cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Oxytocin delivered nasally or intraperitoneally reaches the brain and plasma of normal and oxytocin knockout mice.

Abstract Intranasal delivery of oxytocin (Oxt) has been identified as a potential therapeutic to target human conditions characterized by social deficits, yet the ability of this administrative route to deliver to the brain is unconfirmed. Oxt knockout (Oxt KO) and wildtype C57BL/6 J male mice received Oxt (12 μg total amount) either by nasal or intraperitoneal administration. Oxt concentrations were monitored for 2 h after administration in circulation via a jugular vein catheter and in the brain by two intracerebral microdialysis probes. Group sizes varied from 4 to 7 mice (n = 22 total). We document for the first time that Oxt applied to the nasal mucosa after nasal administration is delivered to the extracellular fluid in the brain. After nasal application, Oxt concentrations in circulation and in the extracellular fluid of the amygdala and, to an extent, the dorsal hippocampus, rose within the first 30 min and remained elevated for the subsequent hour. These findings were confirmed in an Oxt KO mouse line, establishing that the circulating and brain Oxt elevations derive from the administered dose. Interestingly, the pharmacokinetics of Oxt were slightly biased to the brain after nasal administration and to the periphery following intraperitoneal injection. No change in vasopressin levels was detected. These findings have stimulating implications for the interpretation of various behavioral and physiological effects described in animal and human studies after nasal administration of Oxt and provide the pharmacokinetics necessary to develop this drug delivery route for therapeutic purposes.
Look Not to the Stars

This chapter shows that schools can only work effectively if they assist parents and the wider community in what they are already doing to educate children. If families are not also educating their children, the public education project will fail for many. Public schools mean not only that schools are paid for by the public but that the school’s functioning is the public’s responsibility. The chapter explores common barriers to parental engagement in school and the psychological reasons why parental engagement makes such a big difference to student learning. The American school system is the most radical and just social project in the history of the world. It is better, kinder, and fairer than nearly any other country’s school system on the planet. But this system is a work in progress, a bold idea trying to realize itself, but failing to do so in many ways. For it to truly succeed for all, teachers cannot be the only parties doing the intellectual labor.
Creative Advertising Executions Encourage the Processing Advantages of Product Familiarity

Despite ease of processing from greater prior knowledge and expertise, high-familiarity consumers often fail to process product-specific information more than low-familiarity consumers. This parado...
Recent developments in neuro-ophthalmology

Some recent advances in neuro-ophthalmology including clinical trials, diagnostic testing and newly elucidated disease entitites were summarized in present paper, such as neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder.The review goes into great detail regarding recent clinical trials in neuro-ophthalmology.These trials have investigated the management of idiopathic intracranial hypertension as well as treatment of Leber hereditary optic neuropathy and optic nerve glioma.The potential gene therapy for Leber hereditary optic neuropathy seems very promising and may have a significant clinical impact within the next few years.This review also includes an extensive discussion about the application of optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT-angiography (OCTA) in neuro-ophthalmology.OCT has important clinical relevance not only for the diagnosis and management of optic neuropathies, such as optic neuritis, ischemic optic neuropathy and chiasmal compression, but also for retro-chiasmal injury.In terms of OCTA, recent studies have demonstrated increased vessel density in acute stage of ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) and optic neuritis, but decreased vessel density in severe papilloedema and late stage of optic atrophy of any cause.These serve as the potential foundation for future clinical applications.Ophthalmologists should pay more attentions to these recent progress in neuro-ophthalmology. Key words: Neuro-ophthalmology; Clinical trials, intracranial hypertension; Leber's optic neuropathy; Optical coherence tomography; Optical coherence tomography angiography; Optic neuritis; Ischemic optic neuropathy
The Prognostic Value of MRI Subventricular Zone Involvement and Tumor Genetics in Lower Grade Gliomas

Background and purpose Glioblastomas (GBMs) that involve the subventricular zone (SVZ) have a poor prognosis, possibly due to recruitment of neural stem cells. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether SVZ involvement by lower grade gliomas (LGG), WHO grade II and III, similarly predicts poorer outcomes. We further assessed whether tumor genetics and cellularity are associated with SVZ involvement and outcomes. Methods Forty-five consecutive LGG patients with preoperative imaging and next generation sequencing were included in this study. Regional SVZ involvement and whole tumor apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values, as a measure of cellularity, were assessed on magnetic resonance imaging. Progression was determined by RANO criteria. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression analyses were used to determine the hazard ratios (HR) for progression and survival. Results Frontal, parietal, temporal, and overall SVZ involvement and ADC values were not associated with progression or survival (P ≥ .05). However, occipital SVZ involvement, seen in two patients, was associated with a higher risk of tumor progression (HR = 6.6, P = .016) and death (HR = 31.5, P = .015), CDKN2A/B mutations (P = .03), and lower ADC histogram values at the 5th (P = .026) and 10th percentiles (P = .046). Isocitrate dehydrogenase, phosphatase and tensin homolog, epidermal growth factor receptor, and cyclin-dependent kinase 4 mutations were also prognostic (P ≤ .05). Conclusions Unlike in GBM, overall SVZ involvement was not found to strongly predict poor prognosis in LGGs. However, occipital SVZ involvement, though uncommon, was prognostic and found to be associated with CDKN2A/B mutations and tumor hypercellularity. Further investigation into these molecular mechanisms underlying occipital SVZ involvement in larger cohorts is warranted.
Pathogenesis of Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma (MM) is monoclonal tumor of antibody secreting plasma cells (PC) in the bone marrow (BM), that is often diagnosed by the presence of a typical M-spike by serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP), or by free light chains in the urine. Its symptomatic phase is associated with significant end organ damage including lytic bone lesions, anemia, loss of kidney function, immunodeficiency, and amyloid deposits in various tissues [1]. MM incidence is higher in blacks than whites, and in men than women [2], for a total estimate of 21,700 cases and 10,710 deaths in the United States in 2012 [3]. Although MM continues to be considered an incurable disease, thanks to the recent therapeutic advances, the 5-year survival rate reported in the SEER database has increased from 28 % (1987–1989) to 43 % (2002–2008) [2]. Notably, a subset of patients with cytogenetically defined low-risk MM, initially treated in 1999 were reported having a 10-year survival rate of 75 % [4], with presumably even better results possible for patients starting treatment today. MM cells are the malignant counterpart of post-germinal center (GC) long-lived PCs, characterized by strong BM dependence, somatic hypermutation (SHM) of immunoglobulin (Ig) genes, and isotype class switch resulting in the absence of IgM expression in all but 1 % of tumors [5]. However, MM cells differ from healthy PCs because they retain the potential for a low rate of proliferation (1–3 % of cycling cells).
Narrative containment of the same-sex underworld in contemporary Vietnam. A critical exploration of the police presence and function in Bùi Anh Tấn's fiction

Drawing from D.A. Miller's work on The novel and the police (1988) in Victorian fiction, this paper looks at narrative strategies through which the same-sex underworld is portrayed, policed and con...
Screening for Hearing Loss in Older Adults: Updated Evidence Report and Systematic Review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.

Importance Hearing loss is common in older adults and associated with adverse health and social outcomes. Objective To update the evidence review on screening for hearing loss in adults 50 years or older to inform the US Preventive Services Task Force. Data sources MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and trial registries through January 17, 2020; references; and experts; literature surveillance through October 8, 2020. Study selection English-language studies of accuracy, screening, and interventions for screen-detected or newly detected hearing loss. Data extraction and synthesis Dual review of abstracts, full-text articles, and study quality. Meta-analysis of screening test accuracy studies. Main outcomes and measures Quality of life and function, other health and social outcomes, test accuracy, and harms. Results Forty-one studies (N = 26 386) were included, 18 of which were new since the previous review. One trial enrolling US veterans (n = 2305) assessed the benefits of screening; there was no significant difference in the proportion of participants experiencing a minimum clinically important difference in hearing-related function at 1 year (36%-40% in the screened groups vs 36% in the nonscreened group). Thirty-four studies (n = 23 228) evaluated test accuracy. For detecting mild hearing loss (>20-25 dB), single-question screening had a pooled sensitivity of 66% (95% CI, 58%-73%) and a pooled specificity of 76% (95% CI, 68%-83%) (10 studies, n = 12 637); for detecting moderate hearing loss (>35-40 dB), pooled sensitivity was 80% (95% CI, 68%-88%) and pooled specificity was 74% (95% CI, 59%-85%) (6 studies, n = 8774). In 5 studies (n = 2820) on the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly-Screening to detect moderate hearing loss (>40 dB), pooled sensitivity was 68% (95% CI, 52%-81%) and pooled specificity was 78% (95% CI, 67%-86%). Six trials (n = 853) evaluated amplification vs control in populations with screen-detected or recently detected hearing loss over 6 weeks to 4 months. Five measured hearing-related function via the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly; only 3 that enrolled veterans (n = 684) found a significant difference considered to represent a minimal important difference (>18.7 points). Few trials reported on other eligible outcomes, and no studies reported on harms of screening or interventions. Conclusions and relevance Several screening tests can adequately detect hearing loss in older adults; no studies reported on the harms of screening or treatment. Evidence showing benefit from hearing aids on hearing-related function among adults with screen-detected or newly detected hearing loss is limited to studies enrolling veterans.
Standardization of the Discharge Process for Inpatient Hematology and Oncology Using Plan-Do-Study-Act Methodology Improves Follow-Up and Patient Hand-Off.

Background Hematology and oncology patients represent a complex population that requires timely follow-up to prevent clinical decompensation and delays in treatment. Previous reports have demonstrated that follow-up within 14 days is associated with decreased 30-day readmissions, and the magnitude of this effect is greater for higher-risk patients. This project was designed to standardize the discharge process with the primary goal of reducing average time to hematology and oncology follow-up to < 14 days. Methods Using Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) quality improvement methodology, a multidisciplinary team of hematology and oncology staff developed and implemented a standardized discharge process. Rotating resident physicians were trained through online and in-person education. Additional interventions included the development of a discharge checklist handout, and a clinical decision support tool including a note template and embedded order set. All patients discharged during the 2-month period before and after the implementation of the standardized process were evaluated. Follow-up appointment scheduling data and communication between inpatient and outpatient providers were reviewed. Results A total of 142 consecutive patients were reviewed. The primary endpoint of time to hematology and oncology follow-up appointment improved from a mean 17 days prior to intervention to 13 days in PDSA cycles 1 and 2 and 10 days in PDSA cycle 3. The target of 14-day average time to follow-up was achieved. Furthermore, the upper control limit decreased from 58 days at baseline to 21 days in PDSA cycle 3, demonstrating a decrease in variation. Electronic alerting of outpatient hematology and oncology providers to discharge summary increased from 20% before the intervention to 62% after the intervention (P = .01). Conclusions This quality initiative to standardize the discharge process for the hematology and oncology service decreased time to hematology and oncology follow-up appointments, improved communication between inpatient and outpatient teams, and decreased process variation. Timelier follow-up for this complex patient population will prevent clinical decompensation and delays in treatment.
Integrating Objective and Subjective Social Class to Advance Our Understanding of Externalizing Problem Behavior in Children and Adolescents: A Conceptual Review and Model

Extant research has identified both objective measures of socioeconomic status (SES) and subjective social class (SSC) as important predictors of psychosocial outcomes in childhood and adolescence, particularly with regard to externalizing symptoms. Given the importance of the associations with SES and SSC, a more nuanced and integrated conceptual understanding of early pathways of vulnerability implicated in the development and maintenance of youth externalizing problems is warranted. Thus, this review will: (1) operationalize both SES and SSC and their current standards of measurement; (2) examine current literature describing their respective associations with a range of externalizing symptoms in both children and adolescents; (3) review current theoretical models connecting SES and SSC and youth development and the strengths and limitations of those approaches; (4) propose a new conceptual socioecological model situating the impact of SES and SSC on youth externalizing problems in the context of parents and peers as a framework to further integrate existing research and guide future work; and (5) discuss potential clinical implications at the intersection of this work.
On the geometry of spheres in L-spaces

It is shown that any two points on the surface of the unit ball ofL 1(μ), where the measureμ is non-atomic, may be joined in the surface by a curve whose length is equal to the straight-line distance between its endpoints. This property is contrasted with the metric properties of the unit sphere in other L-spaces.
Use of Computer Analysis to Predict and Reduce Liquid Hammer Forces in High Pressure, High Flow Liquid Oxygen Systems

During the advanced and final development phases of rocket engine component and subsystem testing failures are very likely to occur from time to time. To minimize or prevent damage or destruction to the components and to the test facility itself, high pressure oxygen supplied must be cut off rapidly on the order of 100 to 400 milliseconds. However, rapid cutoff of liquid oxygen, as well as, other liquids and high pressure gases can impart large pressure surges and hammer forces. For liquid and gaseous oxygen this phenomenon can initiate ignition and subsequent destruction of test articles as well as facility piping systems. An additional concern is the use of liquid oxygen pressure and flow control valves required to operate these type of facilities. Pressure differentials across valves and induced turbulence and flow separation must be understood and analyzed during facility design.
Benthic-Pelagic Coupling in Marsh-Estuarine Ecosystems

Active and passive mechanisms utilized by many organisms in marsh-estuarine ecosystems couple the water column to the bottom. These linkages are often engineered by dense populations of plants (marshes) or animals (beds and reefs) that use their organismic structure, i.e., bodies or shells, and functional processes, i.e., water pumping, suspension feeding, etc., to enhance the movement of materials between the two habitats. These adaptations to the benthic boundary layer result in organismically mediated fluxes of materials between the water and the bottom that may dramatically alter either or both habitats. Dense stiff blades of grass dominate the salt marsh component of marsh-estuarine ecosystems. This structure ensures low water flow, low shear velocities, high drag and high roughness at the benthic boundary. These physical factors allow molecular diffusion and sedimentation to dominate exchange mechanisms. Marsh mussels magnify benthic-pelagic coupling by their active pumping and filtration of water. The shells of bivalve beds form a rough benthic surface that enhances turbulent mixing and increases the width of the benthic boundary layer. These beds can remove, via sedimentation (passive) and filtration (active) mechanisms, enormous quantities of suspended materials (phytoplankton, etc.) from the water and release, as a result of metabolism, large amounts of dissolved inorganic substances into tidal currents. In some systems, bivalve beds are equivalent to saltmarshes in processing materials. There have been few studies on benthic-pelagic coupling by marsh-estuarine mudflats. In marsh related mudflats, there is low water flow, shear velocities, drag and smooth surfaces. Both passive and active coupling mechanisms are common to mudflats, but there is little direct information available. The high ratio of bottom surface area to tidal water volume over these flats suggests a great potential for material exchanges. At the system level, coupling processes directly involve marshes and animals in the cycling of major nutrients not only within the shallow tidal marsh-estuarine ecosystem, but also with the adjacent coastal ocean. The magnitude of these system level couplings has only been identified in a few locations, but they are almost always related to high productivity sub-systems, i.e., mussel beds and oyster reefs.
A team-oriented, project-based freshman problem solving course: benefits of early exposure

Engineering 100: Fundamentals of Problem Solving is a freshman class introduced at Kettering University (USA) in 1995. This paper describes the benefits of offering the course as early as possible in the curriculum. Two characteristics of the course which may be responsible for the benefits-a successful team-oriented approach and a final design project-are described.
Exchange of phospholipids between liver mitochondria and microsomes in vitro.

Abstract A 10% rat liver homogenate in 0.25 m sucrose-10-3 m ethylenediaminetetraacetate was fractionated into mitochondria, microsomes, and a supernatant fraction. Liver mitochondria derived from rats injected with leucine-3H and with phosphate-32P or with glycerol-14C were incubated with nonlabeled microsomes in the presence of supernatant or of sucrose-EDTA. Labeled microsomes were similarly exposed to nonlabeled mitochondria. 32P or glycerol-14C was used to measure exchange of phospholipid; 3H was used to correct for contamination of mitochondria by microsomes. After 90 min at 37° 30 to 40% of the phospholipid in the particulate fractions had exchanged while at 0° 10% exchange took place. Phosphatidyl choline appeared to exchange to a greater extent than phosphatidyl ethanolamine, whereas cardiolipin of the mitochondrial fraction did not exchange. The extent of exchange was reduced 50 to 60% when sucrose-EDTA was substituted for the supernatant fraction as incubation medium.
Long-Term Memory in Mental Retardation

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the historical development of the problem of studying retention in fast and slow learners, raises and tests the methodological issues peculiar to retention research involving fast and slow learners, and presents an examination and evaluation of studies that assess the current status of knowledge about long-term memory (LTM) capacities of the mentally retarded. The research on retardate memory is singularly unfruitful, because there is almost no solid evidence, either to support or contradict the classic hypothesis of a retardate memory loss. Retardates show no memory deficit, but reliable findings are rare and propose two steps to alleviate this unsatisfactory status. The first is a proper and concerted effort to compare retardates and normals within simple experimental designs and next is the systematic appraisal of variables, which are identified as potentially influencing retardate memory but have not yet been adequately tested.
Higher order fuzzy system identification using subtractive clustering

This paper proposes a higher order fuzzy system identification method using subtractive clustering, which is an extended application of subtractive clustering. Minimum error models are obtained through enumerative search of clustering parameters. The results of the enumerative study presented in this paper explain the mechanism behind subtractive clustering and introduce a modification in the penalizing process of subtractive clustering. The results of applying the higher order modeling to both linear and non-linear systems are given in this paper. The comparison with the results of other models shows improvement in the modeling performance by subtractive clustering with higher order system identification technique. The higher order identification method resulted in fewer rules compared to lower order models. Results of case studies on systems of different complexities are also presented.
Genre as Social Action (1984), Revisited 30 Years Later (2014)

The article “Genre as Social Action” was published 30 years ago and has been taken up in numerous conversations about genre in the time since then. This paper reviews the main ideas in that article, the ways those ideas were taken up in North American Rhetorical Genre Studies, and the ways that genre theory and research have been extended since then, particularly with the advent of the new digital media. Central issues in current research are identified: the relationship between stability and change and the ways in which genres are or are not regulated. The adaptation to digital media has expanded genre theory to become a multidimensional concept, with genre as a structurational nexus mediating not only intention and exigence, form and substance, but also action and structure, medium and product, the material and the symbolic.
Intergenerational Caregiving By Alan Booth, Ann C. Crouter, Suzanne M. Bianchi, & Judith A. Seltzer (Eds.)

Intergenerational Caregiving is an edited book based on 17 papers presented at the fourteenth annual Penn State Symposium on Family Issues, “Caring and Exchange Within and Across Generations” in 20...
Preliminary Notes on the Use of the Predatory Soil Mite Stratiolaelaps scimitus (Acari: Laelapidae) as a Biological Control Agent for Acariasis in Lizards

Abstract While commonly employed by the agricultural and horticultural industries, biological control has rarely been utilized in herpetological husbandry to treat infectious or parasitic diseases. This case study describes the use of the predatory soil mite Stratiolaelaps scimitus to treat parasitic mite infestations in two adult inland bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps). Stratiolaelaps scimitus applied directly to the existing terrarium substrate appeared to have eliminated all traces of parasitic mite infestation in both lizards within 5 days. These results, although preliminary, highlight the potential utility of predatory mites and other biological control agents in the husbandry and veterinary management of reptiles in captivity.
The Role of MIP-1α in the Development of Systemic Inflammatory Response and Organ Injury following Trauma Hemorrhage

Although MIP-1alpha is an important chemokine in the recruitment of inflammatory cells, it remains unknown whether MIP-1alpha plays any role in the development of systemic inflammatory response following trauma-hemorrhage (T-H). C57BL/6J wild type (WT) and MIP-1alpha-deficient (KO) mice were used either as control, subjected to sham operation (cannulation or laparotomy only or cannulation plus laparotomy) or T-H (midline laparotomy, mean blood pressure 35 +/- 5 mmHg for 90 min, followed by resuscitation) and sacrificed 2 h thereafter. A marked increase in serum alpha-glutathione transferase, TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-10, MCP-1, and MIP-1alpha and Kupffer cell cytokine production was observed in WT T-H mice compared with shams or control. In addition lung and liver tissue edema and neutrophil infiltration (myeloperoxidase (MPO) content) was also increased following T-H in WT animals. These inflammatory markers were markedly attenuated in the MIP-1alpha KO mice following T-H. Furthermore, compared with 2 h, MPO activities at 24 and 48 h after T-H declined steadily in both WT and KO mice. However, normalization of MPO activities to sham levels within 24 h was seen in KO mice but not in WT mice. Thus, MIP-1alpha plays an important role in mediating the acute inflammatory response following T-H. In the absence of MIP-1alpha, acute inflammatory responses were attenuated; rapidly recovered and less remote organ injury was noted following T-H. Thus, interventions that reduce MIP-1alpha levels following T-H should be useful in decreasing the deleterious inflammatory consequence of trauma.
Robotic Taction for Industrial Assembly

Assembly-line tasks were studied in order to acquire realistic estimates of requisite gripper and finger touch-sen sor design parameters. This was done in the context of noted time-and-motion variables, object configuration, weight and other physical characteristics, and any perceived requirements having to do with speed, accuracy, and delicacy. Small- and medium-sized parts assem bly was used to estimate requisite tac tile-pad-array size, resolution, and sensitivity. For each task studied, esti mates were also made for gripper con figuration and for overall difficulty of achieving the technology required. The estimated tactile-array, spatial-resolu tion needs are surprisingly small for a large variety of industrial assembly tasks. Arrays of no more than 8 X 8 pressure-sensitive points with interpoint spacing of 0.1 in and capable of sensing slippage appear to promise consider able capability. Such arrays, placed on two-jawed grippers and three-fingered anthropomorphic hands are concluded to be able to pe...
Effect of Maturity on Seed Sugars as Measured on Near-Isogenic Soybean (Glycine max) Lines

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of maturity and field temperature on the concentration of sucrose, raffinose, and stachyose in soybean seed in two sets of near-isogenic lines of Clark and Harosoy. The maturity of each line within each set varied, but all lines from each set shared a common genotypic background. The results showed that in the Clark isoline set, maturity had a negative linear relationship (sugars decreased as days to maturity increased) with the concentration of sucrose (r 2 = 0.83 in 2004; r 2 = 0.94 in 2005), stachyose (r 2 = 0.51 in 2004; r 2 = 0.51 in 2005), and combined sugars (sucrose+raffinose+stachyose) (r 2 = 0.83 in 2004; r 2 = 0.91 in 2005). In the Harosoy set, there were significant negative relationships between maturity and sugars only in 2005 for sucrose, stachyose, and combined sugars. In the Clark set, temperature had a significant positive relationship with sugars in 2004 (sugars increased as temperature increased), but significant negative relationship in 2005. In the Harosoy set, there was a significant negative relationship between field temperature and sugars only in 2005. The contribution of maturity to the total variation in sugars was significantly higher than temperature. It was concluded that the effect of genotypic background and maturity genes on sugar concentration depended on the type of sugar.
Using simulation for economic policy analysis in the global agricultural supply chain

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how discrete dynamic simulation can be used to measure the impact regulation has on business processes and therefore operational-contractual costs in global agricultural supply chains. In particular, we examine how regulation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the European Union (EU) affects the cost of contracting for soybean supplies between farmers and grain elevator firms in the U.S. Using a simulation model of business processes at a grain elevator operation, we examine how sensitive contract costs are to changes in a purity threshold for non-GMO content set by EU regulation. Results indicate elevator business processes are extremely sensitive to changes in non-GMO thresholds. Even at small changes in purity, contracting costs varied between $0.04--0.09 cents per bushel. The implication is regulation of GMOs might protect EU consumer rights, but protection may be costly and borne by agribusinesses in the U.S. agricultural supply chain.
Cellular Traction Forces Measured With Microposts Made by Hot Embossing of Polystyrene

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) has become a highly utilized tool to study the forces that cells generate, although, outside of lab on chip devices, it is not widely used and requires protein coatings to encourage cell adhesion1. Furthermore, PDMS suffers from changes in composition and stiffness with different curing conditions2. Alternatively, polystyrene is a common substrate that promotes cell adhesion and has mostly consistent properties; however, polystyrene is typically challenging to form without special equipment and expensive molds. Previously, a hot embossing method3 has been proposed to manufacture polystyrene devices using a PDMS negative mold and polystyrene chips. A moderate amount of pressure and temperatures above the glass transition temperature of polystyrene enable the polystyrene to flow into the mold. In this paper, we fabricate microposts out of polystyrene and successfully seed cells on top of the posts.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Family issues and the care of persons with Alzheimer's disease

(2001). Family issues and the care of persons with Alzheimer's disease. Aging & Mental Health: Vol. 5, No. sup1, pp. 49-51.
Utility of subsurface longitudinal waves in composite material characterization

Abstract All sorts of different wave modes can be considered in both composite material inspection and characterization. Commonly accepted techniques include bulk longitudinal and transverse waves in normal and oblique incidence, and such guided waves as plate or surface waves. Unfortunately a combination of all of these possibilities for use in establishing a one sided ultrasonic technique for complete material characterization for certain levels of anisotropy is limited. In this paper the use of subsurface longitudinal waves (SSL), which can be effectively generated at the first critical angle, was explored. The SSL waves used here can be applied to material characteristic analysis to determine certain elastic constants and also for inspection of subsurface defects. Emphasis is placed on the material characterization problem. Experimental and analytical details are included in the paper on a sample problem of graphite epoxy.
Nitric oxide synthase and postischemic liver injury.

The objective of this study was to determine what roles the endothelial cell and inducible isoforms of nitric oxide synthase (eNOS, iNOS) play in ischemia and reperfusion (I/R)-induced liver injury in vivo in mice genetically deficient in each isoform of NOS. We found that 45 min of partial (70%) liver ischemia and 5 h of reperfusion induced substantial liver injury as assessed by the release of large and significant amounts of the liver-specific enzyme alanine aminotransferase (ALT) into the serum of wild-type (wt) mice. The enhanced ALT levels were not due to increased recruitment of potentially damaging PMNs, which could mediate hepatocyte injury, as neither histopathological inspection nor quantitative MPO determinations revealed the presence of PMNs in the liver at this time point. In addition, we observed a significant enhancement in liver injury in eNOS-deficient but not iNOS-deficient mice subjected to liver I/R compared to postischemic wt mice. Taken together, these data suggest that eNOS- but not iNOS-derived NO plays an important role in limiting or downregulating I/R-induced liver injury in vivo following 5 h of reperfusion.
iPS Cells in Type 1 Diabetes Research and Treatment

Induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, with their ability to differentiate into every cell type of the body, represent a perfect source for cell-replacement therapies in type 1 diabetes (T1D). Hence, there is a need to optimize the differentiation protocols to generate fully glucose-responsive and mature cells. In addition, the use of iPS cells could make possible the generation of patient-specific disease models that could further our understanding of the root cause of autoimmune diabetes. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2011) 89 5, 750–753. doi:10.1038/clpt.2011.1
An Analysis of Unobserved Selection in an Inpatient Diagnostic Cost Group Model

The study assesses unobserved selection bias in an inpatient diagnostic cost group (DCG) model similar to Medicare's Principal Inpatient Diagnostic Cost Group (PIP-DCG) risk adjustment model using a unique data set that contains hospital discharge records for both FFS and HMO Medicare beneficiaries in California from 1994 to 1996. We use a simultaneous equations model that jointly estimates HMO enrollment and subsequent hospital use to test the existence of unobserved selection and estimate the true HMO effect. It is found that the inpatient DCG model does not adequately adjust for biased selection into Medicare HMOs. New HMO enrollees are healthier than FFS beneficiaries even after adjustment for the included PIP-DCG risk factors. A model developed over an FFS sample ignoring unobserved selection overestimates hospital use of new HMO enrollees by 28 percent compared to their use if they had remained in FFS. Models that better captures selection bias are needed to reduce overestimation of Medicare HMO enrollees' resource use.
FACTORS RELATED TO FECAL ESTROGENS AND FECAL TESTOSTERONE IN CALIFORNIA SPOTTED OWLS

Abstract We estimated concentrations of fecal reproductive steroid metabolites in free-ranging California Spotted Owls (Strix occidentalis occidentalis) during the breeding season. We collected fresh fecal samples (n = 142) from 65 individual owls in the Sierra Nevada during April–August of 2001. We developed and validated radioimmunoassay procedures to quantify fecal estrogen metabolites and fecal testosterone metabolites. We used an information-theoretic approach to identify factors that might influence fecal estrogen (E), fecal testosterone (T), and fecal estrogen:testosterone ratio (E:T ratio) levels during the owl's breeding season. We hypothesized that factors related to sampling procedures, owl characteristics (sex, reproductive status), and habitat might influence fecal reproductive steroid levels. Our analyses suggested that sampling factors and owl characteristics, but not habitat variables, were related to fecal reproductive steroid levels in Spotted Owls. Our most supported models explained <3...
Dynamic building model for demand response

A measurement based equivalent model is developed to elucidate the electro-thermal characteristics underlying demand response actions in buildings. The model parameters that minimize the error against measured data are obtained via an unconstrained optimization while the building grid energy transfer is handled through an energy hub.
Environmental influences on children's physical activity and eating habits in a rural Oregon County.

Abstract Purpose. To identify environmental barriers and facilitators of children's physical activity and healthy eating in a rural county. Design. Community-based participatory research using mixed methods, primarily qualitative. Setting. A rural Oregon county. Subjects. Ninety-five adults, 6 high school students, and 41 fifth-grade students. Measures. In-depth interviews, focus groups, Photovoice, and structured observations using the Physical Activity Resource Assessment, System for Observing Play and Leisure Activity, Community Food Security Assessment Toolkit, and School Food and Beverage Marketing Assessment Tool. Analysis. Qualitative data were coded by investigators; observational data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings were triangulated to produce a composite of environmental barriers and assets. Results. Limited recreational resources, street-related hazards, fear of strangers, inadequate physical education, and denial of recess hindered physical activity, whereas popularit...
Quarkonium Production at DØ

We present results on inclusive J/ψ production in the central and forward regions and ϒ production in the central region using dimuon data collected with the DO detector during the 1992-1995 Tevatron collider run. Using muon impact parameters we have estimated the fraction of J/ψ mesons coming from B meson decays and inferred the inclusive b production cross section. We have also obtained the fraction of J/ψ events resulting from radiative decays of χc states. We discuss the implications of our measurements for quarkonium production processes.
Arginine vasopressin and adrenocorticotropin release: correlation between binding characteristics and biological activity in anterior pituitary dispersed cells.

The present studies were designed to evaluate the binding characteristics of arginine vasopressin (AVP), using rat anterior pituitary dispersed cells, in correlation with the biological activity of the peptide. Synthetic AVP released ACTH from dispersed anterior pituitary cells in a concentration-dependent fashion, with a minimal effective dose of 10−10 m. [3H]AVP, the ligand for binding studies, showed full biological activity at different concentrations. Saturable and high affinity binding sites for [3H]AVP were obtained using dispersed anterior pituitary cells. Specific binding reached equilibrium by 180 min at 22 C, and rapid and complete dissociation was obtained after the addition of excess AVP. Scatchard analysis of the data indicated a single class of binding sites, with an apparent Kd of 1.63 nm and a binding capacity (Bmax) of 10.7 fmol/106 cells, at 37 C. When cells were incubated at 22 C, Kd (7.63 nm) and Bmax (39 fmol/106 cells) values were within the same order of magnitude. AVP effectively ...
Thyratron Motor Control

The control of d-c motors was one of the first electronic-control projects. Recent developments, particularly the fully automatic and co-ordinated control of the armature power circuit and the field power circuit, have greatly increased the acceptability of these controls for industrial use. This paper describes the control functions associated with an all-electronic d-c motor drive, in which grid-controlled thyratrontube rectifiers automatically perform the variable voltage functions associated with the d-c generator, exciter, and field rheostats of a conventional motor-generator drive. In addition, the grid-control action of the thyratron-tube rectifier dispenses with the usual magnetic starting and accelerating control devices and gives superior motor performance in the matter of almost idealized constant-current acceleration and flat preset speed-control characteristics resulting from IR-drop compensation and regulated field excitation. Reversing is accomplished by magnetic reversing switches which reverse the armature terminals relative to the rectifier. Contact duty during switching is minimized by the supplementary action of the thyratron tubes which themselves serve to interrupt and initiate the armature current. Proper grid-control sequence in these same tubes causes them to act as inverters during the decelerating portion of the reversing cycle so that the rotational energy of the armature is actually pumped back into the a-c system. Stopping is normally by means of a dynamic braking resistor, although the motor may be decelerated to a stop by utilizing the inverter action associated with reversing to regenerate power back into the a-c system.
Neurology, Technology, and the Diagnostic Imperative

Advancements in diagnostic technologies have revolutionized the field of neurology. The use of these tools in the course of neurological evaluations is driven by a strong version of the diagnostic imperative, with the goal of precisely identifying the locus and extent of disease processes. Because of the discrepancy between the sophistication of these technologies and the availability of therapeutic interventions, there is active debate regarding the appropriate use of these tools when the diagnosis is clear, or when no change is made to the therapeutic management. A narrow view of management that is bounded by the availability of pharmacological or surgical interventions results in a more rigid dichotomy between the needs of doctors and patients. A broader view that relaxes the constraint between diagnostic procedures and interventions is more in keeping with the observation that many acts are performed for the benefit of doctors and patients alike. An historical and ethical analysis of the diagnostic imperative, with attention to the rise of innovative medical technologies and current concepts of therapeutic intervention, can help clarify the principles of medical paternalism and beneficence that guide current models of decision making in the neurological sciences.
The morphology of a potato leaf such as that of Solanum andigenum Juz. et Buk.

The morphology of a potato with a dissected leaf, such as that of Solanum andigenum Juz. et Buk., is considered, and a terminology for leaf dissection is proposed. Summary comparison of the principal characters of the leaves of various S. andigenum varieties showed that the majority of them have a strong degree of dissection, a considerable distance between the adjacent leaf lobes and mostly ovate lobes with long rachidules.
AN AFRICAN‐AMERICAN PATHWAY TO HOPE: RELIEF FORMATION THROUGH USES OF NARRATIVE IN CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

Data from observations, participant responses, and anecdotal records of an African‐American adult church‐school group and inter‐generational family cluster were assessed for ways persons explored beliefs and hope through story‐Unking. Participants linked personal stories with biblical and African‐American heritage stories to decide future life directions. In that process, participants, often according to age and story circumstance: (1) used an inductive “Soul Method” entailing recall of cultural proverbs and songs to help articulate and shape beh'efs and hope; (2) engaged in symbolic conversation with God; and (3) entered into critical reflection on stories and constructive exploration of alternative and hopeful life directions.
Modification of proteins by norepinephrine is important for vascular contraction.

Norepinephrine (NE) is thought to mediate its effects through G-protein coupled receptors. However, previous studies have shown that norepinephrine and another primary amine, serotonin, also have the ability to exert effects in a receptor-independent manner. We hypothesized that the enzyme transglutaminase II (TG II) has the ability modify proteins with NE and that this modification is physiologically relevant. As our model we used rat aortic and vena cava tissues, two tissues that depend on NE to modulate vascular tone. Immunohistochemical and immunocytochemical staining showed that NE and TG II are present in smooth muscle cells of these tissues. Western analysis shows aorta and vena cava homogenate proteins are recognized by an anti-NE antibody. NE and α-actin colocalize in cultured aorta and vena cava smooth muscle cells. Freshly dissociated smooth muscle cells from these vessels were able to take up NE-biotin. In isolated tissue baths, inhibition of TG II with cystamine (0.5 mM) completely abolished NE-induced contraction in the aorta but only attenuated the receptor-independent contractant KCl (max contraction to 100 mM KCl in cystamine treated = 88.8 ± 7.5% of vehicle treated, p<0.05). In the vena cava, contraction to NE was abolished with 0.1 mM cystamine and KCl contraction was attenuated (max contraction to 100 mM KCl in cystamine treated = 54.8 ± 21.2% of vehicle treated, p<0.05). Taken together, these results show that vascular smooth muscle cells take up and utilize NE for the modification of proteins, and that this modification may play an important role in vascular contraction.
Structure and morphology of segmented polyurethanes: 2. Influence of reactant incompatibility

Abstract By following the copolymerization of a model polyurethane system, HTPBD/2,6 (or 2,4)-TDI/BDO, by optical microscopy, it was found that initial reactant incompatibility was the key factor in determining the final morphology of bulk sample. Based on this finding and the esults from the previous paper, models are proposed to describe the morphology during polymerization of this particular polyurethane system for several hard segment compositions where both macro-phase separation and micro-phase separation of reactants can occur during polymerization. The copolymerization of one seemingly compatible system, PPO-EO/MDI/BDO, which has been previously studied and commercially produced, was also followed by optical microscopy. In the size range which can be detected with an optical microscope using conventional optics, no heterogeneities were observable at the beginning of this reaction but phase separation was evident later in the reaction and can be xplained by the presence of micro-phase separation of reactants. Globule and spherulite formation and the presence of multiple T g 's and T m 's observed by previous workers can be explained by the two levels of heterogenities present during polymerization.
Changes in Mitral Regurgitation After Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty

The coexistence of mitral regurgitation (MR) in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) is not infrequent and has been associated with adverse outcome. The aims of this study were to evaluate the change in MR severity and to identify the correlates of MR improvement in patients with severe AS and moderate to severe MR who underwent balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV). Patients with severe AS and at least moderate MR who underwent their first BAV procedures (n = 74) were divided into 2 groups: patients with improved- (n = 34 [46%]) and those without improved (n = 40 [54%]) MR after BAV on transthoracic echocardiography. The population had a mean age of 84 years and was more frequently female (63.5%), with a high risk profile (mean Society of Thoracic Surgeons score 15%, mean European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation score 57%). Baseline characteristics were balanced between the 2 groups. Patients with improved MR after BAV had smaller left atrial dimensions (45 ± 7 vs 49 ± 7 mm, p = 0.01) and lower peak aortic velocities (3.7 ± 0.6 vs 4.0 ± 0.8 m/s, p = 0.05) and mean transaortic valve gradients (33.2 ± 12.1 vs 40.6 ± 17.4 mm Hg, p = 0.05) at baseline. Left atrial dimension [odds ratio (OR) 3.37, p = 0.006], left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (OR 2.7, p = 0.04), and mean transaortic valve gradient (OR 1.04, p = 0.05), but not left ventricular systolic function or functional MR, were correlated with MR improvement by logistic regression analysis. In conclusion, nearly half of the patients with severe AS and coexistent MR showed improvement in the magnitude of MR after BAV. Larger left atrial and left ventricular end-diastolic dimensions and higher transaortic valve gradients were associated with lack of MR improvement.