cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Su1688 Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) Does Not Prevent Post-ERCP Pancreatitis

Su1688 Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) Does Not Prevent Post-ERCP Pancreatitis Mohamed M. Abdelfatah*, Rabih Nayfe, ALA Nijim, Markus Agito, Nairmeen Haller AGMC, Northeast Ohio university, Akron, OH Background: Post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) is a feared complication of ERCP, and occurs in up to 20% of high-risk patients. Proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole, esomeprazole) are widely used for different indications; their therapeutic role in pancreatitis is unclear. Methods: A single-center retrospective case-control study was conducted to evaluate the potential effect of PPIs in preventing PEP. All patients who underwent ERCP between January 2007 and February 2012 were included. After obtaining IRB approval, all medical records were reviewed and data was collected for laboratory blood work done before and after the procedure, home and newly prescribed medications, in addition to the detailed operative notes. PEP was defined based on new onset abdominal pain requiring hospitalization for at least 2 nights and elevation of lipase and/or amylase R3 times the upper limit of normal at least 24 hours after the procedure. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to compare rates of PEP in the group of patients who received IV antibiotics, PPI, or both; analysis adjusted for potential or suspected confounding factors. Results: Among the 197 ERCPs done during the study period, the average age was found to be 62.3 (86-27), 107 patients were females and average BMI was 26.9 (44.6-16.4). Laboratory blood work showed an average WBC of 7.8 (19.6-3), hematocrit of 35.7 (54-22.9), BUN of16 (36-3), creatinine of 1 (4.4-.39), AST of 97 (944-10), calcium of 8.6 (10.3-8.6) and an LDH 250 (505-153). A total of twelve patients developed PEP, out of which, nine had severe PEP, two had moderate PEP and one had mild PEP. Lipase level was (10359-4691). In-group (1) [patients who used PPI], out of ninetyeight patients, seven had PEP (6 severe PEP, 1 mild PEP) as compared to group (2) [patients who did not use PPI], where 5 patients had PEP (3 severe, 2 moderate). There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence and severity of PEP between group (1) and group (2) (p-valueZ0.538). Table 1 presents a list of variables considered in our study, that even after adjusting for these variables and exploring other models, no associations were found between PPI and PEP. [Table 1] History of PEP, female gender, difficult cannulation/failed attempt was significantly associated with an increased incidence of PEP. However, pancreatic stent placement, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and history of acute pancreatitis were not associated with increased incidence of PEP [Table 1]. High Pre-ERCP blood sugar failed to show association with PEP (p-valueZ0.0841) (Fig.1). Conclusion: Our study did not show significant evidence to support the role played by (PPI) in decreasing the incidence or severity of post-ERCP pancreatitis. Further randomized controlled studies are needed. Factors might increase or decease the incidence of PEP.
An adaptive sparse-grid iterative ensemble Kalman filter approach for parameter field estimation

A new sparse-grid (SG) iterative ensemble Kalman filter (IEnKF) approach is proposed for estimating spatially varying parameters. The adaptive high-order hierarchical sparse-grid (aHHSG) method is adopted to discretize the unknown parameter field. An IEnKF is used to explore the parameter space and estimate the surpluses of the aHHSG interpolant at each SG level. Moreover, the estimated aHHSG interpolant on coarser levels is employed to provide a good initial guess of the IEnKF solver for the approximation on the finer levels. The method is demonstrated in estimating permeability field in flows through porous media.
Noise reconstruction for the inverse heat conduction problem

Abstract A new automatic procedure to numerically recover the sample root mean square norm of the data error for the linear inverse heat conduction problem (IHCP)—when this information is not readily available—is presented. Numerical results are described which illustrate the accuracy of the algorithm.
Fetal acoustic stimulation testing

Abstract Antepartum fetal heart rate testing, specifically the nonstress test, is of accepted value in the antenatal surveillance of high-risk pregnancies. Fetal rest-activity cycles coupled with arbitrary test intervals appear to lead to falsely nonreactive tests. Methods to alter fetal behavioral states have not been uniformly successful. A retrospective analysis of the adjunctive use of acoustic stimulation at our institution demonstrated a 50% reduction in the number of nonreactive tests. Consequently a prospective randomized clinical trial was undertaken to compare the standard nonstress test with the fetal acoustic stimulation test. Those patients randomized to the fetal acoustic stimulation test underwent transabdominal acoustic stimulation with a Model 5C electronic artificial larynx. The incidence of nonreactive tests was 14% in the control group and 9% in the study group ( K 2 = 11.09, p=0.004). A significant reduction in testing time was also observed. The fetal acoustic stimulation test offers advantages over the traditional nonstress test by lowering the incidence of nonreactive tests and reducing testing time.
Modifications in the myeloclastogenic effect of benzene in mice with toluene, phenobarbital, 3-methylcholanthrene, Aroclor 1254 and SKF-525A

Benzene was studied in its target organ of effect, the bone marrow, with the micronucleus test and metaphase analysis. Male and female CD-1 mice were treated with 2 doses of benzene (440 mg/kg) or toluene (860 or 1720 mg/kg) or both 24 h apart, and sacrificed 30 h (or 54 h) after the first dose. Benzene-treated animals were pretreated with phenobarbital (PB), 3-methylcholanthrene (3-MCA), SKF-525A, or Aroclor 1254. Toluene showed no clastogenic activity and reduced the clastogenic effect of benzene when the mixture was given. None of the pretreatments protected against the clastogenic effect of benzene. 3-MCA pretreatment greatly promoted benzene myeloclastogenicity. Females were consistently more resistant to benzene than males. Dose-response curves in benzene-treated mice were much steeper with 3-MCA induction than without. Chromosomal damage was higher with p.o. than i.p. benzene administration.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Asymptomatic Aortic Dissection

Aortic dissection is a well-known complication of Marfan syndrome. Aortic dissection in patients with Marfan syndrome is associated with aortic root dilatation. As imaging techniques have improved, it has become clear that some patients with Marfan syndrome, in the absence of symptoms, may have evidence of a prior aortic dissection. A 47-year-old white man with documented Marfan syndrome and no prior symptomatology referable to aortic dissection had elective high-resolution MRI of the aorta for an unrelated research project. Importantly, he had no known risk factors for atherosclerotic disease. …
Rapid Transfer-Based Micropatterning and Dry Etching of Silk Microstructures

Over the last two decades silk produced by the silkworm Bombyx mori has found new utility as a sustainable material platform for high-technology applications encompassing photonics, electronics and optoelectronics [1-4]. Silk fibers have been used as an FDA approved medical suture material for decades [5] due to their biocompatibility and mechanical properties [6]. These properties, along with the inherent biodegradability of silk, has driven the use of this protein for biological studies [6]. Native silk fibers can be solubilized and reprocessed into an aqueous silk fibroin protein solution [7], which can then be used to generate a multitude of new material formats [5] such as hydrogels [8], foams [9], electrospun mats [10] and sponges [11]. These new forms of silk are finding utility in drug delivery, cell culture and tissue engineering applications. Silk films with excellent optical properties (> 90% transmission in the visible spectrum) [12] are currently being explored for applications in optics and biophotonics [3, 4]. Additionally, the environmentally benign, all-aqueous processing conditions and the chemistry of silk allow bioactive components, such as enzymes to be stabilized in the protein matrix [13].
Compassion Fatigue: What Is It? Why Does It Matter? Recognizing the Symptoms, Acknowledging the Impact, Developing the Tools to Prevent Compassion Fatigue, and Strengthen the Professional Already Suffering From the Effects

Compassion fatigue (CF) is recognizable. It erodes the professional's ability to function at an optimum level. Depression, caregiver stress, secondary trauma, and post traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD) are very much a part of the daily landscape for today's professional. The costs are many: staff turnover, loss of self-worth, diminished productivity, poor morale, and more. We in the helping professions must acknowledge the syndrome and validate its impact on professional staff. Giving lip service to ''staff support'' is not enough. We must fully understand how CF comes about and how we can effectively support those suffering its debilitating consequences.
Meconium aspiration syndrome: current concepts and management.

Despite significant advances in its management, MAS remains one of the principal causes of neonatal respiratory failure—hence emphasis should be on prevention. First, all MSAF-complicated pregnancies should be carefully monitored. The role of amnioinfusion in the prevention of MAS requires further study. Second, the obstetrician should perform thorough oropharyngeal suctioning as soon as the infant’s head is at the perineum, and the pediatrician should perform thorough pharyngeal suctioning. Endotracheal intubation and intratracheal suctioning should be limited to those depressed infants requiring positive-pressure ventilation. Figure 2 shows suggested interventional strategies in various steps.
Systemic factors in alveolar bone loss

Abstract This article presented an overview of bone metabolism and considered (1) the basic aspects of the processes of bone formation and resorption, (2) the mechanisms of bone loss, and (3) the clinical aspects of bone loss, including pathogenesis, clinical changes, laboratory tests, and treatment of selected systemic causes of bone loss. An attempt has been made to present data and concepts that are relevant to students and practitioners of prosthetic dentistry.
A simple coupled model of tropical Atlantic decadal climate variability

[1] A linear, zonally averaged model of the interaction between the tropical Atlantic (TA) atmosphere and ocean is presented. A balance between evaporation and meridional heat advection in the mixed layer determines the sea surface temperature tendency. The atmosphere is a fixed-depth, sub-cloud layer in which the specific humidity anomaly is determined by a steady-state balance between evaporation, meridional advection, and a parameterized humidity exchange with the free atmosphere. When the model is integrated, forced with observed surface wind anomalies from 1965 to the present, its simulation of the observed sea surface temperature (SST) is realistic and comparable to a simulation with a full ocean GCM. A statistical representation of surface winds and their relationship to the SST gradient across the equator is used to formulate and test a coupled model of their regional variability. Forced on both sides of the equator, in the trade-wind regions, with “white-noise” windspeed perturbations, the SST-wind relationship in the near-equatorial region feeds back positively on existing SST anomalies and gives rise to decadal variability.
Face-Centered Cubic Titanium: An Artifact in Titanium/Aluminum Multilayers

The present investigation is the first comprehensive comparative study of x-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results to address the important issue of fcc Ti formation in nanoscale multilayers. Ti/Al multilayers with 7.2 and 5.2 nm composition modulation wavelengths were studied by reflection and transmission XRD as well as transmission electron diffraction (ED), high-resolution TEM, and energy-filtered TEM. Previous reports have claimed deposition of fcc Ti in multilayer systems. Our results demonstrate that the Ti in Ti/Al multilayers deposits in the hcp form and that fcc Ti is merely an artifact of producing specimens for cross-sectional TEM.
Sex differences and generalization of anxiety reduction with automated de-sensitization and minimal therapist interaction☆

Abstract This study dealt with: (A) the effectiveness of automated desensitization with minimal therapist-patient interaction, (B) the effects of therapist-patient sex differences on treatment outcome, and (C) the generalization of anxiety reduction to objects and/or situations not directly treated by the automated desensitization procedure. Sixteen male and female snake-anxious college students were selected for treatment on the basis of a modified Fear Survey Schedule and behavioral avoidance tests to a snake and spider. Four treatment groups were used in order to balance for therapist-client sex differences. Four additional groups, balanced for sex differences, who received the same number of self-rating and behavioral avoidance tests but no desensitization served as controls. Desensitization was conducted using a modified Stenorette dictating machine, timers, and a series of standardized tapes which dealt with various aspects of the desensitization procedure. Each treatment S received two sessions of relaxation training, two sessions of visualization training, and five sessions of automated desensitization in order to complete and partially review a standardized, 16 item snake hierarchy. After each hierarchy item was presented for visualization, the S pressed one of four buttons corresponding to different levels of anxiety. The equipment was programmed to move forward to the next item or return to relaxation instructions depending on the S 's button response. There was no personal interaction between the E and S once therapy began. Dependent measures were obtained prior to treatment, after treatment, and four weeks following treatment. Results indicated that automated desensitization was effective in significantly reducing anxiety toward the target behavior, snakes. Sex differences between therapist and client were not a critical factor in treatment outcome. Evidence for generalized anxiety reduction following automated desensitization was less conclusive due to changes that occurred in both experimental and control groups. It was concluded that automated desensitization can be a useful and time-saving psychotherapeutic approach; however, there are certain considerations (e.g. initial instructions, S s control of visualization and relaxation, amount of relaxation practice, etc.) which should be taken into account.
CARDIVAR: the statistical analysis of heart rate data.

Eleven statistical programs have been developed for use with heart rate data, and seven of the programs are illustrated in this paper. The programs make use of ANOVA and trend analysis to isolate the components of polyphasic response curves. The analysis can determine whether there are systematic changes over trials in the shape and phasing of the response curves, and whether there are significant differences between groups in the size of the trend components. The programs may be employed with other psychophysiological data having the same general properties as cardiac data.
Interaural Intensity and Phase Angle Discrimination by Rhesus Monkeys

Nine rhesus monkeys were trained to perform three auditory discriminations, which required that they press the right-hand key when the auditory stimulus is present in the right ear, and the left-ha...
Base composition of nonsense codons in E. coli. Evidence from amino-acid substitutions at a tryptophan site in alkaline phosphatase

Base Composition of Nonsense Condons in E. coli: Evidence from Amino-Acid Substitutions at a Tryptophan Site in Alkaline Phosphatase
Wess-Zumino term for chiral bosons.

We derive the Wess-Zumino term for the chiral-boson model formulated by Sonnenschein using an iterative process, previously introduced by the author in the context of the chiral Schwinger model, that transforms the second-class chiral constraints into first-class ones. Because of the peculiar features of this model the Wess-Zumino term found is made of an infinite number of terms, using an infinite number of auxiliary fields.
EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN AND ANALYSIS EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN AND ANALYSIS APPLIED TO HYDRAULIC HOSE WIRE CURL FORMATION

(1993). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN AND ANALYSIS EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN AND ANALYSIS APPLIED TO HYDRAULIC HOSE WIRE CURL FORMATION. Quality Engineering: Vol. 6, No. 2, pp. 159-177.
Service Increases Fueling Budget Growth.

Reactionary stances against pending budget cuts should be considered to be less favorable positioning for library leaders versus more proactive and anticipatory strategies. By changing the attitudinal and service posturing of library staff and services, libraries can show themselves as a more essential function to their colleges. Budget cuts primarily evoke fear for any members of a unit faced with such harsh realities. Reductions and cuts be avoided altogether, however, through positive reliance on existing library staffs ability to implement organizational redesign in workflows and tasks. Workload increases can also evoke fear, but unlike the fear of budget cuts, workload increases can be much more under the strategic control of library staff. This article serves to demonstrate investigations into selective workload increases as a means of placing the library as a keystone to collegiate operations. In so doing, internal stakeholders will see a requirement to change motivation for service output, and ext...
Simultaneous antiandrogen withdrawal and treatment with ketoconazole and hydrocortisone in patients with advanced prostate carcinoma.

BACKGROUND Although antiandrogen withdrawal has moderate efficacy in patients with hormone refractory prostate carcinoma (HRPC), the effect of the simultaneous suppression of adrenal androgens with ketoconazole at the time of antiandrogen withdrawal is not known. METHODS Twenty consecutive patients with HRPC who had developed progressive disease despite combined androgen blockade were treated with antiandrogen withdrawal and simultaneous ketoconazole as a means of inhibiting adrenal steroid production. Prostate specific antigen (PSA) response was defined as a > 50% fall in PSA from baseline that was maintained for at least 8 weeks. RESULTS Ten patients had established metastatic disease, 2 had high PSAs and no imaging studies (PSA of 70 and 160 ng/mL, respectively), 3 had microscopically positive lymph nodes and serologic progression, and 5 had serologic progression alone. Overall, of 20 evaluable patients, 11 (55%) had a > 50% fall in PSA (95% confidence interval [CI], 31.5-76.9%). The median PSA response duration was 8.5 months (95% CI, 7-17 months). The median survival was 19 months. Toxicity was mild, with Grade 1 and 2 nausea and emesis in 15% of patients, Grade 1 fatigue in 10% of patients, and reversible Grade 1 or 2 hepatotoxicity in 10% of patients. Mild skin toxicity was observed in 20% of patients. CONCLUSIONS The addition of ketoconazole and hydrocortisone to antiandrogen withdrawal appears to increase the PSA response proportion observed with antiandrogen withdrawal alone. Toxicity is mild. Cancer 1997; 80:1755-9. © 1997 American Cancer Society.
Statistical thermodynamics of group interaction in n-alkane-n-alkanol and n-alkanol-n-alkanol solutions

The statistical thermodynamics previously developed for pure liquids of non-polar and polar chain molecules is extended to their mixtures. An orientation factor is introduced into the quasi-chemical relation of the hydrogen bond to reduce the calculated preferential bonding. Excess properties are calculated for n-alkane-n-alkanol-1 and n-alkanol-1-n-alkanol-1 solutions. The heat of mixing and excess free energy calculated with the group properties reported previously are in good agreement with data for solutions in which the alkanol is higher than ethanol.
Animal models for assessing the consequences of intrauterine growth restriction on subsequent glucose metabolism of the offspring: a review.

Objective: The aim of this article was to review the most current animal models for intrauterine growth restriction. Methods: The databases of MEDLINE and Pubmed were searched for articles published between 1969 and 2001. Additional sources included abstract proceedings and relevant reference lists of articles identified by database review. Key words included intrauterine growth retardation, small for gestational age, animal models and glucose metabolism. The inclusion criteria used to select studies included animal models of intrauterine growth retardation in which glucose metabolism was assessed after birth. Results: A variety of physiological and metabolic variables regulate fetal growth, and alteration of these variables can result in fetal growth restriction. Fetal growth restriction is secondary to initiation of fetal adaptation measures in response to inadequate supply of oxygen and nutrients. Several animal models have led to a greater understanding of the pathophysiology and consequences of intra...
Low-leakage, high-efficiency, reliable VPE InGaAs 1.0-1.7 &#181;m photodiodes

High-quality InGaAs vapor-grown photodetectors for the 1.0-1.7 µm spectral region with a 100 µm diameter active area, ∼10-30 nA leakage current, 65-75 V breakdown voltage, 60-80% quantum efficiency, < 0.5 ns pulse rise time, < 1 pW/Hz1/2noise equivalent power and stable leakage current at 60°C for over 4000 hours are described.
Sequence preferences of DNA interstrand cross-linking agents: Importance of minimal DNA structural reorganization in the cross-linking reactions of mechlorethamine, cisplatin and mitomycin C

Abstract Interstrand cross-linking of DNA is believed to account for the cytotoxicity of many bifunctional alkylating agents, some of which are useful in the treatment of human cancer. The nucleotide sequences at which these cross-links are formed have been defined at single nucleotide resolution in DNA fragments for several agents, including mechlorethamine, cisplatin, mitomycin C, and some structurally related agents. Taken together, the structure of duplex DNA, the sequences which are cross-linked, and the atomic sites on DNA which are linked, indicate that cross-linking occurs preferentially at locations which will result in minimal distortion of B-DNA. The proposal that this preference is primarily expressed by minimizing the energy of the transition state for conversion of monoadducts to cross-links is supported by experiments with mechlorethamine. It is suggested that extension of the modest sequence-recognizing capacity of these cross-linking agents by conjugation to highly sequence-selective “delivery vehicles” may yield second generation, targeted antitumor drugs.
Development of alcoholic fatty liver and fibrosis in rhesus monkeys fed a low n-3 fatty acid diet.

Background: The amount and type of dietary fat seem to be important factors that modulate the development of alcohol-induced liver steatosis and fibrosis. Various alcohol-feeding studies in animals have been used to model some of the symptoms that occur in liver disease in humans. Methods: Rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) were maintained on a diet that had a very low concentration of α-linolenic acid and were given free access to an artificially sweetened 7% ethanol solution. Control and ethanol-consuming animals were maintained on a diet in which the linoleate content was adequate (1.4% of energy); however, α-linoleate represented only 0.08% of energy. Liver specimens were obtained, and the fatty acid composition of the liver phospholipids, cholesterol esters, and triglycerides of the two groups were compared at 5 years and histopathology of tissue samples were compared at 3 and 5 years. Results: The mean consumption of ethanol for this group over a 5-year period was 2.4 g · kg−1· day−1. As a consequence of the ethanol-dietary treatment, there were significantly lower concentrations of several polyunsaturated fatty acids in the liver phospholipids of the alcohol-treated group, including arachidonic acid and most of the n-3 fatty acids and particularly docosahexaenoic acid, when compared with dietary controls. Liver specimens from animals in the ethanol group at 5 years showed a marked degree of steatosis, both focal and diffuse cellular necrosis, and an increase in the development of fibrosis compared with specimens obtained at 3 years and with those from dietary controls, in which there was no evidence of fibrotic lesions. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the advancement of ethanol-induced liver disease in rhesus monkeys may be modulated by the amount and type of dietary essential fatty acids and that a marginal intake of n-3 fatty acids may be a permissive factor in the development of liver disease in primates.
Overview Of ACR-NEMA Digital Imaging And Communication Standard

This presentation is to outline the American College of Radiology (ACR) and National Electrical Manufacturers Associa-tion (NEMA) Digital Imaging and Communica-tion Standard (ACR-NEMA Digital Imaging and Communication), which is a creation of joint effort of many fine knowledgeable people on the ACR-NEMA Digital Imaging and Communication Standards Committee, especially Allen Edwin and Gwilym Lodwick, Co-Chairman and Laura Murphy, Executive of the Committee. We hope that the ACR-NEMA Standard will be useful in the development of digital diagnostic imaging and medical information.
Decreased H2 Histamine Response of Granulocytes of Asthmatic Patients

Abstract Increased bronchial sensitivity to inhaled histamine in asthma is well known. The mechanism of this increased bronchial sensitivity is not known nor has it been demonstrated that isolated cells respond abnormally to histamine. Polymorpho-nuclear leukocytes (PMNs) provide a homogeneous cell population to study agonist response. Release of granulocyte lysosomal enzymes is inhibited by agonists increasing the PMN cyclic AMP concentration. The release of the lysosomal enzyme beta glucuronidase by serum-activated particles of zymosan was similar in PMNs isolated from normal and asthma subjects. Histamine (100-0.01 μM) inhibited enzyme release. Except at the maximal concentration of histamine (100 μM), the response to histamine was decreased in asthma. The inhibition of enzyme release paralleled an increase in intracellular PMN cyclic AMP. In asthma, the cyclic AMP response to histamine was reduced. The H2 antihistamine metiamide blocked histamine inhibition of lysosomal enzyme release and the increase in cyclic AMP. The effect was maximal at concentrations equimolar to those of histamine. The H1 antihistamine chlorpheniramine had no effect on histamine inhibition of granulocyte lysosomal enzyme release. A decrease in the inhibition of the release of the inflammatory lysosomal enzymes from granulocytes in asthma may contribute to an enhanced bronchial inflammatory reaction.
Differing effects of 2,2-dipyridyl and oxygen on the synthesis of collagenous hydroxyproline in the cuticle and body wall of Ascaris lumbricoides

Abstract 1. Adult specimens of Ascaris lumbricoides of similar weights were incubated under nitrogen for 24 hours in a synthetic medium with 1 mM 2,2′-dipyridyl. 2. Under these conditions, the viability of the parasites was not affected as evidenced by the amount of ATP in the whole sample and the mobility after mechanical stimulus. 3. Incorporation of [14C]proline into non-collagenous proteins in the body wall and cuticle was reproducibly higher in 2,2′-dipyridyl-treated specimens than in untreated worms. Synthesis of collagenous hydroxyproline was inhibited in the cuticle and, to a greater extent, in the muscle layer. 4. After transferring the specimens into a fresh medium enriched with 0·1 mM ferrous ions and incubated under 70% oxygen, the muscle collagen remained underhydroxylated. The synthesis of hydroxyproline, however, was almost completely normalized in the cuticle collagen. 5. We interpret the data as further evidence of the existence of at least two different enzymes hydroxylating collagenous proline, one located in the subcuticle and the other in the muscle layer of Ascaris lumbricoides.
Estimation of Relative Elasticities of Substitution and Relative Compensation for Part-Time Faculty.

Abstract Part-time workers have become a visible and noticeably larger component of the labor force in recent years. From an economic perspective, relative compensation changes may be a major factor determining the growth of the part-time sector. Yet, surprisingly little has been done to explore the effects of these changes on the relative rates of growth in part- and full-time labor markets. In part, this is because of the difficulty in obtaining data on the compensation paid to part-timers. In this paper, we suggest a methodology for deriving such data through statistical estimation and use survey data of over 2,100 institutions of higher education, conducted by the American Association of University Professors.
Suppression of dexamethasone-stimulated DNA synthesis in an oncogene construct containing rat cell line by a DNA site-oriented ligand of poly-ADP-ribose polymerase: 6-amino-1,2-benzopyrone.

Abstract The cellular inhibitory effects of 6-amino-1,2-benzopyrone (6-ABP), a DNA site-specific ligand of adenosine diphosphoribosyl transferase (ADPRT), were determined in a dexamethasone-sensitive EJ-ras gene construct containing cell line (14C cells). Dexamethasone in vitro transforms these cells to a tumorigenic phenotype and also stimulates cell replication. At a nontoxic concentration (0.2 mM) 6-ABP treatment of intact cells for 4 days inhibits the dexamethasone-stimulated increment of cellular DNA content, depresses replicative DNA synthesis as assayed by thymidine incorporation to the level of cells that were not exposed to dexamethasone, and in permeabilized cells reduces the dexamethasone-stimulated increase of deoxyribonucleotide incorporation into DNA to the level of untreated cells. In situ pulse labeling of cells pretreated with 6-ABP indicated an inhibition of DNA synthesis at a stage prior to the formation of the 10-kb intermediate species. The drug had no direct effect on cellular DNA polymerases as tested in vitro, and the inhibition of DNA synthesis in permeabilized cells following drug treatment for 4 days was abolished by externally added DNA templates. Neither dexamethasone nor the drug influenced the cellular quantity of ADPRT molecules, tested immunochemically.
The expression of integrated plasmid DNA depends on copy number.

Abstract The effect of copy number, integration site, and enhancers on the expression of stably integrated exogenous DNA was examined in Chinese hamster cells. Three similar plasmids were constructed with the mouse βmaj-globin promoter fused to the gal K gene either with no enhancer or with the SV40 or Harvey sarcoma virus (HaSV) enhancer. Eighteen stable cell lines were obtained and characterized with respect to plasmid copy number and galactokinase activity. At copy numbers of four or less, the enhancers showed detectable activity and a DNase I hypersensitive site was present. Above four copies, gene activity decreased as the copy number increased, the enhancer sequences were apparently inactive, and the DNase I hypersensitive site disappeared. These data suggest that, at least in this model system, when exogenous DNA is integrated as multiple head-to-tail copies, the entire multigene unit expresses poorly and inappropriately. When the same exogenous DNA integrates as a single (or low number) copy, expression appears to be relatively normal as judged by enhancer stimulation and DNase I hypersensitivity.
United States radiation oncologists' and urologists' opinions about screening and treatment of prostate cancer vary by region.

Abstract Objectives To examine whether physicians' views on prostate cancer screening and treatment vary by geographic region in the United States. Methods A mail survey was sent in 1998 to a random sample of physicians in the United States who were listed as radiation oncologists (response rate 76%, n=559) and urologists (response rate 64%, n=504) in the American Medical Association Registry of Physicians and practicing at least 20 hr/wk. Results Radiation oncologists and urologists in Florida were more likely to report recommending routine prostate-specific antigen testing for men aged 75 years and older than were their colleagues in other regions of the United States. The Florida physicians were more likely to report treating at least 20% of their patients with brachytherapy and to report believing that brachytherapy has survival value for men with a less than 10-year life expectancy. No regional differences were found in the radiation oncologists' and urologists' beliefs about the survival value of radical prostatectomy; however, for men with a less than 10-year life expectancy, Florida urologists had more confidence in the survival benefit of external beam radiotherapy than urologists in other regions ( P = 0.04). Radiation oncologists in Florida reported higher rates of recommending early androgen deprivation for a rising PSA after both radiotherapy and surgery ( P = 0.008 and P = 0.001, respectively) than did their colleagues in other regions. Conclusions Florida radiation oncologists and urologists reported beliefs and practices that differed from their colleagues in other regions of the United States. Whether the distinctive style of prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment in Florida results in improved outcomes has yet to be proved.
Concentrations, physico-chemical states and mean residence times of 210Pb and 210Po in marine and estuarine waters☆

Abstract The concentrations and physico-chemical states of 210 Pb have been measured in Bikini Atoll and Washington State coastal waters, and 210 Po in Washington coastal waters. Lead-210 concentrations of 113–133 dpm · m −3 were found in surface water collections near Bikini Atoll and 29–153 dpm · m −3 in Bikini Lagoon. The concentrations of 210 Pb in near Bikini and in Washington State waters increased with depth in the upper 150m at a rate of 0.35–0.45dpm·m −3 · m −1 . In the North Equatorial Current waters near Bikini Atoll 210 Pb was found associated predominantly with the soluble (colloidal) fraction, but in Washington coastal waters 210 Pb and 210 Po were found associated with the paniculate (> 0.3 μm) fraction. The mean residence times of 210 Pb, calculated from the atmospheric input to marine waters from precipitation and the concentrations measured in surface water, were consistent with the physico-chemical states of 210 Pb found in samples collected in deep ocean and coastal waters. Approximate values of the mean residence times were calculated, for the upper 50 m, to be as follows: 58 days in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, 128 days at the 5-mile (8 km) station off Cape Flattery (Washington), 163 days at the 12-mile (19 km) station off Cape Flattery, and 2.6 yr near Bikini Atoll. It appears that 210 Pb and 210 Po can be used to trace particle removal rates in the upper layers of marine waters.
PUTTING STRATEGY INTO PROMOTION MIX DECISIONS

The promotion mix is the combination of personal selling, advertising, and sales promotion used to achieve marketing objectives. The objective‐and‐task method is used in practice to develop a single promotion mix plan. This is practical but has drawbacks: (1) only one promotion strategy and mix is considered, and (2) decision making is taken out of the hands of senior marketing management. This paper sets forth a decision‐making process by which alternative promotion strategies and mixes are generated so that senior marketing management can choose the one that is most promising.
Diurnal fluctuations in the number of cells in mitosis and DNA synthesis in the jejunum of the mouse

At three hour intervals throughout the day mice were injected with 3HTdR and sacrificed 30 min later. Crypts were dissected for radioassay and radioautography and d.p.m./crypt, d.p.m./labeled nucleus, number of cells in M and the number of cells in S was determined. The results reported clearly demonstrate a diurnal rhythm in the number of cells in mitosis and synthesizing DNA. No such rhythm was found in DNA synthesis rate. The peak and nadir of number of mitotic figures/crypt is at 0300 and 1500, respectively. The peak and nadir of the number of cells in DNA synthesis follows the same time relationship as the mitotic figures. Possible mechanisms are discussed.
Incidence and risk factors of lymphatic-related complications after robotic staging of endometrial cancer

Objectives: Both primary therapy and adjuvant therapy for uterine cancer have evolved. Although survival estimates from randomized trials have shown improved survival, it remains unclear whether treatment changes have translated into improved survival in the broader population. Population-level survival analyses are complicated by improved longevity as a whole in women. We examined relative survival, a measure that compares survival in women with cancer to the general population, to determine the excess mortality associated with uterine cancer over the last 25 years. Methods: Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, women with uterine cancer diagnosed from 1983 to 2009 were identified. Survival was analyzed after adjustment for age, race, stage, year of diagnosis, and time since diagnosis. Relative survival was estimated by comparing observed survival after diagnosis of cancer to expected survival obtained from the general United States population matched on calendar year, age, and race. Results: A total of 121,948 women were identified. For stages I–III uterine cancer, we found a temporal reduction in excess mortality. Among women with stage I uterine cancer, the excess HR for women diagnosed in 2009 was 0.53 (95% CI, 0.44–0.64) compared to those diagnosed in 1983, 0.63 (95% CI, 0.55–0.72) compared to those diagnosed in 1990, and 0.80 (95% CI, 0.75–0.86) compared to those diagnosed in 2000. Similarly, for women with stage III tumors, the excess HR for women in 2009 was 0.50 (95% CI, 0.44–0.59) compared to 1983, 0.61 (95% CI, 0.54–0.68) compared to 1990, and 0.79 (95% CI, 0.75–0.83) compared to 2000. Similar trends were noted for women with stage II tumors. Conclusions: Relative survival has improved for stages I–III uterine cancer. Advances in surgical treatment and the delivery of adjuvant therapy may have resulted in improved population-level survival in the United States.
Some random observations

Of course, the rationale of PME is so different from what has been taught in “orthodox” statistics courses for fifty years, that it causes conceptual hangups for many with conventional training. But beginning students have no difficulty with it, for it is just a mathematical model of the natural, common sense way in which anybody does conduct his inferences in problems of everyday life. The difficulties that seem so prominent in the literature today are, therefore, only transient phenomena that will disappear automatically in time. Indeed, this revolution in our attitude toward inference is already an accomplished fact among those concerned with a few specialized applications; with a little familarity in its use its advantages are apparent and it no longer seems strange. It is the idea that inference was once thought to be tied to frequencies in random experiments, that will seem strange to future generations.
Update on non-myeloablative stem cell transplantation for hematologic malignancies

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation is an established treatment modality for a variety of hematologic malignancies. Unfortunately it carries a high risk of complications and toxicities related to the intensive preparative regimen which is traditionally used for pre-transplant myeloablation and the graft versus host disease, which may be life threatening. Thus allogeneic stem cell transplantation has been used only for younger patients with a good performance status, excluding many other potential candidates due to advanced age or comorbid conditions. Non ablative or reduced intensity preparative regimens for allogeneic stem cell transplantation (NST) have been proposed as a strategy that would allow exploiting the graft versus tumor effect of allogeneic transplantation without the toxicity of myelo-ablative therapy. After more than five years of cumulative clinical experience, it is now well established that NST is a feasible treatment option for patients with suboptimal performance status and is mostly effective in slow proliferating malignancies, which gives time for a graft versus malignancy effect to take place. Additionally achievement of stable donor cell engraftment with NSTs provides a platform for adoptive immune cell treatments and may allow to extend indications of stem cell transplantation in the future.
Adverse Effects of Caffeine on Embryonic Cardiac Function During Early Cardiac Morphogenesis.

Caffeine is a naturally occurring product that acts as a mild central nervous system stimulant. In humans the major sources of caffeine are coffee, tea, and soft drinks, as well as cocoa, chocolate, and certain medications. Caffeine is metabolized more slowly in pregnant women and due to the hydrophobic properties of caffeine it can cross the placenta and the brain-blood barrier. Studies in human and animal models have shown that caffeine exposure during pregnancy affects the perinatal cardiovascular system as well as central nervous system and can result in intrauterine growth retardation and stillbirth. Recent studies show that caffeine intake increases risk of first-trimester spontaneous abortion in human. However, the extent and the mechanism by which maternal caffeine intake influences embryonic cardiovascular function during early morphogenesis is not known. We hypothesized that caffeine ingestion during early pregnancy impairs embryonic cardiac function by delaying the onset of heart beat and alters the normal increase in heart rate (HR) resulting in growth delay and first-trimester spontaneous abortion. Eight to 12 week-old pregnant CD-1 mice and 81embryos were studied under an approved IACUC protocol. Caffeine was dissolve in distilled water and administered daily by gavage at a dose of 120mg/kg from gestational days 0.5 to 10.5. We monitored embryonic heart rate (HR) from gestational days 8.5 to 10.5 at 24 hour intervals using a 40MHz ultrasound biomicroscope. At gestational day 10.5, embryos were fixed and somite number and external morphology was assessed. This period of gestational includes the onset of heart beat of the primitive heart tube through the completion of heart looping. Onset of heart beat was significantly delayed in caffeine group at gestational day 8.5 (heart beat was detected in 41% of caffeine treated embryos versus 79% of sham treated embryos). HR increase was higher in caffeine group at gestational days 9.5 (127±4 in caffeine vs. 112±5 in sham, respectively, p<0.05) and 10.5 (150±4 vs. 140±4). At gestational day 10.5, caffeine treated mice had a significantly higher rate of embryo abortion (10% in caffeine vs. less than 2% in sham, p<0.05). Somite number was similar in both groups, however, body size, head size, and upper extremity length was significantly smaller in caffeine group. Thus, our results confirm that intrauterine caffeine exposure alters embryonic cardiac function (onset of heart beat, normal HR increase), embryo growth, and embryo survival during a critical period of early cardiovascular morphogenesis.
Mating Frequency and Fecundity in Agrilus anxius (Coleoptera: Buprestidae)

ABSTRACT Bronze birch borers (Agrilus anxius Gory) (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), a key pest of birches in North America, have the potential to be a major threat to Eurasian birch forests. Therefore, the consequences of single versus multiple mating on the longevity, fecundity and fertility of female A. anxius were examined. There were three treatments: females observed mating one time and 1 ) then housed alone, 2) kept with their mate, and 3) females paired and housed with a randomly chosen male. Another group of females were observed mating once, and then dissected, 47 of 48 of them had received spermatophores. Weight and longevity of females did not differ among mating treatments. Fecundity, but not fertility, was positively correlated with longevity in all treatments. A high percentage of females in all three mating treatments laid eggs, and there was not a significant difference among treatments. The fecundity of females that laid eggs also did not differ among treatments. These results suggest that a si...
Comprehensive strategy for chiral separations using sulfated cyclodextrins in capillary electrophoresis.

This review focuses on the emerging role of sulfated cyclodextrins in the capillary electrophoretic (CE) separation of chiral analytes. Since being introduced as enantioselective agents for CE in 1995, these anionic additives have continued to demonstrate remarkable application universality. The broad spectrum of chiral compounds successfully separated using this approach includes acidic, basic, neutral, and zwitterionic species. This impressive array of analyte structures is derived from a growing diversity of compound classes including pharmaceuticals, plant extracts, biomarkers, herbicides, alkaloids, fungicides, and metal ions. Moreover, literature reports highlight the minimal optimization required to achieve a successful separation. Based on these findings, sulfated cyclodextrins appear to be well suited for the development of a more universal, comprehensive separation strategy for chiral compounds. This review explores this proposition by beginning with the structure and migration properties of sulfated cyclodextrins, using applications to highlight the separating power of this technique and ending with a pragmatic, comprehensive separation strategy.
Spatial/temporal indexing and information visualization genre for environmental digital libraries

Protecting and preserving our environmental systems require the ability to understand the spatio-temporal distribution of soils, parent material, topography, and land cover as well as the effects of human activities on ecosystems. Space-time modelling of ecosystems in an environmental digital library is essential for visualizing past, present, and future impacts of changes occurring within such landscapes (e.g., shift in land use practices). In this paper, we describe three novel features, spatio-temporal indexing, visualization, and geostatistical genre, for the environmental digital library, Environmental Visualization and Geographic Enterprise System (ENVISAGE), currently in progress at the University of Florida.
Assessing patients for catheter ablation during hospitalization for acute heart failure

Heart rhythm problems are common among patients who are hospitalized with acute heart failure (HF). Although it is often difficult to determine whether a tachyarrhythmia is the major contributor to an acute HF decompensation or merely a consequence of the decompensation, both issues usually need to be addressed. There is also a subset of patients with HF who have a tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy (TIC), where the sole cause of the ventricular dysfunction is the heart rhythm problem. In most cases, the management of a tachyarrhythmia in a patient with acute HF is not significantly different than the management of a heart rhythm problem in any patient, but there are several special clinical scenarios and important considerations. These considerations include the time urgency for an intervention, the usual need to be more aggressive and definitive, the need to stabilize a patient to allow for a heart rhythm intervention, such as catheter ablation to be performed safely, and the limitations of antiarrhythmic drugs in patients with ventricular dysfunction. Catheter ablation is a highly effective treatment option for many patients with supraventricular or ventricular tachycardias who are hospitalized with HF. This review will discuss the different types of tachyarrhythmias that can be associated with acute HF and are amenable to catheter ablation, and the assessment that needs to take place in potentially eligible patients to determine when catheter ablation is appropriate.