cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evidence-based interventions to reduce obstetric-related infections at an army training facility.

Abstract Background Objective Obstetric-related infections are a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Our team implemented an evidence-based infection control bundle aimed at reducing obstetric-related infections at our facility. Methods A multidisciplinary team at Tripler Army Medical Center developed, implemented, and evaluated an evidence-based maternal safety infection control bundle (MSICB) on labor and delivery aimed at reducing the incidence of surgical site infections (SSI) and chorioamnionitis. Adenosine triphosphate testing of patient care–related surfaces was performed while behavioral and environmental interventions were implemented. Incidence rates for chorioamnionitis, SSI, and endometritis were compared between pre- and during-MSICB implementation using Fisher exact test and Poisson regression, adjusting for year and quarter. The decision science analysts at US Army Medical Command, Fort Sam Houston, Texas responsible for our facility utilized diagnosis-related group and ICD-10 Procedure Coding to determine infection-related costs. Results Prior to implementation of the MSICB, the rates of chorioamnionitis, SSI, and endometritis in the first half of 2016 were 6.3%, 3.4%, and 0.4%, respectively. After implementation of the MSICB, in the first 6 months of 2017, the rates of chorioamnionitis and SSI decreased to 1.7% and 1.0%, respectively, with no change in the rate of endometritis. The rate was significantly lower after implementation for chorioamnionitis (P Conclusions A multidisciplinary approach with evidence-based strategies resulted in a significant decrease (P
Does Biotechnology Pose New Catastrophic Risks

Advances in biotechnology in the twenty-first century, fueled in large part by the field of synthetic biology, have greatly accelerated capabilities to manipulate and re-program bacteria, viruses, and other organisms. These genetic engineering capabilities are driving innovation and progress in drug manufacturing, bioremediation, and tissue engineering, as well as biosecurity preparedness. However, biotechnology is largely dual use, holding the potential of misuse for deliberate harm along with positive applications; defenses against those threats need to be anticipated and prepared. This chapter describes the challenges of managing dual-use capabilities enabled by modern biotechnology and synthetic biology and highlights a framework tool developed by a National Academies committee to aid analysis of the security effects of new scientific discoveries and prioritization of concerns. The positive aspects of synthetic biology in preparedness are also detailed, and policy directions are highlighted for taking advantage of the positive aspects of these emerging technologies while minimizing risks.
Thoracic Spinal Endoscopy-Anatomical Considerations

Thoracic endoscopic procedures carry significant benefits to open surgery for many spinal pathologies. However, due to the risk to the adjacent spinal cord, significant technical expertise should be acquired with lumbar endoscopic procedures before endoscopic surgery of the thoracic spine is attempted. This chapter considers the relevant anatomical considerations for these surgeries and details the indications for endoscopic thoracic surgery.
Macroscopic Models for Human Circadian Rhythms

Mathematical models have a long and influential history in the study of human circadian rhythms. Accurate predictive models for the human circadian light response have been used to study the impact of a host of light exposures on the circadian system. However, generally, these models do not account for the physiological basis of these rhythms. We illustrate a new paradigm for deriving models of the human circadian light response. Beginning from a high-dimensional model of the circadian neural network, we systematically derive low-dimensional models using an approach motivated by experimental measurements of circadian neurons. This systematic reduction allows for the variables and parameters of the derived model to be interpreted in a physiological context. We fit and validate the resulting models to a library of experimental measurements. Finally, we compare model predictions for experimental measurements of light levels and discuss the differences between our model's predictions and previous models. Our modeling paradigm allows for the integration of experimental measurements across the single-cell, tissue, and behavioral scales, thereby enabling the development of accurate low-dimensional models for human circadian rhythms.
ROR1 regulates chemoresistance in Breast Cancer via modulation of drug efflux pump ABCB1

Chemoresistance is one of the leading causes of mortality in breast cancer (BC). Understanding the molecules regulating chemoresistance is critical in order to combat chemoresistant BC. Drug efflux pump ABCB1 is overexpressed in chemoresistant neoplasms where it effluxes various chemotherapeutic agents from cells. Because it is expressed in normal and cancerous cells alike, attempts at targeting ABCB1 directly have failed due to low specificity and disruption of normal tissue. A proposed method to inhibit ABCB1 is to target its cancer-specific, upstream regulators, mitigating damage to normal tissue. Few such cancer-specific upstream regulators have been described. Here we characterize ROR1 as an upstream regulator of ABCB1. ROR1 is highly expressed during development but not expressed in normal adult tissue. It is however highly expressed in several cancers. ROR1 is overexpressed in chemoresistant BC where it correlates with poor therapy response and tumor recurrence. Our data suggests, ROR1 inhibition sensitizes BC cells to chemo drugs. We also show ROR1 regulates ABCB1 stability and transcription via MAPK/ERK and p53. Validating our overall findings, inhibition of ROR1 directly correlated with decreased efflux of chemo-drugs from cells. Overall, our results highlight ROR1's potential as a therapeutic target for multidrug resistant malignancies.
N-Amino peptide scanning reveals inhibitors of Aβ42 aggregation

The aggregation of amyloids into toxic oligomers is believed to be a key pathogenic event in the onset of Alzheimer's disease. Peptidomimetic modulators capable of destabilizing the propagation of an extended network of β-sheet fibrils represent a potential intervention strategy. Modifications to amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptides derived from the core domain have afforded inhibitors capable of both antagonizing aggregation and reducing amyloid toxicity. Previous work from our laboratory has shown that peptide backbone amination stabilizes β-sheet-like conformations and precludes β-strand aggregation. Here, we report the synthesis of N-aminated hexapeptides capable of inhibiting the fibrillization of full-length Aβ42. A key feature of our design is N-amino substituents at alternating backbone amides within the aggregation-prone Aβ16–21 sequence. This strategy allows for maintenance of an intact hydrogen-bonding backbone edge as well as side chain moieties important for favorable hydrophobic interactions. An N-amino scan of Aβ16–21 resulted in the identification of peptidomimetics that block Aβ42 fibrilization in several biophysical assays.
Estimating Brain Connectivity With Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Promise and Peril

Abstract Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) is a popular tool for noninvasively assessing properties of white matter in the brain. Among other uses, dMRI data can be used to produce estimates of anatomical connectivity on the basis of tractography. However, direct comparisons of anatomical connectivity as estimated through invasive neural tract-tracing experiments and dMRI-derived connectivity have shown only a moderate relationship in nonhuman primate (particularly macaque) studies. Tractography is plagued by known problems associated with resolution, crossing fibers, and curving fibers, among others. These problems lead to deficits in both sensitivity and specificity, which trade off with each other in multiple datasets. Although not yet examined quantitatively, there is reason to believe that some large white matter bundles, those with more topographic organization, may produce more accurate results than others. Moving forward, sophisticated analytical approaches and anatomical constraints may improve tractography accuracy. However, broadly speaking, dMRI-derived estimates of brain connectivity should be approached with caution.
An Assessment of Nonoperative Management Strategies in a Herniated Lumbar Disc Population: Successes Versus Failures:

Study Design:Retrospective cohort study.Objective:To compare the utilization of conservative treatments in patients with lumbar intervertebral disc herniations who were successfully managed nonoper...
Three-Part Approach to Remote/Residential Organic Chemistry Lab During the COVID-19 Pandemic

In the Spring 2021 Organic Chemistry Lab class at Penn State Schuylkill, COVID-19 restrictions and uncertainty required a flexible plan. The first 4 weeks of 15 were fully remote, and videos of sta...
Microstructural Analysis of Cadmium Whiskers on Long-Term-Used Hardware

A survey of cadmium plated field return hardware showed ubiquitous cadmium whisker growth. The most worn and debris-covered hardware showed the densest whisker growth. Whiskers were often found growing in agglomerates of nodules and whiskers. The hardware was rinsed with alcohol to transfer whiskers and debris from the hardware to a flat stub. Fifty whiskers were studied individually by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), including energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). Most of the whiskers were single crystal, though three were found to contain grain boundaries at kinks. The whiskers ranged from 5 to 600 μm in length and 80 pct showed a < $$\overline{1 }$$ 2 $$\overline{1 }$$ 0> type growth direction. This growth direction facilitates the development of low energy side faces of the whisker, (0001) and {1010}.
Detecting Voa on a Non Well-Determined State Set

In this chapter we seek a solution to the following problem. The results from Chapter 3 show that violations of ontological assumptions do not lead to a recognizable behavior for non-well determined state sets. However, in practical control applications, it is often difficult to design object controllers with well-determined state sets. The next Section, 6.2, presents some of the circumstances that contribute to these difficulties.
Identifying a Typology of Players Based on Longitudinal Game Data

This study describes an approach to identify a typology of players based on longitudinal game data. The study explored anonymous user log data of 1854 players of EverQuest II (EQII)—a massively multiplayer online game (MMOG). The study tracked ten specific in-game player behavior including types of activities, activity related rewards, and casualties for 27 weeks. The objective of the study was to understand player characteristics and behavior from longitudinal data. Primary analysis revealed meaningful typologies, differences among players based on identified typologies, and differences between individual and group related gaming situations.
A self-stabilizing directed diffusion protocol for sensor networks

We design a self-stabilizing communication protocol in a sensor network, based on the directed diffusion method [1]. A request for data from an initiator node is broadcast in the network, and the positive answers from the sensors are forwarded back to the initiator (following a Shortest-Path- Tree (SPT) construction rooted at the initiator.) The sensor nodes, starting from an arbitrary state and following our protocol, establish reliable communication in the network in a finite number of steps. Any number of initiators and any number of different requests at a time per initiator are allowed, but we limit the number of entries in the interest cache as the memory of a sensor node is limited.
Synthesis method of conformal arrays using a weighted inner product

Conformal arrays can provide a wider range of scanning angles for phased arrays than their planar counterparts. Despite the potential of their applications, theories of analysis and synthesis of conformal arrays have yet to be perfected. One challenging problem is how to handle the different orientations of radiating elements which invalidates the pattern separation principle applicable in linear and planar cases, and makes the classical array synthesis methods unusable. We investigate a new approach based on inner products, akin to the Fourier method for planar structures, to synthesize the far field patterns of conformal arrays. We introduce a special form of inner product for this purpose. Preliminary results with cylindrical arrays show that the non-iterative method is feasible, simple and fast.
Increasing water cycle extremes in California and in relation to ENSO cycle under global warming

Since the winter of 2013–2014, California has experienced its most severe drought in recorded history, causing statewide water stress, severe economic loss and an extraordinary increase in wildfires. Identifying the effects of global warming on regional water cycle extremes, such as the ongoing drought in California, remains a challenge. Here we analyse large-ensemble and multi-model simulations that project the future of water cycle extremes in California as well as to understand those associations that pertain to changing climate oscillations under global warming. Both intense drought and excessive flooding are projected to increase by at least 50% towards the end of the twenty-first century; this projected increase in water cycle extremes is associated with a strengthened relation to El Nino and the Southern Oscillation (ENSO)—in particular, extreme El Nino and La Nina events that modulate California's climate not only through its warm and cold phases but also its precursor patterns.
Minimally invasive radical thymectomy

We present the case of a 54-year-old female with longstanding history of myasthenia gravis, on whom an anti ACH antibody test was positive. We performed a minimally invasive video-assisted thoracoscopic thymectomy (VATS) on this patient. Preoperatively, the patient was stabilized with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and Mestinon (Pyridostigmine). The pre-operative workup included a computed tomography scan of the chest which showed thymic hyperplasia and no evidence of thymoma. Bilateral VATS radical thymectomy (Bi-VATS) is described, with complete exenteration of the mediastinum and cervical region (Video 1).
Hepatitis C virus infection during pregnancy and the newborn period – are they opportunities for treatment?

Summary. The worldwide prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in pregnant women is estimated to be between 1 and 8% and in children between 0.05% and 5%. While parenteral transmission is still common in children living in developing countries, perinatal transmission is now the leading cause of HCV transmission in developed countries. The absence of an HCV vaccine or approved therapy during pregnancy means that prevention of vertical transmission is still not possible. However, a low vertical transmission rate of 3–5%, a high rate of spontaneous clearance (25–50%) and delayed morbidity have resulted in HCV being overlooked in pregnant women and their infants. Yet a study of the natural history in mothers and children demonstrates that the prognosis of HCV can vary greatly and should be taken seriously. Factors known to increase the risk of perinatal transmission include HIV coinfection and higher maternal viral loads, while elective C-section and withholding breastfeeding have not been demonstrated to reduce vertical transmission. Current guidelines for the diagnosis of persistent perinatal infection require a positive anti-HCV test in infants born to infected mothers after 12 months or two positive HCV RNA tests at least 6 months apart. Current HCV treatment options using pegylated interferon and ribavirin are both unsuitable for use in pregnancy and infancy. However, new agents currently in preclinical phases of development, along with the recently identified association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms within the IL28 gene and treatment response, may serve to create a therapeutic window for these patients.
Assessing neural networks as guides for testing activities

As test case automation increases, the volume of tests can become a problem. Further, it may not be immediately obvious whether the test generation tool generates effective test cases. Indeed, it might be useful to have a mechanism that is able to learn, based on past history, which test cases are likely to yield more failures versus those that are not likely to uncover any. We present experimental results on using a neural network for pruning a testcase set while preserving its effectiveness.
Chloroplast and Cell Imaging at Submicron Resolution by Two-Photon Excitation

Novel, two-photon NIR excitation fluorescence correlation microspectroscopy tests and preliminary results were presented in this article with submicron resolution for concentrated suspensions of functional cells and chloroplast membranes. Related developments of these technique involve applications of Fluorescence Cross-Correlation Spectroscopy (FCCS) detection to monitoring:DNA- telomerase interactions, DNA hybridization kinetics, ligand-receptor interactions, and HIV-HBV testing.
On Intermediate Models for Barotropic Continental Shelf and Slope Flow Fields. Part II: Comparison of Numerical Model Solutions in Doubly Periodic Domains

Abstract As part of a program to improve understanding of the dynamics of the complicated, vigorous eddy and jet flow fields recently observed over the continental shelf and slope, we investigate the potential of intermediate models for use in both process and data assimilation studies of these flows. Intermediate models incorporate physics simpler than that contained in the full primitive equations yet more complete than in the quasi-geostrophic equations, and are capable of representing subinertial flows over O(1) bottom topographic variations and/or with O(1) isopycnal slopes. In addition, intermediate models dynamically filter out high-frequency gravity- inertial motions leading, potentially, to higher computational efficiency and well-posed limited area forecast/hindcast models. Initial studies focus on single layer flows on an f-plane with a free surface, governed by the shallow-water equations. In Part I, various intermediate models are formulated and their accuracy assessed by comparing some exact...
Improved Industrial Syntheses of Penciclovir and Famciclovir Using N2-Acetyl-7-Benzylguanine and a Cyclic Side Chain Precursor

We have established practical synthetic methods for penciclovir (PCV, 1) and famciclovir (FCV, 2) from N2-acetyl-7-benzylguanine (NAc7BnG, 3) and 6,6-dimethyl-5, 7-dioxaspiro[2.5]octane-4,8-dione (4)--the latter being a more easily prepared cyclic precursor of the diacetate side chain (5) used in the conventional process. The coupling of 4 with 3 proceeded regioselectively at the N9 position of guanine in good yield. The coupling product was then successfully transformed into the known antiviral agents in a short number of steps.
Children's observing behavior as related to amount and recency of stimulus familiarization☆

Abstract Kindergarten children were familiarized with a set of ten color cartoon pictures and were then allowed to control the projection of a criterion list including both the familiar set and a “novel” set not seen during familiarization. Two amounts of familiarity (either two or eight exposures of each familiar stimulus) and two delay intervals between familiarization and testing (either 5 minutes or 2 days) were used. Reciprocal observing time scores for the criterion phase were analyzed. The major findings were that the children spent more time observing the novel as compared with the familiar pictures and that this difference was greater for the high amount than for the low amount of familiarity. The delay intervals used did not have differential effects on reciprocal observing time.
Transfer Matrix Modeling of Synthetic-Jet Actuators

Transfer matrix (TM) models are developed in this paper for varies types of synthetic jet (or zero-net mass-flux) actuators used in active flow control applications. The analysis and design of a synthetic-jet actuator is greatly simplified by the use of the transfer matrix method, which treats the synthetic-jet actuator as a two-port network with input and output ports. The TM method is a powerful alternative to lumped-element modeling. The models are summarized, and the resulting predictions match favorably with previously published results.
Metal nanoshells as a contrast agent in near-infrared diffuse optical tomography

Abstract The plasma resonance peak of metal nanoshells can be tuned to the near-infrared region (700–900 nm), making them have great potential in biological and biomedical applications. Gold nanoshells has been synthesized and characterized as a contrast agent for diffuse optical tomography. A unique advantage of the nanoshells is their tremendous absorptivity. Spectral measurements indicate that the absorption cross-section of each nanoshell is 40,000 times larger than that of an Indocyanine Green (ICG) molecule, suggesting that the nanoshells are a much more efficient absorption agent than ICG molecules. Tissue-like phantom experiments using the nanoshells were performed using our diffuse optical imaging system and absorption images were successfully obtained through a finite element based reconstruction algorithm.
Time-dependent analysis of M/G/1 vacation models with exhaustive service

We analyze the time-dependent process in severalM/G/1 vacation models, and explicitly obtain the Laplace transform (with respect to an arbitrary point in time) of the joint distribution of server state, queue size, and elapsed time in that state. Exhaustive-serviceM/G/1 systems with multiple vacations, single vacations, an exceptional service time for the first customer in each busy period, and a combination ofN-policy and setup times are considered. The decomposition property in the steady-state joint distribution of the queue size and the remaining service time is demonstrated.
Rowland's gratings: contemporary technology

Henry A. Rowland, whose contributions to spectroscopy we celebrate today, was an engineer turned physicist who, early in his career, showed little interest in optics in general or spectroscopy in particular.(l) By the 187Os, however, diffraction gratings were a hot topic in the physics community. Following the insights of Bunsen and Kirchoff, published in 1859, scientists in Europe and the United States rushed to observe solar, stellar, and planetary spectra, to map their lines, and to correlate absorption lines with emission lines observed in the laboratory. Most of this early work was done with prisms. Diffraction spectra had been observed repeatedly during the previous 75 years but, owing to a lack of both conceptual framework and instrumental means, interest could not be sustained. David Rittenhouse, the leading scientist in revolutionary America, had observed the spectrum formed by a grating composed of parallel wires in 1785. Fraunhofer likewise constructed a grating of 260 parallel wires.(2) Wire gratings were obviously inferior to those ruled on metal or glass. But, as John Herschel noted, "The construction of gratings proper for these delicate purposes...was no easy matter. "(3) Each improvement in the technique, therefore, was introduced with pride and greeted with enthusiasm. Since parallel lines scratched onto a hard surface could serve several purposes--such as printing plates for paper currency--machines for creating them have a long history.(l) The first ruling engine used at least in part for diffraction gratings belonged to John Barton, Comptroller of the Mint in London. Barton was related by marriage to John Harrison, the celebrated clock maker whose chronometer had solved the longitude problem. Equally important--since the screw is the key element in a ruling engine--Barton was a friend of Henry Maudslay, the British engineer famous for improving and standardizing the screw. In 1810 Barton and Maudslay "each made a screw of the same pitch, and 15 inches long, and the two when placed side by side were found exactly to agree throughout their length, and were considered perfect." The engine on which Barton ruled his gratings was one he had inherited from Harrison, improved, I suspect, with one of his own screws. It is now in the Science Museum in London.(5) Barton's main purpose in activating the engine was to produce "Iris Ornaments"--named after the Greek goddess of the rainbow--and to that end he patented, in 1822, "a certain Process for the application of Prismatic Colours to the Surface of Steel and other Metals, and using the same in the manufacture of various Ornaments."(6) The scientific utility of "Barton's Buttons" was
Parallel path consistency

Filtering algorithms are well accepted as a means of speeding up the solution of the consistent labeling problem (CLP). Despite the fact that path consistency does a better job of filtering than arc consistency, AC is still the preferred technique because it has a much lower time complexity. We are implementing parallel path consistency algorithms on multiprocessors and comparing their performance to the best sequential and parallel arc consistency algorithms.(1,2) (See also work by Kerethoet al.(3) and Kasif(4)) Preliminary work has shown linear performance increases for parallelized path consistency and also shown that in many cases performance is significantly better than the theoretical worst case. These two results lead us to believe that parallel path consistency may be a superior filtering technique. Finally, we have implemented path consistency as an outer product computation and have obtained good results (e.g., linear speedup on a 64K-node Connection Machine 2).
Grasping in the pigeon: mechanisms of motor control

A quantitative analysis of grasping in the pigeon suggests important functional similarities between the visuomotor controls of the avian beak and the primate hand. Beak-opening (gape) during eating is directly proportional to target size and the adjustment is completed prior to contact. The control of gape size involves variations in both the velocity and duration of jaw opening and these parameters are mediated by different effector systems (jaw muscles, neck muscles). Nerve section experiments were used to identify jaw motoneurons which are components of the final common path for grasping. Grasping in the pigeon approximates the functional complexity of mammalian visuomotor behavior but is mediated by a relatively simple effector system.
Evaluating the training of mental health administrators

Training programs in mental health administration must pay increased attention to evaluating the fit between what they teach and what their students will do on the job. Defining effective administrative practice is one important part of the task and another is the development of assessment methods. The author identifies existing methods and recommends the simulation approach.
On the parametric excitation of a viscoelastic column.

Some of the qualitative aspects of the parametric excitation of a viscoelastic column are investigated. The problem considered is that of an initially straight, simply supported, viscoelastic column subjected to a harmonically varying axial load. The column material is assumed to be adequately represented by simple spring-dashpot models. Linear theory is used throughout. An approximate method for determining the stability characteristics of the governing equations is outlined briefly. This method is applied to several specific examples for the cases of a material behaving as a Maxwell and three-parameter model. In most cases the resulting instability regions have the same general appearance as those for the elastic case with varying amounts of viscous damping. In some cases, however, the regions are broadened significantly and shifted toward lower values of the exciting frequency as the material becomes more viscoelastic in nature. In these cases, there is a certain "critical" value beyond which an increase in damping has a destabilizing effect. In the examples for the Maxwell material, no specific interaction between the creep instability and parametric instability is revealed.
Metabolic responses following isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in arteriosclerotic breeder vs. non-arteriosclerotic virgin and ovariectomized female rats☆

Intact and ovariectomized, non-arteriosclerotic female rats and arteriosclerotic, breeder female rats were subjected to myocardial infarction by the administration of 2 subcutaneous injections, 24 hr apart, of the beta-adrenergic stimulator, isoproterenol. The animals were sacrificed at regular hourly intervals following each injection and then on days 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 16 thereafter. Measurement of serum insulin and free fatty acids (FFA) demonstrated a blunted response in these metabolic parameters in the case of the ovariectomized virgin rats. The non-arteriosclerotic, intact virgin rats exhibited dynamic changes in serum insulin, glucose, FFA and corticosterone (Cmpd. B) following both isoproterenol injections, whereas the arteriosclerotic breeder rats manifested elevated levels of these parameters on Day 1, but did not display any increases in serum levels, except for FFA, following the second isoproterenol injection on Day 2. In spite of the hormonal alterations brought about by the gonadectomy and their differing metabolic response, the ovariectomized females did not have a mortality rate significantly different from the intact females. Thus, the presence or absence of ovarian estrogens seemingly does not affect the progress of an isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction.
Certain monocyclic β-lactams are β-lactamase substrates: Nocardicin A and desthiobenzylpenicillin

Abstract The monocyclic β-lactams nocardicin A and desthiobenzylpenicillin are substrates of the β-lactamases of B. cereus 569/H/9, E. coli W3310 and S. aureus PCl. Thus the specificity of the β-lactamase active site does extend beyond bicyclic β-lactams.
Engaging the human in the design of residential energy reduction applications

Most online energy conservation interfaces assume that information provision is sufficient to induce behavior change and energy use reductions. A gap between behavioral theory and field practice partly explains why interfaces have not achieved this goal. In this paper, we describe a research program on human centered interactive interface design that bridges this gap with consumer based investigation of two energy reduction interfaces: Kidogo and Powerbar. Kidogo allows users to donate savings from energy conservation to public goods. In the first study, which examines Kidogo components, we investigate how alternative beneficiaries help users to connect emotionally with saving energy. In our second study, comparing Kidogo and Powerbar interventions, we investigate the ability of affectively and cognitively framed interfaces to persuade individuals to perform conservation behaviors. The first study suggests that interfaces should use negative valence images to establish an emotional connection, and the second provides evidence that affectively framed interfaces promote willingness to perform conservation behaviors.
On the relative locations of the bow shocks of the terrestrial planets

The observed bow shock encounters at Mercury, Venus and Mars are least square fit using the same technique so that their sizes and shapes can be intercompared. The shock front of Mercury most resembles the terrestrial shock in shape, and the shock stand off distance is consistent with the observed moment. The shapes of the Venus and Mars shock fronts more resemble each other than the earth's and the stand off distances are consistent with direct interaction of the solar wind with the ionosphere on the dayside. The Venus shock is closer to the planet than the Mars shock suggesting more absorption of the solar wind at Venus.
Family structural issues and chemical dependency: A review of the literature from 1985 to 1991

Abstract This review of the literature summarizes publications from 1985 to 1991 that viewed the chemically dependent family from a structural perspective, focusing on boundaries, roles, rules, and communication patterns. The review will provide an overview of structural issues with implications for therapy and suggestions for further research. Seven journals were reviewed and are as follows: Family Process, Journal of Marriage and the Family, Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, American Journal of Family Therapy, Journal of Studies on Alcohol, Journal of Chemical Dependency Treatment and the Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly. Additionally, publications or papers identified by a computer search of Psychological Abstracts were included, identified using the key words “family relations” and “alcoholism.” The intent of this review is to discuss family dynamics from a structural and systemic perspective only. Therefore, psychodynamic literature on family relations is not included.
Distribution of allatostatin in the adult cockroach, Diploptera punctata and effects on corpora allata in vitro

Direct radiochemical measurements of juvenile hormone synthesis showed that corpora allata from adult female Diploptera punctata can be inhibited in vitro by neuropeptides extracted from several ganglia of the central nervous system of females at many stages of the reproductive cycle. Extracts of protocerebra, corpora cardiaca, suboesophageal, thoracic and ventral ganglia all elicited dose-depedent reductions in juvenile hormone synthesis. On a ‘per organ’ basis, the protocerebrum contains the most extractable material. Inhibitory activity of extracts of suboesophageal, thoracic and 6th abdominal ganglia, like that of protocerebra (Rankin et al., 1986) was trypsin sensitive. Glands of high activity were less sensitive to protocerebral extract than those of low activity. The inhibitory effect on glands of low activity was maximal within 1 h, persisted in the presence of protocerebral extract for at least 46 h, and was abolished within 1 h after corpora allata were placed in normal medium. The inhibitory effect of protocerebral extract was not altered by the addition of magnesium to the medium. The extract had a specific effect on synthetic step(s) prior to methylation and epoxidation as demonstrated by enhanced juvenile hormone synthesis in the presence of inhibitory factor and the juvenile hormone precursor, farnesoic acid.
What Next?: On Race and Assimilation in the United States and Brazil

It has been argued that during the 200 years since the French Revolution, its ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity gradually have become more visible in societies throughout the world. In other words, societies, in one form or another, have tended to walk the path toward the realization of universal ideals; the decline of racial and ethnic prejudice, the acceptance of cultures other than one's own, and the role of the various means of communication in providing fast information about peoples that were once inaccessible are evidence of this point. Therefore, the argument goes, if this continues to be observed, then it is fair to infer that, in about 50 years, the assimilation of all individuals and the full realization of their potential will be possible. This article attempts to discuss the validity of this argument. As its title indicates, it assumes that the acceptance or rejection of assimilationist trends requires the analysis of social variables that may hinder or speed that process such as race, prejudice and discrimination, and class divisions. The article focuses on the social construction of race and its impact on assimilation in the United States and Brazil. These two societies have been chosen not only because they are the ones with which the present writer is most familiar but also because, due to their histories and to the social diversity of their peoples, the issues of race and prejudice play an important role in both.
Induction of glutathione S‐transferase π as a bioassay for the evaluation of potency of inhibitors of benzo(a)pyrene‐induced cancer in a murine model

There is a growing need for short-term and cost-effective bioassay to assess the efficacy of potential chemo-preventive agents. We report that the induction of glutathione (GSH) S-transferase π (mGSTP1-1) by a chemo-preventive agent can be used as a reliable marker to assess its efficacy in retarding chemical carcinogenesis induced by benzo(a)pyrene (BP), which is a widespread environmental pollutant and believed to be a risk factor in human chemical carcinogenesis. This conclusion is based on 1) the relative contribution of mGSTP1-1 of the liver and forestomach of female A/J mice in the detoxification of the ultimate carcinogenic metabolite of BP, (+)-anti-7,8-dihydroxy-9,10-oxy-7,8,9,10- tetrahydrobenzo(a)pyrene [(+)-anti-BPDE]; and 2) a positive correlation between the induction of hepatic and forestomach mGSTP1-1 by 5 naturally occurring organosulfides (OSCs) from garlic (diallyl sulfide, diallyl disulfide, diallyl trisulfide, dipropyl sulfide and dipropyl disulfide) and their effectiveness in preventing BP-induced forestomach neoplasia in mice. In the liver, the combined contribution of other GSTs in the detoxification of (+)-anti-BPDE was far less than the contribution of mGSTP1-1 alone. Likewise, in the forestomach, the contribution of mGSTP1-1 far exceeded the combined contribution of other GSTs. Studies on the effects of OSCs against BP-induced forestomach neoplasia revealed a good correlation between their chemo-preventive efficacy and their ability to induce mGSTP1-1 expression in the liver (r = −0.89; p < 0.05) as well as in the forestomach (r = −0.97; p < 0.05). Our results suggest that the induction of mGSTP1-1 may be a reliable marker for evaluating the efficacy of potential inhibitors of BP-induced cancer in a murine model. Int. J. Cancer 73:897–902, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Sensory filtering phenomenology in PTSD

Disrupted sensory filtering, or problems with suppressing irrelevant environmental sensory stimuli, has been reported in individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, the relationship of sensory filtering deficits to specific PTSD symptoms versus an association with general trauma exposure is unclear. These relationships were examined by administering self-report measures of trauma exposure, PTSD, and sensory gating phenomenology to undergraduate participants with PTSD (n=32), with trauma history but without PTSD (n=144), and with minimal trauma history (n=153). Subjects with PTSD reported greater filtering disruption than individuals in the trauma only and low trauma groups, who did not differ. Individuals endorsing reexperiencing and numbing symptoms, and females endorsing hypervigilance, reported disrupted sensory filtering phenomenology. These results suggest that impaired filtering differentiates between individuals with PTSD symptoms and asymptomatic individuals exposed to multiple traumas and low-trauma controls. Depression and Anxiety 0:1–8, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Emergency Management of Severe Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia

Objectives 1. Identify how lidocaine infusion can be initiated and maintained in the hospital and at home. 2. Discuss mechanism, dosing, side effects, IV compatibility with opioids and monitoring of lidocaine infusion. M.E. was a 33-year-old mother of two with advanced peritoneal cancer who was at home with hospice care approaching the end of her life when she had to be hospitalized for refractory pain. Despite 3 years of aggressive chemotherapy, she had chronic small bowel obstructions that were no longer relieved with venting gastrostomy, and generalized abdominal pain unrelieved by her intrathecal pump with dilaudid 8 mg/day and bupivicaine, an infusion of fentanyl 400 mcg/hour with 400 mcg PCA, fentora 1600mcg Q3H PRN, and a trial of ketamine infusion. She was in severe pain, fatigued, and somewhat sedated but still able to communicate a primary goal of pain relief with a secondary goal of returning home for the end of her life. Due to suboptimal pain control and concern that increased dosing of opioids would result in sedation without providing acceptable pain relief; a lidocaine infusion trial was initiated. Our hospital did not have an established policy for initiation of lidocaine continuous infusion for the treatment of pain. However, with palliative care consultants providing a review of the literature to the nursing staff, the patient was allowed to receive this infrequently used therapy. Initial barriers were educating the nursing and house staff regarding monitoring of lidocaine infusion for toxicity. Lidocaine bolus of 1.5 mg/kg provided the patient significant pain relief and thus, lidocaine infusion was started at 1 mg/kg/hour and over 2 days titrated up to 2 mg/kg/hour. The patient tolerated the lidocaine well and was finally able to achieve her goal for pain control. Fentanyl PRN usage decreased dramatically and her fentanyl continuous infusion rate was decreased. The home hospice agency was able to continue administration of the lidocaine infusion 2 mg/kg/hour without difficulty and the patient returned home per her request to die in the presence of her family.
Mitosis-Specific Mechanosensing and Contractile-Protein Redistribution Control Cell Shape

Because cell-division failure is deleterious, promoting tumorigenesis in mammals, cells utilize numerous mechanisms to control their cell-cycle progression. Though cell division is considered a well-ordered sequence of biochemical events, cytokinesis, an inherently mechanical process, must also be mechanically controlled to ensure that two equivalent daughter cells are produced with high fidelity. Given that cells respond to their mechanical environment, we hypothesized that cells utilize mechanosensing and mechanical feedback to sense and correct shape asymmetries during cytokinesis. Because the mitotic spindle and myosin II are vital to cell division, we explored their roles in responding to shape perturbations during cell division. We demonstrate that the contractile proteins myosin II and cortexillin I redistribute in response to intrinsic and externally induced shape asymmetries. In early cytokinesis, mechanical load overrides spindle cues and slows cytokinesis progression while contractile proteins accumulate and correct shape asymmetries. In late cytokinesis, mechanical perturbation also directs contractile proteins but without apparently disrupting cytokinesis. Significantly, this response only occurs during anaphase through cytokinesis, does not require microtubules, and is independent of spindle orientation, but is dependent on myosin II. Our data provide evidence for a mechanosensory system that directs contractile proteins to regulate cell shape during mitosis.
Nutritional evaluation of fatty acids for the open thelycum shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei: I. Effect of dietary linoleic and linolenic acids at different concentrations and ratios on juvenile shrimp growth, survival and fatty acid composition

A 6-week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the nutritional value of dietary linoleic (18:2n-6, LOA) and linolenic (18:3n-3, LNA) acids for juvenile Litopenaeus vannamei by determining their effects on growth, survival and fatty acid composition of hepatopancreas and muscle tissue. Diets were formulated to contain 5% total lipid. A basal diet contained only palmitic and stearic acids, each at 2.5% of diet. Six diets contained one of three levels (0.25, 0.5 and 1%) of either LOA or LNA, and three diets had different ratios of LNA/LOA (1, 3, 9) at a combined inclusion level of 0.5% of diet. An additional diet contained 0.5% of a mixture of n-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA). The fatty acid profile of hepatopancreas and muscle of shrimp reflected the profile of the diets. HUFA of the n-3 family showed higher nutritional value than LOA or LNA for juvenile L. vannamei by producing significantly (P < 0.05) higher final weight and weight gain. Neither LOA nor LNA, alone or in combination, improved growth significantly compared with shrimp fed the basal diet.Thus, dietary requirements for LOA and LNA were not demonstrated under these experimental conditions.
A prospective study of the impact of psychiatric comorbidity on length of hospital stays of elderly medical-surgical inpatients.

To determine the difference in length of hospital stay for geriatric medical-surgical inpatients with or without psychiatric comorbidity, the authors prospectively interviewed 467 admissions by using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R and the Mini-Mental State Exam. At admission, 208 (44.5%) inpatients had a current psychiatric comorbidity, 51(10.9%) had an anxiety disorder, 88 (18.8%) had a depressive disorder, and 126 (27%) had cognitive impairment. The patients with cognitive impairment had a significantly prolonged hospital stay compared with those without cognitive impairment (14.6 vs. 10.6 days). No difference existed in length of stay for the patients with and without anxiety disorders (11.6 vs. 11.6 days) or depressive disorders (11.0 vs. 11.8 days). In view of the limited resources available for screening elderly medical-surgical inpatients for psychiatric comorbidity, this study suggests the utility of identifying cognitive impairment and targeting it for interventions to reduce the clinical burden and to decrease hospital stays.
Herpesvirus sylvilagus in cottontail rabbits: attempted laboratory transmission by two insect species.

The vector potential of the rabbit flea (Cediopsylla simplex) and a mosquito (Aedes triseriatus) was investigated for Herpesvirus sylvilagus transmission among cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus floridanus). Twelve groups of 12–50 fleas were fed on three viremic cottontails for 2–21 days before transfer to 12 susceptible rabbits. Standard interrupted feeding trials employed five groups of 6–12 mosquitoes, two viremic donor cottontails and five healthy recipients. No evidence of virus was detected from recipients' blood nor did they develop specific antibody. Virus acquisition and persistence in the insects was evaluated by attempting to recover the virus from 19 pools of mosquitoes engorged on viremic blood and 36 pools of engorged fleas or those living on viremic hosts for 1–21 days. Results were negative.
The effect of recombinant human erythropoietin treatment on the endurance performance of Sprague-Dawley rats.

Mild increases in haematocrit (Hct) have been shown to enhance aerobic performance, but the effects of more severe increases have not been studied. Recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO), which can cause substantial increases in haematocrit, was used to study the effects of induced severe polycythemia on aerobic endurance performance. Sixteen Sprague-Dawley rats were aerobically trained on motorized running wheels. After 5 weeks, the baseline aerobic endurance of each animal was determined by measuring the running time to exhaustion (RTE). Then each rat was randomly assigned to an experimental group (EXP) which received 600 U kg-1 rHuEPO every 3 days, or a placebo group (PLC). Haematocrit and animal mass were monitored for 3 weeks while training and treatment continued, and then the RTE was determined a second time. Results indicated that the rats in the treatment group had a significantly higher Hct (62.2% vs. PLC value of 47.3%, p 0.05) when compared to the placebo group. The change in the Hct compared to the change in RTE for each animal showed an inverse relationship (r = -0.8212), indicating that greater increases in rHuEPO induced polycythemia resulted in a decreased performance level. We conclude that rHuEPO-induced severe polycythemia was not accompanied by an increase in aerobic endurance in this animal model.