cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Readability Characteristics of Consumer Medication Information for Asthma Inhalation Devices

Purpose. Successful control of asthma relies heavily on patient adherence to prescribed inhalation therapies. Many patients are unable to use inhalers correctly and, therefore, do not reap the full therapeutic benefits. The purpose of this study was to assess the readability and related characteristics of Consumer Medication Information (CMI) for all prescription asthma inhalation devices currently available in the United States. Methods. We identified all brand-name (n = 18) and generic (n = 2) asthma inhalation devices currently available in the United States. English language CMI was obtained from pharmaceutical manufacturers of each identified product. The CMI from these products was evaluated for readability characteristics, including reading grade level using the Fry formula, text point size, dimensions (length and width), diagrams, and directions. Results. The mean Fry readability of the CMI was at grade level 8.2 ± 1.5 (range = 5–11), while the average text point size was 9.2 ± 2.2 (range = 6–12)....
Development of the sense organs of the larva of Botryllus schlosseri

A study of the development of the sense organs of the larva of Botryllus schlosseri to determine, if possible, any homologies between its sense organs and those of other types of ascidians such as Molgula and Ammaroucium, which have sense organs structurally very different. The statolith appears in the Botryllus embryo as a single club-shaped cell. The lightsensitive organs have their primordia slightly later as five small filaments, each developed from a ganglion cell. A cavity appears in the statolith into which the light-sensitive filaments penetrate. Later development is concerned with pigmentation of the statolith, and a twisting process which orients it into the position in which it is found in the free-swimming larva. The three tactile papillae develop from evaginations of ectoderm at the anterior end of the embryo. The ectodermal cells at the center of a papilla are differentiated into rod-shaped sensory receptors and ganglion-like masses of nerve tissue. Nervous connections are established between these peripheral ganglia and the central nervous system. Results of the investigation indicate that the statoliths of the different ascidian larvae are homologous; the direction eyes probably are not, but have evolved independently from a light-sensitive area in the primitive larva of a common ancestral ascidian. The larvae of Molgula and Ammaroucium possess no structures comparable to the sensory papillae of Botryllus.
A discrete lattice plane analysis of the energy of coherent {0001}h.c.p. • {111}f.c.c., 〈1120〉h.c.p.• 〈110〉f.c.c. interfaces

Abstract A discrete lattice plane, regular solution, broken bond model, previously used to calculate the interfacial energy of f.c.c.:f.c.c. and b.c.c.:b.c.c. interphase boundaries, is extended to the situation in which there is a change in crystal structure across the interphase boundary, specifically to an interface between an f.c.c. and h.c.p. crystal. The particular interface studied, {0001}h.c.p. • {111}f.c.c., 〈11 2 0〉h.c.p.• 〈1 1 0〉f.c.c. was made fully coherent by choosing the appropriate lattice parameter ratio. Both f.c.c. and h.c.p. phases are taken to be regular solutions. Minimization of the grand potential yields a set of non-linear equations in the equilibrium composition of the planes in the interface region whose solute concentration differs from that of the bulk composition in either phase. These values of the compositions are then used to compute the interfacial free energy of the boundary. The variations in the concentration profile and interfacial free energy with temperature and regular solution constants were investigated. The concentration profile was found to be diffuse and also asymmetric. The diffuseness does not vary in any simple manner with temperature. The interfacial energy decreases with increasing temperature in the various situations considered.
Equivalence of Binary and Ternary Algebraic Decision Trees

Two models of algebraic decision trees have been studied. The binary model allows queries of the form ``is p(x1 ,... , xn) ≤ 0?'', while in the ternary model the value of the query polynomial is compared with zero and one of three possible answers ( ) is returned, each answer leading to a distinct subtree.
Three-Tesla MR imaging of the elbow in non-symptomatic professional baseball pitchers

To retrospectively evaluate the qualitative and quantitative 3-T MR imaging features of the elbow in non-symptomatic professional baseball pitchers presenting as major league draft picks or trades. The Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved the HIPPA-compliant study. Informed consent was waived. Twenty-one professional non-symptomatic baseball pitchers (mean age 23, range 18 to 34 years old) underwent 3-T MR imaging of the pitching elbow. Two experienced readers independently performed qualitative (collateral ligaments, tendons, cartilage, bones, ulnar nerve, olecranon fossa, and joint fluid) and quantitative (collateral ligaments and posteromedial plica) evaluation. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Collateral ligament thickening was seen in a high proportion, nearly half, however, without features of full thickness tearing. Tendinosis without tearing was seen in 19 % (4/21) of common extensors. Cartilage abnormalities were infrequent. Bone abnormalities manifested as edema in 24 % (5/21) and humeroulnar osteophytosis. Ulnar nerve signal and/or morphologic abnormalities were seen in a very high proportion, up to 81 % (17/21). The olceranon fat pad showed scarring features in about one third. The median ligament thicknesses in mm measured: 4.6 UCL anterior bundle, 1.8 UCL posterior bundle, 1.9 RCL, 2.5 LUCL, and 0.7 mm anular. The median plica dimensions were 5.3 by 2.2 by 2.7 mm. High-resolution 3-T MR imaging frequently shows abnormalities involving the ligaments, tendons, nerves, olecranon fat pad, and bones in non-symptomatic baseball pitchers.
Effect of urea on the polymer buffer solutions used for the electrophoretic separations of nucleic acids.

The present study describes the effect of urea on the properties of hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) polymer solutions used for the separation of nucleic acids. Solution properties were investigated by viscosity measurements and supplemented by Raman spectroscopy of the solution components. By using viscosimetry, it was possible to identify that borate, urea, and HEC participate in an interaction causing an increase in the viscosity of dilute solutions. In addition, short polymer chains exhibited a 4-fold decrease in the entanglement threshold in the presence of 4 M urea and 0.356 M total borate concentration. These interactions were found to be specific to HEC. Raman spectroscopy monitored serial addition of 8 M urea to HEC sieving solutions combined with factor analysis indicated formation of minor urea species. Lack of change in the Raman spectrum and relative amount of borate suggested that there is no direct interaction between borate and urea. These effects on HEC sieving solution properties lead to the...
Genetic analysis of predatory efficiency in natural and laboratory made hybrids of poeciliopsis (Pisces: Poeciliidae)

Multiple hybridization events between females of Poeciliopsis monacha and males of P. lucida have produced a genetic diversity of all-female biotypes in Sonora, Mexico. All-females depend on the sperm of their sexual ancestors. Strong competition among all-females and their coexistent sexual host take place. The frozen niche-variation model was proposed to explain how such coexistence is possible and how the genetic diversity of all-female biotypes arose. According to this model, the hybrids have multiple origins, freeze and replicate unique genotypes, and produce phenotypic differences with reduced ecological overlap with one another and their sexual ancestors. The objective of the study was to test whether differences in predatory efficiency of all-females are 'frozen' from the sexual ancestor which possessed phenotypic diversity for that behavioural trait. I investigated predatory efficiency in nine strains of Poeciliopsis (P. monacha, two natural hybrids, and six laboratory made hybrids). First, I analysed the variation in average performances of each strain for time spent in capture and handling of two prey species (Artemia salina and Daphnia magna). Second, I offered both prey simultaneously to test if preference affects the average time spent to handle prey. Preference for prey species was analysed using the order of capture as reference. Handling time and prey preference differed among laboratory made hybrids, supporting frozen niche-variation model assumptions.
Quasi-two-dimensional spin distributions in II-VI magnetic semiconductor heterostructures: Clustering and dimensionality

Spin clustering in diluted magnetic semiconductors (DMS) arises from antiferromagnetic exchange between neighboring magnetic cations and is a strong function of reduced dimensionality. Epitaxially grown single monolayers and abrupt interfaces of DMS are, however, never perfectly two dimensional (2D) due to the unavoidable intermonolayer mixing of atoms during growth. Thus the magnetization of DMS heterostructures, which is strongly modified by spin clustering, is intermediate between that of 2D and 3D spin distributions. We present an exact calculation of spin clustering applicable to arbitrary distributions of magnetic spins in the growth direction. The results reveal a surprising insensitivity of the magnetization to the form of the intermixing profile, and identify important limits on the maximum possible magnetization. High-field optical studies of heterostructures containing ''quasi-2D'' spin distributions are compared with calculation. (c) 2000 The American Physical Society.
Comparison of portable automated keratometry and manual keratometry for IOL calculation

Abstract Purpose: To compare the accuracy of portable automated keratometry (PAK) with that of manual keratometry (MK) in measuring corneal power for intraocular lens calculations. Setting: Wilford Hall Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA. Methods: In Part 1 of the study, five ophthalmic technicians performed keratometric analysis in 20 eyes in 10 volunteers using both manual and automated methods to determine the relative accuracy and reproducibility of each instrument. In Part 2, both MK and PAK were prospectively performed in 11 patients having cataract surgery to compare the accuracy of each instrument in predicting postoperative refractive outcome. Results: The difference between instruments in determining the average corneal power in all eyes was less than 0.10 diopter (D) (MK = 43.84 D, PAK = 43.93 D). Portable keratometry demonstrated less variability in measurements in each eye (average standard deviation, MK = 0.30 D, PAK = 0.11 D; average range, MK = 1.08 D, PAK = 0.44 D). The mean absolute refractive error (difference between the actual refractive outcome and predicted refractive outcome) was 0.37 D ± 0.30 (SD) using MK values and 0.45 ± 0.19 D using PAK values. Conclusions: Portable automated keratometry is a simple keratometric technique that appeared to be as accurate as but with less variability than manual keratometry in determining corneal power for cataract surgery.
Synchronous membrane potential fluctuations in neurons of the cat visual cortex.

Abstract We have recorded intracellularly from pairs of neurons less than 500 μm distant from one another in V1 of anesthetized cats. Cross-correlation of spontaneous fluctuations in membrane potential revealed significant correlations between the cells in each pair. This synchronization was not dependent on the occurrence of action potentials, indicating that it was not caused by mutual interconnections. The cells were synchronized continuously rather than for brief epochs. Much weaker correlations were found between the EEG and intracellular potentials, suggesting local, rather than global, synchrony. The highest correlation occurred among cells with similar connectivity from the LGN and similar receptive fields. During visual stimulation, correlations increased when both cells responded to the stimulus and decreased when neither cell responded.
Use of outcomes-based data in reducing high-order multiple pregnancies: the role of age, diagnosis, and embryo score

Abstract Objective To identify high-risk categories for high-order multiple pregnancy (HMP) in in vitro fertilization (IVF), establish clinic-specific HMP risk data for counseling use, and verify their utility in reducing HMP. Design Before and after intervention study. Setting Two IVF programs using the same embryology laboratory and IVF protocols. Patient(s) All IVF patients undergoing fresh embryo transfers. Intervention(s) Use of clinic-specific age, diagnosis, and embryo score (ES) risk data in assessing individual HMP risk during informed consent. Main outcome measure(s) HMP and pregnancy outcomes. Result(s) In determining clinic-specific high risk categories and developing outcomes-based HMP risk data for counseling, the good outcome rate (GR) was defined as the percentage of singleton or twin deliveries per cycle and the bad outcome rate included no pregnancy or nondelivered pregnancies (miscarriages, multifetal reduction) and HMP per cycle. During 1995 to 1999, age Conclusion(s) The use of clinic-specific HMP risk data in counseling based on age, diagnosis, and ES provided a 53% to 64% reduction in HMP without affecting rates of pregnancy or delivery. The clinic-specific ES system correlated closely with good outcomes. A standardized ES system may provide useful information for counseling during ET informed consent.
Investigation of dendrimers functionalized with eosin as macrophotoinitiators for polymerization-based signal amplification reactions

Polymerization-based signal amplification, a technique developed for use in rapid diagnostic tests, hinges on the ability to localize initiators as a function of interfacial binding events. A number of strategies are available for increasing this local concentration, including increasing the capture probe density, using higher affinity binding molecules, or, as presented here, directly conjugating additional initiators to the detection reagent through the use of functionalized polymers. We have previously considered poly(acrylic acid-co-acrylamide) backbones for this purpose; with eosin as the photoinitiator, these efforts were hindered by solubility limitations. Here, we use a poly(amidoamine) dendrimer as a scaffold to produce conjugates with enhanced solubility. Through an investigation into the surface binding and solution-phase properties of these conjugates, we show that quenching effects impact the efficacy of these conjugates as macrophotoinitiators.
Thermodynamic assessment of the Nb-N system

The phase equilibrium and thermodynamic information of the Nb-N system was reviewed and assessed by using thermodynamic models for the Gibbs energy of individual phases. Although there was a large amount of experimental information of the system, heat capacity data of the Nb2N and NbN were not available either in low or high temperatures. In the present study, low-temperature heat capacity and theoS298 values were estimated using estimated entropy Debye temperatures. Only the Nb2N (hcp) and NbN (fcc) nitrides were considered to be the true binary phases and were included in the present evaluation in addition to the N2 gas, liquid, andα-solid solution (bcc). Three thermodynamic models were used: a two-sublattice model for the solid solution phases, a substitutional model for the liquid phase, and an ideal-gas model for the N2 gas. The model parameters were evaluated by fitting to the selected data by means of a computer program. A consistent set of parameters was obtained which satisfactorily described most of the experimental and estimated data.
“Who made the code in the first place?”: Delinquency and justice in an American Indian community

This paper examines the emergence of official categories of delinquency and a formal system for the legal processing of youth on one American Indian reservation. The creation of the legal code, Children's Court and Juvenile Detention Center, and the ongoing activities of these agencies are placed in the context of the larger social system of the reservation and the history of federal policies toward Indian peoples. Through in-depth interviews, participant observation, case file review, and the analysis of existing statistics, perceptions of “delinquency” and “justice” and trends in the legal processing of adolescents in this community are explored. The implications of this imposed system of law and “justice” for this community are discussed.
Effect of Distal Ulnar Collateral Ligament Tear Pattern on Contact Forces and Valgus Stability in the Posteromedial Compartment of the Elbow

Background:It is not known whether the pattern of ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tear affects elbow biomechanics.Hypothesis:There will be a significant change in elbow biomechanics with 50% proximal but not 50% distal simulated rupture of the UCL.Study Design:Controlled laboratory study.Methods:Pressure sensors in the posteromedial elbow joint of 25 male cadaveric elbows (average age, 54.9 years; range, 26-66 years) were used to measure contact area, pressure, and valgus torque at 90° and 30° of elbow flexion. Thirteen specimens were tested with the UCL intact, then with proximal-to-distal detachment of 50%, and then with proximal-to-distal detachment of 100% of the anterior band of the UCL from the ulnar attachment. This method was repeated in the remaining 12 specimens in a distal-to-proximal direction.Results:With 50% proximal-to-distal detachment, contact area decreased significantly versus intact at 90° (91.3 ± 23.6 vs 112.2 ± 26.0 mm2; P < .001) and 30° (69.3 ± 14.8 vs 83.1 ± 21.6 mm2; P < .001) of...
Equipment, Exposure, Emission Review—Specification of Process Equipment for Worker Exposure Control

Worker exposure to chemical agents may occur from equipment leaks in closed processes and from open system activities and maintenance (e.g., sampling, tank gauging, line breaking, equipment flushing, and drainage). To prevent worker overexposure to chemical agents, an Equipment, Exposure, Emission Review (EEER) was developed to consistently match equipment properties to the leakage-related inhalation risk posed by each stream. For streams where gas or liquid leakage could cause worker exposure above occupational exposure limits (OEL), the EEER recommended a high performance, low leakage equipment category. Conversely, where standard engineering offered reliable containment for lower health risk streams, the EEER did not recommend over-control. The EEER matched equipment to stream health hazard as follows: (1) the composition of each stream was determined, with particular attention to chemical substances with stringent exposure limits; (2) a mixture exposure limit was calculated for each stream based on st...
Ornithine decarboxylase protein diversity and activity modulation in HTC cells

Abstract Ornithine decarboxylase of HTC cells was chromatographically separated into three ionically distinct but kinetically similar forms of this protein. The sequential appearance of these ornithine decarboxylase species during enzyme induction, and the accumulation of normally minor species under conditions that stabilize this enzyme, suggest that these represent modifications that are associated with the extremely rapid turnover of this protein in vivo . These forms may also be differentially active or unequally distributed in vivo as indicated by the selective inactivation of one of the forms by short exposure to α-difluoromethylornithine.
A technique to retrieve stents dislodged in the coronary artery followed by fixation in the iliac artery by means of balloon angioplasty and peripheral stent deployment.

An unwelcome complication of the increasingly applied technique of coronary stenting is stent dislodgment, which may cause arterial occlusion or distal embolization, both with potentially adverse sequel. Stent dislodgment tends to occur when negotiating a tortuous artery with a balloon-mounted stent, especially if the artery is irregularly calcified or when applying a rigid stent. We have successfully applied in several patients at our laboratory a technique to retrieve a dislodged stent from the coronary artery, tow it to the iliac artery, and then deploy it locally by a peripheral balloon when retrieval through the vascular sheath seems impossible. Finally, the retrieved stent is secured by local anchoring with a peripheral stent. This technique was found to be useful and may prevent further complications and more costly interventions and hence result in a more benign clinical course. Cathet. Cardiovasc. Intervent. 49:77-81, 2000.
Serological Expression Cloning of Novel Immunoreactive Antigens of Babesia microti

Increased recognition of the prevalence of human babesiosis in the United States, together with rising concern about the potential for transmission of this infection by blood transfusion, has provided motivation to develop definitive serologic and molecular tests for the causative agent, Babesia microti. To develop more sensitive and specific assays for B. microti, we screened a genomic expression library with patient serum pools. This screening resulted in the identification of three classes of novel genes and an additional two novel, unrelated genes, which together encode a total of 17 unique B. microti antigens. The first class (BMN1-2 family) of genes encodes seven closely related antigens with a degenerate six-amino-acid repeat that shows limited homology to Plasmodium sp. merozoite and sporozoite surface antigens. A second class (BMN1-8 family) of genes encodes six related antigens, and the third class (BMN1-17 family) of genes encodes two related antigens. The two remaining genes code for novel and unrelated sequences. Among the three classes of antigens and remaining novel sequences, five were chosen to code for the most immunodominant antigens (BMN1-2, -9, -15, and -17 and MN-10). Western blot analysis with the resulting recombinant proteins indicated that these antigens were targets of humoral immune responses during B. microti infection in humans.
Specifying Semantic Web Service Compositions using UML and OCL

The semantic web promises to bring automation to the areas of web service discovery, composition and invocation. In order to realize these benefits, rich semantic descriptions of web services must be created by the software developer. A steep learning curve and lack of tool support for developing such descriptions thus far have created significant adoption barriers for semantic web service technologies. In this paper, we present a model-driven architecture based approach for specifying semantic web service compositions through the use of a UML profile that extends class and activity diagrams. This profile is used in transformations that facilitate automatic construction of OWLS specifications from UML diagrams. Conditions required by the composition, such as those on control constructs, are specified using OCL and transformed into SWRL during the construction process.
Chromatin Remodeling of the Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus ORF50 Promoter Correlates with Reactivation from Latency

The switch from latent to lytic infection of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus is initiated by the immediate early transcriptional activator protein Rta/open reading frame 50 (ORF50). We examined the transcriptional regulation of the ORF50 core promoter in response to lytic cycle stimulation. We show that the ORF50 promoter is highly responsive to sodium butyrate (NaB) and trichostatin A (TSA), two chemicals known to inhibit histone deacetylases. The NaB and TSA responsive element was mapped to a 70-bp minimal promoter containing an essential GC box that binds Sp1/Sp3 in vitro and in vivo. Micrococcal nuclease mapping studies revealed that a nucleosome is positioned over the transcriptional initiation and the Sp1/3 binding sites. Stimulation with NaB or TSA increased histone acetylation and restriction enzyme accessibility of the ORF50 promoter transcription initiation site. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay was used to demonstrate that the ORF50 promoter is associated with several different histone deacetylase proteins (including HDAC1, 5, and 7) in latently infected cells. NaB treatment led to the rapid association of Ini1/Snf5, a component of the Swi/Snf family of chromatin remodeling proteins, with the ORF50 promoter. Ectopic expression of the CREB-binding protein (CBP) histone acetyltransferase (HAT) stimulated plasmid-based ORF50 transcription in a HAT-dependent manner, suggesting that CBP recruitment to the ORF50 promoter can be an initiating event for transcription and viral reactivation. Together, these results suggest that remodeling of a stably positioned nucleosome at the transcriptional initiation site of ORF50 is a regulatory step in the transition from latent to lytic infection.
Postabortion Research: Methodological and Ethical Issues:

The author conducted research on long-term postabortion experience guided by the principles of phenomenology, and she describes the ethical and methodological issues encountered during the study, in which she interviewed 17 women who were more than 5 years postabortion, in this article. Discussed here, in the context of abortion as a sensitive topic for researcher and participant, are personal bias; recruitment, protection, and interviewing of participants; data analysis; and communication of findings. During the research process, the author gave particular attention to the formulation of the consent form, contact with the participants, the interview technique, the choice of a transcriptionist, and the use of a second reader. She also acknowledged her personal position on abortion, the reality of role conflict, and the importance of debriefing.
Screening for Generalized Anxiety Disorder Symptoms in the Wake of Terrorist Attacks: A Study in Primary Care

Little is known about the mental health impact of terrorism beyond posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. The associations between exposure to the September 11, 2001 (9/11) attacks in New York City and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) symptoms were examined in a sample of 929 primary care patients. After controlling for PTSD, depression, panic and substance use disorders, and pre-9/11 trauma, patients who screened positive (vs. negative) for GAD symptoms were roughly twice as likely to report having a loved one at the 9/11 disaster site, twice as likely to know someone who was killed by the attacks, and twice as likely to know someone who was involved with the rescue/recovery efforts after the disaster. Implications for treatment and future research are discussed.
CCACK: Efficient Network Coding Based Opportunistic Routing Through Cumulative Coded Acknowledgments

The use of random linear network coding (NC) has significantly simplified the design of opportunistic routing (OR) protocols by removing the need of coordination among forwarding nodes for avoiding duplicate transmissions. However, NC-based OR protocols face a new challenge: How many coded packets should each forwarder transmit? To avoid the overhead of feedback exchange, most practical existing NC-based OR protocols compute offline the expected number of transmissions for each forwarder using heuristics based on periodic measurements of the average link loss rates and the ETX metric. Although attractive due to their minimal coordination overhead, these approaches may suffer significant performance degradation in dynamic wireless environments with continuously changing levels of channel gains, interference, and background traffic. In this paper, we propose CCACK, a new efficient NC-based OR protocol. CCACK exploits a novel Cumulative Coded ACKnowledgment scheme that allows nodes to acknowledge network coded traffic to their upstream nodes in a simple way, oblivious to loss rates, and with practically zero overhead. In addition, the cumulative coded acknowledgment scheme in CCACK enables an efficient credit-based, rate control algorithm. Our evaluation shows that, compared to MORE, a state-of-the-art NC-based OR protocol, CCACK improves both throughput and fairness, by up to 20x and 124%, respectively, with average improvements of 45% and 8.8%, respectively.
'Scared Straight' and other juvenile awareness programs for preventing juvenile delinquency

Programs like 'Scared Straight' involve organized visits to prison facilities by juvenile delinquents or children at risk for becoming delinquent. The programs are designed to deter participants from future offending by providing first-hand observations of prison life and interaction with adult inmates. Results of this review indicate that not only does it fail to deter crime but it actually leads to more offending behavior. Government officials permitting this program need to adopt rigorous evaluation to ensure that they are not causing more harm to the very citizens they pledge to protect.
WHY ART EDUCATION FOR THE ELDERLY BLIND

The primary eye diseases causing blindness are of a relatively geriatric nature, and therefore the various rehabilitation centers attempting to counsel and aid newly blind persons find they must cope also with the characteristic problems of the elderly. Identification and analysis of the types of problems this population encounters, through literature on the topic and observation, leads one to the unexpected conclusion that art can play an essential role in the amelioration of these problems. Art and craft activities can provide a process of self‐analysis for therapy toward adjustment; inculcate beneficial attitudes such as flexibility, sensitivity, and independence; and offer aesthetic and social satisfactions to help replace others that have been lost. Thus we must preserve for the blind those asepcts of art that are still accessible to them and nurture their experience in artistic endeavors for education, adjustment, and satisfaction through art.
Cellular mechanisms of thromboxane A2-mediated contraction in pulmonary veins

Our objectives were to identify the relative contributions of [Ca2+]i and myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity in the pulmonary venous smooth muscle (PVSM) contractile response to the thromboxane A2 mimeti...
Prevention of and therapies for nipple pain: a systematic review.

Objective: To review the literature on nipple pain and to delineate effective strategies for the prevention and treatment of nipple pain in breastfeeding mothers. Data Sources: Computerized searches on MEDLINE, Pre-MEDLINE, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library. Study Selection: Articles from indexed journals relevant to the objective were reviewed from January 1983 to April 2004. Preference was given to research-based studies in English. Data Extraction: Data were extracted and organized under two headings: prevention of nipple pain or trauma and treatment of nipple pain or trauma. The Critical Appraisal Form by J. Briggs was used to extract the data from research-based articles. Data Synthesis: The health benefits of breastfeeding for mother and infant are well documented; however, nipple pain is a common reason reported by women for the early termination of breastfeeding. Several studies have compared various treatments for either the prevention of or treatment for nipple pain. These treatments include warm water compresses, tea bag compresses, heat, application of expressed mother’s milk, lanolin, vitamin A, collagenase, dexpan-thenol, hydrogel therapy, glycerin gel therapy, moist occlusive dressing, education regarding proper latch-on and positioning, and no treatment. Conclusions: No one topical agent showed superior results in the relief of nipple discomfort. The most important factor in decreasing the incidence of nipple pain is the provision of education in relation to proper breastfeeding technique and latch-on as well as anticipatory guidance regarding the high incidence of early postpartum nipple pain
Matchings in graphs

Results of Tutte and of Anderson giving conditions for a simple graph G to have a perfect matching are generalized to give conditions for G to have a matching of defect d. A corollary to one of these results is a theorem of Berge on the size of a maximum matching in G.
The End-to-End Upper Jitter Bound Research about Wireless ad hoc Network Based on Network Calculus

In order to guarantee the QoS for multimedia data transmission over Wireless Ad hoc network, the data flow entering the node was regulated by leaky bucket, and the node provided Rate-Latency service for the flow. We had derived the end-to-end upper jitter bound for wireless ad hoc network based on the existing link throughput model using network calculus theory, for grid network topologies, all simulated results were bounded by theoretical results, these show the end-to-end upper jitter bound model perform well.
“Arab Nationalism”: Has a New Framework Emerged? (question posed by James L. Gelvin): Pensée 1: “Arab Nationalism” Meets Social Theory

The “origins problem” has loomed large in the historiography of nationalism in the Arab Middle East and for good reason: it is constitutive and representative of other issues surrounding the problem of nationalism. George Antonius published the first iteration of what might be termed the “standard [origins] narrative” in 1938. Since that time, the narrative has undergone a number of revisions, the most notable of which are by C. Ernest Dawn, Philip S. Khoury, and Rashid Khalidi, among others.
A Modified Low-dose Regimen of Mitoxantrone and Prednisolone in Patients with Androgen-independent Prostate Cancer

BACKGROUND We conducted this retrospective study to analyze a modified dose schedule of mitoxantrone and prednisolone (MP) in patients with androgen-independent prostate cancer. METHODS From June 1997 to April 2002, 28 patients were enrolled. Their median age was 69 years (range, 58-79 years). The median duration of hormonal therapy was 30 months (range, 6-84 months). The median performance status was 2. Sixteen of the patients had bone disease only. The chemotherapy consisted of 8 mg/m2 mitoxantrone by intravenous infusion every 3 weeks and 10 mg prednisolone orally twice per day. WHO response criteria, prostatic-specific antigen (PSA), pain and performance status were used to assess the response. RESULTS The median number of treatment cycles was six (range, 2-20). Nine (32.1%) and 15 patients (53.8%) had > or =80% and > or =50% reduction in serum PSA level, respectively. Of 16 patients using narcotics, five (31.3%) had a > or =50% reduction in narcotics consumption compared with the baseline. Nine patients (32.1%) showed improved performance. For 12 patients with measurable disease, only two (16.7%) showed a partial response. Grade 3-4 toxicities included neutropenia (three patients), anemia (three patients) and vomiting (one patient). The median survival was 12 months and the median time to PSA progression was 4 months. CONCLUSIONS This modified regimen is feasible for palliative intent. The toxicity of this regimen is manageable. Exploring further combinations of this regimen with novel agents against androgen-independent prostate cancer is warranted.
Technology acceleration and corporate ergonomic policy

Technology use is best described as ‘more and increasing’. The frequency of use is more and increasing. The range of use across diverse platforms is more and increasing. Likewise the attention to the ergonomic challenges presented by this technology acceleration should also be more and increasing. Emerging issues such as ‘nomadic workers’ and ‘blackberry thumb’ add to the ergonomic challenge. Ergonomic advances have been significant, yet they have not conquered all of the old problems nor have they anticipated all of the new problems generated by the ‘more and increased’ technology deployment. This article provides an overview of the ergonomic injuries that have been associated with computer use and then reviews changes in the computing landscape and the work environment that have important ergonomic implications. Based upon this review, it calls for increased organisational commitment to ergonomic policy and concludes with some suggested available resources.
Convergent Beam Electron Diffraction Analysis of Lattice Shifts in Aluminum Nitride

Changes in lattice parameter in high-purity polycrystalline (2H δ ) aluminum nitride due to oxygen contamination have been examined by convergent beam electron diffraction. The operative lattice distortion was determined by computer simulation to be a continuous increase in c/a ratio commensurate with consant volume as impurity concentration increases and a fine break in hexagonal symmetry. These results are consistent with the distortions associated with planar polytypoid structures at higher oxygen levels
Synergies for Wellness and Liberation in Counseling Psychology

Several fields within psychology, including counseling psychology, are struggling to promote a social justice agenda. Most efforts concentrate on a critique of existing values, assumptions, and practices. Whereas the level of critique is quite sophisticated, the level of social justice practice is rather embryonic. Critical psychologists have been constructing alternative practices that strive to go beyond the status quo and its critique. This article proposes an agenda for action that is conductive to wellness and liberation at the same time. The authors recommend several steps for advancing such an agenda. They argue that critical psychologists need to promote synergy between and among (a) diverse values, (b) wellness and liberation, and (c) existing critiques within psychology and other fields. To illustrate practical application, the authors discuss these recommendations in the context of people with physical disabilities.
Increased brain oxygenation during intubation-related stress.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to determine whether brain oxyhaemoglobin-deoxyhaemoglobin coupling was altered by anaesthesia or intubation-induced stress. METHODS This was a prospective observational study in the operating room. Thirteen patients (ASA I and II) undergoing spinal or peripheral nerve procedures were recruited. They were stabilized before surgery with mask ventilation of 100% oxygen. Anaesthesia was induced with 2 microg kg(-1) fentanyl and 3 mg kg(-1) thiopental. Laryngoscopy and intubation were performed 4 min later. After intubation, desflurane anaesthesia (FiO2=1.0) was adjusted to maintain response entropy of the electroencephalogram at 40-45 for 20 min. Prefrontal cortex oxyhaemoglobin and deoxyhaemoglobin were determined every 2 s using frequency domain near-infrared spectroscopy. Blood pressure, heart rate and response entropy were collected every 10 s. RESULTS Awake oxyhaemoglobin and deoxyhaemoglobin were 18.9 +/- 2.3 micromol (mean +/- SD) and 12.7 +/- 0.8 micromol, respectively, and neither changed significantly during induction. Intubation increased oxyhaemoglobin by 37% (P < 0.05) and decreased deoxyhaemoglobin by 16% (P < 0.05), and both measures returned to baseline within 20 min of desflurane anaesthesia. Blood pressure, heart rate and electroencephalogram response entropy increased during intubation, and the increase in heart rate correlated with the increase in brain oxygen saturation (r = 0.48, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Intubation-related stress increased oxyhaemoglobin related to electroencephalogram and autonomic activation. Stress-induced brain stimulation may be monitored during anaesthesia using frequency domain near-infrared spectroscopy.
Guanine nucleotides modulate calcium currents in a marine Paramecium

Voltage-dependent calcium channels play a critical role in many cell functions and in many cell types ranging from protozoa to vertebrates. We have shown previously that guanine nucleotides modulate the calcium action potential and the duration of backward swimming in Paramecium, both indirect measurements of calcium channel function. To determine whether guanine nucleotides to indeed alter calcium currents, the inward calcium current (ICa) in Paramecium calkinsi was studied. First, the calcium current was characterized. The magnitude of ICa increased as the extracellular calcium concentration was increased from 0.5 to 50 mmol l-1, unlike the situation in freshwater species of Paramecium where the inward calcium current magnitude is maximal when extracellular calcium levels reach 1 mmol l-1. Inorganic compounds (NiCl2 at 10 mumol l-1 and CdCl2 at 1 mmol l-1) and organic compounds (naphthalene sulfonamides, W-7 and W-12-Br at 100 and 2 mumol l-1, respectively) reduced ICa. Regardless of the holding membrane potential (from −80 to −20 mV), the threshold activation for ICa was at −10 mV and the maximum value of ICa was reached at +20 mV, suggesting that there is only one type of calcium channel in P. calkinsi. Second, we injected GTP gamma S, GTP and GDP beta S into voltage-clamped cells while monitoring calcium and/or potassium currents. GTP gamma S increased the magnitude of ICa by 42 +/− 6% (mean +/− S.D., N = 5) and the effect was irreversible, GTP increased the magnitude of ICa by 37 +/− 4% (N = 4) in a reversible manner, and GDP beta S decreased ICa by 57 +/− 8% (N = 3) irreversibly. The outward potassium currents did not change when GTP gamma S was injected into the cells. These results support the hypothesis that injection of guanine nucleotides modulates the voltage-dependent calcium channel in P. calkinsi, presumably by activating G-protein-dependent processes.
Evidence of complex citer motivations

There were 20 scholars interviewed about their citation motives in recently published articles. Their 437 citations were scaled along 1 or more of the following 7 titer motives: currency, negative credit, operational information, persuasiveness, positive credit, reader alert, and social consensus. The majority (70.7%) of the references were attributed to more than 1 motive. Analysis of the clustering of the titer motives showed 3 groupings: (1) persuasiveness, positive credit, currency, and social consensus, (2) negative credit, and (3) reader alert and operational information. Negative credit references were often found to be used with a countervailing positive credit, currency, or social consensus reference. This is considered to be empirical evidence of MacRoberts and MacRoberts’ [8] hypothesis that scholars dissemble when giving nega. tive references.
Evidence Issues in Employment Cases

This paper was used as a guide for a continuing legal education program hosted by ALI-ABA and the Georgetown University Law Center. The author outlines the various evidence issues involved in employment cases, and draws on case law and the various rules of evidence as the basis for the presentation. This work should serve as a good review for attorneys practicing employment law.
Taking a Second Look at Kayexalate.

*Staff Pharmacist, Providence Health System, St. Peter Hospital, 413 Lilly Rd NE, Olympia, WA 98506; phone: 360-493-7411; e-mail: dennis.malone@providence.org To the Editor: Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (SPS) [Kayexalate], an ion exchange resin, has been used to treat hyperkalemia for more than 50 years. During this time, evidence-based medicine has made exponential progress. As much as possible, we use methods and medications that are proven to be effective in randomized controlled trials. A review of studies supporting the use of SPS to treat hyperkalemia leaves me wondering why SPS is still used. By today’s standards, the studies supporting the use of SPS for hyperkalemia would be identified as poorly designed case studies, without randomization, without statistical analysis, and without a large sample size. Admittedly, it is somewhat unfair to judge 50-year-old studies by today’s standards. But isn’t it questionable to treat a patient with a medication just because that’s the way we’ve always done it? Especially if it is ineffective and possibly dangerous?
Single particle nonlinear optical imaging of trace crystallinity in an organic powder.

Microscopic characterization of crystallinity in powders can reveal information lost in ensemble-averaged measurements. Nonlinear optical imaging based on second harmonic generation (SHG) provides rapid and highly selective detection of individual chiral microcrystals, enabling insights into the fundamental mechanism of action for the observed crystallinity loss of an organic powder induced by mechanical grinding. Using griseofulvin as the model compound, the results from second order nonlinear optical imaging of chiral crystals (SONICC) compared favorably with those of powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) over the linear dynamic range of the PXRD measurements. However, the SHG measurements demonstrated three decade improvements in linear dynamic range. The detection limit of SHG was estimated to be 4 ppm crystallinity in the powder. The rate of crystallinity loss induced by milling followed a first order process with a half-life of 15 ± 1 min. Recrystallization of cryomilled powder is ∼40 times faster than th...
Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling of Industrial Flares Operated in Stand-By Mode

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was applied to model industrial flares under low-Btu, low-flow rate conditions (stand-by mode). The modeled tests were conducted at the John Zink R&D facility in Tulsa, OK in September 2010, using propylene/Tulsa Natural Gas/nitrogen as vent gases under open-air conditions. This work focuses on CFD modeling using the EDC (Eddy Dissipation Concept) and PDF (Probability Density Function) models to predict the destruction and removal efficiency (DRE), combustion efficiency (CE), and speciated emissions with a reduced 50-species combustion mechanism. Generally, the EDC model underpredicts DRE/CE while the PDF model overpredicts DRE/CE, when compared with measurements. The sources of discrepancies and the challenges to the flare modeling in the stand-by mode are discussed. In view of the significant differences between the measured and modeled results, further investigations involving a better domain with a refined mesh, a different turbulence model, or a combination of EDC/P...
A Method for Establishing the Database of Coal Quality

To guarantee the accuracy of a coal consumption on-line real-time monitoring system in the process of energy-saving power generation dispatching and lower the deviation of the boiler efficiency arisen from the complexity of coal quality and uncertainty of the artificial off-line input during the on-line calculation of the boiler efficiency,the statistical and clustering calculation method and others were used to build a database of coal quality for specific zones in a power plant. It has been found that coal having an error within 600 k J / kg between the heating value calculated by using the"unreal coal quality"thus established and that tested on the basis of the real coal quality occupies 92. 4%,thus achieving a relatively good overall matching degree. In the real applications,the heating value taken from the database established on the basis of the unreal coal quality always keeps high consistency with the heating value tested on the same day with the maximum error being controlled within 700 k J / kg. To use the database established on the basis of the unreal coal quality to conduct an on-line calculation of the boiler efficiency can guarantee comparatively well the justice and impartiality of an on-line coal consumption monitoring system on various power plants in a region.