cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chloroephedrine: contaminant of methamphetamine synthesis with cardiovascular activity.

Chloroephedrine is an intermediate and possible contaminant formed when methamphetamine is manufactured using ephedrine or pseudoephedrine as precursors. The purpose of this study was to determine whether this contaminant has biological activity and might contribute to methamphetamine-induced cardiovascular toxicity. In conscious rats, the (-) and (+) isomers of chloroephedrine (0.1 and 1.0 mg/kg, i.v.) dose-dependently increased mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR). The potency of the pressor effects of (-) and (+)-chloroephedrine was between that of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. The increases in HR elicited by the four stimulants were similar except that the tachycardia elicited by all doses of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine were preceded by a brief decrease in HR. The i.v. administration of 10 mg/kg of (+) or (-)-chloroephedrine produced biphasic (decrease followed by increase) the MAP and HR responses. Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine did not decrease MAP at any dose tested. The initial decrease in HR elicited by (-)-chloroephedrine was significantly reduced and the hypotensive response abolished by atropine, indicating that these components of the MAP and HR responses resulted from vagal activation. The secondary pressor response elicited by (-)-chloroephedrine was significantly reduced and the tachycardia significantly increased by pretreatment with phentolamine (3 mg/kg, i.v.). The increase in HR was reversed by propranolol. These results indicate that (-) and (+)-chloroephedrine have sympathomimetic properties similar to other known sympathomimetic stimulants. In addition, larger doses of chloroephedrine can activate the vagus nerve. The combination of (+)-methamphetamine and (-)-chloroephedrine did not markedly alter the magnitude of the MAP and HR responses of (+)-methamphetamine alone except at high doses of (-)-chloroephedrine (10 mg/kg). Contamination of illicit methamphetamine with chloroephedrine may have toxic consequences.
Emergency department ultrasound by nurse practitioners.

Purpose: Bedside ultrasound (u/s) examinations by emergency physicians (EPs) have been integrated into clinical emergency medicine (EM) training programs and the efficacy and success of an introductory u/s training course, based on established guidelines, has been previously described. We used this same course to teach EM nurse practitioners (NPs) bedside u/s and then assessed the adequacy of NP ultrasonography 1 year following the course. Data sources: Five NPs were included in a standardized 16-h EM u/s training program. Subsequently, the NPs were asked to print consecutive u/s images representative of their clinical assessments. A single qualified EP reviewer assessed images for adequacy. Conclusions: Five NPs reported 229 u/s examinations, two of which were excluded as nondiagnostic over the 2-month study period. There were 32 inadequate images and 27 “positive” findings. All the positives were correct. Totals per provider were 104, 58, 49, 13, and 3 u/s assessments with 83%, 95%, 84%, 77%, and 100% adequacy of images, respectively. Of the 32 inadequate images, 18 of these were incomplete focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST) examinations with a reading of negative for free fluid. Implications for practice: NPs are able to perform focused u/s with a high degree of accuracy, and a 16-h guideline-based course serves as a good introductory foundation.
Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection

Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) was repaired by operation in 20 infants during a 101/2-year period (1972 to 1983). Five patients died following operation. Factors that most affected mortality were the condition of the patient prior to repair, the year of operation, and the technique used for repair. Operative mortality before 1976 was significantly different from that after 1976 (57% [4/7] versus 8% [1/13], respectively; p less than 0.04). Prior to 1976, the several techniques used for anastomosis of the left atrium to the common pulmonary vein involved displacement of the heart from its anatomical position. After 1976, a standard approach using a right atriotomy for access was adopted for all such repairs. Intracardiac type of TAPVC was repaired by pericardial patch to direct blood flow through the atrial septal defect to the left atrium. Supracardiac and infracardiac types were repaired by enlarging the atrial septal defect so that a transverse incision through the back of the left atrium was exactly overlying the pulmonary vein posteriorly. A large anastomosis of the left atrium and common pulmonary vein was made with the heart in its natural anatomical position, which eliminates the possibility of distortion of the anastomosis. A pericardial patch was used to close the atrial septal defect. This experience suggests that the right transatrial approach of creating an anatomically correct anastomosis of the left atrium to the common pulmonary vein is an important factor in reducing operative mortality in patients with TAPVC.
Jugular venous ectasia can mimic a cystic hygroma—Potential risk from sclerotherapy

Summary Objectives: To recognize the similarities between cervical cystic hygromas and ectasias of the anterior jugular vein and the differences in their management. Study design: Observational. Setting: Tertiary children' medical center. Interventions: Computed tomography, Doppler ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging, surgical excision, pathologic correlation. Results: A 5-year-old girl presented with a soft, bluish, non-tender neck mass that fluctuated in size. It was studied by color-flow Doppler ultrasonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and histology. Ultrasonography revealed a solitary cystic lesion with a solid component and no evidence of blood flow. Computed tomography failed to demonstrate the lesion. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a fluid filled lesion with a solid component. The lesion was thought most consistent with a cystic hygroma. Sclerotherapy was considered, but surgical resection was ultimately elected. The lesion proved to be a vascular ectasia of the anterior jugular vein containing a thrombus. Conclusions: Sclerotherapy has been proposed as an alternative treatment for cystic hygromas. Care must be taken in the choice of this therapy and its application for a lesion lacking histologic confirmation prior to therapy.
Open channel flow of water-air mixtures

The problem is analyzed in analogy with that of sediment transport and is partially solved. While it has not been possible as yet to predict the air content of the mixture for a given state of flow or of turbulence, the vertical distribution of air in a turbulent water mass was found to follow the laws of suspension. The change of the average flow velocity and flow depth of an open channel flow involving air-water mixtures was predicted theoretically as a function of the air concentration. The predicted relationship was checked by measurements in model channels.
K-path centrality: a new centrality measure in social networks

This paper proposes an alternative way to identify nodes with high betweenness centrality. It introduces a new metric, κ-path centrality, and a randomized algorithm for estimating it, and shows empirically that nodes with high κ-path centrality have high node betweenness centrality. Experimental evaluations on diverse real and synthetic social networks show improved accuracy in detecting high betweenness centrality nodes and significantly reduced execution time when compared to known randomized algorithms.
The surface chemistry of GaAs atomic layer epitaxy

In this paper we review three proposed mechanisms for GaAs ALE and review or present data support or contradiction of these mechanisms. Surface chemistry results clearly demonstrated that TMGa irreversibly chemisorbs on the Ga-rich GaAs(100) surface. The reactive sticking coefficient (RSC) of TMGa on the adsorbate-free Ga-rich GaAs(100) surface was measured to be {approximately}0.5, conclusively demonstrating that the selective adsorption'' mechanism of ALE is not valid. We describe kinetic evidence for methyl radical desorption in support of the adsorbate inhibition'' mechanism. The methyl radical desorption rates determined by temperature programmed desorption (TPD) demonstrate that desorption is at least a factor of {approximately}10 faster from the As-rich c(2 {times} 8)/(2 {times} 4) surface than from the Ga-rich surface. It is disparity in CH{sub 3} desorption rates between the As-rich and Ga-rich surfaces that is largely responsible for GaAs ALE behavior. A gallium alkyl radical (e.g. MMGa) is also observed during TPD and molecular beam experiments, in partial support of the flux balance'' mechanism. Stoichiometry issues of ALE are also discussed. We have discovered that arsine exposures typical of atmospheric pressure and reduced pressure ALE lead to As coverages {ge} 1 ML, which provides the likely solution to the stoichiometry question regarding more » the arsine cycle. 32 refs., 6 figs. « less
Nonlinear Reduced-Order Analysis with Time-Varying Spatial Loading Distributions

Oscillating shocks acting in combination with high-intensity acoustic loadings present a challenge to the design of resilient hypersonic-flight vehicle structures. This paper addresses some features of this loading condition and certain aspects of a nonlinear reduced-order analysis with emphasis on system identification, leading to the formation of a robust modal basis. The nonlinear dynamic response of a composite structure subject to the simultaneous action of locally strong oscillating pressure gradients and high-intensity acoustic loadings is considered. The reduced-order analysis used in this work has been previously demonstrated to be both computationally efficient and accurate for time-invariant spatial loading distributions, provided that an appropriate modal basis is used. The challenge of the present study is to identify a suitable basis for loadings with time-varying spatial distributions. Using a proper orthogonal decomposition and modal expansion, it is shown that such a basis can be developed. The basis is made more robust by incrementally expanding it to account for changes in the location, frequency, and span of the oscillating pressure gradient.
Patient-centered management of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.

BackgroundOncology providers frequently underestimate the incidence of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV), and patients often are reluctant to report symptoms. Inadequate patient-provi...
Alcohol incidence in rural drivers: characteristics of a population and clues for countermeasures.

A roadside survey operated at 42 rural sites (Vermont, U.S.A.) between 10:30 p.m. and 3:00 a.m. obtained breath alcohol concentrations (BAC) from 1,663 motorists. Interview data concerning biographical variables, drinking patterns, and knowledge about drinking and driving were also obtained. BACs of .10 or higher were found in 4.6% of this nocturnal driving population. Interview results confirmed that young male motorists are an important population-at-risk, but older male and female liquor drinkers are also prevalent. The importance of heavy and frequent beer drinking was noted, and the prevalence of a double standard with regard to beer and liquor was apparent. Intervention strategies and ideas were suggested on the basis of the data obtained in this study.
Addressing Privilege and Oppression in Counselor Training and Practice: A Qualitative Analysis

This qualitative study explored how 16 counselors conceptualize and address issues of privilege and oppression in the counseling session as well as how they perceive their training with respect to these constructs. In an effort to bridge multicultural training and counselor practice, implications for counselor training are provided based on the clinical and academic experiences counselors reported. Additionally, future research directions are included.
The configuration design ontologies and the VT elevator domain theory

In the VT/Sisyphus experiment, a set of problem solving systems were being built against a common specification of a problem. An important hypothesis was that the specification could be given, in large part, as a common ontology. This article is that ontology. This ontology is different than normal software specification documents in two fundamental ways. First, it is formal and machine readable (i.e. in the KIF/Ontolingua syntax). Second, the descriptions of the input and output of the task to be performed include domain knowledge (i.e. about elevator configuration) that characterize semantic constraints on possible solutions, rather than describing the form (data structure) of the answer. The article includes an overview of the conceptualization, excerpts from the machine-readable Ontolingua source files, and pointers to the complete ontology library available on the Internet.
Transient radiative behavior of Hamiltonian systems in finite domains

Abstract We show that Hamiltonian partial differential equations on compact spatial domains can display transient radiative behavior, usually associated with infinite domains. This is done by considering a model of a single oscillator coupled to a wave field, which damps due to the resonant coupling of the oscillator with a discrete frequency with the continuous spectrum of the field. The analysis carried out illustrates that despite the “discretization” of the continuous spectrum due to the finiteness of the domain, a remnant of the resonance mechanism persists. In particular, this explains how numerical computations on bounded domains accurately simulate, on large but finite time scales, phenomena associated with infinite spatial domains. Numerical simulations in the present model show good agreement with our theoretical predictions.
Twenty Years On!: Updating the IEA BESTEST Building Thermal Fabric Test Cases for ASHRAE Standard 140

ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 140, Standard Method of Test for the Evaluation of Building Energy Analysis Computer Programs applies the IEA BESTEST building thermal fabric test cases and example simulation results originally published in 1995. These software accuracy test cases and their example simulation results, which comprise the first test suite adapted for the initial 2001 version of Standard 140, are approaching their 20th anniversary. In response to the evolution of the state of the art in building thermal fabric modeling since the test cases and example simulation results were developed, work is commencing to update the normative test specification and the informative example results.
Low-cost growth of III–V layers on si using close-spaced vapor transport

Close-spaced vapor transport (CSVT) uses solid precursors to deposit material at high rates and with high precursor utilization. The use of solid precursors could significantly reduce the costs associated with III–V photovoltaics, particularly if growth on Si substrates can be demonstrated. We present preliminary results of the growth of GaAs1−xPx with x ≈ 0.3 and 0.6, showing that CSVT can be used to produce III–V–V' alloys with band gaps suitable for tandem devices. Additionally, we have grown GaAs on Si by first thermally depositing films of Ge and subsequently depositing GaAs by CSVT. Patterning the Ge into islands prevents cracking due to thermal mismatch and is useful for potential tandem structures.
Prospective comparative trial of autologous versus allogeneic bone marrow transplantation in patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

A prospective comparative trial of allogeneic versus autologous bone marrow transplant (BMT) was conducted. Sixty-six consecutive patients (median age, 41; range, 15 to 60; female:male ratio = 21:45) entered this clinical trial. Priority for allogeneic BMT was given to patients who were 55 or younger and had a major histocompatibility complex- matched or 1-antigen-disparate sibling donor. Autologous BMT was offered to all other patients whose age was 60 or younger. Patients who had no sibling donor and who had BM involvement at the time of evaluation were not eligible. Thirty-one patients received an allograft, and 35 patients received an autograft. Thirteen patients received a BM graft purged with 4-hydroperoxycyclophosphamide because of previous BM involvement. Patients who had previous radiation to the thoracic and/or abdominal areas of more than 20 Gy received a preparative regimen consisting of cyclophosphamide (1,800 mg/m2/d for 4 days), VP-16 (200 mg/m2 every 12 hours for 8 doses), and 1,3-bis(2- chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (600 mg/m2 as 1 dose). Other patients received cyclophosphamide 1,800 mg/m2/d for 4 days followed by total body irradiation of 12 Gy administered as a single daily fraction over 4 days. With a median follow-up of 14 months, the progression-free survival (PFS) for autograft and allograft recipients was 24% +/- 8% (+/- SE) and 47% +/- 9%, respectively, (P = .21). However, the probability of disease progression was significantly higher in the autologous group (69% +/- 9%) than in the allogeneic group (20% +/- 10%; P = .001). When other confounding prognostic factors were adjusted in the multivariate analysis, chemosensitive disease and allograft were found to have a significant favorable influence on probability of disease progression (P = .03 and .003), but only chemosensitive disease had a significant influence on the PFS (P < .002). Our results suggest the existence of graft-versus-lymphoma effect and also support the rationale of using immunotherapy after autologous BMT. Allogeneic BMT should be preferable to autologous BMT in younger patients with lymphoma.
Efficacy of the 5-day CO-Synch ovulation synchronization protocol with or without the inclusion of exogenous progesterone in beef cows

ABSTRACT Fixed timed-AI (TAI) pregnancy rates were compared in suckled beef cows (n = 883; 5 replications) synchronized using the 5-d CO-Synch protocol with (CDR) or without (NCDR) the inclusion of exogenous progesterone (EAZI-BREED CIDR insert; CIDR). Cows were assigned to either the CDR (n = 445) or NCDR (n = 438) treatment by breed, parity, and days postpartum. Blood samples were collected 10 d before and immediately before CIDR insertion (d 0) to determine cyclic status. On d 0 all cows received gonadotropin-releasing hormone (100 μg), and cows in the CDR treatment received a CIDR. On d 5, CIDR were removed in CDR treatment and all cows received 2 separate doses of prostaglandin F 2α (25 mg/dose). Cows were TAI 72 h after CIDR removal (d 8), concurrent with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (100 μg). The proportion of females determined to be cyclic before estrous synchronization was 87.1% (757/869). Timed-AI pregnancy rates were greater ( P = 0.05) in CDR (62.3%, n = 438) than NCDR (50.7%, n = 436) treatment. However, a treatment × parity interaction ( P = 0.08) was noted relative to TAI. Although CDR obtained greater ( P ≤ 0.01) TAI pregnancy rates than NCDR in both primiparous and multiparous groups, difference between treatments was greater in primiparous females (69.0 vs. 46.3% for CDR and NCDR, respectively) than multiparous females (60.7 vs. 51.7% for CDR and NCDR, respectively). To optimize TAI pregnancy rates in beef cows synchronized with the 5-d CO-Synch protocol, inclusion of a CIDR is recommended.
Comparison of Thyroxine Secretion Rate of Docile and Flighty Lines of Fowls.

SummaryTwo strains of chickens developed by the Hy-Line Poultry Farms which were characterized by the terms as “docile” and “flighty” as to temperament were studied in regard to their estimated thyroxine secretion rate (TSR) during the summer (June). The “flighty” strain had a mean TSR of 0.82 μg L-T4/100 g bw/day whereas the “docile” strain had a mean TSR of 0.58 μg L-T4/100 g bw/day, a difference of 67.6%. In a second trial about one month later, during a period of elevated temperature 90μF (90-95°F), the TSR of the “flighty” birds was reduced to 0.58,μg/100 g bw, but the “docile” birds were unaffected. The percentage uptake of I131 by the “docile” birds was about 40% greater than the “flighty” birds indicating that the percentage uptake of I131 is not a good index of the functional activity of the thyroid gland. While previous studies indicated that L-T3 and L-T4 were approximately equal in biological activity in fowls, in this study, the two lines of birds showed L-T3 to be slightly over twice as acti...
Dimensions of Opinion Leadership

Opinion leadership has been studied intensively but rather narrowly in most studies to date. An attempt is made here to broaden the scope of coverage in order to learn about many dimensions or aspe...
[14C]urea breath test for diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori

H. pylori is a potent urease producer, a characteristic that has been exploited in the development of the [14C]- and [13C]urea breath tests. The prevalence of H. pylori infection also is known to increase with advancing age; however, the individual patient's age has not routinely been considered when interpreting urea breath test results. The aim of this study was to validate a short, age-adjusted [14C]urea breath test for use in diagnosing H. pylori infections. Forty-one subjects (28 volunteers, 13 patients) underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy with biopsies. Subjects were defined as being H. pylori-positive if histology or culture was positive. In addition, all subjects completed a 120-min [14C]urea breath test. A logistic regression analysis adjusting for age was used to estimate the probability of H. pylori positivity as a function of the 14C values generated. Sixteen subjects were H. pylori-positive, and 25 were H. pylori-negative. The 14C values generated between 15 and 80 min were found to be equally predictive in identifying H. pylori-positive subjects. Advancing age was associated with a higher probability of H. pylori-positivity. By taking advantage of the statistical probabilities, older patients could be accurately diagnosed with H. pylori at lower 14C values. We found that [14C]urea breath test to be both a sensitive and specific test that can be abbreviated to a 30-min examination (total test time). Moreover, our mathematical model indicates that a patient's age should be considered in order to optimize interpretation of the [14C]urea breath test, although further observations are needed to confirm this model.
TEMPORAL INTEGRATION CAN READILY SWITCH BETWEEN SUBLINEAR AND SUPRALINEAR SUMMATION

Margulis, Michael and Cha-Min Tang. Temporal integration can readily switch between sublinear and supralinear summation. J. Neurophysiol. 79: 2809–2813, 1998. Temporal summation at dendrites of cul...
Operation Simulation Experiment and Performance Evaluation of Smart Meters

In combination with various on-site operation conditions of smart meters,this paper proposes establishing operation simulation experiments and operating performance evaluations to test operating performance of smart meters in advance. In order to meet with on-site operation conditions of smart meters and be different from type tests,it proposes operation simulation experiment system and methods to simulate on-site operation conditions of smart meters properly on the basis of the principle of consistency,difference and feasibility. According to experiment methods,it introduces methods for operation performance evaluation and presents the application examples.
Research for public dissemination and the IRB

What is the purpose of teachers doing inquiry in their classrooms? Unless there is something unusual about the research, it involves teachers inquiring into improving teaching and learning, their own and that of their students. Doing classroom inquiry may include investigating interactions, emotions, biases, rituals, inequities, and what constitutes knowledge.
Why Are You Saying That? Increases in Gaze Duration as Responses to Group Member Dissent

The present study investigated students’ eye gaze while reacting to dissenting peers in groups. We measured the duration of gaze toward a confederate who disagreed with either a prevailing idea around which the group was coalescing or the process by which the group was solving a problem. Results indicated that participants gazed at dissenting confederates longer than at confederates in control groups. Qualitative analysis suggested that participants seemed to use eye gaze to understand the confederate, to prompt the confederate to contribute to discussions, to ease tensions, and to process information relative to the group’s task. Results provide an expanded look at how group members respond to dissenters, how conflict operates in some student groups, and how group members may differentiate acceptable and unacceptable disagreement.
Abstract 3896: Positive Deviance of Acute Ischemic Stroke Care: Time Truly is Brain at Best Practice Hospitals

Objectives As of July 31, 2011, only 133 national stroke centers have been recognized on the AHA Target: Stroke Honor Roll. At these hospitals, at least 50% of treated ischemic stroke patients receive IV thrombolysis within an hour of arrival. Utilizing positive deviance methodology, successful strategies and institutional culture were identified among a selection of these hospitals. Methods Structured phone interviews were conducted with Stroke Program Coordinators of 12 Honor Roll centers. Detailed descriptions of evaluation and treatment process and methodology were elicited. Emphasis was placed on changes instituted, barriers, and delays. Each hospital was asked which elements were critical to their success. Common themes were identified. Utilization of the 10 AHA Target: Stroke best practice strategies was assessed. Findings Seven of ten AHA best practice strategies were employed by 100% of the interviewed hospitals: “Advance Hospital Notification by EMS”, “Rapid Triage Protocol and Stroke Team Notification”, “Rapid Acquisition and Interpretation of Brain Imaging”, “Rapid Laboratory Testing (Including point of Care Testing if indicated)”, “Rapid Access to Intravenous rt-PA, Team-Based Approach”, and “Prompt Data Feedback”. 58% of the hospitals utilized “Single Call Activation System”. “Stroke Tools” and “Mix rt-PA Medication Ahead of Time” were implemented by 50% of the hospitals. Additional strategies identified included: active time monitoring, allowing t-PA ordering with lab results pending, utilization of non-Neurologist staff as lead in stroke alerts, required NIHSS training for all ED staff, and visual feedback of performance to staff. Common themes of institutional culture included strong stroke champions in multiple departments, empowering staff to find department-specific solutions to solve the common challenge, and setting progressively more ambitious targets. A unifying theme throughout all hospitals was an extreme sense of urgency and utmost priority on time to stroke treatment. Conclusion Positive deviance methodology examines a common challenge and identifies successful outliers. Although the majority of the AHA strategies were supported by the interviewed hospitals, many centers modified methods to achieve the goal of Target: Stroke. For rapid treatment of ischemic stroke the positive deviance lies in institutional culture of urgency and continuous improvement. Best practice hospitals create a healthy competition amongst staff, solidify interdepartmental partnerships, instill an equal sense of accountability, open communication, and an atmosphere of teamwork. A great deal of variation was discovered in roles and processes employed by the hospitals, though all identified the essential goal of fostering a culture of motivation and urgency.
The Trump Candidacy: Implications for Curriculum

The popular attraction of Donald Trump has been a conundrum for many educators who have tried to understand the rationale behind his support. This article presents a philosophical argument for what this implies for curriculum design and the intellectual temperament of the populace. There has been much written about the purpose of education to prepare students to be knowledgeable participants in the democratic process to further the best interests of the country. The foundational skills of critical thinking are an integral component of that process, and should be reevaluated for how they fit into the current curriculum model. Suggestions for how to integrate critical thinking within the traditional school day are presented, along with the rationale for doing so.
How Context Matters for R&D? An Exploratory Study of Medical Device Development in India

Today multinationals (MNCs) routinely engage in research and development (R&D) activities at locations that vary widely in context. While the connection between context and firm performance has bee...
Meynert, Theodore Hermann

Theodore Hermann Meynert (1833–92) was an influential Viennese psychiatrist practising at the turn of the twentieth century. He developed innovative anatomical techniques and trained many leading neuroscientists of the time. He developed complex conceptions on how subcortical and cortical structures worked to produce psychiatric symptoms. These ideas were criticized by some of his contemporaries and yet foreshadowed the modern conceptions of understanding the pathogenesis of psychiatric disease. His name has been eponymously linked to at least seven areas of the brain, including the nucleus basalis of Meynert, which has become famous because of its vulnerability to neurodegenerative pathology such as is found in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
Metropolis Algorithm and Beyond

We have discussed in the previous chapters the important role of Monte Carlo methods in evaluating integrals and simulating stochastic systems. The most critical step in developing an efficient Monte Carlo algorithm is the simulation (sampling) from an appropriate probability distribution π(x). When directly generating independent samples from π(x) is not possible, we have to either opt for an importance sampling strategy, in which random samples are generated from a trial distribution different from (but close to) the target one and then weighted according to the importance ratio; or produce statistically dependent samples based on the idea of Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling.
Treating Aggressive Children with Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy

Aggressive behaviors remain stable from early childhood through adulthood and are one of the most invariable of human traits. Aggressive children are likely to be aggressive as adults and to engage in physical abuse and criminal behavior (Hues-mann, Eron, Lefkowitz, & Walder, 1984; Loeber & Dishion, 1983). To change the trajectory aggressive children all too often follow, professionals need effective early interventions. This chapter addresses the treatment of aggressive children with Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT).
Evaluation of three-dimensional stresses in shrink-fit problems by scattered-light photoelasticity

Stresses caused by shrink fits are commonly evaluated by using Lame's solution or by other analytical methods in which it is assumed that the radial stresses on the surface of contact are distributed uniformly, or in some stepwise manner, and that friction forces between the bodies are zero. These assumptions were not necessary in the experimental problem solved. Heretofore, no experimental techniques have been available to check the existing theories on a three-dimensional basis. The stresses which result when a short, hollow, thick-walled cylinder is shrunk over a shaft which is a solid shaft or a thick-walled, hollow shaft were determined. Equipment and techniques using scattered-light three-dimensional photoelasticity with a laser light source were developed and applied.
Analyzing Plasmid Profiles of Rhizobium spp. by a Modified Eckhardt Vertical Gel Electrophoresis Procedure

Rhizobia have one to several copies of indigenous plasmids. Plasmid copy number and the distinct migration patterns in agarose gel during electrophoresis can be valuable in recognizing a specific rhizobial strain and also for detecting deletions and loss of plasmids. In the Eckhardt procedure, the cells of the rhizobia are lysed in situ in the wells of the agarose gel to release the chromosomal and supercoiled plasmid DNA. The in-well lysis is achieved by treating the cells with lysozyme and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). The specified concentration of agarose used in preparing the gel forms a molecular sieve of a desired pore size that allows the supercoiled plasmids and smaller DNA fragments to migrate through the gel while the larger molecular weight bacterial chromosomes are retained in the wells. The molecular size of the plasmids can be estimated by comparison with known molecular weight (MW) standards. In this exercise, the plasmid profiles of several Rhizobium spp. are analyzed by vertical gel electrophoresis.
A Recovery Perspective on Wellness: Connection, Awareness, Congruence

Wellness is an important construct and is foundational in efforts to improve health, wellbeing, and quality of life. This study involves a qualitative inquiry into the meaning of wellness for a group of people who experience persistent challenges with mental health and who are connected with the Mental Health Recovery Movement. Eleven participants were interviewed, sharing their experiences of how wellness was present in their lives, what things threaten and support it, and what it takes to maintain it. Results depict wellness as a dynamic and complex concept represented in themes of connection, awareness, and congruence. Participants’ experiences with recovery appear highly reflected in these results and the relationship between these two concepts are considered. Findings provide preliminary insights guiding healthcare practitioners towards a more complete and holistic definition of wellness, a potentially valuable tool in supporting the recovery and wellbeing of people with serious and persistent mental health challenges.
The Strategic Teamwork for Effective Practice Mentor Development Program (STEP-MDP): Expanding capacity for clinical and translational science by investing in research staff.

Introduction Research staff are critical to productive translational research teams, yet their professional development is rarely formally addressed. Methods We created Strategic Teamwork for Effective Practice Mentor Development Program (STEP-MDP) to promote skills development and build a community of practice. We ran and evaluated the STEP-MDP for 32 participants, which consisted of workshops focusing on team communication and mentorship/coaching skills. Results We found that STEP-MDP had a long-term positive impact on participants and their teams. Conclusion This program facilitated the professional development of research staff.
A Novel Mechanism of Renal Microcirculation Regulation: Connecting Tubule-Glomerular Feedback

In this review, we summarized the current knowledge of connecting tubule-glomerular feedback (CTGF), a novel mechanism of renal microcirculation regulation that integrates sodium handling in the connecting tubule (CNT) with kidney hemodynamics. Connecting tubule-glomerular feedback is a crosstalk communication between the CNT and the afferent arteriole (Af-Art), initiated by sodium chloride through the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC). High sodium in the CNT induces Af-Art vasodilation, increasing glomerular pressure and the glomerular filtration rate and favoring sodium excretion. CTGF antagonized and reset tubuloglomerular feedback and thus increased sodium excretion. CTGF is absent in spontaneous hypertensive rats and is overactivated in Dahl salt-sensitive rats. CTGF is also modulated by angiotensin II and aldosterone. CTGF is a feedback mechanism that integrates sodium handling in the CNT with glomerular hemodynamics. Lack of CTGF could promote hypertension, and CTGF overactivation may favor glomerular damage and proteinuria. More studies are needed to explore the alterations in renal microcirculation and the role of these alterations in the genesis of hypertension and glomerular damage in animals and humans. • CTGF is a vasodilator mechanism that regulates afferent arteriole resistance. • CTGF is absent in spontaneous hypertensive rats and overactivated in Dahl salt-sensitive rats. • CTGF in excess may promote glomerular damage and proteinuria, while the absence may participate in sodium retention and hypertension.
Synergistic inactivation of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa by essential oil and blue light

Background and Objectives: Antimicrobial resistance is a rapidly evolving and emerging threat to modern medicine. Non-antibiotic approaches can be alternatives to minimize the development of antimicrobial resistance. The present study aims at investigation of synergistic effects of antimicrobial blue light (aBL) at 405 nm with oregano oil on bacterial inactivation, both of which are non-antibiotic approaches and possess different and multiple targets.
IMPACT OF GASTROINTESTINAL BLEEDING ON IN-HOSPITAL OUTCOMES ON PATIENTS WITH PERCUTANEOUS MECHANICAL CIRCULATORY SUPPORT DEVICES: A NATIONWIDE PERSPECTIVE

There is an increase in the utilization of different percutaneous mechanical circulatory support (pMCS) devices recently with the hope of improving outcomes in patients with cardiogenic shock (CS). Bleeding is a common complication associated with them. There is a paucity of data on the impact of
PD-L1 (B7-H1) Competes with the RNA Exosome to Regulate the DNA Damage Response and Can Be Targeted to Sensitize to Radiation or Chemotherapy

Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1, also called B7-H1) is an immune checkpoint protein that inhibits immune function through its binding of the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) receptor. Clinically approved antibodies block extracellular PD-1 and PD-L1 binding, yet the role of intracellular PD-L1 in cancer remains poorly understood. Here, we discovered that intracellular PD-L1 acts as an RNA binding protein that regulates the mRNA stability of NBS1, BRCA1, and other DNA damage-related genes. Through competition with the RNA exosome, intracellular PD-L1 protects targeted RNAs from degradation, thereby increasing cellular resistance to DNA damage. RNA immunoprecipitation and RNA-seq experiments demonstrated that PD-L1 regulates RNA stability genome-wide. Furthermore, we developed a PD-L1 antibody, H1A, which abrogates the interaction of PD-L1 with CMTM6, thereby promoting PD-L1 degradation. Intracellular PD-L1 may be a potential therapeutic target to enhance the efficacy of radiotherapy and chemotherapy in cancer through the inhibition of DNA damage response and repair.
Delegating RAM Computations

In the setting of cloud computing a user wishes to delegate its data, as well as computations over this data, to a cloud provider. Each computation may read and modify the data, and these modifications should persist between computations. Minding the computational resources of the cloud, delegated computations are modeled as RAM programs. In particular, the delegated computations' running time may be sub-linear, or even exponentially smaller than the memory size. We construct a two-message protocol for delegating RAM computations to an untrusted cloud. In our protocol, the user saves a short digest of the delegated data. For every delegated computation, the cloud returns, in addition to the computation's output, the digest of the modified data, and a proof that the output and digest were computed correctly. When delegating a $$\mathsf {T}$$ T-time RAM computation $$M$$ M with security parameter $$k$$ k, the cloud runs in time $$\mathrm {poly}\mathsf {T},k$$ polyT,k and the user in time $$\mathrm {poly}\left| M\right| , \log \mathsf {T}, k$$ polyM,logT,k. Our protocol is secure assuming super-polynomial hardness of the Learning with Error LWE assumption. Security holds even when the delegated computations are chosen adaptively as a function of the data and output of previous computations. We note that RAM delegation schemes are an improved variant of memory delegation schemes [Chung et al. CRYPTO 2011]. In memory delegation, computations are modeled as Turing machines, and therefore, the cloud's work always grows with the size of the delegated data.
Beige Fat, Adaptive Thermogenesis, and Its Regulation by Exercise and Thyroid Hormone

While it is now understood that the proper expansion of adipose tissue is critically important for metabolic homeostasis, it is also appreciated that adipose tissues perform far more functions than simply maintaining energy balance. Adipose tissue performs endocrine functions, secreting hormones or adipokines that affect the regulation of extra-adipose tissues, and, under certain conditions, can also be major contributors to energy expenditure and the systemic metabolic rate via the activation of thermogenesis. Adipose thermogenesis takes place in brown and beige adipocytes. While brown adipocytes have been relatively well studied, the study of beige adipocytes has only recently become an area of considerable exploration. Numerous suggestions have been made that beige adipocytes can elicit beneficial metabolic effects on body weight, insulin sensitivity, and lipid levels. However, the potential impact of beige adipocyte thermogenesis on systemic metabolism is not yet clear and an understanding of beige adipocyte development and regulation is also limited. This review will highlight our current understanding of beige adipocytes and select factors that have been reported to elicit the development and activation of thermogenesis in beige cells, with a focus on factors that may represent a link between exercise and ‘beiging’, as well as the role that thyroid hormone signaling plays in beige adipocyte regulation.
Focus resolve mode for pain in school age children after surgery for acute appendicitis

目的 探讨聚焦解决模式在学龄期儿童急性阑尾炎术后疼痛的应用效果。 方法 将60例急性阑尾炎术后学龄期患儿随机分为研究组和对照组，各30例。对照组术后实施常规护理和健康教育。研究组在对照组基础上，实施聚焦解决模式干预。记录两组患儿住院时间、首次下床活动时间、切口疼痛持续时间、术后感染发生率。术后8、24、48 h分别采用VAS视觉模拟评分法、FLACC术后疼痛行为量表评估两组患儿疼痛感受。 结果 研究组住院时间、首次下床活动时间、切口疼痛持续时间均低于对照组，差异有统计学意义（均P<0.05）；研究组术后感染率低于对照组（3.3%比26.7%，P<0.05）；术后24、48 h，研究组VAS疼痛评分、FLACC疼痛评分均显著低于对照组（均P<0.05）。 结论 聚焦解决模式应用于学龄期儿童急性阑尾炎术后，是新型有效的疼痛控制方式。在充分构建和利用患儿的资源优势基础上，能够激发患儿复原力、力量感和愉悦感，帮助患儿拓展获得的资源和能力，激励利用自身能动性缓解术后的疼痛感受，利于患儿自觉维护遵医行为，促进对生命的渴望，改善预后较好。
Abstract #4719: Nrf2 and drug resistance in breast cancer cells

Breast Cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in women. Excellent chemotherapeutic drugs including aromatase inhibitors are available to reduce or eliminate breast cancer. However, breast tumor cells often become resistant to drugs resulting in the loss of their effectiveness against breast cancer. NF-E2 Related Factor 2 (Nrf2) is a nuclear transcription factor that activates a battery of defensive genes. INrf2 constitutively suppresses Nrf2 activity in the absence of stress by functioning as an adapter protein for Cul3/Rbx1 mediated ubiquitination and degradation of Nrf2. When a cell encounters any form of stress Nrf2 dissociates from the INrf2/Cul3-RBX1 complex and translocates into the nucleus. This leads to coordinated induction of a battery of genes encoding drug detoxifying enzymes, antioxidants, multi-drug resistance proteins, ubiquitin enzymes, and proteasomes that protects cells and promote cell survival. We hypothesized that breast cancer cells especially during persistent treatment with drugs generate high amounts of ROS and electrophiles that signals Nrf2 activation leading to drug resistance. Indeed, letrozole resistant breast cancer LTLT cells derived from MCF-7 aromatase expressing cells (MCF-7ca) demonstrated greater than ten-fold higher levels of Nrf2, as compared to drug sensitive MCF7ca cells. Further studies revealed that removal of letrozole treatment led to time dependent decline in Nrf2 levels in drug-resistant LTLT cells. It took approximately 96 hours of removal of letrozole to bring down the Nrf2 to the level in drug-sensitive MCF-7ca cells. The treatment of drug-sensitive MCF-7ca cells with letrozole led to stabilization and nuclear accumulation of Nrf2. Interestingly, antioxidant-mediated activation of Nrf2 in MCF-7 cells led to significantly reduced apoptosis in response to exposure to anti-tumor drug etoposide. The results combined suggest that persistent exposure of drugs leads to Nrf2 activation and drug resistance in breast cancer cells. The drug-resistance is presumably due to Nrf2 activation of proteins that detoxify drugs and neutralize free radicals that cause cell damage and death. Citation Information: In: Proc Am Assoc Cancer Res; 2009 Apr 18-22; Denver, CO. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; 2009. Abstract nr 4719.
An Assessment of Information Literacy Skills of Undergraduate Students at the United States International University- Africa

This paper is based on an assessment of information literacy skills of undergraduate students at United States International University Africa (USIU-Africa). The practice of annual assessment of course effectiveness and proposed interventions are aimed at supporting the learning processes for instructors and improving their practice. The study involved final year student from all departments in the university. The study sought to find out whether at their final year, students had acquired the necessary skills requiring them to recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information. The students did an information literacy test to assess their competence. The data was analyzed statistically. Findings show that students' use of the library and its resources are low with most of them largely relying on search engines such as Google as the main sources of information. The study makes a number of recommendations among them introducing information literacy education and digital information skills as a taught undergraduate course in the university.
Can we truly diagnose adult secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)? A critical review of current paradigms

The HLH-2004 criteria were initially conceived as inclusion criteria for a clinical trial investigating therapy for (largely primary) pediatric hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). These criteria have since been extrapolated to diagnose adult secondary HLH despite their questionable generalizability. It remains unclear whether these diagnostic criteria are truly applicable among adult secondary cases, and rigorous evidence for their use among such patients is lacking. This review critically examines the utility of the HLH-2004 criteria for the diagnosis of adult secondary HLH. It is framed as a reappraisal of each of the criteria's individual components, with an assessment of the relevance of, and/or evidence regarding, each. There are clear limitations to these criteria as they apply to adult secondary HLH, however they may help guide our understanding of the disease to some extent. Some new paradigms are emerging for the diagnosis of adult secondary HLH, however these too are limited by the difficulties inherent in formulating specific criteria for a very non-specific syndrome, which lacks any single gold-standard diagnostic test.
The Global Diffusion of Law: Transnational Crime and the Case of Human Trafficking.

In the past few decades new laws criminalizing certain transnational activities have proliferated: from money laundering, corruption, and insider trading to trafficking in weapons and drugs. Human trafficking is one example. We argue that criminalization of trafficking in persons has diffused in large part because of the way the issue has been framed: primarily as a problem of organized crime rather than predominantly an egregious human rights abuse. Framing human trafficking as an organized crime practice empowers states to confront cross-border human movements viewed as potentially threatening. We show that the diffusion of criminalization is explained by road networks that reflect potential vulnerabilities to the diversion of transnational crime. We interpret our results as evidence of the importance of context and issue framing, which in turn affects perceptions of vulnerability to neighbors' policy choices. In doing so, we unify diffusion studies of liberalization with the spread of prohibition regimes to explain the globalization of aspects of criminal law.