cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Parent perceptions of the impact of the Paediatric Intensive Care environment on delivery of family-centred care

Abstract Objectives To examine parent perception of how the physical and cultural environment of the paediatric intensive care unit impacted the implementation of family-centred care as outlined by the Institute for Patient and Family Centered Care. Research design A qualitative descriptive design utilizing secondary analysis from a longitudinal study. Sixty-one interviews with three mothers and three fathers (31 interviews with mothers, 30 interviews with fathers) of infants with complex congenital heart defects treated in a paediatric intensive care unit were subjected to secondary analysis via content analysis. The previously completed individual interviews with parents took place at least monthly ranging from soon after birth of their infant to one year of age or infant death, whichever occurred first. Findings The family-centred care core concepts of information sharing, participation, respect and dignity were present in parent interviews. Parents indicated that the physical and cultural environment of the pediatric intensive care unit impacted their perceptions of how each of the core concepts was implemented by clinicians. The unit environment both positively and negatively impacted how parents experienced their infant’s hospitalisation. Conclusion In the paediatric intensive care unit, family centred care operationalised as policy differed from actual parent experiences. The impact of the physical and cultural environment should be considered in the delivery of critical care, as the environment was shown to impact implementation of each of the core concepts.
An Improved Technique for Sorting Developmental Stages and Assessing Egg Viability of Globodera pallida using High-Throughput Complex Object Parametric Analyzer and Sorter

The Complex Object Parametric Analyzer and Sorter (COPAS) is a large particle flow cytometer designed for analyzing, sorting, and dispensing objects of varying sizes. We explored the potential of using this instrument to analyze and sort various developmental stages and egg viability of Globodera pallida. Cysts were successfully examined and sorted from debris by optimizing side-scatter and red-fluorescence parameters on the COPAS. We were able to separate eggs and second-stage juveniles from samples of mixed population using extinction and time of flight. Separation of live and dead eggs was examined following staining eggs with SYTOX Green and application of time of flight and green peak height. Data were compared with a commonly used viability assay by which eggs were stained with Meldola's Blue and examined by a microscope. COPAS proved to be effective in assessing viability by detecting two separate gates: live eggs having green fluorescence peaks 190. The application of COPAS in combination with SYTOX Green detected a greater number of live eggs than the Meldola's assay, suggesting that SYTOX Green provided an overestimate of live eggs. COPAS noticeably increased the accuracy and reduced the time required for screening and analyzing nematode populations.
Racial (Mis)Match in Middle School Mathematics Classrooms: Relational Interactions as a Racialized Mechanism

While research has consistently shown the positive effects of having a teacher of the same race on various student outcomes, the literature has not examined how racial match affects the everyday in...
Why So High? Understanding Interest Rate Spreads in Latin America

Financial liberalization has not lived up to expectations, at least as far as interest rate spreads are concerned. Over the past decade, many countries in Latin America and the Caribbean have reformed their financial sectors and reaped major economic benefits as a result. However, the persistence of high interest rate spreads - the difference between the interest charged to borrowers and the rate paid to depositors - has been a disquieting outcome of the reforms. Why So High? presents the first systematic analysis of the micro-and macroeconomic determinants of bank spreads across countries in Latin America. What has been the trend in bank spreads during the 1990s and how has financial liberalization contributed to this trend? How well do competing theories of interest rate spreads in industrial countries perform when applied to Latin America? What can policymakers do to promote the convergence of interest rate spreads to international levels? These are important questions addressed by this book.
Faculty Perceptions of Consensual Sexual Relationships Between University Faculty and Students

Consensual sexual relationships (CSR) between faculty and students at universities are a growing issue for administrators. Often times, administrators view these relationships as potential sexual harassment cases given the power disparities that often exist between the parties involved. Therefore, many universities have written policies essentially equating CSRs to sexual harassment. Despite the recent growth of these policies, how faculty compare CSRs and sexual harassment is often overlooked, particularly as it relates to perceived power differentials. The current study examined responses from 166 faculty members to explore these perceptions. Results indicate faculty had varying opinions, depending on previous experience with CSRs and beliefs around power differentials. These findings contribute to previous literature which indicates there is rampant ambiguity and subjectivity when defining and handling CSRs on campus.
Examining factors associated with adherence to hormonal therapy in breast cancer patients.

Abstract Backgroud Breast cancer is a rampant disease and is highly prevalent among women in the United States. Two out of three breast cancers are hormone receptor positive and hormonal therapies (Tamoxifen and Aromatase Inhibitors) are used to treat this type of breast cancer. However, adherence to these efficacious therapies is relatively low. Purpose The aim of this study was to identify factors that are associated with adherence to hormonal therapy among breast cancer patients, and the extent to which they influence adherence, by looking at data from a nationally representative database. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) for 2011–2015. Individuals ≥18 years diagnosed with breast cancer utilizing Tamoxifen and Aromatase inhibitors were identified. The Proportion of Days Covered (PDC) adherence measure was used to classify individuals as adherent (PDC≥80%) or non-adherent (PDC Results Out of the 354 breast cancer respondents utilizing hormonal therapy, 194 (54.8%) were adherent and 160 (45.20%) were non-adherent. From 2011 through 2015, an increase in the usage of hormonal therapy was observed. Individuals having at least a high school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED) had 2.795 (1.081, 6.941) times the odds of being adherent when compared to those who did not have a high school diploma or GED. Race, insurance status, marital status, poverty level, class of drug (aromatase inhibitor/tamoxifen), age, comorbidities, out-of-pocket costs and region were not significantly associated with adherence to hormonal therapy among breast cancer patients. Conclusions This study found an association between an individual's level of education and adherence to hormonal therapy among breast cancer patients. These results can be used to help optimize allocation of resources to promote knowledge designed to increase the adherence of breast cancer patients to hormonal therapy.
Gas-Phase Reactions of Deprotonated Nucleobases with H, N, and O Atoms

Complex organic molecules, the hallmark of terrestrial life, are increasingly detected in exotic environments throughout the universe. Our studies probe the ion chemistry of these biomolecules. We report gas-phase reaction rate constants for five deprotonated nucleobases (adenine, cytosine, guanine, thymine, and uracil) reacting with the atomic species H, N, and O. Hydrogen atoms react at moderate rates via associative electron detachment. Oxygen atom reactions occur more rapidly, generating complex product distributions; reaction pathways include associative electron detachment, substitution of the hydrogen atom by an oxygen atom, and generation of OCN–. Nitrogen atoms do not react with the nucleobase anions. The reaction thermodynamics were investigated computationally, and reported product channels are exothermic. Many of the proposed products have been observed in various astrochemical environments. These reactions provide insight into chemical processes that may occur at the boundaries between diffus...
Post-large earthquake seismic activities mediated by aseismic deformation processes

Abstract Two aseismic deformation processes are commonly invoked to explain the transient geodetic surface displacements that follow a major earthquake: afterslip and viscoelastic relaxation. Both induce time dependent stress variations in the crust, potentially affecting aftershock occurrence. However, the two mechanisms' relative impacts on crustal deformation and seismicity remain unclear. We find for the case of the 2010 Mw 7.2 El Mayor-Cucapah (EMC) earthquake not only that afterslip likely drove clustered seismicity after the earthquake, but also that long-range earthquake interactions were likely modulated by viscoelastic relaxation at large scales in space (>5 times the fault rupture length) and time (>7 yr). This has important implications for the study of the “seismic cycle” and for seismic hazard estimation, since post-seismic deformation related to a single Mw 7.2 earthquake affects interseismic velocities and regional seismicity rates for more than a decade.
Targeting the Complement Alternative Pathway Permits Graft Versus Leukemia Activity while Preventing Graft Versus Host Disease.

Purpose: Application of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) for patients with hematologic disorders is limited by the development of GVHD. Separation of GVHD and graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) remains a great challenge in the field. We investigated the contribution of individual pathways involved in the complement cascade in GVH and GVL responses to identify specific targets by which to separate these two processes. Experimental Design: We used multiple preclinical murine and human-to-mouse xenograft models involving allo-HCT recipients lacking components of the alternative pathway (AP) or classical pathway (CP)/lectin pathway (LP) to dissect the role of each individual pathway in GVHD pathogenesis and the GVL effect. For translational purposes, we used the AP-specific complement inhibitor, CR2-fH, which localizes in injured target organs to allow specific blockade of complement activation at sites of inflammation. Results: Complement deposition was evident in intestines of mice and patients with GVHD. In a preclinical setting, ablation of the AP, but not the CP/LP, significantly improved GVHD outcomes. Complement activation through the AP in host hematopoietic cells, and specifically dendritic cells (DC), was required for GVHD progression. AP deficiency in recipients decreased donor T-cell migration and Th1/Th2 differentiation, while increasing the generation of regulatory T cells. This was because of decreased activation and stimulatory activity of recipient DCs in GVHD target organs. Treatment with CR2-fH effectively prevented GVHD while preserving GVL activity. Conclusions: This study highlights the AP as a new therapeutic target to prevent GVHD and tumor relapse after allo-HCT. Targeting the AP by CR2-fH represents a promising therapeutic approach for GVHD treatment.
Demography, Long Cycles, and Climate/Disease

Among approaches to explaining global history, the secular cycles and leadership long cycle schools emphasize much different phenomena. The former stresses processes highlighting demographic pressures and the rise and fall of land powers. The latter focuses on trading states, maritime activities, and economic growth pulsations. While the two research programs seemingly possess little in common, appearances may be deceiving. By elucidating their overlapping emphasis on structured punctuations in demographic/dynastic cycles with significant changes in global political economy, it is possible to show how the two schools of thought are complementary. A more integrated approach, encompassing population, disease, war, and economic growth dynamics, should enhance our understanding of changes in global history.
Evaluation of Alginate-Based Bioinks for 3D Bioprinting, Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Osteogenesis, and Application for Patient-Specific Bone Grafts

Abstract To realize the promise of 3D bioprinting, it is imperative to develop bioinks that possess the biological and rheological characteristics needed for the printing of cell-laden tissue grafts. Alginate is widely used as a bioink because its rheological properties can be modified through pre-crosslinking or the addition of thickening agents to increase printing resolution. However, modification of alginate’s physicochemical characteristics using common crosslinking agents can affect its cytocompatibility. Therefore, we evaluated the printability, physicochemical properties, and osteogenic potential of four common alginate bioinks: alginate-CaCl2 (alg-CaCl2), alginate-CaSO4 (alg-CaSO4), alginate-gelatin (alg-gel) and alginate-nanocellulose (alg-ncel) for the 3D bioprinting of patient-specific osteogenic grafts. While all bioinks possessed similar viscosity, printing fidelity was lower in the pre-crosslinked bioinks. When used to print geometrically defined constructs, alg-CaSO4 and alg-ncel exhibited higher mechanical properties and lower mesh size than those printed with alg-CaCl2 or alg-gel. The physical properties of these constructs affected the biological performance of encapsulated bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). Cell-laden constructs printed using alg-CaSO4 and alg-ncel exhibited greater cell apoptosis and contained fewer living cells 7 days post-printing. In addition, effective cell-matrix interactions were only observed in alg-CaCl2 printed constructs. When cultured in osteogenic media, MSCs in alg-CaCl2 constructs exhibited increased osteogenic differentiation compared to the other three bioinks. This bioink was then used to 3D print anatomically accurate cell-laden scaphoid bones that were capable of partial mineralization after 14 days of in vitro culture. These results highlight the importance of bioink properties to modulate cell behavior and the biofabrication of clinically relevant bone tissues.
Social Network Analysis of a Latino Sex Trafficking Enterprise

Despite the literature on the existence of networks in sex trafficking operations, few studies exist using social network analysis to analyze the crime. To help fill this gap, this study focuses on...
‘Did COVID-19 exist before the scientists?’ Towards curriculum theory now

We live in an era that normalized absurdism and abnormality. From successive devastating economic and environmental havoc, the world is now before a pandemic with a lethal footprint throughout the ...
Red coats and wild birds: how military ornithologists and migrant birds shaped empire: by Kirsten A. Greer, Chapel Hill, UNC Press, 2020, 174 pp., $29.95 (paperback), ISBN 978-1-4696-4983-2; $90.00 (hardback), ISBN 978-1-4696-4982-5

Red Coats and Wild Birds contends that the observation and collection of migratory birds by many British colonial officers in the 1800s supported military doctrine, British ideas about race and mas...
The Color of Justice

In this review of Sara Mayeux's Free Justice, I argue that one cannot tell a history of public defense without interrogating the political, social, and legal status of Black and other nonwhite people charged with crime. Racism and white supremacy played prominent roles in the development of the criminal legal system and impacted the creation, scope, and trajectory of modern indigent defense. By applying a critical race lens to the history of indigent defense and the development of the right to counsel, my hope is to provide additional insight into why public defense has struggled to deliver justice to the accused. I also use it as a tool to suggest alternative ways to advance justice for poor people ensnarled in the criminal legal system. Mayeux focuses her account on elite corporate lawyers during the Progressive Era, their philanthropic efforts, and the legal profession’s changing identity. Free Justice unearths the legal profession’s dramatic shift in attitude toward public defense over the course of the twentieth century. Elite lawyers initially viewed public defense as akin to communism or as the socialization of the private bar, but by midcentury they regarded public defenders as exemplars of democracy and “the American way of life.” This dramatic shift, according to Mayeux, enabled most indigent defense delivery models to transition away from elite lawyers’ benevolence and ad hoc services to state financed public defender offices, legal aid societies, and nonprofits. In Part I, I identify a central tenet of critical race theory and apply it to Free Justice’s utopian framework and Progressive Era notions of criminal conduct, charity, and the legal profession. In Part II, I examine the post-Gideon fallout in under-resourced Black communities, the growth of mass criminalization, and ineffective assistance of counsel jurisprudence through a critical race lens. I conclude the review with thoughts on a different method of delivering justice to indigent people facing criminal charges.
84 Thoracic injury pathway to optimise pain & physiotherapy

Background and Aims Evaluate the referral of rib fracture patients to anaesthetics/acute pain team/physiotherapy & Critical Care Outreach Team (CCOT) Pain management and use of regional techniques for these patients Offered PCA within first 24 hours Early physiotherapy – as soon as pain is controlled Early regional analgesia CCOT referral if mortality risk is high or NEWS >7 Methods Retrospective audit over the year 2019 at the QEHKL 80 patients coded as having a primary diagnosis of rib fractures – given Pressley Risk & Easter severity score. 29 patients scored moderate/moderate and above, 25 patients’ paper notes were available – first 72 hours of admission was audited Results Not achieving standard of care at 3 days Specialty input: Within 72 hours 80% had anaesthetics + physio reviews 5 patients weren’t reviewed by any external teams All high risk of mortality patients are not getting a CCOT referral Pain management: 40% received PCA within 24 hours At 72 hours 64% of patients had a regional technique/PCA Regional techniques used were serratus anterior/erector spinae or thoracic epidural catheters. They were left in for an average of 4.4 days. Conclusions Presented audit at information governance and teaching sessions for medical/surgical and A+E juniors Guideline revised with focus on regional anaesthesia TIPTOP Implementation: 1) Refer high risk thoracic injury patients to anaesthetic/acute pain team. 2) Book patient onto emergency theatre booking system 3) TIPTOP proforma to be completed by acute pain team/anaesthetist to ensure follow up & standardised care Re–audit in 6 months time
Development of mouse pubic joint in vivo following initial differentiation in vitro

Typical immature pubic joints developed when undifferentiated mesenchyme from the pelvic region of 13-day-old embryos was grown in vitro on a Millipore filter. After five days the joints were transplanted to 5-day-old postnatal female mice whose pubic joints were excised prior to transplantation. The transplanted joints developed to adult-type symphyses and replaced the excised joints of the recipients. Typical bone resorption and cartilage transformation to ligamentous tissue occurred in transplanted joints in pregnant recipients.
The use of cryptography to create data file security: with the Rijndael cipher block

The use of cryptography, both the encryption and decryption of data is one response to the concerns of securing data files. The Rijndael cipher block, which has been adopted by the National Institute of Standards and technology as the advanced encryption standard, has been used in this study to encrypt and decrypt data. This has been accomplished by encrypting a plain text file and creating an encrypted file in one program, and decrypting the encrypted file back to a plain text file in another program. The increased focus on security has impacted the curriculum, not only in networking and operating systems classes but in programming classes. The use of encryption and decryption of data files fits logically into an intermediate programming class that is within an Information Systems curriculum.
Designing for Non‐Persistence

Under the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990, it is the policy of the United States that pollution should be prevented or reduced at the source whenever possible. One way to accomplish this is to design safer chemicals. Until now, safer has usually meant less toxic, but environmental persistence should also be viewed as integral to product safety. Chemicals that persist in the environment remain potentially available to exert toxic effects and bioaccumulate. This chapter addresses the design of small molecules to minimize persistence, along with tools and models that can assist in this task. One of the great challenges is that over 30 000 chemicals are used in commercial quantities, but very few have experimental data on their environmental behavior. This chapter reviews databases that can be searched for such information, but we also outline a path forward for when the chemical of interest does not have any experimental data. Two general approaches are suggested: (1) identify chemicals that are similar in structure and have persistence data; or (2) use structure–degradation relationships or models to predict degradability. Estimation methods are available for the most important degradation processes: atmospheric oxidation, biodegradation, and hydrolysis. Finally, case studies are used to show how these processes and resources can be used to implement design for non-persistence. The examples also illustrate some of the challenges in designing safer chemicals in the real world, where “green” usually comes only in shades of gray and conflicting demands always lead to compromise. Keywords: persistence; structure–degradability relationships; biodegradation; atmospheric oxidation; hydrolysis; safer chemicals; green chemistry
Trimesityllead derivatives, mes3pbr, r = me, cj2ph, ch2ch=ch2, ch2c≡ch, me3ge including structural analysis of monomeric mes3bcl and attempted formation of mes3pbsnme3

Abstract Trimesityllead-R derivatives (R=methyl, benzyl, allyl, propargyl, and trimethylgermyl) have been synthesized from the salt elimination reaction between trimesityllleadlithium and RX. The germanium derivative is the first alkylgermanium derivative of lead. The spectroscopic properties of the compounds are reported, along with the single crystal structure of trimesityllead chloride which reveals that the Pb atom has a distorted tetrahedral coordination with an average Pb-C bond length of 2.234A, and C-Pb-Cl bond angles much smaller than the C-Pb-C angles. This is the first structurally characterized monomeric organolead halide. The Pb-Cl bond length of 2.61A is considerably shorter than the Pb-Cl bond length found in other oligomeric or polymeric organolead chlorides and significantly longer than recent theoretical estimations. Attempts to synthesize the trimethyltin derivative resulted in migration of a mesityl group to form mesityltrimethyltin as the only isolated compound.
Noncommutativity and unitarity violation in gauge boson scattering

We examine the unitarity properties of spontaneously broken noncommutative gauge theories. We find that the symmetry breaking mechanism in the noncommutative standard model of Chaichian et al. leads to an unavoidable violation of tree-level unitarity in gauge boson scattering at high energies. We then study a variety of simplified spontaneously broken noncommutative theories and isolate the source of this unitarity violation. Given the group theoretic restrictions endemic to noncommutative model building, we conclude that it is difficult to build a noncommutative standard model under the Weyl-Moyal approach that preserves unitarity.
The program LOPT for least-squares optimization of energy levels

The article describes a program that solves the least-squares optimization problem for finding the energy levels of a quantum-mechanical system based on a set of measured energy separations or wavelengths of transitions between those energy levels, as well as determining the Ritz wavelengths of transitions and their uncertainties. The energy levels are determined by solving the matrix equation of the problem, and the uncertainties of the Ritz wavenumbers are determined from the covariance matrix of the problem.
960 THE ACCURACY OF IDENTIFYING T CELL LEUKEMIA USING E ROSETTING OF BONE MARROW LYMPHOBLASTS

The identification of sheep erythrocyte rosettes (ER) formed by acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) cells (blasts), at 4· C has permitted investigators to distinguish patients with presumed T cell ALL from those with non-T ALL (less than 10-20% ER(+) blasts). The identification of T antigen (T-ag) on the blasts, detected by monoclonal or carefully absorbed xenoantisera, now permits an analysis of how accurately ER positivity distinguishes T from non T ALL. Bone marrow blasts from 354 pediatric patients with untreated ALL were examined for ER and T-ag. The following chart summarizes the results: Using the reference point of ≥ 10% (20%) ER (+) blasts to define T cell disease would have led to the incorrect judgement that 37(10) T-ag (-) patients had T cell ALL, a 60%(16%) excess, while 19 (26) T-ag (+) patients would have been excluded, a 31%(42%) deficit. This degree of error in subclassification could substantially affect the results of descriptive studies on therapeutic trials in T cell leukemia, indicating the need for careful T-ag detection in classifying ALL.
A REVIEW OF GTD CALCULATION OF MUTUAL ADMITTANCE OF SLOT CONFORMAL ARRAY

ABSTRACT This paper begins with an explanation of two approaches for analyzing conformal arrays: the circuit and the scattering approaches. We next review ray techniques for calculating the self and mutual admittances of slot arrays on a conducting cylinder or cone by presenting (i) final formulas for admittance under various conditions, and (ii) representative numerical results and their comparison with experimental data.
Public meetings about local cancer clusters: exploring the relative influence of official versus symbolic risk messages on attendees’ post‐meeting concern

Scholars have long lobbied for a view of risk communication that supplants a conventional ‘transmission’ model of risk communication with an alternative that considers the complex social environment that accompanies any risk communication effort. Along these lines, this study examines the relative influence of official health messages versus symbolic risk messages on public meeting attendees’ post‐meeting concern about cancer clusters in six US communities. As part of a larger study of cancer clusters, we obtained written responses from 125 individuals who attended a government‐sponsored public meeting in their community. We asked respondents whether attending the meeting influenced their concerns and, if so, why. The results found that, despite the largely reassuring messages that health officials were giving, most attendees reported feeling more concerned after the meetings in their communities. Regarding why, explanations that denoted symbolic risk messages – unofficial sources of risk information and ...
Hematology of alaskan snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus macfarlani) during years of population decline

Abstract 1. 1. The hematologic profiles of snowshoe hares near Fairbanks. Alaska were determined during 2 years of decline from peak population density. 2. 2. Erythrocytic indices and total white blood cells underwent little change during the population decline. 3. 3. During the high population period a relative neutrophilia, lymphopenia and eosinopenia occurred indicating a possible adrenal corticosteroid stress induced reaction.
Localization and characterization of soluble and plasma membrane aminopeptidase activities in Arabidopsis seedlings

We previously demonstrated that N,1-naphthylphthalamic acid is hydrolyzed at the root-hypocotyl transition zone and other regions of Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings, and that this reaction, like NPA-induced growth inhibition, is strongly promoted by blue light. In addition, NPA amidase activity was detected in plasma membrane-enriched fractions obtained from Arabidopsis seedlings. To further investigate this phenomenon, we tested the hypothesis that the arylamidase(s) responsible for NPA hydrolysis may also have aminopeptidase activity. The responses of Arabidopsis seedlings to various aminopeptidase substrates were tested. The hydrolysis of Tyr-, Trp-, Pro- and Gly-Pro-β-naphthylamide aminopeptidase substrates was shown to be histochemically localized at the root-hypocotyl transition zone and other regions where NPA hydrolysis also occurs. Blue light stimulated the in vivo activity of Tyr- and Pro-aminopeptidase activities, and far-red light stimulated the activity of the Trp-aminopeptidase. These same substrates also induced NPA-like growth inhibitory effects. In parallel experiments, aminopeptidase activities were detected in the supernatant and plasma membrane fractions of seedling extracts. The soluble AP activities resemble previously described neutral aminopeptidases with specificity for aromatic residues. The plasma membrane fraction hydrolyzed Tyr-, Trp-, Ala-Pro- and Pro-AP substrates, and also exhibited activity against Phe- and Leu-substrates. Many of the properties of the aminopeptidases, such as pH optima, metal requirements and responses to inhibitors, overlap with those of the previously characterized NPA amidase, suggesting that the latter may represent the combined activities of multiple aminopeptidases.
Surgical Technique Refinements in Head and Neck Oncologic Surgery

The head and neck region poses a challenging arena for oncologic surgery. Diseases and their treatment can affect a myriad of functions, including sight, hearing, taste, smell, breathing, speaking, swallowing, facial expression and appearance. This review discusses several areas where refinements in surgical techniques have led to improved patient outcomes. This includes surgical incisions, neck lymphadenectomy, transoral laser microsurgery, minimally invasive thyroid surgery, and the use of vascularized free flaps for oromandibular reconstruction.
Kinetic Monte Carlo Simulations and Molecular Conductance Measurements of the Bacterial Decaheme Cytochrome MtrF

Microorganisms overcome the considerable hurdle of respiring extracellular solid substrates by deploying large multiheme cytochrome complexes that form 20 nanometer conduits to traffic electrons through the periplasm and across the cellular outer membrane. Here we report the first kinetic Monte Carlo simulations and single-molecule scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) measurements of the Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 outer membrane decaheme cytochrome MtrF, which can perform the final electron transfer step from cells to minerals and microbial fuel cell anodes. We find that the calculated electron transport rate through MtrF is consistent with previously reported in vitro measurements of the Shewanella Mtr complex, as well as in vivo respiration rates on electrode surfaces assuming a reasonable (experimentally verified) coverage of cytochromes on the cell surface. The simulations also reveal a rich phase diagram in the overall electron occupation density of the hemes as a function of electron injection and ejection rates. Single molecule tunneling spectroscopy confirms MtrF's ability to mediate electron transport between an STM tip and an underlying Au(111) surface, but at rates higher than expected from previously calculated heme-heme electron transfer rates for solvated molecules.
Clonogenic Assay of Type A Influenza Viruses Reveals Noninfectious Cell-Killing (Apoptosis-Inducing) Particles

Clonogenic (single-cell plating) assays were used to define and quantify subpopulations of two genetically closely related variants of influenza virus A/TK/OR/71 that differed primarily in the size of the NS1 gene product; they expressed a full-size (amino acids [aa] 1 to 230) or truncated (aa 1 to 124) NS1 protein. Monolayers of Vero cells were infected with different amounts of virus, monodispersed, and plated. Cell survival curves were generated from the fraction of cells that produced visible colonies as a function of virus multiplicity. The exponential loss of colony-forming capacity at low multiplicities demonstrated that a single virus particle sufficed to kill a cell. The ratios of cell-killing particles (CKP) to plaque-forming particles (PFP) were 1:1 and 7:1 in populations of variants NS11-124 and NS11-230, respectively. This study revealed a new class of particles in influenza virus populations—noninfectious CKP. Both infectious and noninfectious CKP were 6.3 times more resistant to UV radiation than PFP activity. Based on UV target theory, a functional polymerase subunit was implicated in a rate-limiting step in cell killing. Since influenza viruses kill cells by apoptosis (programmed cell death), CKP are functionally apoptosis-inducing particles. Noninfectious CKP are present in excess of PFP in virus populations with full-size NS1 and induce apoptosis that is temporally delayed and morphologically different than that initiated by infectious CKP present in the virus population expressing truncated NS1. The identification and quantification of both infectious and noninfectious CKP defines new phenotypes in influenza virus populations and presents a challenge to determine their role in regulating infectivity, pathogenesis, and vaccine efficacy.
SACHE case histories and training modules

Training can be simplified. Vivid slides of case histories of accidents, supplemented with easy-to-use lecture notes for the universities and industry, are now available through AIChE's Center for Chemical Process Safety (CCPS). Since 1991, a committee composed of approximately seven academics, seven industrial representatives, and three government representatives have worked together to produce teaching modules for use in the undergraduate educational experiences at colleges and universities. This committee, called the Undergraduate Education Committee (UEC), was established by CCPS to enhance chemical engineering undergraduate education in the area of chemical rocess safely. To date, the committee has produced 6 problem sets, and 15 case histories/training modules that consist of slides and lecture notes. These products are made available to universities who join a group called SACHE (Safity and Chemical Engineering Education) and can be used by instructors in classroom and seminar formats. The focus for this paper is a summary of case histories available (Tank Failures, Nitroaniline Reactor Rupture, Seveso, Bhopal, and Pasadena). Industry can also benefit by usin these informative modules in training their tecffnical employees.
THEORY OF STOKES PULSE SHAPES IN TRANSIENT STIMULATED RAMAN SCATTERING.

Abstract : The theory of transient stimulated Raman scattering has been extended to include an arbitrary shape of the laser pump pulse. It is shown that the maximum Stokes gain depends on the total energy content per unit area of the pump pulse, and not on the instantaneous intensity for an exciting pulse of short duration. The Stokes pulse has a leading edge which rises sharply to a maximum, where the maximum occurs with some delay with respect to the maximum of the pump pulse. The trailing edge follows the decay of the pump. In a nondispersive medium, the gain is not reduced by frequency broadening of the laser output, while in a dispersive medium, considerable gain reduction is expected. Numerical results for various laser pulse shapes and spectral distributions are presented. (Author)
Wireless handheld computers and voluntary utilization of computerized prescribing systems in the emergency department

Illegible or invalid hand-written prescriptions can result in avoidable medical errors. Computer-based prescribing can mitigate the problem. An observational study was performed to examine the effect of wireless handheld computers (handhelds) on voluntary utilization of computerized prescribing within an Emergency Department. Handhelds with prescription-writing software were provided to physicians and the numbers of hand-written and computer-generated prescriptions were compared before and after the introduction of the handhelds. The resulting increase in computer-based prescribing was statistically significant and was observed largely among physicians who already used desktop computers for prescribing. The study concluded that handhelds increased voluntary utilization of computerized prescribing, but that the physicians most likely to use handhelds were those who already used desktop-based prescribing.
Characteristics of tropical cirrus cloud optical thickness fields using MODIS level-3 data

Cirrus clouds have been identified as one of the most uncertain components in climate research. They are located at high altitudes (near the tropopause), are frequently optically thin in nature, and are composed of non-spherical ice crystals. In this paper, we detail a method for inferring tropical cirrus cloud optical thickness from MODIS level-3 derived cirrus reflectance and solar/satellite view geometry data. We then demonstrate the applicability of this method using an independent MODIS level-3 data file from NASA s Aqua satellite to obtain the average daily tropical cirrus optical thickness. A preliminary study has also been conducted to ascertain the general characteristics of tropical cirrus cover as a whole using two consecutive years of Aqua MODIS global daily data. This study includes the frequency of occurrence (percentage of days with cirrus cover) and the spatial distribution of optical thickness fields. The retrieval method described here is complimentary to the standard operational MODIS cloud products (included in level-3 data) for the case of tropical cirrus clouds.
A 32×32 integrated CMUT array for volumetric ultrasound imaging

Real-time 3D volumetric ultrasound imaging systems require transmit and receive circuitry to generate the ultrasound beam and process the received echo signals. Since a 2D array is required for 3D imaging, the complexity of building such a system is significantly higher, e.g., front-end electronics need to be interfaced to the transducer, a large number of elements need to be interfaced to the backend system and a large dataset needs to be processed. In this work, we present a 3D imaging system using capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (CMUT) technology that addresses many of the challenges in building such a system. The transducer is a 5-MHz CMUT array with an 8 mm × 8 mm aperture size. The aperture consists of 1024 elements (32×32) with an element pitch of 250 μm. An integrated circuit (IC) is integrated very close to the CMUT array. It consists of a transmit beamformer and receive circuitry to improve the noise performance of the overall system. Simultaneous multi-beam transmit is also incorporated in the IC to improve the imaging frame rate. The CMUT is flip-chip bonded to the IC and the final assembly measured 9.2 mm × 9.2 mm. The assembly was then interfaced with an FPGA and a backend system (comprising of a data acquisition system and PC). The FPGA provided the digital I/O signals for the IC and the backend system was used to process the received RF echo data (from the IC) and reconstruct the volume image using a phased array imaging approach. Imaging experiments were performed using wire phantoms. Real-time volumetric images were captured at 5 volumes per second and are presented in this paper.
Liquid ion-exchange chromatography under pressure of milk oligosaccharides using a pulsed amperometric detector.

Abstract Several oligosaccharides from human milk were separated completely on a Dionex AS6 ion-exchange column under mild alkaline conditions, such that no degradation of oligosaccharides was detectable after incubation for 6 h at room temperature in the eluent buffer. In general, both the presence of fucosyl groups and branching within oligosaccharide chains tend to reduce retention times for oligosaccharides in this system. Thus, both lacto- N -fucopentaose II {β- d -Gal p -(1→3)-[α- l -Fuc p -(1→4)]-β- d -Glc p NAc-(1→3)-β- d -Gal p -(1→4)- d -Glc} and lacto- N -fucopentaose III {β- d -Gal p -(1→4)-[α- l -Fuc p -(1→3)]-β- d -Glc p NAc-(1→3)-β- d -Gal p -(1→4)- d -Glc} were eluted before lacto- N -fucopentaose I [α- l -Fuc p -(1→2)-β- d -Gal p -(1→3)-β- d -Glc p NAc-(1→3)-β- d -Gal p -(1→4)- d -Glc], and all three fucopentaoses were eluted earlier than lacto- N -tetraose [β- d -Gal p -(1→3)-β- d -Glc p NAc-(1→3)-β- d -Gal p -(1→4)- d -Glc]. 2′-Fucosyllactose [α- l -Fuc p -(1→2)-β- d -Gal p -(1→4)- d -Glc] and 3-fucosyllactose {α- d -Gal p -(1→4)-[α- l -Fuc p -(1→3)]- d -Glc} were separated completely under a wide range of conditions. Introduction of substituents at either the O-3 or O-4 of 2-acetamido-2-deoxy- d -glucose produced large differences in retention: lacto- N -tetraose and lacto- N -neotetraose [β- d -Gal-(1→4)-β- d -Glc p NAc-(1→3)-β- d -Gal p -(1→4)- d -Glc] could be separated by more than 8 min. The l.c. ion-exchange chromatographic system described represents a useful addition to existing methods for separating oligosaccharides derived from glycoproteins and glycolipids.
Polarization of Triplet→Singlet Emission Spectra

PHOSPHORESCENCE in homogeneous rigid media was identified by Lewis, Kasha and Calvin1 during 1941–45 as triplet→singlet emission spectra. Simultaneously Weisman and Lipkin2 were able to show by a wide-angle interference technique that these emissions are electric dipole transitions. Following these investigations, selection rules for triplet–singlet transitions, based on the triplet states undergoing spinorbit coupling due to the spin magnetic moment of the electrons interacting with the molecular field, were given by McClure3 and placed on a rigorous basis by Weisman4. Recently, Hutchison and Mangum5, by observing paramagnetic resonance absorption in the phosphorescent state of naphthalene, have confirmed the triplet assignment.
Martensitic transformation in splat quenched β AgAl alloys

Abstract The morphology and crystal structure of martensites in splat quenched β AgAl alloys have been investigated by utilizing electron diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Three crystallographically different martensites are found in the composition range of 21–23.5 at.%. Al and are designated as α′, β′ and γ′. It was confirmed that these phases are stacking variants of the M = 1 structure with a stacking order which can be specified as 1R, 3R and 2H for α′, β′ and γ′ phases respectively. These martensites have disordered atomic arrangement as has been confirmed both from the intensity distribution in the basal plane and from the absence of superlattice rows in electron diffraction patterns which are parallel to the direction of modulation. Taking into account such an arrangement, the stacking order of the 1 R, 3 R and 2 H structure are ABCABC …, ABCBCACAB … and ABAB … respectively. The composition dependence of the appearance of these martensites, their relative stability and the microstructural features are discussed.
THE EFFECTS OF HYPOPHYSECTOMY ON SERUM AND STORAGE IRON IN ADULT FEMALE RATS1

Hypophysectomy produces a profound anemia in the dog (Aschner, 1912), in the rabbit (Houssay, Royer, and Orias, 1931), and in the rat (Stewart, Greep, and Meyer, 1935; Meyer, Stewart, Thewlis, and Rusch, 1937; Vollmer, Gordon, Levenstein, and Charipper, 1939; Crafts, 1941). Recently, it was shown that the anemia induced by hypophysectomy was of the microcytic hypochromic type in adult female rats (Crafts, 1946 a) and in the adult male rat (Crafts, 1946 b). Because of this microcytic hypochromic anemia and the finding that injections of iron, copper, and thyroxine would alleviate this anemia (Crafts, 1946 a), it was thought that hypophysectomy might influence the metabolism of iron. Accordingly, all phases of iron metabolism following hypophysectomy are being studied. It is generally understood that a proper gastric acidity is necessary for iron absorption. Crafts and Walker (1947) recently reported that the hypophysectomized rat does not secrete as much gastric juice as a normal rat.
Hormonal regulation of preputial gland function in male Microtus montanus, the montane vole.

1. 1. Preputial gland function in male Microtus montanus is androgen-dependent, both in terms of preputial weights and in the production of a series of lipids which are present in M. montanus and absent from Microtus pennsylvanicus. 2. 2. Production of these species-typlcal lipids is decreased but not eliminated in castrates, as well as in adrenalectomized castrates treated with corticosterone. Therefore, in the total absence of androgens, a low level of these lipids is still produced. 3. 3. 5α-dihydrotestosterone and 17β-estradiol enanthate have limited effects on maintenance of preputial weight, suggesting that testosterone itself is the active steroid in the preputial gland of this species.
EARLY PARENTAL DEPRIVATION AS A FUNCTIONAL FACTOR IN THE ETIOLOGY OF SCHIZOPHRENIA AND ALCOHOLISM

One thousand five hundred and sixty-one schizophrenic patients (631 males, 930 females) and 929 alcoholic patients (678 males, 251 females) from a state hospital were compared with a control group of 1,096 cases (478 males, 618 females) from a nearby, representative, urban community. Mother loss among women in both diagnostic categories was earlier than in the control group who lost mothers. Schizophrenic women showed loss of both mother and father at a significantly earlier age than the control subjects.
Correlation between the administered dose of DHEA and serum levels of DHEA and DHEA-S in human volunteers: analysis of published data.

Abstract Objectives: Studies from both experimental animals and humans suggest that administration of exogenous DHEA may have beneficial endocrine-metabolic, immunologic and neurologic effects. Several groups have administered DHEA to humans, but to the best of our knowledge, no one at this point has published a summary of the relationship between the administered dose of DHEA and the serum levels of steroids attained. Design: We summarize the relationship between the administered dose of DHEA and the resulting serum level of DHEA and DHEA-S, in humans, from 18 published articles. Results: Serum levels of DHEA and DHEA-S increase with increasing doses. Doses above 50 mg/day result in levels that are at or above the upper limit of normal for healthy young adults. At doses above 300 mg/day the increment of serum DHEA and DHEA-S appears to reach a plateau. Conclusions: Those wanting to use supplemental DHEA might consider that doses of 300 mg/day are maximal; they clearly result in supraphysiologic concentrations and above this level doses may have increased side effects without significantly increasing the effective level of serum hormone.
Symbolic computing of nonlinear observable and observer forms

Observer design for highly nonlinear dynamics is an important issue, particularly when the locally observable dynamics are not linearly observable. In such circumstances the ability to reduce the system to observable or observer form is a useful first step to observer design. We describe and illustrate symbolic computing tools to do that.