cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
(273) Acute Postoperative Opioid Trajectories and Long-Term Outcomes in Pediatric Patients after Surgery

The days following surgery encompass a critical period where the use of opioids predicts long-term outcomes in adults. It is currently unknown as to whether opioid consumption throughout the acute postoperative period is associated with long-term outcomes in pediatric patients. The aims of this study were to characterize opioid trajectories in the acute postoperative period, identify predictors of opioid trajectory membership and determine associations between opioid trajectories and long-term patient outcomes. Medication use, pain and mental health status were assessed at baseline in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis who were schedule for spinal fusion surgery. Cumulative 6-hour opioid consumption was recorded for up to 5 days after spinal surgery. At 6 weeks and 6 months after surgery, medication use, pain and physical function were evaluated. Growth mixture modeling was used to identify opioid trajectories. The study included 106 patients. Mean cumulative opioid consumption in the acute postoperative period was 13.23 ± 5.20 mg/kg. The model with the best fit contained 5 acute postoperative opioid trajectories and a quadratic term (AIC = 6703.26, BIC = 6767.19). Opioid trajectories differed in the total amount of opioids consumed and the rate of opioid intake over the acute postoperative period. Intraoperative epimorphine dose predicted the opioid trajectory membership (p = 0.0498). Opioid trajectory groups were significantly associated with pain at 6 weeks (p = 0.0103) and 6 months (p = 0.0457) after surgery. Intraoperative epimorphine dose predicts the opioid consumption in the acute postoperative period. Opioid consumption during this period is associated with long-term pain. Understanding the acute postoperative period and its association with baseline predictors and long-term patient outcomes will allow for personalized perioperative care.
Survey of Undergraduate Students' Goals and Achievement Strategies for Laboratory Coursework

Previous work has shown a misalignment between the goals of faculty and students for laboratory coursework. Although faculty often list learning techniques and developing critical thinking skills as goals for laboratory, students tend to focus on affective goals, such as finishing lab early and obtaining good grades. The goals of faculty have been thoroughly investigated through both qualitative and large-scale quantitative studies. However, studies on student goals for laboratory coursework have primarily been conducted using qualitative methods. In order to provide a more comprehensive idea of students’ goals in the laboratory, we have designed a brief, online survey. The survey was used to investigate students’ goals in the laboratory and build on existing literature by including survey questions that catalog how students plan on achieving their goals. In this study, we discuss results about students’ goals and achievement strategies at the beginning of the semester and after completing the laboratory portion of the course. Anonymous responses, via the online survey, were collected from undergraduate students enrolled in chemistry courses at two Midwestern universities. These results are intended to inform the discussion among faculty regarding how to change laboratory coursework and the instruction to better align faculty and student goals.
University of Hawai'i Cancer Center Connection: Improving public health across the Pacific: a retrospective of the 2012 Pacific Global Health Conference.

One year ago this month, the Hawai‘i Public Health Association (HPHA) hosted its 5th Pacific Global Health Conference (PGHC), Transforming Public Health in the Pacific, held in Honolulu, Hawai‘i, October 8–10, 2012. Like the previous HPHA-sponsored global public health conferences held in 2002, 2003, 2005 and 2007, the October 2012 PGHC brought together a diverse mix of public health practitioners, academics and policymakers from across the Pacific to address public health issues unique to the region. The HPHA, as the only American Public Health Association (APHA) affiliate in the region, remains committed to supporting the aims of a regional public health conference recognizing that communities in Hawai‘i and the larger Pacific region face common threats to public health, such as food insecurity, natural disasters, global warming, and among others, non-communicable diseases of epidemic proportions. HPHA also recognizes that opportunities for networking, training and knowledge exchange are relatively limited in our geographically dispersed and isolated region. While HPHA's 2002 and 2003 conferences attracted participants from as far away as Africa and Australia, HPHA began tailoring its PGHC program in 2005 to directly address the needs and interests of public health professionals in Hawai‘i and neighboring US-affiliated Pacific Islands (USAPI), namely the US flag territories of Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and American Samoa, and the independent nations in free association with the United States, including the Republic of Palau, Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia (Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei and Kosrae). PGHC 2012, likewise designed for public health practitioners, academics and policymakers from Hawai‘i and the USAPI, offered a two and a half day program that featured local, regional and national speakers invested in improving the health of communities in the Hawai‘i-Pacific region.
Effects of media and promoters on different lipid peroxidation assays in stallion sperm.

Abstract Effects of different media and promoters on lipid peroxidation (LPO) in viable stallion sperm have not been reported. Aims of this study were to determine effects of three media (INRA-96™, Equipro CoolGuard™, and Biggers, Whitten and Whittingham [BWW]), and promoters (iron sulfate-Fe; ultraviolet light-UV; or control-no exposure to promoters) on viable sperm LPO using four different flow cytometric assays (i.e., BODIPY, Liperfluo, 4-hydroxylnonenal [4HNE], malonaldehyde [MDA]). Significant media x promoter interactions were detected using the Liperfluo, 4HNE, and MDA assays (P
Neural signatures of promotion versus prevention goal priming: fMRI evidence for distinct cognitive-motivational systems.

Regulatory focus theory (RFT) postulates two cognitive-motivational systems for personal goal pursuit: the promotion system, which is associated with ideal goals (an individual’s hopes, dreams, and aspirations), and the prevention system, which is associated with ought goals (an individual’s duties, responsibilities, and obligations). The two systems have been studied extensively in behavioral research with reference to differences between promotion and prevention goal pursuit as well as the consequences of perceived attainment versus nonattainment within each system. However, no study has examined the neural correlates of each combination of goal domain and goal attainment status. We used a rapid masked idiographic goal priming paradigm and functional magnetic resonance imaging to present individually selected promotion and prevention goals, which participants had reported previously that they were close to attaining (“match”) or far from attaining (“mismatch”). Across the four priming conditions, significant activations were observed in bilateral insula (Brodmann area (BA) 13) and visual association cortex (BA 18/19). Promotion priming discriminantly engaged left prefrontal cortex (BA 9), whereas prevention priming discriminantly engaged right prefrontal cortex (BA 8/9). Activation in response to promotion goal priming was also correlated with an individual difference measure of perceived success in promotion goal attainment. Our findings extend the construct validity of RFT by showing that the two systems postulated by RFT, under conditions of both attainment and nonattainment, have shared and distinct neural correlates that interface logically with established network models of self-regulatory cognition.
Too Important to Fail: The Banking Concept of Education and Standardized Testing in an Urban Middle School

Paulo Freire’s influential concept of “banking” education describes an oppressive process that positions teachers as the “depositors” of knowledge into passive student “receptacles.” However, accor...
Thoracic aortic aneurysm: Optimal surveillance and treatment

Aneurysm of the thoracic aorta is less common than in the abdominal aorta, but it is clinically important because of the risk of rupture and death. Cases are often found incidentally. Indications for surgical or endovascular repair are based on aneurysm location and risk factors for rupture such as aneurysm size, rate of growth, and associated conditions, while medical management is also important. Surveillance with various imaging tests is critical before and after intervention to guide treatment.
The Prefrontal Cortex

At this point in the description of this conceptual theory of higher-level brain function, one must ask a very important question: what new functional capabilities evolved with the creation of the limbic system level? The answer would be quite clear. The system acquired the ability to actively learn and perform discrete multistep control by utilizing the memorization of intermediate states and the process of control optimization.
Contemporary Review of Antithrombotic Therapy in Peripheral Artery Disease

Patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) are at heightened risk for ischemic events related to atherothrombosis. Antithrombotic therapies can reduce the risk of atherothrombotic events but increase bleeding. Importantly, there is growing appreciation of the heterogeneity in risk profile and effect of antithrombotic therapies in different populations, including those with PAD. Further, patients with PAD are at risk for not only major adverse cardiovascular events but also major adverse limb events, and the drivers of risk for each are different. Within PAD populations, data from trials may be difficult to interpret due to differences among the studies with regards to patient population, clinical settings, and outcomes examined. The acute setting of peripheral revascularization which involves plaque rupture and endothelial disruption confers very high risk of major adverse limb events early postprocedure. Among patients with chronic PAD for whom the goal of antithrombotic therapy is secondary prevention, concomitant coronary artery disease, particularly with prior myocardial infarction, is associated with greatest risk for major adverse cardiovascular events, while prior peripheral revascularization or amputation is associated with greatest risk for major adverse limb events. Understanding of the potential impact of clinical setting and patient risk profile is important to guide evidence-based decisions regarding antithrombotic therapy in patients with PAD. In this article, we provide a contemporary review of data supporting the use of antithrombotic therapy in PAD, as well as a clinical framework for analysis and translation of these data into practice, highlighting areas in need of further investigation.
Lifting the Barriers Excluding People Living with Disabilities from the Benefits of Inclusion in Research Studies

As the COVID-19 virus continues to rage out of control in the United States, there are thousands of ongoing clinical trials seeking to develop even a single effective treatment or vaccine. But the only access to the products being tested is by enrolling in a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) supervised clinical trial. And inclusion in a clinical trial has always been by invitation only. This paper addresses a long ignored injustice: on the thirtieth anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) people living with disabilities have found that they are rarely on the list. This paper will be the first law review article to focus on the widespread exclusion of people living with disabilities from research studies. Although the situation has attracted some notice in bioethics, public health, and disability advocacy communities, there has never been an effort to identify the entities that fund and conduct research as covered entities subject to the ADA. This paper will make the case for immediate action by the Justice Department to ensure that all covered entities are aware of their obligations under the ADA to both remove the barriers that are either directly or by effect excluding people living with disabilities and take proactive steps to promote their inclusion. It will do so by first marshalling the evidence of exclusion and its resulting harm and then analyzing the characteristics of entities conducting research studies that make them covered entities under the ADA. Moreover, the Article addresses directly the most likely justifications for excluding people living with disabilities which, are of the same type routinely rejected by courts. Adoption of universal design principles in research studies, such as adding captions to materials necessary for communicating with potential participants is only one of many steps that could be implemented immediately.
An Evidence-Based Guide for Managing Phalangeal Fractures.

Learning objectives After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Describe treatment options for phalangeal fractures. 2. Choose an appropriate fracture management plan that optimizes patient goals and range of motion. 3. Describe closed and open reduction techniques of commonly encountered phalangeal fracture patterns. Summary Phalangeal fractures are the second most common upper extremity fracture. Although many can be treated with splinting, operative intervention may be required for unstable fracture patterns and those involving the articular surface. Failure to appropriately treat these fractures can result in finger stiffness, loss in range of motion, and functional deficits. The type of fixation method can range from percutaneous pinning to open reduction and internal fixation. This article presents a series of cases to illustrate the appropriate management of phalangeal fractures using an evidence-based approach.
Production and Reproductive Management.

Programs breeding high-quality dogs are now able to use newer technologies in order to maximize use of genetic material and improve the efficiency of the production program. Missed estrus cycles and failure to conceive are costly in canine production programs, and parameters should be established to help minimize these failures. This article outlines lessons learned over the last 20 years in a medium-sized production program and also reviews other current production programs. Common pitfalls are discussed, including the implications of each, as well as management strategies to help avoid pitfalls.
A Narrative of Escape: Self Liberation by Sea and the Mental Worlds of the Enslaved

This article investigates a singular case of maritime marronage from Jamaica to Cuba in the 1760s to explore the possibilities that archives present to reconstruct the mental worlds of enslaved Afr...
The effect of elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ETI) on glycemia in adults with cystic fibrosis

Abstract Background Cystic fibrosis related diabetes (CFRD) is associated with pulmonary decline and compromised nutritional status. Emerging data suggest that CFTR dysfunction may play a direct role in the pathogenesis of CFRD; however, studies investigating the effect of CFTR modulators on glycemic outcomes in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) have shown mixed results. The impact of elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor (ETI) on glycemic control is currently unknown. Our objective was to investigate the effect of ETI initiation on glycemia in adults with CF using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). Methods In this prospective observational study, 34 adults with CF and at least one F508del CFTR mutation wore CGM sensors for 14 days prior to starting ETI and again 3-12 months after ETI initiation. Hypoglycemia symptoms were queried at each visit, and most recent anthropometric measures and spirometry data were obtained by chart review. Results Twenty-three participants completed the study. Compared to baseline, average glucose (AG), standard deviation (SD), % time >200 mg/dL, and peak sensor glucose decreased with ETI treatment, and % time in target range 70-180 mg/dL increased. Improvements in glycemic parameters were most notable in individuals with CFRD. There was no significant change in CGM-measured or self-reported hypoglycemia before and after ETI initiation. Conclusion Initiation of ETI in adults with CF was associated with improvement CGM-derived measures of hyperglycemia and glycemic variability with no effect on hypoglycemia. Further studies are needed to investigate underlying etiology of these changes and the long-term impact of ETI on glycemic control in patients with CF.
From Single to Multi Mode Lasing: The role of materials revealed in optical simulations

The comparative study of thin film Cholesteric Liquid Crystal (CLC) lasers made from different materials and optically pumped by an external solid state laser reveals a striking dependence of lasin...
The Interview: Using Student Conducted Interviews to Reinforce Class Content

This article discusses two interview assignments used in a class on political representation. Instructor observations, as well as student-provided survey data, indicate the assignment was a success...
Experimental Methods for Epizootilogical Research with Hydras

To present culture and analytical methods for research on hydras and their associated ectoparasitic fauna, with special emphasis on the use of the hydra—Hydramoeba system as a model for epizootilogical investigations. I use the term epizootic to characterize the dynamics of infectious disease in host populations (Tanada, 1963).
Preparation of phosphohistidyl peptides via oxidative coupling of H-phosphonates

Post-translational phosphorylation of proteins is an important event in signal transduction. Extensive research has focused on Ser, Thr, and Tyr phosphorylation events. This research has been facilitated by the availability of efficient synthetic methods to prepare peptides carrying O-phosphorylated residues. N-Phosphorylation events on His, Lys, & Arg residues are of current interest, because of their emerging role in signal transduction. However, efficient synthetic methods to prepare peptide reagents carrying N-phosphorylated residues are less developed. Here we report an expedient strategy to obtain N-phosphohistidyl peptides via oxidative coupling to an appropriately protected H-phosphonate.
Colour phases of the eastern screech owl: a comparison of biomechanical variables of body contour feathers

Summary 1. Melanin is a ubiquitous pigment in the animal kingdom and has been reported to increase biological tissue strength. Melanin is responsible for many observed cases of colour polymorphism, or existence of two or more distinct plumage colours in one species (regardless of age, sex, or mass). Researchers have postulated that the relative concentration of melanin pigments deposited in feathers may function to strengthen feathers but colour polymorphic species have been ignored. Here, we investigate whether different morphs of a polymorphic bird species exhibit differential plumage strength. 2. While colour polymorphism is widespread in birds, there is no consensus on the adaptive significance of polymorphism or the maintenance of clinal variation in colour morphs. The eastern screech owl (Megascops asio) is a polymorphic species; individuals exhibit rufous, intermediate, or grey coloration that is likely caused by relative amounts or concentration of black or rufous melanin subtype (eumelanin and pheomelanin respectively). This species exhibits clinal variation in morph prevalence; the rufous morph predominates in humid deciduous forests while the grey morph is more common in dry or cold environments. 3. Here, we test the hypothesis that differences in feather strength may select for darker plumage in drier climates. First, we use reflectance spectrometry to objectively verify differences in colour morphs of the eastern screech owl. Second, we measure mechanical variables and morphology of dorsal feather barbs. 4. While reflectance spectrometry objectively separated the three colour morphs, we found no significant differences in the mechanical variables of plumage morphs. These results fail to demonstrate differences in plumage strength among eastern screech owl colour variants. 5. This conclusion rejects the hypothesis that melanin subtype affects the strength of body contour feathers in the eastern screech owl and may not factor in the maintenance of the observed clinal variation.
Eggonomics: The Ethical Implications of Providing Private Party Egg Donor Compensation

This essay explores the ethical issues surrounding the United States' liberal policy toward private party egg donor compensation. It identifies two ethically differentiable types of compensation: burden-based compensation and desired-trait compensation, and systematically explores the arguments for and against each type. After a discussion of issues such as the wealth-based disparities between egg seekers and donors, the undermining of informed consent, the commodification of children, and the sociopsychological consequences of rewarding those with ";;;desirable";;; traits, the essay ultimately concludes that, in light of the potential social harms of a system of desired-trait compensation, a policy of burden-based compensation may be less ethically problematic.
Optimizing Voting-Type Algorithms for Replicated Data

The main objectives of data replication are improved availability and reduced communications cost for queries. Maintaining the various copies consistent, however, increases the communications cost incurred by updates. For a given degree of replication, the choice of a specific concurrency control algorithm can have a significant impact on the total communications cost. In this paper we present various models for analyzing and understanding the trade-offs between the potentially opposing objectives of maximum resiliency and minimum communications cost in the context of the quorum consensus class of algorithms. It is argued that an optimal vote assignment is one which meets given resiliency goals and yet incurs the least communications cost compared with all other alternative assignments. A mathematical model for vote assignment is developed, and optimal algorithms are presented. It is demonstrated that significant cost savings can be realized from these approaches.
Relativistic treatment of spin-transfer observables in quasielastic ( p →, n →) scattering

We calculate all spin-transfer observables for the quasielastic (p\ensuremath{\rightarrow},n\ensuremath{\rightarrow}) reaction in a relativistic plane-wave impulse approximation. The nuclear structure information is contained in a large set of nuclear response functions that are computed in nuclear matter using a relativistic random-phase approximation to the Walecka model. A reduced value of the nucleon mass in the medium induces important dynamical changes in the residual isovector interaction relative to its nonrelativistic counterpart. As a result, good agreement is found for all spin observables---including the spin-longitudinal to spin-transverse ratio---when compared to the original (q=1.72 ${\mathrm{fm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$) NTOF (neutron time-of-flight facility) experiment. In contrast, the spin-longitudinal to spin-transverse ratio is underpredicted at q=1.2 ${\mathrm{fm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ and overpredicted at q=2.5 ${\mathrm{fm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$. We comment on the role of distortions as a possible solution to this discrepancy.
Approaching Ethics Through Humor -- Using Lawyer Jokes to Teach Business Ethics

It is becoming clear that something has to be done in the United States to teach the importance of ethics and values. This paper takes a unique approach and shows how lawyer jokes can be used to illustrate the importance of business ethics. It is highly unlikely that jokes can cause a stereotype. What is more probable is that jokes and stereotypes have common origins. Most of us will agree that the legal profession gets little respect in the United States; sadly, there is a good reason for this. The public does not trust lawyers and sees most of them as dishonest. One doubts that there is any other profession that has resulted in so many vicious jokes. Even presidents of the United States tell lawyer jokes; the following joke is attributed to Teddy Roosevelt: "A man who never graduated from school might steal from a freight car. But a man who attends college and graduates as a lawyer might steal the whole railroad."
Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth

The gastrointestinal tract proximal to the distal ileum is usually sparsely populated with bacteria. When overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine is accompanied by nutrient malabsorption and clinical manifestations of weight loss and malnutrition, the setting has been called the stasis, stagnant loop, or blind loop syndrome. Since the publication of a number of excellent general reviews of the subject several years ago, 1–4 there has been an increased understanding of some of the pathophysiologic events accompanying overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine. In particular attention has been drawn to the potential addition of mucosal injury to disturbances of the intraluminal environment in the altered handling of various nutrients. In addition, clinical recognition of the entity has increased with the use of noninvasive screening tests, with improvement in culture technique, and with increased recognition of several types of disordered intestinal motility predisposing to overgrowth. The purpose of this review will be to (a) analyze recent developments in the understanding of this syndrome, putting them into perspective with the previously reviewed material; (b) point out the clinical ramifications of the recent information, especially with the perspective that most conditions predisposing to bacterial overgrowth are lifelong, once present; and (c) suggest several areas where future investigation might prove fruitful in furthering our understanding of the pathophysiology and management of small intestine bacterial overgrowth.
A High‐Content Assay for Biosensor Validation and for Examining Stimuli that Affect Biosensor Activity

Biosensors are valuable tools used to monitor many different protein behaviors in vivo. Demand for new biosensors is high, but their development and characterization can be difficult. During biosensor design, it is necessary to evaluate the effects of different biosensor structures on specificity, brightness, and fluorescence responses. By co-expressing the biosensor with upstream proteins that either stimulate or inhibit the activity reported by the biosensor, one can determine the difference between the biosensor's maximally activated and inactivated state, and examine response to specific proteins. We describe here a method for biosensor validation in a 96-well plate format using an automated microscope. This protocol produces dose-response curves, enables efficient examination of many parameters, and unlike cell suspension assays, allows visual inspection (e.g., for cell health and biosensor or regulator localization). Optimization of single-chain and dual-chain Rho GTPase biosensors is addressed, but the assay is applicable to any biosensor that can be expressed or otherwise loaded in adherent cells. The assay can also be used for purposes other than biosensor validation, using a well-characterized biosensor as a readout for effects of upstream molecules.
A Newtonian fluid model of the onset of plane folding in a single rock layer with surface tension effects

Abstract The prototype structural dynamics problem of the initiation of plane folding in a single more competent rock layer, where both that layer and its embedding medium are originally undergoing a uniform parallel-layer compression at a constant strain rate, is reexamined. The two-dimensional mathematical model employed represents this situation in terms of a layered quasistatic Newtonian fluid involving surface tension effects. The critical conditions for the onset of folding are developed by performing the relevant linear stability analysis of an appropriate planar interface solution to this governing system of equations using a modified normal mode technique. These results depend crucially upon a nondimensional stability parameter proportional to the ratio of strain rate to surface tension. Consistent with models ignoring these surface tension effects, the wave train of a fold occuring over an unbounded region is characterized by the dominant wavelength of that disturbance corresponding to the maximum perturbation growth rate. For finite territory size limited in lateral extent to the order of the dominant wavelength, however, this wave train can be characterized by the critical wavelength at which the growth rate vanishes. The latter result is used to explain why some folds have a wavelength to thickness ratio of less than six while minor folds seem to have a preference for that quantity between six and four. This approach is presented as an alternative to a non-Newtonian one.
Characterizing the Birefringence of Polarization-Maintaining Fiber using Optical Frequency Domain Reflectometry

Optical Frequency Domain Reflectometry (OFDR) is used to measure the group index difference and the refractive index difference (i.e. beat-length) between the fast and slow modes in polarization-maintaining (PM) optical fiber.
Partnering with patients – a concept ready for action

Aim. This paper is a report of a concept analysis of partnership within the context of a professional–patient relationship. Background. The concept of partnership has been previously characterized as immature, with a need for further consensus and consistency. Critical attributes previously reported include relationship, power sharing and negotiation, with empowerment as the primary consequence. Method. Rodgers’ evolutionary method of analysis for concept development was used to re-examine the concept of partnership. Historical documents and previously published conceptual papers were reviewed for context. A search of multidisciplinary literature published between 2000 and 2004 was undertaken using the keywords of ‘partnership’ and ‘partnering’, combined with nurse/professional/physician–client relationship. Attributes, uses, antecedents and consequences were inductively derived from the citations analysed (n = 62). Results. Previous authors affirmed that partnership involves a process and a consistent set of eight attributes. Relationship, shared power, shared decision-making and patient autonomy are attributes that distinguish partnership from other related concepts. Most of the literature, however, consisted of expert opinion or descriptive research. Little progress has been made in applying theory, developing tools to test the process, identifying when partnerships are needed and what specific outcomes occur when they are present. Conclusion. Partnerships between healthcare providers and patients develop over time. They are created to support patients in having a greater voice in their care and to empower them in self-management. A descriptive model of partnership is proposed to support researchers in generating or applying existing theory to the development of research designs and tools that could test how this process actually works.
The dynamics of growth-factor-modified immune response to cancer growth: One dimensional models

By characterizing the effect of tumor growth factors as deviations from normal logistic-type growth rates, the spatio-temporal dynamics for a one-dimensional model of cancer growth incorporating immune response are studied. The growth rates considered are classified respectively as normal, activated, inhibited and delay activated. The homogeneous steady states are defined by relative extrema of a ''free energy'' function V(x) for each of the above four cases. This function is of particular importance in studying the coexistence of tumoral and cancer-free steady states, and in identifying the nature (progressive or regressive) of travelling wave solutions to the nonlinear partial differential equation governing the tumor cell dynamics in each case. Lower bounds on wave speeds for wavefronts linking stable tumoral states to unstable cancer-free states are established, as are estimates of wave speeds(~ 2 x 10^-^7 - 2 x 10^-^[email protected]?sec), corresponding to a tumor of size 1 cm being established in 50-500 days (depending on the value of the diffusion coefficient). Some exact solutions and wave speeds for analytic approximations to the system are obtained. An estimate is given for the tumor nucleation size in three dimensions, along with a lower bound on the system size necessary to support such tumor ''outbreaks'' (not unlike the budworm infestation problem). As more data becomes available on the nature of growth factors and the associated cellular response characteristics, models of the type developed here can be used as a basis for comparison of activation/inhibition interactions with the immune system.
Homeopathic combination remedy in the treatment of acute childhood diarrhea in Honduras.

Background: Despite the widespread availability of oral rehydration therapy, diarrheal illness remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality around the world. Previous studies have shown individualized homeopathic therapy to be effective in treating childhood diarrhea, but this approach requires specialized training. Objective: A homeopathic combination medicine, if effective, could be used by health personnel on a widespread basis. Methods: A double-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted in Honduras to evaluate the effectiveness of a homeopathic combination therapy to treat acute diarrhea in children. A total of 292 children with acute diarrhea was recruited; 145 were randomized to the experimental group and 147 to the placebo group. Tablets containing a combined preparation of the five most common single homeopathic remedies used to treat diarrhea or placebo were administered by a parent after each unformed stool. Children were followed up daily for 7 days or until symptoms resolved, whichev...
Ligand exchange of metal carbonyls by chain mechanisms. Electrochemical kinetics of electron transfer catalysis

Abstract The metal carbonyl derivatives LM(CO) n of manganese, rhenium, molybdenum and tungsten undergo facile ligand substitution by an electrode-mediated process. Phosphine, pyridine and isocyanaide substitutions are shown to be chain reactions by coulometric analysis and by cyclic voltammetry of the metal carbonyl solutions containing the added nucleophiles L . Reversible electrochemical parameters can be obtained for both LM(CO) n and the substitution product L M(CO) n . These allow the digital simulation of the cyclic voltammograms by Feldberg's method, which provides a detailed analysis of the kinetics of the electrocatalytic mechanism for ligand substitution. Generally, the radical cation LM(CO) n + produced initially at the anode undergoes rapid exchange with L to afford the cationic substituted species L M(CO) n + . This step is followed by electron transfer with the reactant LM(CO) n to yield the substitution product L M(CO) n and regenerate the radical cation LM(CO) n + , which completes the chain propagation sequence. Multiple repetition of this cycle is indicated by the high current efficiencies which are obtainable. The second order rate constants for the ligand exchange of the 17-electron radical cations LM(CO) n + with added L are evaluated, and found to be more than 10 6 times larger than that for the neutral, diamagnetic precursor LM(CO) n . The radical cations L M(CO) n + also react readily with phosphine and alkyl isocyanide nucleophiles, leading to a characteristic distortion of the CV waves. Digital simulation of such cyclic voltammograms allows the kinetics of these processes, particularly the redox catalysis in the oxidation of phosphines by LM(CO) n + , to be evaluated quantitatively. The enhanced reactivity of the 17-electron radical cations LM(CO) n + is discussed in relationship to recent reports of the substitution lability in other 17- and 19-electron metal carbonyls.
Mean field theory of the general collective motion algebra gcm(3)

The Lie algebra gcm(3) is a 15-dimensional semidirect sum that contains the algebra of the general linear group GL+(3 ,R ). The six-dimensional Abelian ideal of gcm(3) is generated by the mass quadrupole and monopole tensors. The Bohr–Mottelson quantum model of nuclear rotational and vibrational states is a particular irreducible representation of gcm(3). The gcm(3) dual space consists of density matrices which are defined by the expectations of the gcm(3) generators. A coadjoint orbit is a level surface in the dual space of the gcm(3) Casimir, which is the squared length of the conserved Kelvin circulation vector. This paper develops mean field theory on any coadjoint orbit of gcm(3) densities. A Lax pair determines the dynamics of gcm(3) densities on each coadjoint orbit. This Lax equation is equivalent to the Riemann ellipsoid equations of motion. PACS number: 21.60.Fw
Transformative Considerations: Inclusion and Social Justice

Should the Russians be included in the evaluation and, if so, how can that be done? Based on the axiological assumption that the social justice theory of ethics leads to an awareness of the need to...
Foreign Exchange Hedging with Synthetic Options and the Interest Rate Defense of a Fixed Exchange Rate Regime

In the end-game of a fixed exchange rate regime, increases in interest rates to defend the currency may lead to an apparently perverse market response: further downward pressure on the exchange rate. This may result if a large proportion of investors` foreign exchange exposure is dynamically hedged. This paper describes the trading operations involved in implementing dynamic hedges and the impact of these operations on central bank policy. The success of an interest rate defense hinges on the size and timing of the funding operations of those who are being squeezed relative to those engaged in dynamic hedging.
Distribution of aluminum species in normal urine as determined by chemical neutron activation analysis

A procedure developed for separating and quantifying non protein and protein fractions of aluminum species in urine was applied to four consecutive 24 hr collections of five healthy subjects. The total Al content of urine was determined by a chemical neutron activation analysis technique reported elsewhere. Results from the analysis of all subjects indicate that the majority of aluminum is bound to protein (>88%) with minor fractions as citrate complexes. These data are comparable with other speciation experiments with blood plasma indicating 90% of the aluminum was bound to plasma proteins.
Perceived Value: A Dimension of the Consumer Risk Construct

This paper examines the effects of price and brand information on consumer risk in making purchase decisions. The introduction of non‐monetary risk reinvigorates a promising research stream that has investigated the relationship of market cues and buying behavior. Research results strongly suggest that, in addition to the monetary risk of value, non‐monetary risk such as social risk can be a key moderator between product character (quality and price) and consumers’ willingness to buy. Not only do consumers make a rational tradeoff in terms of dollars and quality, but they appear to buy in terms of how they will be perceived by their friends, families and peers. Perceived value is found to be a multi‐dimensional construct that covers the specturm of financial and non‐monetary risk. The results solidify the following arguments for a market cue‐product evaluation model: depicting how buyers use price and brand information as indicators of quality and monetary sacrifice; determining how quality perceptions and monetary perceived sacrifice influence the perceptions of monetary and non‐monetary risk; and establishing the influences of purchase intentions.
Expansion of suprasylvian cortex projection in the superficial layers of the superior colliculus following damage of areas 17 and 18 in developing cats

Tritiated proline and leucine were injected into areas 17 and 18 of intact cats and into the medial bank of the lateral suprasylvian (LS) cortex of intact cats and cats from which areas 17 and 18 had been removed on postnatal day 1 (P1), P28, or in adulthood (A). The density of label transported to the superior colliculus was quantified using image-analysis equipment. The results from the intact cats confirmed previous reports that areas 17 and 18 project most heavily to stratum zonale (SZ) and stratum griseum superficiale (SGS) and LS cortex projects most heavily to stratum opticum (SO) of the superior colliculus. However, in cats with lesions of areas 17 and 18, the projections from LS cortex showed an age-dependent reorganization. LS projections to SGS and SZ were enhanced following ablation of areas 17 and 18 on P1, and projections to SGS were enhanced following an ablation on P28. The pattern of LS-collicular projection following ablations incurred in adulthood was indistinguishable from the pattern presented by intact cats. This study demonstrates that the LS corticocollicular projection expands in SGS and possibly substitutes for inputs eliminated by the removal of areas 17 and 18 from the immature brain. This enhanced pathway may contribute to compensatory neuronal changes and to spared behaviors that accompany damage of immature cortex.
Enhancing staff motivation in “tough” periods: implications for business leaders

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to present a viewpoint based on an empirical study conducted by the author, which explored the motivational techniques used by 30 chief executive officers in the context of an advancing economy like Greece that faces a severe financial crisis and evaluated the impact of such motivational tools on staff performance. Design/methodology/approach – The viewpoint is based on a quantitative survey of 30 Greek large organizations involving the leaders of the firms and 113 workers. In all, 143 responses were collected concerning the main motivational techniques used by the participant leaders and their impact on employee behavior. Findings – Overall, the findings showed that in the short-term, both motivational models (i.e. “inspirational” versus “fear”) may lead to effective organizational performance. However, the main difference appears to be related to the long-term impact of each model on firm performance. In particular, the findings indicated that “fear motivation” is m...
Review: Cytokine Involvement in Ovarian Processes

PROBLEM: Expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF) and interleukins 1α and 1β (IL-1) have been reported in ovaries of several species and humans and are implicated in ovarian follicular development and atresia, ovulation, steroidogenesis, and corpus luteum function (including formation, development, and regression). The principal abnormal processes affected by these cytokines are ovarian cancer and reduction of ovarian function during sepsis. METHODS: A literature review. RESULTS: Numerous studies indicate that TNF and IL-I inhibit gonadotropin-stimulated steroidogenesis of undifferentiated ovarian cells due to inhibition of adenylyl cyclase and post-cAMP sites. In differentiated ovarian cells, these cytokines either stimulate progesterone synthesis or have little to no effect on steroidogenesis. Both cytokines participate in ovulation and levels of these cytokines increase during the periovulatory period. Endotoxin inhibits gonadotropin-stimulated ovarian steroidogenesis and follicular development and these effects are mediated, in part, by TNF and by direct effects of endotoxin on ovarian cells. In newly formed corpora lutea, progesterone secretion is inhibited by TNF and IL-I, although each has proliferative effects. TNF also has been implicated in regression of corpora lutea because TNF stimulates prostaglandin synthesis and luteal TNF increases after initiation of the decline in progesterone secretion. TNF and IL-I are secreted by some ovarian cancer cells and stimulate growth of these cells. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, TNF and IL-1 are multifunctional factors affecting various ovarian processes.
Novel solvent hydrogen-bonding effects in the singlet oxygen ene reaction: a comparison of α,β-unsaturated esters and acids

Abstract The photooxidations of tiglic acid, angelic acid, 2,3-dimethyl-2-butenoic acid and their corresponding methyl esters using singlet oxygen were investigated in methanol and methanol/water solvent mixtures and compared to non-hydrogen-bonding solvents with different dielectric constants. The major and minor ene allylic hydroperoxide products were quantified and this ratio for the acids was found to be dependent on a hydrogen-bonding interaction between the solvent and substrate.
Intelligent state space pruning using multi-objective PSO for reliability analysis of composite power systems: Observations, analyses, and impacts

Work has recently been completed that improves the computational aspects of Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) including its total computational time and iterations required for convergence through the use of a novel technique known as state space pruning. This methodology currently exists in two distinct flavors: The analytical method and a method built on Population-based Intelligent Search (PIS) techniques. These PIS techniques encompass the field of population based metaheuristics such as Genetic Algorithms (GA), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Ant Colony Optimization (ACO), and others. Most of these PIS based methods consider single objective formulations where the effect of transmission line failures on the system are not considered. As such, this work examines the impact that transmission line failures have on both MCS and PSO as used for state space pruning. A successful method for applying multi-objective PSO (MOPSO) to state space pruning is also proposed and examined. All methods are implemented and compared using the IEEE Reliability Test System.
e+e− annihilation scaling plateaus from finite energy sum rules

Abstract Using recent data from SPEAR on R(s) = σt(e+e− → γ → hadrons)/σQED(e+e− → μ+ μ−) we evaluate finite energy sum rule (FESR) constraints on scaling behavior. We find that two scaling plateaus are required to satisfy the FESR: R(s) = 2.1 ± 0.3 for √s 3 GeV.
On zero product determined algebras

Let be a commutative ring with identity. A -algebra is said to be zero product determined if for every -bilinear having the property that whenever , there is a -linear such that for all . We provide a necessary and sufficient condition for an algebra to be zero product determined and use the condition to derive several new results. Among these, we show that the direct sum of algebras is zero product determined if and only if each component algebra is zero product determined; we show that the tensor product of zero product determined algebras is zero product determined in case is a field or in case the algebra multiplications are surjective; we produce conditions under which the homomorphic images of a zero product determined algebra are zero product determined; finally, we introduce a class of zero product determined matrix algebras that generalizes block upper triangular matrices and extends a result of Bresar, Grasic, and Ortega in 2009.