cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Whose experience is measured?: A pilot study of patient satisfaction demographics in pediatric otolaryngology

Objectives/Hypothesis Despite a national emphasis on patient-centered care and cultural competency, minority and low-income children continue to experience disparities in health care quality. Patient satisfaction scores are a core quality indicator. The objective of this study was to evaluate race and insurance-related disparities in parent participation with pediatric otolaryngology satisfaction surveys. Study Design Observational analysis of patient satisfaction survey respondents from a tertiary pediatric otolaryngology division. Methods Demographics of survey respondents (Press Ganey Medical Practice Survey©) between January and July 2012 were compared to a clinic comparison group using t test and chi-square analyses. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to assess likelihood to complete a survey based on race or insurance status. Results A total of 130 survey respondents were compared to 1,251 patients in the comparison group. The mean patient age for which the parent survey was completed was 5.7 years (6.1 years for the comparison group, P = 0.18); 59.2% of children were ≤5 years old. Relative to the comparison group, survey respondents were more often white (77.7% vs. 58.1%; P <0.001) and privately insured (84.6% vs. 60.8%; P <0.001). Similarly, after controlling for confounding variables, parents of children who were white (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.13–2.78, P = 0.013) or privately insured (OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.74–4.85, P <0.001) were most likely to complete a survey. Conclusion Methods to evaluate satisfaction did not capture the racial or socioeconomic patient distribution within this pediatric division. These findings challenge the validity of applying patient satisfaction scores, as currently measured, to indicate health care quality. Future efforts to measure and improve patient experience should be inclusive of a culturally diverse population. Level of Evidence 2c. Laryngoscope, 124:290–294, 2014
Three-dimensional imaging utilizing scattered radiation

An algorithm for 3-D image reconstruction in nuclear medicine is proposed in which scattered radiation, rather than multiple projected images, is used for determination of the source depth within the body. Images taken from numerous energy windows are combined for reconstruction of the source depth in the body. The singular value decomposition of the kernel matrices is used to break the reconstruction problem into distinct channels which relate energy spectra to source depth distributions. Based on this analysis, a nonlinear (and noniterative) reconstruction algorithm is proposed and tested which avoids nodal patterns and blurring. The algorithm does not degrade spatial resolution in the imaging plane, provides depth resolution with standard deviation of 4 cm without requiring any camera motion, and produces significant attenuation correction in the reconstructed source distribution. The results suggest that the algorithm might have great value when incorporated into standard SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography) algorithms. >
The effect of interpersonal trust, need for cognition, and social loneliness on shopping, information seeking and surfing on the Web

This study contends that certain personality traits of e-consumers have an affect on their shopping, surfing and information seeking behaviors on the Web. Specifically, it is proposed that e-consumers who are low on interpersonal trust are less likely to shop on the Web due to their heightened concerns with Web security. Similarly, an argument is made that e-consumers who enjoy cognitively demanding processing tasks are more likely to use the Web for information search. Finally, it is posited that social loners will be selectively drawn to Web surfing. Findings from an empirical study are presented which support these assertions. Implications of this study for marketers and future researchers are discussed.
Evaluating the effects of maternal exposure to benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, and xylene on oral clefts among offspring in Texas: 1999-2008.

BACKGROUND There is evidence from previous studies that maternal occupational exposure to hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) is positively associated with oral clefts; however, studies evaluating the association between residential exposure to these toxicants and oral clefts are lacking. Therefore, our goal was to conduct a case-control study examining the association between estimated maternal residential exposure to benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, and xylene (BTEX) and the risk of oral clefts among offspring. METHODS Data on 6045 nonsyndromic isolated oral cleft cases (3915 cleft lip with or without cleft palate [CL ± P] and 2130 nonsyndromic isolated cleft palate [CP] cases) delivered between 1999 and 2008 were obtained from the Texas Birth Defects Registry. The control group was a sample of unaffected live births, frequency matched to cases on year of birth. Census tract-level estimates of annual average exposures were obtained from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 2005 Hazardous Air Pollutant Exposure Model (HAPEM5) for each pollutant and assigned to each subject based on maternal residence during pregnancy. Logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between estimated maternal exposure to each pollutant (BTEX) separately and the risk of oral clefts in offspring. RESULTS High estimated maternal exposure to benzene was not associated with oral clefts, compared with low estimated exposure (CL ± P adjusted OR = 0.95; 95% CI = 0.81 − 1.12; CP adjusted OR = 0.85; 95% CI = 0.67 − 1.09). Similar results were seen for the other pollutants. CONCLUSION In our study, there was no evidence that maternal exposure to environmental levels of BTEX was associated with oral clefts. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 97:532-537, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Seasonal variation of the subtropical/tropical pathways in the Atlantic Ocean from an ocean data assimilation experiment

An ocean data assimilation product from the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) was used to investigate the seasonal variability of the ocean circulation in the northern tropical Atlantic. Analyses indicate that the seasonal variation of the circulation plays an important role in mediating meridional exchange between the subtropics and equatorial zone. In particular, seasonal changes in the Northern Equatorial Countercurrent (NECC) and in the cyclonic recirculation of the Guinea dome directly affect the trajectory of a subducted water parcel. Furthermore, seasonal variation of the zonal slope of the thermocline in the interior of the basin controls, to a large extent, the amount of water participating in the equatorial circulation. These changes can be explained in terms of a simple dynamical model where local Ekman pumping dominates thermocline variation in the western part of the basin, and Rossby wave adjustment comes into playing in the eastern basin.
The Market Neutral and Event Driven Cemetery

This article examines the survival of the market neutral and event driven classifications using different survival models. By exploring several predictor variables, the analysis demonstrates that some variables can be used to predict hedge fund survival. The author use the product-limit estimator, life table method, accelerated failure time model, and the Cox proportional hazards model to investigate the survival times of live and dead market neutral and event driven funds over a 12-year period. He finds that millions managed, average monthly return, minimum purchase, and leverage have an impact on the survival of market neutral hedge funds and that only average millions managed and average monthly return have an impact on event driven hedge funds.
Calculation of Equilibrium Island Morphologies for Strained Epitaxial Systems

Strained islands grown coherently on a relatively thick substrate with similar elastic properties are considered within the framework of continuum mechanics. The condition of uniform surface chemical potential is imposed to calculate two-dimensional equilibrium island shapes. The stress distribution in the equilibrium islands is shown to be highly nonhomogeneous. The effects of introducing a single misfit dislocation at the island-substrate interface are considered. It is found that there is critical island volume above which a dislocation decreases the total free energy of the system. The dislocation alters the stress distribution in the island, causing the island to relax via mass transport to an equilibrium shape with a lower height-to-width aspect ratio and a smaller surface chemical potential than the island prior to the introduction of the dislocation.
Computer-aided analysis of metal flow in the rolling of rods and structural profiles

Abstract The task of designing and optimizing roll pass sequence for rolling of rods and structural profiles remains an uncertain and costly process. Two computer programs were developed for assisting the roll pass design for rolling of (1) rods and (2) structural profiles. The paper describes the approach, the programs and the limited verification of the programs with the available measurements.
Mutagenic, cytotoxic, and teratogenic effects of 2‐acetylaminofluorene and reactive metabolites in vitro

The embryotoxic, mutagenic, and cytotoxic properties of 2-acetylaminofluorene (AAF) and two of its reactive metabolites, N-acetoxy-2-acetylaminofluorene (AAAF) and 2-nitrosofluorene (NF) were assessed in vitro. A combined embryo culture/biotransformation system was used to determine the ability of these compounds to produce embryonic malformations, growth retardation, and/or embryolethality. Salmonella typhimurium auxotrophs (his-) were utilized to measure the mutagenic and cytotoxic potentials of these compounds. The parent compound, AAF, did not produce embryonic malformations or mutagenicity in the absence of an added cytochrome P-450-dependent monooxygenase system. Both metabolites produced each of the measured toxic effects without supplementation of a bioactivation system. However, the three chemicals each elicited a different spectrum of malformations. Bioactivated AAF produced neural tube abnormalities, whereas embryos treated with AAAF primarily exhibited prosencephalic malformations, and NF produced abnormalities of axial rotation or flexure. NF was approximately ten times more potent than AAAF as a direct-acting mutagen but only slightly more active in producing embryonic malformations in vitro. The results indicated that differential effects on the various measured parameters could be produced by these chemicals. The results indicated further that neither NF nor AAAF appeared to be individually responsible for the neural tube abnormalities generated by biotransformed AAF.
A Comparison of a Radical Polymerization vs ROMP Matrix for Molecular Imprinting

We report a comparison of radical polymerization vs ROMP matrices in molecular imprinting technology. Although the radical polymerization method enjoys the greatest usage and applications, we found the ROMP method of polymerization not only improved the binding properties of the polymer but also increased the selectivity. The ROMP method creates the polymers much faster and uses mild conditions, moreover, the tolerance of Grubbs' catalyst to a large number of functional groups provides a wide range of molecules that can be used.
Elimination of diaphragmatic contractions from chronic pacing catheter perforation of the heart by conversion to a unipolar system.

This report describes how simple conversion from a bipolar to unipolar pacing system eliminated bothersome diaphragmatic stimulation in a patient with chronic catheter perforation of the heart. This approach, when feasible, appears preferable to the insertion of a second pacing catheter.
The Day-to-Day Reality of Teacher Turnover in Preschool Classrooms: An Analysis of Classroom Context and Teacher, Director, and Parent Perspectives

The purpose of the current study is to examine teacher turnover comprehensively by triangulating the experiences of teachers, directors, parents, and children through actual, “real-time” turnover transitions. We intentionally examined turnover with a small sample size (N = 13 classrooms) to facilitate comprehensive data collection utilizing multiple qualitative and quantitative measures and to gain a rich understanding of the implications of teacher turnover on classroom quality, staff, and the parents and children with whom they work. The study utilized an interpretive paradigm to illuminate and juxtapose the experiences of teachers, directors, parents, and children through the turnover transition—as teachers departed and their replacements began. Strategies used to respond to turnover were identified at the program and classroom levels. Implications for early childhood classroom quality and policy are discussed.
Using Social Indicators to Predict Addiction

Because of cost and other constraints, states often find it difficult to estimate need for treatment of alcohol-related problems from routine surveys. The social undesirability of illegal drug use makes the assessment of need for treatment of their use even more difficult. This paper uses independently obtained treatment need estimates to provide parameters for short-term prediction. We obtained the parameters by regressing the proportions of people addicted to alcohol (or drugs) in counties on social-indicator-based relative treatment need estimates for alcohol (or drugs). In addition to integrating estimates coming from independent sources, our approach presents an important tool for planning and resource allocation.
Information Processing-from Engineering Drawing to Manufacture

This paper describes the development and capabilities of an engineering data processing system. It is a system specifically tailored to the requirements of engineering design and manufacturing technical data. The system functions with a minimum of data input from the engineer. This basic data is processed to perform design analysis and standards checking. Design documentation, computation of fabrication requirements and documentation, computation of numerical control data for automated manufacturing equipment, and compilation of history records are also system features. The system serves as a data communications and information retrieval facility. Convenient procedures and computer routines provide for design changes and incorporate new engineering features.
Oxazolopyrimidine and thiazolopyrimidine derivatives related to the xanthines

Abstract 2,6(1H,3H)‐Oxazolo[5.4‐d]pyrimidinedione and 2,6(1H,3H)‐thiazolo[5.4‐d]‐pyrimidinedione are xanthine analogs related to oxazolo [5.4‐d]pyrimidine and thiazolo [5.4‐d] pyrimidine in the same way that xanthine, 2,6(1H, 3H)‐7‐imidazo‐[4.5‐d]pyrimidinedione, is related to purine, 7‐imidazo[4.5‐d]pyrimidine. (The numbering employed for xanthine derivatives has been retained in naming the analogs.) In the analogs, the 7‐imidazo ring of xanthine is replaced by an oxazole or thiazole ring. By substitution of hydrogens with methyl groups at positions 1 and 3 (as in theophylline or caffeine), or at position 1 only (as in theobromine), compounds analogous to the xanthines have been prepared. Related compounds substituted at position 8, are also described.
Syntheses, structures, and magnetic properties of heterometallic coordination polymers with carboxyphosphonate linkers

Five heterometallic coordination polymers were synthesized utilizing the multifunctional carboxyphosphonate ligand N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid (H4PMIDA), N(CH2PO(OH)2)(CH2COOH)2, with a coordinating nitrogen atom and two carboxylate and one phosphonate groups. The compounds were characterized structurally and magnetically. [Cu2M2(PMIDA)2(H2O)6]·3H2O for M = Mn (1-CuMn), Co (2-CuCo), and Cd (3-CuCd) are isostructural (space groupP21/n) and made of honeycomb-like 2D layers which, in turn, are made of unusual double-stranded meso-helices. [Cu2Ln2(PMIDA)2(C2O4)(H2O)6]·3.5H2O for Ln = La (4-CuLa) and Nd (5-CuNd)) are also isostructural (P21/c) but with open 3D framework structures. They contain dinuclear CuLn(PMIDA) secondary building units that are bridged by phosphonate tetrahedra and form infinite chains along the c axis. The chains are interconnected via carboxylic groups and form double-decker layers which, in turn, are connected by the oxalate linkers to form the open three-dimensional framework. The magnetic properties of the compounds were measured and analyzed in detail.
Stromal derived factor-1 regulates bone morphogenetic protein 2-induced osteogenic differentiation of primary mesenchymal stem cells

Stromal derived factor-1 (SDF-1) is a chemokine signaling molecule that binds to its transmembrane receptor CXC chemokine receptor-4 (CXCR4). While we previously detected that SDF-1 was co-required with bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) for differentiating mesenchymal C2C12 cells into osteoblastic cells, it is unknown whether SDF-1 is similarly involved in the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Therefore, here we examined the role of SDF-1 signaling during BMP2-induced osteogenic differentiation of primary MSCs that were derived from human and mouse bone marrow. Our data showed that blocking of the SDF-1/CXCR4 signal axis or adding SDF-1 protein to MSCs significantly affected BMP2-induced alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and osteocalcin (OCN) synthesis, markers of preosteoblasts and mature osteoblasts, respectively. Moreover, disrupting the SDF-1 signaling impaired bone nodule mineralization during terminal differentiation of MSCs. Furthermore, we detected that blocking of the SDF-1 signaling inhibited the BMP2-induced early expression of Runt-related factor-2 (Runx2) and osterix (Osx), two “master” regulators of osteogenesis, and the SDF-1 effect was mediated via intracellular Smad and Erk activation. In conclusion, our results demonstrated a regulatory role of SDF-1 in BMP2-induced osteogenic differentiation of MSCs, as perturbing the SDF-1 signaling affected the differentiation of MSCs towards osteoblastic cells in response to BMP2 stimulation. These data provide novel insights into molecular mechanisms underlying MSC osteogenesis, and will contribute to the development of MSC therapies for enhancing bone formation and regeneration in broad orthopaedic situations.
Auditory structure and function in the mouse middle ear: An evaluation by SEM and capacitive probe

1. The anatomic structures of the mouse middle ear were identified and examined with scanning electron microscopy and the area and lever ratios were measured in a number of ears. 2. The displacement and velocity response at 100 dB for test frequencies between 1.5 and 35.0 kHz were measured with a capacitive probe at three locations: The tip of the long process of the malleus, the transverse portion of the malleus, and the head of the incus. 3. The velocity vs frequency response curve at the tip of the malleus resembled a high-pass filter with a resonant frequency around 12.0 kHz, and a high and low frequency roll-off of about 1.4 dB and 6.7 dB/octave respectively. 4. The displacement response at the tip of the malleus was linear for stimulus intensities between 100 and 130 dB. 5. A comparison of the velocity frequency response curves measured at the tip of the malleus, at the transverse portion of the malleus, and at the head of the incus, provided some indication of the complexity of ossicular motion in the middle ear. 6. The shape of the inverse velocity curve at the transverse portion of the malleus was nearly identical to the threshold sensitivity curve of the mouse above 4.0 kHz.
Flow instability in a curved porous channel formed by two concentric cylindrical surfaces

Stability of laminar flow in a curved channel formed by two concentric cylindrical surfaces is investigated. The channel is occupied by a fluid saturated porous medium; the flow in the channel is driven by a constant azimuthal pressure gradient. The momentum equation takes into account two drag terms: the Darcy term that describes friction between the fluid and the porous matrix, and the Brinkman term, which allows imposing the no-slip boundary condition at the channel walls. An analytical solution for the basic flow velocity is obtained. Numerical analysis is carried out using the collocation method to investigate the onset of instability leading to the development of a secondary motion in the form of toroidal vortices. The dependence of the critical Dean number on porosity and the channel width is analyzed.
Capacitance matrix method using strips with alternating neumann and dirichlet boundary conditions

Abstract A method for solving numerically second-order elliptic equations in rectangular regions is discussed. The rectangle is divided into strips. The original problem is replaced by subproblems with alternating Neumann and Dirichlet boundary conditions, and an auxiliary problem. The latter, called the capacitance matrix system, is solved by an efficient numerical procedure using the conjugate gradient method.
Safe disposal of surplus plutonium

Abstract About 150 tons of weapons grade and weapons usable plutonium (metal, oxide, and in residues) have been declared surplus in the USA and Russia. Both countries plan to convert the metal and oxide into mixed oxide fuel for nuclear power reactors. Russia has not yet decided what to do with the residues. The US will convert residues into a ceramic, which will then be over-poured with highly radioactive borosilicate glass. The radioactive glass is meant to provide a deterrent to recovery of plutonium, as required by a US standard. Here we show a waste form for plutonium residues, zirconia/boron carbide (ZrO2/B4C), with an unprecedented combination of properties: a single, radiation-resistant, and chemically durable phase contains the residues; billion-year-old natural analogs are available; and criticality safety is given under all conceivable disposal conditions. ZrO2/B4C can be disposed of directly, without further processing, making it attractive to all countries facing the task of plutonium disposal. The US standard for protection against recovery can be met by disposal of the waste form together with used reactor fuel.
High-resolution intracranial and cervical MRA at 3.0T: technical considerations and initial experience.

Initial experience with intracranial and cervical MRA at 3.0T is reported. Phantom measurements (corrected for relaxation effects) show S/N (3.0T) = 2.14 ± 0.08 × S/N (1.5T) in identical-geometry head coils. A 3.0T 3DTOF intracranial imaging protocol with higher-order autoshimming was developed and compared to 1.5T 3DTOF in 12 patients with aneurysms. A comparison by two radiologists showed the 3.0T to be significantly better (P < 0.001) for visualization of the aneurysms. The feasibility of cervical and intracranial contrast enhanced MR angiography (CEMRA) at 3.0T is also examined. The relaxivity of the gadolinium contrast agent decreases by only about 4–7% when the field strength is increased from 1.5 to 3.0T. Cervical 3.0T CEMRA was obtained in eight patients, two of whom had 1.5T studies available for direct comparison. Image comparison suggests 3.0T to be a favorable field strength for cervical CEMRA. Voxel volumes of 0.62–0.73 mm3 (not including zero-filling) were readily achieved at 3.0T with the use of a single-channel transmit-receive head or cervical coil, a 25 mL bolus of gadoteridol, and a 3D pulse sequence with a 66% sampling efficiency. This spatial resolution allowed visualization of intracranial aneurysms, carotid dissections, and atherosclerotic disease including ulcerations. Potential drawbacks of 3.0T MRA are increased SAR and T dephasing compared to 1.5T. Image comparison suggests signal loss due to T dephasing will not be substantially more problematic than at 1.5T. The dependence of RF power deposition on TR for CEMRA is calculated and discussed. Magn Reson Med 46:955–962, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
γ-Irradiation-induced Mortality: Protective Effect of Protease Inhibitors in Chickens and Mice

SummaryChickens (Gallus domesticus) were protected from the acute γ-irradiation-induced mortality (within 24 hours) by the proteolytic enzyme inhibitors, soy-bean trypsin inhibitor (SBTI), lima bean inhibitor (LBTI), antipain, α-N-benzoyl-L-arginine ethyl ester HCl (BAEE), trasylol, and leupeptin. Several other enzyme inhibitors, p-tosyl-L-arginine methyl ester HCl (TAME), α-tosyl-lysyl-chloromethyl ketone HCl (TLCK) and ϵ-amino caproic acid (EACA), did not protect. EACA even increased the mortality caused by γ-irradiation. The pattern of protective enzyme inhibitors suggests involvement of a kallikrein-like enzyme. SBTI and antipain also protected against low range lethal γ-irradiation exposures, 690 R in BALB/c and 880 R in SJL/J mice. It is suggested that enhanced vascular permeability, which in chickens is known to be the cause of the irradiation mortality during the first 24 hours, may also contribute to the mortality in mice during the first week after irradiation.
Eating drugs: psychopharmaceutical pluralism in India

Eating Drugs opens with the story of Bengali psychiatrist Dr Roy, who describes psychopharmaceuticals to his patients as monerkhabar, “food (khabar) eaten by the mind (mon)” (2). Dr Roy explains th...
TNR and conservation on a university campus: a political ecological perspective

How to manage the impact of free-ranging cats on native wildlife is a polarizing issue. Conservation biologists largely support domestic cat euthanasia to mitigate impacts of free-ranging cat predation on small animal populations. Above all else, animal welfare activists support the humane treatment of free-ranging cats, objecting to euthanasia. Clearly, this issue of how to control free-ranging cat predation on small animals is value laden, and both positions must be considered and comprehended to promote effective conservation. Here, two gaps in the free-ranging cat-small-animal conservation literature are addressed. First, the importance of understanding the processes of domestication and evolution and how each relates to felid behavioral ecology is discussed. The leading hypothesis to explain domestication of wildcats (Felis silvestris) relates to their behavioral ecology as a solitary predator, which made them suited for pest control in early agricultural villages of the Old World. The relationship humans once had with cats, however, has changed because today domesticated cats are usually household pets. As a result, concerns of conservation biologists may relate to cats as predators, but cat welfare proponents come from the position of assuming responsibility for free-ranging household pets (and their feral offspring). Thus, the perceptions of pet owners and other members of the general public provide an important context that frames the relationship between free-ranging cats and small animal conservation. The second part of this paper assesses the effects of an information-based conservation approach on shifting student's perception of a local Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program in introductory core science classes at the University of North Texas (UNT). UNT students are (knowingly or unknowingly) regularly in close proximity to a TNR program on campus that supports cat houses and feeding stations. A survey design implementing a tailored-information approach was used to communicate what TNR programs are, their goals, and the "conservationist" view of TNR programs. We gauged favorability of student responses to the goals of TNR programs prior to and after exposure to tailored information on conservation concerns related to free-ranging cats. Although these results are from a preliminary study, we suggest that an information-based approach may only be marginally effective at shifting perceptions about the conservation implications of free-ranging cats. Our position is that small animal conservation in Western societies occurs in the context of pet ownership, thus broader approaches that promote ecological understanding via environmental education are more likely to be successful than information-based approaches.
Screening and identification of dietary oils and unsaturated fatty acids in inhibiting inflammatory prostaglandin E2 signaling in fat stromal cells

The molecular mechanisms of dietary oils (such as fish oil) and unsaturated fatty acids, which are widely used by the public for anti-inflammation and vascular protection, have not been settled yet. In this study, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)-mediated calcium signaling was used to screen dietary oils and eight unsaturated fatty acids for identification of their anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Isolated fat/stromal cells expressing endogenous PGE2 receptors and an HEK293 cell line specifically expressing the recombinant human PGE2 receptor subtype-1 (EP1) were cultured and used in live cell calcium signaling assays. The different dietary oils and unsaturated fatty acids were used to affect cell signaling under the specific stimulation of a pathological amount of inflammatory PGE2. It was identified that fish oil best inhibited the PGE2 signaling in the primary cultured stromal cells. Second, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), found in abundance in fish oil, was identified as a key factor of inhibition of PGE2 signaling. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), another major fatty acid found in fish oil and tested in this study was found to have small effect on EP1 signaling. The study suggested one of the four PGE2 subtype receptors, EP1 as the key target for the fish oil and DHA target. These findings were further confirmed by using the recombinant EP1 expressed in HEK293 cells as a target. This study demonstrated the new mechanism behind the positive effects of dietary fish oils in inhibiting inflammation originates from the rich concentration of DHA, which can directly inhibit the inflammatory EP1-mediated PGE2 receptor signaling, and that the inflammatory response stimulated by PGE2 in the fat stromal cells, which directly related to metabolic diseases, could be down regulated by fish oil and DHA. These findings also provided direct evidence to support the use of dietary oils and unsaturated fatty acids for protection against heart disease, pain, and cancer resulted from inflammatory PGE2.
Scalable object-class retrieval with approximate and top-k ranking

In this paper we address the problem of object-class retrieval in large image data sets: given a small set of training examples defining a visual category, the objective is to efficiently retrieve images of the same class from a large database. We propose two contrasting retrieval schemes achieving good accuracy and high efficiency. The first exploits sparse classification models expressed as linear combinations of a small number of features. These sparse models can be efficiently evaluated using inverted file indexing. Furthermore, we introduce a novel ranking procedure that provides a significant speedup over inverted file indexing when the goal is restricted to finding the top-k (i.e., the k highest ranked) images in the data set. We contrast these sparse retrieval models with a second scheme based on approximate ranking using vector quantization. Experimental results show that our algorithms for object-class retrieval can search a 10 million database in just a couple of seconds and produce categorization accuracy comparable to the best known class-recognition systems.
On the shooting method for a class of two-point singular nonlinear boundary value problems

This paper is concerned with the application of the shooting method to a class of two-point singular nonlinear boundary value problems. An explicit fourth order single-step method for the solution of singular initial value problems is developed and used in the application of the shooting method. Some numerical results are presented to demonstrate the ease and effectiveness of this method as compared to other methods.
Children's causal attributions to states and events described by different classes of verbs

Abstract The causal structure of schemas for the actions and states encoded by different classes of English verbs was examined in the elicited narratives of 19 three- and four-year-old children. Verbs within a class elicited similar narratives, whereas across classes the event descriptions varied in the animacy of the event participants and in the causal connections between them. Children produced animacy patterns and causal attributions similar to patterns produced by adults in previous research. Results are consistent with the view that schemas for common English verbs for actions and states contain information about who or what is likely to do or feel the action or state, who or what is likely to be the recipient of the action or to elicit the state, and the causal connections between the schema participants. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for the relations between social-cognition and language.
Release of gonadotropin alpha subunit from rat pituitary cultures in response to GnRH.

Abstract Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH)-stimulated release of the alpha subunit common to the gonadotropins and to thyrotropin was studied in rat pituitary cell cultures. In these studies we took advantage of a recently prepared antiserum specific for the alpha subunit. We show that pituitary cells treated with GnRH released alpha subunit in a similar pattern to intact luteinizing hormone (LH) during short-term incubations (0–12 h); during prolonged incubations (12–48 h), however, release of alpha subunit did not desensitize in response to the releasing hormone and the pattern became different from that measured for intact LH. Further, we assessed the relative requirement for Ca 2+ in the release of LH and alpha subunit. When pituitary cells were treated with 10 −8 M GnRH in the presence of a range of concentrations of the Ca 2+ ion channel antagonist, methoxyverapamil (D-600), release of both LH and alpha subunit was inhibited in a similar and dose-dependent manner; 10 −4 M D-600 showed maximum inhibitory efficacy (IC 50 = 10 −5 M). The calmodulin antagonist, pimozide, also inhibited both GnRH-stimulated LH and alpha subunit release (IC 50 = 0.75 μM). These data suggested that although the Ca 2+ /calmodulin system appears to mediate both the release of LH and alpha subunit in response to GnRH, these processes appear differentially regulated during long-term exposure to the releasing hormone.
Ophthalmologic manifestations of acquired immune deficiency syndrome-associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy.

Abstract Purpose: Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is increasingly described as a late complication of the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). The purpose of this study is to evaluate retrospectively the ophthalmologic, clinical, and investigational aspects of AIDS-associated PML. Methods: The authors evaluated ten patients in whom ophthalmologic manifestations developed in the course of AIDS-associated PML. Findings at clinical examination and their progression over time, neuroimaging correlates, the results of pathologic investigation, and visual outcomes were reviewed. Results: Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy was the AIDS-defining illness in six of ten patients. Homonymous visual field defects were the presenting symptom in three patients and detected in six patients overall. Occipital blindness developed in one patient. Cerebellar signs and brain stem nuclear and supranuclear palsies also were common. Confluent white matter lesions with increased intensity on T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging were supratentorial in seven patients and infratentorial in three patients. With incomplete data, the median survival time was 3 months from PML onset. Histopathologic confirmation of PML diagnosis was available for nine of the ten patients. Conclusions: The development of progressive retrochiasmal visual field defects, supranuclear and nuclear cranial nerve palsies, or nystagmus ataxia in the relatively young patient should alert the ophthalmologist to the possibility of PML, particularly in the presence of long-tract central nervous system signs or dementia. Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy will often be human immunodeficiency virus associated. Human immunodeficiency virus encephalopathy, cerebral toxoplasmosis, lymphoma, and infarction need to be discriminated. Effective therapy is required urgently for this devastating disease.
K−-deuterium interactions☆☆☆

Abstract Expressions for differential cross sections for elastic scattering, charge-exchange scattering, scattering with deuteron disintegration, and of the total cross sections for certain absorptive processes involving hyperon production are given for K−-d collisions as functions of incident K−-momentum. These have been obtained using the zero-range boundary condition method of Dalitz and Tuan for the representation of the K N interaction and of its extension by Dalitz to include the πY channels, and include the multiple scattering effects in the initial K NN state. Illustrative calculations of these cross sections are given for the K N scattering amplitudes given by Ross and Humphrey (for low momentum) and by Watson (for 400 Mev/c). Tolerable agreement with the rather limited data on K−-d cross sections between 100 and 300 Mev/c is obtained for a reasonable interpolation between these amplitudes as function of momentum.
Mild acid hydrolysis of 2-pyrimidinone-containing DNA fragments generates apurinic/apyrimidinic sites

Abstract Facile glycosidic bond cleavage of 2-pyrimidinone-2′-deoxynucleosides occurs under mildly acidic conditions (pH 3.0) and ambient temperature. When a 2-pyrimidinone nucleoside residue is present in a DNA fragment, hydrolysis results in an apurinic/apyrimidinic (abasic) site. The incorporation of 2-pyrimidinones into chemically synthesized DNA provides a route for the chemical generation of an abasic site at a preselected position in the sequence.
A Train the Trainer Model for Integrating Evidence-Based Medicine into a Complementary and Alternative Medicine Training Program

Background Public interest in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has grown over the past decade, accompanied by increased demand for evidence-based approaches to CAM practice. In order to define the role evidence-based decision making has in CAM practice, CAM professionals must have a full understanding of evidence-based medicine (EBM) concepts. Objective This paper describes the design, implementation, and evaluation of a week-long intensive EBM short course for CAM faculty at a naturopathic and classical Chinese medicine institution. Intervention This 20-hour course, entitled Principles of EBM for CAM Professionals, teaches participants how to access and appraise biomedical literature, apply it to their work, and teach these concepts to their students. Results Results from precourse and postcourse evaluations suggest that, in a small group of participants, there were significant changes in EBM practice attitudes, self-appraised skills, and objectively assessed skills as a result of this course. Participants indicated they were committed to increasing their use of EBM in practice, enhancing EBM skills, using EBM in teaching, and working to change the culture at their institution to support use of EBM. At six months, 80% of participants had fully or partially followed through on their commitment to change plans.
Peakon solutions of the shallow water equation

A new parameterization of the Jacobi inversion problem is used along with the dynamics of the peaks to describe finite time interaction of peakon weak solutions of the shallow water equation.
Alpha decay amplification in superdeformed nuclei: An important new mechanism of nuclear de-excitation at high angular momenta

Abstract Alpha decay rates of superdeformed nuclei are predicted to exhibit up to hundredfold emission rate amplifications when transmission coefficients are calculated taking cognizance of deformation rather than for spherical nuclei. For the reaction 40 Ar + 109 Ag it is shown that several heretofore unexplained experimental observations can be understood by this potentially new de-excitation mechanism.
The Effect of Stretch-and-Flow Voice Therapy on Measures of Vocal Function and Handicap

Summary Objectives To investigate the efficacy of stretch-and-flow voice therapy as a primary physiological treatment for patients with hyperfunctional voice disorders. Study Design Prospective case series. Methods Participants with a diagnosis of primary muscle tension dysphonia or phonotraumatic lesions due to hyperfunctional vocal behaviors were included. Participants received stretch-and-flow voice therapy structured once weekly for 6 weeks. Outcome variables consisted of two physiologic measures (s/z ratio and maximum phonation time), an acoustic measure (cepstral peak prominence [CPP]), and a measure of vocal handicap (voice handicap index [VHI]). All measures were obtained at baseline before treatment and within 2 weeks posttreatment. Results The s/z ratio, maximum phonation time, sentence CPP, and VHI showed statistically significant ( P d = 1.25 and 1.96 respectively), and moderate for maximum phonation time and sentence CPP ( d = 0.79 and 0.74, respectively). Conclusions This study provides supporting evidence for preliminary efficacy of stretch-and-flow voice therapy in a small sample of patients. The treatment effect was large or moderate for multiple outcome measures. The data provide justification for larger, controlled clinical trials on the application of stretch-and-flow voice therapy in the treatment of hyperfunctional voice disorders.
California's Proposition 46 and mandatory physician drug testing: a cause for concern.

On 4 November 2014, California residents voted against Proposition 46, which involved increasing the cap on noneconomic damages in medical liability cases, mandating that physicians check the state...
Prevention of air void formation in polymer-modified cement mortar by pre-wetting

The air voids that form when cement and aggregates are mixed with an aqueous polymer solution are not easily removed because they tend to be stabilized by the polymer. Antifoaming agents can be used to prevent air void formation, but they often cause problems of poor adhesion. An alternative approach is suggested for reducing air void formation in polymer-modified mortar, which is to pre-wet the cement and sand with water, and then add a concentrated polymer solution. The air content of a PVA-modified cement mortar prepared in this way was as low as 6%, which was lower than the 13% air content of the PVA-modified mortar with an antifoaming agent, and it was much lower than the 32% air content when a PVA solution was mixed with dry cement and sand.
Reduced postoperative intra-abdominal adhesions using Carbylan-SX, a semisynthetic glycosaminoglycan hydrogel.

Objective To compare the efficacy of crosslinked Carbylan-SX (Carbylan BioSurgery, Inc., Palo Alto, CA) hydrogel films and sprayable gels as physical barriers in reducing postoperative intra-abdominal adhesions in the rat cecum-abdominal wall and rat uterine horn models. Design Pre-formed crosslinked Carbylan-SX films and sprayable in situ crosslinkable Carbylan-SX gels were evaluated in rat cecum-abdominal wall and rat uterine horn models and compared with commercially available and clinically used Seprafilm. Setting University animal research facility. Animals Female Wistar rats. Intervention(s) Abrasions were made with the foot-pedal–operated Flex-shaft (Dremel, Racine, WI) on both the cecum and abdominal wall (each area 10 mm in diameter) in female rats as one model and on both uterine horns (3 × 10 mm) in female rats as the other model. In each of the two adhesion models, four groups were assigned with eight rats in each group: (1) untreated control, (2) treated with Seprafilm (Genzyme Corporation, Cambridge, MA), (3) treated with preformed Carbylan-SX hydrogel films, and (4) treated with sprayable Carbylan-SX gel. Main Outcome Measure(s) Extent and severity of postoperative adhesions between the cecum and the abdominal wall in rat cecum-abdominal wall model and between the uterine horns in rat uterine horn model. Result(s) The Carbylan-SX film and the Carbylan-SX sprayable gel led to fewer adhesions than Seprafilm in both rat adhesion models. Interestingly, a single physical form was not optimal for both models: the Carbylan film was more efficacious in the rat uterine horn model, whereas Carbylan gel gave the best results in the rat cecum-abdominal wall model. Conclusion(s) Both Carbylan-SX film and gel were efficacious in reducing postoperative intra-abdominal adhesion formation in rat cecum-abdominal wall and uterine horn models.
The distribution of some basicranial characters within the Marsupialia and a phylogeny of the Phalangeriformes

ABSTRACT Relationships among diprotodontian marsupials have remained enigmatic despite recent work in neontology and paleontology. Thus, the long suspected monophyly of phalangeriform marsupials in not well established. Basicranial anatomy, however, may be useful in elucidating phylogenetic relationships within the Diprotodontia. Specifically, phalangeriform marsupials have a broadened ectotympanic, a tympanic cavity that is firmly surrounded by bone, and an alisphenoid tympanic wing that extends posteriorly to the anterior margin of the paroccipital and/or posterior lacerate foramen. Within the Phalangeriformes, phalangeroids and petauroids exhibit several derived characters not present in the macropodoids. These characters include modifications of the postglenoid process, the external auditory meatus, the ventral postglenoid foramen, and the bones of the auditory region of the skull. Other derived characters, both cranial and dental, argue against the monophyly of a clade containing phalangeroids and pe...