cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dispatches from the frontlines: A critical care nurse's response to COVID19.

Abstract The emergency alert that appeared on my phone read “Serious Communicable Diseases Unit (SCDU) Activation,” indicating Emory University Hospital's SCDU had just been pulled into the battle against COVID-19. As part of this unit, I've donned personal protective equipment (PPE) and participated in countless training exercises, and prepared other clinicians to safely care for people with highly pathogenic infectious diseases. What followed the activation alert, however, was a dynamic interplay between deliberate biosafety methodologies and rapid, reflexive critical care interventions as my teammates and I navigated a novel, burgeoning health threat that called for a whole-system response. As this pandemic continues to exact a grave toll on healthcare workers, our families and our communities, politicians have asked, “How could we have seen this coming?” As a pandemic preparedness researcher, my question to them is, “How could you not have seen this coming?” This perspective piece argues that despite the many missed opportunities to prepare for this crisis, the greatest opportunities lie ahead of us if we choose today to invest in pandemic preparedness for tomorrow.
eDNA metabarcoding bioassessment of endangered fairy shrimp ( Branchinecta spp.)

Habitat degradation and land-use change severely threaten the survival of fairy shrimp and the vernal pools in which they live. Limiting effective fairy shrimp conservation management efforts is the ability to readily identify species without the capture and sacrifice of individuals for microscopy. Here we demonstrate that eDNA metabarcoding is an effective non-invasive tool for monitoring fairy shrimp. Results from ten Southern California vernal pools comparing eDNA and traditional dip-net methods showed that eDNA metabarcoding with 16S rDNA provides exceptional species-level resolution. Importantly, while the two methods were concordant during early hydroperiods where adults were present, eDNA detected fairy shrimp for up to 2 months after dip-nets failed to detect any adults, expanding the time period for vernal pool monitoring. Together, these results provide resource managers a simple, cost-effective, and non-invasive method for biomonitoring endangered fairy shrimp species.
Hydrogen production via thermocatalytic decomposition of methane using carbon-based catalysts

Thermocatalytic decomposition (TCD) of methane is one of the most effective methods for pure hydrogen production. Catalysts were selected for TCD of methane in this study to utilize biochar as a catalyst. Among these catalysts, two catalysts (named activated biochar (AB) and heat-treated biochar (HB)) were prepared from Douglas fir, whereas the other four were prepared using commercial activated carbon and zeolite with and without doping ruthenium metal. The catalysts were characterized using XRD, SEM imaging, TEM, H2-TPR, and BET specific surface area and pore size analysis. The Ru doped commercial activated carbon catalyst (Ru–AC) was deactivated continuously during a 60 h reaction run, whereas AB exhibited comparatively stable methane conversion up to 60 h. The methane conversion was 21% for Ru–AC and 51% for AB after 60 h of reaction time at 800 °C. The very high surface area of AB (∼3250 m2 g−1) and its microporosity compared to other catalysts could have resulted in resistance against rapid deactivation. Furthermore, carbon nanotube by-products were observed in TEM images of solid residues that could form due to the presence of alkali metals in the biochar. Carbon nanotube formation could contribute significantly to the extended life of AB.
How to Manage Sleeve Complications: Hemorrhage

The most significant operative complications of LSG are staple line leak and bleeding, with reported total complication incidence of up to 13.7%. However, hemorrhage, both intra-abdominal and intra-peritoneal, can be more challenging not only because of their rare occurrence, but also because of their life-threatening postoperative complication impact following bariatric surgery. Multiple attempts to reduce the incidence of these complications have been done by staple line reinforcement (SLR) with synthetic or biologic material or suturing, but the evidence is equivocal; hence, there is no consensus with respect to the best method for SLR or its necessity. In this chapter we will look into the bleeding cascade, patient and surgeon factors that may contribute to it, surgical stapler technology used to control and prevent hemorrhage, management and prevention techniques, including buttressing and oversewing and hemostats.
Top–Down Coarse-Grained Framework for Characterizing Mixed Conducting Polymers

Organic polymers that exhibit both ionic and electronic conduction are of interest for energy storage devices and emerging bioelectronic applications. Nevertheless, organic mixed conductors are at an early stage of development with nascent design rules and relatively few material chemistries having been experimentally characterized. Here we report a coarse-grained modeling framework that is sufficiently flexible to represent a range of mixed conducting chemistries while retaining the molecular physics necessary to interrogate structure-function relationships. A detailed overview of the framework is presented, accompanied by an applied study of the effect of hydration and oxidation levels on a representative mixed conductor. The model recapitulates experimental trends related to the macroscopic ionic and electronic conductivities, including the non-linear suppression of the electronic mobility with respect to oxidation level and the direct relationship between ionic mobility and hydration level, while revealing the complex interplay of polymer morphology, ionic-electronic coupling, and electrolyte distribution that govern these relationships. These results provide a validation of this framework for future applications in establishing structure-function relationships in this important materials class, and suggests several near-term opportunities for tailoring mixed conduction via side-chain design.
Virtually Engaging Students through Collaborative Investigation of Scientific Literature, a Case Study

Critical evaluation and analysis are essential skills of the scientific process which can be further developed through reading primary scientific literature. However, early stage scientists, including undergraduate and graduate students, often face barriers to reading and comprehending primary literature, which can make deeper investigation and evaluation of content even more challenging. To address this core skills gap, we designed a virtual journal club series. This series was designed to keep undergraduate students engaged following restrictions on in-person activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As this initiative was developed and led by graduate students, activities were designed with an emphasis on facilitating student-centered learning outcomes. We used several active learning techniques, including deconstruction of the main message through one-sentence summaries, collaborative student engagement via distinct team roles, conceptual diagrams to reinforce learning and develop communication skills through presentations, and word journals to encourage evaluation and synthesis of ideas across readings. We highlight how these strategies can be used for the design of literature-based training both inside and outside of the classroom. Further, we demonstrate that virtual journal clubs are an effective strategy for enhancing science literacy skills by facilitating student buy-in.
Urban landscapes increase dispersal, gene flow, and pathogen transmission potential in banded mongoose (Mungos mungo) in northern Botswana

Disease transmission can be strongly influenced by the manner in which conspecifics are connected across a landscape and the effects of land use upon these dynamics. In northern Botswana, the territorial and group‐living banded mongoose (Mungos mungo) lives across urban and natural landscapes and is infected with a novel Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex pathogen, M. mungi. Using microsatellite markers amplified from DNA derived from banded mongoose fecal and tissue samples (n = 168), we evaluated population genetic structure, individual dispersal, and gene flow for 12 troops. Genetic structure was detectable and moderately strong across groups (F ST = 0.086), with K = 7 being the best‐supported number of genetic clusters. Indications of admixture in certain troops suggest formation of new groups through recent fusion events. Differentiation was higher for troops inhabiting natural areas (F ST = 0.102) than for troops in urban landscapes (F ST = 0.081). While this suggests increased levels of gene flow between urban‐dwelling troops, the inclusion of a smaller number of study troops from natural land types may have influenced these findings. Of those individuals confirmed infected with M. mungi, the majority (73%, n = 11) were assigned to their natal group which is consistent with previous observations linking lower levels of dispersal with infection. Twenty‐one probable dispersing individuals were identified, with all suspected migrants originating from troops within the urban landscape. Findings suggest that urbanized landscapes may increase gene flow and dispersal behavior with a concomitant increase in the risk of pathogen spread. As urban landscapes expand, there is an increasing need to understand how land use and pathogen infection may change wildlife behavior and disease transmission potential.
Personalized Computational Heart Models with T1-Mapped Fibrotic Remodeling Predict Risk of Sudden Death Risk in Patients with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) causes sudden cardiac death (SCD) due to ventricular arrhythmias (VA) manifesting from myocardial fibrosis proliferation. Current clinical risk stratification criteria inadequately identify at-risk patients in need of primary prevention of VA. Here, we use mechanistic computational modeling of the heart to analyze how HCM-specific remodeling of the heart promotes arrhythmogenesis and to develop a personalized strategy to forecast risk of VAs in these patients. We combine contrast-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging and T1 mapping data to construct digital replicas of HCM patient hearts that represent the patient-specific distribution of focal and diffuse fibrosis and evaluate the substrate propensity to VA. Our analysis indicates that the presence of diffuse fibrosis, which is rarely assessed in these patients, increases arrhythmogenic propensity. In forecasting future VA events in HCM patients, the imaging-based computational heart approach achieved 84.6%, 76.9%, and 80.1% sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy, respectively, and significantly outperformed current clinical risk predictors. This novel VA risk assessment may have the potential to prevent SCD and help deploy primary prevention appropriately in HCM patients.
Degrees of Irregular Change: Phonological Reduction and Grammatical Convergence in West Iranian

This paper employs a quantitative model of irregular sound change to investigate whether West Iranian languages have developed formally similar functional items via parallelism or via contact. I analyze etymologically related functional items in two Middle and eight New West Iranian languages, comparing observed forms to expected outcomes of these forms on the basis of purely regular sound change. A quantitative model is used to measure the distance between the observed and expected forms across West Iranian, particularly with respect to New Persian. I find that, while most New West Iranian languages undergo roughly the same amount of irregular reduction, Balochi, a language with conservative historical phonology, shows significantly more irregular phonological reduction than New Persian in its functional vocabulary. Given this result, it is plausible that the similarity in functional items seen across West Iranian is due to New Persian influence, though this contact may not be quantitatively detectable in all cases.
Organ System of Angiosperms

The root system is one of two fundamental parts of a land plant. When a seed germinates, the root (RT) grows downward into the soil to anchor the plant and hold it upright (Fig. 1). The root also functions to absorb water and minerals from soil.
Chemical Force Spectroscopy Evidence Supporting the Layer-by-Layer Model of Organic Matter Binding to Iron (oxy)Hydroxide Mineral Surfaces

The adsorption of dissolved organic matter (DOM) to metal (oxy)hydroxide mineral surfaces is a critical step for C sequestration in soils. Although equilibrium studies have described some of the factors controlling this process, the molecular-scale description of the adsorption process has been more limited. Chemical force spectroscopy revealed differing adhesion strengths of DOM extracted from three soils and a reference peat soil material to an iron (oxy)hydroxide mineral surface. The DOM was characterized using ultrahigh-resolution negative ion mode electrospray ionization Fourier Transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. The results indicate that carboxyl-rich aromatic and N-containing aliphatic molecules of DOM are correlated with high adhesion forces. Increasing molecular mass was shown to decrease the adhesion force between the mineral surface and the DOM. Kendrick mass defect analysis suggests that mechanisms involving two carboxyl groups result in the most stable bond to the mineral su...
Nomenclature and symbols for folic acid and related compounds

The folates are a group of heterocyclic compounds based on the 4-[(pteridin-6-ylmethyl)amino]benzoic acid skeleton conjugated with one or more l-glutamate units. The document is a revision of recommendations prepared by the IUPAC-IUB Commission on Biochemical Nomenclature in 1964. The main changes are a consequence of the much greater information that now exists about the stereochemistry of folates. Recommendations on the nomenclature of reduced compounds and substituents are included, as are proposed symbols and abbreviations.
Insurer Profitability in Different Regulatory and Legal Environments

This paper examines the variation in insurance company financial performance across states with different legal and regulatory environments. These environments are distinguished by a diverse set of measures created by the states to address problems in the insurance area. Using firm–level financial data for the period 1984–1991, quantile regression methodology is used to describe the differential relationships between profitability and these measures. The results indicate that the distribution of profitability is only weakly related to insurers’ regulatory and legal environments, and is significantly related to other factors, such as the size of the firm and the effective number of competitors.
The Alienage Spectrum Disorder: The Bill of Rights from Chinese Exclusion to Guantanamo

The fundamental notion that increased ties to the polity of the United States would entitle an alien to better rights is deeply-rooted in the jurisprudence. Ordinarily, these rights tend to strengthen as one moves forward from the beginning of the spectrum, which might involve the most attenuated contact, as in the case of enemy aliens detained by United States military in a foreign land or an overseas visa applicant, to the end of the spectrum, which might involve a United States citizen. While this seems to make perfect sense, this article argues that a closer examination of the century-old jurisprudence suggests that the spectrum is indeed replete with inconsistencies, and as such, is utterly disordered. It further contends that the disorder in the alienage spectrum is a result of the awkward exclusion of the so-called aliens from the benefits of maturing notions of equal protection and due process as a result of the pre-rights era of Chinese exclusion, which is a part of the Plessy v. Ferguson legacy. More specifically, the article contends that the source of the disorder is the century-old tug-of-war between the plenary power doctrine, which immunizes congressional acts relating to immigration from judicial review, on the one hand, and contemporary notions of due process and equal protection on the other. At a more philosophical level, the disorder is a product of a tug-of-war between the perception of the Constitution as a compact between a selected group of “people” with the prerogative to exclude all others, on the one hand, and the perception of the Constitution “as a limitation on the Government’s conduct with respect to all whom it seeks to govern” on the other. The interplay between these fundamental assumptions, coupled with historical accidents, has produced a jurisprudence that is incoherent and largely unpredictable. This article purports to define the spectrum, highlight the disorder, identify and characterize the culprit gene, and propose modest reordering steps.
Analysts' Incentives and Systematic Forecast Bias

The likelihood that earnings announcements meet or beat analyst expectations differs substantially and systematically across firms. Prior research explores managers incentives to meet analyst expectations. In this paper, we examine analysts incentives to issue systematically biased earnings forecasts and thereby influence the likelihood that firms report good earnings news. We first document that forecast biases are systematically different, as large firms and firms with low forecast dispersion - labeled high-information firms - are more likely to report positive earning surprises, while small firms and firms with large forecast dispersion - labeled low-information firms - tend to have optimistically biased forecasts that often lead to negative earnings surprises. We also show that potential financing needs induce more optimistic forecasts for low-information firms, but this effect is greatly mitigated for high-information firms. We find that career concerns help explain analysts' systematic forecast bias. An analyst's career longevity is enhanced by issuing pessimistic forecasts for high-information firms and optimistic forecasts for low-information firms. Optimistic forecast bias for high-financing-need firms has no consequence for an analyst's career longevity, but optimistic bias for low-financing-need firms hurts. Our results suggest that career concerns contribute to a systematic pattern of forecasting that aligns with managerial preferences.
Preservation of tumor-host immune interactions with luciferase-tagged imaging in a murine model of ovarian cancer

Background: Ovarian cancer is immunogenic and residual tumor volume after surgery is known to be prognostic. Ovarian cancer often follows a recurring-remitting course and microscopic disease states may present ideal opportunities for immune therapies. We sought to establish the immune profile of a murine model of ovarian cancer that allows in vivo tumor imaging and the quantitation of microscopic disease. Results and Discussion: Baseline imaging and weight measurements were taken within 1 and 2 weeks after intraperitoneal tumor injection, respectively. Significantly higher photons per second from baseline imaging were first observed 5 weeks after tumor cell injection (p<0.05) and continued to be significant through 8 weeks after injection (p<0.01), whereas a significant increase in weight above baseline was not observed until day 56 (p<0.0001). Expression of luc2 in ID8 cells did not alter the cellular immune microenvironment of the tumor. FOXP3+ T cells were more likely to be detected in the intraepithelial compartment and CD4+ T cells in the stroma as compared to CD3+ T cells, which were found equally in stroma and intraepithelial compartments. Conclusions: Use of an intraperitoneal tumor expressing a codon-optimized firefly luciferase in an immunocompetent mouse model allows tumor quantitation in vivo and detection of microscopic tumor burdens. Expression of this foreign protein does not significantly effect tumor engraftment or the immune microenvironment of the ID8 cells in vivo and may allow novel immunotherapies to be assessed in a murine model for their translational potential to ovarian cancers in remission or minimal disease after primary cytoreductive surgery or chemotherapy. Methods: Mouse ovarian surface epithelial cells from C57BL6 mice transformed after serial passage in vitro were transduced with a lentiviral vector expressing a codon optimized firefly luciferase (luc2). Cell lines were selected and luc2 expression functionally confirmed in vitro. Cell lines were intraperitoneally (IP) implanted in albino C57BL/6/ BrdCrHsd-Tyrc mice and albino B6(Cg)-Tyrc-2 J/J mice for serial imaging. D-luciferin substrate was injected IP and tumors were serially imaged in vivo using a Xenogen IVIS. Tumor take, weights, and luminescent intensities were measured. Immunohistochemistry was performed on tumors and assessed for immune infiltrates in stromal and intraepithelial compartments.
Modelling cellular behaviour.

Representations of cellular processes that can be used to compute their future behaviour would be of general scientific and practical value. But past attempts to construct such representations have been disappointing. This is now changing. Increases in biological understanding combined with advances in computational methods and in computer power make it possible to foresee construction of useful and predictive simulations of cellular processes.
Validity of two brief physical activity questionnaires with accelerometers among African-American women.

Aim To evaluate the validity of the Stanford Brief Activity Survey (SBAS) and Exercise Vital Sign (EVS) questionnaire against accelerometer-determined time in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) among African-American (AA) women. Background Limited research has evaluated the validity of brief physical activity (PA) questionnaires among AA women. Since the validity of PA questionnaires may differ among members of varying racial/ethnic groups, research is needed to explore the validity of self-report PA measures among AA women. Methods A total of 30 AA women [M age = 35.5 ± 5.3; M body mass index (BMI) = 31.1 ± 7.8] wore ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometers (ActiGraph, LLC, Pensacola FL, USA) for seven days and completed both the SBAS and EVS at two different assessment periods (T1 and T2). Criterion validity was calculated using Spearman's rank order correlations between each questionnaire score and accelerometer-measured MVPA. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were calculated using accelerometer-measured MVPA as the criterion to determine the ability of each questionnaire to predict whether or not a participant was meeting the 2008 US PA Guidelines. Findings Spearman correlation coefficients between questionnaire scores and minutes of accelerometer-measured MVPA were low (EVS, r = 0.27 at T1 and r = 0.26 at T2; SBAS, r = 0.10 at T1 and r = 0.28 at T2) and not statistically significant (P's > 0.05). The EVS had sensitivity, specificity, and negative and positive predictive values of 27, 89, 59, and 68% at T1 and 33, 74, 38, and 70% at T2, respectively. The SBAS had sensitivity, specificity, and negative and positive predictive values were 18, 79, 33, and 62% at T1 and 67, 58, 43, and 79% at T2. While both questionnaires may be useful in identifying AA women who do not meet the 2008 PA Guidelines, using the questionnaires to identify AA women meeting the PA Guidelines should be done with caution.
Unusual pattern of antibodies to human T-cell leukemia virus type-I in family members of adult T-cell leukemia patients

Detection methods for the human T-cell leukemia virus type-I (HTLV-I) for blood screening and diagnosis generally rely on antibody tests that use the structural proteins of HTLV-I as antigen. We have found an unusual pattern of antibody reactivity among people who are at high risk of HTLV infection due to being a family member of an adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) patient: a specific antibody reaction exclusively directed to the HTLV regulatory protein tax, and not to the HTLV-I structural proteins. Sera from 7 of 82 (8.5%) structural antibody- undetectable family members of ATL patients had the anti-tax reactivity. Two seroconverters were observed. One seroconverter a healthy resident of Miyazaki, tested negative for structural antibody, but positive for tax antibody. Two years later she tested positive for both. The other seroconverter, an Israeli hemophiliac, tested negative for both antibodies, but converted to tax antibody-positive/structural antibody-negative. The HTLV-I tax-only antibody profile was also observed in sera sets from two other populations at risk for HTLV infection, human immunodeficiency virus-1-infected patients at the Bronx-Lebanon Hospital in New York and Israeli hemophiliacs. DNA samples from lymphocytes of four individuals with antibody reactivity only to HTLV-I tax were tested in polymerase chain reaction experiments; no HTLV-I or -II DNA was detected.
An empirical study of object protocols in the wild

An active area of research in computer science is the prevention of violations of object protocols, i.e., restrictions on temporal orderings of method calls on an object. However, little is understood about object protocols in practice. This paper describes an empirical study of object protocols in some popular open-source Java programs. In our study, we have attempted to determine how often object protocols are defined, and how often they are used, while also developing a taxonomy of similar protocols. In the open-source projects in our study, comprising almost two million lines of code, approximately 7.2% of all types defined protocols, while 13% of classes were clients of types defining protocols. (For comparison, 2.5% of the types in the Java library define type parameters using Java Generics.) This suggests that protocol checking tools are widely applicable.
On a simple impact test method for accurate measurement of material properties

A simple impact test method is presented to accurately measure the elastic and shear moduli and Poisson's ratio of a uniform Aluminum 6061-T651 cylindrical specimen with free boundary conditions. The elastic modulus is determined from the longitudinal vibration of the specimen and the shear modulus is determined from its torsional vibration. A new technique is developed to mount an accelerometer on the specimen to measure its torsional vibration. The Poisson's ratio determined for the specimen matches exactly with its known value.
IgM serum agglutinators.

In human sera showing elevated levels of IgM, the serum agglutinators may be of both IgG and IgM classes. When the quantity of IgG is very low, these antibodies may be solely of the IgM class. Elevations in IgM levels subsequent to loss of IgG through the kidney, as in nephrosis, and elevations in all immunoglobulin levels, as observed in severe suppurative infection, do not alter the production of serum agglutinaton as IgG globulins
Actuators based on liquid crystalline elastomer materials

Liquid crystalline elastomers (LCEs) exhibit a number of remarkable physical effects, including the unique, high-stroke reversible mechanical actuation when triggered by external stimuli. This article reviews some recent exciting developments in the field of LCE materials with an emphasis on their utilization in actuator applications. Such applications include artificial muscles, industrial manufacturing, health and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). With suitable synthetic and preparation pathways and well-controlled actuation stimuli, such as heat, light, electric and magnetic fields, excellent physical properties of LCE materials can be realized. By comparing the actuating properties of different systems, general relationships between the structure and the properties of LCEs are discussed. How these materials can be turned into usable devices using interdisciplinary techniques is also described.
Solution of Multiple Edge Cracks in an Elastic Half Plane

This paper is concerned with the numerical solution of an elastic half plane containing multiple edge cracks. A general procedure is proposed to formulate the multiple crack problem based on the distributed dislocation method. Three different patterns of modeling dislocation density at the crack mouth are discussed. The correct form of the weight function for the dislocation density is adopted in this analysis. The induced integral involving Cauchy kernel is evaluated by means of recursion relations. Numerical computations of problems with up to 100 edge cracks show that the current method is computationally efficient and accurate. Comparisons of 2D and 3D multiple edge cracks are also discussed.
Fuzzy set theory, observer bias and probability theory

Abstract It is known that, given certain seemingly implausible assumption, probability functions act like fuzzy set membership functions. This paper shows that these seemingly implausible assumptions are satisfied in probabilistic situations where the sole uncertainty arises from unknown but systematic observer bias. Now such situations could be considered as on the borderline between the domain of applicability of probability functions and the domain of fuzzy set membership functions. Hence the convergence between the rules for combining probabilistic functions and those for combining fuzzy set membership functions in these borderline instances is intuitively quite satisfying. This convergence also suggests a number of other ways in which possibility theory and probability theory are interrelated.
Fabrication and testing of optics for EUV projection lithography

Extreme Ultraviolet Lithography (EUVL) is a leading candidate as a stepper technology for fabricating the next generation of microelectronic circuits. EUVL is an optical printing technique qualitatively similar to Deep UV Lithography (DUVL), except that 11-13nm wavelength light is used instead of 193-248nm. The feasibility of creating 0.1µm features has been well-established using small- field EUVL printing tools, and development efforts are currently underway to demonstrate that cost- effective production equipment can be engineered to perform full-width ring-field imaging consistent with high wafer throughput rates. Ensuring that an industrial supplier base will be available for key components and subsystems is crucial to the success of EUVL. In particular, the projection optics are the heart of the EUVL imaging system, yet they have figure and finish specifications that are beyond the state-of-the-art in optics manufacturing. Thus it is important to demonstrate that industry will be able to fabricate and certify these optics commensurate with EUVL requirements. The goal of this paper is to demonstrate that procuring EUVL projection optical substrates is feasible.
Measurement of the surface resistance of single-crystal copper in the millimeter-wave region at room temperature

Measurements of the surface resistance of single-crystal copper at millimeter wavelengths (35 GHz) indicate the existance of an anomaly of the skin effect at room temperature. The surfaces were prepared in stress-free processes, annealed, and manipulated in purified hydrogen and argon.
Editorial: Elevating to new heights in neuropsychiatric pharmacy at the 2013 CPNP Annual Meeting

First and foremost, we were encouraged to elevate our knowledge. This was done primarily through the informative continuing education (CE) sessions provided throughout the conference. While all the sessions were informative, we have chosen to highlight a few of the presented topics in this month's issue. In this issue, the reader will find an article discussing the use of antipsychotics in the maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder. There is an article which highlights the use of pharmacotherapy in pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder, to contrast with the presentation that focused on the use of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in this population. In addition, the reader will find a more indepth discussion of two of the clinical pearls that were presented in the general clinical pearls session; these articles relate to opioid induced analgesia and the urea cycle disorder.
Carbon nanostructure enhanced reinforcements in electromagnetic compatibility applications

Carbon enhanced reinforcements (CER) for multifunctional composite design were recently developed using technology where carbon nanostructures (CNS) are synthesized on the surface of glass fibers in a continuous, in-line, production scalable process. The hybrid reinforcement results in a highly conductive multifunctional capability in thermoset and thermoplastic resins that enables excellent electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding performance. This paper discusses the development and industrialization of the carbon nanostructure-glass fiber hybrid pelletized in thermoplastic masterbatches of polycarbonate-acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (PC/ABS), polyamide-6,6 (PA-6,6), polycarbonate (PC), and polypropylene (PP). It reviews the electrical, thermal and mechanical properties of the compounds for engineered solutions in injection molded electromagnetic compatability (EMC) applications.
Volatile substance misuse: toward a research agenda.

Background: Volatile substance misuse (VSM) is a significant but under-researched global health problem. Objectives: This perspective calls for additional VSM research in key areas including the phenomenology and adverse health and social consequences of acute inhalant intoxication and for prospective longitudinal studies of the natural history of VSM and related deleterious long-term biomedical and psychosocial outcomes. Taxonomic investigations are needed to identify subtypes of volatile substance misusers (VSMs), whereas qualitative and mixed methods evaluations would provide important information about cultural and interpersonal contexts and specific patterns, modalities and agents of VSM. Treatment outcome and health services studies have rarely been conducted with reference to VSMs and are needed. Studies of specific inhalants and high-risk populations for VSM would also contribute to current knowledge regarding VSM and help reduce the toll taken by this prevalent form of drug misuse. Methods: The a...
Traditional Media and Culture Rethinking Development

Over 60 years of American anthropological and sociological research writings have erected a concept of culture that restricts its role in planned change models to one of active or tacit resistance to change. It is suggested that the substitution of a contemporary, dynamic conceptualization of culture as developed by cognitive anthropologists and organizational communication researchers may have significant impact upon (a) our understanding of development, (b) perceptions of the relationship between development and culture, and (c) current formulations addressing the types and effectiveness of alternative communication channels used for planned change.
Estimation of Confidence in Phylogeny: The Complete-and-Partial Bootstrap Technique

The bootstrap is a statistical technique that is widely used to assess confidence limits on phylogenies. We show that the power of the bootstrap test is lower than those of the C and S tests suggested by Felsenstein, unless the critical value employed in the bootstrap test is correctly selected. If the 95% critical value is used, the bootstrap proportions are underestimates of the confidence level when the number of possible alternative topologies is three or more; the degree of underestimation increases with the number of competing alternative topologies. To overcome this problem, we propose the complete-and-partial bootstrap technique as a method for obtaining an unbiased estimate of the confidence level. The method is based on a multinomial model of many alternatives among which the choice is to be made. The complete-and-partial bootstrap technique can be used to estimate the effective number of competing alternative topologies and the confidence level of the monophyly of a particular group of taxa or of an inferred tree topology. This approach can be used with the maximum parsimony or neighbor-joining tree reconstruction method.
Self-reported spatial hearing abilities across different cochlear implant profiles.

Purpose The goal of this study was to determine how self-reported spatial hearing abilities differ across various cochlear implant (CI) profiles and to examine the degree of subjective benefit following cochlear implantation across different groups of CI users. Method This was a retrospective study of subjective spatial hearing ability of CI recipients. The subjects consisted of 99 unilateral CI users, 49 bilateral CI users, 32 subjects with a CI and contralateral hearing aid (bimodal users), and 37 short-electrode CI users. All subjects completed the Spatial Hearing Questionnaire (Tyler, Perreau, & Ji, 2009), a questionnaire assessing spatial hearing ability, after implantation, and a subset of the subjects completed the questionnaire pre- and postimplantation. Results Subjective spatial hearing ability was rated higher for the bilateral and short electrode CI users compared to the unilateral and bimodal users. There was no significant difference in subjective spatial hearing performance between the bila...
Spin-unitary-spin splitting of SU(8) supermultiplets

The suprising narrowness of the J or psi (3.1) is interpreted as indication of a pure cc state, and hence as evidence for the SU(8) ..-->.. SU(6) x SU(2)/subS//subc/ x U(1)/subY//subc/ symmetry-breaking chain (S/subc/ = charmed-quark--spin generators, Y/subc/ = hypercharm generator) instead of an approximate SU(8) ..-->.. SU(4) x SU(2)/subS/ chain (S = quark spin generators) which would imply strong mixings. Decompositions under both chains of the s-wave qq meson states of the 64 = 1 + 63 of SU(8) and of the 3q baryon states of the three-particle symmetric 120 representation are given. The most general mass-splitting operators with breaking in the Y and Y/subc/ directions for these two multiplets are derived, which commute with the Casimir operators of the SU(6) x SU(2)/subS//subc/ x U(1)/subY//subc/ chain, which contain only one- and two-body operators, and which are invariant under rotations. Two independent mass relations follow for mesons containing charmed quarks; six, for baryons containing charmed quarks. In an appendix, for reference relative to previous SU(6) -symmetric quark-model mass analyses, the reduced numerical coefficients as determined by the meson 36 of SU(6) are listed. (AIP)
Problems with identifiying a standard procedure for determining KG values for flammable vapors

Abstract Assessing the effect of potential confined fuel–air explosions involves the examination of several essential parameters. These include the limits of combustion, maximum pressure and the deflagration index or K G . Accurate measurement of these parameters can be influenced by numerous experimental conditions. This paper describes the sensitivity of one of these parameters ( K G ) to several experimental influences. The deflagration index, K G , is important since it is the main design parameter for explosion protection systems. These studies used a highly automated 20 liter combustion sphere, with a 10 mm fuse wire igniter. Our results for methane combustion show that the deflagration index, K G , is very sensitive to • the gas composition; a 1% change in nitrogen composition changed the index value by 12 bar-m/s along the stoichiometric line. Our studies also identified some problems with mixing gases to the desired composition. • the moisture content of the gas, which can change the index by 13 bar-m/s. For some combustion gas compositions, it was difficult to describe a K G value due to significant fluctuations in the pressure vs time data. Finally, an extensive study of fuse wire igniter dynamics identified a means to provide a consistent energy delivery to the igniter. All of these problems contribute significantly to specifying a standard procedure for determining the deflagration index.
Corrigendum to " Associations of maternal long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, methyl mercury, and infant development in the Seychelles Child Development Nutrition Study" [NeuroToxicology 29(5) (2008) 776-782]

In the article cited above, it has recently come to the authors’ attention that there were errors in the calculation of Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), Arachidonic acid (AA), Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), Linoleic acid (LA), V-3 and V-6 concentrations. These errors resulted from applying an incorrect conversion factor to account for sample dilution. As a result, the values for these longchain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA) concentrations in Table 2 were incorrectly reported. More specifically, the means, standard deviations and ranges of the reported LCUPFA values are overestimated and should be divided by 6.25. Reported values for the AA/DHA ratio and V-6/V-3 ratio in Table 2 are not affected. The estimated regression coefficients for DHA, AA, EPA + DHA, V-3 and V-6 shown in Table 4 are underestimated and should be multiplied by 6.25, while the p-values are unchanged. Estimated regression coefficients for AA/ DHA ratio and V-6/V-3 in Table 4 are not affected. Results presented in Table 3 and Fig. 1 are not affected. Further details are available from the first author upon request. The conclusions of this article remain unchanged. The authors regret the errors. A R T I C L E I N F O
The effect of hypocholesterolemic drugs on adrenal corticosteroid secretion.

Drugs which inhibit cholesterolgenesis were examined in the rat for their effect on the secretion of 11β,21dihydroxy pregn-4-ene-3,20 dione (corticosterone) in adrenal vein blood. Ethyl-p-chlorophenoxyisobutyrate (clofibrate), diethylaminoethyl diphenylpropylacetate hydrochloride (SKF 525A), and 20,25-diazacholesterol (SC 12937), when fed in sufficient quantities, significantly lowered the secretion of corticosterone while vanadyl sulfate had no effect at the concentration studied. The feeding of cholesterol and injections of Triton WR 1339, in concentrations sufficient to increase plasma cholesterol levels, had no effect on secretion rates. Clofibrate, vanadyl sulfate, SKF 525A, and SC 12937 were examined for their ability to inhibit in vitro corticosteroid production. At 1 mM, clofibrate and SKF 525A decreased synthesis while vanadyl sulfate and SC 12937 had no effect.
What price visibility

Abstract Organizational visibility is discussed as it relates to financial revenue, professional power, and the volunteerism of members and others.
Translocation of a lambda-cryptic prophage to a new chromosomal site.

Abstract Superinfection of bacteria lysogenic for a λ-cryptic prophage results occasionally in the translocation of that prophage to a new chromosomal location. In the one case analyzed, the new location was between the pur E and the gal genes. The translocated cryptic prophage can persist in the absence of any normal λ prophage. The cryptic prophage at its new location provides an insertion opportunity for a superinfecting λ b2 phage.
Protecting against future shock--inhalational anthrax.

In a world filled with pressing unmet medical needs, why would a physician want to protect against a disease that is rarely seen? Part of the answer can be deduced from the events of the fall of 2001. The deliberate release of anthrax spores on unsuspecting U.S. citizens in the wake of September 11 unsettled Americans who were already concerned about the weaponization of smallpox, Ebola and Marburg viruses, and other pathogens. The subsequent arrival of the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus, together with the recent swine influenza epidemic, has further underscored our vulnerability to infectious diseases, both deliberate and . . .
Microbial response of an acid forest soil to experimental soil warming

Effects of increased soil temperature on soil microbial biomass and dehydrogenase activity were examined on organic (O) horizon material in a low-elevation spruce-fir ecosystem. Soil temperature was maintained at 5 °C above ambient during the growing season in the experimental plots, and soil temperature, moisture, microbial biomass, and dehydrogenase activity were measured during the experiment. An incubation study was also conducted under three temperature regimes, 5, 15, and 25 °C, and under four moisture regimes of 20, 120, 220, and 320% to further evaluate these environmental factors on dehydrogenase activity and microbial biomass. Soil moisture content and microbial biomass controls were significantly lower (30% and 2 μg g–1 soil, respectively) in the heated plots during the treatment period, suggesting that moisture content was important in controlling microbial biomass. In the incubation study, temperature appeared more important than moisture in controlling microbial biomass and dehydrogenase activity. Increasing temperature between 5 °C and 25 °C resulted in significant decreases in microbial biomass and dehydrogenase activity.
Cell determination and regulation during development of neuroblasts and neurones in grasshopper embryo.

The embryonic development of the central nervous system (CNS) involves the generation of an enormous diversity of cellular types arranged and interconnected in a remarkably precise pattern. In each hemisegment of the grasshopper embryo, the ectoderm generates a stereotyped pattern of 30 neuronal precursor cells, called neuroblasts (Fig. 1)1. Each of these stem cells makes a stereotyped contribution of 6–100 progeny to the ∼1,000 different neurones, each cell identifiable according to its unique morphology, physiology and biochemistry. What are the contributions of cell interactions and cell lineage to the generation of this diversity and specificity of identified neurones in the grasshopper CNS? Here we report on cell ablations with a laser microbeam at different stages of development. Our results suggest the importance of cell–cell interactions in the determination of ectodermal cells to become identified neuroblasts2. However, once a neuroblast begins to divide, then cell lineage appears to play an important role in the determination of its stereotyped family of neuronal progeny3. Furthermore, cell-specific interactions continue to play an important role as neurones, according to their mitotic ancestry, recognize and interact with other differentiating neurones in their environment4–6.
Near-Infrared (IR) Polarizing Glass

High efficiency glass polarizers have been developed that offer superior design characteristics over plastic, wire-grid and some prism type polarizers. Glass polarizers have transmittance greater than 90%, contrast greater than 500:1 at acceptance angles up to 60 degrees, and excellent resistance to humidity and temperature. High polarizing efficiency is obtained over a bandwidth of about 300nm. The location of the polarized band can be specified within the near-infrared range (800-1800nm). The polarizing effect is due to the resonant absorption of elongated sub-microscopic particles of silver metal aligned along a common axis in the glass. The polarizing mechanism is discussed briefly followed by a review of typical glass polarizer performance, design characteristics and suggested applications.
Application of polymorphic microsatellite loci in a channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus breeding program

In order to monitor spawning success in earthen ponds, individual channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus broodfish were identified prior to stocking by genotype analysis with polymorphic microsatellite DNA markers. Individual spawns were collected and reared in a hatchery, and eight sac-fry per spawn were sampled for genotype analysis. Mendelian inheritance of microsatellite alleles was used to identify parents of each spawn. The probability of detecting a falsely matched offspring and spawning pair was >99%. Av- erage spawning success was 44% (17-80%). Multiple spawning by males was found in seven of the eight ponds sampled. In these ponds, 47% of the males fer- tilized 2-6 egg masses over 1-8 wk, although most were 2-3 wk apart. Four different spawns were iden- tified as two full-sib families and were probably due to interrupted spawning. Parent/offspring genotype analysis will be useful for production of half-sib fam- ilies for estimation of genetic components of variation, estimation of effective breeding population, and selec- tion of broodstock for multiple reproductive traits un- der natural spawning conditions.