cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Quantitative Methods to Assess Hepatic Function: Pugh's Classification, Indocyanine Green, Antipyrine, and Dextromethorphan

Study Objectives. To compare three quantitative metabolic markers used to assess hepatic function, indocyanine green (ICG), a high-extraction marker; antipyrine, a low-extraction marker; and dextromethorphan, a P-450IID6 marker, with the clinically used Pugh's classification. Design. Comparison of 12 healthy controls with 12 age- and sex-matched patients with different degrees of liver disease. Setting. Research center in a university-affiliated teaching hospital. Patients. The 12 patients had different degrees of liver disease: 4 mild (Pugh's score 6 or 7); 4 moderate (Pugh's score 8 or 9); and 4 severe (Pugh's score ≥ 10). Each level had an equal number of men and women subjects. Measurements and Main Results. Clearance of ICG detected mild alterations in hepatic function as efficiently as it did for moderate and severe impairment, but it lacked the specificity to distinguish among the classification groups. In contrast, antipyrine was effective in identifying moderate and severe hepatic impairment; however, its clearance was not reduced in mild liver disease. Pugh's classification appears to be a clinically useful method of assessing the global degree of hepatic impairment in patients with chronic disease, and there was a significant correlation between it and antipyrine clearance (r=0.67, p=0.0003) and ICG clearance (r=0.86, p=0.0001). Four of eight patients with a Pugh's score greater than 8 had a dextromethorphan metabolic ratio expression reflective of a poor metabolizer phenotype based on 0- to 4-hour urine collection, but only two of those eight patients were classified as poor metabolizers based on 4- to 12-hour urine collection. These percentages of poor metabolizers are substantially higher than for historical controls (8.5–10.4%) and most likely reflect a decrease in the P-450IID6 functional ability with progression of liver disease. However, due to small sample size and lack of knowledge of the patients' genotypes, these data are only suggestive. Conclusion. Pugh's classification appears to be a reliable indicator of the degree of chronic liver disease and could be employed as a drug development research classification tool; however, it does not replace quantitative metabolic markers, especially isozyme-specific markers.
Econometric modeling of urban and other substate areas

Abstract Questions raised by J.R. Meyer and J.W. Millimar on the appropriate level of sophistication in regional econometric models are addressed by comparing the modeling methodologies for each of six diverse substate areas. The methodologies range from aggregated recursive structures driven by an ARIMA time-series model of export-base employment to highly detailed simultaneous equation models. It is found that recursive model accuracy is relatively insensitive to forecast accuracy of the model-driving variable and simultaneous models are more accurate than recursive ones, but relative accuracies of aggregated and detailed simultaneous models are less clear. Population and personal income estimates are improved by disaggregation, but with respect to employment, there is a trade-off in model structure between average employment prediction accuracy over a number of time periods and turning point prediction accuracy.
Estimating hypocentral uncertainties for marine microearthquake surveys: A comparison of the generalized inverse and grid search methods

For microearthquake surveys conducted with small networks in regions where the seismic velocity structure has large vertical gradients, the formal errors accompanying hypocentral solutions obtained by a generalized inverse method may be misleading since they do not incorporate the effects of nonlinearity in travel times. An alternative method for estimating uncertainties involves calculating travel time residuals over a regular grid and using the F statistic to contour confidence volumes. We present a statistical expression for the latter confidence limits that is applicable when an independent estimate of arrival time errors is available from observations accumulated for a number of earthquakes. Synthetic experiments comparing the results of the grid search and generalized inverse methods show that in cases where solutions are obtained either without S wave information or for epicenters which lie well outside the network, the effects of nonlinearity on the shape of the confidence regions may be significant. However, for the well-observed events both methods yield comparable confidence volumes in good agreement with the distribution of hypocenters obtained from repeated locations incorporating random errors. The generalized inverse method has the advantage that it requires fewer calculations, so the examination of systematic errors in hypocentral parameters produced by uncertainties in the seismic velocity structure can be studied in a more computationally efficient manner. Except in the cases of poorly resolved earthquakes, the effects of nonlinearity on uncertainties in hypocentral parameters can be observed by the application of the F statistic to the variation of the generalized inverse travel time residuals with focal depth.
Are invasive and native trout functionally equivalent predators? Results and lessons from a field experiment.

Non-native brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) have replaced native cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii) in streams across the western USA. Brook trout have been assumed to be functionally equivalent to cutthroat trout, which could argue against extensive control of this species by government agencies. This assumption was assessed by comparing the diets of the two trout species and their effects on benthic invertebrates in a large-scale field experiment. Within a Rocky Mountain stream where brook trout had already become established, trout species and density were manipulated in 20 fenced sections to create four treatments: cutthroat trout at a density natural for un-invaded streams, brook trout at two densities, natural for invaded streams or reduced to match the natural density of cutthroat trout, and areas depleted of most trout. By the end of the experiment, populations of brook trout at natural density consumed seven times more benthic invertebrates than cutthroat trout. Brook trout also consumed more Apatania caddisflies and Heterlimnius riffle beetles per capita than cutthroat trout. However, the greater consumption did not cause detectable reductions in benthic invertebrate densities. A large-scale experiment of trout removal like this may be inherently limited in its ability to detect effects on benthic invertebrate densities. However, this and several companion studies indicate that stream ecosystems would not function in the same way if cutthroat trout are replaced by brook trout. Sustaining these functions, as well as biodiversity and socioeconomic values, are important reasons to conserve native cutthroat trout. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Performance analysis of communications in static interconnection networks

We present a model, based on a network of DX/D/1 queues, to predict the communication performance of static interconnection networks under various communication patterns. Our model predicts delay time distributions in the links as well as the first and second moments of the overall delay time of messages in the system. These predictions are verified by the results of simulations.
“Perfect Storm” on the Horizon for Women Business School Deans?

While business schools have been in the spotlight for many years, due, in part, to a wide range of perceived shortcomings, little attention has been paid to the scarcity of women deans. Reporting o...
Two Approaches to Using Client Projects in the College Classroom

Client projects are an opportunity for universities to create long-lasting, mutually beneficial relationships with businesses through an academic consultancy service. This article discusses the rationale and logistics of two models for conducting such projects. One model, used at Clemson University, is a formal academic consultancy service in which students are paid for their work with for-profit businesses. Another, used at the University of North Texas, also incorporates for-profit clients but operates in the more traditional classroom setting where student teams are not paid for their work. Whatever the approach, client projects facilitate communication between academia and business, enlist the services of professionals in a variety of fields to help shape the education of future graduates, offer opportunities for students to gain practical experience that surpasses any classroom simulation or case study, and keep instructors in touch with business trends and practices.
State initiatives in support of optics: New Mexico, a case study

New Mexico is very proud of its tri-cultural heritage -- Hispanic, Native American, and Anglo, but that simple description belies the technical richness of the state. If one is in technology and thinks of New Mexico, particularly if involved in the defense community, one thinks of organizations like Los Alamos National Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories, White Sands Missile Range, and Phillips Laboratory. Phillips Laboratory is one of the new Air Force super laboratories and its activities are focused on space and missile technology. One should appreciate some statistical aspects of the impact of those organizations on New Mexico. In a recent National Science Foundation study, if one looks at R&D performance measured in dollars of activity, on an absolute scale, New Mexico ranks fourth nationally among the 50 states. It also ranks fourth nationally in the university sector in R&D performance. And those two numbers or rankings are not unrelated. You should come to appreciate how we have tried to leverage these strong technology organizations. The private sector ranks only twenty-first, and much of the economic development activity in New Mexico is now attempting to raise this standing by concentrating on the manufacturing sector. What this all means is that, among the 50 states, New Mexico ranks first in the ratio of R&D performance to gross state product. By that measure, technology is more significant to the State of New Mexico than it is to any other state in the Union.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Lactate-induced retinal arteriolar vasodilation implicates neuronal nitric oxide synthesis in minipigs.

PURPOSE: To investigate the role of neuronal nitric oxide (NO) synthesis in the retinal vasodilatory response to lactate in minipigs. METHODS: Thirteen eyes of 13 minipigs were evaluated. Ten eyes received an intravenous infusion of N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). After 1 hour, the same eyes received an intravitreous juxta-arteriolar microinjection of 30 microL of L-lactate 0.5 M (pH 7.4) through a micropipette. Ten minutes later, 9 of 10 eyes received an intravitreous juxta-arteriolar microinjection of 30 microL of L-NAME 0.01 M (pH 7.4), and 1 received physiologic saline solution (PSS). The remaining three eyes received a microinjection of 30 microL of L-lactate 0.5 M (pH 7.4), without intravenous or intravitreous L-NAME. RESULTS: The three eyes that received juxta-arteriolar injection of L-lactate only showed a reproducible increase in retinal arteriolar diameter that persisted during the entire study period (maximum effect at 20 minutes, 40.9% +/- 3.2%). Retinal arteriolar diameter decreased by 4.1% 1 hour after intravenous L-NAME when compared with baseline but the difference did not reach significance. The juxta-arteriolar injection of L-lactate induced a significant increase in retinal arteriolar diameter (22.7% and 28.7% at 5 and 10 minutes, respectively; P < 0.01), followed by a significant decrease (8.6%; P < 0.01) 10 minutes after juxta-arteriolar injection of L-NAME. Injection of PSS had no effect on retinal arteriolar diameter. CONCLUSIONS: Juxta-arteriolar administration of L-lactate induced vasodilation, which was also observed with continuous intravenous infusion of L-NAME. Moreover, juxta-arteriolar L-NAME microinjection significantly suppressed the vasodilatory effect of L-lactate. These data suggest that neuronal-derived NO is an important mediator of lactate-induced vasodilation in minipigs.
Analysis of regional meteorology and surface ozone during the TexAQS II field program and an evaluation of the NMM‐CMAQ and WRF‐Chem air quality models

[1] This study examines meteorological conditions associated with regional surface ozone using data collected during the summer Second Texas Air Quality Experiment, and the ability of the Nonhydrostatic Mesoscale Model–Community Multi-scale Air Quality Model (NMM-CMAQ) and the Weather Research and Forecast (WRF) model coupled with Chemistry (WRF-Chem) models to simulate the observed meteorology and surface ozone. The surface ozone data consist of 118 sites that are part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Aerometric Information Retrieval Now (AIRNow) network, while the meteorological data came from a network of eleven 915-MHz wind profilers with RASS temperatures and supporting surface meteorological stations. High and low 8-h maximum ozone occurrences most frequently develop as regional events, with similar ozone concentration patterns across all of east Texas, allowing for a separate analysis of high- and low-ozone day conditions. The ability of the NMM-CMAQ and WRF-Chem models to simulate the meteorologically distinct high- and low-ozone events is analyzed. Histograms of surface ozone show that both the NMM-CMAQ and WRF-Chem models underpredict the full range found in the observations. For low ozone values, the analysis indicates that the models have a positive bias because of too large of an ozone inflow boundary condition value over the Gulf of Mexico. In contrast, the models have a negative bias for very high ozone values that occur mostly in Houston and Dallas, which suggests that the urban emissions and/or chemistry is misrepresented in the models.
Birefringence of PrAlO3 in the vicinity of 118 K

Abstract We have measured the birefringence of PrAlO 3 from 300 to 77 K in several different crystalline orientations. The 205 K first order and 151 K second order structural phase transitions are clearly evident as are the effects of twinning below 151 K which take the form of regular oscillations. Near 118 K we have observed anomalies in the amplitude and frequency of the twinning effect which may relate to the Anderson-Blount phase transition reported by Fleury. Direct evidence of the 118 K transition was also obtained when birefringence measurements were taken in a geometry chosen to suppress the twinning effect.
Products of activated lymphocytes stimulate Schwann cell mitosis in vitro

Culture of Schwann cells and endoneurial fibroblasts from newborn rat sciatic nerves in the presence of supernatants obtained from concanavalin A (Con-A)-stimulated rat mononuclear cells resulted in proliferation of both cell types. Con-A did not induce Schwann cell or fibroblast proliferation. Supernatant from a Gibbon T-cell lymphoma and chromatographically purified rat interleukin-2 (IL-2) induced fibroblast but not Schwann cell proliferation, and cloned human IL-2 did not induce proliferation of either cell type. Proliferation of Schwann cells and endoneurial fibroblasts induced by activated mononuclear inflammatory cells may be important in inflammatory demyelinative neuropathies.
Pore pressure and explosive spalling in concrete

Results of an experimental study, which measured thermally-induced pore pressure and corresponding concrete temperatures in high-strength concrete (HSC) and normal strength concrete (NSC), to quantify the effects of factors influencing pore pressure buildup and potential for explosive spalling in HSC and NSC are presented. The specimens are 100 × 200 × 200 mm concrete blocks, heated to a maximum temperature of 600°C (1,112°F) at 5°C/min (41°F/min) and 25°C/min (77°F/min). The complex heat-induced moisture transport process, which varied with specific levels of concrete temperature and significantly influenced the developments of pore pressure and concrete temperature, is explained. Pore pressure developments are shown to be directly related to the moisture transport process and have a significant influence on occurrence of explosive spalling. Effects of water-to-cementitious materials ratios (w/cm), curing conditions, heating rates, and polypropylene (PP) fibers on pore pressure buildup and explosive spalling are quantified and described.
Usability testing in libraries: methods, limitations, and implications

Purpose – Usability studies are a form of library evaluation that are often passed off as research. However, at its core, usability is an evaluation method, not a research method. The goal is to make an argument that usability studies can be a valid form of scholarly research if certain limitations inherent in usability studies are addressed in the research design. Design/methodology/approach – Through evaluating literature in the social sciences, this paper makes an argument for usability as a research method if certain limitations inherent within usability testing are addressed. Findings – Usability is not only an evaluation method, but when limitations are addressed; it can be considered an important research tool within libraries. Originality/value – No other article in the library and information sciences literature talks about methodologies for usability. Most usability articles do not address methodologies utilized in a way that would be considered research in a broader social sciences context. Thi...
T3 Translational Science in Gastroenterology: Getting to Best Outcomes

Achieving the best possible outcomes requires the reliable implementation of best practices for every patient. Specifically, optimizing outcomes requires a spectrum of research spanning basic science, drug development, clinical efficacy and effectiveness, health services, quality improvement, and implementation research. However, our rapid increase in understanding the mechanisms of health and disease and their treatment has far outpaced our ability to reliably provide that care, resulting in poor reliability and enormous variation in care. T3 translational research studies attempt to answer questions surrounding reliable implementation of interventions, decreasing variations in care, and spreading effective therapies. To answer these questions, T3 research may use traditional research methodology such as randomized controlled trials (RCTs); however, various other approaches such as quasiexperimental designs (eg, time-series analysis) are often used. Although uncommon, T3 research has shown promise in not only improving process measures such as correct dosing of medications, but also outcome measures such as improved remission rates in patients with IBD. A more complete integration of T3 translational research into the more traditional research continuum is necessary if we are to achieve the best possible outcomes for our patients.
Measurement and analysis of the ν2 bands of 14ND3 and 15ND3

Abstract The ν 2 fundamentals of 14 ND 3 and 15 ND 3 have been observed with sufficient resolution to resolve many of the individual P, Q, and R lines for both components of the inversion doublet. With the help of the observed intensity alterations assignments of many of the lines were made. A least-squares analysis was applied to determine the various vibration-rotation constants pertinent for these transitions. The 14 N 15 N isotope shift is found to be −6.2 cm −1 .
Thalidomide induces granuloma differentiation in sarcoid skin lesions associated with disease improvement.

Abstract Sarcoidosis, a chronic granulomatous disease of unknown etiology, is treated with immune suppressive drugs such as corticosteroids. Sarcoidosis patients have been reported to benefit clinically from treatment with thalidomide. We administered thalidomide for 16 weeks to eight patients with chronic skin sarcoidosis and evaluated the drug's effects before and with treatment. After thalidomide treatment, all skin biopsies showed decreases in granuloma size and reduction in epidermal thickness. We also observed extensive T cell recruitment into the granulomas, the appearance of multinucleated giant cells, and increased numbers of dermal Langerhans cells (CD1a + ) and mature dendritic cells (CD83 + or DC-LAMP + ). Plasma IL-12 levels increased and remained elevated during the treatment period. We noted increased HLA-DR expression on peripheral blood lymphocytes and a corresponding drop in the naive T cell marker CD45RA. Our data suggest that thalidomide treatment of sarcoidosis results in granuloma differentiation to a Th1-type cellular immune response usually associated with protective immunity to tuberculosis and tuberculoid leprosy.
RENEWAL OF INTESTINAL EPITHELIUM IN THE FRESHWATER TURTLE, CHRYSEMYS PICTA.

The area of new cell formation, the rate of proliferation, and the manner in which cells are lost from the intestinal epithelium in the turtle, Chrysemys picta, were studied using a cell labeling technique with tritiated thymidine and mitotic inhibiting technique with colchicine. In the intestinal epithelium of Chrysemys picta, cellular proliferation was observed to occur in the layer of cells adjacent to the basement membrane. Mitosis occurred throughout the epithelium at a fairly low rate (mitotic index 0.0016). In the upper intestine fewer labeled cells were found in the apical one-third of a villusfold than in either the mid or basal one-third. The time required to renew the intestinal epithelium, was estimated to be about eight weeks in winter turtles maintained at 20° to 24°C. Cell loss from the system appeared to be due to a randomly located movement of cells lumenward from the basement membrane. Mitotic activity in cold torpid turtles (11°C ambient temperature) appeared to be completely suppressed as shown by a lack of incorporation of tritiated thymidine and an absence of mitotic figures in the intestinal epithelium. The term villi-folds was proposed to provide a category for those animals possessing structures having characteristics both of villi and of folds as found in C. picta.
The risk of lung cancer in nonsmokers in the United States and its reported association with environmental tobacco smoke

Abstract Is environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) causally related to lung cancer? In this study, 29 case-control and three cohort studies involving exposed and unexposed female smokers (as defined herein, an exposed individual is a never-smoker married to a smoker and an unexposed individual is a never-smoker married to a never-smoker) and nine case-control and two cohort studies involving exposed and unexposed male smokers, in which presence or absence of lung cancer is the specified outcome, are reviewed. It is pointed out that any attempt to make inferences toward such a causal relationship must account for the fundamental differences in these studies, which took place on three continents over 15 years and involved many differences in individual study design as well as in study subjects. Since this has largely not been done, the only conclusion that sensibly can be drawn from these studies is that the conclusion of a causal relationship is currently not supported by the data. This is certainly true when an attempt is made to apply a world-wide risk ratio to the U.S. population, as was done in the U.S. Surgeon Generals report (1986).
Research on bacteria in the mainstream of biology

The study of the genetics, biochemistry, and physiology of bacteria during the last 40 years has provided the concepts and methods for the study of cells of all types at the molecular level. Although much is already known about the mechanisms bacteria use to regulate the expression of their genes, a great deal more remains to be discovered that will have relevance to both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Similarly, the study in bacteria of the transactions of DNA, of the synthesis and function of the cell membrane, of differentiation, and of the interaction with eukaryotic cells will undoubtedly produce results of general importance. The advantages of using bacteria for these studies include their simple noncompartmented structure, the accessibility of their genetic material, and the possibility of correlating the expression of a gene in the intact cell with its expression in a system composed of highly purified components. Finally, the comparative study of a wide variety of microorganisms may result in a better understanding of the evolution of prokaryotes and eukaryotes and lead to a comprehensive theory of cell biology.
Substrate specificity of mycodextranase.

MYCODEXTRAN (nigeran) is an unbranched polysaccharide composed of a regular alternating sequence of α–(1rarr;3) and α–(1→4) linked glucopyranosyl units. It is produced in the mycelia of various species of moulds1. Reese and Mandels have recently reported2 the isolation and partial purification of an inducible glucanase (mycodextranase) produced in the culture filtrates of selected species of fungi grown on a medium containing mycodextran as a carbon source. The enzyme is an endoglucanase that hydrolyses nigeran to produce hexameric and tetrameric units which are subsequently hydrolysed to produce the disaccharide nigerose (O–α–D–glucopyranosyl–(1→3)–D–glucose) as the final product2.
MO-D-105-02: Veteran Health Administration : Radiation Oncology Quality and Safety Initiative (VHA-ROQSI)

Purpose: The overall goal of VHA‐ROQSI is to monitor quality, safety, and effectiveness of radiotherapy within VHA. The electronic infrastructure developed to achieve these objectives can serve as a model for the radiation oncology community at large. Method and Material: The VHA‐ROQSI is an initiative of the VHAs National Radiation Oncology Program office with an objective of electronically collecting and aggregating data to assess quality and safety of radiation treatment delivery and determine disease site‐specific outcomes. The data collected will include; information on radiotherapy planning, delivery equipment, services provided patient volume, and quality assurance activities at each facility, calibration, accreditation and credentialing status of each facility. The integrated infrastructure will facilitate a rapid Web‐based proactive peer review of all complex treatment plans and it will allow each facility to report adverse events and near miss information on patients for review by radiation oncology domain experts. The de‐identified outcome data on patients will be abstracted directly from the hospital information system for population‐based outcome analysis. Results: We have designed an electronic infrastructure that minimizes key strokes and multiple entries of redundant data by end users to accomplish each one of the aforementioned objectives. The prototypes of various modules for electronic data collection have been developed and are in beta testing. Once completed, the integrated system will facilitate peer review of complex treatment plans, collection of data elements for treatment quality and outcome assessment, and tracking of adverse events and near misses on patient treatments. Conclusion: The VHA‐ROQSI overcomes the challenge of submitting redundant data to disparate sources. This electronic infrastructure will circumvent the need for separate registries for outcome, quality, and safety tracking under development by various stakeholders at the present time. Disclosure: Rishabh Kapoor: Stocks: TSG Innovations Inc.
Regulation of peripheral inflammation by spinal adenosine: role of somatic afferent fibers.

Spinal administration of adenosine inhibits neutrophil accumulation in skin. The neural pathways mediating this action are unknown. We investigated individually the roles of capsaicin sensitive primary afferent fibers, sympathetic efferent fibers, and dorsal roots in this regulation. One week after implantation of intrathecal (IT) catheters into rats, the adenosine receptor agonist cyclohexyladenosine (CHA) or vehicle was injected intrathecally. Inflammatory skin lesions were induced by intradermal carrageenan. Three hours later, skin was harvested and assayed for neutrophils by measuring myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. Intrathecal CHA (5 μg/kg) decreased neutrophil infiltration into skin lesions. Nociceptive peptides were largely depleted from central terminals of primary afferents by IT capsaicin pretreatment. This depletion had no effect on either basal neutrophil infiltration or CHA-mediated modulation. Sympathetic fibers were largely destroyed by systemic 6-hydoxydopamine (6-OHDA) pretreatment; sympathectomy did not affect basal neutrophil infiltration or block its suppression by IT CHA. Thus, spinal adenosine effects on skin neutrophil trafficking appear to be independent of sympathetic nerves and primary afferent peptides, although incomplete lesions by chemical pretreatments may have confounded our results. Sensory fibers were interrupted by prior unilateral dorsal rhizotomies. This procedure had no effect on neutrophil accumulation in control rats. However, rhizotomy blocked the CHA effect, with MPO levels 45 ± 18% greater in denervated than control skin in IT CHA-treated animals (P < 0.05). It is clear that the spinal adenosine effect requires intact somatic connectivity. Information on pain and inflammation in the periphery is transmitted to the nervous system, where increased spinal adenosine levels can suppress peripheral inflammation.
Expandable metal stents: principles and tissue responses.

Expandable metal stents revolutionized the treatment of malignant stenoses in the gastrointestinal tract. These devices were originally designed for intravascular application, and the earliest studies used vascular stents to demonstrate feasibility of use in the gastrointestinal tract. In the biliary tree, these devices allowed placement of stents that open to a much wider diameter than conventional plastic stents, and the flexible delivery systems and the pliability of the stent materials allowed them to be placed in areas where rigid plastic stents were more difficult to use. In the esophagus, placement of rigid plastic stents often required general anesthesia and was associated with high complication and mortality rates. Expandable stents allow outpatient placement with low complication rates. 1 The flexibility of these stents and the precise positioning allow them to be placed at locations that were traditionally difficult to stent, such as stenoses close to the upper esophageal sphincter. 2 These devices also opened the era of stenting in nontraditional areas, such as the colon and the duodenum, where rigid stents cannot be used. An understanding of the tissue responses to metal stents led to the development of partially covered stents that would resist tumor ingrowth into the stent lumen and development of fully covered stents that could be removed after a period of time because they do not integrate into the wall of the organ. Finally, biodegradable stents are now available that react with tissue in a different way and disintegrate after a period of time. Each of the stent designs has specific applications, risks, and benefits that must be matched to the needs of patients. PRINCIPLES OF EXPANDABLE STENT PLACEMENT
AN ANALYSIS OF THE NEONATAL NURSE CLINICIAN (NNC)

84 NNCs from 28 randomly selected NICUs were interviewed via telephone between Jan-Mar 82. The interview included 7 open-ended, 21 fixed-alternative and 5 scaled-item questions. Sequence and wording were predetermined to delineate the group biographic profile, professional education, lines of responsibility,skills utilized and psychosocial aspects. 81(96%) were female, 80(95%) Caucasian, 38(45%) married and 9(11%) divorced. Educational preparation varied:18(22%) held a master's degree, 35(41%) a bachelor's, 23(28%) a diploma and 8 (9%) an associate's. 66(79%) completed formal NNC programs; others completed inhouse NNC programs. 62(75%) remained in their 1st employment position since beginning their career; leaving time ranged from 6 mo-6 yr with 50% leaving after the 2nd employment year. Of 22 who left 15 remained in the NNC role. A trend was noted towards NNCs with associate's degrees performing more invasive tasks than those with master's degrees. Absence of a defined role was the primary factor felt to be responsible for nurse-physician conflict. The study documents the wide range of NNC education, demonstrates the group stability, points out the low crude turnover rate, and indicates the need for the NNC role to be more specifically defined.
Organic electroluminescent devices: aluminum alkali-halide composite cathode for enhanced device performance

Cathodes made with Al-LiF or Al-CsF composites are found to enhance the performance of organic light-emitting devices. With a composite cathode, devices based on an organic bilayer structure have shown lower operating voltage, higher efficiency and better forward light output than devices with LiF/Al, Mg or Al cathode. Unlike devices with Al and Li alloy cathode, OLEDs with composite cathode can be made with good reproducibility.
Mutations in the heavy chain of cytoplasmic dynein suppress the nudF nuclear migration mutation of Aspergillus nidulans

To identify proteins that interact directly or indirectly with the NUDF protein, which is required for nuclear migration in Aspergillus nidulans, we initiated a screen for extragenic suppressors of the heat-sensitive nudF6 mutation. Suppressor mutations in at least five genes, designated snfA–snfE, caused improved growth and nuclear migration at high temperatures compared to the nudF6 parent. Two snfC mutations mapped near the nudA gene, which encodes the cytoplasmic dynein heavy chain, and could be repaired by transformation with wild-type nudA DNA, demonstrating that they are mutations in nudA. The snfC mutations are bypass suppressors of nudF and genetic evidence indicated that NUDA and NUDF act in the same nuclear migration pathway. Taken together, our data suggests that NUDF affects nuclear migration by acting on the dynein motor system.
Study of alternative tracer tests in characterizing transport in fractured rocks

Flow and transport calculations are carried out by numerical simulation for different tracer designs: single-well radially diverging /converging (huff-puff), single well radially converging, and two-well injection-withdrawal (doublet) in a 2D fracture zone. The fractured rocks are conceptualized as a dual-continuum: the well-connected fractures forming a heterogeneous continuum for advective transport, and the less permeable matrix forming a second continuum for tracer diffusion. Results show that the huff-puff design is a good diagnostic test for matrix diffusion. The two-well doublet design averages over a large volume and corrects for the extreme sensitivity to spatial heterogeneities of the single well converging test, but requires prior knowledge of presence or absence of matrix diffusion to give reliable estimate of transport parameters. Results of this study demonstrate that using a suite of different tracer designs is important to reduce the uncertainty in association with solving the inverse problem of tracer test interpretation to characterize transport in fracture rocks.
Social Work Sense and Sensibility: A Framework for Teaching an Integrated Perspective

The divisions between ‘micro practice’ and ‘macro practice’ are often traced to historical splits between the originating strands of the social work profession. These splits have been reified in social work education and in institutional settings that largely focus on particular aspects of practice. We argue that this split has been overly polarized and, more importantly, disregards the science and ethics of social work—what we call the sense and sensibility of the profession. Science requires that we recognize the complexity of human activity; ethics require that we alleviate individual suffering and work to attack its root causes. Social work sense and sensibility interweave expectations that practice, policy, theory and research understandings must all be informed by, and inform, ethical social work practice. This bridging framework can help educators respond to calls for connecting all levels and types of social work practice.
Simulation of concentrated suspensions using the force-coupling method

Abstract The force-coupling method (FCM) represents the dynamics of low Reynolds number suspension flows through a distributed, low-order, finite force-multipole expansion and provides an efficient, matrix-free method to solve the mobility problem for the particle motion. In concentrated suspensions, strong short-range lubrication forces are generated between particles in close proximity as fluid in the intervening gap is displaced by the relative motion of the particles. These forces, together with near-surface contact forces, play an important role in the suspension rheology and self-diffusion of particles. However these forces lead to ill-conditioned problems for determining the particle stresses and particle motion in large systems of particles at higher volume fractions. A robust and effective iteration scheme for determining the particle stresslets is described together with a new scheme for including lubrication forces as near-field corrections to the FCM resistance problem. Both the lubrication and far-field interactions are solved as fully coupled systems in O ( N p log ( N p ) ) operations, for N p particles, using preconditioned conjugate gradient solvers. Numerical results for particles settling under gravity, particle pairs in linearly varying flows and in concentrated suspensions are compared with previous theoretical results and simulations. Numerical simulations with more than 4000 non-Brownian, spherical particles in a homogeneous shear flow provide results on the pair-distribution function and Lagrangian velocity correlations. The extension of the methods to simulate bidisperse systems or wall-bounded suspensions are discussed.
Laser diagnostics for research in coal combustion

Recent results are presented for the application of laser spark emission spectroscopy in the determination of elemental composition of particles in the combustion zone of a pulverized coal flame. The technique is particularly sensitive to metallic elements, and may be very useful in the study of mineral matter transformations during combustion.High energy laser pulses were used to form plasmas on single coal particles, and time-resolved spectra of the optical emission was collected using a linear diode array detector. The various transitions were assigned, and qualitative trends in elemental composition for well-characterized coals were observed to be in agreement with other analytical results. Semi-quantitative elemental concentrations were calculated and are presented.Recent results are presented for the application of laser spark emission spectroscopy in the determination of elemental composition of particles in the combustion zone of a pulverized coal flame. The technique is particularly sensitive to metallic elements, and may be very useful in the study of mineral matter transformations during combustion.High energy laser pulses were used to form plasmas on single coal particles, and time-resolved spectra of the optical emission was collected using a linear diode array detector. The various transitions were assigned, and qualitative trends in elemental composition for well-characterized coals were observed to be in agreement with other analytical results. Semi-quantitative elemental concentrations were calculated and are presented.
Disentangling the Effects of Self Leader Perceptions and Ideal Leader Prototypes on Leader Judgments Using Loglinear Modeling With Latent Variables

This study clarifies the relationships among self leader perceptions, ideal leader prototypes, and leader judgments among college students using latent profile analysis (LPA) and log-linear modeling. LPA was used to identify subgroups of individuals with unique patterns of attributes for self and ideal leaders, providing a holistic view of leadership and how multiple attributes work together within individuals. LPA was also used to identify subgroups of individuals with unique patterns of judgments of leader effectiveness. After identification of subgroups (i.e., profiles), log-linear modeling was used to test 1 baseline model and 5 sets of hypothesized associations among self leader profiles, ideal leader profiles, and leader judgment profiles. Results suggest that self leader profiles are related to ideal leader profiles, which in turn are related to leader judgment profiles, but that there is no direct relation between self leader profiles and leader judgment profiles.
Modelling pairwise comparisons on ratio scales

Abstract Many ‘real world’ decision problems have multiple criteria on qualitative domains. Given the expectation that more and more of such problems will be modelled as MCDM problems involving scoring on subjective/qualitative domains, then there is a class of significant problems for which the evaluator will require an evaluation framework which handles occurrences of seeming intransitivity and inconsistency. These phenomena are likely to appear in qualitative/subjective domains where the decision-making environment is characterized by ambiguity and vagueness. In this paper we present a model for exploring the implications of pairwise comparisons on ratio scales. This model provides a mathematical explanation for the phenomena of intransitivity and inconsistency that sometimes appear in situations involving scoring on a subjective/qualitative domain. Using this framework we develop methods for generating consistent intervals on ratio scales. We also present a two-stage action learning process for generating consistent points on ratio scales that provides both behavioral and mathematical convergence.
Characterization of Si and CVD SiC to Glass Anodic Bonding Using TEM and STEM Analysis

Anodic bonding is a common process used in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device fabrication and packaging. Polycrystalline chemical vapor deposited (CVD) silicon carbide (SiC) is emerging as a new MEMS device and packaging material because of its excellent material properties including high strength, hardness, and thermal conductivity. A novel process recipe, requiring a SiC RMS surface roughness of 45 nm, was developed for anodically bonding CVD SiC to bulk Pyrex and Hoya SD-2 glass substrates. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and elemental analysis presented distinct differences in elemental depletion band(s) of bulk Pyrex and Hoya SD-2 glasses bonded to Si, and in interfacial bonding between Pyrex and CVD SiC compared to Pyrex and Si. This study indicates that magnesium in the Pyrex glass network also participates in the depletion layer process compared to previous studies where only potassium, calcium, aluminum, and sodium were identified. For the first time, this study identifies aluminum, magnesium, sodium, and zinc participating in the depletion layer process in Hoya SD-2glass.
The effect of eugenol on nerve transmission.

Abstract Because of its long-time use as a sedative or anodyne in dental procedures, eugenol was studied to determine its effects on evoked nerve impulse transmission. The sciatic nerve of the bullfrog was stimulated in a nerve chamber, and the compound action potential was visualized on and recorded from an oscilloscope screen. It was determined that eugenol concentrations ranging from 100 per cent to 0.01 per cent extinguished the impulse-transmission capabilities of the nerve within 3 hours. No reversal was observed within this time frame.
The jet filter--a single-stage size-selective sampler for airborne particulates.

A jet filter has been developed which shows strong indication of being an excellent size-selective sampler for airborne particulates. The filter has a combination of desirable characteristics which cannot be found together in any other size selective sampler.
13C NMR confirmation that [RuII(hedta)(6-azauridine)]− has η2(5,6) and not σ(C-5) coordination

Abstract The proton-coupled 13C NMR spectrum of the second kinetic isomer of [RuII(hedta)(6-azauridine)]− reveals a doublet for C-5 after migration of the [RuII(hedta)]− moiety from the original N-6 site of 6-azauridine coordination. The presence of the H-5 proton is indicated by the doublet pattern centered at 137 ppm (JCH=204 Hz). This rules out the possible formation of a sigma-bonded, σ(C-5), species for the second isomer, and confirms the prior assignment of the second kinetic isomer as an η2(5,6)-coordinated species [Y. Chen, R.E. Shepherd, Inorg. Chim. Acta 277 (1998) 46]. The small magnitude of the downfield 13C NMR shifts for the η2-bound 6-azauridine N-heterocycle with [RuII(hedta)]− (0.00 ppm for C-5, −3.0 ppm for C-4, and −3.7 ppm for C-2) is in concert with the former observations of very small or near-zero 13C NMR shifts (+1.0 to −9 ppm) for η2-coordinated pyrimidines. This contrasts with the large +40 to +80 ppm upfield shifts which are characteristic of η2 complexes of RuII and OsII of CC olefinic ligands.
The multiple sclerosis trait and the development of multiple sclerosis: Genetic vulnerability and environmental effect

The remarkably low rate of concordance of multiple sclerosis (MS) in monozygotic twins has never been fully explained but it implies the possibility of a systemic condition called the multiple sclerosis trait (MST), which is quite different from asymptomatic MS. It results from the action of an antigenic challenge on the immune system of a genetically vulnerable person that does not cause damage to the nervous parenchyma; it may never evolve into the disease MS. A subsequent environmental viral-antigenic event in some MST-carriers can change the trait into the disease. This event could be an infection, which need not be symptomatic, or a vaccination. The MS may become symptomatic, remain asymptomatic, or manifested only by lesions visible by MRI. It is likely that the development of the MST, called activation, occurs early in life, while the transition from MST to MS, called acquisition, takes place at puberty in most patients. Differences in prevalence between pre-puberal migrants, and the locally born children of migrants, and their population of origin may also be explained by the MST.
Human genomics and obesity: finding appropriate drug targets.

The increasing prevalence of obesity worldwide has prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to classify it as a global epidemic. Around the globe, more than a half billion people are overweight, and the chronic disease of obesity represents a major threat to health care systems in developed and developing countries. The major health hazards associated with obesity are the risks of developing diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, osteoarthritis and some forms of cancer. In this paper, we review the prevalence of obesity and its cost to health care systems and present the relative contribution of environmental conditions and genetic makeup to the development of obesity in people. We also discuss the concept of "essential" obesity in an "obesigenic" environment. Though weight gain results from a sustained imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure, it is only recently that studies have identified important new mechanisms involved in the regulation of body weight. The etiology of the disease is presented as a feedback model in which afferent signals inform the central controllers in the brain as to the state of the external and internal environment and elicit responses related to the regulation of food intake and energy metabolism. Pharmaceutical agents may intervene at different levels of this feedback model, i.e., reinforce the afferent signals from the periphery, target the central pathways involved in the regulation of food intake and energy expenditure, and increase peripheral energy expenditure and fat oxidation directly. Since obesity results from genetic predisposition, combined with the proactive environmental situation, we discuss new potential targets for generation of drugs that may assist people in gaining control over appetite as well as increasing total energy expenditure and fat oxidation.