cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Potential impacts of climate change on growth and prey consumption of stream-dwelling smallmouth bass in the central United States

Smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu, SMB) is a broadly distributed, economically important species in the USA and Canada. Although previous research has suggested that projected climate warming may allow SMB to thrive beyond their current northern distribution, little research has been devoted to the population-level effects of climate change on warm-water fishes, including SMB. We modelled the impacts of projected climate change on growth of stream-dwelling SMB along a north–south gradient in the central USA. Using downscaled regional projections from three global climate models, we generated scenarios for thermal habitat change for four populations (in Oklahoma, Missouri, Iowa and Minnesota) and used bioenergetics simulations to estimate prey consumption and growth under future projections. Bioenergetics simulations showed that prey consumption is expected to increase in all populations with moderate stream warming (2–3 °C). Growth potential is predicted to increase by 3–17% if not limited by food availability with stream warming by 2060 and was most pronounced for southern populations. For each 1 °C increase in stream temperature, SMB consumption would be expected to increase by about 27% and growth would increase by about 6%. Due to implications for species interactions, population performance and regulation of local fisheries, a better understanding of how SMB populations will respond to climate change is recommended for effective management and conservation.
Is immunostaining for Helicobacter pylori superior to the special stain thiazine in detecting small numbers of H. pylori in gastric biopsies

Helicobacter pylori is implicated in the pathogenesis of gastritis and duodenal ulcers, gastric lymphoma of the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) type, and gastric adenocarcinoma. Eradication of H. pylori with antibiotic therapy therefore is essential, not only for the successful treatment of active gastritis, but also for the treatment and prevention of the MALT lymphoma. It has been suggested recently that immunostaining for H. pylori is more sensitive than special stains for the detection of the organism in the gastric biopsies after triple therapy. Fifty-five endoscopic mucosal biopsies from 38 patients, including 18 treated with H. pylori eradication therapy, were selected for immunostaining because they were either negative or contained rare H. pylori organisms by thiazine stain. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections were immunostained for H. pylori using a polyclonal antibody using standard immunoperoxidase technique. The results were compared with those obtained with the thiazine stain. Detection of H. pylori by immunostaining was easier and less time-consuming than by thiazine stain. There was complete agreement between immunostaining and thiazine stain in 48 (87%) cases. Of the 7 discordant cases, 3 (42%) were positive for H. pylori with thiazine only and 4 (48%) with immunostaining only. Given the nature of the selection of the study sample (absent to rare by thiazine stain), the discordance most likely represents a sampling error. The authors concluded that immunostaining for H. pylori did not appear to be more sensitive than special stains. Three cases with bacterial clumps were diagnosed previously as positive for H. pylori, but identified correctly as negative using both staining methods. Pathologists, however, should balance the added cost to patients of immunostaining against the time saved by the easier screening of the immunostained slides and the possibility of false positive results when special stains are interpreted by inexperienced pathologists.
Diffusion tensor imaging and aging: a review

Diffusion-tensor imaging (DTI) non-invasively provides maps of microscopic structural information of oriented tissue in vivo, which is finding utility in studies of the aging population. In contrast to the white matter maturation process, investigators have observed significant declines in the white matter ordering in normal as well as in abnormal aging. These studies suggest that water proton non-random, anisotropic diffusion measured by DTI is highly sensitive to otherwise subtle disease processes not normally seen with conventional MRI tissue contrast mechanisms.
Overview of neuropathy associated with taxanes for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer

Taxanes are an established option in the standard treatment paradigm for patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Neuropathy is a common, dose-limiting side effect of taxane therapy that is often managed by dose reductions and delays. The severity, time to onset, and improvement in neuropathy are important considerations for patient management and vary among currently approved taxanes. The rate of grade ≥3 neuropathy with taxanes has been shown to be dose and schedule dependent; however, time to improvement to grade ≤1 is typically shorter for nab-paclitaxel than for other taxanes in patients with MBC. Many tools for assessing patient-reported neuropathy exist. Because MBC is incurable and patient quality of life must be critically considered when making treatment decisions, there is a need for more prospective trials to assess patient-reported neuropathy. Validated predictors of taxane-related neuropathy may play an important role in treatment decisions in the future. This review will focus on the toxicity profile (i.e., neuropathy) of each of the taxanes used in the treatment of MBC, will provide updates on tools used for the assessment of neuropathy, and will highlight newly discovered predictors of taxane-related neuropathy.
Permeation of Telone C‐35 EC™ and chloropicrin through protective gloves

Telone is a potent volatile liquid chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticide based on 1,3-dichloropropene that is applied without dilution for fumigation purposes, and so poses an inhalation and air pollution threat, as proven by past monitoring. 1,3-Dichloropropene also causes allergic skin effects, is absorbed through the skin, and metabolites have been shown to be excreted after skin absorption, so making it a skin exposure threat too, one that may become most important in the situations of adequate respirator protection or cleaning up spills. It is often coformulated with agents like chloropicrin, a chemical warfare agent, to substitute for methyl bromide fumigant. The aim of the study was to assess if nitrile and laminated gloves provided adequate protection against Telone C-35 EC™, using an ASTM-type I-PTC-600 permeation cell containing disposable (Safeskin™) and chemically-resistant (Sol-Vex™) nitrile and laminated (Barrier™ and Silver Shield™) glove materials with hexane liquid collection. Analyses of cis- and trans-1,3-dichloropropene and chloropicrin in the collection fluid at various times were performed on a moderately polar capillary column, using gas chromatography–electron capture detection by the internal and external standards methods. Both nitrile materials were degraded by the formulation and pure chloropicrin, and so were unsuitable for protection. Both laminated glove materials offered some protection with Silver Shield™ the better, since less mass had permeated by 8 h, but the extent of protection was still inadequate, as illustrated by a risk assessment of the skin exposure situation. It is recommended that Viton gloves be worn rather than the laminated ones when Telone C-35 EC™ is handled. Laminated gloves may protect against pure chloropicrin. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 18–25, 2006
Incorporation of labelled ribonucleoside-5′-monophosphates into ribonucleic acid in a cytoplasmic fraction of rat-liver homogenates

Abstract The incorporation of [14C] and [32P]ribonucleoside-5′-phosphates into RNA has been studied in a fortified cytoplasmic fraction from rat-liver homogenates. It was found that AMP is attached as an end group adjacent to a cytidine residue. Both purine and pyrimidine ribonucleotides are incorporated adjacent to pyrimidine nucleotide residues. However, at least in the case of CMP, another nucleotide is attached afterwards, since the CMP is not terminal. The RNA was fractionated on ECTEOLA resin and the pattern of incorporation was found to be highly heterogenous. The significance of these findings has been discussed.
Necessary health care and basic needs: health insurance plans and essential benefits

According to HealthCare.gov, by improving access to quality health for all Americans, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) will reduce disparities in health insurance coverage. One way this will happen under the provisions of the ACA is by creating a new health insurance marketplace (a health insurance exchange) by 2014 in which "all people will have a choice for quality, affordable health insurance even if a job loss, job switch, move or illness occurs". This does not mean that everyone will have whatever insurance coverage he or she wants. The provisions of the ACA require that each of the four benefit categories of plans (known as bronze, silver, gold and platinum) provides no less than the benefits available in an "essential health benefits package". However, without a clear understanding of what criteria must be satisfied for health care to be essential, the ACA's requirement is much too vague and open to multiple, potentially conflicting interpretations. Indeed, without such understanding, in the rush to provide health insurance coverage to as many people as is economically feasible, we may replace one kind of disparity (lack of health insurance) with another kind of disparity (lack of adequate health insurance). Thus, this paper explores the concept of "essential benefits", arguing that the "essential health benefits package" in the ACA should be one that optimally satisfies the basic needs of the people covered.
Impact of Three or More Versus a Single Sirolimus-Eluting Stent on Outcomes in Patients Who Undergo Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

This retrospective analysis compared clinical outcomes of patients who underwent stenting with ≥3 sirolimus-eluting stents (SESs) with those who received a single SES. SES (Cypher) implantation for single vessels is proved to be effective and durable, but knowledge regarding the safety and effectiveness of multiple stenting with SESs is currently limited. In total, 929 consecutive patients who received SESs were identified; 63 received ≥3 SESs (multi group) and 866 received 1 SES (single group). The multi group had more non–Q-wave myocardial infarctions (MIs) during the index hospitalization (p = 0.02). At 30-day follow-up, death, Q-wave MI, subacute thrombosis, and major adverse cardiac events were higher in the multi group than in the single group. At 6 months, death, Q-wave MI, target lesion revascularization, and major adverse cardiac events continued to be higher in the multi group. Using multivariate analysis, ≥3 SES implantations, American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association type C lesions, and cardiogenic shock were identified as independent predictors for 6-month major adverse cardiac events. In addition, patients in the multi group had a significantly lower survival rate than patients in the single group (p
Relationship of health behavior theories with self-efficacy among insufficiently active hypertensive African-American women.

Abstract Objective While self-efficacy plays an important role in physical activity, relatively little research has examined this construct in minorities. This study identified theoretical correlates associated with self-efficacy among insufficiently active, hypertensive Black women. Methods Correlates of self-efficacy to: (1) overcoming barriers to physical activity; (2) making time for activity; and (3) “sticking with” physical activity were studied. Results Sixty-one women (M = 50.48 ± 4.2 years) participated. We accounted for 32% of the variance in confidence in overcoming barriers. Women confident in overcoming barriers reported less worry about physical activity. The TTM processes of change were also in the model: consciousness raising, environmental reevaluation, counter conditioning, and self-liberation. We accounted for 16% of the variance in “making time” self-efficacy. An aversiveness barrier (e.g., physical activity is boring, physical activity is hard work) was the dominant variable in the model. Confidence to ‘stick with’ physical activity was associated with self-reevaluation (i.e., reflection on how personal values correspond to behavior). Social support and competing demands were not associated with self-efficacy. Conclusions Consistent with Social Cognitive Theory, results suggest that self-efficacy is behavior specific and each measure likely provides unique information. Practice implications Interventions should be tailored to address specific self-efficacy types.
Canard-Wing Shape Optimization with Aerodynamic Requirements

THIS paper demonstrates a numerical technique for canard-wing shape optimization at two operating conditions. For purposes of simplicity, a mean surface wing paneling code1 is employed for the aerodynamic calculations. The optimization procedures2 are based on the method of feasible directions. The shape functions for describing thickness, camber, and twist are based on polynomial representations. The primary design requirements imposed restrictions on the canard and wing volumes and on the lift coefficients at the operating conditions. Results indicate that significant improvements in minimum drag and lift-to-drag ratio are possible with reasonable aircraft geometries. Calculations were done for supersonic speeds with Mach numbers ranging from 1 to 6. Planforms were mainly of a delta shape with aspect ratio of 1, with the canard and wing in the same plane. Contents The shape functions for the thickness,3 and camber, and twist4 were each expressed as a ten-term polynomial function of the Cartesian coordinates defined in the canard-wing plane. The coefficients of these polynomials had the status of optimization variables. Volumes of the wing and canard are constrained to specified values and correspond to the volumes of the base configuration in which both the canard and wing have 5% parabolic sections. The study initially explored minimizing wave drag through wing-canard shaping by calculating the optimum thickness distribution with zero camber and twist. The results are shown in Fig. 1 for two canard sizes as well as for a wing-along case. Wave drag reductions of up to 50%, relative to the base configuration with constant thickness ratio airfoils, are feasible while still meeting canard-wing internal volume limits. The improvements in drag become more pronounced at high Mach numbers. The optimum shapes were found to be similar to those reported by Strand 3 for the wing-alone case, indicating that the presence of the canard does not introduce significant perturbations in the shape functions. The second study explored the reduction in drag due to lift through optimization of the camber and twist of the lifting surface with zero thickness (Fig. 2). Again, results are shown for two canard sizes as well as for a wing-alone case. The configurations with subsonic leading edges show drag reductions of up to 36% by use of optimum camber and twist of the lifting surface. The potential for improvement tends to diminish with increasing Mach number in contrast with the results for the optimization of thickness. Figure 3 shows, in terms of LID, the data of Fig. 2 and includes a simple flat
Subfield history: Caenorhabditis elegans as a system for analysis of the genetics of aging.

This article reviews key events in the genetic analysis of aging in the worm. The events are presented in the form of a timeline and include landmark papers, key meetings, and the development of im...
Abstract A177: Cetuximab resistance associated with dimerization‐independence of oncogenic EGFR mutants

Asymmetric dimerization of the kinase domain is a key mechanism for activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Here, we show that whereas wild‐type EGFR and the L858R mutant require dimerization for activation and oncogenic transformation, the exon 19 deletion, exon 20 insertion, and L858R/T790M EGFR mutants do not require dimerization. Consistent with these findings, tyrosine phosphorylation of the carboxyl‐terminus is not required for mutant EGFR‐mediated cellular transformation. These differences in dimerization requirements may have clinical implications: treatment with the monoclonal antibody, cetuximab, shrinks mouse lung tumors induced by the dimerization‐dependent L858R mutant, but exerts only a modest effect on tumors driven by dimerization‐independent EGFR mutants. These data imply that disruption of dimerization is among the antitumor mechanisms of cetuximab. We therefore hypothesize that EGFR mutation status in lung cancers may serve as a marker for clinical response to cetuximab. Citation Information: Mol Cancer Ther 2009;8(12 Suppl):A177.
Desensitization and noncompetitive blockade of GABAA receptors in ventral midbrain neurons by a neurosteroid dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate.

Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) blocked the GABAA receptor noncompetitively in neurons grown in primary culture from the ventral midbrains of fetal rats. The apparent dissociation constant for this blockade was 4.5 μ, and one molecule of DHEAS was sufficient to block the receptor. The affinity of the blocked receptor for GABA was diminished by about one half. The findings that the DHEAS caused no rectification of chloride currents and that it did not shorten the durations of open ion channels indicated that DHEAS did not act by occluding open ion channels. Neither did it diminish their conductance. DHEAS accelerated desensitization in at least one population of receptors, diminished the amplitudes of inhibitory postsynaptic currents, and shortened their decay time constants in a concentration dependent manner. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.1
Optimal glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus: fasting and postprandial glucose in context.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is the consequence of both insulin resistance and impaired insulin secretion. In the progression from normal glucose tolerance to diabetes, postprandial glucose (PPG) levels often rise before fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels increase above 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L). Numerous epidemiologic studies have shown that impaired glucose tolerance is associated with increased risk for macrovascular disease and that isolated postchallenge hyperglycemia is an independent factor for increased mortality. Reducing the risk for microvascular complications by improving glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA 1c ) levels is well documented. Emerging data now support the relationship between glycemic control and macrovascular disease. Epidemiologic studies documenting postprandial hyperglycemia and the risk for increased mortality suggest that lowering PPG levels might be beneficial. Optimizing both FPG and PPG is important in achieving normal/near-normal glucose levels. Many patients with type 2 diabetes have difficulty attaining the recommended HbA 1c goal despite normal/near-normal FPG levels; thus, pharmacologic treatment targeting PPG levels may prove beneficial.
The p105/50 NF-κB pathway is essential for Mallory body formation

To determine if nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kB) plays a role in Mallory body (MB) formation, quantitative real-time RT-PCR assay was used to measure liver NF-kappaB1/p105 mRNA levels in 4 different groups of mice. Group 1: mice given IP saline for 15 weeks; group 2: mice fed diethyl 1,4-dihydro-2,4,6,-trimethyl-3,5-pyridinedicarboxylate (DDC) for 10 weeks when MBs were formed; group3: mice fed DDC 10 weeks, then withdrawn 5 weeks when MBs disappeared; group 4: mice fed DDC 10 weeks, withdrawn 4 weeks, then fed DDC+chlormethiazole (CMZ) for 1 week when MBs again formed. The mRNA for p105 NF-kappaB expression was significantly increased in the livers of mice treated with DDC (group 2) and DDC+CMZ (group 4) compared with the control livers (group 1) as well as the drug-withdrawal livers (group 3). Primary cultures of hepatocytes from drug-primed mice (the group 4 mice were withdrawn for another 4 weeks when the MBs had disappeared) were studied. The hepatocytes from drug-primed mice were MB free when isolated and used for primary culture. MBs began to form spontaneously within their cytoplasm after 2-3 days of culture. The NF-kappaB inhibitor (NF-kappaBi), a cell-permeable quinazoline compound that acts as a potent inhibitor of NF-kappaB transcriptional activation, was added to the medium 3 h after planting the cultures of liver cells. No MBs formed in the cells treated with 10 microM, 1 microM, and 0.1 microM NF-kappaBi for 6 days. MBs still formed in the cells treated with 10 nM NF-kappaBi for 6 days. Both DDC-primed and normal control liver cells began to enlarge and elongate after a few hours of culture. In contrast, the cells treated with NF-kappaBi stayed polyhedral in shape just as they appeared prior to culturing. The level of NF-kappaB1/p105 mRNA significantly increased in DDC-primed hepatocytes after 24 h of culture and in normal control hepatocytes after 48 h of culture. In DDC-primed hepatocytes, NF-kappaBi 0.1 muM treatment for 6 days significantly decreased mRNA expression of Src, p105/NF-kappaB1, ERK1, MEKK1, and JNK1/2. In normal control liver cells, NF-kappaBi treatment decreased mRNA expression of Src and JNK1 and stimulated the mRNA expression of p105/NF-kappaB1 and Junk2. NF-kappaBi treatment significantly decreased the total ERK1/2 protein and further decreased the phosphorylated (activated) form of ERK1/2 in the cultured hepatocytes. The results indicate that the p105 NF-kappaB pathway which putatively regulates ERK at both the transcriptional and post-translational levels regulates MB formation by way of changes in gene expression.
UO2 solidification phenomena associated with rapid cooling in liquid sodium

Abstract An important safety aspect of fuel meltdown in a liquid-metal fast breeder reactor (LMFBR) is the fragmentation of molten UO2 into finely divided particles when quenched in sodium coolant, with subsequent coolant vaporization. In order to analyze the mechanics of such fragmentation, a knowledge of the physical state of the UO2 surface within the breakup period must be known. To accomplish this, the kinetics of crystal formation and growth are investigated and compared with the heat transfer controlled solidification rate to determine whether or not the surface of a UO2 droplet can remain molten if contact is established during quenching in sodium coolant. Results indicate that although the initial heat transfer rate for perfectly wetted UO2 is quite rapid, the crystallization process is approximately an order of magnitude greater, with the UO2-Na contact temperature well below the temperature for homogeneous solidification. Thus, it can be concluded that the freezing of UO2 in sodium is heat transfer limited such that any fragmentation analysis should account for surface solidification.
The role of mothers' control in children's mastery orientation: A time frame analysis.

Important to understanding the process by which parents' control shapes children's motivation is identifying the time frame in which it does so. To this end, mothers and their 4-year-old children were observed interacting for 15 min while working on a challenging task twice over 6 months. Mothers' control and children's mastery orientation were coded in 1-min intervals at both times. Analyses over the 6 months indicated that mothers' heightened control foreshadowed children's dampened mastery because mothers' control was stable over time. Analyses over the 15-min interactions revealed that the more controlling mothers were one minute, the less mastery oriented children were the next minute, adjusting for their earlier mastery. Moreover, when mothers began these interactions highly controlling, children's mastery was particularly likely to decrease over the 15 min. Taken together, the results suggest the effect of mothers' control on children's mastery is immediate and maintained through mothers' continued controlling practices.
Human macrophage hemoglobin‐iron metabolism in vitro

An entirely in vitro technique was employed to characterize hemoglobin-iron metabolism by human macrophages obtained by culture of blood monocytes and pulmonary alveolar macrophages. Macrophages phagocytized about three times as many erythrocytes as monocytes and six times as many erythrocytes as pulmonary alveolar macrophages. The rate of subsequent release of /sup 59/Fe to the extracellular transferrin pool was two- to fourfold greater for macrophages as compared to the other two cell types. The kinetics of /sup 59/Fe-transferrin release were characterized by a relatively rapid early phase (hours 1-4) followed by a slow phase (hours 4-72) for all three cell types. Intracellular movement of iron was characterized by a rapid shift from hemoglobin to ferritin that was complete with the onset of the slow phase of extracellular release. A transient increase in /sup 59/Fe associated with an intracellular protein eluting with transferrin was also observed within 1 hour after phagocytosis. The process of hemoglobin-iron release to extracellular transferrin was inhibited at 4 degrees C but was unaffected by inhibitory of protein synthesis, glycolysis, microtubule function, and microfilament function. These data emphasize the rapidity of macrophage hemoglobin iron metabolism, provide a model for characterization of this process in vitro, and in generalmore » confirm data obtained utilizing in vivo animal models.« less
Tranexamic acid for traumatic brain injury: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Objective The antifibrinolytic agent tranexamic acid (TXA) has demonstrated clinical benefit in trauma patients with severe bleeding, but its effectiveness in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) is unclear. We conducted a systematic review to evaluate the following research question: In ED patients with or at risk of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) secondary to TBI, does TXA compared to placebo improve patients' outcomes? Methods MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and other databases were searched for randomized controlled trial (RCT) or quasi-RCT studies that compared the effect of TXA to placebo on outcomes of TBI patients. The main outcomes of interest included mortality, neurologic function, hematoma expansion, and adverse effects. We used “Grading quality of evidence and strength of recommendations” to assess the quality of trials. Two authors independently abstracted data using a data collection form. Results from studies were pooled when appropriate. Results Of 1030 references identified through the search, 2 high-quality RCTs met inclusion criteria. The effect of TXA on mortality had a pooled relative risk of 0.64 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.41-1.02); on unfavorable functional status, a relative risk of 0.77 (95% CI, 0.59-1.02); and on ICH progression, a relative risk of 0.76 (95% CI, 0.58-0.98). No serious adverse effects (such as thromboembolic events) associated with TXA group were reported in the included trials. Conclusion Pooled results from the 2 RCTs demonstrated statistically significant reduction in ICH progression with TXA and a nonstatistically significant improvement of clinical outcomes in ED patients with TBI. Further evidence is required to support its routine use in patients with TBI.
Near-peer driven dissection selective: A primer to the medical school anatomy course.

In the anatomy laboratory, skill remains a critical component to unlocking the true value of learning from cadaveric dissection. However, there is little if any room for provision of instruction in proper dissection technique. We describe how near-peer instructors designed a supplemental learning activity to enhance the dissection experience for first-year medical students. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of this curriculum in improving participants' understanding of dissection technique and its impact on perceived challenges associated with the anatomy course. Curriculum was designed under faculty guidance and included didactic sessions, low-fidelity models, dissection, student presentations, and clinical correlations. Participants' (n = 13) knowledge of basic dissection techniques and concepts were assessed before the selective, and both participants' and nonparticipants' (n = 39) knowledge was assessed at the end of week one and week seven of the anatomy course. Scores were compared using repeated measures ANOVA followed by post hoc t-tests. Thirteen deidentified reflective essays were reviewed by four independent reviewers for themes that aligned with learning objectives. Participants in the selective course scored higher on assessment of dissection techniques and concepts one week after the selective compared to both nonparticipants and their own baseline scores before the selective. Analysis of student reflections resulted in four themes: confidence with dissection skill, sharing resources and transfer of knowledge, learning environment, and psychological impact of perceived challenges of the anatomy course. Near-peer driven supplemental exercises are effective in facilitating dissection skills. This dissection primer increases student confidence and alleviates apprehension associated with anatomy courses.
Cultural Issues in Eating Pathology and Body Image Among Children and Adolescents

Eating pathology and body image issues are now recognized as affecting all racial and ethnic groups. This article reviews eating pathology and body image concerns in four diverse groups in the U.S. (African Americans, Latino/as, Asians, and Native Americans). The major conclusion based on this review is that eating disturbances and body dissatisfaction occur to some degree in children and adolescents from all four major ethnic groups in the U.S; however, there is substantial variability across studies. Future directions include the need for studies of prevalence, prevention and treatment research, and investigations of neurobiological and genetic variables.
Effects of nitrogen dioxide on lactic dehydrogenase isozymes.

STUDIES of alterations in enzyme activity levels in lung tissues resulting from inhalation of noxious agents have revealed that these changes tend to occur early and may precede clinical signs of tissue damage. Kilroe-Smith and Breyer1 found that succinodehydrogenase and succinoxidase activity levels were increased and cytochrome c oxidase levels decreased in guinea pig lung exposed to silica dust before the usual increase in collagen formation occurred. A single exposure of rats and mice to ozone resulted in lower alkaline phosphatase and succinic dehYdrogenase activity in the lung and elevated levels in serum.2 However, intermittent exposures (one to three times weekly) induced elevated lung and serum alkaline phosphatase. The conditions of exposure as well as the type of irritant apparently plays a part in the enzyme response. The work of Scheel et alB indicates that alkaline phosphatase and 5'-nucleotidase activity levels were depressed following in vivo ozone exposure. Oxygen consumption of the whole animal was depressed by the ozone exposure. Oxygen consumption, lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) and aldolase enzyme levels were determined in this laboratory in lung, liver, kidney and spleen tissue homogenate following acute and chronic exposure of guinea pigs to nitrogen dioxide and were found to be elevated in all tissues.4 The existence of characteristic tissue patterns is well
Kinetic Implications of Drug Resorption from the Bladder

(1983). Kinetic Implications of Drug Resorption from the Bladder. Drug Metabolism Reviews: Vol. 14, No. 3, pp. 407-423.
A web-based structural health monitoring sensor network

This paper presents a web-based structural health monitoring (SHM) sensor network for sensor data visualisation, data processing and damage diagnosis. Most existing web-based monitoring systems employ a centralised web server. The severe limitation of communication bandwidth in wireless sensor networks, however, limits the application of the centralised web server approach, especially in SHM networks which have high sampling rate. To reduce the amount of sensor data to be transmitted, the presented web-based SHM sensor network provides web services at sensor node level for real-time sensor data visualisation, data processing and damage diagnosis. Web services are available both on sensor nodes and a data repository machine with a web server. The ability of directly accessing data on sensor nodes via internet allows users to monitor the performance of a structure in a timely manner. The presented web-based system has been tested using a scaled steel bridge structure. The test results show the feasibility of using this web-based system for the real-time sensor data visualisation and damage diagnosis.
Leadership structure: Separating the CEO and Chairman of the Board

Shareholder activists and regulators are pressuring U.S. firms to separate the titles of CEO and Chairman of the Board. They argue that separating the titles will reduce agency costs in corporations and improve performance. The existing empirical evidence appears to support this view. We argue that this separation has potential costs, as well as potential benefits. In contrast to most of the previous empirical work, our evidence suggests that the costs of separation are larger than the benefits for most large firms.
Software release management for component-based software

Software release management is the process through which software is made available to and obtained by its users. Until now, this process has been relatively straightforward. However, the emergence of component-based software is complicating software release management. Increasingly, software is constructed via the assembly of pre-existing, independently produced, and independently released components. Both developers and users of such software are affected by these complications. Developers need to accurately document the complex and changing dependencies among the components constituting the software. Users must be involved in locating, retrieving, and assembling components in order to appropriately bring the software into their particular environment. In this paper, we introduce the problem of release management for component-based software and discuss SRM, a prototype software release management tool we have developed that supports both developers and users in the software release management process.
THE MECHANISM OF THE FLAVIN SENSITIZED PHOTODESTRUCTION OF INDOLEACETIC ACID

— A detailed in vitro study was made of the flavin sensitized photoinactivation of indoleacetic acid, using primarily riboflavin as sensitizer. The dependence of the quantum yield on reactant concentrations, pH, presence of oxygen, viscosity, temperature, KI concentration, and solvent was determined. The involvement of a limiting dark reaction was demonstrated, using an intermittent light technique. The results are consistent with a mechanism involving a metastable state of riboflavin as the photochemically reactive species. The calculated rate constant for intersystem crossing to this state was found to be 2.5 times 108/sec. Riboflavin, in the metastable state, is believed to oxidize indoleacetic acid to indolealdehyde, with subsequent recovery of riboflavin by autoxidation. The maximum quantum yield of the photoinactivation of IAA is 0.71, indicating a highly efficient process, approaching 100% when energy loss due to riboflavin fluorescence is taken into account. Both carotenoids and pure chlorophyll-a were found to be inactive as sensitizers.
Empiric guideline-recommended weight-based vancomycin dosing and nephrotoxicity rates in patients with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia: A retrospective cohort study

Previous studies have established a correlation between vancomycin troughs and nephrotoxicity. However, data are currently lacking regarding the effect of guideline-recommended weight-based dosing on nephrotoxicity in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (MRSAB). Adults who were at least 18 years of age with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia and received of empiric vancomycin therapy for at least 48 hours (01/07/2002 and 30/06/2008) were included in this multicenter, retrospective cohort study. The association between guideline-recommended, weight-based vancomycin dosing (at least 15 mg/kg/dose) and nephrotoxicity (increase in serum creatinine (SCr) by more than 0.5 mg/dl or at least a 50% increase from baseline on at least two consecutive laboratory tests) was evaluated. Potential independent associations were evaluated using a multivariable general linear mixed-effect model. Overall, 23% of patients developed nephrotoxicity. Thirty-four percent of the 337 patients who met study criteria received weight-based dosing. The cohort was composed of 69% males with a median age of 55 years. The most common sources of MRSAB included skin/soft tissue (32%), catheter-related bloodstream bacteremia (20%), pulmonary (18%). Eighty-six percent of patients received twice daily dosing. Similar rates of nephrotoxicity were observed regardless of the receipt of guideline-recommended dosing (22% vs. 24%, OR 0.91 [95% CI 0.53-1.56]). This finding was confirmed in the multivariable analysis (OR 1.52 [95% CI 0.75-3.08]). Independent predictors of nephrotoxicity were (OR, 95% CI) vancomycin duration of greater than 15 days (3.36, 1.79-6.34), weight over 100 kg (2.74, 1.27-5.91), Pitt bacteremia score of 4 or greater (2.73, 1.29-5.79), vancomycin trough higher than 20 mcg/ml (2.36, 1.07-5.20), and age over 52 years (2.10, 1.08-4.08). Over one out of five patients in this study developed nephrotoxicity while receiving vancomycin for MRSAB. The receipt of guideline-recommended, weight-based vancomycin was not an independent risk factor for the development of nephrotoxicity.
Iron losses in permanent magnet synchronous motors

Iron losses in permanent magnet synchronous machines form a larger portion of the total losses than in the induction machines and, hence, more importance should be given to the minimization of iron loss. Previously, models have been presented for the calculations of these losses but these models still rely on finite element simulations to obtain correction factors, which are substantial, to apply to the theoretically derived formulas in order to obtain good agreement with the experimental data. In this paper we point out the source of this correction factor: the neglect of excess eddy current loss component. In many cases this loss component dominates the total iron losses and need to be incorporated in the theoretical considerations. We also provide a more complete model of iron loss, which greatly reduces the need for calculating the correction factors using FEM. The use of this more complete model will result in reduced design time especially when a number of candidate designs need to be analyzed because otherwise the calculation of these correction factors using FEM would be cumbersome as these correction factors tend to be non-linear.
A 3D Freehand Ultrasound System for Multi-view Reconstructions from Sparse 2D Scanning Planes

A significant limitation of existing 3D ultrasound systems comes from the fact that the majority of them work with fixed acquisition geometries. As a result, the users have very limited control over the geometry of the 2D scanning planes. We present a low-cost and flexible ultrasound imaging system that integrates several image processing components to allow for 3D reconstructions from limited numbers of 2D image planes and multiple acoustic views. Our approach is based on a 3D freehand ultrasound system that allows users to control the 2D acquisition imaging using conventional 2D probes. For reliable performance, we develop new methods for image segmentation and robust multi-view registration. We first present a new hybrid geometric level-set approach that provides reliable segmentation performance with relatively simple initializations and minimum edge leakage. Optimization of the segmentation model parameters and its effect on performance is carefully discussed. Second, using the segmented images, a new coarse to fine automatic multi-view registration method is introduced. The approach uses a 3D Hotelling transform to initialize an optimization search. Then, the fine scale feature-based registration is performed using a robust, non-linear least squares algorithm. The robustness of the multi-view registration system allows for accurate 3D reconstructions from sparse 2D image planes. Volume measurements from multi-view 3D reconstructions are found to be consistently and significantly more accurate than measurements from single view reconstructions. The volume error of multi-view reconstruction is measured to be less than 5% of the true volume. We show that volume reconstruction accuracy is a function of the total number of 2D image planes and the number of views for calibrated phantom. In clinical in-vivo cardiac experiments, we show that volume estimates of the left ventricle from multi-view reconstructions are found to be in better agreement with clinical measures than measures from single view reconstructions. Multi-view 3D reconstruction from sparse 2D freehand B-mode images leads to more accurate volume quantification compared to single view systems. The flexibility and low-cost of the proposed system allow for fine control of the image acquisition planes for optimal 3D reconstructions from multiple views.
Psychometric properties of DSM assessments of illicit drug abuse and dependence: results from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC)

Background DSM-IV criteria for illicit drug abuse and dependence are largely based on criteria developed for alcohol use disorders and there is a lack of research evidence on the psychometric properties of these symptoms when applied to illicit drugs. Method This study utilizes data on abuse/dependence criteria for cannabis, cocaine, stimulants, sedatives, tranquilizers, opiates, hallucinogens and inhalants from the National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC, n=43 093). Analyses included factor analysis to explore the dimensionality of illicit drug abuse and dependence criteria, calculation of item difficulty and discrimination within an item response framework and a descriptive analysis of 'diagnostic orphans': individuals meeting criteria for 1-2 dependence symptoms but not abuse. Rates of psychiatric disorders were compared across groups. Results Results favor a uni-dimensional construct for abuse/dependence on each of the eight drug classes. Factor loadings, item difficulty and discrimination were remarkably consistent across drug categories. For each drug category, between 29% and 51% of all individuals meeting criteria for at least one symptom did not receive a formal diagnosis of either abuse or dependence and were therefore classified as 'orphans'. Mean rates of disorder in these individuals suggested that illicit drug use disorders may be more adequately described along a spectrum of severity. Conclusions While there were remarkable similarities across categories of illicit drugs, consideration of item difficulty suggested that some alterations to DSM regarding the relevant severity of specific abuse and dependence criteria may be warranted.
How Do Students' Mastery and Performance Goals Relate to Math Anxiety?.

A changing, economically competitive world has necessitated reform in mathematics education. Yet mathematics anxiety has been a prevalent concern among educators and others in our society for decades. Some students tend to be more anxious about the testing process and can often freeze up, others just cringe when they are confronted with any form of computational exercise, or others dread taking math classes which can occur in the elementary, middle, high, and even at the college levels. Educators, parents, politicians, and others are trying to assess the cause for the apparent academic weakness of mathematics, and solutions to the problem are being sought. Our focus in this paper is to tease apart the underlying causes of math anxiety that result from a teacher’s instructional practice, particularly how mastery and performance goals relate to the construct of math anxiety, and how a teachers’ understanding of creating mastery-oriented classrooms can help to prevent or reduce the anxiety students experience during mathematics. Research indicates that classroom practices can influence the goals students adopt, and that educators should strive to create mastery-oriented classrooms by examining the nature of the tasks they assign students, the authority or degree they involve students in academic decision-making, the types of evaluation and recognition they utilize, and the classroom climate they create.
Running head: Promising PTSD Treatment Approaches A Systematic Clinical Demonstration of Promising PTSD Treatment Approaches

Traumatic Incident Reduction, Visual-Kinesthetic Disassociation, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, and Thought Field Therapy were investigated through a systematic clinical demonstration (SCD) methodology. This methodology guides the examination, but does not test the effectiveness of clinical approaches. Each approach was demonstrated by nationally recognized practitioners following a similar protocol, though their methods of treatment varied. A total of 39 research participants were treated and results showed that all four approaches had some immediate impact on clients and appear to also have some lasting impact. The paper also discusses the theoretical, clinical, and methodological implications of the study.
Acceptability and Reported Use of Daily Behavior Report Cards among Teachers.

In this study, a sample of teachers was surveyed regarding their reported use and acceptability of daily behavior report cards (DBRCs). Almost two thirds of responding teachers indicated that they have used versions of DBRCs in their practice. Respondents' use of DBRCs was not restricted to a single purpose or situation. Additional findings suggested that the format of DBRCs varies widely, suggesting that teachers have found the DBRC to be highly adaptive in representing a broad array of possibilities rather than having a single, scripted purpose. An additional noteworthy finding relates to the general acceptance of DBRCs by teachers as both behavior-monitoring tools and as components in interventions. In summary, results provide support to previous claims that the DBRC is both a used and accepted tool in practice, suggesting that DBRCs deserve closer attention in research and practice related to positive behavior supports. Limitations, future directions, and implications are discussed.
Development of fine‐resolution analyses and expanded large‐scale forcing properties: 1. Methodology and evaluation

We produce fine-resolution, three-dimensional fields of meteorological and other variables for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Southern Great Plains site. The Community Gridpoint Statistical Interpolation system is implemented in a multiscale data assimilation (MS-DA) framework that is used within the Weather Research and Forecasting model at a cloud-resolving resolution of 2 km. The MS-DA algorithm uses existing reanalysis products and constrains fine-scale atmospheric properties by assimilating high-resolution observations. A set of experiments show that the data assimilation analysis realistically reproduces the intensity, structure, and time evolution of clouds and precipitation associated with a mesoscale convective system. Evaluations also show that the large-scale forcing derived from the fine-resolution analysis has an overall accuracy comparable to the existing ARM operational product. For enhanced applications, the fine-resolution fields are used to characterize the contribution of subgrid variability to the large-scale forcing and to derive hydrometeor forcing, which are presented in companion papers.