cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Risk factors for Clostridium difficile infection in pediatric inpatients: A meta-analysis and systematic review.

Objective To summarize risk factors for Clostridioides (formerly Clostridium) difficile infection (CDI) in hospitalized pediatric patients as determined by previous observational studies. Design Meta-analysis and systematic review. Patients Studies evaluating risk factors for CDI in pediatric inpatients were eligible for inclusion. Method We systematically searched MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and EMBASE for subject headings and text words related to CDI and pediatrics from 1975 to 2017. Two of the investigators independently screened studies, extracted and compiled data, assessed study quality, and performed the meta-analysis. Results Of the 2,033 articles screened, 14 studies reporting 10,531,669 children met the inclusion criteria. Prior antibiotic exposure (odds ratio [OR], 2.14; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.31-3.52) and proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use (OR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.07-1.64) were associated with an increased risk of CDI in children. Subgroup analyses using studies reporting only adjusted results suggested that prior antibiotic exposure is not a significant risk factor for CDI. H2 receptor antagonist (H2RA) use (OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 0.31-5.98) and that female gender (OR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.74-1.03) did not play a significant role as a risk factor for developing CDI. Conclusion Prior antibiotic exposure appears to be an important risk factor for CDI based on the combined analysis but not significant using adjusted studies. PPI use was associated with an increased risk of CDI. Judicious and appropriate use of antibiotics and PPIs may help reduce the risk of CDI in this vulnerable population.
Perioperative morbidity and mortality with bleomycin in primary mediastinal non seminomatous germ cell tumor (PMNSGCT).

4538 Background: PMNSGCT represents one of the most challenging subsets of malignant germ cell tumors. PMNSGCT has a distinctly worse prognosis and is appropriately categorized as poor risk disease...
Can the Behavioral Model of Health Care Utilization Be Used to Predict Completion of a Mental Health Assessment Following Intimate Partner Violence

Survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) may experience mental health problems. Although some survivors access mental health resources to address these concerns, many discontinue prematurely. O...
298) An Intersectional Identity Approach to Chronic Pain Disparities

Chronic pain disparities are well documented with individual factors, such as race, sex, socioeconomic status (SES). Given the commonality of individuals with multiple disparities, it is important to examine the intersection of identities. This study applies an intersectional approach using latent class analysis (LCA) to better understand the relationships between multiple disparities and chronic pain. A total of 290 participants with chronic pain were examined from the Learning About My Pain (LAMP) trial, a randomized comparative effectiveness study of group-based psychosocial interventions (PCORI Contract #941, Beverly Thorn, PI; clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT01967342). LCA examined patterns of responses among categorical variables from pre-treatment to generate latent class disparity profiles and examine cross-sectional relationships with pain severity and pain interference (Brief Pain Inventory). Categorical variables entered into LCA included race, sex, poverty status, employment status, disability status, primary literacy, age, and education. A five-profile solution was supported statistically using model fit indices and substantively using conditional response proportions. The profiles were differentiated by levels of advantage/disadvantage based on multiple indicators. Analysis of variances (ANOVA) examined pain severity and interference on the five LCA disparity profiles with Tukey's post hoc analyses. The univariate analysis was significant for pain severity, F(4, 285) = 4.78, p
High‐Current‐Density HER Electrocatalysts: Graphene‐like Boron Layer and Tungsten as Key Ingredients in Metal Diborides

Transition-metal borides belong to a small class of non-noble-metal electrocatalysts that exhibit excellent activity toward the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) already in bulk form; those containing graphene-like (flat) boron layers, such as α-MoB2 , are particularly promising. In this study, the first tungsten-based boride HER electrocatalysts were studied experimentally and theoretically. Tungsten, the diborides of which (α- and β-WB2 ) contain both the active graphene-like (flat) boron layer and the less active phosphorene-like (puckered) boron layer, could be successfully substituted (up to 30 at %) for molybdenum in α-MoB2 . The resulting α-Mo1-x Wx B2 exhibited better HER activity and stability than the binaries WB2 and MoB2 , especially at high current density in acidic electrolytes. DFT calculations showed that the graphene-like boron layer is the most active among the studied surfaces and that tungsten promotes hydrogen generation by facilitating bonding between hydrogen atoms in contrast to molybdenum. These results should pave the way for high-current-density, abundant, and inexpensive bulk and nanoscale HER catalysts by applying structure-activity relationships.
Mapping the observable sky for a remote occulter working with ground-based telescopes

The Remote Occulter (Orbiting Starshade) is a proposed 100-meter class starshade working with a ground-based telescope, designed for visible-band imaging and spectroscopy of temperate planets around sun-like stars. With advanced adaptive optics and the largest telescopes like the 39 m ELT, it would enable the study of planetary systems and a wide variety of exoplanets. In this paper, we describe the geometrical constraints and establish which parts of the sky are observable.
Percent Deviation from Midline Coaptation- When to Suspect Bicuspid Aortic Valve

Background: Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is typically diagnosed by visualization of aortic valve leaflet opening during systole in parasternal short axis (PSAX) echocardiographic images. The leaflets are often seen poorly in PSAX view due to suboptimal acoustic windows or poor imaging techniques but are usually seen well in parasternal long axis (PLAX) view. Although the eccentric leaflet coaptation in PLAX view has been previously described the degree of eccentricity that should alert clinicians of the presence of BAV is not established in children. The …
Applicability of IEC 62305 for Lightning Protection of U.S. Power Generation Facilities

Lightning protection standards exist for the protection of transmission and overhead distribution lines, as well as switchyards, but not for the protection of power generation facilities. In the absence of a specific lightning protection standard, lightning protection systems for power generation facilities in the United States are typically designed to the specifications of NFPA 780, “Standard for the Installation of Lightning Protection Systems”, even though that standard states that electric power generating facilities are excluded from its requirements. The requirements of the international standard for protection against lightning, IEC 62305, is applicable to all structures and relies on a rigorous lightning risk assessment to determine the degree of protection required. In this paper a comparative analysis of the NFPA 780 and IEC 62305 standards is presented and demonstrates the IEC 62305 standard to be a superior lightning protection standard for the protection of U.S. power generation facilities.
A numerical implementation of the length-scale independent phase field method

The phase field method for fracture integrates the Griffith theory and damage mechanics approach to predict crack initiation and propagation within one framework. It replaced the discrete representation of crack by diffusive damage and solved it based on a minimization of the global energy storage functional. As a result, no crack tracking topology is needed, and complex crack shapes can be captures without user intervention. However, it is also reported to have an inconsistency between the predicted fracture toughness and the material strength. Recently, a novel energetic degradation function was proposed in literature to handle this issue. This research does some further modifications to the global energy storage functional so that Newton's method can be directly used to solve the energy minimization. With the new energy form, direct implementation of the length-scale independent phase field method into finite element packages like LS-DYNA becomes possible. This paper presents the framework and details of implementing the length-scale independent phase field method into LS-DYNA through a user-defined element and material subroutine. Several numerical examples are presented to compare with the experiment crack shape. Most importantly, this paper is one of the first ones to quantitatively predict accurate force response compared to experiments. These examples verify the accuracy of the new energy form and implementation.
Accumulation of organochlorine pesticides and PCBs by semipermeable membrane devices and Mytilus edulis in New Bedford Harbor

We deployed semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs) and transplanted blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) side-by-side at five sites in New Bedford Harbor, MA. A good correlation was obtained between accumulation in the SPMDs and the caged mussels, with r 2 values ranging from 0.57 to 0.85 for individual pesticides (n = 16) and from 0.81 to 0.96 for individual PCB congeners (n = 20). An excellent correlation also was found between the log K ow and the log BAF (bioaccumulation factor in mussels) and between the log K ow and log AF (accumulation factor in SPMDs). Accumulation in the mussels was approximately 2-fold higher than in the SPMDs when concentrations were expressed on a lipid basis. These correlations are significantly better than any reported previously and probably result from modifications that we made to the original design of the SPMD. A close examination of accumulation into SPMDs demonstrates that the uptake rate and equilibrium status of an SPMD can be easily manipulated by modifying membrane thickness, surface area, and lipid substrate volume. Knowledge of these parameters and their effect on SPMD uptake rates is critical to the interpretation of SPMD data and can be used to optimize the design of SPMDs for specific applications.
Plant-Based Cheeses: A Systematic Review of Sensory Evaluation Studies and Strategies to Increase Consumer Acceptance

Animal protein provides unique sensory and textural properties to foods that are not easily replicated when replaced with plant-based alternatives. Food scientists and researchers are currently developing innovative approaches to improve their physical and sensory characteristics in plant-based analogs. In terms of plant-based cheese substitutes (PBCS), soy is the most commonly used plant-based protein but is associated with undesirable sensory attributes (i.e., beany and gritty). In order to determine if the approaches result in a significant improvement in sensory quality and liking, sensory evaluation is employed. The aim of this review is to summarize the original literature (n = 12) relating to 100% PBCS which utilizes sensory evaluation methods. Overall, a major theme identified in this review is the innovative strategies used to increase acceptance of PBCS, whether products are aimed at improving existing non-dairy-based cheese formulations or to more closely mimic a conventional dairy-based cheese product. Studies demonstrate processing and fermentation of soybeans and blending of non-dairy milks are potential ways to improve consumer liking of PBCS. A secondary focus is to discuss the current sensory methodology carried out in the reviewed literature. Future studies should consider using more specific measures of flavor and mouthfeel, integrate evaluation of consumer liking with instrumental textural methods, and use a larger more diverse group of consumers. The outcome of this review is to highlight the importance of integrating sensory science in order to help facilitate the improvement of the sensory and quality attributes of PBCS and streamline product development.
Evaluating four motivation-phase intervention components for use with primary care patients unwilling to quit smoking: a randomized factorial experiment.

AIMS To assess the effectiveness of intervention components designed to increase quit attempts and promote abstinence in patients initially unwilling to quit smoking. DESIGN A four-factor, randomized factorial experiment. SETTING Sixteen primary care clinics in southern Wisconsin. PARTICIPANTS A total of 577 adults who smoke (60% women, 80% White) recruited during primary care visits who were currently willing to reduce their smoking but unwilling to try to quit. Interventions Four factors contrasted intervention components administered over a 1-year period: (i) nicotine mini-lozenge versus none; (ii) reduction counseling versus none; (iii) behavioral activation (BA) counseling versus none; and (iv) motivational 5Rs counseling versus none. Participants could request cessation treatment at any time. MEASUREMENTS The primary outcome was 7-day point-prevalence abstinence at 52 weeks post enrollment; secondary outcomes were point-prevalence abstinence at 26 weeks and making a quit attempt by weeks 26 and 52. FINDINGS No abstinence main effects were found but a mini-lozenge × reduction counseling × BA interaction was found at 52 weeks; P = 0.03. Unpacking this interaction showed that the mini-lozenge alone produced the highest abstinence rate (16.7%); combining it with reduction counseling produced an especially low abstinence rate (4.1%). Reduction counseling decreased the likelihood of making a quit attempt by 52 weeks relative to no reduction counseling (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Nicotine mini-lozenges may increase smoking abstinence in people initially unwilling to quit smoking, but their effectiveness declines when used with smoking reduction counseling or other behavioral interventions. Reduction counseling decreases the likelihood of making a quit attempt in people initially unwilling to quit smoking.
In adults with coma after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, hypothermia vs. normothermia did not reduce 6-mo mortality.

SOURCE CITATION Dankiewicz J, Cronberg T, Lilja G, et al. Hypothermia versus normothermia after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. N Engl J Med. 2021;384:2283-94. 34133859.
Small Area Estimation of Postfire Tree Density Using Continuous Forest Inventory Data

Wildfire activity in the western United States is expanding and many western forests are struggling to regenerate postfire. Accurate estimates of forest regeneration following wildfire are critical for postfire forest management planning and monitoring forest dynamics. National or regional forest inventory programs can provide vegetation data for direct spatiotemporal domain estimation of postfire tree density, but samples within domains of administrative utility may be small (or empty). Indirect domain expansion estimators, which borrow extra-domain sample data to increase precision of domain estimates, offer a possible alternative. This research evaluates domain sample sizes and direct estimates in domains spanning large geographic extents and ranging from one to 10 years in temporal scope. In aggregate, domain sample sizes prove too small and standard errors of direct estimates too high. We subsequently compare two indirect estimators -- one generated by averaging over observations that are proximate in space, the other by averaging over observations that are proximate in time -- on the basis of estimated standard error. We also present a new estimator of the mean squared error (MSE) of indirect domain estimators which accounts for covariance between direct and indirect domain estimates. Borrowing sample data from within the geographic extents of our domains, but from an expanded set of measurement years, proves to be the superior strategy for augmenting domain sample sizes to reduce domain standard errors in this application. However, MSE estimates prove too frequently negative and highly variable for operational utility in this context, even when averaged over multiple proximate domains.
Congenital epulis (congenital granular cell fibroblastoma): Report of a case☆

Abstract 1. 1. Another case of “congenital epulis,” in which epithelial islands resembling odontogenic epithelium with areas of calcification were present, is described. The presence of calcification in such islands has not been observed previously. 2. 2. Findings in this case seem to support the view that the congenital epulis is a “granular cell fibroblastoma.”
A statistical test of independence in choice data with small samples

This paper develops tests of independence and stationarity in choice data collected with small samples. The method builds on the approach of Smith and Batchelder (2008). The technique is intended to distinguish cases where a person is systematically changing “true” preferences (from one group of trials to another) from cases in which a person is following a random preference mixture model with independently and identically distributed sampling in each trial. Preference reversals are counted between all pairs of repetitions. The variance of these preference reversals between all pairs of repetitions is then calculated. The distribution of this statistic is simulated by a Monte Carlo procedure in which the data are randomly permuted and the statistic is recalculated in each simulated sample. A second test computes the correlation between the mean number of preference reversals and the difference between replicates, which is also simulated by Monte Carlo. Data of Regenwetter, Dana, and Davis-Stober (2011) are reanalyzed by this method. Eight of 18 subjects showed significant deviations from the independence assumptions by one or both of these tests, which is significantly more than expected by chance.
A Study on Digital Video Broadcasting to a Handheld Device (DVB-H), Operating in UHF Band

In this paper, we will understand that the development of the Digital Video Broadcasting to a Handheld (DVB-H) standard makes it possible to deliver live broadcast television to a mobile handheld device. Building upon the strengths of the Digital Video Broadcasting - Terrestrial (DVB-T) standard in use in millions of homes, DVB-H recognizes the trend towards the personal consumption of media.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration-U.S. Public Health Service Health Evaluation and Enhancement Program. Summary of results.

An exercise program was initiated in a federal agency to assess the feasibility of such a program, and to identify the factors that influenced joining, adherence to, and effectiveness of the program. The program was utilized by 237 of the 998 eligible federal employees; mean attendance rate was 1.3 days/week. Those who volunteered perceived a need for increased physical activity, believed they had sufficient time to participate and derived subjective as well as objective benefits. Significant improvements were found in heart rate response to the standard exercise test, body weight, skinfold measurements and triglyceride levels.
ANTIAPOPTOTIC SIGNALLING BY THE INSULIN-LIKE GROWTH FACTOR I RECEPTOR, PHOSPHATIDYLINOSITOL 3-KINASE, AND AKT

We have found that insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) can protect fibroblasts from apoptosis induced by UV-B light. Antiapoptotic signalling by the IGF-I receptor depended on receptor kinase activity, as cells overexpressing kinase-defective receptor mutants could not be protected by IGF-I. Overexpression of a kinase-defective receptor which contained a mutation in the ATP binding loop functioned as a dominant negative and sensitized cells to apoptosis. The antiapoptotic capacity of the IGF-I receptor was not shared by other growth factors tested, including epidermal growth factor (EGF) and thrombin, although the cells expressed functional receptors for all the agonists. However, EGF was antiapoptotic for cells overexpressing the EGF receptor, and expression of activated pp60v-src also was protective. There was no correlation between protection from apoptosis and activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase, p38/HOG1, or p70S6 kinase. On the other hand, protection by any of the tyrosine kinases against UV-induced apoptosis was blocked by wortmannin, implying a role for phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3 kinase). To test this, we transiently expressed constitutively active or kinase-dead PI3 kinase and found that overexpression of activated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3 kinase) was sufficient to provide protection against apoptosis. Because Akt/PKB is believed to be a downstream effector for PI3 kinase, we also examined the role of this serine/threonine protein kinase in antiapoptotic signalling. We found that membrane-targeted Akt was sufficient to protect against apoptosis but that kinase-dead Akt was not. We conclude that the endogenous IGF-I receptor has a specific antiapoptotic signalling capacity, that overexpression of other tyrosine kinases can allow them also to be antiapoptotic, and that activation of PI3 kinase and Akt is sufficient for antiapoptotic signalling.
Use of intravenous inotropic therapy in the home

The role of home i.v. inotropic therapy in managing patients with refractory congestive heart failure (CHF) is reviewed. CHF is a fairly common health care problem in the United States and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Although several oral medications are used to treat CHF, individuals with New York Heart Association class III or IV disease may require i.v. inotropic therapy. Typically, these patients are managed in the hospital. However, some patients dependent on i.v. therapy may be safely treated at home. While the functional status and quality of life of these individuals may be improved, there is no evidence that home i.v. inotropic therapy increases their overall survival. Dobutamine is currently the preferred i.v. inotropic agent, but amrinone and milrinone are suitable alternatives. Although tolerance to dobutamine may develop with continuous drug administration, intermittent therapy has been associated with an increased risk of sudden death. The optimal infusion schedules for amrinone and milrinone have not been clearly established. Home i.v. inotropic therapy may improve the quality of life in carefully selected patients with refractory CHF.
National Academy Review of the Inertial Confinement Fusion program

The committee will review the accomplishments, management, goals and anticipated contributions of the defense inertial confinement fusion (ICF) program. The committee shall consist of individuals who are highly qualified in scientific disciplines associated with the development and testing of nuclear weapons. The committee will review all major areas of the ICF program. The committee shall prioritize activities within the present and future ICF program and present an appropriate time scale for obtaining the program goals.
Active-passive gradient shielding for MRI acoustic noise reduction

An important source of MRI acoustic noise-magnet cryostat warm-bore vibrations caused by eddy-current-induced forces-can be mitigated by a passive metal shield mounted on the outside of a vibration-isolated, vacuum-enclosed shielded gradient set. Finite-element (FE) calculations for a z-gradient indicate that a 2-mm-thick Cu layer wrapped on the gradient assembly can decrease mechanical power deposition in the warm bore and reduce warm-bore acoustic noise production by about 25 dB. Eliminating the conducting warm bore and other magnet parts as significant acoustic noise sources could lead to the development of truly quiet, fully functioning MRI systems with noise levels below 70 dB.
A novel Escherichia coli vector for oxygen-inducible high level expression of foreign genes

Abstract By utilizing the oxygen-sensitive Escherichia coli Mn-superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) promoter, we have developed a vector system that expresses high levels of cloned foreign genes. The promoter for the bacterial Mn-SOD, as well as both 5'-untranslated and transcriptional termination sequences were ligated to a synthetic linker containing two restriction enzyme cloning sites. The vector also contained the gene for β-lactamase, which confers ampicillin resistance to the host bacterium and provides a selectable marker. After screening and selection, high level of expression was achieved by exposure to the superoxide-generating agent paraquat (methyl viologen) as the inducer. To test the vector, both native and mutated human Mn-SOD cDNAs were cloned and expressed, respectively. To determine the optimal concentration of inducer necessary for maximal expression, recombinant bacteria were exposed to increasing concentrations of paraquat and subsequently assayed for superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. The highest expression was induced by 20 μM paraquat, and approached 50% of total soluble protein.
Worldwide epidemiology of hepatitis A virus infection

Patterns of hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection and clinical disease differ worldwide, and correlate with socioeconomic conditions (and hygienic and sanitary conditions) of each geographic area. In least developed countries with very poor sanitary and hygienic conditions, HAV spreads readily, and most persons are infected as young children. Because most persons become infected at an age when HAV infection is often asymptomatic, reported disease rates in these areas are low and outbreaks of disease are rare. In developing countries and some regions of developed countries, sanitary conditions are variable, and transmission can predominate in children, adolescents or adults, depending on the geographic region. Paradoxically, since HAV transmission occurs in these areas in older age groups compared with least developed countries where HAV transmission is highly endemic, reported rates of hepatitis A can be higher. In developed countries, sanitation and hygienic conditions are good, and infection rates in children are generally low. Communitywide epidemics can contribute significantly to the burden of disease, as can occasional day care center and common-source outbreaks. In some areas, disease tends to be among specific risk groups, such as travellers to hepatitis A endemic areas, and intravenous drug users among whom hygienic practices may be poor. As countries develop economically with improvement of sanitary conditions, overall endemicity of HAV infection decreases, and disease patterns may change. As the endemicity of HAV transmission decreases, the reported rate of clinical hepatitis A can increase, due to the shift in the average age of infection to an age when clinical illness is more frequent.
Evaluation of adsorbent sampling tube materials and Tenax-TA for analysis of volatile biogenic organic compounds

Abstract Adsorbent tube materials, bed retainers and Tenax-TA were evaluated for their respective roles in adsorbing biogenic volatile organic compounds from air and their tendencies to cause chemical transformation of analytes upon thermal desorption. Stainless steel, Silcosteel ® and Sulfinert ® treated stainless steel tubes exhibited varying degrees of adsorption and reactivity towards some analytes. However, the typical short exposure of the sample stream to wall material before entering an adsorbent bed, minimizes the effect of these properties. Three forms of silica wool (untreated glass wool and siloxane-treated glass and fused silica wool), often used as adsorbent bed retainers, were evaluated and found to function as an adsorbent bed especially for oxygenated monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. Tenax-TA was evaluated in stainless steel tubes (untreated and treated) with a 2 μm mesh woven wire disk (also untreated and treated) to circumvent the effects of using a silica wool bed retainer. Tenax-TA adsorbent in stainless steel, Silcosteel and Sulfinert tubes yielded equivalent results when compared with direct (cryogenic) pre-concentration analysis of a multi-component mixture of n-alkanes and selected biogenic VOC. Tenax-TA tubes that had been used for 15–20 bake out–sample–desorption cycles (field and laboratory sampling) were compared with freshly packed tubes and found to give equivalent results.
Stem Carbohydrate and Lignin Concentrations in Sorghum Hybrids at Seven Growth Stages

Grain yield and quality of vegetative material form sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] are affected by carbohydrate and lignin partitioning within the plant and translocation of nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC) to the kernels. This field study was conducted during two growing seasons to determine concentrations of NSC, hemicellulose (HC), cellulose, and lignin in four sorghum hybrids at seven growth stage from panicle differentiation through 45 days post anthesis (DPA) of plants (.)
Timing of intracranial bleeding in newborn infants

Intracranial hemorrhage is a frequent finding at autopsy in very immature infants. Because of the possibility of therapy in whom DIC seems to be present, it was thought important to be able to time the intracranial bleed to see if it had already occurred before therapy could have been initiated. Infants at high risk for intracranial bleeding have been transfused as early in the course of their illness as possible with red cells tagged with 50chromium. 50Cr is a stable tracer which can be activated in vitro to 51Cr and counted. If the infant died and had an intraventricular clot in which >70% of the red cells were tagged, it was assumed that bleeding occurred after tagging. If the clot contained <30% tagged cells as compared to the sample of blood taken at tagging or just prior to death, it was assumed that bleeding had occurred prior to tagging. 28 such tagged infants have died and had intracranial clots analyzed for 50Cr. 16 infants had HMD, 7 extreme immaturity, the remainder died of other disorders. 18 were <1250 g. B.Wt., 23 were <32 wks. gestation. Median age of tagging was 6.3 hrs. while median age at death was 33.2 hrs. 50Cr concentrations in clot samples indicated that 25 infants had clearly bled after tagging and only 2 had already had their major bleed before tagging. 4 infants presumably had some bleeding before tagging, but continued to bleed afterwards. Investigations of the possible exchange of 50Cr tag after clot formation did not indicate significant exchange between tagged circulating red cells and those in the clot. 12 infants had clear-cut DIC, 11 possible, and 5 had no evidence of DIC. All but 1 without DIC had grossly abnormal second stage clotting values. It is concluded that most of these infants' intracranial hemorrhages occurred after birth and after their disease process was clearly established.
The control of attention by abrupt visual onsets and offsets

A letter can be presented visually either by the abrupt appearance of lines that make up the letter (onset transient) or by the abrupt disappearance of extra lines from a form in which the letter is embedded (offset transient). Recent evidence from visual-search tasks has suggested that onset transients have absolute priority over offset transients with respect to the allocation of visual attention. Specifically, these studies have found that a single onset-transient target letterpops out of a background of offset-transient distractor letters (i.e., time to detect. the target IS independent of the number of distractors), which indicates that attention IS automatically directed to the location of an onset-transient stimulus even when there are competing offset transients (Yantis & Jonides, 1984). Because of the way the offset letters were created, however, the total display change (number of offset line-segments plus number of onset line-segments) was greater for onset than for offset letters. Thus, onset targets might have popped out because they produced greater overall display changes rather than because they were the only letters with onset transients. In the present study, a figure that included more offset-transient line segments in the offset-transient letters was used. Under these conditions, onset-transient targets did not pop out of a background of offset-transient distractors. It is suggested that visual attention may be influenced by total display change and, therefore, that onset transients are not necessarily sufficient to control attention when there are many competing offset transients.
"Pseudocoarctation" of the aorta: pitfall on cine MR imaging.

The diagnosis of coarctation of the aorta on cine magnetic resonance imaging is based upon observation of localized narrowing in the region of the aortic isthmus with jet-like signal void areas extending distally. We observed similar findings in 8 of 20 (40%) normal volunteers examined in the sagittal oblique view. These artifactual findings relate primarily to out-of-plane motion of the thoracic aorta during a portion of the cardiac cycle, leading to partial volume averaging with pulmonary air. Awareness of this pitfall will prevent misdiagnosis of aortic coarctation in normal subjects and allow for more accurate assessment of severity of true coarctation.
Female Community-College Presidents: Effective Leadership Patterns and Behaviors.

ABSTRACT Drawing from the theory of transformational leadership and community-college literature, the purpose of this study was to determine the leadership patterns and behaviors of female chief executive officers (CEOs) in the community-college system in rural, suburban, urban, and inner-city settings. This study further investigated whether there was a significant relationship between the leadership patterns and behaviors of female chief executive officers and other factors such as the race/ethnicity of the CEO, the educational level of the CEO, the experience of the CEO, and enrollment. Specifically, the participants included female community-college presidents whose colleges were members of the American Association of Community Colleges. The participants were asked to rate 30 items on a 10-point scale on the 5 patterns of actions identified by the Leadership Practices Inventory by Kouzes and Posner, 2003. Participants were also asked to fill out a questionnaire, which was developed by the researcher. ...
3-Nitropropionic acid animal model and Huntington' s disease

Abstract Huntington's disease (HD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder associated with severe degeneration of basal ganglia neurons, especially the intrinsic neurons of the striatum, and characterized by progressive dementia and involuntary abnormal choreiform movements. Despite our increasing knowledge of the pathophysiology of HD, culminating with the discovery of the gene underlying HD, there has been no cure available to completely cease or reverse the progressive neurodegencration and behavioral consequences of the disease. Animal models that closely mimic the neurobiological and clinical symptoms of the disease continue to offer alternative approaches for studying HD. Recently, we have reported that systemic administration of 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP), an inhibitor of the mitochondrial citric acid cycle, results in a progressive locomotor deterioration resembling that of HD. Furthermore, we observed congruent with other reports, that 3-NP produces a very selective striatal degeneration. It differs mechanistically from excitotoxic lesions in that 3-NP irreversibly inhibits the mitochondrial citric acid cycle and leads to depressed ATP levels and elevated lactate concentrations. Recent neurochemical studies have implicated lowered glutamate levels and impaired oxidative energy metabolism as underlying mechanisms for many neurodegenerative disorders, including HD. Because of the mechanistic and pathologic similarities between 3-NP lesions and HD, 3-NP has been proposed as an alternative HD model. We further demonstrated that manipulating the time course of 3-NP injections leads to sustained hyperactivity (early HD) or hypeactvity (late HD). The present review will primarily discuss this progressive behavioral pathology induced by 3-NP that closely resembles that of HD. This body of evidence suggests that the 3-NP model is an improved HD model and may offer a unique system wherein testing of experimental treatments for HD can be carried out across different stages of the disease. This future application of the 3-NP model will be very useful especially in assessing the efficacy of treatment modalities, e.g. neural transplantation, during the progression of the disease.
Excited state absorption in CaMoO4

Abstract We report the first measurement of excited state absorption (ESA) in a calcium molybdate (CaMoO4) crystal, and compare the ESA spectrum with a stimulated emission spectrum calculated in terms of the McCumber theory of phonon terminated lasers. It appears that the magnitude of ESA would preclude laser action in this crystal. The temporal ESA dependence has been measured and discussed in terms of the most likely assignment of energy levels involved in ESA.
S-Adenosyl-l-homocysteine Hydrolase Regulates Aldosterone-induced Na+ Transport

Abstract Aldosterone-induced Na+reabsorption, in part, is regulated by a critical methyl esterification; however, the signal transduction pathway regulating this methylation remains unclear. The A6 cell line was used as a model epithelia to investigate regulation of aldosterone-induced Na+ transport byS-adenosyl-l-homocysteine hydrolase (SAHHase), the only enzyme in vertebrates known to catabolizeS-adenosyl-l-homocysteine (SAH), an end product inhibitor of methyl esterification. Sodium reabsorption was decreased within 2 h by 3-deazaadenosine, a competitive inhibitor of SAHHase, with a half inhibitory concentration between 40 and 50 μm. Aldosterone increased SAH catabolism by activating SAHHase. Increased SAH catabolism was associated with a concomitant increase in S-adenosylmethionine catabolism. Moreover, SAH decreased substrate methylation. Antisense oligonucleotide complementary to SAHHase mRNA decreased SAHHase activity and Na+ current by approximately 50%. Overexpression of SAHHase increased SAHHase activity and dependent substrate methyl esterification. Whereas basal Na+ current was not affected by overexpression of SAHHase, aldosterone-induced current in SAHHase-overexpressing cells was significantly potentiated. These results demonstrate that aldosterone induction of SAHHase activity is necessary for a concomitant relief of the methylation reaction from end product inhibition by SAH and the subsequent increase in Na+ reabsorption. Thus, regulation of SAHHase activity is a control point for aldosterone signal transduction, but SAHHase is not an aldosterone-induced protein.
Reptation of Microtubules in F-Actin Networks : Effects of Filament Stiffness and Network Topology on Reptation Dynamics

The thermally driven motions of fluorescently labeled microtubules embedded in a network of filamentous actin polymers are analysed as the diffusion of a rod-like polymer within a virtual tube formed by the surrounding semiflexible actin filaments. The apparent diffusion constant parallel to the tube scales with the inverse of the microtubule length and the magnitude is consistant with diffusion through a medium with a viscosity of approximately 10 centipoise. Introduction of crosslinks between the actin filaments does not alter the diffusion of the microtubules in the actin network.
Social control and the policing of terrorism : Foundations for a sociology of counterterrorism

Sociologists have by and large neglected the study of terrorism and counterterrorism. The continued relevance that terrorism may be expected to have in our era should stimulate the development of new sociological ideas. I propose a sociological perspective of the policing of terrorism that is conceptually informed by a neo-Weberian bureaucratization theory of police. The theory holds that antiterrorist efforts at the level of police rest on a formal-rational conception of the means and objectives of counterterrorism, although ideological and political sentiments on terrorism are very intense and divisive within and across national states. Social control and counterterrorism are complex realities, comprised of a multitude of dimensions which are not necessarily in tune with one another. High-profile terrorist incidents, such as the events of 9/11, lead to attempts by national governments and international governing bodies to re-direct police efforts against terrorism in function of political objectives. Yet, because the bureaucratization of modern police institutions is at an unprecedented high level, the theory predicts, police agencies will resist these (re-)politicization attempts to continue counterterrorism activities that rest on an efficiency-driven treatment and depoliticized understanding of terrorism.
Mechanical anisotropy of shape-memory NiTi with two-dimensional networks of micro-channels

Abstract Ni–51.4 at.% Ti (Nitinol) containing 24 and 34 vol.% orthogonally interweaving micro-channels with 350–400 μm diameters was fabricated by a powder-metallurgy method. NiTi powder preforms containing steel wire meshes arranged in parallel layers were hot-pressed into NiTi/steel composites, from which the meshes were removed electrochemically, thereby producing micro-channels with tailorable morphology, fraction, and orientation. The compressive stiffness (15–35 GPa) and strength (420–780 MPa) can be controlled by the volume fraction and orientation of the micro-channels. Stiffness values are compared against analytical foam and composite models. A combination of elasticity, superelasticity, and the shape-memory effect allows for high strain recovery (93–95% of an applied compressive strain of 5%).
The usefulness of the NEO PI-R positive presentation management scale for detecting response distortion in employment contexts

Abstract This study examined the usefulness of the NEO PI-R Positive Presentation Management (PPM) scale for detecting response distortion in employment contexts. In study 1, personality and performance data from 90 customer service representatives were used to examine the possible moderating effect of positive presentation management on the personality–performance relation. In study 2, 150 students were given either job applicant or standard instructions before completing the NEO PI-R and the Balanced Inventory of Desirable Responding (BIDR). Results indicated that PPM did not moderate the personality–performance relationship; instead, it positively correlated with productivity ratings. PPM differentiated between applicant and general instruction conditions, but the BIDR Impression Management scale was more effective in this regard. And, PPM was more highly correlated with BIDR Self-Deceptive Enhancement than Impression Management. Thus, PPM may be a personality-related tendency to view oneself positively rather than an overt impression management tactic, and it may not be helpful in adjusting applicants’ personality scores for “faking”. These results emphasize the importance of construct validity studies of social desirability scales for use in employment contexts.
Nanodiamond planar lateral field emission diode

Abstract We report the fabrication and field emission characteristics of the nanodiamond planar lateral field emission diode. Nanodiamond films with grain size as small as 5–10 nm have been realized through the process of CH 4 /H 2 /N 2 microwave plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (MPECVD) by employing an effective growth rate reduction technique. Well-controlled processes have been developed; including reactive ion etch (RIE) to pattern the nanodiamond films to fabricate lateral field emission devices with planar lateral fingers. An anode–cathode spacing of 2 μm between the nanodiamond anode and cathode has been achieved. A nanodiamond lateral diode equipped with 6 fingers and an inter-electrode separation of 3 μm exhibits a turn-on voltage of 5.9 V (threshold electric field of 1.9 V/μm), one of the lowest reported for lateral field emission devices, and a high emission current of 1.1 mA (∼ 183 μA current per finger) at an anode voltage of 100 V (∼ 30 V/μm). The emission current is found to be stable with ∼ 4% fluctuation at 1 mA over 10 h. The nanodiamond lateral device is very promising for applications in vacuum nanoelectronics, sensors, and nanoelectromechanical systems.
Abstract A5: Cytotoxic Extracts of Ethnomedicinal Plants: Podophyllum peltatum (Mayapple) and Echinacea angustifolia

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC Phytochemicals and other natural compounds are historically established as cures for many ailments in rural America and developing countries. Our lab is testing plants that show potential for inhibiting the growth of cancer cells. The family Asteraceae and the family Berberidacae are very well known for there values as medicinal plants. More specifically, the genus species Echinacea angustifolia and genus species Podophyllum peltatum commonly known as the Mayapple, both are noted for there unique medicinal purposes. The crude methanolic extracts of these plants were tested against human metastatic cell lines representing breast (MCF-7),(BT-549), and (BT-20) tissues. Trypan blue exclusion is used to determine viable cell counts. Alamar BlueTM and florescent analysis were used to evaluate the cytoxicity of the extracts. Analysis of the crude extracts of Echinacea angustifolia has shown on MCF-7, BT-549 and BT-20 that most of them exhibit anticancer activity against the cell lines at the maximum concentration of 200 g /mL. In particular, less diluted concentrations have demonstrated exceptional inhibitory effects with IC50 values ranging between 0.10-15 g /mL, respectively. On the other hand, analysis of the crude extracts of Podophyllum peltatum (Mayapple) has shown on MCF-7, and BT-549 some anticancer activity against cell lines at the maximum concentration of 200 g /mL. More specifically, the more diluted concentrations have demonstrated exceptional growth inhibition with IC50 values ranging between 2-8g /mL Note: This abstract was not presented at the AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010 because the presenter was unable to attend. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 225.
Internal control technologies within industrial organizations

Previous studies of industrial organizations have examined the effects of formal monitoring controls on employee-performance. The present study extends existing research by analyzing the firm's ability to rely upon alternative internal control strategies and by including opportunities for employee-collusion. In particular, we model formal and informal monitoring activities and investigate their combined effect upon employees' incentives to collude. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis is performed to determine the relative efficiencies of various types of internal controls.