mayfly assemblages were strongly and consistently affected by lakes within the stream system, apparently through the effects of lakes on stream temperature. Redundancy analysis explained 51% of the variation in assemblages and identified maximum water temperature and elevation as strong predictors of mayfly assemblages. Elevation influenced assemblage structure independently of summer maximum water temperature, suggesting that air temperature or some other elevation-dependent feature is also important. As predicted by the River Continuum Concept, mayfly diversity increased with increasing maximum daily range in temperature.