cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
New models and predictions for Brownian coagulation of non-interacting spheres

The classical steady-state Smoluchowski model for Brownian coagulation is evaluated using Brownian Dynamics Simulations (BDS) as a benchmark. The predictions of this approach compare favorably with the results of BDS only in the dilute limit, that is, for volume fractions of φ≤5×10(-4). From the solution of the more general unsteady-state diffusion equation, a new model for coagulation is developed. The resulting coagulation rate constant is time-dependent and approaches the steady-state limit only at large times. Moreover, in contrast to the Smoluchowski model, this rate constant depends on the particle size, with the transient effects becoming more significant at larger sizes. The predictions of the unsteady-state model agree well with the BDS results up to volume fractions of about φ=0.1, at which the aggregation half-time predicted by the Smoluchowski model is five times that of the BDS. A new procedure to extract the aggregation rate constant from simulation results based on this model is presented. The choice of the rate constant kernel used in the population balance equations for complete aggregation is also evaluated. Extension of the new model to a variable rate constant kernel leads to increased accuracy of the predictions, especially for φ≤5×10(-3). This size-dependence of the rate constant kernel affects particularly the predictions for initially polydisperse sphere systems. In addition, the model is extended to account in a novel way for both short-range viscous two-particle interactions and long-range many-particle Hydrodynamic Interactions (HI). Predictions including HI agree best with the BDS results. The new models presented here offer accurate and computationally less-intensive predictions of the coagulation dynamics while also accounting for hydrodynamic coupling.
Interpretation of electrocardiograms produced by a new unipolar multiprogrammable "committed" AV sequential demand (DVI) pulse generator.

This paper describes our approach to the interpretation of electrocardiograms produced by a new unipolar multiprogrammable “committed” DVI pulse generator (Intermedics) during normal function. The arrhythmias engendered by this new DVI pacemaker may be better understood by conceptualizing the recycling mechanism in terms of a simple atrial pulse generator with two important qualifica-tions: (1) the ventricular stimulus obligatorily follows the atrial stimulus after 155 ms (AV sequential interval); (2) the pulse generator senses ventricular events (via the ventricular electrode) but recycles according to its atrial timing cycle (AA interval). These characteristics lead in turn to two important consequences: at the QA interval (from the onset of a sensed QRS complex to the succeeding atrial stimulus) must be longer than the VA interval (from a ventricular stimulus to the succeeding atrial stimulus) by a period equal to or slightly greater than the AV sequential time. This may be considered to represent a form of bysteresis, by the pacemaker refractory period always starts at the onset of an atrial cycle (AA interval) and therefore occurs after the delivery of an atrial stimulus or after a sensed ventricular event. The above characteristics may cause pacemaker stimuli to fall within the P wave, PR interval, QRS, ST segment and the ascending limb of the T wave during normal function of the pulse generator. Superficially, these peculiarities resemble malfunction and may be quite befuddling but they all occur predictably according to the electronic design of the pulse generator. (PACE, Vol. 4, November-December, 1981)
Freeze-etch and thin section studies of Neurospora crassa ascospores.

Mature, dormant ascospores derived from crosses of wild type stocks of the fungusNeurospora crassa were studied using both thin section and freeze-etch techniques for electron microscopy. The spore wall is composed of three major layers with, perhaps, a fourth distinct layer covering these layers. The spore contains several nuclei, many discrete mitochondria, lipid bodies, vacuoles and small pieces of endoplasmic reticulum. Freeze-etch fracture faces of several membranes are described in this paper. Included is a diagram illustrating various fracture faces and surfaces seen following freeze-etching. The thin section results are less than satisfactory but serve to generally confirm the freeze-etch observations and suggest that further work could lead to the development of techniques which will result in high quality thin sections of ascospores.
Applications of electrochemical immunosensors to environmental monitoring

This paper discusses basic electrochemical immunoassay technology. Factors limiting the practical application of antibodies to analytical problems are also presented. It addresses the potential use of immunoassay methods based on electrochemical detection for the analysis of environmental samples. It provides examples for the detection and quantitation of environmental samples using conducting electroactive polymers (CEPs). CEP-based immunosensing systems are compared with conventional environmental immunoassay procedures. The advantages of using these types of sensors for rapid, sensitive, and cost-effective analysis of pesticides and toxic chemicals are analysed and discussed. CEP-based immunosensing technology might eventually be used for continuous monitoring of effluents such as waste streams to determine compliance with regulations. CEP-based sensors are suitable for monitoring ground-water, waste stream effluents, agricultural run-offs and for monitoring the effectiveness of remediation, or for other situations where a real-time monitoring capability is desired.
Fate of naturally occurring epoxy acids: a soluble epoxide hydrase, which catalyzes cis hydration, from Fusarium solani pisi.

Abstract A cell-free extract prepared from Fusarium solani pisi grown on cutin, catalyzed the hydration of 18-hydroxy-9,10-epoxyoctadecanoic acid to 9,10,18-trihydroxyoctadecanoic acid while extracts from glucose-grown cells contained g supernatant fraction. Rate of hydration of the epoxy acid was linear up to 15 min and up to a protein concentration of 30 μg/ml. This fungal epoxide hydrase has a molecular weight of 35,000, as determined by Sephadex G-100 gel filtration. It was partially purified by ammonium sulfate fractionation and gel filtration. The apparent K m and V of the enzyme was 2 × 10 −4 m and 222 nmoles/min/mg, respectively. Parachloromercuribenzoate strongly inhibited the enzyme, while N -ethylmaleimide was a less potent inhibitor. 1,1,1,-Trichloropropylene-2,3-oxide at 10 −3 m gave 50% inhibition of the hydration of 18-hydroxy-9,10-epoxyoctadecanoic acid. Kinetic analysis showed that trichloropropylene oxide was a competitive inhibitor. 18-Acetoxy-9,10-epox-yoctadecanoic acid, methyl 18-acetoxy-9,10-epoxyoctadecanoate, 9,10-epoxyoctadecanoic acid, and styrene oxide were not readily hydrated by this fungal epoxide hydrase showing that it has a stringent substrate specificity. Analysis of the enzymatic hydration product on boric acid-impregnated silica gel plates showed that the product obtained from the cis epoxide was exclusively erythro while acid hydrolysis of this epoxide gave rise to the expected threo product. This enzyme is novel in that it catalyzes cis hydration of epoxide while the other epoxide hydrases heretofore isolated catalyzed trans hydration of epoxides.
Hypotensive and toxicologic properties of the theophyllinate salt of H-2 (N-dimethylaminoethyl-4-methyl-4,7-endoxyperhydro-isoindole dimethonium chloride).

The theophyllinate 1 of H-2 has been studied for hypotensive properties. Mechanism of action studies indicated a synergistic effect between the ganglioplegic cation and the spasmolytic anion. Vasodepressive potency was significantly greater than that of the chloride salt.
Remodeling Concepts of the Self: An Ijo Example

There has been an ongoing debate in the anthropological and psychological literature as to the appropriate models for conceptualizing self and person in relation to society. The models have different labels, but the opposition expressed between the two focus on the cultural construction of self-determinacy. The Western model is egocentric in that individuals are situated as free agents, striving to actualize themselves in terms of selfachievement, in afield of extrinsic social institutions, such as the family, and other associations. In the non-Western, sociocentric model individuals subsume themselves, making the social field intrinsic to themselves. Their actions are predicated by the social contexts in which they are found; achievement motivation and emotional expression are tempered by an expectation that an individual's goals must be subservient to the group at large. In examining our data, collected among the Ijo in southern Nigeria, it appeared that there were elements of both models present in the way individuals defined themselves and their social relationships. We argue that the two models are not necessarily exclusive nor are they conflicting, but may coexist in the selfdefinitions and motivations of individuals within the same society.
Exploring the Emergent Perception of Haptic Beats from Paired Vibrotactile Presentation

Haptic beats, an analogous presentation to auditory beats, can be generated when a vibrotactile actuator is driven by a signal that contains two different activation frequencies. In contrast to a combined signal stimulating one location, this study explored to what extent haptic beats can be perceived as an emergent property when separate body locations are stimulated at two different frequencies. Consistent with previous findings, haptic beats were reliably perceived with paired presentations on the same fingertip; previously-unexplored locations on the palm, wrist, and elbow also supported the perception of beats. However, haptic beats were not perceived when stimuli were presented to distant locations, such as on different hands, suggesting that haptic beats most likely involve a localized mechanical integration rather than neural integration. These results have implications for the design of complex haptic displays for various domains, such as driving, navigation, medicine, and immersive virtual reality.
Twenty-two year (1975 to 1997) trends in the incidence, in-hospital and long-term case fatality rates from initial q-wave and non-q-wave myocardial infarction: a multi-hospital, community-wide perspective

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to examine long-term trends in the incidence, in-hospital and long-term mortality patterns in patients with an initial non-Q-wave myocardial infarction (NQWMI) as compared with those with an initial Q-wave myocardial infarction (QWMI). BACKGROUND: Limited data are available describing trends in the incidence and mortality from an initial QWMI and NQWMI from a multi-hospital community-wide perspective. METHODS: Our study was an observational study of 5,832 metropolitan Worcester, Massachusetts residents (1990 census = 437,000) hospitalized with validated initial acute MI in all greater Worcester hospitals during 11 annual periods between 1975 and 1997. RESULTS: The incidence of QWMI progressively decreased between 1975/78 (incidence rate = 171/100,000 population) and 1997 (101/100,000 population). In contrast, the incidence of NQWMI progressively increased between 1975/78 (62/100,000 population) and 1997 (131/100,000 population). Hospital death rates were 19.5% for patients with QWMI and 12.5% for those with NQWMI. After controlling for various covariates, patients with QWMI remained at significantly increased risk for hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio = 1.63; 95% confidence interval: 1.35, 1.97). While the hospital mortality of QWMI has progressively declined over time (1975/78 = 24%; 1997 = 14%), the in-hospital mortality for NQWMI has remained the same (1975/78 = 12%; 1997 = 12%). These trends remained after adjusting for potentially confounding prognostic factors. The multivariable adjusted two-year mortality after hospital discharge declined over time for patients with QWMI and NQWMI. CONCLUSIONS: Despite impressive declines in the incidence, in-hospital and long-term mortality associated with QWMI, NQWMI is increasing in frequency and has the same in-hospital mortality now as it did 22 years ago.
Patch antenna miniaturization using thick truncated textured ceramic substrates

The recent availability of high-contrast, low-loss ceramic materials provides us with possibilities for significant antenna miniaturization. The paper explores the use of low temperature cofired ceramic substrates in producing a miniaturized patch antenna design. Of particular concern in the design are substrate thickness, impedance matching, radiation efficiency and bandwidth due to the high-contrast ceramic. We propose a thick substrate to increase bandwidth. However, the substrate is truncated and/or modified to mitigate surface wave loss. Also, a textured substrate is proposed for dielectric constant control and for improved impedance matching. Gain measurements are given along with the analysis. Further, the effect of the finite ground plane is examined. The paper provides both return loss and overall gain calculations and measurements.
Evolution of signalling systems with multiple senders and receivers

Sender–receiver games are simple, tractable models of information transmission. They provide a basic setting for the study the evolution of meaning. It is possible to investigate not only the equilibrium structure of these games but also the dynamics of evolution and learning—with sometimes surprising results. Generalizations of the usual binary game to interactions with multiple senders, multiple receivers or both provide the elements of signalling networks. These can be seen as the loci of information processing, group decisions, and teamwork.
The might have been and could be of religion in social theory

Religion may well be the most inscrutable surd of social theory, which began late in the 19th century dismissing the subject. Not even the renewal of interest in religion in the 1960s did much to make religion a respectable topic in social theory. It is possible that social theory's troubles are, in part, due to its refusal to think about religion. Close examination of social theories of Greek religion suggest, for principal example, that religion is perfectly able to thrive alongside the profane provided both are founded on principles of finitude, which in turn may be said to be the foundational axiom of any socially organized religion. The value of a social theory of religion, thus defined, may be seen as a way out of the current controversies over the politics of redistribution and politics of recognition. Any coherent principles of social justice, whether economic or cultural, may only be possible if one begins with the idea that all human arrangements are, first and foremost, limited—that is to say: finite; hence, strictly speaking, religious. Durkheim got this only partly right.
Maintaining evolving component-based software with UML

Component-based software engineering is increasingly being adopted for software development. This approach relies on using reusable components as the building blocks for constructing software. On the one hand, this helps improve software quality and productivity; on the other hand, it necessitates frequent maintenance activities. The cost. of maintenance for conventional software can account for as much as two-thirds of the total cost, and it is likely to be more for component-based software. This paper presents a UML-based technique that attempts to help resolve difficulties introduced by the implementation transparent characteristics of component-based software systems. This technique can also be useful for other maintenance activities. For corrective maintenance activities, the technique starts with UML diagrams that represent changes to a component, and uses them to support regression testing. To accommodate this approach for perfective maintenance activities, more challenges are encountered. We provide a UML-based framework to evaluate the similarities of the old and new components, and corresponding retesting strategies are provided.
The inmate subculture in jails

There is a long line of prison research addressing the nature and correlates of the “inmate subculture”—the adherence of inmates to a set of norms that reflect opposition to institutional rules and...
Real-time in situ monitoring of human prostate photodynamic therapy with diffuse light

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) requires oxygen to cause cellular and vascular tumor damage. Tissue oxygen concentration, in turn, is influenced by blood flow and blood oxygenation. Real-time clinical measurement of these hemodynamic quantities, however, is rare. This paper reports the development and application of a probe, combining diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) for measurement of tumor blood oxygenation and diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS) for measurement of tumor blood flow. The instrument was adapted for clinical use during interstitial prostate PDT. Three patients with locally recurrent prostate cancer received 2 mg/ kg motexafin lutetium (MLu) 3 h before illumination and a total light dose of 100 J/cm(2) at 150 mW/cm. Prostrate blood oxygen saturation (StO2) decreased only slightly (approximately 3%) after treatment. On the other hand, prostate blood flow and total hemoglobin concentration over the course of PDT decreased by 50% and 15%, respectively, suggesting MLu-mediated PDT has an anti-vascular effect. While it is certainly impossible to draw definite conclusions from measurements of only three patients, the observed differences in tumor blood flow and blood oxygenation responses during PDT can, in principle, be used to choose among tissue oxygen consumption models and therefore emphasize the potential clinical value for simultaneous monitoring of both parameters.
BOP air cleaning experiences.

The basic oxygen process of steel manufacture evolves a large volume of gas at high temperature during the oxygen blow. This gas contains finely divided oxide particles that are removed in gas-cleaning equipment. Either electrostatic precipitators or water scrubbers are commonly used for the purpose. These devices are quite efficient but breakdowns, usually in the auxiliary equipment, are frequent. Maintenance problems arise primarily from the high temperature of the gases which warps and cracks the plates in the hood that draws the gases to the cleaning device, and from erosion of piping caused by abrasive particles moving at high velocity. This paper presents a number of case histories of BOP gas-cleaning installations, details maintenance problems, and discusses corrective measures that have been adopted. It gives reasons why merely appropriating a large sum of money for cleaning devices does not always guarantee full abatement of air pollution from the basic oxygen process.
"Case files from the University of Florida: When an Earache is more than an Earache": A case report

Brain abscess is not a common diagnosis as there are only approximately 2000 cases reported each year in the United States. There are three main routes of access to the brain including contiguous infection from the oropharynx, direct implantation and hematogenously. We present a case of brain abscess in a child who had multiple visits for ear pain to various physicians including pediatricians and to emergency departments. Additionally, the microbiology of brain abscesses is briefly discussed, as is treatment.
Need to Understand Foreign Education in Evaluating for P.E. Licensure

The experiences described in this paper are of six overseas-trained engineers whose education (primarily British) and experience followed different routes. Their applications for professional registration were turned down because they could not submit transcripts of their education. This paper discusses the origin of the British approach to secondary and higher education in the hope that evaluators of foreign education might gain insight into the quality of education of many foreign-trained engineers practicing in the United States. The external examiner system of London University was exported to all British colonies, and this has strongly influenced the systems of education in these countries even after independence. The strong control of the state over the content and quality ofthe curriculum also extends to the process of professional registration. Thus, because of the basic similarity in academic standards in all the countries of the British Commonwealth, an engineer who has had his or her education and professional training in one part of the Commonwealth can usually be licensed to practice in Britain even if he or she has never lived there.
SCIPS: An emulation methodology for fault injection in processor caches

Due to the high level of radiation endured by space systems, fault-tolerant verification is a critical design step for these systems. 12Space-system designers use fault-injection tools to introduce system faults and observe the system's response to these faults. Since a processor's cache accounts for a large percentage of total chip area and is thus more likely to be affected by radiation, the cache represents a key system component for fault-tolerant verification. Unfortunately, processor architectures limit cache accessibility, making direct fault injection into cache blocks impossible. Therefore, cache faults can be emulated by injecting faults into data accessed by load instructions. In this paper, we introduce SPFI-TILE, a software-based fault-injection tool for many-core devices. SPFI-TILE emulates cache fault injections by randomly injecting faults into load instructions. In order to provide unbiased fault injections, we present the cache fault-injection methodology SCIPS (Smooth Cache Injection Per Skipping). Results from MATLAB simulation and integration with SPFI-TILE reveal that SCIPS successfully distributes fault-injection probabilities across load instructions, providing an unbiased evaluation and thus more accurate verification of fault tolerance in cache memories.
Two new North American Theridion species (Araneae: Theridiidae)

Abstract Two new species in the genus Theridion Walckenaer 1805 (Araneae: Theridiidae) are described: T. logan, sp. nov., from Utah, USA, and T. pierre, sp. nov., from South Dakota, USA. Diagnoses, descriptions and habitat notes are provided for both sexes of these new species. Both species are from open, grassland-type habitats.
Noise control of subsonic cavity flows using plasma actuated receptive channels

We introduce a passive receptive rectangular channel at the trailing edge of an open rectangular cavity to reduce the acoustic tones generated due to coherent shear layer impingement. The channel is numerically tested at Mach 0.3 using an unsteady three-dimensional large eddy simulation. Results show reduction in pressure fluctuations in the cavity due to which sound pressure levels are suppressed. Two linear dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuators are placed inside the channel to enhance the flow through it. Specifically, acoustic suppression of 7 dB was obtained for Mach 0.3 flow with the plasma actuated channel. Also, the drag coefficient for the cavity reduced by over three folds for the channel and over eight folds for the plasma actuated channel. Such a channel can be useful in noise and drag reduction for various applications, including weapons bay, landing gear and branched piping systems.
School-Based Promotion of Fruit and Vegetable Consumption in Multiculturally Diverse, Urban Schools.

Rates of childhood overweight have reached epidemic proportions (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2001), and schools have been called on to play a role in the prevention of this medical condition. This article describes a multiyear health promotion effort-the Athletes in Service fruit and vegetable (FV (b) designing the program to include low-cost, attractive, interactive materials; (c) including many school staff members to facilitate a culture of healthy eating in the school; and (d) spreading out implementation responsibilities among the multiple staff members so that each individual's involvement is time efficient.
Exploring Family Environment Characteristics and Multiple Abuse Experiences Among Homeless Youth

This qualitative study used data from the Social Enterprise Intervention (SEI) pilot study, a comprehensive vocational training program with integrated clinical services for homeless youth. In-depth interviews were conducted with 28 homeless youth participating in the SEI study to explore their perceptions of family environment characteristics and abuse experiences. The constant comparative method was used to analyze transcripts from in-depth interviews with the youth participants. Emergent themes related to family characteristics include home instability, abandonment, and caregiver substance abuse. Abuse-related subthemes include intrafamilial abuse, caregiver abuse, rejection, and deprecation by caregivers. Grounded theory is used to interpret findings and develop working hypotheses to guide future studies of multitype maltreatment among homeless youth.
Re‐examining Cointegration, Unit Roots and Efficiency in Foreign Exchange Rates

This paper examines the cointegrating relationships in seven foreign exchange rates for a sample period from 1974 to 1991 by utilizing Johansen's (1991) method. Three subperiods are also examined to confirm the intertemporal stability of the test results. In addition, subgroups of the seven exchange rates are analyzed to determine the consistency of the empirical results with respect to different dimensions in the system. We find that the test results are sensitive to the choice of test statistics, time trends, subperiods as well as subgroups. All results indicate either one or no cointegrating relationship exists. Further, we study time series properties of twenty one cross-currency rates and the corresponding exchange rates in terms of a common currency. None of cross-currency rates are stationary and hence the pairs of exchange rates are not cointegrated.
Increased procoagulant cell-derived microparticles (C-MP) in splenectomized patients with ITP

Background: Splenectomy is frequently employed for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes in various clinical disorders. However its long-term safety is not well elucidated. Although risk of infection by encapsulated organisms is widely recognized, less well-known are risks of thrombosis and cardiovascular disease. Methods :W e investigated levels of cell-derived microparticles (C-MP) in 23 splenectomized ITP (ITP-S) and 53 unsplenectomized ITP patients (ITP-nS). Assay of C-MP derived from platelets (PMP), leukocytes (LMP), red cells (RMP) and endothelial cells (EMP) were performed by flow cytometry. Coagulation parameters included PT, aPTTand activities of FVIII, IX and XI. Results of all measures were compared between the two groups, ITP-S vs ITP-nS. Results: Levels of all C-MP were higher in ITP-S than ITP-nS but only RMP and LMP reached statistical significance (p=0.0035 and pb0.0001, respectively). The aPTT was significantly shorter in ITP-S (p=0.029). Interestingly, correlation analysis revealed that RMP, but not other C-MP, were associated with shortening of aPTT (p=0.024) as well as with increased activities of factors VIII (p=0.023), IX (p=0.021) and XI (p=0.0089).
Pivotal role of the C-terminal DW-motif in mediating inhibition of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 2 by dichloroacetate

The mitochondrial pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) is down-regulated by phosphorylation catalyzed by pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK) isoforms 1–4. Overexpression of PDK isoforms and therefore reduced PDC activity prevails in cancer and diabetes. In the present study, we investigated the role of the invariant C-terminal DW-motif in inhibition of human PDK2 by dichloroacetate (DCA). Substitutions were made in the DW-motif (Asp-382 and Trp-383) and its interacting residues (Tyr-145 and Arg-149) in the other subunit of PDK2 homodimer. Single and double mutants show 20–60% residual activities that are not stimulated by the PDC core. The R149A and Y145F/R149A mutants show drastic increases in apparent IC50 values for DCA, whereas binding affinities for DCA are comparable with wild-type PDK2. Both R149A and Y145F variants exhibit increased similar affinities for ADP and ATP, mimicking the effects of DCA. The R149A and the DW-motif mutations (D382A/W383A) forestall binding of the lipoyl domain of PDC to these mutants, analogous to wild-type PDK2 in the presence of DCA and ADP. In contrast, the binding of a dihydrolipoamide mimetic AZD7545 is largely unaffected in these PDK2 variants. Our results illuminate the pivotal role of the DW-motif in mediating communications between the DCA-, the nucleotide-, and the lipoyl domain-binding sites. This signaling network locks PDK2 in the inactive closed conformation, which is in equilibrium with the active open conformation without DCA and ADP. These results implicate the DW-motif anchoring site as a drug target for the inhibition of aberrant PDK activity in cancer and diabetes.
Neurotoxic dideoxynucleoside antiretroviral therapy is not associated with progression of painful distal polyneuropathy

Evaluation of: Hung CF, Gibson SA, Letendre SL et al.: Impact of long-term treatment with neurotoxic dideoxynucleoside antiretrovirals: implications for clinical care in resource-limited settings. HIV Med. 9, 731–737 (2008). Dideoxynucleoside antiretroviral (d-drug) use is limited by peripheral nervous system toxicity. d-drugs are generically made and are cheaper antiretrovirals then branded non-d-drugs. In the context of financial barriers to delivering HIV care in resource-limited settings, cheaper d-drugs may mean the difference between treatment and no treatment. Whether or not d-drug neurotoxicity is cumulative could determine the applicability of d-drug use in resource-limited settings. In a US cohort of HIV-infected patients, the authors evaluated the safety of continued d-drug use by measuring the risk of d-drug to worsen neuropathy signs or symptoms. A total of 252 subjects on d-drugs were compared with 250 subjects on non-d-drug antiretrovirals and followed over a median of 18 months for signs o...
Malabsorption syndrome associated with intestinal diverticulosis. Report of a case with jejunal biopsy.

Summary A patient is reported in whom defective absorption was observed associated with intestinal diverticulosis. The histologic appearance of the jejunal biopsy was similar to that found in other malabsorptive states. The malabsorption was shown to be reversible by oral tetracycline.
Resilience Training and Physician Well-Being.

Authors reply: I completely agree with Drs. Poses, Smith and Maulitz that we should be striving to change working conditions that may lead to physician burnout; however, I disagree with their assertion that: "Would increasing physician resilience not make them more accepting of what should not be acceptable?" Stress can be a motivator of course, but overly stressed out rats can’t find their way through the maze. Likewise, physicians who are burnt out and depressed are not likely to be very effective in working for change in their organizations. Programs that help to ameliorate stress, burnout and depression will help to promote the change our organizations need by creating a cohort of individuals who have a greater sense of purpose and perhaps self-efficacy to accomplish what needs to be done. If anything is likely to lead to passivity and apathy among physicians, I would think it would be chronic stress and anxiety rather than programs that aim to reduce these problems.
Vertical-cavity optical modulator for 1.32 [micro sign]m grown on a graded (InGaAl)As buffer

The authors describe an (InGaAl)As/InGaAs vertical-cavity optical transmission modulator operating at 1.32 /spl mu/m, and having a single pass contrast /spl Delta/T/T of 24% at <5 V bias. Device performance and yield have been improved, using a specially designed buffer that compensates for incomplete strain relaxation.
Conservation: Glass half full

Stuart Pimm examines E. O. Wilson's grand vision for an Earth shared equally between humanity and nature.
A RELIABILITY-BASED DESIGN OPTIMIZATION PROCEDURE FOR MINIMAL VARIATIONS

This paper proposes a reliability-based design optimization procedure to establish a robust structural system with minimum variation from the prescribed target performance value. The reliability of the system is used as an indexof robustness insteadof the performance variation. An advanced mean value based reliability analysis method is applied to solve the reliability efficiently and accurately forsimpleorcomplexstructuralproblems. The by-products of the reliability analysis, approximate reliability constraints and the probabilistic sensitivity factors, are coupled with a robust design point tracking procedure to locate the optimal design point. The proposed tracking procedure will avoid possible slow or unstable convergence which may result in a local minimum. The total computational effort required for the proposed procedure is minimized because only linearized functions and search points are required. If desired, the proposed procedure can be easily extended to determine the necessary change in each design variable tolerance to reach a specified reliability goal. Nomenclature
Interdigitated hydrogen bonds: electrophile activation for covalent capture and fluorescence turn-on detection of cyanide.

Hydrogen-bonding promoted covalent modifications are finding useful applications in small-molecule chemical synthesis and detection. We have designed a xanthene-based fluorescent probe 1, in which tightly held acylguanidine and aldehyde groups engage in multiple intramolecular hydrogen bonds within the concave side of the molecule. Such an interdigitated hydrogen bond donor–acceptor (HBD–HBA) array imposes significant energy barriers (ΔG‡ = 10–16 kcal mol–1) for internal bond rotations to assist structural preorganization and effectively polarizes the electrophilic carbonyl group toward a nucleophilic attack by CN– in aqueous environment. This covalent modification redirects the de-excitation pathways of the cyanohydrin adduct 2 to elicit a large (>7-fold) enhancement in the fluorescence intensity at λmax = 440 nm. A remarkably faster (> 60-fold) response kinetics of 1, relative to its N-substituted (and therefore “loosely held”) analogue 9, provided compelling experimental evidence for the functional rol...
Physical-Chemical Variables in Processing Na2O - B2O3 - SiO2 Gel Monoliths

The addition of a drying control chemical additive (DCCA) to the solvent allows short drying times for monolithic gel samples. The variables involved in the use of a DCCA in preparing gels from the Na2O-SiO2-B2O3 system are described. Due to its higher reactivity, a DCCA influences the chemical behavior of the material at each step of the processing. The effects of formamide as a DCCA on the gelation process, surface charge, and surface area are presented. The variations of the physical properties of the gel, due to the addition of the DCCA, are related to the reactions of the formamide with the sol. Although the DCCA helps in producing monolithic dried gels, the problem of densification is not solved as yet.
Features of Diabetes Death and Its Epidemic Status among the Local Residents of Nanjing

[Objective] To learn the death status,hazardous degree and dynamic changes of diabetes among the local residents in Dachang District of Nanjing.[Methods] Statistical analysis was made on the mortality,PYLL,WPYLL of diabetes and the changes in standardization rate in the data of diabetes death among the local residents in that area during 2000—2006.[Results] The mortality of diabetes in Dachang District during 2000—2006 was 15.66/lakh,it was higher among the females than that among the males;the mortality increased with the age and increased rapidly among the people over 65 years old.[Conclusion]Diabetes is proved to be one of the major chronic diseases that influence the health of the local residents;comprehensive measures should be taken to strengthen the prevention of chronic noninfectious diseases.
Corporate Pension Accounting Assumptions Theoretical Analysis

The assumption is that accounting staff to achieve the goal,doing the accounting environment,a reasonable judge.Assuming certain forward-looking and Abstraction is the basic premise of the accounting operation.Corporate pension accounting as a branch of accounting,the same should follow certain assumptions.Such as corporate pension accounting entity,is going,how to stage and monetary measures and so on.This article focuses on the enterprise annuity system analysis of the accounting assumptions.
Classifying scientific performance on a metric-by-metric basis

In this paper, we outline a system for evaluating the performance of scientific research across a number of outcome metrics (e.g. publications, sales, new hires). Our system is designed to classify research performance into a number of metrics, evaluate each metric’s performance using only data on other metrics, and to cast predictions of future performance by metric. This study shows how data mining techniques can be used to provide a predictive analytic approach to the management of resources for scientific research.
Role and structural mechanism of WASP-triggered conformational changes in branched actin filament nucleation by Arp2/3 complex

The Arp2/3 (Actin-related proteins 2/3) complex is activated by WASP (Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome protein) family proteins to nucleate branched actin filaments that are important for cellular motility. WASP recruits actin monomers to the complex and stimulates movement of Arp2 and Arp3 into a “short-pitch” conformation that mimics the arrangement of actin subunits within filaments. The relative contribution of these functions in Arp2/3 complex activation and the mechanism by which WASP stimulates the conformational change have been unknown. We purified budding yeast Arp2/3 complex held in or near the short-pitch conformation by an engineered covalent cross-link to determine if the WASP-induced conformational change is sufficient for activity. Remarkably, cross-linked Arp2/3 complex bypasses the need for WASP in activation and is more active than WASP-activated Arp2/3 complex. These data indicate that stimulation of the short-pitch conformation is the critical activating function of WASP and that monomer delivery is not a fundamental requirement for nucleation but is a specific requirement for WASP-mediated activation. During activation, WASP limits nucleation rates by releasing slowly from nascent branches. The cross-linked complex is inhibited by WASP’s CA region, even though CA potently stimulates cross-linking, suggesting that slow WASP detachment masks the activating potential of the short-pitch conformational switch. We use structure-based mutations and WASP–Arp fusion chimeras to determine how WASP stimulates movement toward the short-pitch conformation. Our data indicate that WASP displaces the autoinhibitory Arp3 C-terminal tail from a hydrophobic groove at Arp3′s barbed end to destabilize the inactive state, providing a mechanism by which WASP stimulates the short-pitch conformation and activates Arp2/3 complex.
CHAPTER 52 – Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease

Publisher Summary Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a complex, multifactorial disease with a wide range of clinical presentations and complications. IBD is divided into two distinct but related entities: Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). While the two diseases share some features, there are important clinical differences between them, and they are discussed in this chapter. The pathogenesis of IBD appears to represent an abnormal response by T-cells to normal gastrointestinal flora on a genetically susceptible background. The medical treatment of IBD involves a growing armamentarium of medications, as a fundamental knowledge of disease pathogenesis expands. Many of these drugs are used for both UC and CD. Clinical trials are hampered by a consistent finding of placebo response rates of about 30%. Some of the major classes of medication are presented with specific mention of their use in CD and UC. Further research undoubtedly lead to better treatment and perhaps even cure or prevention of disease.
Beyond BCG: Gemcitabine

Currently, recurrence of carcinoma in situ (CIS) after intravesical BCG mandates a radical cystectomy, as BCG-refractory CIS is aggressive with a high propensity for progression. Novel intravesical agents are needed to salvage refractory disease. Gemcitabine is an antimetabolite with proven single agent efficacy against metastatic bladder cancer. In this review, the ability of gemcitabine to treat BCG-refractory CIS is examined in preclinical, phase I and phase II trials. Future studies with intravesical gemcitabine are also examined.
Rural location and relative location: adding community context to the study of sexual assault survivor time until presentation for medical care

Despite a strong empirical base linking community context and proximity to resources to individual health care access, studies examining predictors of sexual assault survivor time until presentation for medical care have not yet examined these relationships. This study addresses this gap. The data included retrospective records on a sample of 1,630 female survivors who reported their sexual assault to law enforcement and were subsequently seen by a sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) in one of eight Alaskan communities between the years 1996 and 2006. Logistic regression models were used to determine whether delays in presentation (presentation 12 hr or more after assault) differed for women presenting in unique communities (rural location), and between those whose assault and exam occurred in different communities versus occurring in the same community (relative location). Although rural location did not seem to have a unique impact on time until presentation, differing locations (i.e., relative location) of assaults and exams increased the likelihood of delays in presentation. Non-American Indian/Alaska Native race/ethnicity and knowing one's assailant(s) also increased the likelihood of delays. These results indicate that in addition to a need for further research, there is a need for more appropriate and reliable sexual assault medical services across communities, and that survivors assaulted by known assailants should be targeted in efforts to reduce time until presentation.
Excision by Lateral Skull Base Approach

The lateral approach is a preauricular, subcranial technique that traverses the infratemporal fossa (ITF) for surgical resection of juvenile angiofibroma (JA). Although these lesions originate medially relative to the ITF within the nasal cavity, it is not necessary to visualize the point of origin directly to achieve safe removal with this technique. Thus, the angle of approach for removal can be superior, medial, and smaller than a more extensive classically described posterior infratemporal fossa approach that compromises the overall structure of the middle ear. The lateral approach is ideal for JAs that extend lateral to the foramen rotundum and abut the cavernous sinus. The effectiveness of this technique relies on both successful preoperative endovascular embolization and the fibrous nature of the tumor. These fibrous characteristics allow initial mobilization and subsequent extraction by lateral traction of the tumor from its medial point of origin, obviating the need to further compromise sinonasal structures associated with other approaches. This chapter presents the lateral approach features, indications, patient selection considerations, techniques, modifications, and potential complications with illustrative figures.
The View from Here: The Evolution of the Genetic Code

Although the genetic code is well established, a very exciting unsolved problem is discovering how codons were related to amino acids in the evolution of protein synthesis. How did a tRNA and a tRNA synthetase first evolve, and what was their ancestral source? How were the genes for the first tRNA and tRNA synthetase duplicated, and how was their specificity varied? Can we offer any explanation for why there are two classes of tRNA synthetases? Can one predict which tRNAs evolved from one another? Similarly, can we predict which tRNA synthetases evolved from an existing tRNA synthetase?
Communication behaviors and patient autonomy in hospital care: A qualitative study.

Abstract Background Little is known about how hospitalized patients share decisions with physicians. Methods We conducted an observational study of patient-doctor communication on an inpatient medicine service among 18 hospitalized patients and 9 physicians. A research assistant (RA) approached newly hospitalized patients and their physicians before morning rounds and obtained consent. The RA audio recorded morning rounds, and then separately interviewed both patient and physician. Coding was done using integrated analysis. Results Most patients were white (61%) and half were female. Most physicians were male (66%) and of Southeast Asian descent (66%). All physicians explained the plan of care to the patients; most believed that their patient understood. However, many patients did not. Physicians rarely asked the patient for their opinion. In all those cases, the decision had been made previously by the doctors. No decisions were made with the patient. Patients sometimes disagreed. Conclusions Shared decision-making may not be the norm in hospital care. Although physicians do explain treatment plans, many hospitalized patients do not understand enough to share in decisions. When patients do assert their opinion, it can result in conflict. Practice implications Some hospitalized patients are interested in discussing treatment. Improving hospital communication can foster patient autonomy.
Identifying novel genes and biological processes relevant to the development of cancer therapy-induced mucositis: An informative gene network analysis

Mucositis is a complex, dose-limiting toxicity of chemotherapy or radiotherapy that leads to painful mouth ulcers, difficulty eating or swallowing, gastrointestinal distress, and reduced quality of life for patients with cancer. Mucositis is most common for those undergoing high-dose chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and for those being treated for malignancies of the head and neck. Treatment and management of mucositis remain challenging. It is expected that multiple genes are involved in the formation, severity, and persistence of mucositis. We used Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA), a novel network-based approach that integrates complex intracellular and intercellular interactions involved in diseases, to systematically explore the molecular complexity of mucositis. As a first step, we searched the literature to identify genes that harbor or are close to the genetic variants significantly associated with mucositis. Our literature review identified 27 candidate genes, of which ERCC1, XRCC1, and MTHFR were the most frequently studied for mucositis. On the basis of this 27-gene list, we used IPA to generate gene networks for mucositis. The most biologically significant novel molecules identified through IPA analyses included TP53, CTNNB1, MYC, RB1, P38 MAPK, and EP300. Additionally, uracil degradation II (reductive) and thymine degradation pathways (p = 1.06-08) were most significant. Finally, utilizing 66 SNPs within the 8 most connected IPA-derived candidate molecules, we conducted a genetic association study for oral mucositis in the head and neck cancer patients who were treated using chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy (186 head and neck cancer patients with oral mucositis vs. 699 head and neck cancer patients without oral mucositis). The top ranked gene identified through this association analysis was RB1 (rs2227311, p-value = 0.034, odds ratio = 0.67). In conclusion, gene network analysis identified novel molecules and biological processes, including pathways related to inflammation and oxidative stress, that are relevant to mucositis development, thus providing the basis for future studies to improve the management and treatment of mucositis in patients with cancer.