cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Employers’ Perspectives on Hiring Individuals with Autism

Labor market data indicate that there is a need for skilled employees in several areas. Given the right supports, individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can help to fill these positions. This chapter outlines the importance of understanding and integrating the employers’ perspective when improving employment outcomes for individuals’ with ASD. Potential barriers and facilitators to hiring individuals with disabilities are highlighted in this chapter. Current employment practices are presented, as well as employers’ perspectives on hiring individuals with ASD. A summary of employers’ training and support needs in order to successfully improve their employment practices and increase the employment rate of individuals with ASD is presented.
Incidence, Predictors, and Prognosis of Acute Kidney Injury Among Cardiac Arrest Survivors.

Background:Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common among cardiac arrest survivors. However, the outcomes and predictors are not well studied.Methods:This is a cohort study of cardiac arrest patients en...
Thresholds and Mortality Associations of Paraspinous Muscle Sarcopenia in Older Trauma Patients.

This cohort study examines the correlation between paraspinous sarcopenia at the T12 level and threshold and the association with long-term outcomes in older trauma patients.
Clinical Trial Outcomes in Urology: Assessing Early Discontinuation, Results Reporting and Publication in ClinicalTrials.Gov Registrations 2007-2019.

Purpose:Clinical trials require significant resources, but benefits are only realized after trial completion and dissemination of results. We comprehensively assessed early discontinuation, registr...
Calculations of time-reversal-symmetry-violation sensitivity parameters based on analytic relativistic coupled-cluster gradient theory

We develop an analytic-gradient-based method for relativistic coupled-cluster calculations of effective electric field ${\mathcal{E}}_{\text{eff}}$ with improved efficiency and robustness over the previous state of the art. The enhanced capability to calculate this time-reversal-symmetry-violation sensitivity parameter enables efficient screening of candidate molecules for the electron electric dipole moment (eEDM) search. As examples, the $|{\mathcal{E}}_{\text{eff}}|$ values of metal methoxides including ${\mathrm{BaOCH}}_{3}$, ${\mathrm{YbOCH}}_{3}$, and ${\mathrm{RaOCH}}_{3}$ are shown to be as large as those of the corresponding fluorides and hydroxides, which supports the recent proposal of using these symmetric-top molecules to improve the sensitivity of eEDM measurements. The computational results also show that molecules containing late actinide elements, NoF, NoOH, LrO, and ${\mathrm{LrOH}}^{+}$, exhibit particularly large $|{\mathcal{E}}_{\text{eff}}|$ values of around 200 GV/cm.
Comparison of solid tissue sequencing and liquid biopsy accuracy in identification of clinically relevant gene mutations and rearrangements in lung adenocarcinomas.

Screening for therapeutic targets is standard of care in the management of advanced non-small cell lung cancer. However, most molecular assays utilize tumor tissue, which may not always be available. “Liquid biopsies” are plasma-based next generation sequencing (NGS) assays that use circulating tumor DNA to identify relevant targets. To compare the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of a plasma-based NGS assay to solid-tumor-based NGS we retrospectively analyzed sequencing results of 100 sequential patients with lung adenocarcinoma at our institution who had received concurrent testing with both a solid-tissue-based NGS assay and a commercially available plasma-based NGS assay. Patients represented both new diagnoses (79%) and disease progression on treatment (21%); the majority (83%) had stage IV disease. Tissue-NGS identified 74 clinically relevant mutations, including 52 therapeutic targets, a sensitivity of 94.8%, while plasma-NGS identified 41 clinically relevant mutations, a sensitivity of 52.6% (p < 0.001). Tissue-NGS showed significantly higher sensitivity and accuracy across multiple patient subgroups, both in newly diagnosed and treated patients, as well as in metastatic and nonmetastatic disease. Discrepant cases involved hotspot mutations and actionable fusions including those in EGFR, ALK, and NTRK1. In summary, tissue-NGS detects significantly more clinically relevant alterations and therapeutic targets compared to plasma-NGS, suggesting that tissue-NGS should be the preferred method for molecular testing of lung adenocarcinoma when tissue is available. Plasma-NGS can still play an important role when tissue testing is not possible. However, given its low sensitivity, a negative result should be confirmed with a tissue-based assay.
Definitely Islands? Experimental investigation of definite islands

Experimental work on islands has used formal acceptability judgment studies to quantify the severity of different island violations. This current study uses this approach to probe the (in-)violability of definite islands, an understudied island, in offline and online measures. We conducted two acceptability judgment studies and find a modest island effect. However, rating distributions appear bimodal across definites and indefinites. We also conducted a self-paced reading experiment, but found no sig- nificant effects. Overall, offline, definite islands differ from other uniform islands, but online, the results are more complicated.
Intertemporal Substitution in Consumption: An American Investigation for Brazil

This paper examines different formulations of the Euler equation in order to assess their magnitude of the intertemporal substitution effect in Brazil during the 1980. Estimates of the intertemporal elasticity of substitution for those consumers that are not liquidity constrained are statistically significant, but less than one. The result suggest that an increase in interest rates in Brazil during this period had both income and substitution effects.
A Review of “A Jesuit Education Reader”

The book is a reader, a series of articles and summaries of writings by authors, mostly Jesuits still active in higher education, who illustrate, explain, discuss, and debate the Jesuit perspective...
KII solutions for an edge-cracked strip

Abstract Mode II stress intensity factors for very shallow and very deep edge cracks in a strip are discussed. Based on the treatment of the two limiting cases, an expression is proposed for any ratio of crack size to strip width. Very good agreement with results available in the literature is obtained. The solution for the displacement due to mode II loading is also presented.
The heart in Fabry's disease. A histochemical and electron microscopic study.

Abstract Histochemical and electron microscopic studies of the heart of a patient with Fabry's disease (angiokeratoma corporis diffusum universale) revealed the presence of extensive glycolipid deposits in the cardiac muscle fibers, vascular smooth muscle, endothelium and connective tissue cells of the mitral valve. These deposits formed lamellae arranged either concentrically or in parallel stacks; the lamellae were often enclosed by limiting membranes and showed a periodic spacing of 40 to 45 A. The cardiovascular manifestations of Fabry's disease, which consist of cardiac hypertrophy and dilatation, congestive heart failure, anginal chest pain, myocardial infarction and hypertensive heart disease, are reviewed in detail. The association of this disorder with valvular heart disease is discussed.
Illustrated Pathology of the Bone Marrow: Chronic myeloproliferative disorders and systemic mastocytosis

Introduction The chronic myeloproliferative disorders (CMPD) are a clinically heterogeneous group of clonal proliferations of stem cell origin characterized, at least initially, by marrow hypercellularity with varying degrees of marrow fibrosis and an increase in the production of one or more terminally differentiated cell types (George & Arber, 2003). These differentiated elements may accumulate in the marrow, in peripheral blood, and in other organs (e.g., spleen). All types of CMPD have a variable tendency to undergo disease progression that may terminate in bone marrow failure due to myelofibrosis or in transformation to an acute leukemic phase, occasionally preceded by a brief myelodysplastic phase. In CMPD, a definite diagnosis usually cannot be made by morphologic examination alone (Anastasi & Vardiman, 2000). The evaluation of bone marrow histology, however, holds an important role in confirming the diagnosis and excluding unsuspected pathology. Expert opinion should be sought if bone marrow histology is to be used as a major diagnostic criterion, since the changes which are specifically associated with the various subtypes of CMPD (see later) are often subtle and difficult to recognize in morphologically less-than-optimal processed samples. This greatly reduces the value of bone marrow histopathology in inexperienced hands (Pearson, 2001). Classification of these disorders benefits from the integration of morphologic features with clinical, hematologic, and cytogenetic findings (Harris et al. , 1999). Of major importance is the presence or absence of the Philadelphia chromosome ( BCR/ABL or translocation 9;22), the defining feature of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML).
Party Polarization and the Ascendance of Bipartisan Posturing as a Dominant Strategy in Presidential Rhetoric

How do changes in the intensity of party conflict shape presidents’ public presentations of self? Are presidents’ public statements about parties and partisanship consistent with their political maneuvers behind the scenes? When do presidents have incentives to obfuscate about their party leadership efforts? Drawing on comprehensive data on presidents’ public utterances about the parties and on qualitative information about presidents’ strategic incentives and activities, this article shows that presidents have responded to increasing partisan polarization among members of Congress and party activists by adopting a more bipartisan leadership posture. The evidence suggests that presidents’ increasing invocation of bipartisan themes does not mean that presidents have become more consensus-minded; rather, presidents use bipartisan rhetoric strategically, in an effort to cultivate support from voters disaffected by partisan conflict. How do changes in the intensity of party conflict shape presidents’ public presentations of self? Are presidents’ public statements about parties and partisanship consistent with their political maneuvers behind the scenes? When do presidents have incentives to obfuscate about their party leadership efforts? Given the centrality of the presidency in the American political system, answering these questions is a pressing task for analysts concerned about the practice of American democracy. Unfortunately, in spite of considerable interest in the causes and consequences of today’s partisan battles, we currently have little systematic evidence about how changes in partisan polarization over
Sediment accretion rates and radial growth in natural levee and backswamp riparian forests in southwestern Alabama, USA

Abstract Riparian forested wetlands improve downstream water quality by trapping suspended sediment from adjacent waterways. Waters that transport sediment and nutrients into adjacent wetlands also create wet and dry hydrologic periods and thus, have the potential to impact site productivity. In this study, we used a dendrogeomorphic technique with green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marsh.) to estimate sediment accretion for two time periods (1881–2012 and 1987–2012) along a natural levee (35 m from river) and backswamp (75 m from river) and identified the influence of hydrology and climate on radial growth in green ash and water tupelo (Nyssa aquatica L.) along the Tensaw River in southwestern Alabama. We detected significantly higher sediment accretion rates for the 1987–2012 time period along the natural levee (p = 0.00; 1.6 cm yr−1) and backswamp (p = 0.03; 1.2 cm yr−1) than for the 1881 to 2012 period (0.4 and 0.5 cm yr−1). Using previously measured (2010) soil bulk density for the site, estimated mass of sediment trapped per unit area ranged from 55–135 Mg ha−1 yr−1 for the 1987–2012 period and 17–61 Mg ha−1 yr−1 for the 1881–2012 period. We identified positive, significant correlations between green ash radial growth and the number of days the backswamp was flooded (1.4 m stage), days the Tensaw River was at bankfull (2.1 m), and average daily river stage during the overall growing season (April to August) and for the month of April. Green ash radial growth also illustrated a positive, significant response to April precipitation totals demonstrating the overall role of moisture availability just prior to the onset of xylem formation. Green ash trees along the natural levee and backswamp were more responsive to hydrology and climate than water tupelo trees located further in the backswamp, illustrating the potential resistance of water tupelo to perturbations. This study illustrates the important role forested wetlands play in improving water quality through quantification of sediment accretion rates and the potential impact that introduced disturbances (i.e., forest harvest-related disturbances) can have on ecosystem services.
From Concept to the Clinics: Development of Novel Large Molecule Cancer Therapeutics

Development of a therapeutic agent is a laborious process commencing with the discovery of a “druggable target” underlying the pathology of a disease. Discovery process is followed by identification of a lead molecule/compound, optimization of the pharmaceutical formulation of the compound, laboratory testing, IND approval, and clinical trials. This article focuses on characterization, pharmaceutical formulation, and clinical studies of bevacizumab (avastin), proteasome inhibitors, interferon-alpha (IFN-•), and oncolytic viruses. Keywords: bevacizumab; proteasome inhibitors; interferon-alpha (IFN-•); oncolytic viruses
An Evaluation of Video Modeling with Embedded Instructions to Teach Implementation of Stimulus Preference Assessments.

A multiple baseline design across participants was used to evaluate the effects of video modeling with embedded instructions on training teachers to implement 3 preference assessments. Each assessment was conducted with a confederate learner or a child with autism during generalization probes. All teachers met the predetermined mastery criterion, and 2 of the 3 demonstrated skill maintenance at 1-month follow-up.
Distribution of carbonic anhydrase within the gastric mucosa.

Bullfrog fundic mucosa was separated into fractions containing predominantly surface epithelial cells, mucous neck cells, and oxyntic cells, respectively, and the carbonic anhydrase concentration of each fraction and of antral mucosa was measured. There were no significant differences between the enzyme concentrations of these fractions. The mean level was 12.4 units of activity per milligram of protein. The cellular localization of carbonic anhydrase in the gastric fundic and antral mucosa of the bullfrog, rat, rabbit, and dog was studied using a specific histochemical technique. The enzyme was shown to be present in both parietal and nonparietal epithelium of all species and to characterize a specific cell type in the dog antrum. The widespread distribution of high levels of carbonic anhydrase activity in both acid secreting and nonsecreting cells of the gastric mucosa suggests a possible role for the enzyme beyond one solely relating to acid secretion.
Comparison of Three Dissolution Devices for Evaluating Drug Release

AbstractThe dissolution studies are usually conducted on “official” USP dissolution devices or “non-official” dissolution devices like the Rotating Bottle Apparatus. The recent introduction of the Bio-Dis® Tester exacerbates a difficult situation : no comparative dissolution studies have been done regarding the results for a drug and/or dosage form using these three different instruments. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate and compare three dissolution devices - USP XXI Dissolution Apparatus II, Rotating Bottle Apparatus, and Bio-Dis® Tester -taking into account pertinent factors that can affect dissolution. Dissolution profiles were obtained for two drugs - theophylline and phenylpropanolamine HCI. Three dosage forms of each drug were evaluated at different agitation intensities using two different dissolution media (simulated gastric fluid and simulated intestinal fluid) on all three dissolution devices. Various advantages/limitations for each device were observed depending on the drug, d...
Organization of ascending pathways to the forelimb area of the dorsal accessory olive in the cat.

The purpose of these experiments was to define the topography of cuneate and spinal projections to the forelimb representation in the rostral dorsal accessory olive (rDAO). We were interested in determining whether the spinal and cuneate inputs constitute a homogeneous afferent source, and whether there is evidence that they serve different functional roles. We were also interested in determining whether the somatotopy of rDAO is the result of a point-to-point projection from its afferent sources, or whether the projection suggests a reorganization of afferents at the olive. Single unit recording was used to identify specific regions of rDAO, and the topography of inputs to the identified regions was determined by using wheat germ agglutinin-horseradish peroxidase (WGA-HRP) as a tracer. The results from retrograde tracing were confirmed by using WGA-HRP as an anterograde tracer from input sources. The cuneate and spinal neurons providing input to rDAO constitute two distinct neural populations. One consists of cells in the caudal cuneate nucleus and lamina VI of the rostral two cervical segments, the other consists of cells in the rostral cuneate nucleus. The cells in the caudal cuneate nucleus and the rostral cervical segments are large, multipolar neurons that form a single column of rDAO input cells. The column of cells projects to the contralateral rDAO in a topographic fashion with rostral regions of the column projecting to rostral rDAO, which contains cells that respond to somatosensory stimulation of the contralateral shoulder, trunk, and proximal forelimb. Caudal regions of the column project to caudal rDAO, which contains cells that respond to stimulation of the distal forelimb. Despite this topography, there is a large degree of overlap in the terminations from neighboring regions of the input column, indicating that a major reorganization occurs at the rDAO. The projection from the rostral cuneate nucleus arises from small neurons that project bilaterally to rDAO, and the input from the rostral cuneate nucleus lacks a clear topography. We propose that input from the cell column is responsible for the somatosensory sensitivity of rDAO neurons, whereas input from rostral cuneate is most likely modulatory, probably inhibitory, in nature. J. Comp. Neurol. 392:115–133, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Parameter estimation for abrasive water jet machining process using neural networks

The abrasive water jet machining process, a material removal process, uses a high velocity jet of water and an abrasive particle mixture. The estimation of appropriate values of the process parameters is an essential step toward an effective process performance. This has led to the development of numerous mathematical and empirical models. However, the complexity of the process confines the use of these models for limited operating conditions; e.g., some of these models are valid for special material combinations while others are based on the selection of only the most critical variables such as pump pressure, traverse rate, abrasive mass flow rate and others that affect the process. Furthermore, these models may not be generalized to other operating conditions. In this respect, a neural network approach has been proposed in this paper. Two neural network approaches, backpropagation and radial basis function networks, are proposed. The results from these two neural network approaches are compared with that from the linear and non-linear regression models. The neural networks provide a better estimation of the parameters for the abrasive water jet machining process.
U.S. Climate and Energy Policy: What Went Wrong; and What it Means for Global Renewable Energy Technology Development

This paper examines the breakdown in discussion and the legislative process in the U.S. Government that led to the surprising failure to enact meaningful energy or climate legislation during the first two years of the Obama Presidency, while his Democratic party held control over the Government, including factors like opposition, the legislative process, the Gulf oil spill, and lack of understanding. From this critical understanding the paper will examine where U.S. policy stands today, and what the likely path forward for U.S. energy and climate policy may be and how those policy decisions absent climate legislation will effect renewable energy technology development and deployment in the U.S. and global marketplace over the coming years.
Mechanism of cardioprotection: What can we learn from females?

This review examines the mechanism of estrogen signaling in cardiomyocytes, with an emphasis on mechanisms that might be important in cardioprotection. It investigates estrogen signaling mediated by the nuclear estrogen receptors alpha and beta and the G-protein-coupled receptor (GPR 30/GPER). Estrogen signaling via nitric oxide and the PI3K pathway are discussed.
A microprocessor device for the real-time detection of synchronized alpha and spindle activity in the EEG

A microprocessor based device is described which permits the real-time detection of synchronized EEG activity within the frequency range of the alpha rhythm or sleep spindles. This device offers a reliable, inexpensive method for EEG analysis according to flexible, user selectable parameters. It can be used either on-line or off-line and provides information as to the occurrence and duration of alpha-spindle EEG activity.
Preparation of tetra-Boc-protected polymyxin B nonapeptide

A method for the selective tetra-Boc-protection of polymyxin B nonapeptide (PMBN) has been developed. Boc-ON selectively protects the amino side chains of the four diaminobutyric acid (Dab) residues in the presence of the N-terminal free amine.
Self-diffusion in pure metals☆

Abstract Measurements of the temperature, mass and pressure dependence of the self-diffusion coefficient have proved to be particularly valuable in determining the mechanism of diffusion. The interpretation of these data in terms of diffusion by monovacancies and divacancies has, in general, been successful and has provided information on the properties of these intrinsic defects. In the present review we first develop in some detail the equations that relate defect properties to measurable diffusion parameters for use in this and the following papers. Diffusion in selected pure metals is then reviewed. The potential errors inherent in relating high-temperature diffusion data over a limited temperature range to properties of monovacancies are demonstrated for a number of metals. The magnitude of the temperature dependence of defect properties is not well known, which increases our uncertainty in divacancy properties but has less effect on monovacancy properties deduced from tracer-diffusion measurements.
Dopamine neurons encode errors in predicting movement trigger occurrence

The capacity to anticipate the timing of events in a dynamic environment allows us to optimize the processes necessary for perceiving, attending to, and responding to them. Such anticipation requires neuronal mechanisms that track the passage of time and use this representation, combined with prior experience, to estimate the likelihood that an event will occur (i.e., the event's "hazard rate"). Although hazard-like ramps in activity have been observed in several cortical areas in preparation for movement, it remains unclear how such time-dependent probabilities are estimated to optimize response performance. We studied the spiking activity of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta of monkeys during an arm-reaching task for which the foreperiod preceding the "go" signal varied randomly along a uniform distribution. After extended training, the monkeys' reaction times correlated inversely with foreperiod duration, reflecting a progressive anticipation of the go signal according to its hazard rate. Many dopamine neurons modulated their firing rates as predicted by a succession of hazard-related prediction errors. First, as time passed during the foreperiod, slowly decreasing anticipatory activity tracked the elapsed time as if encoding negative prediction errors. Then, when the go signal appeared, a phasic response encoded the temporal unpredictability of the event, consistent with a positive prediction error. Neither the anticipatory nor the phasic signals were affected by the anticipated magnitudes of future reward or effort, or by parameters of the subsequent movement. These results are consistent with the notion that dopamine neurons encode hazard-related prediction errors independently of other information.
The isolation of the acid phosphatase-1 gene of Drosophila melanogaster and a chromosomal breakpoint inducing its position effect variegation.

Over 120 kb of contiguous genomic DNA sequence derived from the 99C–99D region of the Drosophila melanogaster third chromosome were isolated by molecular cloning. Sequences within this region required for the expression of the lysosomal gene-enzyme system acid phosphatase-1 (Acph-1) were identified by both P element-mediated germline transformation and transient expression and lie within a single 5 kb fragment. Acph-1 is encoded by a 2.1 kb poly(A)+ RNA transcript, which is expressed throughout development. Enzyme activity peaks also correlate with increases in RNA abundance. The ca-74 deletion, which exhibits position effect variegation at the Acph-1 gene (Frisardi and Maclntyre 1984), was also partially characterized. The variegating ca-74 breakpoint is located approximately 20 kb proximal to the Acph-1 gene. Results suggest that the heterochromatin at this breakpoint comprises highly repetitive or satellite DNA.
Stealthy attacks and observable defenses: A game theoretic model under strict resource constraints

Stealthy attacks are a major threat to cyber security. In practice, both attackers and defenders have resource constraints that could limit their capabilities. Hence, to develop robust defense strategies, a promising approach is to utilize game theory to understand the fundamental tradeoffs involved. Previous works in this direction, however, mainly focus on the single-node case without considering strict resource constraints. In this paper, a game-theoretic model for protecting a system of multiple nodes against stealthy attacks is proposed. We consider the practical setting where the frequencies of both the attack and the defense are constrained by limited resources, and an asymmetric feedback structure where the attacker can fully observe the states of nodes while largely hiding its actions from the defender. We characterize best strategies for both the defender and the attacker, and study the Nash Equilibria of the game.
Influence of DNA secondary structure on DNA-dependent polypeptide synthesis

Polypeptide synthesis in a soluble protein plus ribosome system from Escherichia coli is markedly stimulated by addition of purified RNA polymerase and T2 DNA. Heat-denatured T2 DNA and single-stranded ΦX174 DNA produce no stimulation, suggesting that a bihelical DNA secondary structure is required for activity. Renaturation of denatured T2 DNA by annealing at 55°C or by replication with DNA polymerase restores the ability to stimulate polypeptide formation; ΦX174 DNA also becomes activated upon conversion to a bihelical structure by replication. Moreover, neither of the isolated single strands of phage α DNA is active alone, but renaturation of the two fractions together produces an active material. Enzymically synthesized RNA's directed by single- and double-stranded DNA also differ markedly in their ability to stimulate polypeptide synthesis. The physical basis for this difference may lie in the smaller size of the former RNA, observed in zone sedimentation experiments, since the more slowly sedimenting components of RNA directed by native T2 DNA are least active. Single-stranded DNA strongly inhibits the stimulation of polypeptide synthesis by native T2 DNA in the presence of RNA polymerase. This effect can be explained by the higher affinity of RNA polymerase for the inactive single-stranded DNA. Estimation of association constants by a kinetic method employing DNA as a competitive inhibitor of the synthesis, directed by the copolymer deoxyadenylate-deoxythymidylate, of riboadenylate-ribouridylate copolymer, indicates that the enzyme binds single-stranded DNA up to 230 times more strongly than native bihelical DNA.
Zein synthesis in the embryo and endosperm of maize mutants

Zein synthesis in the developing (22 and 50 days postpollination) endosperm and embryo of maize (Zea mays L.) double mutants, brittle-1; opaque-2 and brittle-2;opaque-2, were compared and correlated with sucrose concentration and RNase activity in order to test the hypothesis that high sucrose concentrations may prevent the interaction between zein polyribosomes and endoplasmic reticulum and make the zein mRNAs more susceptible to hydrolysis by high RNase activity, resulting in a severe reduction in zein synthesis. The double-mutant combinations of opaque-2 with each of the starch-deficient mutants, brittle-1 and brittle-2, maintained not only a high sucrose concentration in the endosperm but also a higher RNase activity than either one of the single mutants alone. Consequently, these double mutants severely suppressed the synthesis of two major zein components in their endosperms. In contrast to the endosperm system, embryos of the double mutants produced amounts of zein (and electrophoretic patterns) similar to that of the opaque-2 embryo, and their embryos contained levels of sucrose and RNase activity comparable to that of the o2 and normal control. These results are consistent with the notion that a posttranscriptional degradation of zein mRNAs by RNase, rather than a specific transcriptional block, is involved in the endosperm to suppress zein synthesis in these double mutants.
The use of laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy in a case with a cholecystohepatic duct

A cholecystohepatic duct is a rare biliary anomaly that is identified by the drainage of the hepatic duct into the gallbladder. We herein report on the case of a 2-year-old boy diagnosed as this anomaly. Laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy was successfully performed, and this is the first report of a case with a cholecystohepatic duct treated using a laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy.
Molecular Mechanism of Ion Transport in Bacteriorhodopsin: Insights from Crystallographic, Spectroscopic, Kinetic, and Mutational Studies

In the past few years, a multidisciplinary approach to the study of bacteriorhodopsin has provided answers to the most important questions about the photochemical transport cycle and yielded detailed molecular descriptions of several of its steps. The free energy gain after absorption of a photon is found to consist of electrostatic changes at the retinal Schiff base and steric conflicts with protein residues and bound water, introduced by photoisomerization of the retinal. Relaxation of the retinal chain, initially constrained by its binding site, is seen after deprotonation of the Schiff base. Structural rearrangements in the extracellular region, initiated by protonation of Asp-85 and mediated by Arg-82, cause release of a proton to the surface. Structural rearrangements in the cytoplasmic region, initiated by movement of the 13-methyl group of the retinal and mediated by Trp-182, then cause reprotonation of the Schiff base by Asp-96. The initial state is regained by reprotonation of Asp-96 from the cy...
Effects of Caregiving Demand, Mutuality, and Preparedness on Family Caregiver Outcomes During Cancer Treatment

Purpose/objectives To test a model of family caregiving derived from the interactionist approach to role theory that hypothesized that three caregiving role implementation variables (caregiving demand, mutuality between caregivers and patients, and preparedness for caregiving) would predict multiple caregiving-specific and generic outcomes with different patterns of association across outcomes. Design Descriptive, correlational. Setting Surgical, radiation, and medical oncology settings. Sample 87 family caregivers of adults receiving treatment for solid tumors or lymphoma. Methods Caregivers completed the Demand and Difficulty subscales of the Caregiving Burden Scale; the Mutuality, Preparedness, and Global Strain scales of the Family Care Inventory; and the 30-item short form of the Profile of Mood States. Data were analyzed with simultaneous multiple regression. Main research variables Caregiving demand, mutuality, preparedness, caregiving difficulty, global caregiver strain, tension, depression, anger, fatigue, vigor, confusion, and total mood disturbance. Findings The model explained statistically significant proportions of variance in each outcome, with different patterns of association across outcomes. Demand was associated most strongly with caregiving difficulty and global strain. Mutuality was associated most strongly with caregiver anger. Unexpectedly, preparedness was associated more strongly with mood disturbance outcomes than with the caregiving-specific variables of difficulty and strain. Conclusions Further research should explore models that address implementation of the caregiving role to better elucidate how family caregivers learn and carry out the important role. Implications for nursing Clinical assessment should include caregiving demand, the quality of the relationship between caregiver and patient, and preparedness for caregiving. Interventions could be tailored to meet caregiver needs in each area.
Tracing SCN graft efferents with Dil

The suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) regulate circadian rhythmicity in many biological and behavioral responses. Hamsters are made permanently arrhythmic by bilateral destruction of the SCN. Circadian locomotor rhythmicity is restored by fetal tissue transplants placed in the 3rd ventricle (3V). If intact animals are implanted with fetal SCN grafts, they maintain locomotor activity rhythms when the host SCN are subsequently destroyed. The mechanism(s) whereby the SCN (either grafted or in situ) regulate locomotor rhythmicity is not known. Evidence from other graft models point to the possibility of efferents to appropriate targets in the host. In the present study, efferent connections of transplanted fetal SCN were examined using the carbocyanine dye, Dil. Intact or SCN-lesioned animals were sacrificed 7 or 40 days after receiving fetal SCN grafts into 3V. Dil crystals were placed on the grafts in fixed brains which were then incubated for 3–6 weeks before sectioning. Sections bearing Dil-labelled efferents from the graft were photographed and then stained for immunoreactive VIP and NP cells to locate donor SCN. Although labelled efferents were observed in a majority of the grafts, most were confined to the limits of the graft. The few labelled efferents that entered the host tissue when the graft seemed to merge with the host did not extend very far regardless of whether the graft contained immunohistochemical evidence for donor SCN or not. The observation of limited graft-host connectivity suggests either that a limited number of efferents is sufficient to support circadian locomotor rhythmicity, or that the mechanism mediating restoration of function entails a diffusible substance.
Investigations of the interaction of flowing rubber compounds with boundaries: Basic experiments and air lubricated die

Abstract An experimental study of the interaction of rubber compounds with steel boundaries is presented. We first consider the shear flow of a rubber compound between steel surfaces under controlled pressure. It is found that when the pressure is reduced, slip ensues. In a second study, the same rubber compound is extruded through a porous metal die. If compressed air above a critical pressure is blown through the porous metal, the pressure loss decreases by an order of magnitude. This suggests the creation of a lubricating layer of air between the rubber compound and the metal die wall. These studies lead us to reconsider the relationships of shear flow and applied pressure on highly-viscous fluids on solid boundaries.
Sex Differences in Kappa Opioid Pharmacology

In recent years it has become apparent that sex is a major factor involved in modulating the pharmacological effects of exogenous opioids. The kappa opioid receptor (KOPR) system is a potential therapeutic target for pain, mood disorders and addiction. In humans mixed KOPR/MOPR ligands have been found to produce greater analgesia in women than men. In contrast, in animals, selective KOPR agonists have been found to produce greater antinociceptive effects in males than females. Collectively, the studies indicate that the direction and magnitude of sex differences of KOPR-mediated antinociception/analgesia are dependent on species, strain, ligand and pain model examined. Of interest, and less studied, is whether sex differences in other KOPR-mediated effects exist. In the studies conducted thus far, greater effects of KOPR agonists in males have been found in neuroprotection against stroke and suppression of food intake behavior. On the other hand, greater effects of KOPR agonists were found in females in mediation of prolactin release. In modulation of drugs of abuse, sex differences in KOPR effects were observed but appear to be dependent on the drug examined. The mechanism(s) underlying sex differences in KOPR-mediated effects may be mediated by sex chromosomes, gonadal hormonal influence on organization (circuitry) and/or acute hormonal influence on KOPR expression, distribution and localization. In light of the diverse pharmacology of KOPR we discuss the need for future studies characterizing the sexual dimorphism of KOPR neural circuitry and in examining other behaviors and processes that are modulated by the KOPR.
Natural Convection in Rectangular Cavities at Various Aspect Ratios and Inclinations With Isothermal Sidewalls and Constant Flux Heat Source on the Bottom Wall

Natural convection in rectangular cavities is studied numerically using a finite volume based computational procedure. In many applications, especially for cooling of electronic components, a natural convection configuration is encountered where the heat source is at the bottom surface and the sidewalls are at colder temperature while the top wall can be considered adiabatic. The present study is based on such a configuration where a constant flux heat source is symmetrically embedded at the bottom wall. The non-heated parts of the bottom wall are considered adiabatic. The study includes computations for cavities at various aspect ratios, ranging from 0.5 to 2, and inclination angles of the cavity from 0° to 30°. The Grashof number is varied from 103 to 106 . The effects of aspect ratio and inclination angles on the heat transfer process are analysed. Results are presented in the form of streamline and isotherm plots as well as the variation of the average Nusselt number and maximum temperature at the heat source surface under different conditions.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
The skew field of fractions of the weyl algebra contains a free noncommutative subalgebra

It is proven that the subalgebra of the skew field of fractions of the Weyl algebra which is generated by (pq)-1and (pq)-1 (1-p)-1 where p and q are generators of the Weyl algebra is free.
Static versus dynamic loading in the mechanical modulation of vertebral growth

STUDY DESIGN Measures of absolute and relative growth modulation were used to determine the effects of static and dynamic asymmetric loading of vertebrae in the rat tail. OBJECTIVES To quantify the differences between static and dynamic asymmetric loading in vertebral bone growth modulation. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA The creation and correction of vertebral wedge deformities have been previously described in a rat-tail model using static loading. The effects of dynamic loading on growth modulation in the spine have not been characterized. METHODS A total of 36 immature Sprague-Dawley rats were divided among four different groups: static loading (n = 12, 0.0 Hz), dynamic loading (n = 12, 1.0 Hz), sham operated (n = 6), and growth controls (n = 6). An external fixator was placed across the sixth and eighth caudal vertebrae as the unviolated seventh caudal vertebra was evaluated for growth modulation. Static or dynamic asymmetric loads were applied at a loading magnitude of 55% body weight. After 3 weeks of loading, growth modulation was assessed using radiographic measurements of vertebral wedge angles and vertebral body heights. RESULTS The dynamically loaded rats had a final average wedge deformity of 15.2+/- 6.4 degrees, which was significantly greater than the statically loaded rats whose final deformity averaged 10.3 degrees +/- 3.7 degrees (P < 0.03). The deformity in both groups was statistically greater than the sham-operated (1.1+/- 2.0 degrees) and growth control rats (0.0+/- 1.0 degrees) (P < 0.001). The longitudinal growth was significantly lower on the concavity compared with the convexity in both the dynamically (0.34 +/- 0.23 mm vs. 0.86 +/- 0.23 mm) and statically (0.46 +/- 0.19 mm vs. 0.83 +/- 0.32 mm) loaded rats (P < 0.001). These growth rates were significantly less than the sham operated and growth control rats (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS A variety of fusionless scoliosis implant strategies have been proposed that use both rigid and flexible implants to modulate vertebral bone growth. The results from this study demonstrate that dynamic loading of the vertebrae provides the greatest growth modulation potential.
Electromagnetic diffraction from a dielectric-filled slit-cylinder enclosing a cylinder of arbitrary cross section: TM case

A simple moment solution to the problem of the diffraction of a TM plane wave from an infinite, perfectly conducting slotted cylinder of an arbitrary cross section is summarized. The slit cylinder encloses a smaller perfectly conducting cylinder of an arbitrary cross section, and the space between the cylinders is filled with a dielectric material. The equivalence principle is used to obtain a set of coupled integral equations for the induced/equivalent surface currents on the cylinders, and the method of moments is used to solve numerically the integral equations. The electric field integral equation formulation is used. The advantages and the limitations of the method are discussed. Sample results for the induced current, aperture field, internal field, and scattering cross sections are given. These are in good agreement with some of the available published data. >
Direct Atmospheric Forcing of Geostrophic Eddies

Abstract To assess the role of direct stochastic wind forcing in generating oceanic geostrophic eddies we calculate analytically the response of a simple ocean model to a realistic model wind-stress spectrum and compare the results with observations. The model is a continuously stratified, β-plane ocean of infinite horizontal extent and constant depth. All transfer and dissipation processes are parameterized by a linear scale-independent friction law (Rayleigh damping). The model predictions that are least sensitive to this parameterization, the total eddy energy and the subsurface displacement, are in good agreement with observations in mid-ocean regions far removed from strong currents. Properties that depend crucially on the parameterization of nonlinearities and topographic effects are not well reproduced. Observed coherences and seasonal modulations provide direct evidence of wind forcing at high frequencies where motions have little energy. Direct evidence at the more energetic low frequencies will ...
Effect of pentoxifylline on tissue injury and platelet-activating factor production during ischemia-reperfusion injury

Purpose: Pentoxifylline lessens the metabolic derangements associated with ischemia-reperfusion injury. This study evaluated the effects of pentoxifylline on platelet-activating factor (PAF) production and tissue injury during skeletal muscle ischemia-reperfusion injury. Methods: The isolated canine gracilis muscle model was used. Group 1 muscles were subjected to 5 hours of ischemia and 20 hours of reperfusion ( n =10); group 2 muscles received pentoxifylline, 15 mg/kg, systemic infusion 10 minutes before reperfusion ( n =6); group 3 muscles received pentoxifylline, 25 mg/kg, systemic infusion 10 minutes before reperfusion ( n =6). PAF was measured from muscle venous effluent by the scintillation proximity assay method. Muscle injury was assessed by vital staining and planimetry. Results: PAF levels in group 2 were decreased at 10, 15, and 30 minutes of reperfusion compared with group 1 but did not reach significance. PAF levels in group 3 were decreased at all times of reperfusion compared with group I but attained significance only at 10 minutes of reperfusion ( p p =0.08); there was a significant reduction in the extent of muscle necrosis in group 3 (44.55%±21.47%) compared with group 1 ( p Conclusions: The administration of pentoxifylline at 25 mg/kg before reperfusion of ischemic skeletal muscle decreased significantly the extent of muscle necrosis and PAF levels in the venous effluents at all times of reperfusion (significantly at 10 minutes). These results suggest that pentoxifylline may decrease tissue injury of ischemia-reperfusion by inhibiting the production of PAF during critical periods of reperfusion.
Predicting Donations from a Cohort Group of Donors to Charities: A Direct Marketing Case Study

Charity fundraising organizers increasingly attempt to predict the donations to their causes to maximize the effectiveness of their expenditures and achieve their â€œsocial goodâ€ objectives. Much of the scholarly work in cause-related fundraising uses organization-specific demographic, geographic, psychographic and behavioral information about its donors to forecast donation amounts. Instead of distinguishing the potential donors, this study focuses on the prediction of the donations from existing donors. Specifically, a large dataset containing four years worth of transactional, appeals, source, and donor data related to a leading U.S. charitable organization was made available to the authors by the Direct Marketing Educational Foundation. The current paper contributes to the literature on donor lifetime value by documenting, in the context of a case study, the results of seven models for predicting future contributions using historic data over four years related to the cohort group of acquired donors.
Bootstrap methods for simultaneous benchmark analysis with quantal response data.

A primary objective in quantitative risk assessment is the characterization of risk which is defined to be the likelihood of an adverse effect caused by an environmental toxin or chemcial agent. In modern risk-benchmark analysis, attention centers on the “benchmark dose” at which a fixed benchmark level of risk is achieved, with a lower confidence limits on this dose being of primary interest. In practice, a range of benchmark risks may be under study, so that the individual lower confidence limits on benchmark dose must be corrected for simultaneity in order to maintain a specified overall level of confidence. For the case of quantal data, simultaneous methods have been constructed that appeal to the large sample normality of parameter estimates. The suitability of these methods for use with small sample sizes will be considered. A new bootstrap technique is proposed as an alternative to the large sample methodology. This technique is evaluated via a simulation study and examples from environmental toxicology.