cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Teaching children with autism to engage in peer-directed mands using a picture exchange communication system

We evaluated differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA) plus prompting to increase peer-directed mands for preferred items using a picture exchange communication system (PECS). Two nonvocal individuals with autism participated. Independent mands with a peer increased with the implementation of DRA plus prompting for both participants. In addition, peers engaged in brief social interactions following the majority of mands for leisure items. These results suggest that teaching children to use PECS with peers may be one way to increase manding and social interactions in individuals with limited or no vocal repertoire.
Initiation of rrn transcription in chloroplasts of Euglena gracilis bacillaris

The site of initiation of chloroplast rRNA synthesis was determined by Sl-mapping and by sequencing primary rRNA transcripts specifically labeled at their 5′-end. Transcription initiates at a single site 53 nucleotides upstream of the 5'-end of the mature 16S rRNA under all growth conditions examined. The initiation site is within a DNA sequence that is highly homologous to and probably derived from a tRNA gene-region located elsewhere in the chloroplast genome. A nearly identical sequence (102 of 103 nucleotides) is present near the replication origin. The near identity of the two sequences suggests a common mode for control of transcription of the rRNA genes and initiation of chloroplast DNA replication. The related sequence in the tRNA gene-region does not appear to serve as a transcript initiation site.
Model for the Nucleation Mechanism of Protein Folding

A nucleation-like pathway of protein folding involves the formation of a cluster containing native residues that grows by including residues from the unfolded part of the protein. This pathway is examined by using a heteropolymer as a protein model. The model heteropolymer consists of hydrophobic and hydrophilic beads with fixed bond lengths and bond angles. The total energy of the heteropolymer is determined by the pairwise repulsive/attractive interactions between nonlinked beads and by the contribution from the dihedral angles involved. The parameters of these interactions can be rigorously defined, unlike the ill-defined surface tension of a cluster of protein residues that constitutes the basis of a previous nucleation model. The main idea underlying the new model consists of averaging the dihedral potential of a selected residue over all possible configurations of all neighboring residues along the protein chain. The resulting average dihedral potential depends on the distance between the selected residue and the cluster center. Its combination with the average pairwise potential of the selected residue and with a confining potential caused by the bonds between the residues leads to an overall potential around the cluster that has a double-well shape. Residues in the inner (closer to the cluster) well are considered as belonging to the folded cluster, whereas those in the outer well are treated as belonging to the unfolded part of the protein. Transitions of residues from the inner well into the outer one and vice versa are considered as elementary emission and absorption events, respectively. The double-well character of the potential well around the cluster allows one to determine the rates of both emission and absorption of residues by the cluster using a first passage time analysis. Once these rates are found as functions of the cluster size, one can develop a self-consistent kinetic theory for the nucleation mechanism of folding of a protein. The model allows one to evaluate the size of the nucleus and the protein folding time. The latter is evaluated as the sum of the times necessary for the first nucleation event to occur and for the nucleus to grow to the maximum size (of the folded protein). Depending on the diffusion coefficients of the native residues in the range from 10(-6) to 10(-8) cm2/s, numerical calculations for a protein of 2500 residues suggest that the folding time ranges from several seconds to several hundreds of seconds.
The cell boundary theorem : a simple law of the control of cytosolic calcium concentration

Many molecular biological interventions in current use, as well as inheritable disease conditions, modify the intracellular endowment of molecules that bind Ca2+ or channels and pumps that transfer it to and from intracellular storage organelles. A simple law, named the “cell boundary theorem,” states that intracellular alterations cannot directly result in changes in the cytosolic concentration, [Ca2+]i, in a true resting state. A demonstration of the validity of this theorem is provided. Several examples are then discussed of interventions or diseases that increase leak of Ca2+ from storage organelles and result in greater resting [Ca2+]i. According to the theorem, the increase in [Ca2+]i cannot be a direct consequence of the greater leak. Its primary cause must be a change of the fluxes at the level of the plasmalemma, caused in turn by the increase in leak through some sort of “store-operated Ca2+ entry.” While the law is discussed in terms of Ca2+ homeostasis, it applies to any solute that may be transported by the plasma membrane.
The linguistic unconscious of Jacques Lacan.

In a style notorious for its hermetic obscurity, Jacques Lacan has articulated a radical discourse based upon his reading of the primary Freudian texts. What appears more radical than his own polemics is Lacan's observation that what was most original and most important in Freud has remained ignored and denied ever since its discovery. Lacan's appeal to psychoanalysts is to return to Freud, reread his works, and rediscover what has been left out in current interpretations of psychoanalytic theory. In so doing, Lacan tenders, one cannot help but be struck with the singular importance and significance that Freud accorded his discovery of the unconscious. Given the current climate of psychoanalytic theorizing characterized by discussions of pre-Oedipal object relations and self-object transferences, Lacan's return to the unconscious may seem to be a step backward. After all, Freud himself supplanted the topographical theory with the structural theory, relegating the unconscious to a secondary characteristic of id-egosuperego functioning. Yet, it is known that even at the end of his life, Freud regarded the unconscious as his most important discovery, one that is critical to psychoanalytic theory and practice. Lacan contends that the significance of this discovery has become denatured and disavowed because of the distressing implications inherent in a full acceptance of its truth. Instead, analysts have focused on the ego as an agent of mastery and have emphasized adaptation as its goal. Such a conception of the ego is imaginary, according to Lacan, and serves only to foster the illusion of individual autonomy (2). Lacan's approach to the Freudian unconscious emphasizes its linguistic dimensions. Although Freud never explicitly described the unconscious as
Alotamide A, a novel neuropharmacological agent from the marine cyanobacterium Lyngbya bouillonii

Alotamide A (1), a structurally intriguing cyclic depsipeptide, was isolated from the marine mat-forming cyanobacterium Lyngbya bouillonii collected in Papua New Guinea. It features three contiguous peptidic residues and an unsaturated heptaketide with oxidations and methylations unlike those found in any other marine cyanobacterial metabolite. Pure alotamide A (1) displays an unusual calcium influx activation profile in murine cerebrocortical neurons with an EC50 of 4.18 μM.
Hematological Response to Cold and Mycoplasma gallisepticum in Turkeys

Abstract INTRODUCTION HEMATOLOGICAL responses to Mycoplasma gallisepticum (S6 strain) under normal temperature conditions have been studied by Fedde (1964) and Fedde and Pomeroy (1967). They found that there was a consistent monocytosis, which started as early as the second day post-inoculation and reached a maximum around the tenth day. There was an increase in the total number of white blood cells, total serum proteins, and the absolute number of heterophils, while the Arneth index was decreased. The infectious sinusitis caused by this microorganism is most prevalent in early fall when there is considerable variation in weather conditions and the temperature starts decreasing. This study was designed to determine the response of various blood components in M. gallisepticum inoculated and uninoculated turkeys in a cold environment. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirteen male and fifteen female Broad White turkeys, five weeks old, were randomly divided at the start of the experiment into three replicate …
Sexual risk behaviors among teens at an urban emergency department: relationship with violent behaviors and substance use

PURPOSE: Data regarding sexual risk behaviors among adolescent patients presenting to urban emergency departments (EDs) are lacking. This article describes rates and correlates of sexual risk behaviors among adolescents screened in an urban ED. METHODS: During a period of 1-year, a total of 1,576 patients aged 14-18 years, self-administered a computerized survey (57.6% female, 59.3% African American). RESULTS: Among sexually active adolescents (60%), 12% reported four or more partners; of those, 45.3% reported using a condom all the time and 14.7% reported using substances before sex. Regression analyses examined correlates of sexual risk behaviors on the basis of demographics, violence, and substance use. Males and younger teens were more likely to report condom use than females and older teens. Participants with poor grades were more likely to have had sex and used substances before sex, and were less likely to report condom use. Participants reporting dating violence were more likely to have had sex and less likely to have used condoms, whereas participants reporting peer violence and weapon carriage were more likely to report substance use before sex. Binge drinking and marijuana use were associated with all sex risk behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: The visit to an urban ED may provide an opportunity to deliver interventions to address sexual risk behaviors among adolescents. Language: en
The effect of muscarinic agonists and selective receptor subtype antagonists on the contractile response of the isolated rhesus monkey ciliary muscle

Abstract There are ultrastructural and histochemical differences between the longitudinal (putatively more relevant to outflow facility) and circular (putatively more relevant to accommodation) portions of the primate ciliary muscle. Oxotremorine, a muscarinic agonist putatively somewhat selective for the M2 receptor subtype, binds preferentially to the longitudinal rather than the circular portion. Aceclidine, a putatively non-subtype selective muscarinic agonist, can dissociate accommodative and outflow facility responses in monkeys and humans. We used the muscarinic receptor subtype antagonists 4-diphenylacetoxy-N-methylpiperidine methobromide (4-DAMP), 11-{[2-(diethylamino)methyl]-1-piperidinyl}acetyl]-5,11-dihydro-6H-pyrido[2,3b][1,4]benzodiazepine-6-one (AF-DX 116), and piranzepine to inhibit contractile responses to the muscarinic agonists carbachol, aceclidine and oxotremorine in the longitudinal and circular vectors of the rhesus monkey ciliary muscle in vitro. Oxotremorine generated dose-response curves that were similar in both the circular and longitudinal vectors and intermediate to those previously reported for carbachol and aceclidine. 4-DAMP (M3 selective) was the most potent inhibitor of contractile responses to all three agonists, with IC50 values ranging from 33 to 68 nM for the circular and from 27 to 63 nM for the longitudinal vector, depending on the agonist used to elicit contraction. Pirenzepine (M1 selective) was ≥ 25-fold less potent and AF-DX 116 (M2 selective) was ≥ 108-fold less potent at inhibiting contractile responses to all three agonists in either vector, indicating that M3 is the predominant receptor subtype mediating ciliary muscle contraction in both vectors. The IC25, IC50 and IC75 values for all three antagonists against aceclidine was approximately 1·4-fold less for the longitudinal than the circular vector, of uncertain relevance to aceclidine's in vivo facility-accommodation dissociation.
Novel method of measuring cantilever deflection during an AFM force measurement

A combination of a reflection interference contrast microscope (RICM) and the atomic force microscope (AFM) was used to monitor the cantilever-surface separation distance during force measurements using the streptavidin-biotin recognition pairs. The RICM showed that the cantilever loses contact with the surface before the final rupture of the adhesive bonds is measured by the AFM detection system. This finding suggests that the immobilization of biotin by physisorbed albumin and subsequent binding of streptavidin might have created a cross-linked protein network whose cohesion is tested by the AFM cantilever with the immobilized biotin ligands.
Metis, Mêtis, Mestiza, Medusa: Rhetorical Bodies across Rhetorical Traditions

The author argues that we have chosen a rhetorical history that normalizes and silences rhetorical bodies. In response, the author exhumes an embodied history of rhetoric, reexamining the myths of the Greek goddess Metis as a means of enlivening rhetorical theory and history. The author then connects these myths to other rhetorical traditions invoked by Helene Cixous and Gloria Anzaldua, connecting Metis to Medusa and to mestiza consciousness. The author affirms the rhetorical power of the body, specifically of those bodies that challenge rhetorical norms.
Optical activity of Na3[Dy(oxydiacetate)3] · 2NaClO4 · 6H2O☆

Abstract Circular dichroism (CD) and circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) spectra are reported for single crystals of Na 3 [Dy(ODA) 3 ]·2NaClO 4 · 6H 2 O (ODA ≡; oxydiacetate) at 10 K. The spectra for transitions with significant magnetic dipole intensity (selection rule ¦ΔJ¦⩽1 ) show large amounts of optical activity, as expected. Optical activity observed in other transitions is dependent on the degree of mixing of other levels into the states involved.
Use of structural alterations in the synthesis of halothane metabolite antigens to mimic halothane-induced immunogen.

Four hapten-carrier conjugates were synthesized to evaluate any potential antigenic similarities between these synthetic compounds and the immunogens induced in vivo by the anesthetic, halothane an...
Providing Qualified Teachers for Urban Schools: The Effectiveness of the Accelerated Collaborative Teacher Preparation Program in Recruiting, Preparing, and Retaining Teachers

Abstract This article examines the effectiveness of a 1-year full-time credential program in recruiting, preparing, and retaining elementary, secondary, and special education teachers for urban schools. The program was designed to restructure teacher education as a shared school-university responsibility and to reflect best teacher preparation practices that address the diverse needs of students in urban communities. Demographic and survey data were gathered from 6 years of program graduates. Findings indicate that the program recruited 554 candidates over 6 years, with 94% completing it; 43% were hired in the urban school district where they were trained; and at the end of 5 years of teaching, retention averaged 74%. Overall, graduates reported satisfaction with their preparation and teaching careers and discussed the most helpful aspects of their preparation. Implications are discussed regarding the design and components of a school-university credential program that enhance the preparation of high-qual...
The Origins and Demise of the Concept of Race

widely assumed that races have been a primordial source of identity and intergroup antagonism from the earliest societies to the present, with ancient hatreds, exploitation, and discrimination among the most common patterns. Even in modern societies, which have exposed the myth of racism, race remains a widely used term for socially defined groups in popular discourse-and, in some countries, also in scholarly research, and public policy. A basic problem with this perspective is that it is increasingly difficult to define and measure race as a social category. Are Jews a race? What about Muslims in Europe or Koreans in Japan? If Filipinos and Samoans are official races listed in the US census form, why can't Arab Americans or Middle Easterners be included? And how might the golfer Tiger Woods respond to the standard question about his racial identity? Although these questions may seem merely pedantic, many critical issues of public policy are shaped by the perceptions of racial identities and racial boundaries. Who should be eligible for preferential admission to universities in the United States, Canada, Malaysia, India, South Africa, and other societies that have affirmative action policies? What are the rules for defining the descendants of indigenous peoples who are seeking redress for the expropriation of their ancestral lands in the United States, Canada, and many other countries around the globe? Who decides one's racial originsare they based on subjective identity or are there objective criteria that observers can use? These are challenging questions that will tie policymakers and scholars into knots in the coming years as they attempt to take race into account in order to fashion nonracial or postracist societies. In this essay, I review the history of the concept of race and its ties to social science, including demography. My conclusion (drawing on the work
Integrating social and biologic factors in health research : A systems view

An important focus of recent calls for interdisciplinary approaches in health research has been the integration of social and biomedical sciences in understanding the causes of ill-health. Typical models for the incorporation of social factors into biomedical research include social factors as distal antecedents of more proximate biologic factors and gene-environment interaction. Under both models the distinction between social and biologic factors remains clear-cut, and consideration of social factors is not indispensable for understanding the biologic processes leading to disease. However, recent evidence suggests that social and biologic processes are inextricably linked in systems. This paper reviews models for the incorporation of social factors into the study of health, discusses the potentialities of systems approaches, and highlights implications for population health and epidemiology.
Wireless Network Design for Transmission Line Monitoring in Smart Grid

In this paper, we develop a real-time situational awareness framework for the electrical transmission power grid using Wireless Sensor Network (WSN). While WSNs are capable of cost efficient monitoring over vast geographical areas, several technical challenges exist. The low power, low data rate devices cause bandwidth and latency bottlenecks. In this paper, our objective is to design a wireless network capable of real-time delivery of physical measurements for ideal preventive or corrective control action. For network design, we formulate an optimization problem with the objective of minimizing the installation and operational costs while satisfying the end-to-end latency and bandwidth constraints of the data flows. We study a hybrid hierarchical network architecture composed of a combination of wired, wireless and cellular technologies that can guarantee low cost real-time data monitoring. We formulate a placement problem to find the optimal location of cellular enabled transmission towers. Further, we present evaluation results of the optimization solution for diverse scenarios. Our formulation is generic and addresses real world scenarios with asymmetric sensor data generation, unreliable wireless link behavior, non-uniform cellular coverage, etc. Our analysis shows that a transmission line monitoring framework using WSN is indeed feasible using available technologies. Our results show that wireless link bandwidth can be a limiting factor for cost optimization.
Xenopus laevis sperm-egg adhesion is regulated by modifications in the sperm receptor and the egg vitelline envelope

17, 294–318, 1991). However, the biological signiﬁcance ofthese changes with respect to gamete interaction has been unclear. In the current study, it was found that changes in theenvelope are directly responsible for regulating sperm–egg adhesion, an initial step of fertilization. As a result of thesetransformations, sperm bind only to unfertilized oviposited eggs, not to oocytes or coelomic eggs. In addition, they do notbind to fertilized eggs. The molecular and cellular basis of the regulation of the sperm binding process was investigated inthe context of our recent ﬁndings that two structurally related envelope glycoproteins, gp69/64, serve as sperm receptorsduring fertilization (Tian, J.-D., Gong, H., Thomsen, G. H., and Lennarz, W. J.,
The Heraclidae of Euripides

Since Hermann first suggested the likelihood of a considerable loss of verses from the text of the Heraclidae it has been generally assumed that the play has suffered either from some mischance in the copying of the manuscript or else at the hand of an interpolator. Hermann held that the end of the play had been lost: ‘Fabulae extrema pars videtur intercidisse, in qua fieri non poterat quin de Macaria referretur, eaque res solitis celebraretur lamentis.’ Kirchhoff places the lacuna after line 629: ‘Post hunc versum multa desunt. Macariae narratio et Alcmenae matris [ sic ] lamentationes cum chori cantico integro; novit hanc fabulae partem auctor argumenti: **ταύτην μ⋯ν eὐγeν⋯ς ⋯ποθανο⋯σαν ⋯τίμησαν αὐτο⋯ δ⋯ τοὺς πολeμ⋯ους ⋯πιγνόντeς παρόντας eἰς τ⋯ν μάχην ὥρμησαν.’ Wilamowitz argues against the assumption of a ‘mechanischer Ausfall’ of a whole passage, and maintains that the play has been revised by a fourth century regisseur in order to adapt it to the capacity of his theatrical troupe.
Interactive time optimal robot motion planning and work-cell layout design

The author presents an interactive motion planning system designed to obtain near-time-optimal and obstacle-free paths efficiently. A geometric representation of robot dynamics reduces the motion planning problem to a simple geometric task. A graphic display of the acceleration capabilities of the manipulator tip and the forbidden regions around the obstacles guides the user in interactively selecting a near-time-optimal and obstacle-free path. The selected path is evaluated by the time-optimal velocity profile along that path, obtained by online optimization. Using the interactive system, paths to within 3% of the optimal were computed in very short time compared to conventional optimization methods. Examples of planning the motions of a two-link manipulator operating in a cluttered environment are presented. Where the layout of the workcell makes the paths inefficient or prevents a movement altogether, the system can be used to redesign the cell layout. >
Invariant Feeding Kinematics of Two Trophically Distinct Nonnative Florida Fishes, Belonesox belizanus and Cichlasoma urophthalmus across Environmental Temperature Regimes

Nonnative fishes have the ability to adapt to environmental conditions in the invaded ecosystem and utilize resources that may have been absent in their native ecosystem. Belonesox belizanus and Cichlasoma urophthalmus are both nonnative fishes in Florida. Ecomorphological studies conclude that C. urophthalmus is a trophic generalist while B . belizanus is a trophic specialist. The current Florida distribution of these species indicates that C. urophthalmus spreads northerly into the colder regions of Florida at a faster rate than B . belizanus . Is it conceivable that this variation in rate of spread is due to differences in temperature response between these ecomorphologically distinct nonnative fishes? This study was designed to test the hypothesis that the prey-capture kinematics and behavior differ between C. urophthalmus and B . belizanus at a given temperature and across temperatures. Two-Way Repeated Measures Multivariate Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVAR) revealed that (1) at a given temperature, excursion and timing variables differed between species and (2) the kinematics of prey-capture did not vary across temperatures in both species. This interspecific comparison suggests that both species have the same temperature tolerance and that any difference in their rate of spread across Florida may be driven by factors other than species-specific physiological tolerance to temperature.
A second order accurate projection method for the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations on non-graded adaptive grids

We present an unconditionally stable second order accurate projection method for the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations on non-graded adaptive Cartesian grids. We employ quadtree and octree data structures as an efficient means to represent the grid. We use the supra-convergent Poisson solver of C.-H. Min, F. Gibou, H. Ceniceros, A supra-convergent finite difference scheme for the variable coefficient Poisson equation on fully adaptive grids, CAM report 05-29, J. Comput. Phys. (in press)], a second order accurate semi-Lagrangian method to update the momentum equation, an unconditionally stable backward difference scheme to treat the diffusion term and a new method that guarantees the stability of the projection step on highly non-graded grids. We sample all the variables at the grid nodes, producing a scheme that is straightforward to implement. We propose two and three-dimensional examples to demonstrate second order accuracy for the velocity field and the divergence free condition in the L1 and L∞ norms.
Technology meets tradition: A combined VIE-C technique for individually marking anurans

We report on the use of a hybrid marking technique (VIE-C) combining Visible Implant Elastomer (VIE) marks with toe-clipping (C) to mark individuals of several species of treefrogs (Hylidae). Our marking strategy entailed injecting elastomer into the plantar surface of the digits and clipping only one toe. This method allows large numbers of frogs to be individually marked, reduces the potential for negative effects due to clipping multiple toes, and minimizes the frequency of elastomer migration from the injection site, a common problem with VIE marks on the body or limbs. We found retention rate of VIE marks in the digits to be similar to that of toe-clips, indicating that VIE provides a satisfactory alternative to multiple toe-clips. In addition, cost of materials, frog handling time, and ill effects were minimal. This VIE-C marking scheme is highly recommended when considering techniques for marking anurans, as it reduces potential negative effects of clipping multiple toes, and provides a large number of inexpensive and long-lasting individual marks that can be easily applied and quickly read in the field by trained observers.
RADAR: Rate-Alert Dynamic RTS/CTS Exchange for Performance Enhancement in Multi-Rate Wireless Networks

Rate adaptation is a common technique to exploit channel diversity in wireless networks. Despite the many rate adaptation algorithms proposed for 802.11 networks, the ARF (auto rate fallback) remains the most widely adopted scheme in commercial 802.11 products due to its simplicity. However, ARF suffers from some disadvantages. Our research effort revealed the rate avalanche effect that could significantly degrade the network performance of heavily loaded 802.11 networks. In this work, we propose RADAR (Rate-Alert DynAmic Rts/cts exchange) to judiciously exploit dynamic RTS/CTS exchange in multi-rate 802.11 networks. RADAR could effectively suppress the rate avalanche effect while at the same time minimizes the transmission overhead of RTS/CTS exchanges. Being fully compatible with current 802.11 standards, RADAR can be readily implemented in the NIC driver. Through extensive simulations using realistic channel propagation and reception models, we demonstrate that RADAR is a practical and efficient performance enhancement approach for multi-rate 802.11 networks.
Measuring the Value of Public Health Systems: The Disconnect Between Health Economists and Public Health Practitioners

We investigated ways of defining and measuring the value of services provided by governmental public health systems. Our data sources included literature syntheses and qualitative interviews of public health professionals. Our examination of the health economic literature revealed growing attempts to measure value of public health services explicitly, but few studies have addressed systems or infrastructure. Interview responses demonstrated no consensus on metrics and no connection to the academic literature. Key challenges for practitioners include developing rigorous, data-driven methods and skilled staff; being politically willing to base allocation decisions on economic evaluation; and developing metrics to capture “intangibles” (e.g., social justice and reassurance value). Academic researchers evaluating the economics of public health investments should increase focus on the working needs of public health professionals.
On the apparent persistence of disparlure in the human body.

Previously I reported on long-term persistence of personal attractiveness to the gypsy moth, Lvmantria dispar (L.) (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) following my exposure to the racemic form of its attractant, disparlure (cis-7-8-epoxy-2-methytoctadecane) (Cameron, 1981, 1983). My last known direct contact with disparlure was during the 1977 field season. For the historical record, I note the following facts. Even though rigorous testing, such as that reported in my 1983 paper, has not been repeated, I have noted during each succeeding field season whether or not attractiveness persisted. Each field season through and including the summer of 1993, male gypsy moths continued to orient to and commonly make contact with me under a variety of conditions; no plausible explanation other than my persisting personal attractiveness to these insects could explain the phenomenon. For example, during casual conversations with colleagues while we were standing in paved parking lots at least tens of meters from the nearest tree, we have observed male moths exhibiting typical response behavior oriented towards my legs and torso but not to other individuals. Subjectively, I suspect a modest diminution of my attractiveness in recent years, but this may only reflect changes in naturally occurring populations. During the summer of 1994, I participated in trapping tests during which I baited numbers of gypsy moth traps with synthetic lures. Although I took rigorous precautions to avoid direct contact with any of the lures, doubtless at a minimum I inhaled at least small quantities of pheromone. My original "contamination" was through an undetermined route(s), but certainly inhalation would
Effects of IBMX on norepinephrine-induced vasoconstriction in small mesenteric arteries.

The present study assesses the effects of the phosphodiesterase inhibitor IBMX on norepinephrine (NE)-induced constriction of small mesenteric arteries. Arteries (∼150 μm) were dissected from rats ...
The handling of missing data in molecular epidemiology studies.

Molecular epidemiology studies face a missing data problem, as biospecimen or imaging data are often collected on only a proportion of subjects eligible for study. We investigated all molecular epidemiology studies published as Research Articles, Short Communications, or Null Results in Brief in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention from January 1, 2009, to March 31, 2010, to characterize the extent that missing data were present and to elucidate how the issue was addressed. Of 278 molecular epidemiology studies assessed, most (95%) had missing data on a key variable (66%) and/or used availability of data (often, but not always the biomarker data) as inclusion criterion for study entry (45%). Despite this, only 10% compared subjects included in the analysis with those excluded from the analysis and 88% with missing data conducted a complete-case analysis, a method known to yield biased and inefficient estimates when the data are not missing completely at random. Our findings provide evidence that missing data methods are underutilized in molecular epidemiology studies, which may deleteriously affect the interpretation of results. We provide practical guidelines for the analysis and interpretation of molecular epidemiology studies with missing data. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 20(8); 1571–9. ©2011 AACR . See editorial, [p. 1567][1] [1]: /lookup/volpage/20/1567?iss=8
Wilms' tumor in adults: Aspiration cytology and cytogenetics

The fine-needle aspiration cytologic findings of Wilms' tumor occurring in a 20-yr-old female patient and a 35-yr-old male patient showing blastemal, spindled sarcomatous and rare epithelial components are reported. The male patient had the typical presentation of renal mass with metastasis to lung and pleura, whereas the female patient had an unusual presentation with the tumor originated from the subcapsular nephrogenic zone of the kidney, extending into the liver without invasion into the renal cortex. Cytogenetic analysis of this case identified: 90, XXXX, +2x3-4, -5, -15, -16, -17, -17, i (17)(q10) x2. This finding may represent a genetic change associated with Wilms' tumor of older pediatric and young adult patients. To the best of our knowledge, this case is the sixth case with cytogenetic study and the first case revealing isochromosome 17q of an adult Wilms' tumor.
A Randomized Controlled Prospective Outcome Study of a Psychological and Pharmacological Intervention Protocol for Procedural Distress in Pediatric Leukemia

Evaluated distress during invasive procedures in childhood leukemia. Child and parent distress, assessed by questionnaire s and ratings, were compared in two arms of a randomized, controlled prospective study, one a pharmacologic only (PO) (n = 45) and the other a combined pharmacologic and psychological intervention (Cl) (n = 47), at 1, 2, and 6 months after diagnosis. The crosssectional control group (CC) consisted of parents of 70 patients in first remission prior to the prospective study. Mothers' and nurses' ratings of child distress indicated less child distress in the Cl group than the PO. When contrasted with the CC group, the Cl group showed lower levels of child distress. Data showed decreases over time in distress and concurrent improvements in quality of life and parenting stress and supported an inverse association between distress and child age.
Comparison of two light reflector patterns designed for PMT-Quadrant-Sharing (PQS) Time-of-Flight PET detectors

In this paper we compared both the timing resolution and the 2-dimension (2D) decoding map of two different reflector patterns of PMT-Quadrant-Sharing (PQS) block to obtain an optimized detector design for Time-of-Flight (TOF) PET application. Light reflectors (ESR mirror film from 3M Co.) in a PQS scintillation crystal block control the light-sharing ratio and light spread angle to the PMTs that determine the quality of the 2D decoding map. The objective of this study is to investigate the timing affected by reflector length. We built two 13×13 LYSO PQS blocks (4×4×20 mm3) with different reflector patterns (mask #1 and #2). Mask #1 is a decoding-optimized reflector pattern developed by our lab. Mask #2 is 2 mm in average shorter than the mask #1. A 4×4×20 mm3 monolithic LYSO coupled to fast Hamamatsu PMT R9779 was used as a reference for the timing measurement which had a resolution of 214 ps (FHWM). Signals from PMTs were captured by oscilloscope and analyzed with Labview. Linear fitting and extrapolation to the baseline of the pulse rising edge was used to get the pulse arrival time. The result shows the block with shorter mask #2 provided an improvement of 6.2% in timing resolution and 5.1% higher in energy than that with longer mask #1 for the crystals in the block center with a trade-off of 8% shrinking in 2D decoding map, which decreases the average peak-valley ratio from 3.3 to 3.0.
PEM: a framework enabling continual optimization of workflow process executions based upon business value metrics

The competitiveness of the market place and the advent of on demand services computing are encouraging many organizations to improve their business efficiency and agility via business process management technologies. A lot of work has been done in process codification, tracking, and automation. However, a significant gap still remains between the way an organization's codified processes execute and the organization's business objectives such as maximizing profit with high-degree of customer satisfaction. This paper addresses this gap by proposing a process execution management (PEM) framework which enables continual optimization of workflow process executions based upon business value metrics such as SLA breach penalty, revenue, and customer satisfaction index. We have implemented the PEM framework based upon leading commercial products. We have also used the framework to develop two representative business performance management solutions for service quality management processes and application execution workflows. Our experimental results show that, when compared with a state-of-the-art commercial workflow product, our PEM system can reduce the loss of business value of a set of process execution requests by 67% on average.
The Truth Must Dazzle Gradually: A Memoir, by Helen Rippier Wheeler

The Truth Must Dazzle Gradually is an inside look into the personal story of Helen Rippier Wheeler. Growing up during the Depression, when divorce was not common or accepted, Helen had to bear the ...
Methods of 3D Printing Micro-pillar Structures on Surfaces

This work presents a method of 3D printing hair-like structures on both flat and curved surfaces. It allows a user to design and fabricate hair geometry that is smaller than 100 micron. We built a software platform to let one quickly define a hair's angle, thickness, density, and height. The ability to fabricate customized hair-like structures expands the library of 3D-printable shape. We then present several applications to show how the 3D-printed hair can be used for designing toy objects.
High Surface Area Transparent Conducting Oxide Electrodes with a Customizable Device Architecture

Herein, we report the development of optically transparent high surface area electrodes (HSEs) made of indium tin oxide (ITO) using a facile, template-free, scalable wet chemical synthetic approach. The transparent HSEs are electronically conductive and physically robust, with tunable electrochemically accessible roughness factors from 1 through ∼100. These transparent HSEs can serve as a broadly functionalizable scaffold ideally suited to bridge the gap between the need to minimize ionic and electronic transport lengths within a device and the need to achieve high loadings of active material per surface area (e.g. for high capacity as needed for batteries or high optical density as required for electrochromics or photovoltaics). This gap currently stands as a major hurdle for the utilization of many nanomaterials in electronic and optoelectronic devices. The synthetic approach described here for ITO is transferable to other transparent conducting oxide (TCO) materials. This is the first report of a large...
Rethinking the Authorship and Dating of "Gujing ji"

(2002). Rethinking the Authorship and Dating of 'Gujing ji' Tang Studies: Vol. 2002, No. 20-21, pp. 1-38.
Effects of radio frequency interference mitigation strategies on meteorological data

The cost effectiveness and success of the United States' Multi-function Phased Array Radar (MPAR) initiative depends on its ability to execute all of its missions, including meteorological surveillance and general radar target detection and identification. Both missions rely on high quality data, which could be compromised by radio frequency interference as spectrum becomes more valuable and more users appear. Radio frequency interference has been observed at operational radar sites and will only become more prevalent in the future. Fortunately, strategies to mitigate the effects of radio frequency interference exist and more are being developed. This paper investigates the effect of several popular radio frequency interference mitigation strategies on the quality of meteorological data.
A Review of Databases Used in Orthopaedic Surgery Research and an Analysis of Database Use in Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate how database use has changed over time in Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery and to inform readers about available databases used in orthopaedic literature. Methods An extensive literature search was conducted to identify databases used in Arthroscopy and other orthopaedic literature. All articles published in Arthroscopy between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2015, were reviewed. A database was defined as a national, widely available set of individual patient encounters, applicable to multiple patient populations, used in orthopaedic research in a peer-reviewed journal, not restricted by encounter setting or visit duration, and with information available in English. Results Databases used in Arthroscopy included PearlDiver, the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, the Danish Common Orthopaedic Database, the Swedish National Knee Ligament Register, the Hospital Episodes Statistics database, and the National Inpatient Sample. Database use increased significantly from 4 articles in 2013 to 11 articles in 2015 ( P = .012), with no database use between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2012. Conclusions Database use increased significantly between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2015, in Arthroscopy. Level of Evidence Level IV, systematic review of Level II through IV studies.
Cascade sample matrix inversion arrays

It is shown that if a narrowband adaptive array is partitioned and processed as a cascade of adaptive arrays, computational complexity is reduced and performance is only slightly degraded. The sample matrix inversion (SMI) and covariance matrix estimation are discussed. Cascade SMI complexity is examined. Simulation results are presented. >
Abdominal Imaging Following Urinary Reconstruction: Recommendations and Pitfalls

Radiologic imaging after urinary diversion is an essential part of the postoperative surveillance. Both early and late complications can be subtle. The primary goals are to evaluate for any upper tract abnormalities, tumor recurrence, or surgical complications. It is imperative that the urologist be aware of the radiologic evaluation of the most common urinary diversions, expected anatomic changes, and the various complications that may manifest following diversion.
Emergency Department Ultrasound as a Diagnostic and Therapeutic Guide

The clinical role of ultrasound (US) has changed rapidly over the past few decades. As technology has improved, it has allowed US machines to become portable with improving quality of images. The most dramatic change has been in the emergency and critical care settings where it provides immediately interpretable and reproducible images at bedside, allowing answers to time-sensitive questions. As the use of ultrasound expands, it is likely that it will be used at bedside throughout hospitals to perform rapid evaluations and monitor response to treatment. Its advantages include its noninvasive nature, lack of ionizing radiation, and cost-effectiveness.
Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins An Intriguing New Twist With Profound Implications

Modern antithrombotic therapy for acute coronary syndromes rests on a growing body of basic and clinical evidence that rupture or erosion of the surface of a vulnerable plaque sets in motion a sequence of events culminating in thrombus formation in the culprit vessel.1 When the contents of a vulnerable plaque are exposed to the bloodstream, platelets adhere to the subendothelial matrix, release ADP and thromboxane A2, and amplify the generation of thrombin.2 As a result, a platelet aggregate begins to develop. In addition, the coagulation cascade is activated and fibrin strands are formed. Thrombin (factor IIa) plays a pivotal role in the processes described above because of its extensive procoagulant and prothrombotic actions.3 In addition to catalyzing the transformation of soluble fibrinogen into fibrin monomers and activating factor XIII to produce cross-linked fibrin, thrombin promotes clot formation by activating factors V and VIII. It is also one of the most potent agents responsible for platelet adhesion, activation, and aggregation. In vessels with a diseased endothelium, thrombin promotes the release of the vasoconstrictor endothelin 1. Importantly, thrombin also potentiates the proliferative effects of multiple growth factors and is a key mediator of early smooth muscle cell proliferation after arterial injury. There is now abundant evidence that thrombus formation can be prevented by direct or indirect inactivation of thrombin or by inhibition of thrombin production via the intrinsic or extrinsic limbs of the coagulation pathway.3 Unfractionated heparin, the standard antithrombotic agent in clinical practice, is a glycosaminoglycan, consisting of chains of alternating residues of d-glucosamine and uronic acid.4 Although familiar to the vast majority of clinicians, unfractionated heparin has several disadvantages: (1) a variable anticoagulant effect (necessitating frequent monitoring of activated partial thromboplastin time), (2) neutralization by platelet factor 4, (3) less effective inhibition …
Sarcocystis pantherophisi n. sp., from Eastern Rat Snakes (Pantherophis alleghaniensis) as Definitive Hosts and Interferon Gamma Gene Knockout Mice as Experimental Intermediate Hosts

Abstract Here, we report a new species, Sarcocystis pantherophisi n. sp., with the Eastern rat snake (Pantherophis alleghaniensis) as natural definitive host and the interferon gamma gene knockout (KO) mouse as the experimental intermediate host. Sporocysts (n = 15) from intestinal contents of the snake were 10.8 × 8.9 μm. Sporocysts were orally infective to KO mice but not to laboratory-raised albino outbred house mice (Mus musculus). The interferon gamma KO mice developed schizont-associated neurological signs, and schizonts were cultivated in vitro from the brain. Mature sarcocysts were found in skeletal muscles of KO mice examined 41 days postinoculation (PI). Sarcocysts were slender, up to 70 μm wide and up to 3.5 mm long. By light microscopy, sarcocysts appeared thin-walled (<1 μm) without projections. By transmission electron microscopy, the sarcocyst wall was a variant of “type 1” (type 1i, new designation). The parasitophorous vacuolar membrane (pvm) had approximately 100-nm-wide × 100-nm-long bl...
Surgical Margins: The Perspective of Pathology

Neoplasms of the head and neck constitute a broad spectrum of benign and malignant entities. When treatment involves resection, assessment of the surgical margins represents an important component of the pathologic examination. Margin status is an important indicator of a complete surgical resection. The ability to generalize conclusions such as 'safe distance' measurements from work performed mSCCa or cutaneous malignancy to other types of neoplasms in the head and neck region seems limited. This article reviews conditions and considerations for reliable margin assessment and interpretation.
1-week treatment with colloidal bismuth subcitrate, tetracycline, and metronidazole with 4-weeks of omeprazole eradicated Helicobacter pylori in patients with duodenal ulcer

Source Citation Hosking SW, Ling TK, Yung MY, et al. Randomised controlled trial of short term treatment to eradicate Helicobacter pylori in patients with duodenal ulcer. BMJ. 1992 Aug 29;305:502-4.
Minds, Hearts, and Bodies, Not Data Points: A Response to Harris, McDonald, and Sparks’s “Sexual Harassment in the Military: Individual Experiences, Demographics, and Organizational Contexts”

Harris, McDonald, and Sparks’s recent quantitative research article, Sexual Harassment in the Military: Individual Experiences, Demographics, and Organizational Contexts, does not deliver its title...