cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Education in the Responsible Conduct of Research in Psychology: Methods and Scope

In this mixed-method study of education in the responsible conduct of research (RCR) in psychology, phase one survey respondents (n = 141) reported that faculty and students were familiar with RCR standards and procedures to educate them were believed to be adequate. However, educational methods varied widely. In phase two, seven survey respondents completed in-depth interviews assessing RCR training and education and research review procedures. Educational methods through which RCR content was presented included the following ones: traditional (lectures), technical (web-based), and experiential (internships), but RCR was often minimally considered in the formal curriculum. Our results suggest that psychology training programs might benefit from more formal consideration of RCR education and training in the curriculum.
Curing arteriovenous malformations using embolization

Endovascular embolization is typically reserved as an adjuvant therapy in the management of cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), either for preoperative devascularization or preradiosurgical volume reduction. Curative embolization plays a limited role in AVM treatment but several studies have shown that it is possible, especially with later-generation liquid embolic agents. Given the complexity of AVM anatomy and the recent controversies over the role of any intervention in AVM management, it is critical that the cerebrovascular community better define the indications of each treatment modality to provide quality AVM management. In this review, the authors evaluate the role of curative AVM embolization. Important considerations in the feasibility of curative AVM embolization include whether it can be performed reliably and safely, and whether it is a durable cure. Studies over the past 20 years have begun to define the anatomical factors that are amenable to complete endovascular occlusion, including size, feeding artery anatomy, AVM morphology, and endovascular accessibility. More recent studies have shown that highly selected patients with AVMs can be treated with curative intent, leading to occlusion rates as high as 100% of such prospectively identified lesions with minimal morbidity. Advances in endovascular technology and techniques that support the efficacy and safety of curative embolization are discussed, as is the importance of superselective diagnostic angiography. Finally, the durability of curative embolization is analyzed. Overall, while still unproven, endovascular embolization has the potential to be a safe, effective, and durable curative treatment for select AVMs, broadening the armamentarium with which one can treat this disease.
From bloodless surgery to patient blood management.

Safety and efficacy concerns of allogeneic blood transfusions and their impact on patient outcomes and associated staggering costs and restricted supply have fueled the quest for other modalities and strategies to reduce use of blood components. Patient blood management focuses on multidisciplinary and multimodal preventive measures to reduce or obviate the need for transfusions and ultimately to improve the clinical outcomes of patients. Patient blood management strategies can be applied at every stage of care to surgical and nonsurgical patients, and they generally fall under one of these three categories (the so-called pillars of blood management): optimizing hematopoiesis and appropriate management of anemia, minimizing bleeding and blood loss, and harnessing and optimizing physiological tolerance of anemia through employing all available modalities while treatment is initiated. Several tools and modalities are available to address each of these pillars. Examples include hematinic agents, systemic and topical hemostatic agents, autotransfusion, and blood-sparing perfusion and surgical techniques. Additionally, changes in practice of clinicians (eg, adherence to restrictive, evidence-based transfusion strategies with emphasis on physiologic indications for transfusion, minimization of iatrogenic blood loss, and adequate planning) play an important role in patient blood management. Emerging evidence supports that appropriate use of these strategies as part of a multimodal program is a safe and effective way of reducing allogeneic transfusions and improving patient outcomes. Mt Sinai J Med 79:56–65, 2012.© 2012 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Progesterone modulates integrin {alpha}2 (ITGA2) and {alpha}11 (ITGA11) in the pregnant cervix

Fibrillar collagen in the cervical extracellular matrix (ECM) is the predominant component providing mechanical support. Cellular integrins contribute to structural integrity by cross-linking ECM components. We investigated the expression of collagen-binding integrins in the normal rat gestation and after treatment with mifepristone to determine whether integrin modulation is involved in changes in tissue resistance. Cervical tissue was harvested from nonpregnant and timed pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats. Normal gestational expression was evaluated in nonpregnant and timed pregnant tissue on days 12, 16, 18, 20, 21 and 22. Progesterone inhibition was induced with 3 mg mifepristone administered on day 15. Primary rat cervical stromal (RCS) cell cultures were generated from nonpregnant rats using tissue explants. The effects of progesterone environment on RCS cells were evaluated in the presence and absence of various inhibitors. Protein expression and signaling pathways were evaluated by Western blot. Integrin α2 (ITGA2) expression increased over gestation, peaking at the end of gestation (analysis of variance [ANOVA] P <.01). Integrin α11 (ITGA11) expression increased through mid-gestation, peaking on day 18 and decreasing through day 22 (ANOVA P <.001). Progesterone increased the expression of ITGA11 and phosphorylated focal adhesion kinase ([pFAK] P <.002). Mifepristone blocked these effects in vitro. Mifepristone increased ITGA2 and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (pERK1/2) in vivo and in vitro. Mifepristone-induced upregulation of ITGA2 was abrogated by inhibition of ERK1/2. Progesterone/progesterone withdrawal is involved in regulating the expression of collagen-binding integrins. These changes differ among the collagen-binding integrins. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling is involved in regulating some of these integrins.
Overexpression of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor in an insulin-secreting cell line enhances glucose responsiveness

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), secreted from intestine in response to food intake, enhances insulin secretion from pancreatic beta-cells. In this study, we evaluated the effects of stably transfecting the GLP-1 receptor into an insulinoma cell line, RIN 1046-38, on basal and glucose-mediated insulin secretion and on second messenger pathways involved in insulin secretion. The GLP-1 receptor transfected cells had similar insulin mRNA levels but higher insulin content compared with parental cells. In GLP-1 receptor transfected cells, glucose (0.5 mM)-mediated insulin release was increased compared with parental cells (4.52 +/- 0.79 pmol insulin/l per mg protein x h vs. 2.21 +/- 0.36 pmol insulin/l per mg protein x h; mean +/- S.E., n = 6, P = 0.015, in transfected vs. parental cells, respectively). By hemolytic plaque assay measuring single cell insulin secretion, we observed that in the GLP-1 receptor transfected cells versus parental cells the increased insulin secretion was due to the presence of more glucose-responsive cells as well as more insulin released in response to glucose per cell. Resting intracellular cAMP was higher in the GLP-1 transfected cells (35.96 +/- 3.88 vs. 18.6 +/- 2.01 nmol/l per mg protein x h; mean +/- S.E., n = 4, P = 0.039, in transfected vs. parental cells, respectively). In response to GLP-1, both GLP-1 receptor transfected cells and parental cells showed increased cAMP levels independent of glucose. Resting intracellular calcium was the same in both parental and GLP-1 receptor transfected cells. However, more cells were responsive to glucose in the GLP-1 receptor transfected cells and the calcium transients attained in the presence of glucose developed at a faster rate and reached a higher amplitude than in parental cells. We conclude that having an excess of GLP-1 receptors renders beta-cells more sensitive to glucose.
Cloning of a cDNA for the Type II Iodothyronine Deiodinase

Three types of iodothyronine deiodinase have been identified in vertebrate tissues. cDNAs for the types I and III have been cloned and shown to contain an in-frame TGA that codes for selenocysteine at the active site of the enzyme. We now report the cloning of a cDNA for a type II deiodinase using a reverse transcription/polymerase chain reaction strategy and RNA obtained from Rana catesbeiana tissues. This cDNA (RC5′DII) manifests limited but significant homology with other deiodinase cDNAs and contains a conserved in-frame TGA codon. Injection of capped in vitro synthesized transcripts of the cDNA into Xenopuslaevis oocytes results in the induction of deiodinase activity with characteristics typical of a type II deiodinase. The levels of RC5′DII transcripts in R. catesbeiana tadpole tail and liver mRNA at stages XII and XXIII correspond well with that of type II deiodinase activity but not that of the type III activity in these tissues. These findings indicate that the amphibian type II 5′-deiodinase is a structurally unique member of the family of selenocysteine-containing deiodinases.
The effects of single-component extinction of a three-component serial CS on resistance to extinction of the conditioned avoidance response

Abstract Central to a fear interpretation of how avoidance responses are maintained in the absence of further CS-UCS pairings is the underlying assumption of an existing gradient of fear across the CS-UCS interval. Extrapolations based on this gradient lead to a number of differential predictions concerning the topography of avoidance responding during extinction. The present research was concerned with the differential effects of extinguishing separate components of the CS complex upon responding to the complete CS complex during extinction. In Phase 1 of the study, rats were classically conditioned to a three-component serial CS (S 1 /S 2 /S 3 ) followed by shock. Each subject was then given avoidance training in a one-way apparatus to a criterion of one successful avoidance. In Phase 2, subjects were divided into four groups, with three of the groups receiving nonreinforced exposure for 25 trials to one of the components of the serial CS (S 1 , S 2 , or S 3 ). The fourth group (S 0 ) was exposed for the same period of time to the apparatus cues. In Phase 3, the total stimulus complex was reintroduced in its original order, and animals were tested until extinction of the instrumental response was reached. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that a fear gradient exists in extinction and decreases in magnitude as the distance from the point of UCS onset increases.
On bahadur's representation of quantiles in nonregular cases

The paper considers Bahadur’s representation of quantiles (see Bahadur (1966), Ann. Math. Statist., 37, 577-580) in cases where the usual assumptions regarding the existence and boundedness of the derivatives of the distribution function in a neighbourhood of the population quantile(s) of interest are not met. Following Kiefer((1967), Ann. Math. Statist., 38, 1323-1342) we provide an exact order of the remainder term in Bahadur’s representation. A weaker result regarding the order of the remainder term is also provided under weaker regularity assumptions.
Statistical Comparisons of Watershed-Scale Response to Climate Change in Selected Basins across the United States

AbstractIn an earlier global climate-change study, air temperature and precipitation data for the entire twenty-first century simulated from five general circulation models were used as input to precalibrated watershed models for 14 selected basins across the United States. Simulated daily streamflow and energy output from the watershed models were used to compute a range of statistics. With a side-by-side comparison of the statistical analyses for the 14 basins, regional climatic and hydrologic trends over the twenty-first century could be qualitatively identified. Low-flow statistics (95% exceedance, 7-day mean annual minimum, and summer mean monthly streamflow) decreased for almost all basins. Annual maximum daily streamflow also decreased in all the basins, except for all four basins in California and the Pacific Northwest. An analysis of the supply of available energy and water for the basins indicated that ratios of evaporation to precipitation and potential evapotranspiration to precipitation for m...
Grandparent Education: Raising Grandchildren

Grandparent-headed households are increasing in the United States. Most caregivers believe their role will be permanent. The responsibilities are more difficult because previous parenting experiences do not apply to some current challenges, and there are no paradigms to provide guidance. Accordingly, caregivers want to know the goals that successful grandparents share to consider them as a source of direction. Identification of grandparent success is based on the separate and combined responses from three generations to 60 Likert-type items in the Grandparent Strengths and Needs Inventory. Results detect assets and knowledge gaps, and they are used to determine content for group interventions. This presentation unites findings drawn from three-generational studies, community program initiatives, and case studies. The purpose is to show how goals of successful grandparents can be used to inform a paradigm for caregivers so that they are able to establish suitable priorities, recognize the necessary adjustm...
Detection and Inhibition of an Organic Interference in the Indigo Method for Ozone

Abstract Aqueous samples of organic solutes often exhibit a delayed reaction in the indigo test for dissolved ozone which is similar to the reaction of ozone itself. This phenomenon has made timing critical in aqueous ozone measurements and has been observed in both laboratory situations with high organic carbon:ozone ratios and in a potable water treatment plant with low organic carbon:ozone ratios. Organic hydroperoxides, singlet oxygen, and Fenton's reagent but not triplet oxygen, hydrogen peroxide, nor p-benzoquinone were found to interfere. Addition of phenolic antioxidants was found to inhibit the interference. These results extend the utility of the indigo method to solutions of high organic carbon concentration.
The Effects of Structured and Unstructured Leader Roles on Internal and External Group Participants.

This study assessed the impact of structured and unstructured leader roles on measures of outcome for Ss who differed on the pretest dimension "locus of control." On the basis of their pretest locus of control scores, Ss were assigned to a structured or an unstructured marathon group. The treatment in the two 16-hour -arathons consisted of a defined series of exercises; the only difference between the two groups was the degree of leader control over member participation. As predicted, internal Ss in the unstructured group rated the leader and the group more psoitively than did external Ss, while the reverse responsivity occured in the structured group. Significant Locus of Control X Treatment interactions indicated that internal and external Ss reflected differential shifts in general anxiety, general depression, and locus of control as a function of treatment. The relationship between changes in self-actualization and locus of control and changes in conflict-handling styles and negative affects differed as a function of locus of control and treatment condition. The overall results coupled with prior findings tentatively support the appropriateness of an unstructured leader role for internal scores and a structured leader role for external scorers.
Another look at Fact, FIction, and Forecast

EVER since the revolutionary results of Hume's examinations were developed, that area of modern philosophy known as induction or confirmation theory has had a notorious and frustrating history.1 In Goodman's recent book, Fact, Fiction, and Forecast,2 new and fruitful insights into the matter are presented by way of developing solutions to problems which he discovers to be closely associated with it. However, some misunderstandings and misapprehensions regarding this work have arisen, which warrant consideration because of the importance of the issues at stake. A convenient way of dealing with such concerns is to examine carefully the strenuous objections of one particular critic,3 and, in so doing, call attention to the more significant parts of the book. In his lengthy review Pap presents an array of arguments of which he apparently considers the first to be the most crucial. It is concerned with refuting Goodman's claim that we can explain dispositional terms without
Environmental indicators for sustainable production of algal biofuels

Abstract For analyzing sustainability of algal biofuels, we identify 16 environmental indicators that fall into six categories: soil quality, water quality and quantity, air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity, and productivity. Indicators are selected to be practical, widely applicable, predictable in response, anticipatory of future changes, independent of scale, and responsive to management. Major differences between algae and terrestrial plant feedstocks, as well as their supply chains for biofuel, are highlighted, for they influence the choice of appropriate sustainability indicators. Algae strain selection characteristics do not generally affect which indicators are selected. The use of water instead of soil as the growth medium for algae determines the higher priority of water- over soil-related indicators. The proposed set of environmental indicators provides an initial checklist for measures of algal biofuel sustainability but may need to be modified for particular contexts depending on data availability, goals of stakeholders, and financial constraints. Use of these indicators entails defining sustainability goals and targets in relation to stakeholder values in a particular context and can lead to improved management practices.
Compensator filters made with compact Moire camera and computer

This paper describes a light, easy to use Moire camera and a computer program written to implement it as part of a clinical compensating filters design system.
Cadmium-induced excretion of urinary lipid metabolites, DNA damage, glutathione depletion, and hepatic lipid peroxidation in Sprague-Dawley rats.

Recent studies have described lipid peroxidation to be an early and sensitive consequence of cadmium exposure, and free radical scavengers and antioxidants have been reported to attenuate cadmium-induced toxicity. These observations suggest that cadmium produces reactive oxygen species that may mediate many of the untoward effects of cadmium. Therefore, the effects of cadmium (II) chloride on reactive oxygen species production were examined following a single oral exposure (0.50 LD50) by assessing hepatic mitochondrial and microsomal lipid peroxidation, glutathione content in the liver, excretion of urinary lipid metabolites, and the incidence of hepatic nuclear DNA damage. Increases in lipid peroxidation of 4.0- and 4.2-fold occurred in hepatic mitochondria and microsomes, respectively, 48 h after the oral administration of 44 mg cadmium (II) chloride/kg, while a 65% decrease in glutathione content was observed in the liver. The urinary excretion of malondialdehyde (MDA), formaldehyde (FA), acetaldehyde (ACT), and acetone (ACON) were determined at 0–96 h after Cd administration. Between 48 and 72 h posttreatment maximal excretion of the four urinary lipid metabolites was observed with increases of 2.2- to 3.6-fold in cadmium (II) chloride-treated rats. Increases in DNA single-strand breaks of 1.7-fold were observed 48 h after administration of cadmium. These results support the hypothesis that cadmium induces production of reactive oxygen species, which may contribute to the tissue-damaging effects of this metal ion.
Interpersonal discrimination and depressive symptomatology: examination of several personality-related characteristics as potential confounders in a racial/ethnic heterogeneous adult sample

Background Research suggests that reports of interpersonal discrimination result in poor mental health. Because personality characteristics may either confound or mediate the link between these reports and mental health, there is a need to disentangle its role in order to better understand the nature of discrimination-mental health association. We examined whether hostility, anger repression and expression, pessimism, optimism, and self-esteem served as confounders in the association between perceived interpersonal discrimination and CESD-based depressive symptoms in a race/ethnic heterogeneous probability-based sample of community-dwelling adults.
Removal of heterogeneous elements: another critical step towards microalgal biofuel utilization

Microalgae, including green algae, golden/brown algae, diatoms and cyanobacteria (nonalgae but photosynthetic bacteria), are among the simplest microorganisms on our planet, and grow in various nat...
Friction effects in atomic force microscopy of patterned octadecyltriethoxysilane-on-glass self-assembled monolayers

We present a quantitative study of the simultaneous effects of surface topography and friction in atomic force microscopic imaging of octadecyltriethoxysilane-on-glass self-assembled monolayers, patterned by illumination with ultraviolet radiation through a mask. The ultraviolet light leaves a 1 nm deep topographic depression in the exposed areas, and produces larger surface-tip friction which can be the dominant contribution to the apparent topography.
Developing Solutes as Probes of Protein and DNA Processes

Solutes have a broad range of effects on biopolymer processes, forming a spectrum from destabilizers like urea to more stabilizing osmolytes like proline, glycine betaine (GB) and KGlutamate to secondary structure inducers like trifluorethanol. To explain these effects and develop these solutes as probes of interface formation and large scale conformational changes in protein and DNA processes, we quantify the thermodynamics of their competition with water to interact with different types of biopolymer surface (e.g. aliphatic and aromatic C, polar and charged O and N) using model compounds displaying one or more surface type. Preferential interactions between the solutes and model compounds relative to their interactions with water are determined by osmometry or solubility and dissected using a novel coarse-grained analysis to obtain interaction potentials quantifying the solute’s interaction with each significant type of biopolymer surface. Microscopic local-bulk partition coefficients Kp for the accumulation or exclusion of the solute in the water of hydration of these surfaces relative to bulk water are obtained. We used model compounds representing protein surface types to obtain Kp values for urea and GB, revealing that urea accumulates moderately at amide O and weakly at aliphatic C, while GB is excluded from both. These results provide both thermodynamic and molecular explanations for the opposite effects of urea and GB on protein stability, as well as deductions about strengths of amide NH - amide O and amide NH - amide N hydrogen bonds relative to hydrogen bonds to water. Urea and GB m-values for protein folding and other protein processes are interpreted and predicted using these interaction potentials or Kp values. We also determine interactions of these solutes with nucleic acid surface types to develop the ability to probe protein-nucleic acid interactions.Supported by NIH GM47022.
Predictorߝcorrector methods of numerical integration in digital-computer analyses of power-system transient stability

Single-step methods of numerical integration, such as the Runge-Kutta routine, have been widely used in the application of digital computers to the analysis of transient stability in synchronous power systems, but no previous paper appears to have described the alternative integration methods, which are based on prediction and correction, although they are being increasingly used in other scientific applications of digital computers. The purpose of the present account is therefore to document a comprehensive series of experiments which incorporate several different predictor-corrector methods, the primary aim of which has been to discover the feasibility of using longer step lengths than are possible with single-step methods, thereby reducing the total computing time expended in analysis. The experiments indicate that the length of step interval is influenced, in addition to the precise technique of integration, by the essential basis of step-by-step analysis, in which the solutions of algebraic equations always lie one step behind those of differential equations. A method of auxiliary prediction of nonintegrable variables is developed to promote a closer realisation of their required simultaneous solution, and the substantial increase in step length which then becomes possible is demonstrated.
Transfusion-related acute lung injury in the paediatric patient: two case reports and a review of the literature

summary Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) is increasingly recognized as a major complication of transfusion therapy; it was the leading cause of transfusion-related fatalities in the United States in 2003. Most cases of TRALI that have been reported are in adult patients. We present two cases of TRALI that occurred in children and review the existing literature of paediatric TRALI. The paediatric TRALI case reports highlight two laboratory findings that can help in the diagnosis of TRALI: transient leucopenia and an elevated pulmonary oedema fluid/plasma protein ratio. These two simple diagnostic tests can help rule out other diagnoses and add confidence to the clinical diagnosis of TRALI. Finally, our first case also highlights the potential danger of directed maternal blood donations, which may increase the risk of paediatric TRALI.
Low temperature recovery of 0.40 MeV electron irradiated aluminum

Abstract Results are given for a high resolution experiment on the low temperature recovery of 0.40 MeV electron irradiated aluminum. The data do not indicate structure for the I D and I E recovery regions.
Mechanical cardiac support: is the bridge a destination when you're stuck on it?

Mechanical support of the circulation raises myriad problems. Answers will come, but slowly.
Virtual reality in radiology: innovative applications of PACS in neuroradiology

ABSTRACT Neuroradiologists require rapid access to large multislice, multisequence image datasets, as well as tools for planning interventional procedures and predicting the probable outcome of an intervention. To address these challenges, we are integrating virtual reality (VR) technology with a large-scale picture archiving and communication system (PACS). The VR-based applications that we are developing include a "virtual view box" for rapid browsing and pairwise image comparison oflarge datasets using a head-mounted display (HMD), and "virtual intervention" tools for planning, simulating, and executinginterventional radiology procedures. VR in radiology offers novel, "hands-free" techniques for image navigation, simulation,and teleintervention. 1. INTRODUCTION With the advent of new imaging techniques such as fast magnetic resonance imaging, spiral computed tomography,fast (electron-beam) computed tomography, and high-resolution, high-frame-rate digital angiography systems, there has been
Fiber optic acoustic emission sensors for harsh environment health monitoring

Optical fiber sensors are rapidly emerging as viable alternatives to piezoelectric devices as effective means of detecting and quantifying acoustic emission (AE). Compared to traditional piezoelectric-based sensors, optical fiber sensors offer much smaller size, reduced weight, ability to operate at temperatures up to 2000 degree(s)C, immunity to electromagnetic interference, resistance to corrosive environments, inherent safety within flammable environments, and the ability to multiplex multiple sensors on a single fiber. The authors have investigated low-profile fiber optic-based AE sensors for non-destructive evaluation (NDE) systems. In particular, broadband and resonant type optical fiber sensors were developed for monitoring acoustic emission for NDE of pressurized composite vessels and commercial airframe structures. The authors developed an in-plane, broadband sensor design based on optical strain gage technology. In addition, an out-of-plane, resonant sensor was developed using micromachining techniques. The sensors have been evaluated for performance using swept frequency and impulse excitation techniques and compared to conventional piezoelectric transducers. Further, application experiments were conducted using these sensors on both aluminum lap-joints and composite fracture coupons, with collocated piezoelectric transducers. The results indicate that optical fiber AE sensors can be used as transducers sensitive to acoustic events and the indication of imminent failure of a structure, making these sensors useful in many applications where conventional piezoelectric transducers are not well suited.
Edge characterization using normalized edge detector

The behavior of the normalized gradient of the Gaussian edge operator is analyzed over many scales in one and two dimensions. A knowledge of the changes that occur over scale in the output of the operator and the physical conditions that cause these changes is essential for the proper interpretation and application of the results. The behavior of several edge models and combinations of edges is examined. As a result it is shown that the slope of an edge can be estimated very accurately using one small scale. By following the rate of change in the output of the operator as scale changes, an optimal scale can be determined for estimating the width and total contrast of the edge. Results on real images are shown and it is demonstrated that the information obtained by these methods can be used to characterize edge points.
Long-term fracture risk following adult-onset asthma: a population-based study.

There are few data on skeletal outcomes in the growing population of patients with adult-onset asthma. We conducted a population-based retrospective (historical) cohort study among 226 residents of Rochester, Minnesota, USA, who were 35 years of age or older when first diagnosed with asthma. Fractures were ascertained by review of comprehensive community medical records, and observed fractures were compared with expected numbers based on incidence rates in the local population (standardized incidence ratios, SIR). During 4,022 person-years of follow-up, 100 patients experienced 211 fractures, for an actuarially estimated cumulative incidence of 63% after 30 years compared with 59% expected (p=0.004). Statistically significant increases were seen for moderate trauma fractures of the vertebrae (SIR, 2.9; 95% CI, 2.1 to 3.8) and ribs (SIR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.2 to 3.2), as well as the proximal femur (SIR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.02 to 2.8). As assessed by proportional hazards models, the only independent predictors of any subsequent moderate trauma fracture were age (hazard ratio [HR] per 10-year increase, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.5 to 2.1) and cumulative corticosteroid dose greater than the median of 1,775 mg (HR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.1 to 3.0). In another multivariate analysis, the predictors of a moderate trauma vertebral fracture were older age (HR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.3 to 2.1), concomitant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (HR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.2 to 4.9), cigarette smoking (HR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.2 to 4.8), and cumulative corticosteroid dose greater than the median (HR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.4 to 5.0). Other asthma therapies did not contribute significantly to these models. Thus, a 70% increase in overall fracture risk among unselected community patients with adult onset asthma was mainly confined to the subset who also had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and was influenced by substantial corticosteroid use.
Pathophysiology of bacterial meningitis : Contributions by experimental animal models

Summary Experimental animal models of meningitis have helped to elucidate major aspects of the pathophysiology of bacterial meningitis. Products derived from the meningeal pathogens (teichoic acid, lipopolysaccharides) trigger a cascade of events that includes the release of various cytokines, the induction of an inflammatory response in the subarachnoid space, the disruption of the blood brain barrier, alterations of cerebral blood flow, increased intracranial pressure, and the development of brain edema. Using antibodies and pharmacologic approaches, this chain of events can be modulated on various levels, thus providing the potential for adjunctive therapies to complement antibiotic treatment of bacterial meningitis.
Quantitation of submicrogram amounts of protein using coomassie brilliant blue R on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide slab-gels.

Abstract A sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-polyacrylamide slab-gel system was used to study the use of Coomassie brilliant blue (CB) as a quantitative stain. Quantitation curves are shown for tubulin, cytochrome c , histone, and actin from gels stained with CB. A comparison was made of three identical gels using an actin sample and stained with CB, fast green and buffalo black. CB staining was found to be quantitative in the 0.05–2.75-μg range as well as possessing an order of magnitude increase in sensitivity over other stains tested.
Phosphorus incorporation in the Ehrlich ascites tumor cell.

Data from isotopic uptake experiments were used to measure the kinetics of labelling of cellular phosphate, ATP and ADP in the Ehrlich ascites tumor cell. The results show that steady state phosphate exchange flux was 0.333 ± 0.052 (S.E.) μmoles per 107 cells per hour at 37°, and that the specific activity of phosphate was the same as Pγ ATP. Metabolic inhibition reduced the phosphate flux by 30–50%. A model, based on oxidative phosphorylation and the adenylate kinase reaction is used to interpret the labelling sequence of Pβ ATP and Pβ ADP, and its dependence on Pγ ATP.
Trends in compliance with two-dose influenza vaccine recommendations among children aged 6 months through 8 years.

Abstract Children aged 2 million children in each influenza season from 2007 to 2012 from eight Immunization Information System Sentinel Sites to assess trends in two-dose compliance. Compliance was calculated by influenza season, age group, and influenza vaccination history. Two-dose compliance increased from 49% to 60% among 6–23 month olds from 2007 to 2012; no increase was observed for 2–4 or 5–8 year olds. In each season, compliance was 3–12 times higher among 6–23 month olds compared to older children and was two times higher among influenza vaccine naive children compared to previously vaccinated children. Improved messaging for providers and parents about the importance of the two-dose recommendation, about which children are eligible for two doses, and provider access to complete influenza vaccination histories for all children are needed.
A Review of Clinical Practices and Research Data on Anatomical Dolls

The use of anatomical dolls by investigators of suspected child sexual abuse has become a hotly debated issue among mental health and legal professionals. A review of clinical practices and of research findings is presented, which may be helpful informing opinions about the utility of the dolls in such evaluations.
On the origins and reasons behind nonprofit involvement and non-involvement in low income housing in urban India

Abstract The article examines the origins of Indian nonprofit organizations (NPOs) involved in the low income housing sector in urban areas and explores the reasons for NPO “involvement” or “non-involvement” in the sector by analyzing a series of case studies. Three types of NPOs are discussed: nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), secular welfare churches' organizations (WCOs), and community based organizations (CBOs). The analytical framework is drawn from: propositions on the local state developed in the context of industrialized nations; literature on the voluntary sector which considers broader socioeconomic and political factors and is also developed in the context of industrialized nations; and studies of Third World NGOs which incorporate institutional histories, political, social, and economic realities, associational cultures, and human agency. Drawing from this literature, the article suggests two ways of understanding the origins and reasons behind NPO involvement and non-involvement in housing. These are analyzing NPOs as organizations of human agents which have identities, objectives, and institutional and social histories; and local conditions, institutional behavior, associational culture, local politics and actions of local agents.
Silicone does not Potentiate Development of the Scleroderma-like Syndrome in Tight Skin (TSK/+) Mice

Several reports have implicated an association between the development of connective tissue disorders and exposure to silicone in breast implant patients. These connective tissue disorders include local or systemic scleroderma-like syndrome and have been characterized by fibrosis as well as the presence of circulating autoantibodies. Whether silicone does potentiate the development of a scleroderma-like syndrome is still to be defined. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of silicone on the tight skin (TSK/+) mouse which develops a scleroderma-like syndrome and on its normal pa/pa TSK/- littermate. Groups of six TSK and five of their normal pa/pa littermates were injected subcutaneously with low molecular weight silicone (LMW-PDMS), high molecular weight silicone gel (HMW-PDMS), incomplete Freunds' adjuvant (IFA) or Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS) in the dorsal neck area and ventrally in the upper chest region. Serum was obtained prior to and 1 month after injection of silicone, IFA, or control HBSS. Antibody levels to bovine serum albumin (BSA), RNA polymerase (RNAP) and topoisomerase I were determined. Mice were then euthanized and strips of skin from the injection sites as well as samples of kidney and liver were studied histologically. No significant pathological changes were observed in TSK/- mice 1 month following injection with HBSS, LMW-PDMS or HMW-PDMS. Skin samples from TSK/+ mice which received LMW-PDMS showed hyperplasia of the dermis and peri-panniculus carnosus tissue and infiltrates of macrophages containing lipid-like vacuolated materials. Lipid vacuoles were observed throughout the deeper dermis as multiple loculated vacuoles. TSK mice which received HMW-PDMS showed similar thickening of the dermis and the peri-panniculus carnosus connective tissue. There were no significant differences in the histologic characteristics of the silicone-injected TSK/+ mice compared to those that received HBSS or IFA. No detectable changes in the kidney, spleen, or liver samples taken from TSK/+ or TSK/- mice injected with HBSS, IFA or silicone (LMW-PDMS, HMW-PDMS) preparations were noted. Baseline circulating antibody levels to BSA, RNAP and topoisomerase were significantly higher in TSK/+ mice compared to the control TSK/- littermates. Administration of silicone (LMW-PDMS or HMW-PDMS) did not significantly alter circulating antibody levels to BSA, RNAP and topoisomerase in either the TSK/+ or the TSK/- mice. The results of this study indicate that silicone administration does not potentiate the development of the scleroderma-syndrome characterized by skin lesions and presence of circulating antibodies in the TSK/+ model.
Vitamin D and cardiovascular disease risk: emerging evidence.

Purpose of review Vitamin D deficiency is common throughout the world, with a particularly high prevalence in northern latitudes and colder climates. Although the best known sequelae of vitamin D deficiency involve the musculoskeletal system, a growing body of evidence suggests that vitamin D status may influence cardiovascular health as well. This review focuses on recent studies linking vitamin D and cardiovascular disease risk, emphasizing the potential relevance to primary prevention. Recent findings There is strong experimental evidence that vitamin D status may influence cardiovascular structure and function. The number of clinical studies has steadily grown in recent years, with the largest number comprising observational studies showing associations between low vitamin D status, the presence of various cardiovascular risk factors, and adverse cardiovascular outcomes. A few small, randomized, controlled studies have been published, but these have been largely inconclusive. Summary Despite substantial clinical evidence linking vitamin D deficiency with increased cardiovascular risk, it remains to be established whether this represents a causal association. Further study is needed with prospective, randomized controlled trials before vitamin D supplementation can be routinely recommended for the primary or secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease.
Analysis of the Effects of Uncertainty, Risk-Pooling, and Subcontracting Mechanisms on Project Performance

The problem of designing a contract mechanism to allocate the component subprojects of a large project to a pool of contractors has important implications for project success. Our research analytically addresses issues involved in diversifying risk for the project owner by partitioning the project and assigning the subprojects to multiple contractors whose performance characteristics are imperfectly known. We begin by giving a precise analytical treatment of the effect of activity variance on expected project duration, characterizing the cases when an increase in activity variance pushes up the expected project duration. In the case of a homogeneous project consisting of serial subprojects, we show that disaggregating the project and assigning the subprojects to the contractors on a piecemeal basis reduces variance of project duration while leaving the mean unchanged. On the other hand, in the case of a homogeneous project consisting of parallel subprojects, aggregating the subprojects and assigning the aggregated project to one of the contractors reduces mean project duration.
Tidal Power Development in Maine: Stakeholder Identification and Perceptions of Engagement

Development of renewable energy affects or is affected by numerous stakeholders. Understanding who the stakeholders are and how they are engaged in the process is necessary for improving the responsible development of renewable energy technologies. Using structured community interviews and in-depth ethnographic research (semi-structured interviews, informal interviews, observations, and document review), we identified and characterized the most salient stakeholders associated with tidal power development in Maine and documented stakeholder perceptions of developer engagement strategies. Stakeholder characterization was facilitated using a framework by Mitchell et al. (The Academy of Management Review 22:853–886, 1997) that characterizes salient stakeholders using attributes of power, urgency, and legitimacy. Key stakeholders identified include fishermen, community members, tribes, regulators, developers, and scientists. Fishermen and regulators are definitive stakeholders, with legitimacy, power, and urgency in the process. Tribes are considered dominant stakeholders; they have legitimacy and power, but their interests are, at this time, not viewed as urgent. Scientists are considered to have urgency and power. The developers viewed their stakeholder engagement strategy as open and transparent. Community stakeholders, regulators, and fishermen generally perceived the developer's approach as effective; they noted the company's accessibility and their efforts to engage stakeholders early and often. Given the dynamic nature of stakeholder salience, our findings highlight the importance of engaging dominant stakeholders so that future conflict can be more easily avoided as new information develops. Our approach can be used to inform stakeholder identification and engagement research in other renewable energy contexts.
Facilitation of motor evoked potentials by somatosensory afferent stimulation

Abstract The effect of an electrically induced peripheral afferent volley upon electrical and magnetic motor evoked potentials (MEPs) from muscles of the upper and lower extremities was studied in 16 healthy volunteers. A standard conditioning-test (C-T) paradigm was employed whereby the test stimulus (transcranial electric or magnetic) was applied at random time intervals, from 10 msec prior to 90 msec after the conditioning stimulus (peripheral nerve stimulus). MEP amplitude facilitation was observed for the majority of the upper extremity muscles tested at two distinct periods, one occurring at short, and the other at long C-T intervals. This bimodal trend of MEP facilitation was found to be equally as prominent in the lower extremity muscles tested. The period of short C-T interval facilitation is consistent with modifications in the spinal excitability of the segmental motoneuron pool. On the other hand, the period of long C-T interval facilitation is suggested to be due to alterations in excitability of the motor cortex as a result of the arrival of the orthodromic sensory volley. Although most pronounced in muscles innervated by the nerve to which the conditioning stimulus was applied, this bimodal facilitatory effect was also observed in adjacent muscles not innervated by the stimulated nerve. Qualitatively, the conditioned MEPs from the upper and lower extremities responded similarly to both electrical and magnetic trans-cranial stimulation. In addition, our study demonstrates that the C-T paradigm has potential for use in the assessment of spinal and cortical sensorimotor integration by providing quantitative information which cannot be obtained through isolated assessment of sensory and/or motor pathways. This approach might be used for assessment of unconsciousness and/or comatose head injured patients.
Formation of a streaming convective disturbance which may occur at one gravity during preparation of samples for zone centrifugation

Zone centrifugation experiments are occasionally ruined by convective processes which occur at one gravity subsequent to layering a solution of macromolecules on a supporting density gradient. The factors which contribute to this convection have been little understood. In most of the experiments described in this communication, Blue Dextran 2000 is used as the macromolecular component. The convective disturbance may be clearly seen and accurately measured. The effects of macromolecular concentration, composition and density of the supporting gradient, diffusion coefficient of the solute, and several other variables are studied, and an empirical equation constructed to describe the phenomenon. This convective disturbance appears to be minimized or prevented by layering and fractionating in the presence of a centrifugal field.
Comparing Construct Definition in the Angoff and Objective Standard Setting Models: Playing in a House of Cards Without a Full Deck

Typical validation studies on standard setting models, most notably the Angoff and modified Angoff models, have ignored construct development, a critical aspect associated with all conceptualizatio...