cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A linear selection diode steered core memory

In a linearly selected core configuration, the role of selection is removed from the memory core and an external system must be devised to select a desired line of cores. Several systems have been developed using a core switch array to drive the memory. This paper will describe a selection scheme utilizing diodes to perform the role of the core switching array. It will be shown that utilization of the diodes will retain the advantages of the core switch and will eliminate its disadvantages.The development of a combination sense and digit drive line free from the effects of noise and post-write disturb will also be presented.The design of an 8192 word 54 bit memory now under construction with a cycle time of less than 2 x 10-6 seconds will be discussed.
Rates of Below-Chance Performance in Forced-Choice Symptom Validity Tests

The rates of significantly below-chance results on three neuropsychological symptom validity tests (SVTs) including the Portland Digit Recognition Test (PDRT), Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM), and Word Memory Test (WMT) were compared in a private practice forensic sample of 1032 examinees with alleged mild traumatic brain injury, moderate to severe traumatic brain injury, alleged toxic exposure, and reported chronic pain. The PDRT and WMT were equivalent to one another in the rates of below-chance results, with both yielding more frequent below-chance results than the TOMM. Seemingly more difficult sections of the PDRT and WMT had higher yields than seemingly easier sections. Multiple SVTs were more likely to yield below-chance results than a single test, supporting the use of multiple SVTs in forensic neuropsychological evaluations.
Transient Thermal Model of the Continuous Single-Wheel Thin-Strip Casting Process*

A transient heat-transfer model (STRIP1D) has been developed to simulate the single-roll continuous strip-casting process. The model predicts temperature in the solidifying strip coupled with heat transfer in the rotating wheel, using an explicit finite difference procedure. The model has been calibrated using strip thickness data from a test caster at ARMCO Inc. (Middletown, OH) and verified with a range of other available measurements. The strip/wheel interface contact resistance and heat transfer were investigated in particular, and an empirical formula to calculate this heat-transfer coefficient as a function of contact time was obtained. Wheel temperature and final strip thickness are investigated as a function of casting speed, liquid steel pool depth, superheat, coatings on the wheel hot surface, strip detachment point, wheel wall thickness, and wheel material.
Relating tooth and blood lead levels in children.

Lead concentrations in shed teeth have found increasing utility in research studies of lead exposure and child development. Teeth are useful because they record lead levels and are easily collected. However, in considering internal doses of lead, most of what has been learned about human lead toxicity and kinetics has been expressed in terms of blood lead concentrations. For example, a computerized literature search found {open_quotes}blood lead{close_quotes} as a key word in 1,035 articles cited between January and October 1994. Only 9 articles were found for {open_quotes}tooth lead{close_quotes}. Because of the advantages of using teeth to assess lead exposure, the relation between teeth and blood lead levels deserves more attention. 14 refs., 1 fig., 1 tab.
Studies of an acidic cardiotoxin isolated from the venom of Mojave rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus).

Abstract A major lethal protein was isolated from the venom of Mojave rattlesnake ( Crotalus scutulatus ) by successive purification in DEAE column chromatography and isoelectric focusing. This homogeneous and monomeric form of toxin is designated as “Mojave toxin”. Unlike basic neurotoxins or cytotoxins isolated from venoms of cobras, kraits and sea snakes, the Mojave toxin is an acidic protein with an isoelectric point of 4.7. The toxin is also different from crotoxin (from Crotalus durissus terrificus ) which consists of both acidic and basic components. The molecular weight determined by Sephadex G-75 column chromatography resulted in a value of about 22 000. A single protein band with a molecular weight of about 12 000, was observed after sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis of the reduced Mojave toxin. Isoelectric focusing gel in the presence of 8 M urea also showed a single protein band, suggesting that the toxin is composed of subunits. Unlike the neurotoxic nature of the basic proteins from the venoms of Elapidae and sea snakes (Hydrophiidae) and crotoxin, Mojave toxin is cardiotoxic rather than neurotoxic. It is very likely that venoms of all rattlesnakes from North and Central America contain Mojave toxin as the common toxin.
Disparities in knowledge and willingness to donate research biospecimens: a mixed-methods study in an underserved urban community

Although research involving biospecimens is essential in advancing cancer research, minorities, especially African-Americans, are underrepresented in such research. We conducted a mixed-method (qualitative focus groups among African-Americans and quantitative cross-sectional surveys) study on factors associated with biospecimen knowledge and donation intent in the medically underserved urban communities in Southeast and Southwest Washington, DC. Focus groups were conducted among 41 African-Americans and survey data was available from 302 community residents of different races/ethnicities using convenience sampling. We used logistic regression to model the association between biospecimen knowledge and donation intent with selected sociodemographic variables using survey data. Only 47 % of the participants had knowledge of the different types of biospecimens. In multivariate logistic regression models, male gender, African-American race, and low education levels were significantly associated with lower knowledge about biospecimens. Compared to Whites (79 %), fewer African-Americans (39 %) and Hispanics (57 %) had knowledge of biospecimens but the difference was significant for African-Americans only. Positive intent to donate biospecimens for research was observed among 36 % of the survey respondents. After multivariate adjustment, only biospecimen knowledge was associated with donation intent (odds ratio = 1.91, 95 % confidence interval 1.12, 3.27). Contrary to popular opinion, “mistrust of the medical community” was not the most commonly reported barrier for biospecimen donation among African-Americans. “Not knowing how biospecimens will be used” and “lack of knowledge of biospecimens” were the most common barriers. Our study highlights the importance of education on biospecimens among community residents to increase minority participation in biospecimen research.
Human immunodeficiency virus and infertility services: the glass is half full.

Human immunodeficiency virus–infected couples have demonstrated a strong desire to be parents. Despite the willingness of some reproductive endocrinologists to provide services to them, a number of barriers to access still confront infertile HIV-infected individuals.
Building a Validity Argument for the Community of Inquiry Survey Instrument.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to provide empirical evidence to support the validity of the Community of Inquiry (CoI) model survey. The participants for this study were undergraduate and graduate students ( n = 1173) enrolled in fully online (57%) and blended online courses (43%) offered through WebCT during the spring 2008 semester at a mid-sized western university. One half of the student responses were randomly selected for exploratory factor analysis while the remaining half was subjected to confirmatory factor analysis. Results from the exploratory analysis identified a three factor model which was tested through confirmatory factor analysis and found to be an acceptable fit to the predicted population model. Results from this study suggest that the CoI survey holds promise as a useful evaluation tool for providing formative and summative feedback about the effectiveness of online courses and programs.
Federal allocation formulas : Evaluation of options for Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act reauthorization

In 1997, the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA) will be reauthorized, and the formula for distributing federal highway funds to states is likely to be a key issue in the reauthorization process. One reason for the upcoming formula debate is that the current allocation process is not reflective of current federal objectives in transportation. Alternative proposals for distributing federal highway funds have already been introduced to Congress. ISTEA reauthorization will provide Congress with an opportunity to review the federal objectives in transportation and to reflect these objectives in the distribution of federal highway funds to states. In preparation for this debate, alternative scenarios for distributing federal highway funds are explored, and the scenarios are evaluated on the basis of the present overarching federal objectives in transportation. Included in this process is an evaluation of formula factors, such as lane miles and vehicle miles traveled, that make up i...
Morphine Inhibits Migration of Tumor-Infiltrating Leukocytes and Suppresses Angiogenesis Associated with Tumor Growth in Mice

Tumor cells secrete factors that stimulate the migration of peripheral blood leukocytes and enhance tumor progression by affecting angiogenesis. In these studies, we investigated the effect of morphine, a known immunosuppressant, on leukocyte migration and recruitment to conditioned media derived from long-term cultures of mouse Lewis lung carcinoma cells. Our results indicate that morphine treatment reduced the migration and recruitment of tumor-infiltrating leukocytes into Matrigel plugs and polyvinyl alcohol sponges containing conditioned media derived from long-term cultures of mouse Lewis lung carcinoma cells when compared with placebo. A reciprocal increase in peripheral blood leukocytes was observed at the time of plug or sponge removal in morphine-treated mice. Decreased angiogenesis was observed in conditioned media derived from long-term cultures of mouse Lewis lung carcinoma cells Matrigel plugs taken from morphine-treated wild-type mice when compared with placebo but was abolished in morphine-treated μ-opioid receptor knockout mice. In addition, in vitro studies using trans-well and electric cell substrate impedance sensing system studies reveal for the first time morphine's inhibitory effects on leukocyte migration and their ability to transmigrate across an activated endothelial monolayer. Taken together, these studies indicate that morphine treatment can potentially decrease leukocyte transendothelial migration and reduce angiogenesis associated with tumor growth. The use of morphine for cancer pain management may be beneficial through its effects on angiogenesis.
T cell adhesion to endothelium: the FRC conduit system and other anatomic and molecular features which facilitate the adhesion cascade in lymph node

Since T cell surveillance depends on movement from blood into tissue and back again, rapid, efficient and selective T cell adhesion to vascular endothelium is essential. This adhesion involves a multistep cascade clarified by a recent consensus model: (1) initial tethering by selectin-mediated interactions; (2) triggering of adhesive function of T cell integrins by ligands at or near the endothelial surface; and (3) strong adhesion mediated by T cell integrins. We recapitulate this model, particularly as it pertains to the lymph node, and explore additional molecular and anatomic elements which contribute to the effectiveness of the adhesion cascades at that site: (1) importance of cytokines/soluble mediators as triggering ligands; (2) role of glycocalyx and proteoglycans on high endothelial venule (HEV) endothelium in capturing and presenting triggering cytokines; (3) remarkable function of what we designate the 'fibroblastic reticular cell (FRC) conduit system' in rapidly transporting cytokines to the HEV; (4) importance of the unique anatomy of the flap-valve junctions between HEV endothelium in enabling intravasation of cytokines and transmigration of lymphocytes. Taken together, these molecular mechanisms and these three anatomic features of lymph node facilitate extremely efficient lymphocyte traffic to this site critical for T cell-mediated immune responses. Analogous mechanisms contribute to T cell interaction with endothelium at other sites.
Splice variant of the SND1 transcription factor is a dominant negative of SND1 members and their regulation in Populus trichocarpa

Secondary Wall-Associated NAC Domain 1s (SND1s) are transcription factors (TFs) known to activate a cascade of TF and pathway genes affecting secondary cell wall biosynthesis (xylogenesis) in Arabidopsis and poplars. Elevated SND1 transcriptional activation leads to ectopic xylogenesis and stunted growth. Nothing is known about the upstream regulators of SND1. Here we report the discovery of a stem-differentiating xylem (SDX)-specific alternative SND1 splice variant, PtrSND1-A2IR, that acts as a dominant negative of SND1 transcriptional network genes in Populus trichocarpa. PtrSND1-A2IR derives from PtrSND1-A2, one of the four fully spliced PtrSND1 gene family members (PtrSND1-A1, -A2, -B1, and -B2). Each full-size PtrSND1 activates its own gene, and all four full-size members activate a common MYB gene (PtrMYB021). PtrSND1-A2IR represses the expression of its PtrSND1 member genes and PtrMYB021. Repression of the autoregulation of a TF family by its only splice variant has not been previously reported in plants. PtrSND1-A2IR lacks DNA binding and transactivation abilities but retains dimerization capability. PtrSND1-A2IR is localized exclusively in cytoplasmic foci. In the presence of any full-size PtrSND1 member, PtrSND1-A2IR is translocated into the nucleus exclusively as a heterodimeric partner with full-size PtrSND1s. Our findings are consistent with a model in which the translocated PtrSND1-A2IR lacking DNA-binding and transactivating abilities can disrupt the function of full-size PtrSND1s, making them nonproductive through heterodimerization, and thereby modulating the SND1 transcriptional network. PtrSND1-A2IR may contribute to transcriptional homeostasis to avoid deleterious effects on xylogenesis and plant growth.
Molecule-Specific Imaging Analysis of Carcinogens in Breast Cancer Cells Using Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry

Imaging time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) was used to study the localization of heterocyclic amines in MCF-7 line of human breast cancer cells. The detection sensitivities of a model rodent mutagen, 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP), were determined. Following an established criteria for the determination of status of freeze-fracture cells, the distribution of PhIP in the MCF-7 cells was reported.
The abscopal effect of local radiotherapy is induced by TGFβ blockade

Meeting abstracts Radiotherapy (RT) is employed to achieve local cancer control. However, in rare patients, regression of metastases outside of the radiation field has been reported after irradiation of one tumor site, a phenomenon known as abscopal effect. We have previously shown in experimental
A remark on gauge symmetries in Ising spin glasses

This paper studies a particular line in the parameter space of the FK random interaction random cluster model for spin glasses following Katsura ([K]) and Mazza ([M]). We show that, after averaging over the random couplings, the occupied FK bonds have exactly a Bernoulli distribution. Comparison with explicit calculations on trees confirms the marginal role of FK percolation in determining phase transitions.
Oncofetal protein IMP3: a useful diagnostic biomarker for leiomyosarcoma

An accurate diagnosis between leiomyoma and leiomyosarcoma is essential for patient management. IMP3 is a member of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF-II) mRNA binding protein (IMP) family that consist of IMP1, IMP2, and IMP3. IMP3 is an oncofetal protein associated with aggressive and advanced tumors and is specifically expressed in malignant tumors but not found in benign tissues. The aim of this study was to determine the expression and diagnostic value of IMP3 in leiomyoma and leiomyosarcoma. A total of 216 cases (resection, n = 183; biopsy, n = 33) consisting of 82 leiomyosarcomas (uterine, n = 15; soft tissue, n = 67), 62 leiomyomas (uterine, n = 50; soft tissue, n = 12), and 72 uterine-variant leiomyomas (atypical, n = 19 [14%]; cellular, n = 21 [16%]; mitotically active, n = 12 [9%]; myxoid, n = 11 [8%]; vascular, n = 3 [2%]; epithelioid, n = 1 [1%]; benign metastasizing, n = 1 [1%]; and smooth muscle tumors of uncertain malignant potential, n = 4) were examined by immunohistochemistry for IMP3 expression. IMP3 showed strong cytoplasmic staining in 43 (52%) of 82 leiomyosarcomas, regardless of histologic grades. There was no difference in IMP3 expression between uterine and soft tissue leiomyosarcomas. In contrast to malignant tumors, IMP3 expression was not found in any of the typical leiomyomas (0/62 cases). All uterine-variant leiomyomas were negative, except for 3 cases (atypical variant, n = 2; cellular variant, n = 1) for IMP3 staining. In summary, we are the first to describe IMP3 expression in smooth muscle tumors. Our findings indicate that the expression of IMP3 in both uterine and soft tissue leiomyosarcomas can be used as a positive biomarker to increase the level of confidence in establishing a definitive diagnosis of a malignant smooth muscle tumor.
Dementia: A complexsymptom

The number of perianesthesia patients with dementia increases yearly.Understanding the physiology and functional impairments of these patients will improve the perianesthesia nurse's ability to create a safe environment, communicate effectively, and reduce discomfort.
Recent research in science teaching and learning

This feature is designed to point CBE-LSE readers to current articles of interest in life sciences education as well as more general and noteworthy publications in education research. URLs are provided for the full text of open-access articles and for the abstracts of articles not freely available.
Simulation studies on imbalance faults of wind turbines

This paper presents the use of simulations to study imbalance faults of wind turbines. The dynamics of a model wind turbine are simulated in three different scenarios, i.e., normal operating conditions, blade imbalance, and aerodynamic asymmetry, using TurbSim and FAST. Blade imbalance is simulated by scaling the mass density of one blade which created an uneven distribution of mass with respect to the rotor. Aerodynamic asymmetry is simulated by adjusting the pitch of one blade which creates uneven torque across the rotor. The time-domain simulation results of the overall shaft torque of the wind turbine are transformed into the frequency domain using a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT). Power spectrum density (PSD) plots are then constructed to compare two imbalance fault scenarios with the normal operating conditions in the frequency domain. Results clearly show that both the blade imbalance and the aerodynamic asymmetry generate an excitation in the shaft torque at 1P, i.e., the rotating frequency of the wind turbine. This work provides preliminary results that are useful for detection of imbalance faults of wind turbines.
Effect of magnetic anisotropy on signal and noise of NiFe magnetoresistive sensor

The effect of magnetic anisotropy field (K/sub K/) on the signal and noise characteristics of NiFe magnetoresistive (MR) sensor has been studied. Lowering the anisotropy field of the thin NiFe films not only increases the sensitivity of the MR sensors but also induces higher noise. The experimental results show that the sensitivity is inversely proportional to the anisotropy field H/sub K/, while the noise is inversely proportional to the (H/sub K/)/sup 2/. The increased sensitivity of the MR sensor is attributed to the increased susceptibility of the sample films associated with lowering the anisotropy field. The noise level of the sensor is found to be increased with decreased anisotropy field, which can be explained by the induced instability of the magnetic domain structure of the NiFe films due to the anisotropy field decrease.
Heavy quark spin symmetry breaking in near-threshold JPC=1-- quarkoniumlike resonances

A mixing of near-threshold quarkoniumlike resonances with heavy meson-antimeson pairs results in an enhancement of heavy quark spin symmetry breaking, since the meson pairs are not eigenstates of the heavy quark spin. The decomposition of $P$-wave states of meson pairs in terms of the heavy quark pair spin states is considered in the channel with ${J}^{\mathrm{PC}}={1}^{--}$, which is directly produced in ${e}^{+}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ annihilation. Specific processes are suggested for experimental study of the effects of the mixing with heavy meson pairs and of the internal spin structure of bottomonium and charmonium resonances.
Critical analysis of a public policy: an occupational therapist's experience with the Patient Bill of Rights.

In addition to their daily responsibilities toward clients, I believe that occupational therapy practitioners have a larger responsibility to the American society as professionals and citizens. This responsibility involves being informed about public policy related to the profession of occupational therapy and advocating for legislation that benefits clients. A key means for understanding public policy is using a critical analysis approach. Using critical analysis will be presented in this paper with the Patient Bill of Rights (S. 1052, 2001 & H.R. 2563, 2001) as an exemplar for this strategy. This bill proposed over the past few years focuses on providing patients with strengthened rights, such as access to information and an appeal process with managed care organizations. In addition, a primary concept pre
Restoration of cytoskeletal and membrane tethering defects but not defects in membrane trafficking in the intestinal brush border of mice lacking both myosin Ia and myosin VI

Myosin Ia (Myo1a), the most prominent plus-end directed motor and myosin VI (Myo6) the sole minus-end directed motor, together exert opposing tension between the microvillar (MV) actin core and the apical brush border (BB) membrane of the intestinal epithelial cell (IEC). Mice lacking Myo1a or Myo6 each exhibit a variety of defects in the tethering of the BB membrane to the actin cytoskeleton. Double mutant (DM) mice lacking both myosins revealed that all the defects observed in either the Myo1a KO or Snell's waltzer (sv/sv) Myo6 mutant mouse are absent. In isolated DM BBs, Myo1a crosslinks between MV membrane and MV actin core are absent but the gap (which is lost in Myo1a KO) between the MV core and membrane is maintained. Several myosins including Myo1c, d, and e and Myo5a are ectopically recruited to the BB. Consistent with the restoration of membrane tethering defects by one or more of these myosins, upward ATP-driven shedding of the BB membrane, which is blocked in the Myo1a KO, is restored in the DM BB. However, Myo1a or Myo6 dependent defects in expression of membrane proteins that traffic between the BB membrane and endosome (NaPi2b, NHE3, CFTR) are not restored. Compared to controls, Myo1a KO, sv/sv mice exhibit moderate and DM high levels of hypersensitivity to dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis. Consistent with Myo1a and Myo6 playing critical roles in maintaining IEC integrity and response to injury, DM IECs exhibit increased numbers of apoptotic nuclei, above that reported for Myo1a KO.
Effects of strain‐induced crystallization on the elastic and thermoelastic properties of some fluoroelastomers

A Viton copolymer containing vinylidene fluoride (VF2) and hexafluoropropylene (HFP), and a terpolymer containing VF2, HFP, and tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) were cross linked using varying amounts of Bisphenol AF to yield two series of fluoroelastomer networks, Stress-strain isotherms in elongation were determined for these samples at several temperatures and at two degrees of swelling with phenyl acetate. Strain-induced crystallization was observed, as evidenced by upturns in the isotherms at high elongations. It appears to be more pronounced in the terpolymer samples, presumably because the TFE units not only can crystallize themselves, but can co-crystallize with the VF2 units. The crystallization was found to persist upon moderate increase in temperature, but was suppressed when the networks were swollen, Thermoelastic (force-temperature) measurements were used to obtain values of the fraction fe/f of the elastic force that is due to energetic effects. Negative values were obtained for both types of samples and, in the case of two samples studied in detail, their magnitudes increased with increase in elongation. The magnitudes were larger and the increases more pronounced in the case of the terpolymer networks, as would be expected from a greater tendency for straininduced crystallization.
An analysis of the effect of stress diffusion on the dynamics of creeping viscoelastic flow

The effect of stress diffusivity is examined in both the Oldroyd-B and FENE-P models of a viscoelastic fluid in the low Reynolds (Stokes) limit for a 2D periodic time-dependent flow. A local analytic solution can be obtained when assuming a flow of the form u = Wi � 1 (x, � y), where Wi is the Weissenberg number. In this case the width of the birefringent strand of the polymer stress scales with the added viscosity as m 1/2
Blogging and blooks: Communal authorship in a contemporary context

The motivations behind the evolution of the blog to book vary from economic aspirations to a need for further fame to editors seizing an opportunity of publishing an author with a ready-made audience. I argue another motivation may be at work: blogging authors may view the switch into the less fluid medium of the print text as an attempt to reassert authorial control.
Proximity Lithography in Sub-10 Micron Circuitry for Packaging Substrate

Rapid changes in the semiconductor industry will continue toward higher functionality that leads to higher input/outputs (I/O) counts, pushing packaging towards higher density architectures. In the next two to three years, the I/O pitch will fall within 100 μm for area array die and 30 μm for periphery die. That raises an important question to the packaging industry: How will the rapid shrinkage of the I/O pitch affect the package substrate for chip attaching? The answer is sub-10 micron copper line technology. Theoretical and experimental studies on the limitations of using mercury i-line ultraviolet photolithography have been carried at the Packaging Research Center at Georgia Tech. Furthermore, ultra fine copper line routing substrates are demonstrated for flip chip attaching by using semi-additive metallization process.
Alteration of a mitochondrial tRNA precursor 5′ leader abolishes its cleavage by yeast mitochondrial RNase P

A mitochondrial specific RNase P is required to process 5' leaders from mitochondrial tRNA precursors in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Experiments with a pair of mitochondrial pretRNAs(Asp) having leaders of different base composition suggest that this enzyme is unexpectedly sensitive to leader sequence or structure. Asp-AU (75% AU leader) is cleaved by the mitochondrial RNase P while Asp-GC (39% AU) is not. Both are substrates for E. coli RNase P. Partial nuclease digestions show that the tRNA portions of the two precursors differ in tertiary structure, while their 5' leaders differ in secondary structure. It is unusual for an RNaseP to have substrate specificity requirements which preclude processing of a pretRNA known to be a suitable substrate for an RNaseP from another species.
Prospective microbiologic surveillance in control of nosocomial methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

A prospective microbiological surveillance (PMS) program was developed in a comprehensive hospital-wide effort for control of nosocomial methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). This PMS program entailed: 1) active identification of colonized and infected patients; 2) application of a screening microbiologic system for MRSA; 3) isolation of colonized and infected patients; 4) antibiotic decolonization of MRSA; and 5) educational efforts. The PMS program was studied over three and one half years for its contribution to infection control of MRSA, early identification of nosocomial MRSA outbreaks, use of the highest yield surveillance culture sites, and cost effectiveness. Following initiation of the PMS program in December 1982, during an MRSA outbreak, the frequency of new MRSA cases declined from 14 to none by the end of a 3-month pilot study. The frequency of new MRSA cases stabilized at approximately 2 per month until October 1983, when the PMS system allowed prompt detection of a new outbreak of 11 cases. Following isolation and antibiotic decolonization, the frequency of cases again declined to 3 per month. A third outbreak in December 1985 again was promptly detected and controlled. Infection to colonization ratio decreased from a maximum of 1.5 during outbreaks to a minimum of 0.17 after outbreaks. Wounds and tracheostomy sites provided the greatest yield of detection of new cases of MRSA. During one 15-month period, 35 of the 43 new cases were detected initially at wounds and tracheostomy sites. No new MRSA cases were detected by a positive axillary or nares site alone. The estimated quarterly cost of outbreaks and infection paralleled the quarterly frequency of new MRSA cases. The cost of managing MRSA outbreaks and treating MRSA infections versus the cost of implementing the PMS program suggested that the PMS program may be cost effective. This prospective microbiological surveillance program may be applicable to other institutions for hospital-wide infection control of MRSA.
Declining foraging efficiency and moa carcass exploitation in southern New Zealand

The application of foraging theory to understanding carcass exploitation is a relatively recent development. The methodology developed by archaeological and ethnoarchaeological research on butchery/transport studies has been integrated into a behavioral ecological framework to create models that can be used to understand archaeological carcass exploitation. In this paper, I use such a model to examine how New Zealand foragers altered their use of moa carcasses as the availability of these large birds declined. Moa data from the Shag River Mouth site in southern New Zealand are analyzed to test changes in butchery/transport and skeletal element breakage patterns expected with resource depression and declining foraging efficiency. This research shows that at Shag Mouth, field processing of moas increased and marrow, and possibly grease extraction intensified over time.
Moving beyond “Just the Facts” The Influence of Online News on the Content and Structure of Public Affairs Knowledge

The increasing use of online news, particularly by young Americans, pointsto the importance of understanding what users learn from this form of news and whether features of online news encourage or discourage various types of learning. This experimental study demonstrates that online news that takes advantage of one of the key characteristics of the Web—the use of in-text hyperlinks—may actually discourage learning of the facts that make up many news stories. But this same linking structure apparently encourages those who commonly use the Web to have more densely interconnected knowledge structures for public affairs topics. However, those who rarely use the Webfor news do not gain such advantages and may even suffer disadvantages. These findings point to limitations in most past online news learning research, which has been limited to “just the facts” in its measurement of learning from the news.
A Review of Quantitative Studies of Adherence to Mental Health Clinical Practice Guidelines

Mental health clinical practice guidelines have proliferated, but there is little evidence regarding the degree to which they are actually implemented in clinical practice. The goal of this study w...
First Report of White Mold Caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum on Echium (Echium vulgare).

Echium, also known as common viper's bugloss, is a member of the botanical family Boraginaceae. Echium is being evaluated for its potential use as an oilseed crop in North Dakota. In 2003, 40% of echium plants in a field in Cass County were observed showing classical symptoms of infection by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Plants in advanced stages of infection were dead. Stems of dead plants peeled off easily when touched and numerous cylindrical, black sclerotia that were 2 to 3 mm in diameter and 4 to 7 mm long were found in the pith. Younger stem lesions were watery soft, many of them with a white cottony growth on them. Sclerotia and infected stem tissues collected from the field were surface disinfested in a 0.5% NaOCl solution for 30 s, rinsed with sterile distilled water, and air dried before plating on potato dextrose agar (PDA). Samples were incubated at room temperature for 1 week. White mycelium and black sclerotia, characteristic of S. sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary, were produced in all dishes. Koch'...
A three‐component model of the variability of the solar ultraviolet flux: 145–200 nM

The variability of the ultraviolet flux between 145 and 200 nm over both the eleven-year cycle and the 27-day solar rotation period is examined in terms of chromospheric activity, as determined from ground-based observations of the CaII K chromosphere. A three-component model of the solar UV flux is developed which includes the contributions to the full disk flux from both plage and active network emission. Solar cycle and solar rotation variations derived from the model are compared with the results of satellite and rocket experiments and with the two-component model of Cook et al (1980). Finally, possible ways of improving the model are discussed.
Galois Extensions of Boolean Algebras

We characterize Galois extensions of Boolean algebras as finite extensions with the independent set of generators, answering a question of D. Monk.
Posttraumatic stiffness: distraction arthroplasty.

Abstract Loss of motion after elbow trauma is a common complication. At times, the limitation of motion may significantly impair function. Options to improve posttraumatic motion by surgery depend on whether the joint surface has been severely involved (intrinsic vs extrinsic contracture). Increasing experience with the surgical release of the posttraumatic stiff elbow has been enhanced by the use of distraction with or without interposition arthroplasty. Current experience suggests that approximately 85% of patients will be satisfactorily treated with surgical intervention.
In defense of human development.

Development is an integrated biological progression of events, involving each cell, tissue, organ and organ system, all dependent on their preceding events for any particular biological significance. If these events are of proper significance to policy formulation and law making in deciding whether the embryo or fetus may be disposed of with impunity, they must be considered "in toto" and in context of a "continuum". No point, time or stage of our development stands alone to the exclusion of all others to be judged relevant or irrelevant to any socio-legal consideration.
Controlled release of alendronate from nitrogen-doped mesoporous carbon

Abstract We have synthesized a nitrogen doped mesoporous carbon with the BET surface area of 1066 m2/g, total pore volume 0.6 cm3/g and nitrogen content of 0.5%. Total alendronate adsorption in this carbon was ∼5%. The release experiments were designed in four different media with sequential pH values of 1.2, 4.5, 6.8 and 7.4 for 3, 1, 3 and 5 h, respectively and at 37 °C to imitate the physiological conditions of stomach, duodenum, small intestine and colon, respectively. Release of the drug demonstrated a controlled fashion; only 20% of the drug was released in the media with pH = 1.2, whereas 64% of the drug was released in pH = 7.4. This is in contrary to pure alendronate that was completely dissolved within 30 min in the first release media (pH = 1.2) only. The relatively larger uptake of alendronate in this carbon and its sustained fashion of release can be attributed to the hydrogen bonding between the drug and the nitrogen functionalities on carbon surface. Based on this result, it can be inferred that this formulation may lower the side effects of oral delivery of alendronate.
Whither US Immigration

The US is the nation of immigration, with almost 20 percent of the world’s international migrants and half of the unauthorized migrants in industrial countries. Debates over the best package of enforcement, legalization, and guest workers to deal with illegal migration continue to divide Americans and Congress. These differences were sharpened in the run-up to elections in November 2016.
Polarization Transfer in the D(\(\vec p\),\(\vec n\))2p Reaction from 10 to 15 MeV

Recent advances in the field of few-nucleon theory have made it possible to calculate accurate representations of cross section and polarization data for the mass-three system. Although most of the theoretical work has dealt with two-particle final-state reactions, detailed calculations of cross sections for the N-D break-up channel are beginning to appearl). As a benchmark for future theoretical calculations which include spin-dependent forces, a determination of the polarization transfer coefficient K y y′ for the D(\(\vec p\),\(\vec n\))2p reaction at θ = 0° has been made at five proton energies from 10.5 to 15.0 MeV.
Investigation on shoe workers exposed to occupational hazards in Gaomi City

[Objective]To analyze the occupational hazards among the benzene and benzene series exposed workers in the Gaomi shoe-making factories,and explore measures for its prevention and control. [Methods]According to national norms and standards of occupational health,the situation of the occupational hazards about the benzene and benzene series exposure in shoemaking factories in the Gaomi City was investigated and analyzed,the health of workers was checked and benzene,toluene and xylene concentrations in air of workplace was monitored. [Results]Workers are lack of occupational health services and health knowledge,only platelet and liver ALT have statistically significant difference through comparing diastolic blood pressure,systolic blood pressure,white blood cells,red blood cells,hemoglobin,platelet and liver ALT of workers with different service length,and all of these are not statistically significant through comparing workers with different type of work. [Conclusion]Benzene and benzene series exposure can affect platelet count and ALT activity,and the influence is increasing with the extending of service length,but not over standards.
Analysis of common food- borne pathogen contamination in ready- to- eat meat products in Ningxia from 2010 to 2012

Objective To understand the contaminating characteristics and distribution trend of food- borne pathogens in ready- to- eat meat products in Ningxia from 2010 to 2012. Methods Samples were randomly selected from 8 monitoring sites of Ningxia region for continuous monitoring and results assessment according to national standard. Results Staphylococcus aureus was most prevalent in ready- to- eat meat products( 1. 79%),followed by Listeria monocytogenes( 1. 07%); Staphylococcus aureus had the highest positive rate in the sauced meat products( 2. 25%),while Listeria monocytogenes from the steaming and frying meat products had the highest detected rate( 2. 54%); Food- borne pathogens was most frequent from farm trade market( 4. 93%). Conclusion The surveillance data showed food- borne pathogen pollution at different levels in ready- to- eat meat products in Ningxia region,especially in the farm trade market. The health inspection on ready- to- eat meat products should be strengthened.
National treatment practices in the management of infectious intracranial aneurysms and infective endocarditis.

Introduction There is an absence of widely accepted guidelines for the management of infectious intracranial aneurysms (IIAs) owing to a dearth of high-quality evidence in the literature. Objective To better define the incidence of IIAs, treatment practices, and patient outcomes by performing a Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database query. Methods We queried the NIS database from 2002 to 2011 for all patients with the primary diagnosis of infectious endocarditis (IE), subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), or unruptured cerebral aneurysm by ICD-9-CM codes. ICD-9 procedure codes were used to identify patients undergoing neurosurgical or cardiothoracic procedures. Results The query identified 393 patients with primary diagnosis of IE, SAH or unruptured cerebral aneurysm treated during 2002–2011. The mean age of the patients was 53.5 years; 244 (62%) were male. The majority of patients presented with SAH (361; 91.9%). Only 73 (18.6%) patients underwent neurosurgical coiling or clipping for IIA. Of patients undergoing a neurosurgical procedure, 65 had SAH (constituting only 18% of patients with SAH) and 8 had unruptured aneurysms (constituting only 25% patients with unruptured aneurysms). Cardiac procedures were performed in only 72/393 patients (18.3%) patients. Only 67 (18.6%) of the patients with SAH and 5 (15.6%) with unruptured aneurysms underwent a cardiac corrective surgical procedure. Mortality was significantly higher in those patients managed conservatively (26.7%) than in those who underwent clipping or embolization (15.1%; p Conclusions In this NIS database study, the majority of patients with IIAs were managed non-operatively, regardless of rupture status. Further investigation is warranted to standardize the management of these lesions.
MRI: Laboratory Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program

Given the complex nature of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging it is important to have in place a robust quality improvement program that is a partnership between the physician and the technologist. Laboratory accreditation will be reviewed as a mechanism for building a high quality laboratory. Key components of this program will be reviewed including physician recognition of artifacts, scheduling, technologist training, review of imaging data and interpreter quality control. It is important to recognize those events which should never occur during a cardiac magnetic resonance imaging study. General and specific safety recommendations will be reviewed.
High-Output Heart Failure: A 15-Year Experience

Abstract Background High-output heart failure (HF) is an unusual cause of cardiac failure that has not been well-characterized. Objectives This study sought to characterize the etiologies, pathophysiology, clinical and hemodynamic characteristics, and outcomes of high-output HF in the modern era. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of all consecutive patients referred to the Mayo Clinic catheterization laboratory for hemodynamic assessment between 2000 and 2014. Subjects with definite HF, as defined by the Framingham criteria, were compared to controls of similar age and sex. Results The most common etiologies of high-output HF (n = 120) were obesity (31%), liver disease (23%), arteriovenous shunts (23%), lung disease (16%), and myeloproliferative disorders (8%). Compared with controls (n = 24), subjects with high-output HF displayed eccentric left ventricular remodeling, greater natriuretic peptide activation, higher filling pressures, pulmonary hypertension, and increased cardiac output, despite similar ejection fraction. Elevated cardiac output in high-output HF patients was related to both lower arterial afterload (decreased systemic vascular resistance) and higher metabolic rate. Mortality was increased in high-output HF as compared with controls (hazard ratio: 3.4; 95% confidence interval: 1.6 to 7.6). Hemodynamics and outcomes were poorest amongst patients with the lowest systemic vascular resistance. Conclusions High-output HF is an important cause of clinical HF in the modern era that is related to excessive vasodilation, and most frequently caused by obesity, arteriovenous shunts, and liver disease. Given the high mortality and increasing prevalence of these comorbidities in Western countries, high-output HF must be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with dyspnea, congestion, and a normal ejection fraction.
A Psychodynamic Perspective on Suicidal Desire in the Elderly

The number of elderly individuals expressing the wish to end their lives in the absence of overt mental illness is increasing and is expected to grow further as life expectancy increases. Taking an individual’s statements at face value and consideration of only their current circumstances is likely to miss out unconscious meanings governing the wish to die. This chapter discusses psychodynamic factors at play among elderly individuals expressing suicidal thoughts. Prominent psychodynamic theories of suicide are first reviewed. Existing theories are then applied to a clinical case to provide a format for exploring psychodynamic factors that could influence suicidal thoughts among elderly individuals.
Phosphodiesterase Inhibitor-Based Vasodilation Improves Oxygen Delivery and Clinical Outcomes Following Stage 1 Palliation.

BackgroundSystemic vasodilation using α‐receptor blockade has been shown to decrease the incidence of postoperative cardiac arrest following stage 1 palliation (S1P), primarily when utilizing the m...