cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structure of the linear Na32+ cluster in zeolite X

A dehydrated single crystal of zeolite Na 92 -X was exposed at 225°C to 4.7×10 −4 Torr of Na vapor for 48 h. Its structure was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods in the cubic space group, Fd 3¯ at 22°C. R 1 =0.069 and R 2 =0.078 for the 302 reflections for which I>3γ(I). A linear Na 3 2+ cluster was found to exist in 86(5)% of the 12-oxygen rings. The central atom of each cluster is found at the very center of a 12-oxygen ring. Although some delocalization of the single valence electron over this cluster must occur, it is recognized, from the sodium approach distances to framework oxygens, that the terminal sodiums are largely cationic and the central atom closer to neutral. Each terminal sodium approaches two oxygens of an aluminum-centered tetrahedron of the zeolite framework with Na−O distances of 2.46 (5) and 2.71 (6) . The bond lengths in the cluster are 2.84(5) , nearly identical to the corresponding distance in Na 5 4+ , 2.80 (2) , and to the sum of the radii of Na 0 , 2.83 .
An Evidence-Based Approach to Reducing Cardiac Telemetry Alarm Fatigue.

Background It is estimated that between 80% and 99% of alarms in the clinical areas are in actionable alarms (Gross, Dahl, & Nielson). Alarm management is one of the Joint Commission's National Patient Safety Goals (2014) because sentinel events have directly been linked to the devices generating these alarms. Purpose At an acute care facility in Boston, a multidisciplinary team consisting of Nursing, Biomedical Engineers, Patient Safety and Providers was formed to conduct a pilot study on the state of telemetry alarms on a surgical floor. Methods An evidence-based approach was taken utilizing Philips Real-time data exporter alarms tracking software to capture all telemetry alarms during a 43-day time span. Likewise, noise meters were placed near telemetry alarm speakers to track decibel levels within the aforementioned timeframe for 21 days. Analysis of the data showed that clinically insignificant Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVC) alarms accounted for more than 40% of all alarms in the unit within the time span, while also contributing to an average noise level of 58.49 dB. In response to the data, the interdisciplinary team approved to permanently default the settings for PAIR PVC, MULTIFORM PVC, and RUN PVC alarms to off. Results The results showed a 54% decrease in the rate of alarms per bed per day, and an average noise reduction of 2.3 dB between the two selected noise measurement areas. Linking Evidence to Action Organizing a multidisciplinary team provides an effective framework toward analyzing and addressing cardiac telemetry alarm fatigue. Looking at quantitative datasets for clinical care areas through various lenses helps identify opportunities for improvement in regards to highlighting alarms that are not actionable. Pilot changes to alarm parameters can be tested for their environmental impact in the care area.
Benign and malignant pheochromocytoma: diagnosis, treatment, and follow-Up.

clinical manifestation of pheochromocytoma is presented with specific emphasis on accurate diagnostic approach. The sensitivity, specificity, and indication of localizing studies of pheochromocy- tomas are reviewed. Management of benign and malignant pheo- chromocytomas are discussed with follow-up recommendations.
Impactos de la crisis financiera mundial sobre América Latina

En este ensayo se sostiene que si bien se ha superado la iliquidez total que caracterizo la fase mas severa de la crisis financiera desatada en septiembre de 2008, el credito y la actividad productiva de los paises industrializados se estan contrayendo aceleradamente y el sistema financiero sigue descapitalizado. De los canales externos de transmision de la crisis hacia America Latina, la disminucion de las remesas es el menos importante. Los efectos negativos mas generalizados seran la caida del volumen de comercio internacional y el marcado deterioro de los terminos de intercambio de los productos basicos. Ademas, queda por delante una etapa de financiamiento externo privado muy restringido. Las economias de la region llegan a la crisis con mayor fortaleza que en el pasado, vinculada fundamentalmente al menor endeudamiento publico externo y al elevado nivel de reservas internacionales, pero ella solo servira para mitigar en parte las repercusiones de la peor coyuntura economica mundial desde la gran depresion de los anos treinta.
Stress and Immune Functions

Observations of stress-induced changes in immune tissues date back more than half a century. While early studies focused on the ways in which stress impairs immune responses, more recent evidence suggests a more adaptive relationship in which stress and stress-associated physiological responses can either promote or hamper immune function depending on a variety of factors. This chapter reviews some of the literature on the ways in which stress affects immune function, paying particular attention to psychological dimensions of stress that are implicated in immune impairments as well as the biological pathways by which stress is thought to affect immune processes. Finally we consider the implications of these lines of research for the immunological impact of toxicological exposures, concluding that the socially disadvantaged – who experience both greater exposure to stressors and environmental toxins – are at particularly high risk of immune dysfunction.
Beginning in the Middle of Things

The history of imagination raises different constellations of questions, with few definitive answers. Is imagination the source of creativity (as popular culture has held since Romanticism) or a producer of falsehoods (perhaps the majority position in premodern and early modern thought)? Is it essential to all kinds of thought (as Aristotle and medieval Aristotelians believed) or is it transcended by rational intellect? Is mathematics a form of intellect or a form of imagining? Is imagination a function of memory or memory a form of imagining? Is it slavishly dependent on sensation or does it transcend it? What boundaries can be drawn between imagination and other powers of the human psyche: sensation, intellect, will, feeling, emotion, desire? Wherever one looks—to the remote past, to contemporary psychology and philosophy, and everywhere in between—there is little agreement about the answers, and often more confusion than clarity. This book provides a new framework for investigation by identifying key features of the basic phenomena of imagining and addressing the question of why philosophy and psychology have hitherto failed to do this. It also reconstructs both recent and remote history to show that there is an important tradition of thinking about imagination in major thinkers—chiefly Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, and Kant, but with important themes from Hume, Hegel, Peirce, Saussure, and Wittgenstein—that has identified the key features of imagination. But that tradition, occluded and occulted, has been repeatedly overlooked, concealed, and forgotten, for more than two millennia.
Clinical Manifestations of Choroidal Neovascularization in AMD

Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) presents with a variety of visual symptoms and signs that can serve as clues to the proper diagnosis [1–3]. The physical invasion of blood vessels and associated cellular infiltrate distorts retinal tissue. Associated leakage, bleeding, and eventual scarring can have profound effects on macular function. Recognition of the presence of CNV is fairly easy in advanced cases, but by then, there often is severe vision loss. CNV secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) used to be the leading cause of legal blindness among older adults [4]. With modern treatments aimed against vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), the visual acuity in a large majority of patients can be stabilized over the long term, but visual acuity improvement occurs in a minority of patients [5, 6]. Therefore, early diagnosis, prior to the patient suffering severe loss of vision, is the best hope of maintaining visual function in these older adults.
HIV Prevention Approaches for Men Who Have Sex with Men and Use Alcohol and Other Drugs

The four papers that follow evolved from presentations at a workshop organized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in collaboration with the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). The purpose of the gathering was to review data related to HIV risk behaviors and substance use and abuse among men who have sex with men (MSM). The workshop, entitled ‘‘The Northwest Regional Workshop: HIV Prevention Approaches for Alcohol and Drug Use Among MSM,’’ was held at the University of Washington in Seattle on September 3–5, 1997. HIV researchers, policy experts, state HIV and substance abuse officials, mental health professionals, and substance abuse treatment experts attended the conference. Recommendations for action steps were presented by breakout groups at the end of the conference and were incorporated into a report published thereafter (available from the National Prevention Information Network, 800-458-5231). For the meeting, substance use among MSM was of particular concern because of (1) the increase in methamphetamine use among MSM in the West, often in the context of sexual activity, and (2) the overrepresentation of MSM among AIDS cases in western states (over 70% of cases in most states) (CDC, unpublished data). Of course, substance use and risk behavior among MSM is not restricted to one region—these
The Concept of Bildung and its Moral Implications

Nowadays it has become somehow fashionable to use the German term Bildung in international educationalist and philosophical discourses that are predominantly English-speaking. A reason for that development could be the continuously growing awareness that there are some important aspects of human development and of pedagogical interactions which cannot be properly and precisely grasped by the English term “education”.
Influence of Perpetrators' Account on Nurses' Recognition and Reporting of Child Abuse

Suspected perpetrators may attempt to influence the professional's recognition and reporting of child abuse by providing an account that explains or justifies their behavior or the child's injury. A factorial survey design was employed in which a random sample of nurses (N = 1038) judged vignettes that included systematic variations of types of accounts and selected case characteristics. In comparison to the other characteristics of the case, perpetrator accounts had little impact on nurses recognition and reporting of child abuse. Only two types of accounts influenced the nurses' responses, and from the perspective of the suspected perpetrator they backfired, resulting in greater recognition and reporting of abuse. Interaction terms constructed of accounts and situational variables had little impact on nurses' judgments when sexual abuse was involved, but resulted in both higher and lower recognition and reporting scores when physical and emotional acts were judged.
Lactobacillus reuteri Reduces the Severity of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis in Mice by Modulating Gut Microbiota.

The gut microbiome plays an important role in immune function and has been implicated in multiple sclerosis (MS). However, how and if the modulation of microbiota can prevent or treat MS remain largely unknown. In this study, we showed that probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 (L. reuteri) ameliorated the development of murine experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a widely used animal model of MS, a model which is primarily mediated by TH17 and TH1 cells. We discovered that L. reuteri treatment reduced TH1/TH17 cells and their associated cytokines IFN-γ/IL-17 in EAE mice. We also showed that the loss of diversity of gut microbiota induced by EAE was largely restored by L. reuteri treatment. Taxonomy-based analysis of gut microbiota showed that three “beneficial” genera Bifidobacterium, Prevotella, and Lactobacillus were negatively correlated with EAE clinical severity, whereas the genera Anaeroplasma, Rikenellaceae, and Clostridium were positively correlated with disease severity. Notably, L. reuteri treatment coordinately altered the relative abundance of these EAE-associated taxa. In conclusion, probiotic L. reuteri changed gut microbiota to modulate immune responses in EAE, making it a novel candidate in future studies to modify the severity of MS
Integrative analysis of postharvest chilling injury in cherry tomato fruit reveals contrapuntal spatio-temporal responses to ripening and cold stress

Postharvest chilling injury (PCI) reduces fruit quality and shelf-life in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). PCI has been traditionally studied in the pericarp, however its development is likely heterogeneous in different fruit tissues. To gain insight into PCI’s spatio-temporal development, we used postharvest biomarkers e.g. respiration and ethylene rates, ion leakage etc., to confirm the occurrence of PCI, and compared these data with molecular (gene expression), biophysical (MRI data) and biochemical parameters (Malondialdehyde (MDA) and starch content) from the pericarp or columella. Tissues were stored at control (12.5 °C) or PCI-inducing temperatures (2.5 or 5 °C) followed by rewarming at 20 °C. MRI and ion leakage revealed that cold irreversibly impairs ripening-associated membrane liquefaction; MRI also showed that the internal and external fruit tissues responded differently to cold. MDA and especially starch contents, were affected by chilling in a tissue-specific manner. The expression of the six genes studied: ACO1 and ACS2 (ripening), CBF1 (cold response), DHN, AOX1a and LoxB (stress-related) showed non-overlapping temporal and spatially-specific responses. Overall, the data highlighted the interconnectedness of fruit cold response and ripening, and showed how cold stress reconfigures the latter. They further underscored that multidimensional spatial and temporal biological studies are needed to develop effective solutions to PCI.
Coast to coast: High genomic connectivity in North American scoters.

Dispersal shapes demographic processes and therefore is fundamental to understanding biological, ecological, and evolutionary processes acting within populations. However, assessing population connectivity in scoters (Melanitta sp.) is challenging as these species have large spatial distributions that span remote landscapes, have varying nesting distributions (disjunct vs. continuous), exhibit unknown levels of dispersal, and vary in the timing of the formation of pair bonds (winter vs. fall/spring migration) that may influence the distribution of genetic diversity. Here, we used double-digest restriction-associated DNA sequence (ddRAD) and microsatellite genotype data to assess population structure within the three North American species of scoter (black scoter, M. americana; white-winged scoter, M. deglandi; surf scoter, M. perspicillata), and between their European congeners (common scoter, M. nigra; velvet scoter, M. fusca). We uncovered no or weak genomic structure (ddRAD ΦST 0.155, microsatellite FST > 0.086). The pattern of limited genomic structure within North America is shared with other sea duck species and is often attributed to male-biased dispersal. Further, migratory tendencies (east vs. west) of female surf and white-winged scoters in central Canada are known to vary across years, providing additional opportunities for intracontinental dispersal and a mechanism for the maintenance of genomic connectivity across North America. In contrast, the black scoter had relatively elevated levels of divergence between Alaska and Atlantic sites and a second genetic cluster found in Alaska at ddRAD loci was concordant with its disjunct breeding distribution suggestive of a dispersal barrier (behavioral or physical). Although scoter populations appear to be connected through a dispersal network, a small percentage (<4%) of ddRAD loci had elevated divergence which may be useful in linking areas (nesting, molting, staging, and wintering) throughout the annual cycle.
Laparoscopic Assisted Posterior Transverse Abdominis Plane (Tap) Block

Video Objective This video demonstrates a laparoscopic assisted transverse abdominis plane (TAP) block as an alternative to the traditional anesthesiology-driven ultrasound-guided TAP block to reduce postoperative pain. Setting Our patient is a 49 year old with endometriosis, abnormal uterine bleeding, and fibroids, who undergoes a total laparoscopic hysterectomy. Interventions Following removal of the specimen and closure of the vaginal cuff, we inject a mixture of liposomal bupivacaine and regular bupivacaine between the transverse abdominis and internal oblique muscles. We use external and internal anatomic landmarks such as the iliac crest, latissimus dorsi muscle, and the transverse abdominis muscle to target the Triangle of Petit when placing the injection under direct visualization. This supplies analgesia to the parietal peritoneum, skin, and muscles along T8 through L1 dermatomes. The patient did not require any postoperative opioid based medications. Conclusion The laparoscopic assisted TAP block is a safe, effective, and quick strategy to reduce pain after minimally invasive gynecologic surgery.
Treatment Outcomes in Patients With Symptomatic Lymphoceles Following Radical Prostatectomy Depend Upon Size and Presence of Infection.

Abstract Objective To guide treatment decisions for symptomatic lymphoceles after radical prostatectomy. We examined our experience to create a treatment algorithm. Materials and Methods We evaluated all patients that underwent radical prostatectomy at our institution from 2003 to 2012. Presenting signs, management and treatment outcomes were evaluated. Results Of the 8081 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy from 2003 to 2012, we identified 123 (1.5%) patients who developed a symptomatic lymphocele, 70 sterile and 53 infected. Percutaneous aspiration was performed in 26 of 123 (21%) patients, of those, 100% recurred. A drain was placed in 86 of 123 (70%) patients for a median of 13 vs 33 days for the infected and sterile lymphocele groups, respectively (P Conclusion Aspiration of symptomatic lymphoceles should be reserved for diagnostic purposes due to a high risk of recurrence. Infected lymphoceles are optimally treated with drain placement and antibiotics, and have excellent resolution rates. While sterile lymphoceles
BaFe12O19 magnetoplumbite films grown on SiO2/Si substrates for widescale magnetic film semiconductor systems integration

Abstract Barium hexaferrite (i.e., BaFe12O19) finds application in magnetic memory and radio frequency devices. Here, we report highly textured BaFe12O19 magnetoplumbite thin film growth by pulsed laser deposition directly on amorphous thermal oxide wafers (i.e., SiO2/Si) opening an avenue for the monolithic integration of ferrites onto silicon-based platforms compatible with semiconductor systems and processing. The films and, in particular, their interfaces have been characterized by vibration sample magnetometery, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. In the past, comparable hexaferrite films have been grown only on crystalline substrates with well-matched lattice parameters, e.g., sapphire or magnesium oxide.
Meet the Parents: How Schools Can Work Effectively with Families to Support Children’s Learning

As every k-12 teacher knows, dealing with students’ parents can be one of the most challenging aspects of the job. This book is an important guide for school leaders and teachers about how to build...
Changes in Management of Type 2 Diabetes Before and After Severe Hypoglycemia.

Severe hypoglycemia in patients with diabetes is an adverse drug event that is associated with poor outcomes, such as cardiovascular events, falls, high rehospitalization rates, and increased mortality (1,2). Several strategies, including adjustment of glucose-lowering therapy and glycemic targets, have been recommended in patients with severe hypoglycemia (1,3). However, it is not clear how changes in diabetes management are maintained after severe hypoglycemia among patients with type 2 diabetes. We conducted a retrospective analysis of data from the OptumLabs Data Warehouse, a de-identified administrative claims database of over 200 million individuals enrolled in commercial and Medicare Advantage plans across the U.S. (4). Data were accessed in adherence with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, and the Yale School of Medicine Human Investigations Committee deemed the study exempt from institutional review board review. We included commercially insured or Medicare Advantage beneficiaries who were aged 18 years or older, had pharmacologically treated type 2 diabetes, and had a severe hypoglycemic event. Severe hypoglycemia was identified as the first event during an observation window of 1 July 2013 through 30 June 2014, based on primary/principal diagnosis codes for hypoglycemia from an emergency department visit, observation stay, or hospital …
Doodle2App: native app code by freehand UI sketching

User interface development typically starts with freehand sketching, with pen on paper, which creates a big gap in the software development process. Recent advances in deep neural networks that have been trained on large sketch stroke sequence collections have enabled online sketch detection that supports many sketch element classes at high classification accuracy. This paper leverages the recent Google Quick, Draw! dataset of 50M sketch stroke sequences to pre-train a recurrent neural network and retrains it with sketch stroke sequences we collected via Amazon Mechanical Turk. The resulting Doodle2App website offers a paper substitute, i.e., a drawing interface with interactive UI preview and can convert sketches to a compilable single-page Android application. On 712 sketch samples Doodle2App achieved higher accuracy than the state-of-the-art tool Teleport. A video demo is at https://youtu.be/P4sb0pKTNEY
Readmission After Surgical Resection for Colon and Rectal Cancers: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BackgroundColorectal adenocarcinoma is a leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide, often requiring patients to undergo anatomy-altering surgical interventions leading to increased postoperative ...
Explaining Away Kripke’s Wittgenstein

The paradox of rule-following that Saul Kripke finds in Wittgenstein’s Philosophical Investigations purports to show that words and thoughts have no content—that there is no intentionality. This paper refutes the paradox with a dilemma. Intentional states are posited in rational explanations, which use propositional attitudes to explain actions and thoughts. Depending on which of the two plausible views of rational explanation is right, either: the paradox is mistaken about the a priori requirements for content; or, a fatal flaw in content ascription alleged by the paradox is no flaw at all, rather a necessary component of the proper method of propositional-attitude ascription. On either lemma, rational explanation defuses the paradox.
Abstract 122: Highly multiplexed, spatially-resolved tissue imaging of genetically engineered mouse models of cancer to discover and characterize immune regulators of tumorigenesis

Despite the encouraging success of immunotherapy for certain malignancies, most patients with solid tumors do not yet benefit from such therapies. It is therefore critical that we identify factors dictating responsiveness to immunotherapy by more completely characterizing tumor-immune interactions. Even though immunotherapies are used in humans, in-depth analysis of murine models is essential for a mechanistic understanding of the crosstalk among tumor, immune, and stromal components of the tumor microenvironment (TME): only animal models have the necessary manipulability and reproducibility for causal, mechanistic studies. However, murine modelling must be combined with spatially resolved analytical methods such as highly multiplexed tissue imaging that enable accurate characterization of the TME at a single-cell level. Here we use tissue cyclic immunofluorescence (t-CyCIF) multiplexed imaging to characterize the immune microenvironment of a mouse lung adenocarcinoma model initiated via lentiviral delivery of Cre recombinase into the lungs of KrasLSL-G12D/+;p53fl/fl (KP) mice. Using this new platform, we identify tumor cells and immune cell types (dendritic cells, NK cells, macrophages, B cells, helper T cells, regulator T cells and cytotoxic T cells). We characterize the effects of expressing tumor antigen (i.e., LucOS), of CRISPRa based upregulation of the chemokines (e.g., CXCL10), and of combination immune check point inhibitor treatments (e.g., one-week treatment with anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4 (PC)). Remarkably the total immune composition of the mouse lungs remains relatively unchanged following these perturbations, but there are marked changes in the immune cell localization in tumor nodules, in the number and size of immune cell networks and in the functional activation states of cytotoxic T cells. For example, one week of PC treatment did not affect tumor burden and did not change the extent of immune cell infiltration however, it did drastically change cytotoxic T cell phenotypes with increased effector phenotypes (i.e., GzmB and Perforin expression and proliferation) and decreased exhaustion-like phenotypes (i.e., PD-1 and Tim-3 expression). Lymphocyte networks decreased in number but were closer to tumors. Using high-dimensional protein expression data to characterize GEMM models following in situ genetic or therapeutic perturbation is a powerful new platform to investigate tumor-immune interactions. Citation Format: Giorgio Gaglia, Megan Burger, Claire Ritch, Danae Argyropoulou, Yang Dai, Shannon Coy, Jia-Ren Lin, Peter Sorger, Tyler Jacks, Sandro Santagata. Highly multiplexed, spatially-resolved tissue imaging of genetically engineered mouse models of cancer to discover and characterize immune regulators of tumorigenesis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 122.
Andexanet Alfa for Factor Xa Inhibitor-Associated Intracerebral Hemorrhage: Does a Specific Reversal Agent Justify Its Cost?

Direct oral anticoagulants have been rapidly adopted for the prevention of acute ischemic stroke and the treatment of venous thromboembolism.1 Despite direct oral anticoagulants being associated with less incidence of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) than vitamin K antagonists, the risk is still present, up to 2% in some observational studies.2 In 2015, the Food and Drug Administration granted accelerated approval to idarucizumab, a monoclonal antibody that binds to dabigatran, a direct thrombin inhibitor, and neutralizes its activity. At that time, factor Xa (fXa) inhibitors (rivaroxaban and apixaban) still did not have a specific reversal agent, and guidelines recommend the off-label use of 4-factor prothrombin complex concentrates (4F-PCCs) to treat patients taking these medications and presenting with major bleeding.3
Coping with Chaos: Gender and Politics in a Fragmented State

The Kuchma regime used a divide-and-conquer approach to groups and individuals demanding gender equality.
Hairpin Vortices in Turbulent Boundary Layers: The Implications for Reducing Surface Drag

Ultimately, control of turbulent shear flows must center around the selected modification of the flow structure of the turbulence, or the conditions which gives rise to the flow structure. Consequently, in order to develop rational methods of control, it is necessary to understand the basic dynamical elements of the turbulent boundary layer. In this paper, a model of the turbulent boundary layer, based upon a series of complimentary computational and experimental studies, is described in which the hairpin vortex is suggested to be a basic flow structure of boundary-layer turbulence. The paper discusses the development of single hairpin vortices, how such vortices interact with a shear flow and with one another, and how they interact with the flow near a wall to produce new vortices through a viscous interaction. It is demonstrated how key features of turbulent flow structure (e.g. low-speed streaks, bursting, pockets, etc.) can be explained in terms of the motion and effects of convecting hairpin vortices. The implications of this model in reducing drag are also discussed.
Development of a novel self-crosslinkable poly (caprolactone fumarate) as a biodegradable and injectable scaffold for bone tissue engineering

A novel self-crosslinkable and biodegradable macromer has been developed for guided bone regeneration. This macromer is a copolymer of fumaryl chloride, which contains double bonds for in situ crosslinking, and poly(e-caprolactone) that has a flexible chain to facilitate self-crosslinkability. This novel poly(caprolactone fumarate) (PCLF) was characterized with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and gel permeation chromatography. Porous scaffolds were fabricated with sodium chloride particles as the porogen and a chemical initiation system. The PCLF scaffolds were characterized with scanning electron microscopy and micro-computed tomography. The PCLF copolymer was successfully self-crosslinked without the use of a crosslinking agent. This novel copolymer is potentially useful as an injectable self-crosslinkable material to treat skeletal defects.
U.S. Strategic Opportunities in the Sino-Vietnamese Dynamic

The post–Cold War global structure has been characterized as a “unipolar” 1 —the collapse of the Soviet Union and Russia's seemingly endless series of internal political and economic crises left th...
Computernetze, Multimedia und virtuelle Realität: Perspektiven der Wissensgesellschaft

Die modernen Computer-, Telekommunikations- und Medientechnologien (,Multimedia’) fuhren zu grundlegenden Veranderungen unserer Arbeits- und Lebenswelt. Die Rede ist von Teleworking, Telebanking und Teleshopping in virtuellen Markten, Firmen, Banken und Kaufhausern, die nur in weltweiten Computer-, Informations- und Kommunikationsnetzen existieren und Raum und Zeit uberwinden.,Virtuelle Realitat’ ist bereits ein intensives Forschungsgebiet der Informatik, in dem computererzeugte Szenarien der Natur, Technik und Medizin anschaulich erfahrbar werden. Mit Internet und World Wide Web leben und arbeiten wir bereits in virtuellen Netzwelten, in denen wir unser Wissen speichern, Innovationen planen, Geschafte tatigen und Entspannung und Unterhaltung suchen.
The effect of surface constraint and finite particle size on a continuous transformation

Etude par RX et microscopie electronique a balayage de deux echantillons polycristallins La(Nb 1−x V x )O 4 (x=0,2) prepares differemment et subissant un phenomene de coexistence de phase lors de la transformation polymorphique structure scheelite quadratique (I4 1 /a)→structure fergusonite monoclinique (I2/c) lorsque la temperature decroit.
Endogenous vasodilators modulate pulmonary vascular anaphylaxis

We examined the role of endothelium-derived nitric oxide during antigen-induced contraction in pulmonary arteries isolated from actively sensitized guinea pigs. Ovalbumin (10(-2) mg/ml)-induced contraction was not sustained, and tension returned to baseline within 15 min. Pretreatment with methylene blue (10(-5) M) increased both the amplitude and the duration of the contractile response in these tissues. At 15 min, tension remained elevated and was > 70% of the peak amplitude. Removal of the endothelium with saponin (200 micrograms/ml) increased the magnitude of the contraction by > 125%; however, the duration of the response was unaffected. After pretreatment with saponin, methylene blue no longer increased the amplitude of antigen-induced contraction but its effect on the duration was unchanged. Pretreatment with nitro-L-arginine methyl ester significantly increased the magnitude of the contraction in each of the tissues. These results suggest that the response of guinea pig pulmonary arteries to antigen is modulated by two types of endogenous vasodilators, endothelium-derived nitric oxide that inhibits the initial phase of the response and an endothelium-independent relaxing factor that is guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate dependent and attenuates the duration of anaphylactic contraction.
Optimal Redesign of Linear Systems

This paper suggests a redesign procedure for linear systems. We suppose that an initial satisfactory controller which yields the desired performance is given. Then both the plant and the controller are redesigned to minimize the required active control effort. Either the closed loop system matrix or the closed loop covariance of the initial design can be preserved under the redesign. Convex quadratic programming solves this problem. In addition, an iterative approach for integrated plant and controller design is also proposed, which uses the above algorithm in each step. Convergence of this algorithm is also proved. Examples are included to illustrate the procedure.
The Effects of an Accelerated Triage and Treatment Protocol on Left Without Being Seen Rates and Wait Times of Urgent Patients at a Military Emergency Department

To combat increasing wait times and left without being seen (LWOBS) rates, our emergency department (ED) implemented an accelerated triage and treatment (TNT) protocol. A TNT team was allocated treatment rooms to begin management of urgent patients if a bed in the main ED was not available. A retrospective database study was performed using three separate 6-month periods: two control periods before the intervention (P1, P2) and one period after the intervention (P3). The primary outcome measures were LWOBS rate, time to evaluation, and total ED time for urgent patients. The time to be seen for EC3 patients improved from P1 to P3 by an average of 12.6 minutes (18.5%, p < 0.0001) and from P2 to P3 by an average of 12.0 minutes (17.6%, p < 0.0001). The EC3 LWOBS rate decreased from 2.0% in P1 and 1.9% in P2 to 0.8% in P3 (p < 0.0001 for both). The use of an accelerated TNT protocol was associated with a significant reduction in EC3 patient LWOBS rates and time to evaluation.
Chemoprevention with Antiestrogens: The Beginning of the End for Breast Cancer

In the 1960s, compounds known as nonsteroidal antiestrogens were identified as potential contraceptives, but the drugs caused the induction of ovulation in subfertile women. Tamoxifen and clomiphene were marketed for this indication. However, tamoxifen was advanced for the treatment of breast cancer in the 1970s through a close cooperation between the laboratory and the clinical trials community. The extensive use of long-term adjuvant tamoxifen has resulted in saving the lives of 400,000 women with breast cancer. Tamoxifen is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that produces antiestrogenic actions in the breast but estrogen-like actions in bone and lowers serum cholesterol. These properties not only allowed the application of tamoxifen as the first chemopreventive in high-risk pre- and postmenopausal women but also the development of raloxifene to prevent osteoporosis with the potential to prevent breast cancer in postmenopausal women. The future development of SERMs holds the promise of preventing osteoporosis and coronary heart disease as well as breast and endometrial cancer.
Zinc deficiency in Mexican American children: influence of zinc and other micronutrients on T cells, cytokines, and antiinflammatory plasma proteins

BACKGROUND The Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey suggested some Mexican American children are at risk of zinc deficiency. OBJECTIVE We measured the effects of zinc and micronutrients or of micronutrients alone on indexes of cell-mediated immunity and antiinflammatory plasma proteins. DESIGN Subjects (n = 54) aged 6-7 y were randomly assigned and treated in double-blind fashion in equal numbers with 20 mg Zn (as sulfate) and micronutrients or with micronutrients alone 5 d/wk for 10 wk. RESULTS Before treatment the mean +/- SD plasma zinc was 14.9 +/- 1.7 micromol/dL and the range was within the reference; hair zinc was 1.78 +/- 0.52 micromol/g and 41.6% were < or =1.68 micromol/g; serum ferritin was 25.7 +/- 18.6 microg/L and 50.0% were < or =20 microg/L. The zinc and micronutrients treatment increased the lymphocyte ratios of CD4(+) to CD8(+) and of CD4(+)CD45RA(+) to CD4(+)CD45RO(+), increased the ex vivo generation of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), decreased the generation of interleukin-10 (IL-10), and increased plasma interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (sIL-1ra) and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (sTNF-R1). Micronutrients alone increased the ratio of CD4(+) to CD8(+) but not of CD4(+)CD45RA(+) to CD4(+)CD45RO(+), increased IFN-gamma but had no effect on IL-2 or IL-10, and increased sIL-1ra but not sTNF-R1. Efficacy of zinc and micronutrients was greater than micronutrients alone for all indexes except the ratio of CD4(+) to CD8(+), which was affected similarly. CONCLUSIONS Before treatment, concentrations of hair zinc in 41.6% of subjects and serum ferritin in 50% were consistent with the presence of zinc deficiency. The greater efficacy of the zinc and micronutrients treatment compared with micronutrients alone supports this interpretation.
An algorithm for constructing irreducible realization of time invariant systems

Abstract A simple, logical approach to the problem of constructing irreducible (minimum-state) realizations of time invariant systems is presented. Two algorithms are given, one for determining the dimension of the irreducible realization and the other for actual construction of the realization using simple algebraic relationships. The realization obtained is in diagonal or uncoupled form whether or not the system modes are distinct. An example illustrating the simplicity of the procedure is considered in detail.
Rupture of a pseudoaneurysm of the posterior meningeal artery at its anomalous origin from the posteroinferior cerebellar artery: case report.

OBJECTIVE The posterior meningeal artery (PMA) normally arises from the vertebral artery; however, its origin varies considerably as the result of its embryological development. This gains clinical significance when associated with vascular pathology. CLINICAL PRESENTATION A 65-year-old man presented to his local hospital with a sudden-onset, severe headache. Computed tomography of the head revealed diffuse subarachnoid hemorrhage, mostly in the left posterior fossa. A computed tomographic angiogram demonstrated an anomalous origin of the PMA from the posteroinferior cerebellar artery (PICA). Cerebral angiography showed the PICA to be enlarged, with a reduced caliber at the takeoff of the PMA, which is consistent with possible dissection. INTERVENTION The patient was taken to the operating room for trapping of the dissecting segment of the PMA. A clip was placed across the PMA at its origin from the PICA, and the vessel was coagulated and transected. The PICA was wrapped in muslin gauze. CONCLUSION The variable origin of the PMA and PICA may be the result of the persistence of embryological anastomoses between the arteries, with regression of the normal channel. Physical stress at the junction of the anomalous PMA and the PICA may have contributed to the abnormality of the PMA, consistent with possible dissection. Because the PMA has multiple anastomoses with the arteries of the falx cerebri, the proximal PMA may be occluded with no compromise to its vascular territory.
Morphology of lightly carboxylated polystyrene ionomers

Lightly carboxylated polystyrene (CPS) ionomers have been synthesized via free-radical copolymerization of styrene and 4-vinylbenzoic acid, and their morphology and properties compared with those of lightly sulfonated polystyrene (SPS) ionomers. CPS ionomers neutralized with Na + give SAXS patterns similar to those exibited by SPS ionomers, suggesting rather complete aggregation of ionic groups. However, when neutralized with Zn 2+ , a poorly-ordered methology is produced, with many ionic groups remaining unaggregated. Differences are also evident in the dynamic mechanical behavior.
Dispersions: Progresses and prospects

The papers presented in this session on dispersion, rheology and mixing cover a broad spectrum of topics ranging from instrumentation for better characterization, to process development for improved stabilization, selective flocculation and dense packing, to modeling of colloidal dispersions. There are also some, but limited, efforts to understand the mechanisms involved in these processes. Importantly, there is a clear trend to adapt, modify and develop techniques and instrumentations for even the difficult to characterize, highly concentrated dispersions. While the reported works deal with different systems, they all address a common problem: control of interfacial properties via chemical or physical means to achieve the desired stability or flocculation of suspensions and in some cases selectively.
Ocular Involvement in Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)

A 27-year-old white woman with anorexia, abdominal pain, arthralgias, spiking fever, diarrhea, and bizarre neurologic symptoms developed yellowish-gray plaques surrounded by hemorrhage in the posterior choroid of both eyes. Progressive thrombocytopenia, hypofibrinoginemia, and accelerated fibrinolysis supported the diagnosis of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Death occurred from complications of DIC. Widespread thrombotic occlusion of small blood vessels was present in numerous organs, including the posterior choriocapillaris and larger choroidal vessels of both eyes. Other ocular vessels were normal.
The effect of photodegradation on electroluminescence in a-Si:H devices

Abstract The electroluminescence spectra and the carrier recombination lifetime distribution in a-Si:H devices have been measured in thin p-i-n, p-b-i-n and thick p-i-n devices in the annealed (A) and degraded (B) states. At room temperature and thin samples the effect of photo-degradation is a slightly reduction in the main band (1.2 eV) luminescence intensity along with a slight shift to lower energy in the defect band (0.8–0.9 eV) intensity; while in 2–10 μm samples a more pronounced reduction of the 1.2 eV band is found. At low temperatures, where the 1.2 eV luminescence dominates, no degradation effect on the spectrum's line shape is found for all samples that have been measured. It is suggested that the 0.8 eV luminescence is dominated by defects near the interfaces while the 1.2 eV luminescence is a bulk effect.
Optical dissection of stimulus-evoked retinal activation

Better understanding of stimulus-evoked intrinsic optical signals (IOSs) in the retina promises new methodology for study and diagnosis of retinal function. Using a flood-illumination near infrared (NIR) light microscope equipped with high-speed CCD (80 Hz) and CMOS (1000 Hz) cameras, we validated depth-resolved enface imaging of fast IOSs in isolated retina of leopard frog. Both positive (increasing) and negative (decreasing) IOSs were observed at the photoreceptor and inner layers of the retina. The distribution of IOSs with opposite polarities showed a center-surround pattern. At the photoreceptor layer, negative IOSs dominated the center area illuminated by the stimulus light spot, while positive signals dominated the surrounding area. In contrast, at inner retinal layers, positive IOSs dominated the center area covered by the stimulus light spot, and negative IOSs were mainly observed in the surrounding area. Fast CMOS imaging disclosed rapid IOSs within 5 ms after the stimulus onset, and both ON and OFF optical responses were observed associated with a step light stimulus.
Common problems in using, modifying, and reporting on classic measurement instruments.

Abstract Users of classic summated scales can clear up some common quandaries by considering the underlying assumptions that a scale's items represent a random sample drawn from an infinite pool of items representing a unidimensional domain. Scale reliability is higher with more items and a higher average correlation among items. Standards of reliability need to be higher when decisions about treatment are to be based on scores, because confidence intervals around individual scores expand quickly below alpha = 0.95. Scales that are longer than needed may sometimes be shortened, using a formula to determine the approximate number of questions that will yield the desired reliability. Reliability may be improved by addition of new items or expansion of response sets for existing items. Such alterations of scales should always be corroborated with new data. The use of coefficient alpha for scales with severely limited domains, such as self-care knowledge, is rarely useful or appropriate psychometrically, and can be misleading. Standard item selection procedures in classic scales maximize reliability at the scale center and overestimate change at the center and underestimate it at the ends; there are both classic and modern techniques to improve scale construction in this regard. The omission of specific items (such as symptoms) on many scales is often immaterial to the reliability of the scale and to the usefulness of the summary score; this is because each item is well correlated with other scale items, so that information about the underlying domain from any single item is redundant. Finally, despite the attractiveness of disease-specific scales, generic scales often do as well, even in arthritis populations, and have the added benefit of allowing comparisons with a wider range of disease and cultural groups. The development, modification, and use of classic summated scales can be complex in practice, calling on both statistical skills and content area judgment, but at heart the principles are fairly simple. Keeping the principles in mind is half the battle when solving many common problems. The interested reader is referred to the texts referenced in this article and the one by DeVellis (1) for further discourse on this topic.
P-026 Avoiding perils during endovascular embolization of skull base tumors: a pictorial review

Introduction Endovascular embolization in the external carotid artery territory has become a widely accepted treatment for preoperative embolization of head and neck tumors. Tumors about the skull base present a difficult task to the endovascular surgeon because of extent of disease at presentation, and proximity to foramina with transiting cranial nerves and important blood vessels. External carotid to intracranial artery communications present potential for disastrous complications during embolization procedures. Understanding embryology and regular review of high quality images clearly demonstrating these communications are key to real time recognition during embolization and thus avoiding potential complications. Methods Retrospective institutional review of endovascular embolization for tumors and vascular malformations about the skull base. Illustrative cases demonstrating dangerous extracranial-intracranial anastamoses and cranial nerve blood supply were identified are presented for review. Findings Pre-embolization identification and or exclusion of dangerous extracranial to intracranial anastamoses and blood supply to cranial nerves was possible in all cases. Angiographic identification of these vessels facilitated appropriate vessel selection and catheter positioning for safe embolization. Conclusion Real time ability to identify external carotid territory artery to intracranial artery anastamoses and blood supply to cranial nerves about the skull base allows for effective embolization and avoidance of associated complications from inadvertent vessel embolization.