cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Regulation of dichloroacetate biotransformation in rat liver and extrahepatic tissues by GSTZ1 expression and chloride concentration

Biotransformation of dichloroacetate (DCA) to glyoxylate by hepatic glutathione transferase zeta 1 (GSTZ1) is considered the principal determinant of the rate of plasma clearance of the drug. However, several other organismal and subcellular factors are also known to influence DCA metabolism. We utilized a female rat model to study these poorly understood processes. Rats aged 4 weeks (young) and 42-52 weeks (adult) were used to model children and adults, respectively. Hepatic chloride concentrations, which influence the rate of GSTZ1 inactivation by DCA, were lower in rat than in human tissues and rats did not show the age dependence previously seen in humans. We found GSTZ1 expression and activity in rat brain, heart, and kidney cell-free homogenates that were age-dependent. GSTZ1 expression in brain was higher in young rats than adult rats, whereas cardiac and renal GSTZ1 expression levels were higher in adult than young rats. GSTZ1 activity with DCA could not be measured accurately in kidney cell-free homogenates due to rapid depletion of glutathione by γ-glutamyl transpeptidase. Following oral administration of DCA, 100 mg/kg, to rats, GSTZ1 expression and activity were reduced in all rat tissues, but chloride concentrations were not affected. Together, these data extend our understanding of factors that determine the in vivo kinetics of DCA.
Quantifying the Interaction between Copper-Zinc Superoxide Dismutase (Sod1) and its Copper Chaperone (Ccs1).

Immature copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (Sod1) is activated by its copper chaperone (Ccs1). Ccs1 delivers a single copper ion and catalyzes oxidation of an intra-subunit disulfide bond within each Sod1 monomer through a mechanistically ambiguous process. Here, we use residue specific fluorescent labeling of immature Sod1 to quantitate the thermodynamics of the Sod1•Ccs1 interaction while determining a more complete view of Ccs1 function. Ccs1 preferentially binds a completely immature form of Sod1 that is metal deficient and disulfide reduced (E, E-Sod1SH). However, binding induces structural changes that promote high-affinity zinc binding by the Ccs1- bound Sod1 molecule. This adds further support to the notion that Ccs1 likely plays dual chaperoning roles during the Sod1 maturation process. Further analysis reveals that in addition to the copper-dependent roles during Sod1 activation, the N- and C-terminal domains of Ccs1 also have synergistic roles in securing both Sod1 recognition and its own active conformation. These results provide new and measurable analyses of the molecular determinants guiding Ccs1-mediated Sod1 activation.
Scale-Dominant Mechanisms in Nanomaterials

The unusual properties of nanomaterials all arise from mechanisms that are not intuitive to us at the human length scale. To gain an understanding of these properties – and to control them – we must discover the mechanisms that are operative at the length scales associated with the specific nanomaterial. From a science perspective, many of these unusual properties arise from the interactions of intrinsic length scales (associated with underlying deformation or functional mechanisms) with the extrinsic or external length scales associated with the nanomaterial or device. This chapter discusses a variety of such interactions, and describes the implications of some of them in terms of mechanical behavior. The emphasis is on deformation and failure mechanisms rather than on functional mechanisms, but many of the deformation mechanisms discussed here have direct implications for function.
Induced Chromosomal Aberrations in Man

It has become increasingly clear in recent years that a multiplicity of chemical and physical agents to which man is exposed are capable of damaging his chromosomes. The effects of many such agents on human somatic cell chromosomes have now been well documented, albeit not without occasional controversy over the interpretation and implications of the data. While the biological and clinical significance of chromosomal aberrations are not as yet well understood, recent epidemiological evidence, from mutagen-exposed human populations, and recent experiments on viral-induced transformation of chromosomally abnormal cells suggest an association between chromosome aberrations and oncogenesis.
Assessment of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a devastating illness, affecting over 5.5 million adults in the United States and costing over 170 billion dollars annually. In addition, there is growing recognition that mild cognitive impairment (MCI) constitutes a risk factor for AD and other neurodegenerative disorders. In this chapter, we describe the clinical manifestations of early AD and other neurogenerative brain disorders and describe the appropriate neuropsychological measures that tap the important cognitive domains that should be assessed in these conditions. A summary of useful clinical tips as well as future directions in the field are addressed.
Physiological and psychological effects associated with high carbon dioxide levels in healthy men

Background: Perception of CO 2 in ambient air may be of fundamental importance to the health, safety, and job performance of persons occupationally exposed to increased levels of CO 2 . Few studies have examined the perceptual responses to inhaled CO 2 at levels between 6-10%. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that healthy, highly-active men would be able to determine the difference between 6% and 8% CO 2 concentrations. Methods: Thirty-two male students 121 ± 1 yr) served as subjects. Experimental trials (counterbalanced design) included breathing air (control, 21% O 2 , 79% N 2 ), 6% CO 2 (21% O 2 , 73% N 2 ), and 8% CO 2 (21% O 2 , 71% N 2 ) conditions. The Body Sensations Questionnaire (BSQ) was completed twice during each trial. Results: End tidal CO 2 (FETCO 2 ) and BSQ values increased (p < 0.05) as a function of the percentage of inhaled CO 2 . Respiratory rates during the 8% trial were greater (p < 0.05) than control and 6% CO 2 trial measures. BSQ scores were significantly correlated with FETCO 2 and respiratory rate measures during the 6% and 8% CO 2 conditions. Conclusions: We conclude that these subjects recognized their exposure to both the 6% and 8% CO 2 concentrations, and their responses were more profound during the 8% CO 2 condition.
Predictive Value of Schistocytes in Recurrence of Acquired Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura With Severe ADAMTS13 Deficiency at Discontinuation of Daily Therapeutic Plasma Exchange.

Acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and commonly ADAMTS13 deficiency. Patients with TTP and severe ADAMTS13 deficiency have high risk of disease recurrence, yet the ability to predict which patients will have recurrence remains limited. We assessed whether the presence of persistent schistocytes in TTP patients with severe ADAMTS13 deficiency at the time of daily therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) discontinuation was predictive of disease recurrence. We retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records of all patients with a diagnosis of TTP treated with TPE at our university medical center between August 1991 and April 2013. Exacerbation was defined as disease recurrence within 30 days of cessation of daily TPE, and relapse was defined as disease recurrence >30 days after cessation of daily TPE. Comparisons were performed with a two-sided Fisher's exact test or χ2 test. Of the 46 total TTP patients eligible for analysis, nine had residual schistocytosis (20%), four of the nine (44%) had exacerbations, and two of the nine (22%) relapsed. Of the 37 patients without residual schistocytosis, 16 (43%) had exacerbations and 11 (30%) relapsed. There were no statistically significant differences in the exacerbation or relapse rates with or without residual schistocytosis (P = 1.00 and 1.00, respectively). Residual schistocytes after discontinuation of daily TPE were not uncommon. The persistence of schistocytes had poor sensitivity, specificity, and both positive and negative predictive values. After the initial diagnosis of TTP is made, there is no reason to continue documenting the presence or absence of schistocytes.
NFkB reporter signaling distinguishes gemcitabine sensitive from resistant cell lines

1190 Background and Aims: Pancreatic cancer is still one of the most dreadful cancers among malignancies. While some patients respond well to the standard chemotherapy, gemcitabine, most do not. Similarly some pancreatic cancer cells are relatively sensitive to gemcitabine while others are more resistant. It would be highly useful to be able to distinguish patients that respond from those that do not with greater accuracy and ease than is currently possible. In the present study, we sought to determine whether NFkB activity could predict sensitivity to gemcitabine or be used to distinguish sensitive from resistant cell lines. Methods: Pancreatic cancer cell growth inhibition with gemcitabine was evaluated by MTS assay. For analysis of NFκB activity, six pancreatic cancer cells (L3.6pl, BxPC3, CFPAC, Miapaca, MPanc96, and Panc1) and normal pancreatic duct epithelial cells (HPDE) were stably transfected using lentiviral vectors with both an NFκB reporter which utilizes NFκB response elements to drive firefly luciferase and with a control reporter that uses a CMV promoter to drive renilla luciferase. Cells were plated in 96 well plates and lysed after 24 and 48 hours with or without various concentration of gemcitabine. Luciferase activity was measured using the dual-luciferase reporter assay system and a luminometer. Results: Three of six cell lines (L3.6pl, BxPC3 and CFPAC) were relatively sensitive, whereas the other three (Miapaca, MPanc96 and Panc1) cells were very resistant to gemcitabine. All six pancreatic cancer cells displayed high basal NFκB activity. No correlation was observed between basal NFκB activity and sensitivity to gemcitabine. Gemcitabine treatment increased NFκB activity in both sensitive (L3.6pl 3-fold increase) and resistant (Panc1 2-fold increase) cells at 24 hours. However, after 48 hours the NFκB reporter activity was greatly reduced in sensitive cells as a result of cell death. In contrast, NFκB reporter signaling remained elevated in resistant cells. Conclusion: This study found that basal NFκB activity does not correlate with the sensitivity to gemcitabine. However, the alteration of NFκB reporter signaling during the treatment with gemcitabine can distinguish resistant from sensitive cells.
Student Perceptions of Institutional Care: Making Sense of Hardship Funding as a Retention Tool:

This article focuses on how a financial support initiative improved student persistence at an urban commuter institution. Existing research acknowledges that financial concerns of university studen...
On the use of mesh morphing techniques in reduced order models for the structural dynamics of geometrically mistuned blisks

Abstract A technique is proposed to overcome computational issues caused by the use of multiple meshes in reduced order models (ROMs) for the structural dynamics of mistuned blisks. Due to the need for repairs (blends) or geometric changes during design iterations, models often require the use of distinct meshes for the same component. Most ROMs for such cases start from pristine modal information, which must be obtained for every mesh involved. Due to the nature of normal modes in cyclic structures, a first challenge arises with respect to their correct clocking, or alignment. Modes have arbitrary clocking for cyclic symmetric systems, and hence modes are potentially different for different meshes. In addition to this, imperfect clocking and cyclic interface compatibility can strongly affect the accuracy of the predicted response. This paper presents a method to preserve the accuracy of ROMs and at the same time reduce the computational overhead associated with the presence of multiple morphed meshes. Numerical issues associated with the presence of multiple meshes and sets of modes are investigated.
Photolysis of Tp′Rh(CNneopentyl)(PhNCNneopentyl) in the presence of ketones and esters: kinetic and thermodynamic selectivity for activation of different aliphatic C–H bonds

The active fragment [Tp′Rh(CNneopentyl)], generated from the precursor Tp′Rh(CNneopentyl)(PhNCNneopentyl), underwent oxidative addition of substituted ketones and esters resulting in Tp′Rh(CNneopentyl)(R)(H) complexes (Tp′ = tris-(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)borate). These C–H activated complexes underwent reductive elimination at varying temperatures (24–70 °C) in C6D6 or C6D12. Using previously established kinetic techniques, the relative Rh–C bond strengths were calculated. Analysis of the relative Rh–C bond strengths vs. C–H bond strengths shows a linear correlation with slope RM–C/C–H = 1.22 (12). In general, α-substituents increase the relative Rh–C bond strengths compared to the C–H bond that is broken.
Job satisfaction and organizational commitment among Bank employees

This study investigates the effects of job satisfaction on organizational Commitment among bank employees at Batticaloa district. Importance of Job satisfaction and Organizational commitment in organization cannot be denied. Both variables are providing many positive impacts and behaviors to organization. To survival of an organization, maintaining these variables at workplace is essential. There are several researches have been conducted related with job satisfaction and organizational commitment, though it is not sure that, effects of job satisfaction on organizational commitment among banks in Sri Lankan context were studied in the past. So, this study investigates both variables in banks of Sri Lanka. This is a descriptive study and simple random sampling method used to derive sample for this study. 247 bank personals from 13 banks are study population for this study. A structured questionnaire was distributed to 120 samples to collect data. The level of each variable was analyzed by analysis of mean and standard deviation. Relationship within variables are analyzed through correlations and impact measured by regression analysis. The results found that, Job satisfaction and Organizational commitment are in high level among bank employees. Job satisfaction positively related and impacted to organization commitment.
Effect of Varicocele Treatment on Oxidative Stress Markers and Sperm DNA Fragmentation

Varicocele manifests as a dilatation and convolution of the pampiniform plexus, which results in venous stasis that induces heat stress and hypoxia in the male reproductive tract. These insults increase the burden of oxidative stress by promoting production of reactive chemical species, depleting cellular stores of antioxidants, and altering activities of enzymes responsible for cellular metabolism. As a consequence of these derangements, direct and indirect markers of oxidative stress are elevated in the testes and semen of men with clinically significant varicocele. Sperm nuclear DNA is also damaged in this oxidative milieu, most commonly through strand breaks that result in fragmentation. Varicocele repair via surgical intervention or percutaneous embolization aims to occlude the internal spermatic vein and ameliorate the heat stress and hypoxia that accompany venous reflux. Antioxidant therapy aims to reduce oxidative stress by augmenting the cellular capacity to neutralize reactive chemical species. Current data support varicocele repair in infertile men with clinically detectable disease and abnormal semen parameters. There is a wealth of evidence demonstrating that varicocelectomy ameliorates markers of oxidative stress and sperm DNA fragmentation, effects that are sustained throughout the postoperative period. Though antioxidants have also been shown to temporarily improve these metrics, it is unclear how medical therapy alone affects fertility in men with varicocele. Use of antioxidants as adjuvant to surgical repair is an active area of investigation, with some evidence supporting augmentation of male fertility following varicocelectomy.
Quantifying Urban Canopy Cover with Deep Convolutional Neural Networks.

Urban canopy cover is important to mitigate the impact of climate change. Yet, existing quantification of urban greenery is either manual and not scalable, or use traditional computer vision methods that are inaccurate. We train deep convolutional neural networks (DCNNs) on datasets used for self-driving cars to estimate urban greenery instead, and find that our semantic segmentation and direct end-to-end estimation method are more accurate and scalable, reducing mean absolute error of estimating the Green View Index (GVI) metric from 10.1% to 4.67%. With the revised DCNN methods, the Treepedia project was able to scale and analyze canopy cover in 22 cities internationally, sparking interest and action in public policy and research fields.
Gene regulatory networks STARR-ing B cells.

A genome-wide screening of functionally active enhancers, combined with analyses of chromatin features, transcription factor binding and gene expression, reveals general principles of gene regulatory networks in activated B cells.
Divergent ion selectivity and sensitivity to anti-hypertensive and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs of DEG/ENaC/ASIC channels in C. elegans

The degenerin channels, epithelial sodium channels, and acid-sensing ion channels (DEG/ENaC/ASICs) play important roles in sensing mechanical stimuli, regulating salt homeostasis, and responding to acidification in the nervous system. They share a common topology with two transmembrane domains separated by a large extracellular domain and are believed to assemble as homomeric or heteromeric trimers into non-voltage gated, sodium-selective, and amiloride-sensitive ion channels. Amiloride is not the only drug that targets DEG/ENaC/ASICs, however; they are also emerging as a target of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). C. elegans has about 30 genes encoding DEG/ENaC/ASIC subunits and thus offers an excellent opportunity to examine variations in the biophysical properties and sensitivity to small molecules of these subunits. Here, we analyzed a subset of the C. elegans DEG/ENaC/ASIC proteins in order to test the hypothesis that individual family members have distinct properties. Toward this goal, we expressed five C. elegans isoforms in Xenopus laevis oocytes (DEGT-1d, DEL 1d, UNC-8d, MEC-10d and MEC 4d) and measured current amplitude, selectivity among monovalent cations, sensitivity to amiloride and its analogs, and sensitivity to NSAIDs. Of these five proteins, only DEGT-1d, UNC-8d, and MEC-4d form homomeric channels. Unlike MEC-4d and UNC-8d, DEGT-1d channels were insensitive to amiloride and its analogs and more permeable to K+ than to Na+. As reported for rat ASIC1a, NSAIDs inhibit DEGT-1d and UNC-8d. Unexpectedly, MEC 4d was strongly potentiated by NSAIDs, an effect that was decreased by mutations in the extracellular domain that affect inhibition of rat ASIC1a. Collectively, these findings reveal that not all DEG/ENaC/ASIC channels are amiloride-sensitive and sodium-selective and that NSAIDs can both inhibit and potentiate these channels.
Child care arrangements and gender: A national portrait of preschool-aged children

Abstract Gender disparities in academic achievement are of longstanding scholarly and societal concern. In the extensive literature on this topic, however, relatively few studies have considered the non-parental child care contexts where children spend their earliest years. This state of the evidence differs from disparities by race-ethnicity and socioeconomic status, where differences in types of child care attended have been considered. The current study provides a national portrait of gender differences in the type of child care attended among preschool-aged children in the United States. Framed by the accommodation model, we found boys were more likely than girls to attend centers in higher socio-economic status families, but the reverse was true among less affluent families. Parents’ general perspectives that center-based or home-based child care was better for preschool-aged children’s development and safety also differed when the study child was a boy versus girl in these higher and lower socio-economic status families. Because preschool-aged children’s center-based child care attendance has been associated with academic school readiness, we encourage future studies to probe these findings as part of continued efforts to understand and address gender disparities in average levels of school progress and achievement.
Decreased Physical Activity and Sleep, Not Sport Specialization, Predict Illness in Middle School Athletes.

Background:The relationships between sport specialization, physical activity, sleep, and illness in younger athletes are unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the independen...
Depression in High School: Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Identity as a Moderator of Sexual Assault

BACKGROUND Depression continues to be a public health crisis for young adults. For high school students, past research has identified trauma as a significant predictor of depression. Congruent with the theory of cumulative stress, the present study hypothesized that the effect of sexual assault on depression would be stronger among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) students than among their straight peers. METHODS Using the Youth Risk Behavior Survey completed by students attending Duval County Public Schools in Florida (N = 3053), this study used secondary data analysis to conduct 2 regression analyses, one for boys and one for girls. RESULTS LGB status was associated with 3-fold increase in the odds of reporting depression for both boys and girls. History of sexual assault was associated with a significant increase in reporting depression. There was also a significant interaction effect between sexual orientation and history of sexual assault among male students only (p < .05). Contrary to the hypothesis, the effect was stronger among straight boys than among LGB boys. CONCLUSION Minority students continue to evidence greater risks for depression. Opportunities for systemic changes to address these include training teachers, banning conversion therapy, and implementing comprehensive sex education.
Morphological identification and systematic classification of mammalian retinal ganglion cells. I. Rabbit retinal ganglion cells.

Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) convey visual signals to 50 regions of the brain. For reasons of interest and convenience, they constitute an excellent system for the study of brain structure and function. There is general agreement that, absent a complete "parts list," understanding how the nervous system processes information will remain an elusive goal. Recent studies indicate that there are 30-50 types of ganglion cell in mouse retina, whereas only a few years ago it was still written that mice and the more visually oriented lagomorphs had less than 20 types of RGC. More than 30 years ago, I estimated that rabbits have about 40 types of RGC. The present study indicates that this number is much too low. I have employed the old but powerful method of Golgi-impregnation to rabbit retina, studying the range of component neurons in this already well-studied retinal system. Close quantitative and qualitative analyses of 1,142 RGCs in 26 retinas take into account cell body and dendritic field size, level(s) of dendritic stratification in the retina's inner plexiform layer, and details of dendritic branching. Ninety-one morphologies are recognized. Of these, at least 32 can be correlated with physiologically studied RGCs, dye-injected for morphological analysis. It is unlikely that rabbits have 91 types of RGC, but is argued here that this number lies between 60 and 70. The present study provides a "yardstick" for measuring the output of future molecular studies that may be more definitive in fixing the number of RGC types in rabbit retina.
Electric and Magnetic Fields in Life

Humans wondered about sparks, lightning strokes and lodestones early in our history, but we did not have a logical and full description of electric and magnetic effects until James Clerk Maxwell’s work in the 1860s. The properties of electromagnetism is of central importance in life systems on Earth. The very structure of atoms and molecules comes about through electromagnetic interactions of electrons and protons. Our nervous system uses electric pulses to send signals. Our cellular flagellae and cilia motors work through electric pumps. Electrodynamics is a necessary subject within any serious study of life.
Pathways to connection: An intensive longitudinal examination of state and dispositional hope, day quality, and everyday interpersonal interaction:

Building on hope theory, this study demonstrates that state and trait hope are associated with daily interpersonal experiences. Multilevel modeling of daily diary data (N = 127 adults) indicated th...
Comparative Safety and Efficacy of Therapeutic Options in Resectable and Advanced/Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer: A Systematic Review and Indirect Comparison.

Objectives FOLFIRINOX, gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel (gem-nab/P), and gemcitabine-capecitabine (gem-cap) demonstrated superiority over gemcitabine monotherapy for pancreatic cancer (PC). It is still unclear which chemotherapy regimen is the most optimal. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review (SR) and indirect comparison to compare safety and efficacy of FOLFIRINOX versus gem-nab/P and gem-cap in PC. Methods An SR was conducted in several databases from inception to November 2020. RCTs investigating resectable or advanced PC were included. Primary outcomes including overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS)/progression-free survival (PFS)/relapse-free survival (RFS), and grade 3/4 adverse events (AEs) were pooled using a random effects model. Indirect comparisons were done to compare FOLFIRINOX versus gem-cap and gem-nab/P. Heterogeneity was evaluated using Cochran's Q test and I2 statistics. Results Nine studies were identified involving 6,564 patients. Indirect comparisons showed FOLFIRINOX had significantly better OS (resectable: HR 0.78 [0.61-0.99]; advanced: HR 0.71 [0.60-0.85]) and RFS/DFS/PFS (resectable: HR 0.67 [0.55-0.82]; advanced: HR 0.65 [0.57-0.74]) compared to gem-cap as well as OS (resectable: HR 0.78 [0.61-1.00]; advanced: HR 0.73 [0.54-0.98]) and DFS/PFS (resectable: HR 0.66 [0.53-0.82]; advanced: HR 0.64 [0.49-0.83]) compared to gem-nab/P. FOLFIRINOX increased grade 3/4 AE risk compared to gem-cap and gem-nab/P. Conclusions FOLFIRINOX is associated with significant survival benefits compared to gem-nab/P and gem-cap. However, it is important to consider the increased grade 3/4 AE risk associated with FOLFIRINOX.
Cerebral oximetry monitoring using near-infrared spectroscopy during adult procedural sedation: a preliminary study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES We sought to evaluate the effect of adult procedural sedation on cerebral oxygenation measured by near-infrared spectroscopy (rSo2 levels), and to assess whether respiratory depression occurring during procedural sedation was associated with decreases in cerebral oxygenation. METHODS We performed a prospective, observational preliminary study on a convenience sample of adult patients (>18 years) undergoing unscheduled procedural sedation in the ED from August 2017 to September 2018 at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The primary outcome measures were rSo2 values by level of sedation achieved and the incidence of cerebral hypoxaemia during procedural sedation (absolute rSo2 ≤60 or decrease ≥20% from baseline). The secondary outcome is the decrease in rSo2 during episodes of respiratory adverse events (AEs), defined by respiratory depression requiring supportive airway measures. RESULTS We enrolled 100 patients (53% female). The median (IQR) rSo2 values (%) by each level of sedation achieved on the Observer Assessment of Alertness and Sedation (OAAS) scale 1-5, respectively, were 74 (69-79), 74 (70-79), 74 (69-79), 75 (69-80), 72 (68-76). The incidence of cerebral hypoxaemia at any point within the sedation (absolute rSo2 <60%) was 10/100 (10%); 2 out of 10 had rSo2 reduction more than 20% from baseline value; the median (IQR) observed minimum rSo2 in these patients was 58 (56-59). We observed respiratory depression in 65 patients via standard monitoring; of these, 39 (60%) required at least one supportive airway measure, meeting the definition of a respiratory AE. During these AEs, 15% (6/39) demonstrated cerebral hypoxaemia with a median (IQR) minimum rSo2 of 58 (57-59). Four patients (4%) had cerebral hypoxaemia without a respiratory AE. CONCLUSION Cerebral oximetry may represent a useful tool for procedural sedation safety research to detect potential subclinical changes that may be associated with risk, but appears neither sensitive nor specific for routine use in clinical practice.
Virtual avatars for instruction and student response during streaming video-based on-line teaching

This paper describes the design, deployment, and evaluation of an avatar-based system for real-time interaction between the instructor and students in a streaming video-based on-line teaching scenario. The sudden, massive migration to on-line teaching caused by the COVID-19 pandemic caused widespread adoption of streaming video-based on-line teaching methods. However, many subtle features of in-person teaching is lost in a video stream, including physical cues from the instructor or anonymity in student response. In our experience, these changes significantly hinders effective teaching in the on-line environment. We describe our to remedy these issue using a population of virtual avatars overlaid on the video stream to both aid instructor expression, as well as lower the hurdle of student response. Anonymous student polls indicate this is a promising, low-overhead method of improving streaming video-based on-line teaching.
Some Specific Predictions and Experiments on Single Myofibrillar Mechanics

The length-tension relationship of myofibrils approximately 50 sarcomeres long from skinned single atrial cells was measured. All sarcomeres were observable throughout the experiments. The tension developed at submaximal Ca2+ concentrations consistently increased with the sarcomere length.
Statistical Methods in Soil Classification Research

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the objectives and problems of soil classification. The classification of soil is done to understand the relationships among soils. It is assumed that soils fall into natural clusters or groups that can then be ordered into a classification. The chapter discusses the numerical taxonomy or cluster analysis of soils. Numerical taxonomy is the grouping by numerical methods of taxonomic units into taxa based on their character states. An approach is discussed for the examination of taxonomic structure—that is, ordination, which is normally used when the distribution of individuals in n-space tends to be continuous rather than in distinct clusters. Two kinds of ordination have been used in soil studies: Q-type ordination and R-type ordination. The chapter presents three statistical methods for comparing soil classification, including cophenetic correlation, coefficient of association, and Wilk's criterion. Cluster analysis of soils is a most effective means of classifying soils when the number of distinct soils or soil groups is limited as within a relatively small land area.
Legislation and the Rule of Law

This article considers the hostility to legislation—particularly social and economic legislation, legislation that restricts the use of property or interferes with or restructures market process—im...
The Numerical and Analytical Study of Bifurcation and Multicellular Flow Instability Due to Natural Convection Between Narrow Horizontal Isothermal Cylindrical annuli at High Rayleigh Numbers.

Abstract : This effort deals with a numerical and analytical study of multicellular flow instability due to natural convection between narrow horizontal isothermal cylindrical annuli. Buoyancy-induced steady or unsteady flow fields between the annuli are determined using the Boussinesq approximated two-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations and the viscous-dissipation neglected thermal-energy equation. The vorticity stream function formulation of the Navier Stokes equations is adopted. Both thermal and hydrodynamic instabilities are explored. An asymptotic expansion theory is applied to the Navier-Stokes equations in the double-limit of Rayleigh number approaching infinity and gap width approaching zero. Thermal instability of air near the top portions of narrow annuli is considered for various size small gap widths. For these narrow gaps, the Rayleigh numbers corresponding to the onset of steady multicellular flow are predicted. Numerical solutions of the 2-D Navier Stokes equations also yield hysteresis behavior for the two-to-six and two-to-four cellular states, with respect to diameter ratios of 1.100 and 1.200. In contrast, an unsteady hydrodynamic multicellular instability is experienced near the vertical sections of narrow annuli when the Pr approaches 0 boundary layer equations are solved numerically. (Theses).
Understanding Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Collaborations: A Campus-Wide Survey of Obesity Experts

This paper reports a campus-wide survey of obesity experts that allowed us to understand organizational factors and collaboration patterns affiliated with health sciences research. By combining Google and PubMed searches and the snowball sampling method, we identified and then surveyed 113 obesity experts on their collaborators, research interests, and affiliations with academic departments and research centers. The response rate was 61%. We describe the diversity in organizational affiliations, research interests, journals for disseminating results, and collaboration patterns among the respondents. We also analyze the challenges and research opportunities related to identifying experts and forging interdisciplinary health sciences collaborations. We conclude with possible success factors for sustained interdisciplinary collaborations.
Semantic Analytics in Intelligence: Applying Semantic Association Discovery to Determine Relevance of Heterogeneous Documents

Large Scale Distributed Information Systems (LSDIS) Lab, Computer Science Department, University of Georgia, 415 Graduate Studies Research Center Athens, GA 30602-7404 http://lsdis.cs.uga.edu
Lipid A mutant Salmonella with suppressed virulence and TNFalpha induction retain tumor-targeting in vivo

Systemically administered tumor-targeted Salmonella has been developed as an anticancer agent, although its use could be limited by the potential induction of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha)-mediated septic shock stimulated by lipid A. Genetic modifications of tumor-targeting Salmonella that alter lipid A and increase safety must, however, retain the useful properties of this bacteria. We report here that disruption of the Salmonella msbB gene reduces TNFalpha induction and increases the LD50 of this pathogenic bacteria by 10,000-fold. Notwithstanding this enormous difference, Salmonella retains its tumor-targeting properties, exhibiting tumor accumulation ratios in excess of 1000:1 compared with normal tissues. Administration of this bacteria to mice bearing melanoma results in tumors that are less than 6% the size of tumors in untreated controls at day 18. Thus, the antitumor activity previously demonstrated using tumor-targeting Salmonella with normal lipid A is retained. Lipid modification of tumor-specific bacterial vectors provides a means for reducing septic shock and further suggests that the antitumor activity of these bacteria may be independent of TNFalpha.
Phase separation in two-dimensional /sup 3/He-/sup 4/He mixtures

A model of thin-film /sup 3/He-/sup 4/He mixtures is described. The coupling of the /sup 3/He density to the /sup 4/He film thickness is such that there is an instability, leading to phase separation at low /sup 3/He concentrations.
EFFECT OF VAGAL DENERVATION OF POUCHES ON GASTRIC SECRETION IN DOGS WITH INTACT OR RESECTED ANTRUMS.

Summary Pavlov type pouches in dogs were vagally denervated by transecting the muscular bridge, thus converting them into Heidenhain pouches. The effect of this form of vagal denervation on the secretion of acid and pepsin by the pouches in response to stimulation by histamine, gastrin, Urecholine, or combinations of these stimulants was studied. The studies were performed on two groups of dogs, one with intact, the other with resected antrum. Vagotomy reduced the maximal acid secretion in response to histamine, gastrin, and combinations of histamine or gastrin with Urecholine. The one exception to this statement was in the nonantrectomized dogs stimulated with histamine alone; in this instance the maximal acid secretion in response to histamine was not decreased. Acid secretion in response to submaximal doses of histamine, gastrin, and combinations of histamine or gastrin with Urecholine was significantly reduced by vagotomy in both the antrectomized and nonantrectomized dogs. Acid secretion in response to submaximal doses of Urecholine alone showed some tendency to increase after vagotomy. Vagotomy depressed the secretion of acid in response to gastrin more than in response to histamine. Urecholine produced greater augmentation of the maximal secretion of acid in response to gastrin than to histamine. The effect of vagotomy on the secretion of pepsin cannot be described by any simple generalizations; the nature of the stimulant and its dose and the presence or absence of the antrum were modifying factors. Two observations are noteworthy: 1) in the vagally denervated pouches (antrum intact) doses of gastrin that were maximal or supramaximal for acid secretion stimulated pepsin secretion, and 2) vagal denervation caused unequivocal supersensitivity of the pepsin stimulating action of Urecholine.
Secondary eyewall formation in WRF simulations of Hurricanes Rita and Katrina (2005)

[1] An analysis is presented of two high-resolution hurricane simulations of Katrina and Rita (2005) that exhibited secondary eyewall formation (SEF). The results support the notion of vortex Rossby waves (VRWs) having an important role in SEF and suggest that VRW activity is a defining aspect of the moat. SEF occurs at a radius of ∼65 (80) km in Katrina (Rita), close to the hypothesized stagnation radius of VRWs. VRW activity appears to be the result of eye-eyewall mixing events, themselves a product of the release of barotropic instability. The convection in the radial region that becomes the moat is mainly in the form of VRWs propagating radially outward from the primary eyewall until the negative radial gradient of potential vorticity is no longer conducive for their propagation. These convectively coupled waves, originating and being expelled from the eyewall, are rotation dominated and have the coherency necessary to survive their passage through the strain-dominated region outside the eyewall.
Utilization of special architectures in support of parallel discrete event simulation

The authors describe a project which is intended as a prototype study to demonstrate the effectiveness, as measured by execution speedup, of running parallel simulations on newly available high-performance but relatively low-cost multiple-processor architectures. The authors focus on performance problems related to the use of discrete event simulation as a tool for development of system designs, and they discuss important constraints in its use in this area. They briefly survey the high-performance architectures which can be used to speed up simulations, as well as the relationship of parallel simulation to general distributed systems issues, and they describe the model being implemented to evaluate the effectiveness of the architecture and processor synchronization technique that have been chosen. >
Elders Adapting to a Chronic Diagnosis Within a Nursing Refuge

PROBLEM. The increasing numbers of people seeking care for chronic disease has placed unparalleled demands on nurses who journey with them as they grasp the meaning of their altered health status. The complexity of the newly diagnosed chronic disease can be overwhelming. Newly diagnosed elder patients need a refuge in which to explore the uncertainties and challenges in managing a chronic illness. Reactions to a new diagnosis are uniquely shaped by the elder person's culture, age, life circumstances, and previous coping strategies. Six dichotomous response pairs are posed: relief versus devastation, courage versus cowardice, disease obsession versus disease aversion, rational thinking versus intuition, reawakening versus stuck, and self-reliance versus dependence. Nurses can create a sanctuary for elderly patients with protected space, presence, partnership, past to future orientation, and perspective on life. Nurses who embrace this mission may find themselves returning to the reasons they sought a nursing career, to support and strengthen elderly people in the most vulnerable moments of their lives.
Cognitive effects of partial and whole-body exposures to 16O particles

Introduction: When rats and mice are exposed to HZE particles at the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory (NSRL) at Brookhaven National Laboratory to simulate the effect of exposure to space radiation on cognitive performance, there may be differences in the amount of tissue that is irradiated: some experimenters irradiate only the head, whereas others irradiate the entire organism. Whether or not these different patterns of exposure have differential effects on cognitive performance remain to be established. Similarly, it remains to be established whether or not exposures restricted to the body can have an independent effect on cognitive performance. Radiation: Rats were exposed to 16O (1000 MeV/n; 1, 5, 10, 25 cGy) particles at the NSRL. There were three exposure conditions: head-only, body-only and whole body. Tungsten bricks were used to shield either the head or the body, as required. The bricks were removed for whole-body exposures. The non-irradiated control rats (0 cGy) were taken to the NSRL, but not exposed. Nominal dose rates were between 1 and 10 cGy/min, depending upon the total dose. Behavior: The animals were shipped to UMBC for behavioral testing. Cognitive performance was measured using the elevated-plus-maze (baseline anxiety); novel object recognition (general learning and memory); novel spatial location (spatial learning and memory); and operant responding on an ascending fixed-ratio schedule (motivation and responsiveness to environmental stimuli). The basis for the selection of the behavioral tests was that the behaviors are dopamine-mediated or show deterioration as a function of age. Results: The results of the experiments indicate that: (i) there may be differences in cognitive performance following exposure to either head-only or whole-body exposure to NASA-relevant doses of 16O particles depending on the specific task; and (ii) for some tasks, body-only exposures can disrupt neurocognitive performance. The results also suggest that exposures involving the body may influence the responsiveness of the organism to the disruptive effects of exposure to HZE particles on neurocognitive performance. This effect is seen in two ways: first, as a direct effect of body-only exposure on cognitive performance, as shown by decreased time spent in a novel location compared with non-irradiated controls, suggesting impaired spatial location memory; and second, as an interaction between head and body exposures seen with whole-body exposures. Discussion: These results indicate that body-only exposures have the potential to influence cognitive performance which is mediated by the brain. Although the mechanism remains to be fully established, it is possible that exposure of the body to HZE particles causes the release of cytokines which can affect neuronal function, either directly or through the mediation of the vagus nerve. As such, the results of studies using head-only or whole-body exposures may not be comparable. Also, astronauts may be subject to increased risk of deficits in cognitive performance during exploratory class missions.
Laboratory tests to determine susceptibility of adult horn fly and stable fly to insecticides.

Toxicity of 9 insecticides to the horn fly, Haematobia irritans (L), and of 15 insecticides to the stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans (L), was studied in the laboratory and dosage-mortality values were computed. The organphosphorus insecticides were more effective than the chlorinated hydrocarbons against both insects. The responses of the horn fly and stable fly were more variable after exposure to the chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides than after similar exposure to the organphosphorus insecticides.
Normalization and error estimation for biomedical expression patterns

We describe methods for the analysis expression patterns based on a vector representation for intensities. Normalization for multiple experiments is iterative and is obtained by identifying a vector that optimally correlates expression patterns. Error estimates for intensities are obtained by analyzing deviations in expression relative to the correlation vector. A normalization method for applying corrections from spiked, two-color fluorescence measurements is also described.
Feeding Efficiency of the Larval Ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi A. Agassiz (Ctenophora, Lobata)

Larval stages of the ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi rely on metazoan prey, such as Acartia tonsa nauplii and copepodites, to support high growth rates. However, M. leidyi larvae 2.0 mm, nauplii REs plateaued at a mean of 91.03 ± 1.70%. All larvae 2.5 mm reached a maximum copepodite RE of 63.75 ± 3.01%.
Chemi-excitation of sodium in flames

The collisional de-excitation of sodium atoms from the 3( 3 P ) state to the 3( 2 S ) ground state was studied in flat pre-mixed laminar flames burned at pressures of from 50 to 100 Torr; temperatures in these flames ranged from 1250° to 1750°K. Rate constants for the de-excitation were deduced from data provided by fluorescence quenching experiments. Results indicate that the de-excitation of sodium by N 2 , O 2 , and H 2 O is quite efficient; within experimental error, each of these three species has been found to be about equally as effective as a quencher. The chemi-excitation of ground state sodium atoms to the 3( 2 P ) state was also studied over the same range of conditions. In flames rich in oxygen atoms, the reaction Na+O+O→Na * +O 2 with a rate constant of ca 1×10 −29 cm 6 molecule −2 sec −1 has been found to contribute strongly to the chemi-excitation. Some evidence for the reaction Na+H+H→Na * +H 2 has also been obtained; the rate constant for this reaction is ca 4×10 −31 cm 6 molecule −2 sec −1 .
Prosthodontic considerations when using implants for orthodontic anchorage.

Abstract Statement of problem. The use of implants for orthodontic anchorage can produce superior preprosthetic tooth positions. Their use often requires a crown or prosthesis to be fabricated for use as a connection between the orthodontic devices and the implant. Purpose. In this article, factors that affect the design of prostheses required for orthodontic movement and examples of prosthesis designs and materials, based on the authors' experience, are presented. (J Prosthet Dent 1997;77:162-70.)