cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gangliosides Inhibit Platelet‐Derived Growth Factor‐Stimulated Growth, Receptor Phosphorylation, and Dimerization in Neuroblastoma SH‐SY5Y Cells

Abstract: SH-SY5Y is a thrice cloned cell line originally derived from the human neuroblastoma cell line SK-N-SH. It grows well in serum-containing medium and undergoes neuritogenesis in response to several trophic factors. Because it has been reported that this clonal line does not have receptors for platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), it has been unclear what the major mitogenic factor in serum is for these cells. In competitive binding studies using radiolabeled PDGF-BB, we found that SH-SY5Y cells specifically bind PDGF with a KD = 0.14 ± 0.06 nM and Bmax = 7.3 ± 2.3 pM. Functionality of these receptors was demonstrated by an increased [3H]-thymidine incorporation in response to PDGF (stimulation index = 2.5). At concentrations of PDGF-BB between 5 and 100 ng/ml, maximum stimulation occurred with 20 ng/ml. Maximum DNA synthesis occurred after 12–24-h exposure to PDGF. Gangliosides GM3 and GT1b greatly inhibited [3H]thymidine incorporation, which was also inhibited to a lesser extent by GM1. Phosphorylation on tyrosine of a 170-kDa protein in response to PDGF stimulation of intact cells was demonstrated by western blot analysis probing with anti-phosphotyrosine antibody. Immunoprecipitation with anti-PDGF β-receptor antibody and visualization on a western blot with an anti-phosphotyrosine antibody also revealed a 170-kDa protein. Maximum phosphorylation of the 170-kDa protein occurred after 5-min exposure to 20 ng/ml PDGF. This phosphorylation was inhibited by gangliosides GM1, GM2, GD1a, and GT1b but not by GM3. Receptor dimerization was also inhibited by GM1. These results show that SH-SY5Y cells have specific receptors for PDGF-BB that are functional, and can be modulated by gangliosides.
Metal acetylene cluster ions M+(C2H2)n as model reactors for studying reactivity of laser-generated transition metal cations

Abstract The present study explores the feasibility of utilizing acetylene clusters as model reactors for screening the catalytic activity of transition metal ions towards the polymerization of acetylene. Laser vaporization/ionization is used to generate atomic transition metal cations (M+*) which interact with neutral acetylene clusters to generate M+(C2H2)n cluster ions. Evidence is presented for C H bond activation by low-lying excited states of the laser-generated V+, Fe+, Co+ and Ni+ ions. A sequential addition of acetylene molecules to the activated acetylene monomer within the clusters is proposed as a possible mechanism for polymerization of acetylene, initiated by C H bond activation. The proposed mechanism suggests the intermediacy of C4H3+ in the generation of higher hydrocarbon species such as C6H4+, C6H5+, C8H6+ and C8H7+. Based on thermodynamic considerations it is expected that the observed hydrocarbon ions would have cyclic structures equivalent to benzene and styrene fragments. Enhanced ion intensities have been observed for V+(C2H2)2, Cr+(C2H2)2, Fe+(C2H2)4, Fe+(C2H2)4, Co+(C2H2)3, Ni+(C2H2)3, and Cu+(C2H2)3 consistent with the formation of stable covalent products formed by metal ion catalyzed polymerization of acetylene clusters. DFT calculations identify the structures of the initially formed trimer ion clusters Fe+(C2H2)3, Co+(C2H2)3 and Ni+(C2H2)3 where the metal cation is embedded in a “cage” created by the three acetylene molecules. Isomerization of these cluster ions into the more stable metal ion–benzene adducts is suggested and the energy needed to surpass the isomerization barriers is likely to come from the laser-generated excited state metal ions. A remarkable even–odd alternation has been observed for Co+(C2H2)n clusters with enhanced ion intensities for n = 3, 6, 9 and 12, which could be explained by multiple isomerization events resulting in the formation of Co+(benzene)n clusters with n = 1–4. The combination of the excited state energy of the TM ions and the unique cluster environment which promotes concerted multi-monomer interactions with the metal ions could lead, under favorable conditions, to TM ion-mediated cyclotrimerization of acetylene molecules resulting in the formation of benzene and other polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Monte Carlo simulations of probe-host chain entanglement: Influence of host mobility and size on probe electrophoretic motion

A Monte Carlo method simulates chain trajectories during the pairwise configurational interactions of a single field-driven polyelectrolyte probe chain and a single neutral host chain. The goal is to understand how the mobility and chain length of dilute, neutral polymers affect the separation of dilute polyelectrolytes during capillary electrophoresis in a neutral polymer solution. The simulations fix probe charge density, Debye-Huckel screening length, and probe-host starting displacement, but vary chain length from 50 to 200 and 70 to 200 Kuhn steps, respectively, for flexible probe and hosts. Many trajectories lead to probe-host chain entanglement, an event believed responsible for the polyelectrolyte size discrimination observed in actual experiments. Chain distortions in response to such entanglement frequently produce double hairpin configurations that persist until the shortest hairpin arm slides past the locus of entanglement. Average probe velocity exhibits a minimum when probe and host chain lengths are nearly equal. The minimum reflects an interplay of two effects: the average duration of entanglement, which by increasing with probe length reduces mobility, and the average displacement of an entanglement, which by increasing with probe length raises mobility.
Analysis of chemotactic molecules in bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells and the skin: Ccl27-Ccr10 axis as a basis for targeting to cutaneous tissues

Abstract Background aims Adult stem cells produce a plethora of extracellular matrix molecules and have a high potential as cell-based therapeutics for connective tissue disorders of the skin. However, the primary challenge of the stem cell-based approach is associated with the inefficient homing of systemically infused stem cells to the skin. Methods We examined chemotactic mechanisms that govern directional migration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into the skin by conducting a comprehensive expression analysis of chemotactic molecules in MSCs and defined cutaneous tissues from normal and hereditary epidermolysis bullosa (EB)-affected skin. Results Analysis of chemokine receptors in short-term and long-term MSC cultures showed tissue culture-dependent expression of several receptors. Assessment of epidermis-derived and dermis-derived chemokines showed that most chemotactic signals that originate from the skin preferentially recruit different sets of leukocytes rather than MSCs. Analysis of the chemotactic molecules derived from EB-affected non-blistered skin showed only minor changes in expression of selected chemokines and receptors. Nevertheless, the data allowed us to define the Ccl27-Ccr10 chemotactic axis as the most potent for the recruitment of MSCs to the skin. Our in vivo analysis demonstrated that uniform expression of Ccr10 on MSCs and alteration of Ccl27 level in the skin enhance extravasation of stem cells from circulation and facilitate their migration within cutaneous tissue. Conclusions Collectively, our study provides a comprehensive analysis of chemotactic signals in normal and EB-affected skin and proof-of-concept data demonstrating that alteration of the chemotactic pathways can enhance skin homing of the therapeutic stem cells.
On invariant integrals in the analysis of cracked plates

Bending of cracked plates is considered within a formulation in which transverse shear deformation is taken into account. Path-domain-independent (or invariant) integrals are constructed by separating the strain energies of bending and shear. This separation permits the expression of the three stress intensity factors, which can occur simultaneously under certain loadings, in terms of the integrals mentioned. A numerical implementation is proposed and illustrated by means of a known example. Future applications are discussed in order to solve more complicated configurations.
Planar version of Baym-Kadanoff theory.

The Baym-Kadanoff theory of the conserving vertex is discussed within the context of the parquet summation of Feynman diagrams in nonrelativistic many-body theory. Since the parquet language provides a convenient way of characterizing all two-body vertices, the Baym-Kadanoff algorithm for generating a conserving two-body vertex takes a very straightforward form. We present the general theory and then illustrate the results using many of the simple conserving vertices. We then analyze the parquet two-body vertex within the theory, concluding that parquet is not a conserving theory. We show that any conserving theory that generates the direct parquet diagrams must also generate an infinite number of irreducible diagrams and derive integral equations for the minimal set of irreducible diagrams that would be needed in a conserving theory that produced the direct parquet diagrams. We present an algorithm that enables one to determine, for any direct or exchange parquet diagram, the parquet diagram whose contribution to the self-energy, when functionally differentiated, will generate the original parquet diagram. We then show that any set of diagrams for the two-body vertex that includes the bare interaction and satisfies the important properties of being conserving and antisymmetric under exchange of the outgoing particles must necessarily include all diagrams.
The contribution of metabolism to pyrethroid and DDT resistance in the horn fly (Diptera: Muscidae).

Pyrethroid resistance developed rapidly in a laboratory strain of the horn fly, Haematobia irritans (L.), which was selected in each successive generation with approximate LC50’s of orally-administered technical permethrin. The topical LC50’s for cis - and trans -permethrin after 7-10 generations of selection were 21.5 and 26.9 times greater, respectively, for flies from the selected strain (R) than those from an unpressured susceptible (S) strain. After 30 generations of selection, LC50’s for the permethrin isomers increased to 48.9 and 70.5 times, respectively. The R flies were cross-resistant to fenvalerate and DDT but not to stirofos or coumaphos. Studies of factors influencing development of resistance to trans -permethrin indicated no important differences between Sand R strains in rates of absorption, internal accumulation, or excretion following topical applications. Studies of the metabolism of [14C] cis - and trans -permethrin by R flies suggested that enhanced metabolic detoxification was not a contributing factor during the early stages (ca. 25-fold level) of resistance development, but was a factor at higher levels of resistance. Metabolic detoxification of DDT was significantly greater in R flies than in S flies, but the level of enhancement (ca. 2 times) was insufficient to account for the major differences between the strains in susceptibility to the compound. Coadministration of piperonyl butoxide (PBO, a microsomal oxidase inhibitor) with cis - or trans -permethrin and fenvalerate caused a major reduction in metabolic detoxification, while a hydrolase inhibitor (DEF) had only a slight effect on metabolism. Tests of the topical toxicity of trans -permethrin to R flies demonstrated that coadministration of PBO caused a 10-fold reduction in the LC50 and DEF caused a 4-fold reduction. Although there is no reason to doubt that target site insensitivity is the major factor in pyrethroid resistance in the horn fly, this study provides direct evidence that enhanced metabolic detoxification can also be a contributing factor.
Retinal degeneration in the mouse induced transplacentally by N-methyl-N-nitrosourea: Effects of constant illumination or total darkness

The DNA alkylating agent, N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU), when administered prenatally (on day 16 of gestation) provokes a progressive retinal degeneration in CD-1 albino mice reared in standard fluorescent lighting conditions (12 L: 12 D). This degeneration begins at about 4 weeks postnatally and worsens with age. To determine whether light was essential to the development of this lesion, animals in the present study were maintained in either constant light or constant darkness. Systematic measurement of the inner and outer segment lengths, the number of rows of photoreceptor cells and the thicknesses of the outer nuclear layer and whole retina were made to quantify degenerative changes in animals at 2-, 4-, 6-, 8-, 12-, and 16 weeks of age. The constant light caused a drastic reduction in thickness of the retinas of MNU-treated and control mice. The MNU-exposed animals reared in the dark did not demonstrate this reduction in retinal thickness, at least up to 16 weeks of age. Rather, measurements from this group were much like those for dark-reared control mice. The results of the present study suggest that the retinopathy induced by this dose of MNU may require secondary insults such as light, to amplify the lesions induced in utero by the drug.
Internet Administration of the Paper-and-Pencil Gifted Rating Scale: Assessing Psychometric Equivalence.

The present study examined the psychometric equivalence of administering a computer-based version of the Gifted Rating Scale (GRS) compared with the traditional paper-and-pencil GRS-School Form (GRS-S). The GRS-S is a teacher-completed rating scale used in gifted assessment. The GRS-Electronic Form provides an alternative method of administering and completing the 72-item scale, which eases scoring and interpretation of the measure. The GRS-E reduces the potential for human error by implementing automated scoring. An automated form may increase the likelihood that the measure is utilized, supporting wider screening in the schools for gifted identification. Five of the six subscales were completed by teachers in matched pairs on 185 students. Results indicate strong internal consistency across both administration forms and no significant difference in mean scores. This study contributes to the growing body of literature in support of the psychometric equivalence of paper-and-pencil report forms administere...
House staff recruitment to municipal and voluntary New York City residency programs during the AIDS epidemic.

Objective. —To determine the impact on house staff recruitment of large numbers of patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Design. —Trends in yearly survey data from the National Resident Matching Program from 1983 to 1990 were examined for residency programs in New York City, NY, where AIDS is epidemic, in the four largest US cities with the fewest AIDS cases, and nationally. Within New York City, trends were compared for residency programs serving large numbers of AIDS patients (high AIDS) and for other programs (low AIDS). Main Outcome Measures. —Number of matches in each study year as compared with the baseline year of 1983 and the yearly percentage of positions offered that were filled by matches. Results. —During the study period, New York City experienced a greater decline in US graduate matches than did the four low-AIDS cities or the nation. Within New York City, recruitment to municipal programs, all with large AIDS patient populations, dropped from 241 to 173 matches (28.2%) despite a 3.6% increase in positions. However, recruitment to both high-AIDS and low-AIDS voluntary programs improved in all years except 1990. After controlling for numbers of offered positions, high-AIDS and low-AIDS voluntary programs again showed similar trends until 1990. Conclusions. —These observations cannot be attributed to AIDS alone. Multiple economic and social factors, including AIDS, may have contributed. ( JAMA . 1991;266:2843-2846)
The simplest solution

Reconstructing the Past: Parsimony, Evolution, and Inference. By E lliott Sober. MIT Press: 1989. Pp.265. $27.50, a£25. 75.
Effects of Spatial Skills Training on Reading Performance

Recent research has indicated that the frequently noted relationship between spatial skills and reading comprehension may be the result of a functional dependency, rather than an instance of “third variable causation.” The current study was an attempt to test this hypothesis experimentally within the context of a remedial reading program for rural, low-SES adolescents. Comparisons of Gates-McGinitie reading test scores of an experimental group drilled on map-graph interpretation tasks, in addition to reading, and control group receiving only reading instruction significantly favored the experimental group. The results thus suggested that spatial skills operate causally on subsequent verbal acquisitions, and may be central to the amelioration of reading deficits among low-SES children.
Grouping soils with similar properties for areal water budgeting and moisture mapping

Abstract Infiltration, field capacity and wilting point are the most important parameters used in water budgeting. Even for a small watershed of uniform weather characteristics, water budgeting must be performed for sub-areas of distinct soil properties. As the number of these sub-areas increases, the number of calculations involved in water budgeting also becomes large. For a large area including many different weather zones, the total number of water budget calculations, proportional to the product of weather zones and the number of sub-areas of uniform soil properties, can reach a magnitude which easily exceeds the capability of the most powerful computer available. Therefore, it is important to group soils with similar water movement and storage properties (the same can also be said about weather) to reduce water budgeting calculations. The magnitide of dispersion of soil properties in each sub-area needs to be estimated. The US Soil Taxonomy, a general soil classification scheme, was found to be useful to this grouping. The soil grouping technique based on the Soil Taxonomy was used in producing soil hydraulic properties maps for the Island of Oahu, Hawaii.
Evaluation of a new device for simultaneous measurement of heat flux and gas velocity in a diffusion flame

This article examines potential use of a new device called multi-directional heat flux and velocity probe for simultaneous measurement of heat flux and flame speed in a diffusion flame. The probe consists of a thin-wall spherical shell with internal insulation to mitigate internal convection. Both pressure and temperature distributions around the sphere are used to indicate local velocity and heat flux. The multi-directional heat flux and velocity probe appears to be a more promising device than the bidirectional velocity probe in the sense that the sphere is a regular geometry with minimum flow separation and should lead to more predictable behavior. However, an outcome of this study is that the device must be used in conjunction with a fire code computational fluid dynamics model because the boundary layer is not isothermal so that the conventional pressure coefficient for a sphere leads to erroneous results.
Pharmacokinetic-directed high-dose busulfan combined with cyclophosphamide and etoposide results in predictable drug levels and durable long-term survival in lymphoma patients undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation.

The clinical advantage of pharmacokinetic (PK)-directed–based dosing on intravenous (i.v.) versus oral busulfan-related toxicity and survival remains unclear. We performed a retrospective cohort study of sequential cohorts of patients comparing PK-directed oral and i.v. busulfan-based conditioning regimens in lymphoma patients undergoing autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (ASCT). Patients received oral (n = 95), every 6 hours i.v. (IV16, n=113), or once-daily i.v. (IV4, n=86) busulfan, cyclophosphamide, and etoposide. PK-directed dosing was performed to achieve a predefined target area under the curve (AUC) of 20,000 μM-min (range: 18,400-21,600 μM-min). PK-directed dose adjustments markedly reduced the number of patients in the oral group with total AUC higher than the targeted AUC range, and reduced the variations of total AUC values in all patient groups. One hundred–day mortality was 2.1%, 3.6%, and 3.5% for oral, IV16, and IV4 cohorts, respectively. Five-year overall survival (OS) was 57% (95% confidence interval [CI] 45%-66%) and 64% (95% CI 53%-73%) for patients who received oral and i.v. busulfan, respectively. Both multivariable and instrumental variable analyses indicated the route of delivery had no significant impact on OS, whereas refractory disease and age ≥55 were significantly associated with poorer OS. In lymphoma patients undergoing ASCT, PK-directed i.v. or oral busulfan-based conditioning regimens have comparable toxicity and OS.
A time series-based approach for power management in mobile processors and disks

In this paper, we present a time series-based approach for managing power in mobile processors and disks that see multimedia workloads. Since multimedia applications impose soft real-time constraints, a key goal of our approach is to reduce energy consumption of multimedia applications without degrading performance. We present simple statistical techniques based on time series to dynamically compute the processor and I/O demands of multimedia applications and present techniques to dynamically vary the voltage settings and rotational speeds of mobile processors and disks, respectively. We implement our approaches in the Linux kernel running on a Sony Transmeta laptop and in a trace-driven simulator. Our experiments show that, compared to the traditional system-wide CPU voltage scaling approaches, our technique can achieve up to a 38.6% energy saving while delivering good performance to applications. Simulation results for our disk power management technique show a 20.3% reduction in energy consumption without any significant performance loss when compared to a traditional disk power management scheme.
Exposure of scorpionfish (Scorpaena guttata) to cadmium: effects of acute and chronic exposures on the cytosolic distribution of cadmium, copper and zinc

Abstract Scorpionfish were exposed to sublethal levels of cadmium in seawater (0.1 to 20 mg/l) for 4 and 8 wk. Cytosols from liver, kidney, intestine and gill tissues from these fish were analyzed by Sephadex G-75 chromatography to determine the effects of chronic Cd exposure on detoxication by a medium-molecular-weight (3 000–20 000) metallothionein-containing (MT) pool and the potential for toxicity to enzymes in a high-molecular-weight (>62; 20 000) enzyme-containing (ENZ) pool. Examination of ENZ- and MT-Cd values from these chronic exposures revealed patterns different from those resulting from acute (4-day) exposure to similar or higher concentrations in a previous study (Brown et al., 1984). The relative order of sensitivity of tissues to Cd after chronic exposure was intestine >62; gill >62; kidney — liver, whereas the kidney was most affected after acute exposure. Further, while acute exposures appeared to result in an MT saturation-dependent ‘spillover’ of Cd into the ENZ pool, chronic exposures appeared to involve an equilibrium-dependent exchange of Cd between the ENZ and MT pools. Chronic exposure to 20 mg Cd/l resulted in much higher MT-Cd and lower ENZ-Cd values than acute exposure to 25 mg Cd/l in all tissues examined, indicating more resistance to Cd toxicity after chronic exposure. Increases in MT-Zn were often correlated with increases in MT-Cd. Significant correlations (positive and negative) were occasionally found between the ENZ-Cd and the ENZ-Cu and -Zn values. We conclude that biological impact cannot be predicted from whole tissue bioaccumulation data since much different amounts of Cd may be detoxicated depending upon whether the exposure has been acute or chronic. Biochemical detoxication and toxicity measurements also cannot predict such impacts unless the most sensitive tissue is examined.
Impedance/admittance response of a binary electrolyte

Abstract The exact, small-signal impedance and admittance response of a fully dissociated, equi-valent material with arbitrary reaction rates and mobilities of the positive and negative charge carriers is discussed and illustrated for many different parameter values of physical significance. Although such response does not generally lead to an exact equivalent circuit using conventional circuit elements, even including finite-length Warburg diffusion elements, binary data can be fitted to the full binary small-signal response model contained in the available LEVM complex nonlinear least squares fitting program, an approach usually more appropriate than one using approximate equivalent circuits, and a procedure which leads directly to estimates of important microscopic parameters of the system. A useful approach for selecting appropriate starting values of fitting-model parameters is described and illustrated. Detailed fitting of synthetic binary response data containing random errors is illustrated by comparing the results of fits to the true binary model with fits to alternate, approximate equivalent circuit models.
Integrated Direct/Indirect Adaptive Robust Control of Multi-DOF Hydraulic Robotic Arms

In a general DIARC framework [13], the emphasis is always on the guaranteed transient performance and accurate trajectory tracking in the presence of uncertain nonlinearity and parametric uncertainties along with accurate parameter estimation for secondary purpose such as system health monitoring and prognosis. Need for accurate parameter estimation calls for the use of Least Square Estimation (LSE) type of algorithms for such a seamless integration of good tracking performance and accurate parameter estimation. This paper presents a physical model based integrated direct/indirect adaptive robust control (DIARC) strategy for a hydraulically actuated 3-DOF robotic arm. To avoid the need of acceleration feedback for DIARC back-stepping design, the property, that the adjoint matrix and the determinant of the inertial matrix could be linearly parameterized by certain suitably selected parameters is utilized. Unlike gradient-type parameter estimation law, which used overparamterization, there is no multiple estimation of the single parameter. Theoretically, the resulting controller is able to take into account not only the effect of parametric uncertainties coming from the payload and various hydraulic parameters but also the effect of uncertain nonlinearities. Furthermore, the proposed DIARC controller guarantees a prescribed output tracking transient performance and final tracking accuracy while achieving asymptotic output tracking in the presence of parametric uncertainties only. Simulation results based on a three degree-of-freedom (DOF) hydraulic robot arm (a scaled down version of an industrial back-hoe/excavator arm) are presented to illustrate the proposed control algorithm.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Initial relapse in previously treated Hodgkin's disease--II retrograde transdiaphragmatic extension.

Abstract An analysis is presented of patients with initial Stage I and II supradiaphragmatic Hodgkin's disease treated in the Stanford University Medical Center, Division of Radiotherapy, who then relapsed below the diaphragm. Forty such patients were identified between 1960 and 1973, and a tendency was noted for relatively late relapse. Repeat lymphangiography appears indicated to maintain surveillance for recrudescence of disease activity. Successful retreatment of patients who extended below the diaphragm appears to depend upon detailed knowledge of extent of disease at relapse and the selection of therapy appropriate for the extent of involvement. Improvement could be seen among patients receiving MOPP chemotherapy in addition to radiotherapy for retrograde transdiaphragmatic extensions. Multiple sites of relapse were noted in most patients; a tendency toward later extranodal dissemination, as found in other studies, was confirmed. Pelvic nodal relapses were infrequent among patients receiving extended field of radiotherapy, justifying this program of treatment for patients with pathologic Stage IA or IIA supradiaphragmatic Hodgkin's disease to avoid pelvic and ovarian irradiation. Modest success in second treatment was achieved in that 34% of patients enjoyed continuous disease-free survival at three years after second treatment and 63% were alive at 3 years.
Primary Results of the Patient-Centered Disease Management (PCDM) for Heart Failure Study: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance Heart failure (HF) has a major effect on patients’ health status, including their symptom burden, functional status, and health-related quality of life. Objective To determine the effectiveness of a collaborative care patient-centered disease management (PCDM) intervention to improve the health status of patients with HF. Design, Setting, and Participants The Patient-Centered Disease Management (PCDM) trial was a multisite randomized clinical trial comparing a collaborative care PCDM intervention with usual care in patients with HF. A population-based sample of 392 patients with an HF diagnosis from 4 Veterans Affairs centers who had a Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) overall summary score of less than 60 (heavy symptom burden and impaired functional status and quality of life) were enrolled between May 2009 and June 2011. Interventions The PCDM intervention included collaborative care by a multidisciplinary care team consisting of a nurse coordinator, cardiologist, psychiatrist, and primary care physician; home telemonitoring and patient self-management support; and screening and treatment for comorbid depression. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was change in the KCCQ overall summary score at 1 year (a 5-point change is clinically significant). Mortality, hospitalization, and depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire 9) were secondary outcomes. Results There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between patients randomized to the PCDM intervention (n = 187) vs usual care (n = 197); baseline mean KCCQ overall summary scores were 37.9 vs 36.9 ( P = .48). There was significant improvement in the KCCQ overall summary scores in both groups after 1 year (mean change, 13.5 points in each group), with no significant difference between groups ( P = .97). The intervention was not associated with greater improvement in the KCCQ overall summary scores when the effect over time was estimated using 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month data ( P = .74). Among secondary outcomes, there were significantly fewer deaths at 1 year in the intervention arm (8 of 187 [4.3%]) than in the usual care arm (19 of 197 [9.6%]) ( P = .04). Among those who screened positive for depression, there was a greater improvement in the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 scores after 1 year in the intervention arm than in the usual care arm (2.1 points lower, P = .01). There was no significant difference in 1-year hospitalization rates between the intervention arm and the usual care arm (29.4% vs 29.9%, P = .87). Conclusions and Relevance This multisite randomized trial of a multifaceted HF PCDM intervention did not demonstrate improved patient health status compared with usual care. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier:NCT00461513
Does cryotherapy affect refractive error? Results from treated versus control eyes in the cryotherapy for retinopathy of prematurity trial.

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the effect of cryotherapy on refractive error status between ages 3 months and 10 years in children with birth weights of less than 1251 g in whom severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) developed in one or both eyes during the neonatal period. Design Randomized clinical trial. Participants Two hundred ninety-one children in whom severe ROP developed during the neonatal period. Intervention Cryotherapy for ROP. Main outcome measures Cycloplegic Refraction Methods The children underwent repeated follow-up eye examinations, including cycloplegic retinoscopy, between 3 months and 10 years after term due date. Refractive error data from all eyes that were randomized to cryotherapy were compared with data from all eyes that were randomized to serve as controls. Refractive error data were also compared for a subset of children who had both a treated and a control eye that could be refracted. Results At all ages, the proportion of treated eyes that were unable to be refracted because of retinal detachment, media opacity, or pupillary miosis was approximately half the proportion of the control eyes that were unable to be refracted. When data from all eyes that could be refracted were considered, the distribution of refractive errors between fewer than 8 diopters (D) of myopia and more than 8 D of hyperopia was similar for treated and control eyes at all ages. The proportion of eyes with 8 D or more of myopia was much higher in treated than in control eyes at all ages after 3 months. In the subset of children who had a treated eye and a control eye that could be refracted, distributions of refractive errors in treated versus control eyes were similar at most ages. Conclusions In both treated and control eyes, there was an increase in the prevalence of high myopia between 3 and 12 months of age. Between 12 months and 10 years of age, there was little change in distribution of refractive error in treated or control eyes. The higher prevalence of myopia of 8 D or more in treated eyes, as compared with control eyes, may be the result of cryotherapy's preservation of retinal structure in eyes that, in the absence of cryotherapy, would have progressed to retinal detachment.
Conflict and its management

This article reviews the conflict literature, first examining the causes of conflict, its core process, and its effects. Subsequently, we probe into conflict escalation (and de-escalation), contexts, and conflict management. When examining this last topic, we note that conflict can be managed by the disputants themselves, by managers, or by other third parties. In conclusion we suggest directions for future research and provide recommendations for practicing managers.
Cavity optomechanical sensors

We report a novel type of fully integrated optomechanical sensor and demonstrate high sensitivity mechanical displacement measurements on chip. We sense the motion of micro- and nano-mechanical devices by near field coupling them to high quality factor optical microdisk resonators. In a first geometry, we sense the position of a dielectric ring moved by a micromechanical actuator. Tunable optomechanical coupling of up to GHz/nm results in the photodetector-limited displacement sensitivity of 4.3×10−15 m//√Hz with optical excitation power as low as 20 µW. In a second geometry, we sense the thermal motion of a nanoscale cantilever probe. Transduction of the cantilever's MHz frequency vibration is achieved with a displacement sensitivity of 4.4×10−16 m//√Hz and a mechanical quality factor of 6000 is measured in vacuum.
Parasitology Education 2001

An electronic survey of 728 members of the American Society of Parasitologists (ASP) was conducted to determine perceptions about parasitology education and to gain insight into the current state of academic parasitology. Two hundred and seventy-five ASP members responded for a return rate of 37.7%. Most respondents perceived that fewer parasitology courses were being offered at the undergraduate and graduate levels. When asked about their perceptions concerning changes in the overall quality of instruction in parasitology, 27.4% indicated a decrease, 19.9% indicated an increase, and 25.5% indicated no change. There has been an apparent steady increase in the number of female parasitologists. In the >60 age group, women comprised 8.2% of respondents, whereas in the 30 yr or younger age group, women comprised 54.5%. Thirty-eight and 16 ASP members actively involved in undergraduate and graduate teaching, respectively, requested specific surveys addressing parasitology education. These surveys revealed no significant differences in the number of parasitology courses taught in 1980, 1990, and 2001 at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Survey responses of 12 of the 20 veterinary schools in the United States and Canada revealed that 61.4 contact hours in parasitology are required of veterinary students. This reflects no significant change from 1990. Of 41 medical schools responding to a survey, 51.3% do not require a course in parasitology and 35.6% offer no parasitology course. The average 12.3 contact hours in parasitology required for graduation from medical school is significantly lower than the average 14.5 hr required in 1990.
A prospective study of plasma inflammatory markers and risk of colorectal cancer in men

Background: Chronic inflammation may mediate risk of colorectal cancer (CRC); however, the association between circulating inflammatory markers and risk of CRC has been inconsistent. Methods: We prospectively evaluated the association of plasma C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and the soluble tumour necrosis factor receptor 2 (sTNFR-2) with incident CRC among 274 cases and 532 matched controls nested in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study. Results: Multivariate relative risk (RR) of CRC comparing the extreme quartiles of plasma IL-6 was 1.54 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.99–2.40; Ptrend ¼0.02). However, after excluding cases diagnosed within 2 years of blood draw, this association was not statistically significant (RR ¼1.26, 95% CI, 0.78–2.05; Ptrend ¼0.21). In analyses restricted to cases diagnosed at least 2 years after blood draw, the association of IL-6 with CRC appeared to differ by body mass index such that the significantly positive association was only present among lean individuals (Pinteraction ¼0.03). We did not observe any significant association between CRP or sTNFR2 and CRC. Conclusion: Plasma inflammatory markers are not generally associated with risk of CRC among men. However, the possibility that plasma IL-6 is associated with increased risk of CRC among lean men requires further investigation.
Treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease: two new oral formulations dexlansoprazole MR and esomezol (esomeprazole strontium)

Introduction: The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease continues to increase with the aging population and the obesity epidemic. Therapeutic failures can have significant detrimental effects in patients. Recently, dexlansoprazole MR and esomeprazole strontium were introduced to the class of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Areas covered: This article will review the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of dexlansoprazole MR and esomeprazole strontium. Using the keywords ‘dexlansoprazole MR’ and ‘esomeprazole strontium’ in the search engines of PubMed, Cochrane Reviews and Google, we were able to identify peer-reviewed publications, abstracts and presentations at national society educations meetings and present a balanced view of the available data. Expert opinion: Dexlansoprazole MR and esomeprazole strontium offer an innovative delivery mechanism compared to conventional PPIs. Further trials are necessary in order to establish superiority.
Craniodental variation in Paranthropus boisei: a developmental and functional perspective.

What levels and patterns of craniodental variation among a fossil hypodigm are necessary to reject the null hypothesis that only a single species is sampled? We suggest how developmental and functional criteria can be used to predict where in the skeleton of fossil hominins we should expect more, or less, within-species variation. We present and test three hypotheses about the factors contributing to craniodental variation in extant primate taxa, and then apply these results to the interpretation of the P. boisei hypodigm. Within the comparative samples of extant Homo, Pan, Gorilla, Pongo, and Colobus, variables from the cranial base, neurocranium, and face that are not subject to high magnitudes of strain have consistently lower levels of intraspecific variation than variables from regions of the face subject to high levels of strain. Dental size variables are intermediate in terms of their reliability. P. boisei is found to have a low degree of variability relative to extant primates for variables shown to be generally useful for testing taxonomic hypotheses. Contrary to the claims of Suwa et al. ([1997] Nature 389:489-492), the recently discovered material from Konso falls within the range of variation of the "pre-Konso" hypodigm of P. boisei for available conventional metrical variables. Those aspects of the Konso material that appear to extend the range of the P. boisei hypodigm involve regions of the skull predicted to be prone to high levels of within-species variation. The approach used in this study focuses on craniodental data, but it is applicable to other regions of the skeleton.
Evaluation of activity monitors to estimate energy expenditure in manual wheelchair users

In an effort to make activity monitors usable by manual wheelchair users with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI), our study examines the validity of SenseWear® Armband (SenseWear) and RT3 in assessing energy expenditure (EE) during wheelchair related activities. This paper presents the data obtained from six subjects (n=6) with SCI performing three activities, including wheelchair propulsion, armergometer exercise and deskwork. The analysis presented here compares the EE estimated from the SenseWear and the RT3 with respect to the EE measured from a portable metabolic cart. It was found that the SenseWear overestimated EE for resting (+5.78%), wheelchair propulsion (+88.20%, +46.20%, and +138.21% for the three trials at different intensities, respectively), arm-ergometer exercise (+55.05%, +26.91%, and +39.17% for the three trials at different intensities, respectively) and deskwork (+13.11%). The results also indicate that RT3 underestimated EE for resting (-3.06%), wheelchair propulsion (−24.23%, −19.42%, and −9.98% for the three trials at different intensities, respectively), arm-ergometer exercise (−49.06%, −53.69% and −52.08 for the three trials at different intensities, respectively) and measured EE relatively accurate for deskwork. Good and moderate Intraclass correlations were found between EE measured by metabolic cart and EE estimated by SenseWear (0.787, p<0.0001) and RT3 (0.705, p<0.0001). Weka, machine learning software, was used to select attributes and model EE equations for the SenseWear and the RT3. Excellent and good Intraclass correlations were found between the EE measured by the metabolic cart and the estimated EE based on the models for SenseWear (0.944, p<0.0001) and RT3 (0.821, p<0.0001). Future work will test more subjects to refine the model and provide manual wheelchair users with a valid tool to gauge their daily physical activity and EE.
Generation of chemotactic activity in rabbit serum by plasminogen-streptokinase mixtures.

The addition of plasminogen and streptokinase to rabbit serum results in appearance of chemotactic activity which is relatively heat-labile and dialyzable. Generation of this activity requires heat-labile factors in serum, but not the sixth component of complement. The optimal mole ratio for generation of chemotactic activity is 1:1 to 1:3 for plasminogen to streptokinase. Neither material alone is sufficient to generate the activity in fresh serum. Generation of chemotactic activity can be blocked by the presence of e-aminocaproic acid. This plasmin-generated chemotactic factor sediments slowly in a sucrose density gradient during ultracentrifugation. The addition of plasminogen and streptokinase to rabbit serum containing the preformed chemotactic factor (activated trimolecular complex of C'5, C'6, C'7) causes destruction of the chemotactic factor and loss of hemolytic activity of the sixth component of complement. The same mole ratio of reactants for optimal expression of the phenomenon holds as for plasmin generation of chemotactic activity in untreated serum.
Detecting native language group differences at the subskills level of reading: A differential skill functioning approach

Differential skill functioning (DSF) exists when examinees from different groups have different probabilities of successful performance in a certain subskill underlying the measured construct, give...
Visualizing Qualitative Data in Evaluation Research

This chapter introduces data visualization techniques for qualitative data. These techniques can be used in most stages of evaluations, including early planning and design, data analysis, and reporting. Qualitative data visualization can also be used in different approaches to evaluation, for instance, traditional process and summative, developmental, utilization, participatory, and mixed-methods evaluations. The authors first describe a conceptual framework for understanding the different types of qualitative data visualizations before providing examples of visualizations in various evaluation contexts. The chapter concludes with a discussion of challenges or issues evaluators should consider when visualizing qualitative data. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc., and the American Evaluation Association.
The Second Calculus of Binary Relations

We view the Chu space interpretation of linear logic as an alternative interpretation of the language of the Peirce calculus of binary relations. Chu spaces amount to K-valued binary relations, which for K=2n we show generalize n-ary relational structures. We also exhibit a four-stage unique factorization system for Chu transforms that illuminates their operation.
Rhythmicity without synchrony in the electrically uncoupled inferior olive.

Neurons of the inferior olivary nucleus (IO) form the climbing fibers that excite Purkinje cells of the cerebellar cortex. IO neurons are electrically coupled through gap junctions, and they generate synchronous, subthreshold oscillations of membrane potential at ∼5–10 Hz. Experimental and theoretical studies have suggested that both the rhythmicity and synchrony of IO neurons require electrical coupling. We recorded from pairs of IO neurons in slices of mouse brainstem in vitro . Most pairs of neurons from wild-type (WT) mice were electrically coupled, but coupling was rare and weak between neurons of knock-out (KO) mice for connexin36, a neuronal gap junction protein. IO cells in both WT and KO mice generated rhythmic membrane fluctuations of similar frequency and amplitude. Oscillations in neighboring pairs of WT neurons were strongly synchronized, whereas the oscillations of KO pairs were uncorrelated. Spontaneous oscillations in KO neurons were not blocked by tetrodotoxin. Spontaneously oscillating neurons of both WT and KO mice generated occasional action potentials in phase with their membrane rhythms, but only the action potentials of WT neuron pairs were synchronous. Harmaline, a β-carboline derivative thought to induce tremor by facilitating rhythmogenesis in the IO, was injected systemically into WT and KO mice. Harmaline-induced tremors were robust and indistinguishable in the two genotypes, suggesting that gap junction-mediated synchrony does not play a role in harmaline-induced tremor. We conclude that electrical coupling is not necessary for the generation of spontaneous subthreshold oscillations in single IO neurons, but that coupling can serve to synchronize rhythmic activity among IO neurons.