cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Agility and Vertical Jump Performances Are Impacted by Acute Cool Exposure.

Carlson, LA, Fowler, C, and Lawrence, MA. Agility and vertical jump performances are impacted by acute cool exposure. J Strength Cond Res 33(6): 1649-1653, 2019-Outdoor sports teams may be exposed to acute cold stress during competition, which may affect performance. Limited research has explored the effects of cold exposure on athletic components. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of an acute whole-body cool exposure on pro-agility, vertical jump, and sprint performances. Eleven lightly clothed (∼0.3 clo) and not cold acclimatized volunteers (10/1 women/men: age 20.5 ± 0.5 years; height 1.65 ± 0.09 m; mass 63.3 ± 8.9 kg; body fat 21.3 ± 7.6%) completed performance tests in both thermoneutral (17.2° C, 36% relative humidity, Biddeford, ME, USA) and cool (6.1° C, 72% relative humidity, Thorsmork, Iceland) ambient temperatures. Before completing the performance tests, subjects engaged in a 5-minute stretching routine and were subsequently exposed to either a thermoneutral or cool ambient environment for 15 minutes. Performance tests included 3 trials of maximal vertical jumps, and 2 trials of both the 36.6-m sprint and pro-agility tests. Mean performance and lactate values were compared via paired t-tests. Pro-agility completion time was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) slower in the cool (5.63 ± 0.33 seconds) than thermoneutral (5.43 ± 0.26 seconds) environment. Vertical jump was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) lower in the cool (0.36 ± 0.07 m) than thermoneutral (0.41 ± 0.10 m) environment. Sprint performance and lactate values were unaffected by the cool exposure. Brief cool exposure seems to influence agility and vertical jump performances. Our results suggest that it would be prudent for athletes and coaches to consider the ambient environment when preparing for competition.
127 Attention, distraction, and crashes: working memory and texting while driving predict crashes in young novice drivers

Cell phone use while driving is associated with increased risk of vehicle crashes, especially among young drivers. However, the role of cell use apart from other risk factors that might endanger the young driver has not been demonstrated. Here we examine how executive function capacities as well as other risky driving behaviours and traits relate to crashes in young novice drivers. Young drivers (n=84; aged 18–20.6 years) were recruited from a longitudinal study of youth in Philadelphia that measured a range of executive functions (e.g., working memory), individual traits (e.g., impulsivity), and risky behaviours (e.g., substance use) at six waves across adolescence. Those who had obtained a license following the final wave completed a self-report driving survey that recorded history of crashes, cell use while driving, as well as other risky driving practices (e.g., ignoring speed limits). Twenty-five participants (30%) reported being in at least one crash as a driver. Correlations and logistic regression models examined the relationship between crash incidence and the various risk factors. Impulsivity, substance use, and other forms of executive function did not correlate with crashes. Although texting correlated with a factor of other risky driving behaviours, only texting, citations, and a composite score of working memory (WM) correlated with crashes (all r’s>0.232, all p’s
A New Nonuniform Piecewise Linear Viscoelastic Model of the Aorta with Propagation Characteristics

The structure–property relations have been observed to be nonuniform throughout the vascular tree. Pressure and flow measured along various sites of the aorta therefore exhibit significant differences. Their waveforms have generally been predicted from models that assume an uniform, isotropic, and cylindrical vessel coupled with laminar flow of a Newtonian fluid. Although gross features can be demonstrated, accurate local mechanical and pulse transmission phenomena often cannot be obtained. We developed a unique model of the aorta that affords accurate prediction of the transmission of pressure and flow pulses from the root of the aorta to the abdominal–iliac junction. The model was developed from a close approximation of the physical characteristics of a normal canine aorta, incorporating nonlinear geometric and elastic properties, with the following assumptions: piecewise linear approximation of the overall structure of the vessel, thin-walled, nonbranching, longitudinally constrained, Newtonian fluid, laminar flow, and the absence of neuronal and hormonal influence. The model provides unconstrained variations in profile, elastance, and pulse wave velocity that can be used for study of the normal, aging, pathological, and surgical conditions.
Schematic validity in dynamic epistemic logic: decidability

Unlike standard modal logics, many dynamic epistemic logics are not closed under uniform substitution. The classic example is Public Announcement Logic (PAL), an extension of epistemic logic based on the idea of information acquisition as elimination of possibilities. In this paper, we address the open question of whether the set of schematic validities of PAL, the set of formulas all of whose substitution instances are valid, is decidable. We obtain positive answers for multi-agent PAL, as well as its extension with relativized common knowledge, PAL-RC. The conceptual significance of substitution failure is also discussed.
Symmetry of Energy Divergence Anomalies Associated with the El Niño-Southern Oscillation

The El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is a dominant source of global climate variability. The effects of this phenomenon alter the flow of heat from tropical to polar latitudes, resulting in weather and climate anomalies that are difficult to forecast. The current work quantified two components of the vertically integrated equation for the total energy content of an atmospheric column, to show the anomalous horizontal redistribution of surface heat flux anomalies. Symmetric and asymmetric components of the vertically integrated latent and sensible heat flux divergence were quantified using ERA-Interim atmospheric reanalysis output on 30 model layers between 1979 and 2016. Results indicate that asymmetry is a fundamental component of ENSO-induced weather and climate anomalies at the global scale, challenging the common assumption that each phase of ENSO is equal and opposite. In particular, a substantial asymmetric component was identified in the relationship between ENSO and patterns of extratropical climate variability that may be proportional to differences in sea surface temperature anomalies during each phase of ENSO. This work advances our understanding of the global distributions of source and sink regions, which may improve future predictions of ENSO-induced precipitation and surface temperature anomalies. Future studies should apply these methods to advance understanding and to validate predictions of ENSO-induced weather and climate anomalies.
Dominant Component Tracking for Empirical Mode Decomposition using A Hidden Markov Model

It is well known that the empirical mode decomposition algorithm does not always return an appropriate decomposition due to problems like mode mixing. In this paper, we consider the problem of a component being split across several intrinsic mode functions (IMFs). We propose the use of a hidden Markov model (HMM) to track the dominant component across the set of IMFs returned by EMD. We provide an example demonstrating the proposed tracking using an acoustic recording where component splitting is present in the decomposition and compare our method to two other possible tracking approaches. We show that the proposed method provides a compromise between smoothness and energy associated with the tracked component.
Secondary research uses of residual newborn screening dried bloodspots: a scoping review

Residual newborn screening dried bloodspots (DBS) are a valuable resource for research but the extent, type, and nature of uses are unknown. The objective of this research was to systematically review the published literature about secondary research uses of residual DBS using a scoping review protocol. A total of 654 publications meeting the inclusion criteria with a 94% interrater reliability were identified. A coding template was created with input from expert advisory board to summarize the data. Electronic literature search of Ovid MEDLINE, Embase (via Embase.com), CINAHL (EBSCO),and Science and Social Sciences Citation Indices (via Web of Science) was conducted. A large proportion of the secondary research with DBS was conducted within the United States (30%). The number of published studies utilizing DBS are increasing each year, primarily with observational or case–control designs. Only a small number of studies reported whether or not consent was obtained and if the DBS were identifiable or not. Outcomes of this research indicate that residual DBS are well utilized worldwide for research addressing individual and public health issues. Future analyses will summarize outcomes of disease-specific research and provide evidence of the use of residual DBS in research on health outcomes.
Measuring facets of reward sensitivity, inhibition, and impulse control in individuals with problematic Internet use.

Abstract Introduction Problematic Internet Use (PIU) is the inability to control the amount of time spent on the Internet. Research indicates that abnormalities in reward sensitivity, sensitivity to punishment, and impulse control drive addictive behaviors such as substance abuse and gambling disorders, but it is unclear whether this is also the case in PIU. Methods Behavioral tasks and scales were completed by 62 participants (32 PIU individuals and 30 no-PIU individuals) to assess reward sensitivity, sensitivity to punishment, as well as inhibitory function and impulse control. Measures administered included Go/No-Go, delay discounting, Behavioral Inhibition/Activation (BIS/BAS) scales and the Sensitivity to Punishment and Sensitivity to Reward Questionnaire (SPSRQ). Results The PIU group endorsed greater reward sensitivity and punishment sensitivity as indexed by the SPSRQ. However, there were no group differences with regards to delay discounting, performance in the Go/No-Go task, or endorsement in the BIS/BAS scales. Discussion The present study found increased reward sensitivity and sensitivity to punishment in PIU individuals, though impulse control was not observably affected. Future experimental studies are needed to inform our conceptualization of the etiology of addictive behavior as it pertains to PIU. Further investigation will aid in informing prevention and intervention efforts.
The myth of two goddesses

Тhis article discusses the mythopoetic aspects of Aleksei Fedorchenko’s Angels of Revolution. In the film, the new avant-garde forms of art and life meet with the filmmaker’s wish to design a new l...
Do E‐Waste Laws Create Behavioral Spillovers? Quasi‐Experimental Evidence from California

Many governing bodies have launched efforts to shape the operations of manufacturers, administration of civic entities, and behavior of individuals to limit waste generation. Typically, such efforts commence with the enactment of targeted legislations that create operational changes (e.g., recycling fees, collection centers) to the waste collection and disposal processes. For example, over 25 states in the United States have enacted legislations that aim to properly dispose used electronic and electrical goods (i.e., e‐waste) and divert such waste away from landfills. We argue that such legislations can have an impact that extends beyond just reducing e‐waste. This is because such laws may not only motivate individuals to restrict e‐waste but also induce broader behavioral spillovers that can prompt individuals to reduce waste in general. To explore this idea, we exploit a quasi‐experimental setup that arises from California's enactment of the Electronic Waste Recycling Act (EWRA). Specifically, a difference‐in‐differences analysis reveals that the introduction and implementation of the EWRA resulted in at least 4.93% reduction in municipal solid waste (MSW). A plausibility analysis illustrates that these MSW reductions are much larger than what can be attributed purely to the decline of e‐waste. Furthermore, we show that the effect of e‐waste laws is stronger when consumers have increased market access through (i) online connectivity and (ii) offline proximity. Our study informs policy makers on the effects of e‐waste legislation and the critical role of market access in enhancing the impact of such legislation.
Predictors of Female Sexual Aggression Among a U.S. MTurk Sample: The Protective Role of Sexual Assertiveness:

We studied predictors of female sexual aggression (FSA) among a U.S. Mechanical Turk sample (from Amazon’s online crowdsourcing platform) of 634 adult women (median age = 32). A logistic regression...
The Novel Application of Transvaginal Notes for Hysteroscopic Polypectomy and Cervicalmyomectomy

Study Objective To demonstrate the advantages of using transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) for both hysteroscopic polypectomy and cervical myomectomy. Design Video presentation of the surgical procedure. Setting University hospital. Patients or Participants A sexually inactive patient with numerous comorbidities presented with irregular vaginal bleeding in the setting of worsening pelvic pain and bladder pressure for three year. Pelvic MRI showed multiple cervical fibroids and an endometrial polyp. Interventions After the patient was anesthetized, a narrow vagina with no visibility of the cervical os was detected. vNOTES hysteroscopic polypectomy and cervical myomectomy were determined to be more appropriate than conventional methods. A GelPOINT mini port was first placed in the vagina, which allowed for entrance into the uterine cavity. A Myosure hysteroscope and laparoscopic tenaculum were inserted through the port, and polyps in the uterine cavity were then removed. After polypectomy, a transverse incision was made on the anterior cervix through the same port for cervical myomectomy. The tenaculum was used to grab the fibroid and a harmonic scalpel was then applied for enucleation. V-loc was used to close the incision and reconstruct the cervical canal. After suturing, hysteroscopy was performed again to confirm normal anatomy. A Foley catheter was placed to prevent cervical stenosis. Measurements and Main Results Complete resection of cervical myoma and uterine polyp were performed, with postoperative relief of symptoms (i.e. bladder pressure). The surgery was 70 mins with Conclusion For patients with cervical polyps and/or myomas who cannot be operated by conventional methods, NOTES hysteroscopy and myomectomy may be an attractive option and lead to less surgical complications, reduced pain, and faster recovery.
Case 57: A Peanut in the Airway

A 2-year-old boy is brought into the emergency room with wheezing and stridor. The parents accompanying the child tell you that they are sure there is a peanut stuck in his windpipe. This happened 3–4 h prior to admission. The time is now 6 p.m. Chest exam exhibits classical laryngeal obstruction and with decreased bilateral air entry. The child is frightened and very distressed. He will not have any noninvasive monitors put on, including the oxygen saturation. You are comforted by the fact that he does not look cyanosed. He is using his accessory muscles and everyone can hear that he is wheezing with each forced exhalation.
What Ails the Large Law Firm? Will the Real FutureFirm Please Stand Up

“What Ails the Large Law Firm?” was written in the early summer of 2009, shortly after the completion of FutureFirm 1.0 — a “collaborative competition” in which teams of law firm partners, in-house lawyers, and junior associates competed with one another to create a law firm that would survive and thrive over the next 20 years. This essay reported the surprising results of the competition along with my own commentary on how these results could be used by BigLaw to adapt to changing times.Upon completing the essay, however, I filed it away. Back in 2009, law firm leaders had too many emergencies on their hands to listen to the unsolicited advice of a legal academic. Although I thought my analysis had merit, the timing was wrong. A better course of action was to let events play out.Nearly five years have past since FutureFirm 1.0. To our great relief, the fall-out from the 2008 credit crisis is behind us. To the surprise of some, the large law firm sector has come out the other side substantially intact. Headcounts are slightly up from 2008, and the most firms remain quite profitable. Yet, most law firm managers would probably agree with Bruce MacEwen’s sober conclusion that Growth is Dead.I am circulating “What Ails the Large Law Firm? Will the Real FutureFirm Please Stand Up” because I think most large law firm lawyers would be interested in revisiting the crisis of 2008-2009. Since that time, many short- and medium-term strategies have been tried, and many were successful. But they were also short- or medium-term. Lawyers at many firms are ready to have a conversation about longer-term ideas. Politicians may long for a crisis to make change. Prolonged ruts, in contrast, appear to bring out the best in big firm lawyers.With this brief prologue in place, it is my hope that “What Ails the Large Law Firm?” may be a useful and well-timed message.
Brief report: pitocin induction in autistic and nonautistic individuals

Oxytocin plays an important role in social-affiliative behaviors. It has been proposed that exposure to high levels of exogenous oxytocin at birth, via pitocin induction of delivery, might increase susceptibility to autism by causing a downregulation of oxytocin receptors in the developing brain. This study examined the rates of labor induction using pitocin in children with autism and matched controls with either typical development or mental retardation. Birth histories of 41 boys meeting the criteria for autistic disorder were compared to 25 age- and IQ-matched boys without autism (15 typically developing and 10 with mental retardation). There were no differences in pitocin induction rates as a function of either diagnostic group (autism vs. control) or IQ level (average vs. subaverage range), failing to support an association between exogenous exposure to oxytocin and neurodevelopmental abnormalities.
HYPERBILIRUBINEMIA OF PREMATURITY

The general subject of hyperbilirubinemia of prematurity has been reviewed. Several factors which are now known to affect the concentration of bilirubin in the serum in the neonatal period have been discussed. These are divided into pre- and postnatal factors. It is suggested that the term hyperbilirubinemia should be used in preference to "physiologic jaundice" when referring to infants with concentrations of serum bilirubin of over 10 to 15 mg/100 ml. This roughly separates a group of infants who are potentially endangered and for whose jaundice some specific etiology can frequently be found. Data have been presented which indicate that the incidence of hyperbilirubinemia and kernicterus may vary considerably from one premature nursery to another and within the same unit from time to time. The hypothesis has been offered that this variation may be due to iatrogenic factors. It seems justified to suggest that any premature unit encountering a high incidence of hyperbilirubinemia or kernicterus should carefully examine some of its routine policies. The results of a survey by the author indicate that there is a wide divergence of opinion as to whether hyperbilirubinemia of prematurity should be treated. Considerable variation in the criteria used to select infants for treatment also exist. The only proven effective means of therapy at the present time is exchange transfusion. This has been demonstrated not to be excessively dangerous for premature infants, and available evidence suggests that it is effective in preventing brain damage. Fully realizing the many deficiencies inherent in the concept of a "critical level" of serum bilirubin, the author recommends choosing a concentration of serum bilirubin between 18 and 25 mg/100 ml as the main criterion for the selection of patients for treatment. Some of the newer methods aimed at controlling hyperbilirubinemia are reviewed. These are still in the highly experimental stage and cannot as yet be adequately evaluated.
Building Familiarity: Heidegger in Architectural Design

The uncertainty of the world can be unnerving. Following in the Platonic tradition of Western thought, French philosopher Rene Descartes essentially codified rational thinking as the basic mode of human existence in his famous cogito ego sum. In so doing, he believed he had come up with a solution to the “problem” of uncertainty. (1986, p. 18) claims.
Expanding a behavioral repertoire by tuning spinal primitives

Work in the frog spinal cord, and more recently in mammals, suggests that the degrees of freedom problem in motor planning may be simplified by building motor actions from combinations of motor primitives. How motor primitives arise from spinal circuits, their properties and their plasticity are important issues for this framework. Most recently, we have used various decomposition techniques (independent components analysis, matching pursuit cosine packet analysis, best basis algorithm and wavelet methods) in both simple and complex behaviors to examine the muscles that are controlled as groups or units, and to investigate the pattern and time scale of action of primitives in behaviors. Our data are beginning to provide a description of the way in which spinal elements are controlled for incorporation into more complex behaviors. We outline this description and our methods in this paper.
Remarriage and Stepfamily Life

In family research, the topic of remarriage and stepfamilies has been of interest to scholars since the landmark study by Jessie Bernard in 1956. In fact, the Journal of Marriage and Family decade reviews began addressing remarriage and stepfamilies in 1980 when these topics were included as a “nontraditional family form” (Macklin, 1980, citing 29 studies from 1970s) and as a “noninstitution” (Price Bonham & Balswick, 1980, citing an additional 17 studies). By 1990 when Coleman and Ganong reviewed studies of remarriage and stepfamilies from the 1980s, they noted that the literature had grown to “well over 200 published empirical works” (p. 925). They also noted that (a) stepchildren were the focus of much of the research rather than remarriage and marital functioning in stepfamilies and (b) studies typically assumed a problem-oriented or deficit-comparison approach. This approach addressed between group comparisons of those in first-marriage families with those in stepfamilies with limited attention to stepfamily strengths and processes.
Identification of cis-acting regulatory regions upstream of the rRNA operons of Rhodobacter sphaeroides.

The promoter region(s) for the rRNA operons of Rhodobacter sphaeroides was identified. By utilizing both in vivo and in vitro techniques, the transcriptional start sites of all three operons were identified. Upstream of the transcriptional start, -10 and -35 promoter regions that bear little similarity to typical Escherichia coli promoter sequences were identified. In addition to the promoter sequences, probable Fis protein-binding sites were identified upstream of all three rRNA operons. Transcriptional fusions of the promoter regions from rrnA and rrnB were constructed by utilizing the reporter molecule encoded by xylE and analyzed under various growth conditions, in both a wild-type background and an rrnBC mutant background. Production of the xylE gene product (catechol 2,3-dioxygenase) was always greatest under photosynthetic growth conditions. However, the upstream region of rrnB, when fused with xylE, produced significantly more catechol 2,3-dioxygenase than did analogous regions of rrnA, suggesting that the promoters of the rrn operons differ in strength. These results were further confirmed by the study of mutant strains altered for the rrn operons either singly or in combination. Little or no expression of the xylE gene was manifest in E. coli when directed by rDNA sequences derived from R. sphaeroides. Images
Extensive White Matter Abnormalities in Patients with First-Episode Schizophrenia: A Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) Study

Background Previous voxelwise Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) investigations of white matter in first-episode schizophrenia (FESZ) have been limited to the analysis of Fractional Anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD), with their findings inconsistent in terms of the anatomical locations and extent of abnormalities. This study examines white matter abnormalities in FESZ, compared with healthy controls, using a tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) approach applied to multiple measures of tract integrity, and correlates these findings with symptom severity.
Comparisons of punctate, edge and surface stimulation of peripheral, slowly-adapting, cutaneous, afferent units of cats

(Accepted June 21st, 1979) When a flat and smooth surface with well-defined edge contours is placed on the skin, human subjects can estimate the size of the surface with considerable accuracy, even when tested on regions of skin where receptive fields are largeS, 13. This capacity for tactile discrimination of size contrasts sharply with a relative insensitivity to the presence or absence of continuous surface stimulation between the edges. For example, although subjects can discriminate a less than 4 mm difference in the dia- meters of discs placed on the volar forearm (with standard diameters ranging from 6 to 40 mm), they cannot distinguish an annulus from a disc until the inside diameter of the annulus is 30 mm 13. While it is tempting to assume that this preferential awareness of edge contours arises from lateral inhibitory interactions within the central nervous system 1, another possibility is that the adequate stimulus for some cutaneous receptors is local deformation (as opposed to general compression of the receptor and the surrounding tissue). A preferential sensitivity of type I slowly-adapting mechano- receptors for shear deformations has been suggested by Iggo and Muir 7, who observed a greater response to stroking across a tactile dome than to lowering a probe directly on the corpuscle. The present report provides evidence that both type I and type II slowly-adapting, peripheral cutaneous afferent units are effectively excited by punctate or edge stimulation but discharge minimally upon substantial displacement of the entire receptive field by a surface 12. Action potentials of single peripheral afferent fibers were isolated from 15 adult cats anesthetized with Nembutal (sodium pentobarbital). Systemic arterial pressure and end-tidal CO2 were continuously monitored. Automatic control of external heat kept rectal temperature at 37 °C. Six of the cats were prepared for recording from the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve, which was exposed near the hip, partially freed from connective tissue, and cut proximally. The exposed portion of nerve, bathed in mineral oil, was dissected with needles under microscopic observation. Small fascicles were divided and placed on bipolar recording electrodes until the action potentials of a * On sabbatical leave from Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, College of Medicine, Gainesville, Fla. 32610, U.S.A.
The MECO Experiment at BNL

The physics potential of the MECO experiment as well as the experimental method with some emphasis on extinction are described.
Detection of ectopic pregnancy in an outpatient population: The role of the beta-HCG level

Abstract A retrospective analysis was made of 265 female outpatients who initially presented to an emergency department with a complaint of amenorrhea, vaginal bleeding, or abdominal/pelvic pain. The patients were discharged from the emergency department pending results of a serum pregnancy test. Forty-five of the patients were subsequently found to have an elevated (>5 mIU/mL) beta human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) level. Six of the patients had an ectopic pregnancy; their beta HCG levels ranged from 19 to 265 mIU/mL. A detectable beta HCG level less than 500 mIU/mL had a 33076 probability of an ectopic pregnancy in the study group. Historical features, physical examination, and laboratory parameters were of limited value for identification of minimally symptomatic outpatients at risk for an ectopic pregnancy. No study patient had a systolic blood pressure of less than 86 mm Hg on presentation. A comparison group of 29 patients admitted to the hospital directly from the emergency department with a diagnosis of “rule out ectopic pregnancy” during the same time interval was identified. Nine of the directly admitted patients were found to have ectopic pregnancies. A statistically greater proportion of the directly admitted patients had a hematocrit less than 35% and a positive urine (tube) pregnancy test than that found for the study group. Five of the comparison group patients were noted to have a systolic blood pressure of less than or equal to 80 mm Hg. The beta HCG was found to be an essential tool in the evaluation of potential ectopic pregnancy in patients with minimal symptomatology.
Effect of norgestomet on peripheral levels of progesterone and estradiol-17β in beef cows☆☆☆

Abstract Peripheral levels of progesterone and estradiol 17β were quantified in 27 cycling cows following administration of a single Hydron ear implant (G. D. Searle and Co.) containing 2, 4 or 6 mg norgestomet or controls which received no implant. Implants were inserted subcutan-eously in the ear on day 15 of the estrous cycle (day of estrus = day 0) and removed 9 days later. The 4 mg (seven of seven cows) and 6 mg (six of six cows) implants suppressed estrus; however, three of eight cows in the 2 mg group exhibited estrus prior to implant removal. The 6 mg implant group had a significantly longer interval from implant removal to estrus than either the 2 or 4 mg group. Failure to detect differences in the rate at which progesterone declined indicated norgestomet treatment did not affect normal corpus luteum regression. Estradiol levels rose at a similar rate approaching estrus in all treatments. There was no indication of increased endogenous estradiol levels due to norgestomet treatment.
Problems in pharmacokinetic investigations in patients with HIV infection.

The incidence of h uman imm un odeficiency vi­ rus (HI V) infec tio n in the United States a nd the wo rl d has now reac hed epidemic proportions, and the developmen t of effective anti-HI V drugs pre­ sents a fchallenge to scientists. Although many of the problems in devel oping Ihese drugs are common 10 other d iseases. some are un ique 10 HIV ition . The development of new agents necessary for its trea tment involves several slages. One key step is to conduc t pharmacokinetic stud­ ies in pat ien lS wit h HI V in fec lion, and thi s article outlines some of Ihe difficult ies, bot h un ique and common, in cond ucting such studies. First it dis­ cusses the clinical, elhical and enrolment problems encountered; then fo llows a description of the fac­ tors whi ch may complicate imerpreta lion of the data o n the absorption. elimination and dislribu­ tion of drugs. Since Ihe experience of scientis ts in conducting pharmaco kinetic st udies i n HI V­ infected paliems is nO I extensive, some of the pro blems raised he re are speculative and sho uld be read as such.
Transfection of mGSTA4 in HL-60 cells protects against 4-hydroxynonenal-induced apoptosis by inhibiting JNK-mediated signaling.

The mammalian alpha-class glutathione S-transferase (GST) isozymes mGSTA4-4, rGSTA4-4, and hGSTA4-4 are known to utilize 4-hydroxynonenal (4HNE) as a preferred substrate. During the present studies, we have examined the effect of transfecting human myeloid HL-60 cells with mGSTA4, on 4-HNE-induced apoptosis and the associated signaling mechanisms. Results of these studies show that treatment of the wild-type or vector-only-transfected HL-60 cells with 20 microM 4-HNE caused apoptosis within 2 h. The cells transfected with mGSTA4 did not undergo apoptosis under these conditions even after 4 h. In the wild-type and vector-transfected cells, apoptosis was preceded by JNK activation and c-Jun phosphorylation within 30 min, and an increase in AP-1 binding within 2 h of treatment with 20 microM 4-HNE. In mGSTA4-transfected cells, JNK activation and c-Jun phosphorylation were observed after 1 h, and increased AP-1 binding was observed after 8 h under these conditions. In the control cells, 20 microM 4-HNE caused caspase 3 activation and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage within 2 h, while in mGSTA4-transfected cells, a lesser degree of these effects was observed even after 8 h. Transfection with mGSTA4 also provided protection to the cells from 4-HNE and doxorubicin cytotoxicity (1.6- and 2.6-fold, respectively). These results show that 4-HNE mediates apoptosis through its effects on JNK and caspase 3, and that 4-HNE metabolizing GST isozyme(s) may be important in the regulation of this pathway of oxidative-stress-induced apoptosis.
pH-dependent conformational change of gastrin.

GASTRIN is a polypeptide hormone with a broad spectrum of biological activities, most notably the stimulation of secretion of gastric acid1,2. It is produced primarily in the pyloric gland area of the lower segment of the stomach, the antrum, which does not secrete acid1,2. When carried by the blood to the upper segment of the stomach, the fundus, gastrin stimulates secretion of acid by the oxyntic glands1. Although release of gastrin into the blood stream is mediated by stimuli from the nervous system, its release is strongly inhibited when the antral mucosa is bathed in acid2. Therefore, the secretion of the hormone is under negative feedback regulation, with resultant control of stomach acidity.
DPM: a measurement system for distributed programs

A framework for measuring the performance of distributed programs is presented. This framework includes a model of distributed programs, a description of the measurement principles and methods, and a guideline for implementing these ideas. The author describes a measurement system called the Distributed Programs Monitor (DPM), which he has constructed on the basis of these concepts. DPM has been implemented and used for measurement studies on two different operating systems, DEMOS/MP and Berkeley Unix. >
Verbal interference with perceptual classification: The effect of semantic structure

In a task of the same form as the standard Stroop test, the relevant attribute was ellipse size and the required responses were the numbers 1 through 6 assigned to each of the ellipses in order of increasing size. The irrelevant attribute consisted of either alphabet letters or the numerical symbols 1 through 6 displayed in the center of each ellipse. The numerals produced more interference with the classification of the relevant attribute than the alphabet letters, supporting Klein’s (1964) results. In addition, the interference due to the irrelevant numerical symbols increased as the distance between the values of the relevant and irrelevant attributes was decreased. Since “distance” is a structural property of the number system, this indicated that the competing response tendencies aroused by the irrelevant numericals involved the semantic structure for numbers. The same results were obtained when numerical quantity, rather than ellipse size, was the relevant attribute.
Substituted dithiazole piperazine benzamides as novel amyloid beta peptide reducing agents

Alzheimer’s disease is a persistent neurodegenerative disorder of elderly characterized clinically by irreversible loss of memory due to accumulation of amyloid beta peptides within the amyloid plaques. We report the parallel synthesis and screening results of diverse substituted di-thiazole piperazine benzamides. A new compound TPI-1917-49 was identified as a promising amyloid reducing agent by lowering the levels of Aβ at least in two cell types and in vivo.
Resolving Struggling Learners' Homework Difficulties: Working With Elementary School Learners and Parents

Struggling learners and their parents often are exasperated by homework. They find it difficult, frustrating, and laborious, producing resistance, slipshod work, stress at home, and conflicts between struggling learners, parents, and school personnel. The author (a) identifies several causes of struggling learners' homework difficulties, (b) explains how teachers can help struggling learners in elementary school succeed with homework and help parents who want to help their child with homework, and (c) explains how elementary school teachers can use listening and problem solving to secure parents' cooperation and jointly solve complex homework difficulties.
Nationality, Race, and gender on the American pop charts: What happened in the ‘90s?

(2001). Nationality, Race, and gender on the American pop charts: What happened in the ‘90s? Popular Music and Society: Vol. 25, Nineteenth‐Century American Popular Music, pp. 221-231.
Rescue treatment by percutaneous closure of interatrial septal defect or PFO in infants with Berlin heart

During the past two decades, important progress has been achieved in the treatment of end-stage congestive heart failure in newborns and infants. The use of ventricular assist devices (VAD) in these patients is now available as a bridge to heart transplantation. The use of a VAD may reveal the presence of a silent interatrial septal defect or a patent foramen ovale (PFO), inducing a right to left shunt resulting in systemic desaturation and hemodynamic instability. We present two cases of low weight infants on circulatory support with VADs and right to left shunt through interatrial septum that were successfully treated by percutaneous intervention with an occlusion device.
Avalanche mechanism for the enhanced loss of ultracold atoms

In several experiments with ultracold trapped atoms, a narrow loss feature has been observed near an atom-dimer resonance, at which there is an Efimov trimer at the atom-dimer threshold. The conventional interpretation of these loss features is that they are produced by the avalanche mechanism, in which the energetic atom and dimer from three-body recombination undergo secondary elastic collisions that produce additional atoms with sufficient energy to escape from the trapping potential. We use Monte Carlo methods to calculate the average number of atoms lost and the average heat generated by recombination events in a Bose-Einstein condensate and in a thermal gas. We improve on previous models by taking into account the energy dependence of the cross sections, the spatial structure of the atom cloud, and the elastic scattering of the atoms. We show that the avalanche mechanism cannot produce a narrow loss feature near the atom-dimer resonance. The number of atoms lost from a recombination event can be more than twice as large as the three that would be obtained in the absence of secondary collisions. However, the resulting loss feature is broad and its peak is at a scattering length that is larger than the atom-dimer resonance and depends on the trap depth.
Birth size and risk of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM)

Abstract A case-control study was conducted to test the hypotheses that birth size is increased in infants who develop IDDM in childhood and that birth size differs by diagnosis age. Cases were non-Hispanic white (NHW) children randomly selected from the Colorado IDDM Registry ( n = 221). Controls ( n = 197) were NHW children frequency-matched to cases by age-group and gender. Self-administered questionnaires collected birth size and demographic data. There were no significant univariate differences in birth weight (cases 3303.0 g; controls, 3346.1 g; P = 0.40), birth length (cases, 50.8 cm; controls, 51.2 cm; P = 0.28), or ponderal index (cases, 2.52; controls, 2.49; P = 0.92). The case/control odds ratio (OR) controlling for gender, maternal education, and birth place was 1.0 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.4, 2.5) for the highest category of birth weight compared to the lowest. There were no statistically significant case/control differences in ponderal index (highest to lowest category OR = 1.1; 95% CI 0.6, 2.0) or birth length (1 cm increase OR, 1.0; 95% CI 0.9, 1.2). Similarly, analysis by age-at-diagnosis groups revealed no significant differences, suggesting that birth size does not reveal prenatal diabetogenic influences.
Vapour undersaturation in primitive mid-ocean-ridge basalt and the volatile content of Earth's upper mantle

The analysis of volatiles in magmatic systems can be used to constrain the volatile content of the Earth’s mantle and the influence that magmatic degassing has on the chemistry of the oceans and the atmosphere. But most volatile elements have very low solubilities in magmas at atmospheric pressure, and therefore virtually all erupted lavas are degassed and do not retain their primary volatile signatures. Here we report the undersaturated pre-eruptive volatile content for a suite of mid-ocean-ridge basalts from the Siqueiros intra-transform spreading centre. The undersaturation leads to correlations between volatiles and refractory trace elements that provide new constraints on volatile abundances and their behaviour in the upper mantle. Our data generate improved limits on the abundances of carbon dioxide, water, fluorine, sulphur and chlorine in the source of normal mid-oceanridge basalt. The incompatible behaviour of carbon dioxide, together with the CO2/Nb and CO2/Cl ratios, permit estimates of primitive carbon dioxide and chlorine to be made for degassed and chlorine-contaminated mid-ocean-ridge basalt magmas, and hence constrain degassing and contamination histories of mid-ocean ridges.
Optimization Of Short Scan Convolution Reconstruction In Fan Beam CT

The problem of image reconstruction using a minimal complete set of projection measurements in conjunction with a standard divergent reconstruction algorithm is reviewed. It is shown that by optimally weighting the projection measurements, unimpaired image quality can be obtained. Boundary conditions are developed which minimize boundary discontinuities and resulting streaks in the final image. A simple application of calculus of variations is used to find a set of weights which satisfy the boundary conditions and which minimize second order changes in the weights. Image quality comparable to reconstruction from a full 360° data set is obtained using these weights.
The Influence of Parental Rejection on the Development of Maladaptive Schemas, Rumination, and Motivations for Self-Injury

To improve understanding of the development of self-injury, the current study was designed to determine the role that rejecting caregivers may have in conferring risk through development of maladaptive schemas, rumination, and specific motives for various self-destructive behaviors. Data were collected from undergraduates endorsing a history of self-injury who were raised by both parents (n = 228). The proposed model hypothesizing parental rejection influencing dual pathways of interpersonal and intrapersonal causes and motivations for self-injury was supported. Perceptions of greater parental rejection were associated with higher levels of both intra and interpersonal maladaptive schemas which, in turn, influenced corresponding intra and interpersonal motivations for self injury. Further, we found support for the expectation that the intrapersonal pathway was associated with greater depressive rumination and greater severity, recency, and variety of self-injury. Results are consistent with developmental models of dysfunctional caregiver relationships which disrupt the formation of healthy self views and adaptive emotional regulation capacities.
Disruption of macromolecular hydration — a possible origin of chilling destabilization of biopolymers

Abstract Chilling temperatures (0–15°C) disrupt the metabolism of plants, resulting in abnormal growth and development and, often, in the death of the plant. Sensitivity to chilling is a major constraint in the production and cold preservation of crops, but the metabolic origin of sensitivity to chilling is not clear and, consequently, the phenomenon is not easily controlled. However, recent data suggest that chilling may destabilize the assembly and function of biopolymers by disrupting macromolecule-water interactions. A similar explanation may account for the altered properties and quality of food crops that have been chilled.
What did Pyrrho think about “The Nature of the Divine and the Good”?

L'A. souleve les problemes d'interpretation de quelques lignes de Timon de Phleius dans ses «Indalmoi» sur la nature du divin et du bien, lignes qui ont toujours ete comprises comme une transcription des idees de Pyrrhon. L'A. souleve le caractere dogmatique de cette citation et propose, s'appuyant sur l'ambiguite du texte a ce propos et pour eviter une contradiction avec le scepticisme de Pyrrhon, d'attribuer ces paroles a Timon lui-meme
A closed-form model for electrostatic discharge thermal runaway in semiconductor devices

Abstract A closed-form thermal model for ESD is developed from the heat flow equation to determine the temperature rise in semiconductor devices. The thermal failure threshold current is obtained and the time dependency of the temperature rise is analyzed from the new closed-form thermal model. The thermal model developed in this paper is an extension of the Wunsch-Bell model that includes an additional exponential term. The new closed-form temperature function should be very useful for thermal device design.
Low Temperature Growth of Nanocrystalline Silicon from SiF4 + SiH4

The electrical conductivity of nc-Si films grown from SiF 4 and H 2 with constant arsenic doping rises from 10 -5 to 10 Scm -1 as the thickness rises from ˜ 0.1 to 1 μm. This variation demonstrates the strong influence of film structure on conductivity. We show that the conductivity of undoped nc-Si films of constant thickness can be varied by adding SiH 4 to the SiF 4 and H 2 source gas.
Tsunami Prevention and Preparedness Practices for Tourism Sector and Private Entrepreneur in Khao Lak, Phang Nga Province of Thailand

ABSTRACT VIRAPART, C., 2011. Tsunami Prevention and Preparedness Practices for Tourism Sector and Private Entrepreneur in Khao Lak, Phang Nga Province of Thailand. In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3–2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 365–368. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749–0208. The 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami on 26th December 2004 caused more than 8,000 casualties for both Thais and foreign tourists in Thailand. Casualties were mainly in the Khao Lak areas, one of the most popular coastal cities of the Andaman Sea of Thailand in Phang Nga Province. Thailand has put in place a disaster early warning system through the establishment of the National Disaster Warning Center (NDWC) in on 30th May 2005. NDWC and its interagency departments and international organizations have implemented knowledge-based capacity building programs to increase awareness and resilience in disaster management at the Government function levels and the community level since 2006. It wa...
Vancomycin therapy of severe staphylococcal infections

Vancomycin, introduced clinically about 30 years ago, has been used widely over the past decade because of the increasing incidence of methicillin-resistant staphylococci. Its bactericidal action, high and prolonged blood levels, the lack of development of resistant strains, and decreased adverse reactions with the more purified preparation now available, make it an excellent agent for staphylococcal infections due to strains resistant to the beta-lactam antibiotics. Recent articles reviewing the efficacy of vancomycin are summarized.