cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Warm Handoffs for Improving Client Receipt of Services: A Systematic Review

Warm handoffs intend to improve receipt of services by clients who receive referrals to services that are stigmatized or not easily accessible. Such strategies are characterized as the handoff or transfer of an individual between two service providers through a face-to-face, phone, or technology-assisted interaction. This approach may be useful for maternal and child health home visitors who provide direct services and facilitate connections to community resources for client families. However, little is known about the effectiveness of warm handoffs. A systematic review of the literature on warm handoffs was conducted with studies identified in four databases. Full text was reviewed for studies for which abstracts met inclusion criteria or for which abstracts were not available. Evidence tables summarizing study characteristics, outcome measures and data sources, intervention descriptions, intervention components, and study results were constructed. Of the 42,816 unique articles identified, 32,163 titles/abstracts were screened, 227 qualified for full text review, and five comprised the study sample. Three studies examined referrals from substance use treatment centers to self-help groups, one from federally qualified health centers to community mental health clinics, and one from a mobile needle exchange program to substance use treatment/intake. Three studies showed increases in receipt of services by clients following referral between the warm handoff intervention and control group. Current evidence regarding the effectiveness of warm handoffs is limited. An examination of the effectiveness of warm handoffs in the context of home visits is needed to assess whether they facilitate client referrals.
Implications of Vitamin D Research in Chickens can Advance Human Nutrition and Perspectives for the Future

The risk of vitamin D insufficiency in humans is a global problem that requires improving ways to increase vitamin D intake. Supplements are a primary means for increasing vitamin D intake, but without a clear consensus on what constitutes vitamin D sufficiency, there is toxicity risk with taking supplements. Chickens have been used in many vitamin-D-related research studies, especially studies involving vitamin D supplementation. Our state-of-the-art review evaluates vitamin D metabolism and how the different hydroxylated forms are synthesized. We provide an overview of how vitamin D is absorbed, transported, excreted, and what tissues in the body store vitamin D metabolites. We also discuss a number of studies involving vitamin D supplementation with broilers and laying hens. Vitamin D deficiency and toxicity are also described and how they can be caused. The vitamin D receptor (VDR) is important for vitamin D metabolism; however, there is much more to understand about VDR in chickens. Potential research aims involving vitamin D and chickens should explore VDR mechanisms that could lead to newer insights into VDR. Utilizing chickens in future research to help elucidate vitamin D mechanisms has great potential to advance human nutrition. Finding ways to increase vitamin D intake will be necessary because the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is leading to increased risk of vitamin D deficiency in many populations. Chickens can provide a dual purpose with addressing pandemic-caused vitamin D deficiency: 1) vitamin D supplementation gives chickens added-value with the possibility of leading to vitamin-D-enriched meat and egg products; and 2) using chickens in research provides data for translational research. We believe expanding vitamin-D-related research in chickens to include more nutritional aims in vitamin D status has great implications for developing better strategies to improve human health.
Perimyocarditis following first dose of the mRNA-1273 SARS-CoV-2 (Moderna) vaccine in a healthy young male: a case report.

Background Half of U.S. adults have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccines produced by either Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson and Johnson, which represents a major milestone in the ongoing pandemic. Given the emergency use authorizations for these vaccines, their side effects and safety were assessed over a compressed time period. Hence, ongoing monitoring for vaccine-related adverse events is imperative for a full understanding and delineation of their safety profile. Case presentation An 22-year-old Caucasian male presented to our hospital center complaining of pleuritic chest pain. Six months prior he had a mild case of COVID-19, but was otherwise healthy. He had received his first dose of the Moderna vaccine three days prior to developing symptoms. Laboratory analysis revealed a markedly elevated troponin and multiple imaging modalities during his hospitalization found evidence of wall motion abnormalities consistent with a diagnosis of perimyocarditis. He was started on aspirin and colchicine with marked improvement of his symptoms prior to discharge. Conclusions We present a case of perimyocarditis that was temporally related to COVID-19 mRNA vaccination in an young male with prior COVID-19 infection but otherwise healthy. Our case report highlights an albeit rare but important adverse event for clinicians to be aware of. It also suggests a possible mechanism for the development of myocardial injury in our patient.
Language, culture, gender, and intersectionalities in suicide theory, research, and prevention: Challenges and changes

Over the decades suicidology has experienced many challenges and changes. Language, culture, gender, and intersectionalities of experience have been domains of challenge and change. In this article I document my contributions to suicidology's transformation in these domains. These contributions include challenging stigmatizing and biased suicide-language (e.g., expressions like "successful" and "failed" suicide); questioning gender myths of suicidal behaviors (e.g., the myth that women and men are opposites in terms of suicide motives); the gender-paradox-of-suicide idea; and suicide-scripts theory and research. I then describe the evolution of suicide-scripts theory. Suicide-scripts theory builds on evidence that in each culture there are unique situations when suicidal behavior is expected from specific people, using specific methods, and with specific social consequences. The theory posits that these scripts contribute to variations in suicidality across cultures, and within cultures, across sociodemographic groups, intersectionally. Studies using a diversity of methodologies and focusing on a diversity of sociodemographic groups and cultures point to the role of suicide scripts in suicidality. The article concludes with a discussion of the implications, for suicide prevention, of suicide-scripts theory and evidence.
Genomic instability induced by AZT in cultured normal human mammary epithelial cells (NHMECs) generates aneuploidy

The antiretroviral drug Zidovudine (AZT), a transplacental carcinogen in mice, becomes incorporated into DNA of eukaryotic cells and acts as a chain terminator. Previously we reported that NHMECs exposed to AZT exhibit S-phase arrest, alterations in cell cycle gene expression, micronuclei, sister chromatid exchanges and shortened telomeres. A predicted consequence of these events is genomic instability. Aneuploidy, a direct consequence of genomic instability, was explored in NHMECs exposed to 200 : M AZT for 24 hours. A pericentrin antibody was used to identify centrosome amplification, which was confirmed by electron microscopy. In an NHMEC strain that was shown previously to incorporate AZT into DNA, centrosomal amplification, measured by scoring centrosomal positive bodies, occurred in 31.7% of the exposed cells compared to 5.83% in the unexposed cells. A second cell strain analyzed, which did not incorporate AZT into DNA, showed an increase of 20% in pericentrin positive bodies in exposed cells vs 7.83% in the unexposed cells. Additionally, ~25% of the AZT-exposed cells exhibited differences in size and shape and alterations in the distribution of tubulin, a critical component of the mitotic spindle. Chromosomal losses were inferred from the presence of micronuclei containing centromeric positive signals in AZT exposed cells. Because aberrations in centrosome morphology are associated with chromosomal mis-segregation, the evidence presented here suggests that AZT-induced genomic instability may play a role in AZT-induced carcinogenicity
On the Control and Stability of Robots Worn by Human: Experiments

The work presented here is focused on the issues related to the dynamics and control in human/machine interaction in the sense of transfer of power and information signals. The extender is defined as an active manipulator worn by a human to increase the "strength" of the human wearing it (Part I). The human body, in physical contact with the extender, exchanges information signals and power with the extender. The dynamic model of the extender system consists of three main parts: the human arm, the extender, and the environment. A single-degree-of-freedom hydraulic extender has been designed and built for experimental verification of the stability and performance criteria. The trade-off between the performance and stability is discussed where we show that the more performance (larger force amplification) required, the narrower the stability range will be.
Dread Talk and Thoughts: Beyond Creolization and Passive Resistance

Explores the similarities between the text and tone of Brathwaite's poem 'Wings of a Dove' and the Rastafari use of languge and biblical hermeneutics. Analysis of dread talk as a language of resistance; Interpretation and comparison of Rastafari hermeneutics with the liberation philosophy of Brathwaite's poem; Social implications of the poem.
Band contour analyses of the spectra of asymmetric rotor molecules: Part IV. Analysis of a type A band of the electronic spectrum of pyrazine-h4

Abstract The pyrazine absorption band between 31 240 and 31 270 cm −1 has been photographed at high resolution. Over a hundred observed peaks are here interpreted in detail as the resultant contour of tens of thousands of rotational transitions of a single vibronic type A band. Novel features of the analysis are the identification of regularly-spaced peaks in the wings of the band with P P - and R R -branches, and a band contour analysis of the asymmetric rotoc intensity distribution near the center of the band, using calculated energies and intensities for J -values up to 100. The P P - and R R -peaks show an intensity alternation in accord with the presence in the molecule of three pairs of equivalent nuclei with nonzero spins. Appropriate combination differences give the smallest inertial constant of the ground state, C ″ = 0.1026 9 cm −1 . Least squares analysis of the extensive P P -branch gives ν 0 = 31 258.0, C ′ − C ″ = −0.00082 5 and 2C′ + B ″ − B ′ = 0.2051 5 cm −1 . The degrading of the central portion of the band shows that the change in the largest inertial constant is Δ A = +0.001 5 cm −1 and this is confirmed by the onset of symmetric rotor like structure near the band center. All results are consistent with ground-state geometric parameters interpolated between those of pyridine and s -triazine and with an excited-state ring that is lengthened along the line of the nitrogen atoms compared to the ground state.
Targeted disruption of cd39/ATP diphosphohydrolase results in disordered hemostasis and thromboregulation

CD39, or vascular adenosine triphosphate diphosphohydrolase, has been considered an important inhibitor of platelet activation. Unexpectedly, cd39-deficient mice had prolonged bleeding times with minimally perturbed coagulation parameters. Platelet interactions with injured mesenteric vasculature were considerably reduced in vivo and purified mutant platelets failed to aggregate to standard agonists in vitro. This platelet hypofunction was reversible and associated with purinergic type P2Y1 receptor desensitization. In keeping with deficient vascular protective mechanisms, fibrin deposition was found at multiple organ sites in cd39-deficient mice and in transplanted cardiac grafts. Our data indicate a dual role for adenosine triphosphate diphosphohydrolase in modulating hemostasis and thrombotic reactions.
On Lewis, Schaffer and the Non‐Reductive Evaluation of Counterfactuals

Jonathan Schaffer (2004) proposes an ingenious amendment to David Lewis's semantics for counterfactuals. This amendment explicitly invokes the notion of causal independence, thus giving up Lewis's ambitions for a reductive counterfactual account of causation. But in return, it rescues Lewis's semantics from extant counterexamples. I present a new counterexample that defeats even Schaffer's amendment. Further, I argue that a better approach would be to follow the causal modelling literature and evaluate counterfactuals via an explicit postulated causal structure. This alternative approach easily resolves the new counterexample, as well as all the previous ones. Up to now, its perceived drawback relative to Lewis's scheme has been its non-reductiveness. But since the same drawback applies equally to Schaffer's amended scheme, this becomes no longer a point of comparative disadvantage.
Interfacial adhesion of fluoropolymer composites to commercial copper foils subjected to aqueous photolithographic processes

Three commercial copper foils containing various degrees of surface roughness and a chemically similar surface treatment were laminated to a fluoropolymer composite and also subjected to water-based photolithographic and stripping processes. Surface analysis performed on the processed foils indicated that the highly basic pH of the stripping process was effective in removing zinc oxide, a component of the surface treatments on these foils. Morphologically, however, the surfaces did not seem to change. Ninety degree peel measurements of the resulting interfaces with and without a photoresist processes showed that the resulting practical adhesion seemed to be mainly controlled by mechanical interlocking and to a lesser amount, by chemical factors. When 50 /spl mu/m wide lines were subjected to the photolithographic process and a full fabrication sequence, adhesion variability seemed to be affected by interfacial attack of the fluoropolymer/metal foil interface by the alkaline medium of stripping and other process chemicals. Reliable interfacial adhesion of narrow lines is only possible when process parameters have been optimized.
Presentation and progression of a disc cyst in a pediatric patient.

Disc cysts are rare intraspinal extradural lesions that communicate with the intervertebral disc and can mimic the symptoms of acute lumbar disc herniation. Initially reported in the Japanese-language literature as a new entity (discal cyst), there are few documented cases in North America, and only 1 prior case in the pediatric population. The authors present the case of a 16-year-old girl with an intervertebral disc cyst causing lumbar radiculopathy that progressed despite conservative treatment. All medical records, imaging studies, intraoperative findings, and pertinent literature were reviewed. Serial preoperative MR imaging revealed enlargement of the intraspinal cyst at the L4–5 level, resulting in compression of the right L-5 nerve root. Enlargement of the cyst occurred over a 4-month period despite conservative treatment with physical therapy and corticosteroid injections. Microsurgical discectomy and excision of the cyst resulted in complete resolution of the preoperative radiculopathy. An inter...
What Tree‐Ring Reconstruction Tells Us about Conifer Defoliator Outbreaks

Our ability to understand the dynamics of forest insect outbreaks is limited by the lack of long-term data describing the temporal and spatial trends of outbreaks, the size and long life span of host plants, and the impracticability of manipulative experiments at relevant temporal and spatial scales. Population responses can be studied across varying site and stand conditions, or for a few years under somewhat controlled circumstances, but it is difficult to study temporal variability for species that outbreak only two or three times a century. Fortunately, dendrochronology enables us to explore decadal- and century-scale outbreak dynamics at spatial scales ranging from within-tree to continental. Evidence of past insect defoliation can be identified, dated, and sometimes quantified using variation in the width and morphology of annual growth rings in trees (Plate 7.1). Mortality events can be identified and dated by dating the last growth ring on dead trees, growth release events in survivors, and postdisturbance recruitment events. Insect defoliation can be distinguished from weather and other disturbance agents by comparing responses in host and nonhost trees.
Polymerase Chain Reaction Identification of Human Papillomavirus DNA in CO2 Laser Plume from Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis

Human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA was identified in the plume produced during CO2 laser vaporization of respiratory tract papillomata. The plume produced from CO2 vaporization was collected on Gelfoam pledgets that were affixed to suction tips evacuating the vapor plume from the operative field. The Gelfoam pledgets were snap frozen in liquid nitrogen, processed, and examined for HPV-6 and HPV-11 DNA by a polymerase chain reaction technique. Tissue and vapor-plume specimens were collected from 22 patients undergoing CO2 laser excision of laryngeal lesions. Seven patients had adult-onset recurrent respiratory laryngeal papillomatosis (RRP), 12 had juvenile-onset RRP, two had laryngeal carcinoma, and one had nonspecific laryngitis. HPV-6 or HPV-11 was identified in 17 of 27 vapor-plume specimens from RRP and in none of three from non-RRP lesions. All but one RRP tissue specimen contained HPV-DNA, and none of the non-RRP tissues contained HPV-DNA. When HPV was present in vapor, the same HPV type was found in the corresponding tissue specimen. Identification of HPV-DNA in the laser plume raises concern regarding potential risks from exposure to the plume--particularly to the endoscopic surgeon and the operating team. The practical concerns and effectiveness of the plume scavenging systems are discussed.
Interconversion reactions of formylmethylcobalamin and its acetals

Abstract The hemiacetal, ethoxy-2-hydroxyethylcobalamin, 3 , of formylmethylcobalamin, 1 , is shown to be formed both from the deacetalization of the 2,2-diethoxyethylcobalamin, 2 , and from the catalyzed acetalization of 1 in alcoholic solutions containing triethylamine. Formylmethylcobalamin, 1 , is also shown to be formed from the alkaline deacetalization of 2 and 3 . These compounds are analyzed by protolytic cleavage of the cobalt-carbon bond; the second order rate constants observed for these compounds are 1 , 4.3 M −1 sec −1 , 3 , 2500 M −1 sec −1 , and 2 , 36000 M −1 sec −1 .
Genetically engineered viral insecticides–A progress report 1986 1989

Among the viruses that are pathogenic for insect species, baculoviruses have been shown to be useful as insecticides for pest control. In some cases they have been used as cost-effective and environmentally acceptable alternatives to chemical insecticides. However, because viruses need to be ingested and replicate extensively in their host before they kill it, baculovirus insecticides are much slower than chemicals or other reagents that kill insects either on contact or shortly after ingestion. The objective of the programme of genetic engineering of baculovirus insecticides is to improve their speed of action while maintaining their host specificity and other attributes that make them desirable alternatives to chemical pesticides. Since 1986 four field releases have been undertaken involving genetically engineered baculovirus insecticides. The first release used a genetically marked Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcNPV). The study began in 1986 and was terminated in 1987. The results demonstrated that an innocuous piece of DNA, appropriately positioned in the AcNPV genome, was an effective means to tag the virus without affecting its phenotype, allowing it to be identified in bioassays of plant and soil samples. The second release, in 1987, involved a genetically marked virus from which the gene coding for the protective polyhedrin protein of the virus had been removed. The field data obtained with this virus showed that it did not persist in the environment, neither in soil, nor on vegetation, nor in the corpses of caterpillars. The third and fourth releases were undertaken in 1988. For one of these studies the marked, polyhedrin-negative virus was again used. In the other study a polyhedrin-negative virus that contained a junk' (/?-galactosidase) gene was employed.
Electron microscopic study of human leukemic cells in tissue culture

Cell lines originating from three cases of acute human leukemia have been studied under the electron microscope. The fine structure of the cultured cells has been compared to that of the patients' circulating leukocytes and progressive dedifferentiation has been described. After several months in culture, most of the cells resemble large primitive blasts or stem cells. One line, however, showed a transient wave of differentiation with the appearance of eosinophilic metamyelocytes. Problems of myeloid-cell nomenclature have been raised in the light of the study of the same material by conventional hematologic methods. Virus particles were not observed in the patients' circulating leukocytes, or in the cell cultures derived from them, despite repeated efforts to induce some degree of cell degeneration.
Vapor-liquid equilibria at atmospheric pressure for quinary systems containing n-hexane + ethanol + methylcyclopentane + benzene and either + toluene or + methanol

Abstract Values of (p, T, x, y) were determined at 101.325 kPa for each of two quinary systems containing n-hexane + ethanol + methylcyclopentane + benzene and either + toluene or + methanol. The experimental results were compared with those determined from the Wilson equation using parameters obtained from binary results.
THEORY OF THE CAPITAL STRUCTURE OF THE FIRM

I. INTRODUCTION IN BOTH ECONOMICS AND finance there hardly exists a complete model of the optimum capital structure of the firm. Many of the concepts needed to construct such a model are available in the literature, but in most cases the authors have been content to set up and use only such partial constructs as would serve their larger purposes.' The present article is an attempt to develop a self-contained theory of the financial structure of the individual firm. It has been said that the problem of the capital or financial structure is a firm, not a plant, decision. The underlying notion is that, whereas the optimum output (a plant function) is uniquely determined if demand and costs are known, financing is, in large part, a matter of the individual taste for risk and is therefore an ownership or firm decision, for which a unique solution may not be possible. I should like to present the contrary view, that there is perhaps a single optimum capital structure for any given firm or that, at the least, the range of rational capital structures is narrowly bounded. In the real world, uncertainty and lack of knowledge as to the relevant variables may make this optimum solution a difficult achievement. Under cer* The author is indebted to Professor Elmer C. Bratt for valuable criticism on an earlier draft of this paper. He is very grateful to Professor Herbert Fraser, of Muhlenberg
Blue-Collar Qualitative Research A Rant

This here’s a kick-ass article ’bout a pissed off qualitative researcher who feels that some of you higher ed profs out there got a lotta attitude and need to be brought down a notch. I speak my mi...
Pharmacokinetic Tumor Heterogeneity as a Prognostic Biomarker for Classifying Breast Cancer Recurrence Risk

Goal: Heterogeneity in cancer can affect response to therapy and patient prognosis. Histologic measures have classically been used to measure heterogeneity, although a reliable noninvasive measurement is needed both to establish baseline risk of recurrence and monitor response to treatment. Here, we propose using spatiotemporal wavelet kinetic features from dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging to quantify intratumor heterogeneity in breast cancer. Methods: Tumor pixels are first partitioned into homogeneous subregions using pharmacokinetic measures. Heterogeneity wavelet kinetic (HetWave) features are then extracted from these partitions to obtain spatiotemporal patterns of the wavelet coefficients and the contrast agent uptake. The HetWave features are evaluated in terms of their prognostic value using a logistic regression classifier with genetic algorithm wrapper-based feature selection to classify breast cancer recurrence risk as determined by a validated gene expression assay. Results: Receiver operating characteristic analysis and area under the curve (AUC) are computed to assess classifier performance using leave-one-out cross validation. The HetWave features outperform other commonly used features (AUC = 0.88 HetWave versus 0.70 standard features). The combination of HetWave and standard features further increases classifier performance (AUCs 0.94). Conclusion: The rate of the spatial frequency pattern over the pharmacokinetic partitions can provide valuable prognostic information. Significance: HetWave could be a powerful feature extraction approach for characterizing tumor heterogeneity, providing valuable prognostic information.
Crystallinity in chemically crosslinked low density polyethylenes: 3. Morphology of the XLPE-2 system

Abstract Studies of the morphology of low density branched polyethylene crosslinked using 2% dicumyl peroxide have been carried out using transmission electron microscopy of replicas of surfaces etched with permanganic reagent. Under optimal etching conditions detailed information regarding the morphologies of bulk crystallized samples of low crystallinity can be obtained. The morphology of crosslinked polyethylene is compared with that of the original branched polyethylene as a function of crystallization temperature. Branched polyethylene crystallizes in the form of banded spherulites from 88°C to 103°C with a temperature dependent band periodicity. Introduction of a small amount of crosslinking produces profound effects with banded sheaf or bundle-like morphologies resulting. The absence of lamellar banding in the sheaves of the gel fraction of the crosslinked polyethylene is attributed to pre-existent tie-molecules which are an inherent feature of network junctions in a crosslinked system. In the case of a typical unextracted crosslinked polyethylene, the morphology is found to vary with crystallization temperature. D.s.c. studies reveal that the thermal behaviour of XLPE-2 is not too different from that of OPE. The cause of multiple melting behaviour in this class of material is discussed and it is suggested that in addition to other processes of reorganization, hindrance to solid state thickening may be important. A method of monitoring different stages of lamellar melting for semicrystalline polymers was developed involving annealing at elevated temperatures in the presence of chlorosulphonic acid.
Chiari I malformation associated with thoracic epidural cord lesion: Case report

Many spinal cord lesions have been described previously, in association with Chiari I lesions. The authors report a unique case of a 29-year-old patient with a Chiari I malformation and an upper thoracic epidural lesion causing headaches, dysphagia and Brown-Sequard syndrome. The patient underwent a suboccipital decompression as well as a thoracic laminectomy and resection of the epidural lesion. Pathologic analysis revealed that the thoracic lesion was fibro-adipose tissue. A review of the literature failed to show any other similar cases. We discuss the possible etiologies of this case.
Microbicides: anti-HIV efficacy and ethics.

In their policy forum “regulatory challenges in microbicide development” (25 June, p. [1911][1]), P. M. Coplan et al. discuss the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) concern that use of HIV transmission—inhibiting microbicides in the future could decrease condom use and result in an
Effects of Split-Demand and Slaughter-Capacity Assumptionson Optimal Locations of Cattle Feeding

Many studies have concentrated on the optimal location of cattle feeding. Two major limitations of such studies have been (1) reliance on a single demand function for beef and (2) failure to consider existing slaughter capacities. By utilizing separated or split‐demand functions for beef and explicitly accounting for present regional slaughter capacity, quite different patterns of beef feeding emerge. In comparison with actual feedlot locations, the models used showed considerable improvement over most previous models. More importantly, results compare favorably with recent trends in the location of cattle feeding.
Effect of Quality Improvement Organization Activities on Outpatient Diabetes Care in Eastern New York State

Background: Quality improvement organizations (QIOs) are contracted to improve the quality of care delivered to Medicare beneficiaries. The purpose of this study was to determine whether provider participation in New York State QIO activities resulted in significant improvements in the quality of diabetes care during the recent contract cycle with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Research Design: A retrospective analysis between participating and nonparticipating providers on their performance in 3 quality measures (biennial ophthalmology examination, biennial lipid profile monitoring, annual hemoglobin A1c monitoring) was used. Data of New York State Medicare beneficiaries before and after QIO intervention activities were examined to determine change in performance. General linear models were created to examine the effect QIO participation had on the change in performance for each measure. Results: Providers who participated in QIO activities had significant absolute improvements in lipid monitoring compared with nonparticipating providers at high baseline performance for low (3.10%, P < 0.001), medium (2.57%, P < 0.001), and high (1.51%, P = 0.002) baseline patient volume, and medium baseline performance for low (2.38%, P < 0.001), and medium (1.85%, P < 0.001) baseline patient volume. The same trend was seen for hemoglobin A1c monitoring (4.28%, P < 0.001; 3.57%, P < 0.001; 2.15%, P < 0.001; 2.63%, P = 0.001; 1.92%, P = 0.006). For ophthalmology examination, participation resulted in significant changes at low (2.28%, P = 0.003) and medium (1.73%, P = 0.009) baseline patient volume. Conclusion: The study results suggest QIO activities can improve outpatient diabetes care; however, limitations in the study design preclude any definitive remarks.
The crossed-categorization hypothesis: Evidence of reductions in the strength of categorization, but not intergroup bias

Abstract Deschamps and Doise’s (1978) classic crossed categorization hypothesis states that both category differentiation and intergroup bias should be reduced in crossed conditions (e.g., race × gender groups comprised of Asian females, Asian males, White females, and White males) compared to simple conditions, where people vary on just one social category. Although there has been extensive work testing this hypothesis, we suggest that conclusions from this work are limited because (1) almost none of it has examined category differentiation outcomes, (2) several studies that have examined intergroup bias effects have not directly tested the classic hypothesis, and (3) no studies have examined both categorization and bias outcomes simultaneously. We conducted two experiments to overcome these limitations. In Experiment 1, target race (Asian or White) and gender were manipulated. In Experiment 2, target relationship status (single or significant other) and hometown size (big town or little town) were manipulated. In both experiments, categorization was weaker in crossed than simple conditions, but there was no evidence of reduced intergroup bias in crossed contexts.
JointViewer - An Interactive System for Exploring Orthopedic Data

We present JointViewer, a software tool to aid orthopedics researchers in exploring complex, in-vivo joint kinematics. Given bone-geometry data and bone-motion information, JointViewer models and visualizes bone inter-spacing in the joint. Next, it proposes and displays plausible ligament paths which connect bones together. Both types of models are constructed through a distancefield approach. Users can maneuver the bones in a joint for better viewing, see motion relative to a specific bone, or remove bones from a joint. We demonstrate JointViewer’s effectiveness in three applications: examining normal human wrist kinematics, capturing the effect of injury on forearm kinematics, and exploring the kinematic constraints imposed by ligaments in a pigeon shoulder. In all applications, the system effectively highlights subtle yet important relationships among bones and soft-tissue that in previous standard joint visualizations had gone unnoticed.
A common structural pattern among many biologically active compounds of natural and synthetic origin.

Abstract A tricyclic chemical structural pattern, consisting of a phenyl ring attached to the 2-position of a naphthalene nucleus, or composed of various heterocyclic units with similar structural arrangements, is observed among a large number of biologically and biomedically active compounds. The two ring components are coplanar or nearly planar. Possible relationships between this structural pattern and certain essential biomolecules are discussed. Although the pattern per se may not be sufficient for attaining biological activity, it is believed with the proper substituents placed at specific positions, compounds with desired biomedical activity could be rationally designed.
EPSP synthase inhibitor deisgn III. Synthesis & evaluation of a new 5-oxamic acid analog of EPSP which incorporates a malonate ether as a 3-phosphate mimic

Abstract The unusual shikimate oxamic acid analog 3, containing a 3-malonate ether, was synthesized and found to be a potent product-analog inhibitor of EPSP synthase (Ki = 5.2 − 0.2 μM). The potency of 3 confirms that these 3-malonate ethers function as effective 3-phosphate replacements in this system and that the oxamic acid moiety represents an unusual mimetic of the EPSP carboxyvinyl ether group.
Vector field visualization

We present two new techniques for rendering 3D vector fields in scientific visualisation. We also present a new technique called texture splats for rendering these volumes efficiently. >
Micrometastatic Disease and Isolated Tumor Cells as a Predictor for Additional Breast Cancer Axillary Metastatic Burden

Background Our study aims were to investigate breast cancer patients with micrometastases or isolated tumor cells (ITCs) in sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) to determine the rate of non-SLN metastasis and axillary recurrences, and to compare actual non-SLN metastasis rates with those predicted by the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) nomogram.
Nb2O5 as a new electron transport layer for double junction polymer solar cells

Nb2O5 as a new electron transport layer (ETL) was used for double junction polymer solar cells. The Nb2O5 ETL was prepared by spin coating a Nb2O5 sol–gel solution onto the active layer of the optical front subcell. The double junction devices using Nb2O5 ETL exhibit an open circuit voltage (Voc) of 1.30 V, which is close to the sum of the s of the individual subcells. The current density–voltage (J–V) simulation showed that the double junction device performance using Nb2O5 as ETL could be significantly increased by reducing the series resistance (Rse) and matching the current densities of the individual subcells.
Amyloidosis: a brief history

Nicolaus Fontanus (Fonteyn; Nicolao Fontano) in 1639 reported the autopsy of a young man with ascites, jaundice, and epistaxis who had an abscess in the liver and a large spleen filled with white s...
Catalysis and Interfacial Chemistry in Lithium Batteries: A Surface Science Approach

Control of the interfacial chemistry of the electrodes in lithium batteries is vitally important to their safe and effective application. Water and virtually every organic solvent is thermodynamically unstable in the presence of metallic lithium. The electrode potential of a graphite electrode in a lithium-ion battery at the top of charge is at an equivalent chemical potential. In principle, the entire lithium or charged graphite electrode can be completely consumed by reaction with the solvent if the interfacial chemistry is not adventitious, i.e. does not form a reaction self-limiting passive film. A greater understanding of the reactions of the electrolyte and the nature of passivity will be essential to utilize metallic lithium or hosts like silicon that store equivalent amounts of lithium. A surface science approach, like that presented here but now out of fashion, may provide additional insight to approaches currently being used.
Results of Palliation With an Initial Modified Blalock-Taussig Shunt in Neonates With Single Ventricle Anomalies Associated With Restrictive Pulmonary Blood Flow

Background We report our current-era results after placement of a modified Blalock-Taussig shunt (mBTS) as the first surgery in the multistage palliation strategy of neonates born with single ventricle (SV) anomalies associated with restrictive pulmonary blood flow. Methods Between 2002 and 2012, 174 neonates with SV underwent mBTS. Competing risks analysis modeled events after mBTS (death or transplantation, transition to Glenn) and subsequently after Glenn (death or transplantation, transition to Fontan) and examined risk factors affecting outcomes. Results Competing risks analysis showed that 2 years after mBTS 27% of patients had died or received transplantation and 73% had undergone Glenn. Five years after Glenn, 6% had died, 73% had undergone Fontan, and 21% were alive awaiting Fontan. Overall survival 8 years after mBTS was 68%. On multivariable analysis, risk factors for mortality were increased shunt size to weight ratio (hazard ratio [HR]:1.2 per 0.1 ratio increase [1.0 to 1.4], p = 0.015), postoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (HR: 4.0 [2.2 to 7.4], p p = 0.008), cardiopulmonary bypass use (HR: 2.5 [1.3 to 4.5], p = 0.004), and underlying pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PAIVS) or atrial isomerism (HR: 2.1 [1.1 to 4.2], p = 0.035). Conclusions Palliation outcomes with mBTS in SV patients trail behind the generally improved results of congenital heart surgery. Several anatomic and patient-related factors continue to affect survival. Mortality is high in low weight neonates in whom a balance between overcirculation due to large shunt and low pulmonary blood flow and risk of occlusion due to small shunt is difficult to attain. Patients with chromosomal and extracardiac malformations, atrial isomerism, and PAIVS continue to be the most challenging and are associated with higher hospital and interstage mortality.
Evolution of ellipticity of ultrashort infrared pulses propagating in air

We measure the polarization evolution of ultrashort pulses (filaments) propagating in air for various pulse widths and energies. We observe the change of light ellipticity close to circular polarization.
The paradox of self‐management: individual and group autonomy in work groups

This study explores how autonomy at the individual and the group levels directly affect group cohesiveness, and how they indirectly influence group effectiveness. Hypotheses suggesting that individual and group autonomy will be oppositely related to cohesiveness are supported in data collected from a large sample of work groups in two separate organizations. Also supported are hypotheses suggesting a group cohesiveness/group performance orientation interaction as a mediator of the relationships between autonomy at both levels and group effectiveness. The findings highlight the importance of considering autonomy at both individual and group levels simultaneously when designing work groups that incorporate autonomy. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metabolic activation of nitrofurantoin--possible implications for carcinogenesis.

Abstract Although past investigations have indicated that nitrofurantoin is noncarcinogenic, the present studies demonstrate several features of the metabolism of the drug which are similar to those of other nitrofurans that are known carcinogens. Microsomal and soluble fractions from both rat liver and lung mediated the covalent binding of [14C]nitrofurantoin to tissue macromolecules in vitro. Oxygen strongly inhibited the binding in both the microsomal and soluble fractions, and carbon monoxide failed to inhibit binding in microsomal preparations, indicating nitrofurantoin was activated in both systems by nitroreduction and not by oxidation of the furan ring. An antibody against NADPH-cytochrome c reductase inhibited the microsomal nitroreduction and covalent binding of nitrofurantoin, while the addition of a flavin (FAD) markedly enhanced the covalent binding. Maximal rates of covalent binding were obtained in soluble fractions in the presence of NADH or hypoxanthine; covalent binding was inhibited in these fractions by allopurinol. an inhibitor of xanthine oxidase. Nitroreduction of nitrofurantoin was enhanced, but covalent binding was decreased, in liver microsomes from phenobarbital-pretreated rats. Phenobarbital did not alter nitroreduction or covalent binding of nitrofurantoin in lung microsomes or in soluble fractions from lung or liver. Reduced glutathione markedly decreased covalent binding of nitrofurantoin. in both the microsomal and the soluble fractions from liver and lung. but did not alter the rate of nitroreduction in any of the fractions. Radioactivity was covalently bound in several organs of rats given [14C]nitrofurantoin in vivo.
Subintimal angioplasty for chronic arterial occlusions

Percutaneous treatment of peripheral arterial disease has evolved greatly. The prevalence of superficial femoral artery occlusions has necessitated new devices and techniques to treat these patients percutaneously. Presently several therapies are available or under investigation. These range from stents, drug eluting stents, covered stents, cryoangioplasty, laser recanilization, blunt micro dissection, and subintimal angioplasty. This paper will discuss the indications, technique, and results of subintimal angioplasty.
Thermodynamic modeling of bulk ternary alloy crystal growth: Comparison of experiments and theory for GaInSb alloys

Abstract Ternary alloy GaInSb crystals are grown from a melt in the horizontal Bridgman configuration for high (70%) and low (30%) Ga compositions. Each composition is compared to ideal and regular solution model predictions. Good agreement is found between the regular solution model and experimental observations. However, this agreement is quite sensitive to the starting proportions of the constituent elements.
Karyotypic characteristics of human uterine leiomyoma and myometrial cell lines following telomerase induction

Uterine leiomyomas are the most frequently diagnosed tumors of the female genital tract and the primary cause of hysterectomy in premenopausal women in the United States. In vitro model systems for studying these tumors are limited, due to poor culture growth. For the present study, myometrial (UtSMC) and uterine leiomyoma (UtLM) cell lines and their human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) immortalized counterparts were evaluated by GTL-banding and spectral karyotyping. UtSMC, at passage 9 showed the normal female karyotype, 46,XX. UtSMC-hTERT at passage 13 (population doubling [PD] 22 post immortalization) had two cell clones: 46,XX,der(13)t(10;13)(q11.2;p13)]/46,XX. UtLM, at passage 14, and the immortalized counterpart UtLM-hTERT (passage 13, PD 20 post immortalization), had the reciprocal translocation t(12;14)(q14;q23) in all cells and monosomy X in a fraction of cells. UtLM also displayed genomic instability with 15% of cells showing structural abnormalities involving chromosome arms 1p and 5q. UtLM-hTERT was karyotypically more stable than the parental line, thereby reflecting the inhibition of the accumulation of cytogenetic abnormalities by the maintenance of telomere integrity. This phenomenon was not observed in the UtSMC cells.
Development of Fe-based shape memory alloys associated with face-centered cubic-hexagonal close-packed martensitic transformations: Part III. microstructures

As part of a study on the newly developed Fe-based shape memory alloys associated with face-centered cubic-hexagonal close-packed (fcc-hcp) martensitic transformations, micro-structures are investigated in relation to the shape memory behavior for different experimental conditions. The shape memory behavior of several typical alloys is interpreted well in terms of the thermodynamic and mechanical aspects of the e martensitic transformation in competition with various irreversible deformation modes. For the poly crystalline alloys, favorable conditions for a perfect shape memory effect (SME) can be achieved by properly controlling various physical factors, such as the stacking fault energy, strength of the matrix,M s andT N (Neel) temperatures, andc/a ratio of the e phase. The potential competence of the present alloys for a fairly high recovery strain is also discussed in light of microstructural features.
Design of a degree-constrained minimal spanning tree with unreliable links and node outage costs

Abstract The degree-constrained minimal spanning tree (DCMST) problem with unreliable links and node outage costs consists of finding links in a network to connect a set of terminal nodes to a central node while minimizing the expected annual expenditure. The number of ports available on each terminal node limits the number of incident links (the degree constraint). Each terminal node in the network has an associated node outage cost, which is the economic cost incurred by the network user whenever that node is disabled due to failure of a link. We formulate this problem as an integer-programming problem and present a Lagrangian relaxation method which, for each choice of Lagrangian multipliers, provides a lower bound for the optimal objective function value. A subgradient optimization method is used to search for multipliers which yield good lower bounds. A branch exchange heuristic procedure makes modifications to each infeasible solution of the Lagrangian relaxation in order to find good feasible solutions. The quality of these heuristic solutions is estimated using the best obtained lower bounds. Experimental results over a wide range of problem structures show that the branch exchange heuristic method yields verifiably good solutions to this problem.
Activity of the Akt/GSK-3β pathway in the failing human heart before and after left ventricular assist device support

We wish to comment on the report by Baba et al. [1] The authors measured the activity of several kinases that are involved in the regulation of hypertrophy and apoptosis in the failing human heart before and after mechanical unloading with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) [1]. They found that the activity of Erks and Akt in the failing human heart decreased after LVAD support, while that of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) increased. These changes were independent of the decrease in TUNNEL positivity and the decrease in myocyte size. In addition, the authors showed an endo/epicardial gradient for Erk activity in the failing human heart. They go on to conclude that Erks and Akt/GSK-3β are sensitive molecular markers of reverse remodeling under LVAD support. In order to address mechanisms of reverse remodeling, the first condition is the ability to obtain reproducible results. This condition is …