cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Antalarmin blockade of corticotropin releasing hormone-induced hypertension in rats

Central administration of CRH results in endocrinological, cardiovascular, and behavioral effects that suggest stress or anxiety. Among these is a marked pressor response. Parenteral administration of CRH, however, results in hypotension. We used parenteral administration of antalarmin, a novel, small molecule CRH1 receptor antagonist, and α-helical CRH9–41, a peptidic CRHR1/CRHR2 antagonist to attempt to determine the receptor mechanisms through which CRH is acting in both of these situations. Our results suggest that the hypertension produced by central CRH administration is mediated through central CRHR1 receptors, whereas the hypotension produced by parenteral CRH administration is mediated through peripheral CRHR2 receptors.
Glucocorticoids increase osteoblast-like bone cell response to 1,25(OH)2D3.

Recent reports indicate that some hormones may regulate the binding of, and subsequent response to, other hormones by their target tissue1–6. The adrenal glucocorticoids are prominent among these modulating hormones3–6. Glucocorticoids have been shown to enhance bone cell sensitivity to parathyroid hormone (PTH)6,7 in vitro and this in turn has permitted PTH-induced effects to be measured at physiological doses of PTH for the first time in isolated osteoblast-like (OB) and osteoclast-like (OC) cells. It is unknown whether these findings represent a specific interaction between glucocorticoids and PTH6 or indicate a general role for glucocorticoids in the development and/or maintenance of bone cell differentiation, of which hormonal responsiveness would be one expression. In the event of a general glucocorticoid effect on cell differentiation, increased responsiveness to other bone resorbing hormones should also be observed. We have therefore examined whether glucocorticoids enhance the sensivity of bone cells to a steroid hormone, 1,25 dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25(OH)2D3), and we report here that they do.
Incorporation of Dynamic Capillary Pressure into the Green–Ampt Model for Infiltration

The Green–Ampt model describes infiltration of water into soil. A sharp front separates the saturated from the unsaturated zones, and capillary pressure is assumed to remain constant during infiltration. We generalized this model to account for a capillary pressure that depends on the flow velocity. Based on dimensional analysis and physical considerations, we posited a functional form for dynamic capillary pressure and assumed the nonequilibrium capillary pressure to depend on the capillary number in the form of a power law. Our model for dynamic capillary pressure describes measurements of capillary pressure versus Darcy velocity by D.A. Weitz et al. and S.L. Geiger and D.S. Durnford. Moreover, the dimensional analysis allows us to collapse three dynamic capillary pressure curves that Geiger and Durnford measured for sands of different grain size onto one curve. Furthermore our model describes capillary rise experiments performed by T. Tabuchi well. We also derived an implicit analytical solution for the front velocity.
Evaluation of subsetting programming language elements in a novice's programming environment

In this paper, we evaluate the effects of applying programming language subsets to the programming environment used by novice (CS1) students in a closed-laboratory setting, as well as reducing the complexity of the user interface for the environment. Our goal in this effort was to assess if such interface and application-level changes adversely impact the student or hinder the later migration to a traditional professional-strength programming environment.We focus on the comparison of the quantitative data captured from the closed-laboratory sessions (assignment grades, number of syntax / semantic errors, and the number of compilation / execution attempts) involving subjects that used a new programming environment featuring a less complex interface in two forms: one lacking support of language subsets, and one supporting the application of language subsets.We found that while using the environment supporting the application of language subsets, there was no difference in the compilation-attempt rate, the number of errors did not increase, and student grades were equivalent between the experiment groups. Additionally, following a migration to the professional environment from the simplified environment, student grades were equivalent to those that had used the professional environment throughout the experiment. Student reaction to the experimental environment was very positive, especially related to the removal of unused tools and project management features.
Ruthenium as a CO-tolerant hydrogen oxidation catalyst for solid acid fuel cells

Carbon supported Ru nanoparticles were implemented in composite anodes of fuel-generating hydrogen pumps and electricity-generating fuel cells based on the inorganic proton conductor CsH2PO4. In cells operating at 250 °C, Ru catalysts are more tolerant to CO than Pt at cell currents greater than 500 mA cm−2 and are stable in a fuel stream containing 10% CO for over 160 hours. Hydrogen-air fuel cells fabricated with Ru-based anodes performed comparably to those with Pt-based anodes in both pure hydrogen and in a hydrogen-rich simulated reformate containing 10% CO.
A web-based course on complementary medicine for medical students and residents improves knowledge and changes attitudes.

Background: There is a growing need to educate physicians about complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Few introductory courses in CAM have been described. Purpose: To develop and evaluate an introductory course in CAM for medical students and residents. Method: We conducted a controlled study evaluating a case-based, Web-based course in CAM, making comparison to no intervention. Participants were 123 internal medicine residents, family medicine residents, and 3rd- and 4th-year medical students at academic residency programs in internal medicine and family medicine and two U.S. medical schools. Outcomes included knowledge of CAM, attitudes toward CAM, and course evaluation information. Results: Eighty-nine learners completed the course. Test scores among a subset of these (n = 57) were higher (M ± SD = 78.7 ± 10.1) than scores (50.9 ± 8.5, p < .001) among a no-intervention control group (n = 34), and remained higher (64.9 ± 11.4) 3 months later. After the course participants felt more comfortable d...
Complexation between Rhodamine 101 and Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Indicative of Solvent−Nanotube Interaction Strength

Single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) have excellent mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties but their manipulation is hampered since they do not readily dissolve in most organic solvents. In particular, the interaction of nanotubes and organics is not universally understood. Using UV−vis absorption and visible fluorescence spectroscopy we show that, in chloroform, the laser dye Rhodamine 101 (R101) forms ground-state complexes with CoMoCAT SWNT, but that in N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMA), no such complexes exist. We suggest a strong interaction between zwitterionic R101 and nanotube in chloroform where the interaction between nanotube and solvent is weak. We describe how this interaction is solvent specific and how R101 and its analogs may be used as an indicator of strength of interaction of solvent. We also suggest that charge transfer/dipole stabilization should be investigated further in the search for more stable and long lasting SWNT dispersions for improved nanotube manipulation.
The outcome of neonatal septicemia during fifteen years.

ABSTRACT. The outcome of neonatal septicemia in 320 infants seen during 1969–83 has been evaluated. Mortality decreased from 27% to 12%. The incidence of moderate to severe handicaps in survivors remained unchanged at around 20%. Sixty percent of these handicapped children had meningitis or osteomyelitis, and many of these were healthy prior to onset. All handicapped infants without osteomyelitis or meningitis had several other risk factors that may have contributed to the final outcome.
India, Chindia, or an Alternative? Opportunities for American Strategic Interests in Asia

There is an undeniable power surge in Asia, primarily in India and China. Speculation about a strategic joining of forces of India and China into a muscular economic alliance known as “Chindia” has been floated. Despite once being bitter enemies, the two nations have engaged in a recent detente with each other. Building upon each other's strengths helps advance this cause. However, until now the Chindia concept has appeared to be more theoretical than practical in nature because of lingering boundary issues between the nations. Such an alliance, however, cannot be summarily dismissed. This paper focuses upon how India and China partnering with the United States could form a transregional triangle that would tighten America's grip on power in the Asia-Pacific Region.
Word choices of advanced cancer patients: frequency of nociceptive and neuropathic pain.

The purpose of this study was to determine if nociceptive and/or neuropathic pain in advanced cancer patients could be identified by word selections made on the McGill Melzack Pain Questionnaire. Theoretical definitions for nociceptive and neuropathic pain provided a framework for categorizing the word descriptors in the McGill Melzack Pain Questionnaire's sensory and miscellaneous dimensions. A description study design was used to group word frequencies by primary site and pain type. The participants were 76 advanced cancer patients who received home-based hospice services. A wide range of word choices for lung cancer patients supported both nociceptive and neuropathic pain. Individuals with colon and liver cancer selected words that described 2 types of nociceptive (visceral, somatic) pain, while those with prostate cancer noted somatic pain. A set frequency was not reached by individuals with breast, pancreatic, gastric, and other advanced cancers. This study provided evidence that advanced cancer pati...
Youth Empowerment and Contemporary Art: Where Are We Now?.

AbstractIn the 1990s, a handful of arts institutions made an unprecedented effort to engage young people through intensive programming geared directly at adolescent audiences—teen councils and apprenticeships sprouted up across the country and sought to welcome and empower teens within the museum. The Whitney Museum of American Art is currently leading a three-year research project to investigate the long-term impact of these teen programs, in collaboration with the Walker Art Center, the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, and the Contemporary Arts Museum of Houston. This article traces the development and evolution of these intensive contemporary art museum teen programs, and the defining characteristics and best practices that make these lasting, high-impact experiences for their participants.
Illustrative EDOF topics in Fourier optics

In this talk we present a series of illustrative topics in Fourier Optics that are proving valuable in the design of EDOF camera systems. They are at the level of final examination problems that have been made solvable by a student or professoi having studied from one of Joseph W. Goodman's books---our tribute for his 75fr year. As time permits, four illustrative topics are l) Electromagnetic waves and Fourier optics;2) The perfect lens; 3) Connection between phase delay and radially varying focal length in an asphere and 4) tailored EDOF designs.
Safety Concerns, Fear and Precautionary Behavior among College Women: An Exploratory Examination of Two Measures of Residency

This study examines the impact of two distinct measures of residency on college women's perceptions of safety, fear of crime and precautionary behaviors within both on-campus and off-campus areas. A student's current residency either on- or off-campus and a student's prior residency in a metropolitan, micropolitan or rural county prior to college are compared across these three aspects of campus safety. Current residency is found to be significantly related to a student's perceptions of safety in off-campus areas around campus, as well as the likelihood of engaging in precautionary behaviors such as avoiding specific locations on campus or carrying or keeping something (for example, weapons) for protection. Prior residency, on the other hand, was not found to impact perceptions of safety, fear of crime or precautionary behaviors.
ERCP-related adverse events in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis

Background ERCP is frequently used in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) for cancer surveillance and treatment of dominant strictures. Objective To evaluate the prevalence and risk factors for ERCP-related adverse events in patients with PSC. Design Retrospective analysis of ERCPs performed from 1998 to 2012. Setting Referral center. Patients A total of 294 consecutive patients with PSC who underwent a total of 657 ERCPs. Interventions ERCP. Main Outcome Measurements ERCP-related adverse events and predictive factors were determined by univariate and multivariate analyses. Results ERCP use in patients with PSC showed a significant increase during the second half of the study period (2006-2012) compared with the first half (1998-2005) (437 vs 220 procedures; P = .04). Primary cannulation was successful in 634 procedures (96.6%) or in 271 of 294 patients (92.2%). Access to the bile duct was achieved with a needle-knife in 19 procedures (2.9%), whereas ERCP was unsuccessful in 4 of 657 procedures (0.6%), and successful percutaneous drainage was performed. Post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) was diagnosed in 8 (1.2%), cholangitis in 16 (2.4%), and bleeding in 4 (0.7%) procedures. Overall, risk of any adverse event was 28 of 657 (4.3%) procedures. On multivariate analysis, performing biliary sphincterotomy (odds ratio [OR] 5.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.01-12.60; P = .001) and passage of a guidewire into the pancreatic duct (OR 4.54; 95% CI, 1.44-14.30; P = .010) were independently associated with an increased risk of any adverse event. Limitations Retrospective study. Conclusion Cholangitis appears to be the most common adverse event despite intraprocedural antibiotic use. There was a low risk of adverse events in patients with PSC undergoing ERCP.
Atomic Force Microscopy Characterization of Collagen 'Nanostraws' in Human Costal Cartilage

Costal cartilage, a type of hyaline cartilage that bridges the bony ribs and sternum, is relatively understudied compared to the load bearing cartilages. Deformities of costal cartilage can result in deformation of the chest wall, where the sternum is largely pushed toward or away from the spine, pectus excavatum and pectus carinatum, respectively, with each condition having significant clinical impact. In the absence of extensive literature describing morphological features of costal cartilage, we characterized a sample from the costal margin immunohistologically and through atomic force microscopy. We had previously observed the presence of collagen ‘nanostraws’ running the length of costal cartilage. Hypothesizing that these structures may be responsible for fluid flow within this thick, avascular tissue, and prior to microfluidic analysis, we estimated the diameters and measured Young's modulus of elasticity of the collagen nanostraws. We found significant differences in results between treatment type and fixation. Significant differences in nanostraw elasticity and diameter obviously affect nano-fluidic transport calculations, and therefore, we consider these results of importance to the scientific community relying upon measurements in the nanoscale.
Lysozyme binding by a polyglycerol phosphate polymer of the oral bacterium Streptococcus mutans BHT

The antibacterial properties of lysozyme for Streptococcus mutans BHT may be a function of its binding to cell components other than to peptidoglycan. Inhibitors of muramidase activity, including histamine and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, only partially blocked the bacteriostatic effects on this strain. Greater than 20 mM histamine alone inhibited growth suggesting a bacteriostatic potential. An autoclaved saline extract was then prepared from stationary phase cultures in a chemically-defined medium. As little as 31.25 micrograms of the extract significantly blocked the effect of 50 micrograms lysozyme and complete enzyme inhibition was achieved with 62.5 micrograms. The extract was fractionated and location of potential binding components determined by a precipitin method consisting of diffusing the samples into 1.2 per cent agarose containing lysozyme. Binding components eluted in the first peak of a Sephacryl S-300 column, bound to DEAE-cellulose, but desorbed with gradient elution (0.1-1.0 M tris-HCl buffer, pH 8.0). The eluted material was then applied to an affinity column containing purified lysozyme coupled to epoxy-activated Sepharose 6B. Non-absorbed anionic material precipitated only with protamine. Lysozyme-binding fractions eluted in a sharp peak with 1.0 M tris-HCl buffer (pH 8.0), did not bind wheat-germ agglutinin, contained less than 50 micrograms protein, 95 micrograms sugar, 66.7 micrograms phosphorus, less than 0.25 mequiv lipid and no detectable nucleic acids. The peak material reacted with antiserum directed against polyglycerol phosphate, indicating that it contained acylated or, possibly, deacylated lipoteichoic acid. The findings suggest that the antibacterial properties of lysozyme for Strep. mutans BHT may, in part, be modified (or possibly regulated) by binding to molecules such as lipoteichoic acid.
The Bouncing Ball Apparatus as an Experimental Tool

The bouncing ball on a sinusoidally vibrating plate exhibits a rich variety of nonlinear dynamical behavior and is one of the simplest mechanical systems to produce chaotic behavior. A computer control system is designed for output calibration, state determination, system identification, and control of a new bouncing ball apparatus designed in collaboration with Magnetic Moments. The experiments described here constitute the first research performed with the apparatus. Experimental methods are used to determine the coefficient of restitution of the ball, an extremely sensitive parameter needed for modeling and control. The coefficient of restitution is estimated using data from a stable one-cycle orbit both with and without using corresponding data from a ball map. For control purposes, two methods are used to construct linear maps. The first map is determined by collecting data directly from the apparatus. The second map is derived analytically using a high bounce approximation. The maps are used to estimate the domains of attraction to a stable one-cycle orbit. These domains of attraction are used to construct a chaotic control algorithm for driving the ball to a stable one-cycle from any initial state. Experimental results based on the chaotic control algorithm are compared and it is found that the linear map obtained directly from the data not only gives a more accurate representation of the domain of attraction, but also results in more robust control of the ball to the stable one-cycle.
Persistent nausea and vomiting in pregnancy.

Question: A 23-year-old pregnant woman at 27 weeks gestation presented with 10 weeks of persistent nausea, emesis, and a 20-pound weight loss. On examination, she appeared ill and had epigastric tenderness. Laboratory assessment was notable for anemia (hemoglobin level, 7 g/dL). Hyperemesis gravidarum was entertained, but upper endoscopy revealed circumferential, edematous narrowing of the gastric antrum with ulceration (Figure A, arrow). Gastric biopsies were obtained (Figure B). Computed tomography showed intrauterine pregnancy (Figure C, thin arrow) and a thickened gastric wall (Figure C, thick arrow). What is the diagnosis? Look on page 323 for the answer and see the Gastroenterology web site (www.gastrojournal.org) for more information on submitting your favorite image to Clinical Challenges and Images in GI.
On the cryogenic performance of ultra-low-loss, wideband SPDT RF switches designed in a 180 nm SOI-CMOS technology

The RF cryogenic performance of ultra-low-loss, wideband (DC to 40 GHz) single-pole double-throw (SPDT) RF switches implemented in a 180 nm SOI CMOS technology is reported for the first time. Results show that the switch insertion loss (IL), isolation (ISO), small- and large-signal linearity all improve as the temperature decreases. DC characterization of individual transistors was performed and analyzed to provide insight into the mechanisms underlying the observed changes in the RF switches.
A biographical sketch of Robert J. Sacker

Bob Sacker and I met the first time in December 1965 in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, at an International Conference on Differential Equations and Dynamical Systems, organized by Lefschetz, LaSalle and Ha...
Differential pituitary and gonadal function of Chinese Meishan and European white composite boars: effects of gonadotropin-releasing hormone stimulation, castration, and steroidal feedback.

Considerable breed differences exist in concentrations of gonadotropins between Chinese Meishan boars and meat-type crossbred boars of European origin. To define mechanisms that might be responsible, sensitivity to GnRH stimulation, hormonal clearance, and gonadal pituitary feedback effects were monitored in two experiments. In the first trial, jugular catheters were placed into mature Meishan (n = 7) and white composite boars (n = 8). Boars were repetitively sampled after administration of two doses of GnRH (150 and 1500 ng/kg BW) a week apart. Before administration of GnRH, FSH was greater in Meishan boars (554 +/- 50 vs. 102 +/- 8 ng/ml, p 750 ng/ml; n = 5 per breed group). Boars were cannulated and repetitively sampled during three protocols: 1) low GnRH stimulation (15 ng/kg BW), 2) pre- and postcastration, and 3) steroidal treatment (0.5 mg testosterone propionate and 20 micrograms estradiol cypionate/kg BW; then 24 days later, a 20-strength low-dosage steroid treatment). At the low GnRH stimulation, LH and testosterone concentrations were increased but FSH concentrations were not altered. Rate of increase of FSH and decline of testosterone concentrations were not different between the three treatment groups after castration. Castration levels of FSH were maintained and further increased with time. Rates of reduction in FSH concentration after gonadal steroidal stimulation were not different between breed groups, but Meishan boars escaped the exogenous steroid suppression earlier than white composite boars (p < 0.01). Differences in concentrations of gonadotropins in Meishan and white composite boars of European origin seem to be at the pituitary level of control and not related to gonadal factors.
Light-scattering by charged dislocations in lonic crystals☆

Abstract The temperature dependence of light-scattering by single crystals of sodium chloride and potassium chloride is investigated in the temperature region between 168°K and 350°K. In contrast to the predictions of earlier theories pronounced maxima and minima of the scattering intensity are observed. It is shown that the general scattering theory recently developed by the authors (Theimer and Plint, 6) explains the experiments quantitatively if the scattering regions are interpreted as vacancy and impurity clouds surrounding charged dislocations (Eshelby, et al. 7). No other plausible scattering mechanism appears to be compatible with the experiments.
Percutaneous Transfemoral Venous Cardiac Pacing: A Simple and Practical Method

Abstract For temporary transvenous cardiac pacing to be successful and practical (1) electrode placement must be accomplished precisely and expeditiously; (2) the inserted electrode should not move spontaneously from the chosen site of endocardial stimulation; (3) prevention of electrode displacement should not be accomplished at the cost of inconvenience to the patient; and (4) the site of venous entry for temporary pacing should not compromise plans for later permanent transvenous pacemaker implantation. Of the four available venous routes, brachial, jugular, subclavian and femoral, only the last meets all these requirements. A simple percutaneous transfemoral venous method of cardiac pacing is described, and personal experience with its use in 100 consecutive patients presented. The necessary equipment for the procedure is within the reach of any hospital. This technique is particularly valuable in management of patients with malfunctioning permanent pacemakers, acute myocardial infarction complicated by A-V block or ectopic tachyarrhythmias, recurrent Stokes-Adams attacks, and refractory ventricular tachycardia, where expediency in establishing a stable rhythm is of paramount importance.
Discovery of a Role for Hsp82 in Histoplasma Virulence through a Quantitative Screen for Macrophage Lethality

The application of forward genetics can reveal new factors required for the virulence of intracellular pathogens. To facilitate such virulence screens, we developed macrophage cell lines with which the number of intact host cells following infection with intracellular pathogens can be rapidly and easily ascertained through the expression of a constitutive lacZ transgene. Using known virulence mutants of Francisella novicida and Histoplasma capsulatum, we confirmed the applicability of these host cells for the quantitative assessment of bacterial and fungal virulence, respectively. To identify new genes required for Histoplasma virulence, we employed these transgenic macrophage cells to screen a collection of individual transfer DNA (T-DNA) insertion mutants. Among the mutants showing decreased virulence in macrophages, we identified an insertion in the locus encoding the Histoplasma Hsp82 homolog. The lesion caused by the T-DNA insertion localizes to the promoter region, resulting in significantly decreased HSP82 expression. Reduced HSP82 expression markedly attenuates the virulence of Histoplasma yeast in vivo. While the HSP82 hypomorph grows normally in vitro at 37°C and under acid and salinity stresses, its ability to recover from high-temperature stress is impaired. These results provide genetic proof of the role of stress chaperones in the virulence of a thermally dimorphic fungal pathogen.
General Systems Theory---The Skeleton of Science

In recent years increasing need has been felt for a body of systematic theoretical constructs which will discuss the general relationships of the empirical world. This is the quest of General Systems Theory. It does not seek, of course, to establish a single, self-contained “general theory of practically everything” which will replace all the special theories of particular disciplines. Such a theory would be almost without content, for we always pay for generality by sacrificing content, and all we can say about practically everything is almost nothing. Somewhere however between the specific that has no meaning and the general that has no content there must be, for each purpose and at each level of abstraction, an optimum degree of generality. It is the contention of the General Systems Theorists that this optimum degree of generality in theory is not always reached by the particular sciences.
Vehicle-level control analysis of 2010 Toyota Prius based on test data

The Prius, a power-split hybrid electric vehicle developed by Toyota, has been the top-selling vehicle in the United States hybrid electric vehicle market for the last decade. The transmission system of the vehicle is a frequent theme of study for hybrid electric vehicles. However, the control concept of the vehicle is not well known, since analyzing control behaviors requires well-designed facilities to obtain testing results and well-defined processes to analyze the obtained results. Argonne National Laboratory has these resources and capabilities. In addition, Argonne has produced a reliable simulation tool, Autonomie, by which a vehicle model for the 2010 Prius is developed on the basis of the analyzed results, and it is validated with the results of testing. The developed model demonstrates that results of vehicle performance from simulation are close to those of from real-world tests—within 5%. The main focus of this study is to provide information about the supervisory control for the 2010 Prius, s...
DESCRIPTION OF A NEW SPECIES IN THE NITIDULUS GROUP OF THE GENUS VAEJOVIS (SCORPIONES, VAEJOVIDAE)

Abstract A new species in the nitidulus group of Vaejovis is described: V. mauryi from Sonora, Mexico. Morphological characters, including the hemispermatophore of the holotype male, are illustrated. The species is compared to Vaejovis decipiens, Vaejovis janssi, and Vaejovis intermedius.
Reduction in vertebral fracture risk in teriparatide-treated postmenopausal women as assessed by spinal deformity index.

Teriparatide is the first bone-building drug available for the treatment of osteoporosis. We investigated the efficacy of this compound as assessed by spinal deformity index (SDI) using data from the Fracture Prevention Trial (FPT). The FPT was a randomized, double blind trial of placebo versus teriparatide 20 microg (TPTD20) versus teriparatide 40 microg (TPTD40) administered by daily self-injection. Patients included in the current analyses were those patients from the placebo (n = 398) and TPTD20 (the approved dose, n = 403) groups with baseline and follow-up radiographs and at least one vertebral fracture at baseline. For each vertebra, a visual semiquantitative grade of 0, 1, 2, or 3 was assigned for no fracture or mild, moderate, or severe fracture, respectively; the SDI was calculated by summing the fracture grades of all T4 to L4 vertebrae. The mean SDI increased in the placebo and TPTD20 groups by 0.485 and 0.134, respectively (P 1, >2, and >3 were reduced by 85%, 80%, and 80%, respectively. In the placebo group, increasing baseline SDI was correlated with the mean increase in SDI during the trial (r = 0.080, P = 0.01), consistent with the progressive natural history of osteoporosis. However, in the TPTD20 group, increasing baseline SDI was not correlated with the mean increase in SDI during the trial (P = 0.297) indicating that teriparatide mitigated or eliminated the increased risk associated with increasing fracture burden. Increases in SDI during the trial were associated with increasing proportions of patients with new or worsening back pain and greater mean height loss (P < 0.0001), demonstrating an association with important clinical consequences. The results indicate that teriparatide greatly reduced the increase in fracture burden in the FPT and mitigated or eliminated the risk for future fractures imparted by increasing baseline fracture burden.
Anaesthesia for large loop diathermy excision of the transformation zone

SummarySummaryThe adequacy of prilocaine and felypressin (Citanest) as a local anaesthetic for large loop excision of the transformation zone was assessed in 50 women. Visual analogue scores of pain experienced were completed immediately after the procedure and every 2 hours subsequently that day, if woken in the night and upon waking the next day. Twenty-seven women (54 per cent) experienced pain; eight required analgesia. All women were pain free by the next day. Prilocaine and felypressin failed to provide adequate pain relief for women after large loop diathermy excision. With day case procedures, it is imperative that patients do not experience pain once at home when the clinic is closed. Analgesia for these women is currently unsatisfactory and needs improvement.
Enantioselective preparation of (+)- and (-)-Z-2-hydroxyethyl-1- methylcyclopropan-1-ol

Both (+)- and (–)-1 have been prepared in gram quantities starting from ethyl L-lactate. The primary alcohol in the side chain of these chiral building blocks allows subsequent elaboration. Ring opening reactions of the resulting trans-dialkylcyclopropanols are expected to provide new approaches to suitably substituted tetrahydropyrans.
Gamma-ray spectra and positive parity bands in 158Gd

Abstract A Ge(Li)-NaI(Tl) pair spectrometer and a Ge(Li)-NaI(Tl) anti-Compton spectrometer were used to measure γ-rays from the reaction 157 Gd(n, γ ) 158 Gd. A detailed decay scheme for levels of 158 Gd was constructed up to an excitation energy of 2504 keV. Branching ratios for transitions from members of the positive parity bands to members of the ground state band were determined. It is shown that a single band-mixing parameter is not sufficient to explain the experimental results, and that even a four-band-mixing calculation does not provide satisfactory agreement. The binding energy of the last neutron is determined to be 7937.4±0.7 keV.
Ropes, Poles, and Space Active Learning in Business Education

As business students graduate and obtain jobs in the global market, corporations are complaining that students employed in entrylevel management positions lack critical thinking or creativity skills. Creativity involves the ability to break out of established patterns and try new approaches. A truly creative individual is not lost in his or her own world, oblivious to all that goes on around them; rather, they combine broad knowledge and imagination to stimulate adventurous (and very likely unconventional) thinking versus merely generating a taxonomy of ideas leading to only one conclusion. How can a university business faculty incorporate ‘critical thinking’ and ‘creativity’ into their courseware? This article discusses an encompassing active learning matrix with examples of exercises, projects, and simulations to foster critical and creative thinking skills in business courses.
The Index of ADOH: concept of measuring oral self‐care functioning in the elderly

Measures of ability, or function, are used in the health field to determine the level of performance of a specific task, assess the loss of function, and to measure the return to function as a result of rehabilitation or interventions. While these measures are important to all age groups, it is the elderly and chronically ill who are at most risk for adverse changes in their health and functional status. The Index of the Activities of Daily Oral Hygiene (ADOH) is an instrument to assess and monitor functional dependency in manipulating aids used in oral self-care. It is part of the overall concept of oral self-care which subsumes function, education and training, and compliance in achieving and maintaining oral health. The purpose of the Index of ADOH is two-fold: to assess a subject for the progressive loss of the physical ability to manipulate the aids used in oral self-care, and to measure the return to function in response to care intervention and rehabilitative services. These manipulative tasks are associated with flossing, brushing, topical fluoride application, and the use of oral rinses. Aside from changes in function, the Index of ADOH can be used by health care providers and administrators to project the need for services or support for home care.
An hypothesis about redundancy and reliability in the brains of higher species: Analogies with genes, internal organs, and engineering systems

The phenomena of behavioral resistance to massive brain damage and behavioral recovery from brain damage suggest there is redundancy in neural tissue. This paper uses basic concepts from probability theory and reliability engineering, as a first step toward more rigorously establishing the plausibility of the redundancy hypothesis. Exponential effects in the relevant formulas lead to results that are intuitively surprising. Thus, within a broad range of parametric assumptions related to lifespan and number of neurons or neural subsystems, it appears that the human brain may be at least twice as large as it would have to be for short-term survival. Simple reliability models suggest that redundancies are in parallel connections of smallest subsystems, such as individual neurons. Other implications of the basic formulas concern the relation between backed-up subsystem reliability and lifetime usage frequency for each subsystem, and the evolution of approximately equal allocation of lifetime reliability among components of a system. In addition, the paper briefly reviews more complex reliability engineering approaches. Redundancy as a reason for neural mass action is compared to other theoretical reasons for mass action in sensorimotor function and learning. Relationships of the present hypothesis to other theories of recovery from brain damage and to theories of regressive trophic phenomena in ontogeny are briefly discussed; it is suggested that as stages of ontogeny progress, both redundancy and flexibility in simpler behavioral functions are traded away for a larger, more differentiated repertoire of complex functions and memories.
Baby Sub: a conceptual learning approach to planning and control of AUVs

This paper describes a novel approach to the development of a learning control system for autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV) which presents the AUV as a "baby"-that is, a system with no a priori knowledge of the world in which it operates, but with behavior acquisition techniques that allow it to build this knowledge from the environment itself. The learning techniques are rooted in a nested hierarchical algorithm molded from processes of early cognitive development in humans. The algorithm extracts data from the environment and by means of correlation, it creates schemata (rules) that are used for control. This system is robust enough to deal with a constantly changing environment because such changes provoke the creation of new schemata using generalization, while still maintaining minimal computational complexity, thanks to the system's multiresolutional nature. >
Molecular and biological characterization of the Amblyomma americanum organic anion transporter polypeptide.

The organic anion transporting polypeptides (Oatps in rodents and other organism; OATPs in human) are Na+-independent transporters that shuttle a wide range of endogenous and xenobotic amphipathic compounds across plasma membranes. We previously discovered an Amblyomma americanum tick ( Aam ) Oatp cDNA among genes that were upregulated or induced in ticks that were stimulated to start feeding. In this study, we have characterized a 2860 bp full-length cDNA that encode a 724 amino acid putative protein. Bioinformatics and hydropathy analyses revealed that, in addition to the kazal-type serine proteinase inhibitor motif, Aam Oatp possess typical features that characterize the Oatp/OATP protein family, including 12 transmembrane (TM) domains, the consensus amino acid motif D-X-RW-(I,V)-GAWW-X-G-(F,L)-L and 11 consensus cysteine residues in the large extracellular domain between TM9 and TM10. Aam Oatp is constitutively and ubiquitously expressed, as determined by RT-PCR amplification of the transcript, in all organs of ticks that fed for 1–7 days. Analysis of the normalized transcript abundance revealed that from days 1 to 5 of feeding, Aam Oatp mRNA expression in the midgut (MG) was 60–80-fold higher than levels found in the salivary gland (SG), ovary (OV) and carcass (CA). By contrast, by day 7 of feeding, the Aam Oatp mRNA was 60–80-fold more strongly expressed in the OV than in the SG, MG and CA. These data strongly indicate that changing physiological needs during the tick feeding process influences transcriptional regulation of Aam Oatp. Our data also show that RNAi-mediated suppression of the Aam Oatp caused ticks to obtain smaller blood meals, which consequently resulted in ticks laying fewer eggs. The results are discussed in the context of Aam Oatp as a potential pharmacological or anti-tick vaccine target.
LOCAL SPECIFIC THERAPY OF EXPERIMENTAL PNEUMOCOCCAL MENINGITIS : III. INCIDENTAL MYELITIS, ABSCESS, AND ORGANIZATION OF EXUDATES.

1. In experimental Type I pneumococcal meningitis of dogs central cord involvement is common after the 2nd day of the disease. 2. These central cord lesions may progress toward extensive suppurative myelitis. 3. Abscesses are infrequent; they arise either as direct perivascular extensions of the meningeal disease or at the site of infected purpuric lesions. 4. In prolonged untreated meningitis of reinfected animals, nothing resembling the disappearance of exudate following crisis in pneumonia occurs. The tendency is toward organization. 5. Late lesions are characterized by the marked development of a perivascular clasmatocytic apparatus, similar to, but more extensive than that hitherto reported in experimental herpetic encephalitis.
Dynamically colored petri net representation of nonlinear sampled-data systems with embedded recovery algorithms

Safety critical control systems are being implemented with computers that include error recovery capabilities to reduce the effect of common mode faults triggered by harsh environments. To study the effect of the error recovery algorithms on the stability and tracking performance of the closed-loop system, this paper models the interconnection of a stochastic exosystem, error recovery logic, and nonlinear sampled-data system using a dynamically colored Petri net. This representation is then mapped into a piecewise deterministic Markov process representation, generalizing a recent result that did not include an error recovery algorithm. The special case of a discrete-time plant is also considered. In this case, the representation becomes simply a Markovian jump linear system.
Psychophysiological comparison theory: On the experience, description, and assessment of signs and symptoms

Abstract A model is outlined to distinguish between the appraisal of signs and symptoms, and between cognitive and social sources of distortion in patients' descriptions of symptoms. The model is also extended to address the problem of calibrating symptom descriptions within and across individuals. Specifically, a formulation is specified to minimize distortions in symptom reports attributable to variable symptom perspectives and to social biases. We conclude by discussing the implications of the model for improving history-taking activities in order to obtain more accurate interpretations of patient reports of symptoms.
Cell Mechanics Studied by a Reconstituted Model Tissue

Tissue models reconstituted from cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) simulate natural tissues. Cytoskeletal and matrix proteins govern the force exerted by a tissue and its stiffness. Cells regulate cytoskeletal structure and remodel ECM to produce mechanical changes during tissue development and wound healing. Characterization and control of mechanical properties of reconstituted tissues are essential for tissue engineering applications. We have quantitatively characterized mechanical properties of connective tissue models, fibroblast-populated matrices (FPMs), via uniaxial stretch measurements. FPMs resemble natural tissues in their exponential dependence of stress on strain and linear dependence of stiffness on force at a given strain. Activating cellular contractile forces by calf serum and disrupting F-actin by cytochalasin D yield "active" and "passive" components, which respectively emphasize cellular and matrix mechanical contributions. The strain-dependent stress and elastic modulus of the active component were independent of cell density above a threshold density. The same quantities for the passive component increased with cell number due to compression and reorganization of the matrix by the cells. use reconstituted tissue models to study the mechanical functions of cytoskeletal proteins. Because the cells, the matrix, and their interactions determine the mechanical properties of model tissues, we have sought conditions in which cytoskeletal contributions to the mechanics can be measured specifically. A major conclusion from this work is that under specified conditions, the mechanical contributions of the cells to the fibroblast-populated matrix (FPM) can be distinguished from those of the matrix. The stiffness of the model tissues is the sum of two components, termed "Active" and "Pas- sive." The latter represents the mechanical properties of FPMs from which cytoskeletal and some matrix contribu- tions have been eliminated by disrupting actin filaments. The ECM dominates the Passive component. The Active and Passive components have significantly different me- chanical properties. The dynamic stiffness increases much more rapidly at high strain for the passive than for the active component. The force that resists stretching the matrix is an exponential function of the strain. At high strain, at which the matrix dominates the mechanical properties of the FPM, the dynamic stiffness of the tissue is therefore a linear function of the force that the tissue exerts or which is exerted on the tissue. Furthermore, the dynamic stiffness of the tissue model increases linearly with the logarithm of the oscillation frequency at which it is stretched. Both these properties are seen in natural biological tissues (Fung, 1993). They present a challenge for structural interpretation.
Quasi-Static Antenna Design Algorithm: A scientific approach to designing electrically small antennas.

The quasi-static antenna design algorithm is a scientific approach to designing electrically small antennas. The radiation resistance is computed from the electrostatic dipole potential. The capacitance is computed from the electrostatic potential on the enclosed sphere. The Q-factor is calculated from the radiation resistance and capacitance. The general thick-disk-cap monopole, enclosed by a sphere, is modeled with electrostatic multipole basis functions on the disk. A sequence of solutions is computed with one to five electrostatic multipole basis functions. The sequence of solutions converges in shape and Q-factor. Chu's [1] theoretical limit $Q_{Chu}$ for an antenna enclosed by a sphere is used to calculate the Q-factor ratio $(Q/Q_{Chu})$ . At low frequencies, the Q-factor ratio for the thick-disk-cap monopole is 1.825. This is almost the same as the spherical-cap monopole Q-factor ratio of 1.75. The thick-disk-cap and spherical-cap monopole were modeled with Computer Simulation Technology (CST) Microwave Studio. At resonance, the thick-disk-cap monopole's Q-factor is 22.5. This is much smaller than the spherical-cap monopole's Q-factor of 46.1. Above the resonant frequency, the thick-disk-cap monopole had a 37% lower Q-factor. Stuart's equivalent circuit is fit to the CST impedance near the resonant frequency. The simplest circuit is the dipole eigenmode (a series LC and a resistor parallel to the L). The dipole eigenmode circuit gives the $\omega^2 radiation resistance. The CST radiation resistance includes a $\omega^4$ term. A capacitor approximation of the higherorder eigenmodes explains the $\omega^4$ term in the CST radiation resistance. The capacitor is parallel to the dipole eigenmode circuit. Stuart's equivalent circuit is used to compute the dc capacitance, inductance, effective height, Q-factor, and Q-factor ratio at low frequencies. The circuit model and CST impedance are almost identical. The agreement between the CST impedance and the dc quasistatic values is reasonable. The circuit model impedance is expressed in an easy-to-understand format.
Street Youth: Coping and Interventions

A literature review of research into interventions among street youth is presented along with the results of a qualitative analysis of interviews with 80 street youth on the topic of coping. Themes arising from the qualitative analysis include street youths' negative and positive experiences with social support; and attitudes and beliefs such as self-worth, decreased reactivity to other's opinions, hope for the future, pride in self-reliance, anger/non-conformity, and spirituality. Recommendations of this study include the need for outcome research and programme evaluation, inclusion of sociocultural factors as variables, and accessing the experiences of street youth.